Hi, Hello, and How Are You?!
Well, I’m already off to a poor start that my very first post is titled after a song with which the children’s librarian starts Baby Storytime. This is what happens when you’re immersed in stay-at-home mommyland so much. I will only get better, I promise!
Welcome to Odds & Evans. A place where I intend to share my thoughts, information, and creations. I am sure as I begin this blog/shop that most viewers will be my family, friends, and Facebook friends – so a big introduction is not really needed. However, in case somebody else finds their way here…I am Mandy Evans, aka Mommy Evans for purposes of this site. I am the lucky mom of a terrific toddler (let’s call him Tangerine) and happy wife (to my high-school sweetheart whom we’ll call Big Daddy Orange). In my pre-baby life, I was an elementary teacher, but let’s continue this on my About page, shall we?
For now, here is my first post. This is the post I have been avoiding for months. On the daily I have stories, or thoughts, or projects that I wish I could share on my envisioned blog – but have not been able to because I simply didn’t know where to begin. A problem I have always had with nearly everything…perhaps you can relate? Getting started is always the hardest, but I’m finally learning in my nearly-three-decades of life to just jump in, for goodness’ sake.
The thoughts I want to share are generally too long for a Facebook status, so I can use this outlet now. Also, my interests (like making my own cleaning and beauty products) on Facebook have probably been annoying many on my list whom are not quite at the same place in life as I am/have been. I have a strong feeling that my posts about my son and newly-nurtured “crunchy mom life”…have gotten me “unfollowed” or *gasp* deleted! Even I have annoyed myself at times with the sheer amount of posts I feel strangely compelled to share. The cool thing is, though, many people have actually read what I post! I have gotten many messages thanking me for being so open and honest about my struggles finding myself as a mother. More people than I imagined have reached out to me with a connection to my postpartum depression. More people than I thought contacted me for information about cloth diapering and how to get started. What a cool feeling! Yay, social media!
So, what can you expect on this blog, you ask? Great question! Enter another reason I have delayed writing this post…I do not have one clear answer. I always imagined I’d someday have a light-hearted, creative mommy blog someday, but as I struggled throughout the past fifteen months…my focus/direction often changed. I originally wanted to sell things that I made online and thought I could write about crafty things that I make. Tough to do when I wasn’t being very productive besides taking care of little Tangerine and working on my own healing (plenty more on that later, I’m sure). During moments of clarity, I always come back to wanting to share my “hippy dippy” adventures as I somehow have become quite the natural momma/person along the way. Thankfully, after a rough transition into motherhood, lots of therapy, and time…I am ready to do this.
Do what exactly, you ask again?! Oh yeah…must focus! Alright, here it is. I will be sharing personal stories (well, within reason…it IS the Internet, you know) that will sometimes be funny, inspirational (I hope), informative…always very real and open. I do not know how to be anything else. I will likely battle “mommy brain”, coming out of PPD, and various stages of toddlerhood and life in general. Common topics will surely be homemade products, essential oils, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, fermented foods, yoga/meditation, “real food” recipes, sustainable living, and pregnancy/childbirth. My goal is to make more time to allow for creativity so that I can get back to sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, crafting things that I love, and when I do…I want to share those projects, too. Ultimately, I hope to get productive enough to keep up an Etsy shop that maybe you will peruse!
I have never been good at “reeling it in”. This site will be a hodge-podge of stuff…hence, Odds & Evans! Come crunch along with me!
This is my necessary disclaimer that this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure. I am only a mom with an education background. I must let you know that any essential oils statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. I simply approve for myself and family of such things that I deem safe, effective, and positively life-transformative. I encourage you all to be informed and empowered with your health. Also, some of my posts may contain affiliate links. When you click them, you help me to cover a small portion of the cost of this blog. I appreciate your support so that I can continue to do what I love. Please note that I only ever endorse products that are in alignment with Odds & Evans’ ideals, my personal use, and those I believe would be of value to my readers.
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Odds & Evans was my first baby and will remain my creative hub for resources, blogs, and links. Our Digital Collab is between you and me… Amanda Evans. I have 15 years of business workflow, creative planning, and digital organization in a broad range of positions and industries. Businesses and solo-preneurs hire me to act as their part-time “business manager”, virtual assistant”, “ads strategist”; I’ve been called lots of things! I live in Maryland/DC area with my husband, two kids, and two cats. As a busy multi-tasking mom and former elementary school teacher, I do consider myself an efficiency expert!
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So glad you are doing this for everyone & yourself. Will be reading each update.
Thanks so much, Maggie!
🙂 sometimes I feel like you are just talking to me. (even though I know you’re not) I can relate with about 99% of the things you talk about. you inspire me and I can’t wait to read more 🙂
Aww, you just made my night, Kristen! Thank you so much! I agree…I think we have a lot in common and its so nice to have somebody “get” you! Can’t wait to see more from you too 🙂