My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

BIG News + Weekend Stuff

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Y’all! It. Has. Been. A. Week. Parenting front. Marriage front. Self front. All of it. But Friday-Sunday were great. Thankful for a few good days after a crazy week.

Unfortunately, it’s not going to get any less crazy because…

…BIG NEWS…

…we bought a house and are moving next week!

After 10+ years of renting, we are finally homeowners! More than anything, I’m excited to give the kids a little more space and a backyard. Woo!

Will share more as things unfold.

On to weekend stuff…

FRIDAY

Kaiden had his very first field trip to the Museum of Puppetry, and he LOVED it! His first school bus ride as well. I loved seeing all the update pics throughout the morning. Kindergartners are so dang cute!

While Kaiden was watching a puppet show, I recorded the final two episodes (of season one) of Momsanity with Amy. So so good…we were on fire if I do say so myself! And for those of you who are wondering, there will be a season two early in 2023!

Later in the day, after picking K up from school, I took both kiddos to a nearby park. Unfortunately, there were hundreds (or what felt like hundreds) of kids running around. Kaiden didn’t get to have quite the kind of fun he was hoping for, but he made do.

Side note – big kids who have zero playground etiquette get on my nerves and make me so mad! Just saying!

After the park, we walked to a new hoagie place to pick up dinner. It was good but not great, so we probably won’t be trying it again. I got a cheese sandwich for K, and it was literally a mini sub roll and cheese. No mayo/mustard, lettuce or tomatoes. I added some from my own sandwich.

Also of note…I successfully put two kids to bed all on my own…and on time! Even after 11 months, this still feels like a win. Vishnu was working a 4-10pm shift from home, so he took Mila while I gave K a bath, but after that, I was on my own.

I had big plans for my solo evening. A mask, a book, and an early bedtime. None of that happened. I fell asleep on the couch, woke up to clean the kitchen, and then went back to sleep on the couch. HOT MESS! Oh well, I was pretty exhausted…!

SATURDAY

Can someone tell my why a child who has to be pulled from his bed at 6:30am Monday-Friday wakes up at 6:15 on his own on the weekends? I’ve got nothing!

But said child came and got in bed with us for about 30 seconds before shaking me to tell me he’s hungry. Downstairs we went!

After breakfast, our family of four head to the doctor’s office so the kids could get their flu shots. Shots are never fun, but this was quick and easy.

And then I got to go to Trader Joe’s…ALONE! It was magical. Ha!

The highlight of Saturday was a little day date with Vishnu. Believe it or not, but we haven’t been on a true date since before Mila was born. As in, he and I hadn’t been to a restaurant just the two of us in over a year! CRAZY!

Thankful that my parents could come over to watch the kids on short notice so the two of us could get some time alone.

We went to North Italia, and the food was delicious. For my entree, I ordered the burrata stuffed pasta, and it was worth every bite. In fact, Vishnu said that’s what he would order if we ever went there again.

Side note – I love that restaurants are sharing calorie counts on menus, but I also hate it. Like do I really want to know that my entree has over 1000 calories. Nope.

The rest of the day included at home fun, and a movie night with my boo! We watched ‘Wedding Season‘ on Netflix and really enjoyed it. A fun watch for sure.

SUNDAY

Said child woke up at 6:15 again! He played in his room until the chair he was rocking in toppled over. Then he screamed, so mommy had to run in to 1. make sure he’s ok and 2. make sure he didn’t wake his sister up.

At that point, I realized there was no getting back in bed for me, so we headed downstairs to make breakfast – croissants, cheesy eggs, and fruit. YUM!

The rest of the morning included a very vibrant conversation with Vishnu about mom guilt and everything that comes with.

Vishnu took Kaiden to the park a little later and met up with a med school friend of his who recently moved to Atlanta.

The rest of my day was spent making snacks and meals and hanging out in the living room.

We ended family time with dinner and the Falcons game. Then it was bath, bed, and some alone time for mommy.

And that, my friends, was our weekend. The next one is a little crazy in terms of events/commitments – Disney on Ice, possible garba, two birthday parties, and getting the kiddos over to my parents house because the packers come on Monday. AHHH!!!

Edwards Apple Orchard

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It’s been a minute since I’ve checked in on here. Honestly, this space is taking the back seat right now, but I’m staying true to my word and checking in when I can.

I wanted to share about our day trip to Edwards Apple Orchard because it exceeded all of our expectations. And most importantly, Mr. Kaiden had an amazing time!

Vishnu and I decided that we wanted to visit an orchard, but we were a little (lot!) late to the game. A lot of the nearby orchards are closed for the season. Vishnu did a bit more research and came across Edwards Apple Orchard. The website looked great and there were three varieties of apples still available for picking.

The only con was that Edwards is 86 miles from where we live in the city. But we decided to go for it. We brought our own lunch since the restaurants are closed, and headed out fairly early.

We got there around 10:45 and headed straight to the area where the tractors meet you to go picking. The first thing I noticed was how everyone was wearing a mask. Phew! One worry off the list. The second thing I noticed was just how beautiful this orchard was, and how well organized the place seemed. The process to get our tickets, get on a tractor, and go to the orchard was super quick and easy. Everyone was social distancing, and it just seemed so seamless.

The orchards themselves still had plenty of delicious apples to pick from, and we definitely went to all three. We got a basket for $48 (up to 6 people) and filled it 3/4 of the way. Kaiden had the best time being on Vishnu’s shoulders to pick the highest apples!

After were were done picking apples, we headed back to the main area where the big store/barn is. Again, there was a line to get in with markers on the ground, and everyone was still wearing their masks. The barn itself was spacious and smelled like heaven (fresh donuts!). We got a few goodies – spicy strawberry jam, salad dressings, popcorn, etc. And of course, we couldn’t leave without getting a few donuts, which in my opinion were the highlight of the trip. So warm with a crispy sugar +cinnamon exterior and a soft pillowy interior. YUMMMMMMM!

We debated going to the huge pumpkin patch on site but decided to eat lunch and head home. We were hoping Kaiden would nap a bit on our way back, but he didn’t! Of course!

I can only imagine how magical this place is during non-Covid times, but because we had such a great experience, I wanted to share in case any of you are local readers and are looking for a new orchard to visit!

Thanks for a great experience, Edwards Apple Orchard!

Weekend Recap – Super Short

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…or it felt super short, I should say!

Vishnu and I both commented on how this weekend just flew by. I think that’s a direct reflection of how much easier it is to parent a 3 year old than a younger child. Maybe it’s just us, but while we still have our ups and downs with K, this age is just so much fun and easier to manage. Woo hoo!

Anyways, here’s a high-level overview of our weekend…

FRIDAY – productive, creamy mac n’ cheese (from a box!), Parks and Rec, Vishnu home late

SATURDAY – run with my sister, park time, lunch from Moti Cafe (so so), 2 hour nap (for me and K), simple dinner, ‘Love Wedding Repeat’ on Netflix (do not recommend!)

SUNDAY – park time with a friend, short nap (for K), quick grocery trip, delicious pasta dinner (by moi), more Parks and Rec (and lots of laughing out loud!)

Other things to note:

I hope you guys are ready for more coaching posts on here and on IG. I’ve been brainstorming topics and have so much to say!

Threenagers are a very real thing. VERY REAL!

While I was super impressed with my fellow Chicagoans resolve to wear a mask in enclosed spaces, I’m no longer impressed because people are slacking! I went grocery shopping this weekend and I saw people with the mask under their nose, under their chin, and surprise surprise hanging over one year. WHY!? IT’S NOT THAT HARD!

How is it AUGUST?! Like how?

I’m still loving my daily t-charts for my to do lists. I found the idea via Kamana Bhaskharan’s instagram account and it’s an amazing system! I’m so much more productive when I have my chart ready to go.

Ok, that’s all I have for today. Have a great Monday!

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Weekend Report – the One Where We’re All Sick

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Guys! Every single person in our household is man down to some degree right now. Kaiden and I have colds, while Vishnu’s nursing a sore throat. Ick!

With that being said, I’m gong to keep this weekend report to a minimum, only highlighting key details.

Friday

Friday started off pretty typically – drop K off at school, Trader Joe/Target/library run, workout, lunch, A Million Little Things…

And then came the atypical. I went to the salon for highlights and a trim. LOVED the end result! I only go every five months, so it always feels like a little treat. New hair, who dis!?

The rest of the day was ok. Vishnu really didn’t feel good, so the evening was pretty low key. Essentially, we played, we ate, and we went to bed early.

Saturday

Saturday started with haircut for K and a Costco run.

Ummm…Costco was a madhouse. People are stocking up on everything under the sun, including toilet paper. Also, riddle me this – why do we need to stock up on water right now? This isn’t a natural disaster. It’s not like we go crazy every year around flu season. Look, I agree that Coronavirus is scary and unpredictable, but I think we’re all playing into the media frenzy a little too much.

Other highlights include another showing of Coco (yes, again…and yes, again I cried at the end!) and lots of horsing around on mama and dada’s bed.

Vishnu and I also met up with our friends for a fun dinner at Lula Cafe. This is a top rated Chicago restaurant with tons of veggie options. For my main entree, I enjoyed a mushroom and toasted buckwheat dish that came with this delicious sauce and lots of Parmesan. Yum! If you live in the Chicago area, I highly recommend checking this place out.

Sunday

With the time change, K was up closer to 7:45a, which was a nice change of pace, even though it didn’t make a huge difference for us (we didn’t go to bed until midnight).

Because we’re all under the weather, we decided to skip soccer altogether. Wanted to avoid any ‘why are you here?’ looks from the other parents!

It’s 1:58 pm as I type this out. So as of right now, our plans for the rest of the day involve a potential trip to the park (or even just a walk around the neighborhood), another movie, and hopefully another early bedtime.

I hope you had a healthier weekend than us!

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Weekend Report

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Friday

Friday followed the usual formula with a couple of exceptions.

I made a Trader Joe’s + Marianos run to grab groceries for the week. After coming home and putting everything away, I meal prepped by making some pesto (my own recipe), The Chutney Life crack sauce, and Cookie + Kate enchilada sauce.

I then showered, got ready, and did some work while waiting for Vishnu to get ready. Ready for what you ask?

Welll…while night float sucks, there is the advantage of going on Friday day dates, which is exactly what we did. Vishnu made a reservation at 3 Arts Club Cafe inside Restoration Hardware a couple of weeks ago. You guys, let’s just talk about the space. It’s beautiful and really open and airy. I really felt like we were sitting in a European cafe. The food was equally good. I got a soft scramble plate with avocado and sourdough toast. And I couldn’t pass by on a oat milk latte, so I ordered one of those too!

We then walked around Restoration Hardware designing our future (like waaaay in the future) home. To be honest, most of the furniture didn’t jive with me. Just not my style. Oh well. I guess we’ll have to pretend shop somewhere else. Haha!

After we got home, I headed to my annual doctor’s appointment (all good here)! Then I came back home and watched the latest episode of A Million Little Pieces. Man, I didn’t love this all that much for the first season, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. It’s so so so good!

Then I picked up K and we followed our normal weekday evening routine – play, eat, bath, books, sleep!

I then cleaned up and did the dishes before crashing on the couch!

SATURDAY

Saturday started a little earlier than I hoped – 5:45 am. And nothing could convince K to ‘wait for the yellow light’ [on his alarm clock].

So we started our day, and by the time Vishnu got home, we were almost ready to head out to the Children’s Museum. If you’re thinking, “How can you go to one place so many times?,” you really need to check out your local museum. This place is amazing and has so many different areas to explore. Anyways, because I wanted Vishnu to sleep for a bit, K and I headed out to the museum around 8:45 and stayed until about 11:15.

Once we got home, we played for a bit before eating lunch and going down for a nap (all K!).

While he napped, I did a Barre3 online workout I found on YouTube. It felt so good to move in a different way again. Love me some Barre3!

Once K was up, Vishnu played him so I could prep dinner for the boys…enchiladas! I used Cookie + Kate’s sauce, my own sweet potato + onion filling, and The Chutney Life’s Crack Sauce (as a topping). You guys! This simple dish turned out so so good!

I then headed out to my sister’s place for a belated Galetine’s get together with some of my favs! We talked, we laughed, we ate, and we watched To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You. Such a fun night and a reminder that we need to schedule these more regularly.

I didn’t go to bed until almost 12:30 am. Who am I?!

Sunday

Well that late bedtime didn’t serve me too well come morning. K was up at like 6:04 am. Was really hoping he would sleep until at least 7, but that was a no go.

We spent our morning playing, making pancakes, and generally wreaking havoc until it was time to go to soccer class. Vishnu and K headed out for that while I went down to our gym to work out. I then showered and did laundry.

K was super tired after soccer, so you can only imagine how the next 1.5 hours went. Lots of meltdowns, whining, etc. In fact, I made him this delicious plate of food for lunch, including pineapple, a toasted PB sandwich, and PB + banana bites, and he ate…the pineapple. I decided to put him down for an extra early nap because the crying would not stop and we couldn’t figure out why he was so crank (other than the fact that he was obviously tired). That was the best decision because he passed out immediately.

After nap Kaiden was happy and eager to get to the park since it was a beautiful day in Chicago. Once Vishnu got home from the gym, we made our way over and met our friends who then came over for dinner.

Toddlers are fascinating, I tell ya! Kaiden had a somewhat ‘off’ evening after a great weekend. He wasn’t himself and we have no idea what to attribute that too.

Ah well, tomorrow’s a new day…

Hope y’all had a great weekend!

Weekend Rehash – LDW: One Good Thing a Day

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Labor Day weekend 2019 is done and done! And it was a good one. Lots of family time, lots of friend time, lots of delicious food, and lots of fun.

But you guys know me. I like to keep it real. While the weekend was a great one, there were some tantrums and early wake ups. But that’s normal and expected when you live with a 2 year-old! 🙂

With that, let’s dive right in…

FRIDAY

On Friday night, I got ready and headed to Beatnik on the River to meet up some of my favorite Chicago Instagram mamas. It’s always interesting meeting people for the first time, especially when you’ve connected online. You know so much about them already! In fact, I actually knew two of the girls from previous play dates/meet ups.

Anyways, we had a lot of fun chatting on Beatnik’s riverfront patio. The drinks were awesome and the space wasn’t too crowded.

We then headed to Rooh for dinner. You guys, if you live in Chicago or are visiting, this place should definitely be on your list. The food was fantastic. In my own personal words, the food can be described as Indian with a twist. Think Tandoori Mushrooms on Upma Polenta. So so delicious.

I got home around 12:30, went to bed a little before 1, and K was up at 5:20. Fun times all around!

SATURDAY

Despite the early wake up cry, Saturday was a good day.

The highlight was dinner at RPM with friends (their son goes to school with K). It was there first time and my tenth, and I was so happy to introduce them to my favorite Chicago restaurant. I, of course, ordered the eggplant parm (to share). It’s seriously the best!

Kaiden and their little guy stayed at their place and were watched by one of their former teachers (one of K’s favorites). They had such a good time! K and R were giggling like crazy when we got back. About what? Who knows!

SUNDAY

Vishnu worked a 12 hour shift on Sunday, so it was mostly just me and K all day.

Until my sister came over that is!

We had a blast with Aekta Masi – playing and dancing and laughing! It was a nice little break for mama too. Always appreciate the extra helping hands!

MONDAY

We were all home on Monday, so that was a nice pace of change!

If K was writing this post, he’d say Monday was great because he got to go to the park twice!

I thought it was fun because of my fantasy football draft! It’s held on Labor Day every year, and there’s always such good food and decor because my friend Thea is a huge football fan, and she wants to make the draft as fun as possible for all of us! It was so fun catching up with friends too. That’s probably my most favorite part…aside from the delicious food!

And that’s a wrap on Labor Day weekend 2019! I hope you guys had a great one as well. 🙂

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Weekend Rehash – When the Grandparents Come to Visit

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This was a good weekend! My parents were in town and that made everyone happy. Especially Mr. Kaiden!

FRIDAY

Friday started off on the usual note, except for one thing. It was K’s first full day in the young 2 classroom. He was super quiet at drop off, but he didn’t cry, so I’ll take that as a win. Our guess is that he warms up throughout the day because the pictures we received in the afternoon showed a very smiley, happy boy!

I then spent the rest of my morning/early afternoon running errands, prepping some food, going to the gym, and then heading to my sister’s place. My parents stayed with her and Adarsh (my BIL) this weekend because they came to celebrate her residency graduation. My sissy’s going to be an attending…yahoo!

I decided to make a haircut appointment while I was there since the hair salon I go to is right across the street from my sister’s place. Well…if you guys follow me on Instagram, you know that it didn’t turn out the way I wanted. She cut it a lot shorter than we discussed, AND on top of that, she took off way too much volume all around (I told her to stick to the back). Ay, ay, ay! At least hair grows back!

We hung out for a bit before heading back to pick up Kaiden from school. You guys! You should’ve seen him when he saw my parents. He ran straight to my mom. CUTEST THING EVER!

After some park time, we came home, ate dinner (a Gujarati feast by my mama), and hung out for a bit before calling it a night.

SATURDAY

Kaiden and I headed to my sister’s place around 9 am. GOOD MORNING, FAM!

After a walk to and around the Green City Farmer’s Market, where we enjoyed a blueberry smoothie and some delicious grilled cheeses, we headed to the zoo where we saw zebras and gorillas before calling it a day (it was getting close to nap time!).

We all napped for about 2 hours while K napped. Best decision ever! I can’t wait to live closer to my parents!

In the late afternoon, we hung out at home and made falafels for dinner. Well, my sister made falafels and I assisted! They were so good!

Vishnu actually finished at a decent time so he was able to join us for dinner! Also, you guys, we had Trader Joe’s Bon Bons for dessert, and they are AMAZING (#2 on the list)!

SUNDAY

Sunday looked a lot like Saturday in that we spent it at my sister’s place again. Except this time, I napped…A LOT! I don’t know why, but I woke up super tired and just needed a little (lot) rest.

We decided to stay in, enjoy each other’s company and eate more of my mom’s delicious food!

After saying bye to everyone at 4:30 ish, Kaiden and I headed home. We played and ate and played some more before I put him to bed.

Once Vishnu got home, he ate and suggested we watch a movie. He wanted to unwind! At first, I was hesitant and then said ‘what the heck!’ We watched Always Be My Maybe. It was super cute and funny, but not something I’d watch over and over again. I did, however, really appreciate the diverse cast. More of that please!

And that was our weekend in a really long nutshell! Thanks for indulging me with these posts! The future me will love reading about this weekend, so it’s important to present me to document even the mundane details. Kaiden will only be so little for so long!

Have a great week!

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