Life at a "Swell's" pace

It's Friday night. Exactly a week after the biggest shopping day of the year. I only took part in Friday shopping after Thanksgiving once. I was after childrens' shirts at a department store and it was crowded with women, men, and even kids reaching and grabbing. Those shirts ended up costing me more than they were worth-I got kicked in the shin and even elbowed in the eye while trying to make my way through the crowd of angry and loud shoppers. I got what I came for, but ended up leaving the store limping and scared. That was eight years ago and I will never again be part of that hustle and bustle. After that Friday I started realizing that the way people act and the way they shop wasn't for me at all. So much yelling and hostility toward each other, after the day we are supposed to be thankful. Makes no sense to me. The Mr. and I have made a few purchases lately through Amazon Prime. We got rid of cable a few months back and have taking advantage of the Prime benefits. Our Christmas/gift shopping is a bit different this year. We have been on a mission to purge a lot of our things and in turn, some of the things we are getting rid of are still great items. Our minimal journey is getting to be a wonderful decision. Keep in mind when you do your shopping for Christmas, just because a store is having a sale doesn't mean you have to go shopping.

As I mentioned the Friday before last-I meant to update last Friday, but time got away from me, my brother and sister-in-law flew in to be with us for Thanksgiving. Their plane was delayed in Dallas before flying into Portland, and we got caught up in holiday traffic on the interstate, so it was quite an adventure to and from the airport. Of course, they have been here before, so this wasn't their first time coming into Portland to see us, but this was the first time someone has been here during the holidays, They flew out on Tuesday-November 29-and even though it's been two days since they left, it still feels weird that they aren't here. We are slowly getting back into our old routine, but the house is quiet. I can't wait to share more about their visit on the blog soon, but for the time being, here are a "few" things that made my week awesome.

1. This reminder

With the holiday season here and a lot of us forgetting what's important, remind yourself to step back, think about where you should be. And remember to keep your spending down during this time if you're on a minimal journey with us.

2. These Mightynest fixes

I can not say enough about Mightynest. I love getting their Mighty Fix once a month! These dish cloths have been one of my favorite items. I love how strong they are and how great they feel when I wash dishes (we hand wash in this house, no dishwasher). These cloths were actually the September Mighty Fix. October is below and I am eager to see what December has in store.

You can sign up for Mighty Nest's Mighty Fix here.

3. This squash

I've been cooking experimenting with different types of squash lately and this spaghetti squash was my first. We enjoyed it cooked with a bit of Alfredo sauce and baked chicken added. It was delicious! The recipe I used is below.

cut squash in half from stem to bottom

remove the seeds taking care not to remove too much of the inside

drizzle with olive oil

sprinkle with sea salt and pepper

lay cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet

bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes

remove from oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes

using a fork scrape down the sides of the squash slowly

place "noodles" in a separate bowl

drain excess liquid and they are ready to use

We've been using leftover turkey, too! I am on a mission to not have any Thanksgiving waste this year. Turkey Soup is next!

That's it! You can use them for just about anything that calls for noodles. They are a great alternative to regular spaghetti noodles and they are low in fat and in calories. Enjoy!

This week is only three things, but I promise next Friday things will be back on track, so come back soon!

Have a great weekend!

Oops! I missed the "Friday things" yesterday and I apologize for that, but here we are. This week has been a productive week. We have been getting little projects done to get ready for family coming in on Thanksgiving day. This will be the first time since we moved here to Oregon that someone has flown from Arkansas to visit us during a holiday. It's going to be exciting! We have a lot planned and the Friday after Thanksgiving I hope to have an update to our week. Meanwhile, we are slowly getting over all of the craziness of the election results and watching CNN every morning while I check emails makes it sink in more and more about how people feel. Of course, the media isn't the best place to learn about things in a calm manner, but watching rioters cause damage to public property and other places, really angers me. According to news outlets, most of the rioters weren't even voters. Being so close to Portland where we live, it bugs us to think people would take something that far when they didn't do anything to stop the outcome of which they are rioting about. Most people call us Liberals here in Oregon, but the ones that really have a voice and want what's important and good for the entire nation actually voted. The Mr. and I got into a discussion with the owner of the record store in Corvallis, Happy Trails Records, on where small business owners are concerned. His views were similar to ours in the aspect of, we will just wait, see what happens, then take action if needed. I do hope the nervousness that everyone feels right now subsides over time and good things are in store, but then again, I am always a half full kind of person. Of course, getting into political talks on a personal blog isn't smiled upon by some, but then again, as Erin from RMTL says, Shift your habits into something good: As in making yourself heard. This doesn't mean throwing bricks and boulders through windows, or spray painting your name on the side of a Starbucks. It simply means, get involved with the real people behind who we vote into office. In the SNS household we are Green Party. The Mr. and I are already deciding ways to get more involved with our local group here in the Willamette Valley. Do the same with your party, state, and affiliation. Don't take to the streets, or voice your opinion of hate and slander. You most certainly won't be heard by the right people. I hope these ideas lead you somewhere and ease your mind just a little.

Here are the things that made this past week great.

1. This road trip

We took a road trip to the William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Oregon. The refuge was once a homestead of the Fiechter family-circa 1855. It's official name today is John Fiechter House.

The carriage house on the property of the Fietcher family. Up the hill is the Cabell house/hunting lodge.

The house above is part of the preservation of the refuge. The primary management goal is to provide wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese. (source)

The burning of the land is the same type of controlled burning the Native Americans did to preserve and manage the land.

2. This hike

At times we take hiking trips to McDowell Creek Falls near our home. This hike was a chance to see how much water had been collected in the falls since all of the rain we've been getting in the valley lately.

The Bean standing at the middle falls with PITA.

3. These Hawthorne berries

I have been investigating the Hawthorne tree in front of our house lately to see when the berries are just right for plucking. I determined that they are overripe by this time of year, but possibly will be good around the middle of October. I have been learning ways to use them for a tincture or salves and I am eager to experiment with the berries next year. (Maybe look for something in the shop in the future)

4. These boxes

Some of the subscription boxes I have each month tend to come in on the same weeks at times. This week I received a few back to back. The Honest Beauty box is above and it had the new Truly Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner, the Powder Cleanser, the free sample of the Invisible Blurring Power, and a free sample of the Beyond Hydrated Shampoo and Conditioner. I will say, the Invisible Blurring Power is amazing and The Bean and I really like the Beyond Hydrated Shampoo and the Sea Salt Spray-not pictured. If you haven't tried Honest Beauty, give them a go.

We also received our Honest Company box this past week too. In the box was a surprise for the Halloween season; Their yearly Halloween bag. We have been getting The Honest Company now for two year and this is the second time we've gotten a special gift during this time of year. The Bean used his bag from last year to go trick-or-treating with, but they are good for everyday use as well.

Also, the Walmart Beauty Box for Fall came in this week. This is a seasonal box that comes out four times a year. I have actually canceled this subscription due to the fact that some of the products are starting to repeat and it contains products that I don't really use on a regular bases anymore. It was great to get it for a year though! If these are products that you enjoy you can sign up for this seasonal box here.

5. These lifestyle changes

The Mr. and I have been on a mission to eat better and actually maintain that better lifestyle. I was a vegetarian for about six year when we first moved to Oregon and a lot of the foods I ate came from the local coop. I don't have plans of going back to full vegetarianism, but some of the lessons I learned have carried over to our eating habits now. The Mr. and I have been shopping strictly through our local coop for foods and have even purchased a turkey for Thanksgiving at our local shop. Of course, the photo above is of the Sundance Natural Foods Cooperative in Eugene, Oregon, and we enjoyed lunch there this past week. Their hot bar is amazing! Our local cooperative is First Alternative Coop in Corvallis, Oregon.

Have a great weekend!

By the way, if you're so inclined to get organized before the holidays here's some wonderful advice from Colorado Space Solutions. Anne from CSS has been a lovely person to communicate with lately on organizing and I feel I must pass along their article on "30 Home Organization Bloggers to Follow Right Now." The article is packed full of great bloggers and they give some amazing tips you might not have thought of. I hope it helps you in your organization journey. Enjoy!