Five Simple Things (April 19)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This bench.

I love how much my dad loves(ed) my grandmother. She was the last of my grandparents and passed away in 2011 suddenly. It was very hard on all of us, especially my dad. They were close and I remember how much it changed him after her passing. He has gotten better with accepting the loss, but as an empath I still sense his pain. This bench was more for him than anyone else. He walked us down the trail he rides on his bike, so that he could show it to us while we were visiting. I felt my dad's happiness and pain all in one moment as we sat on the bench together. I don't know if my Nana was present, but I would like to think so. As I sit typing this out, I still feel how much he misses her and loves her still. My Nana wasn't perfect, and of course she had her faults, but she was a big part of all of our lives on my dad's side. I hope she knows how much we all miss her every day and how much of an impact she had on all of us Hardages. She was one of a kind, and a wonderful woman. As I get older I see a lot of her in myself. No matter how many times she frustrated me, I am happy to say that I am my Nana's granddaughter and having her qualities makes me proud.❤

2. These souvenirs.

We have been going through out souvenirs from our recent road trip in the bus and these are Skylar's. He and I were able to get moccasins in New Mexico and I am so happy I finally have a pair to wear, but even more happy that Skylar was able to get a pair, too.

3. This ketchup.

This was another Influenster product to try to give my honest opinion on. I love ketchup and I love pickles even more, but I never imagined having pickle-flavored ketchup before. It was definitely pickle-flavored, but with a twist of ketchup flavor. When you are eating a hamburger and the pickle and ketchup mix together, it tastes great with the burger, but this ketchup flavor was great on everything, French fries, hot dogs, and even fried potatoes. It was definitely one that surprised me a lot.

I was sent this product for free for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

4. These kits.

I found these embroidery kits on our recent road trip in the bus and I got the ladybug for me and the mushroom for Skylar. I am looking forward to learning how to embroider more, or possibly caring a similar kit in the future at the shop.

5. These products.

I was so pleased to get a shipment of Nécessaire this week. I definitely can't wait to try the new sandalwood bodywash scent. My favorite is the eucalyptus scent, but every shipment I am trying the new scents they are carrying now.

One last thing:

I have been finding natural ways to relax more and help my anxiety, especially at night. I found that lavender essential oil and tenting over my face to help a lot in calming my nerves. I also drop a few drops on my pillow on both sides at night. It has helped a great deal. I have been using Plant Therapy's Organic Lavender in the 1oz. size.

Positive affirmations this week: