Five Simple Things (February 28)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This box.

Kiwi Eco Box came this week and I love these cloth pads. I've used this for years and they help keep waste to a minimum when my cycle hits. On light days, I definitely reach for one of these over a single-use cotton pad. On heavy days, I use organic cotton Rael pads.

2. This hook.

We love our Rain Valley Red Snails Little Free Library dog hook. We dedicated it to our beloved Baz who passed away in 2017. He was a good boy, and now Hardy gets to use the hook, and other dogs that visit our little library box. Good boys deserve good walks, too.🐾

3. This egg.

Mali has started laying her eggs for the season. This was the first one she laid and she was so proud of it. We just love her!

4. This breakfast.

Sunday mornings are always the best breakfast mornings in our house. On the back of the oven is homemade bread dough proofing. 

5. These flowers.

Little flowers in our own backyard help bring the fresh flower feeling to the house, too.

One last thing:

This popcorn popper has been getting a work out lately. We have been watching movies and TV series lately and munching our way through the popcorn kernels. No regrets!

Positive affirmations this week:
Anxiety is hard to navigate life with, and at times it almost takes over your mental process. Therapy has helped me with different ways to control what anxiety I am feeling at what times. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by excessive, uncontrollable fear or worry that disrupts daily life. The most common types are, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), Agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism. All of these are forms of anxiety that can affect even the most simple tasks. Those that don't have these anxiety issues, it's hard to describe to them just how much it affects you. But, small changes in how we think about these situations, as well as medication and therapy, we can help live a better life. There is no shame in any mental health issue, or mental illness. It is brave to reach out for help, and it's even braver to talk about it. The more we speak about mental health issue and end the stigma, the more comfortable people can feel about reach out for help.
You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (May 10)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This rainbow.

One must endure some rain in order to enjoy the rainbows.

2. These trees.

These Hawthorn trees always put on such a grand show in the spring season every year.

3. This backyard.

Being gone for several weeks on our cross country trip left much to do when we returned.

4. These bookshelves.

  

Two new bookshelves we purchased at IKEA are doing a great job displaying our things of love.

5. This soap.

Simplifying our routine has been the best thing we have done for our household and our family. We recently added Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soaps (peppermint) to our bathing routine. We have always enjoyed Dr. Bronner's, but getting into a more simple way of personal care with this brand has saved our skin, and Jeff's face. Plus, the soap bars come wrapped in paper instead of plastic, which is a win/win in my opinion.

One last thing:

I've been using collagen a lot more lately, internally and externally. Collagen powders in my morning and afternoon drinks/soups, and collagen masks and creams for my skincare routine. I recently discovered that Rael, the same makers of the period underwear I've talked about before on my blog, makes skincare products, too. These Rael Collagen Face Masks were an "on the fly" purchase from Might Nest this month. I have tried two of them so far about four days apart and I have noticed a difference. Not only are they hydrating, but I have noticed some of the finer lines fading a bit. I am not afraid of aging, and honestly I am eager to see how I age over time, but being over 40 I am at the point where I want to hold onto my youth just a bit longer.

Positive affirmations this week:

"I realize how subtle are the influences that shape our destines." -Nikola Tesla

The quote reflects a common theme in human experience, where small, seemingly insignificant events or actions can have profound and far-reaching consequences on a person's life path and future. Keep this in mind when navigating through your mental health issues. The best kept secret is that other people's influence and options have no baring on how you live your own life. But it's a hard task to practice from day to day. But remember, practicing letting go of those subtle situations can be done and will be more beneficial to you in time. 

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (September 23)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Rolls.

I've been on a bit of a sushi/nori roll kick lately. They are easier to make than you might think. If I can do it, anyone can, seriously. I didn't use any seafood in mine, but you could always add whatever you like to the middle. Mine have tomatoes, avocados, celery, and carrots. I posted the recipe I followed for mine and you'll also want one of these to make rolling them a bit easier, or any of the items listed on that page. There's so many great tools out now to help make rolling and cutting so much easier.

2. This Bowl.

Not a huge fan of overpriced items like Yeti coolers, but this dog bowl caught my attention. We've been using it for awhile now, and honestly, it's okay. There's nothing really amazing about it and it will probably be the last and only thing I ever buy from Yeti. If you're a Yeti person, you can get this exact bowl here. It also comes in a size for larger dogs here.

3. This Sunset.

Never a dull moment with sunsets here on the west coast.

4. These Items.

A few things came in the mail this week. (From left to right: Mightynest, Rael Period Underwear, Kinder Beauty Box, and Kiwi Eco Box) I love getting a once a month shipment from Mightynest that helps me go more earth-friendly in my choices. This Period Underwear I have been wanting to try for awhile. I will report back. Kinder Beauty always has such amazing beauty products. Some I already use, but some are new to me and so far so good with the selections they send me. And, I can't say enough about Kiwi Eco Box. Really, get on this mailing list. The two women behind it are just the best! And, all money raised right now goes straight to Ukraine. Their mother was a war refugee, she is safe in the states now, but it's so heartbreaking to see and hear what the innocent Ukrainian citizens are suffering through. No matter where your thoughts are with this war, we can all agree that innocent lives aren't worth all of this.

5. These Feeders.

I always am drawn to anything benefiting animals, even birds, and the more unusual the better. Get the cat seed feeder here, and the terracotta one I picked up at an estate sale, but here is one similar.

One more thing: Today is International Day of Sign Languages. We taught Skylar sign language at an early age, because he was born with a hearing issue. His right ear is worse than his left, so at times, especially in crowded areas, we still use sign language. Learning sign language, even if no one you're around has hearing difficulties, is a great skill to learn and practice. Start today and by this time next year you could be having a full conversation with someone in sign language. The best one to learn first is, "I love you."

 Positive affirmations this week:

If you feel like something is off in any relationship, your boss, coworker, family, extended family, neighbors, etc. that is your instincts telling you that something isn't right. Other's feelings don't matter if they continue to treat you with disrespect, unkindness, and my personal experience of relative bullying. Listen to those instincts and don't ignore them for the sake of others. We all deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. If you aren't finding it with certain people, move on. It's hard at first, but setting boundaries is the first step in self love. You can do it!

Have a nice weekend.