Life at a "Swell's" pace

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This rainbow.

I found this nightlight this week and love it! It's a subtle, not too "over the top," nightlight for our front entrance and it lights up just enough to be able to see the area. I wanted something calm, yet low light just for a particular spot, and this has been great. Plus, rainbows are always welcome in our house.

2. These trails.

We used these contrails to learn about ice crystals and how they form from warm exhaust from an aircraft engine, and are created because of the temperature change and high altitude of the plane. Although, not that great for the environment, they were a great learning tool that we needed this week.

3. This moment.

We enjoyed a lot of the warmer days this week and spent some time outside in our hammocks. Hardy was enjoying the light breeze blowing through, and Skylar and I enjoyed spending time outside together in the sunshine, which is always a plus.

4. These roses.

We planted four rose bushes along the front fence line that our neighbors built. The fence is not that great, but it's on their property line, so we don't have a say. The best thing I could think of to put on our side to cover the look of the fence was these rose bushes. Hopefully, they spread out and grow taller to block the rough fence and a little of our view of their yard.

5. These gloves.

Funny story about these gloves. I had purchased them from 6 Stitch for the older kids in Jeff's family back in 2012. I thought nothing more of them, and figured the kids had tried the kits out and they ran their cycle of use. Skip ahead to now. Last weekend we were driving home and saw that some of his family were having a yard sale. We decided to stop to, not only support family in what they are doing, but to see if there were any items that we could use for the bus. Well, as soon as we walked into the area, there were the gloves, still in the same box, with pieces of wrapping paper still on them. I couldn't help myself, but let out of little chuckle. I ended up "re-buying" the gloves and taking them home for myself. The poor gloves came full circle back to the original giver. It was a little hurtful to see my gift in their yard sale, but I've learned that once you give a gift, it is up to the receiver of the gift to do whatever they feel is necessary for them. Anyway, I did the kit, and since I need some gloves that fit into my coat pockets, they will come in handy this autumn into winter. So, score!

One last thing:

This Andalou Naturals CannaCell Glow Mask has been my go-to this week to help with redness and breakouts on my cheeks. I am lingering to see a dermatologist about it, but for the time being, I am enjoying how this face mask makes my skin feel. Cannabis products, CBD (cannabidiol), hemp, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in creams, balms, masks, oils, or even serums and gels are beneficial in a lot of ways. Keep in mind, CBD, CBD/THC, and THC are all different products and should be used in a way that's in accordance to your lifestyle. Most CBD products do not contain THC, but be sure the read the labels completely, if THC isn't your jam. The CannaCell line from Andalou Naturals does not contain THC, and instead use hemp stem cells from the plant to help rebuild skin tone and texture.

Positive affirmations this week:

Learning about your own anxiety is a freeing experience. I've learned so much about what causes my anxiety triggers, what I can do to help when it gets overwhelming, and also what to do after an anxiety or panic attack. Every time anxiety hits, it is going to be a different experience with what triggers it, or what causes you to feel the way you do. And, there's no shame in that. Understanding small triggers could help with certain situations that make it worse, so avoiding those situations and know why you're avoiding them is a great step. Releasing any thought of thinking that your anxiety is your fault, you are one step closer to understanding your anxiety. There are times where I am in a location, or around people that I don't feel comfortable with, and my anxiety peaks. Although, I know that I am not in any immediate danger, I still take a step back and reevaluate the situation and ask, does this moment serve me well, or am I going to have to be "recovering" from this later. If the moment doesn't serve you well, or could cause anxiety issues later, leave. Never forget that you have choices about where you go and who you spend your time with. And if you feel like you are being forced into a situation, speak out.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These gifts.

I have been wanting to get a television in our front room for awhile. Not so much to watch television, but to be able to use for my yoga and Pilates workouts. Skylar and Jeff decided it was time for me to have that and surprised me on Mother's Day with a nice sized smart TV, flowers, and a home cooked meal that they both planned out. I was definitely surprised and grateful.

2. This doggy.

Hardy loves rolling in the grass, especially after it's been mowed. He has horrible allergies and him rolling around always makes them worse, but life is short, right? We just let him do it and enjoy himself.

3. These ducks.

We got the ducks their own stock tank, similar to our cold plunge tank, so they can swim around and get off their feet. Fern and Mallie seemed to enjoy it right away, but Quappy took a little bit to know that it was a safe space.

4. These ladybugs.

This week we released some ladybugs we purchased at a local farm supply store. We released them near some rose bushes we recently planted along a fence line that we share with the neighbor's house. I hope they stick around.

5. These boxes.

We tore apart our garden boxes this week. We have had these garden boxes for over 10 years and they were in need of some care. We evaluated whether to repair them and decided they were in too rough of shape to save them. We are hoping some of the boards will be okay enough to use for new boxes for a smaller garden space we are creating in a different part of the yard for next year's growing season.

One last thing:

This week's Misfits Market grocery shipment came in on Friday. We did a smaller order this week, but I think we ordered some great products. You can still get $10 off on your first order here.

Positive affirmations this week:

You are allowed to say no to things that you really don't want to do. Whether it's family, friends, or even work related projects that are not your responsibility. Saying no more often to things that don't serve you, or that don't require your energy gets easier the more you do it. If you don't want to go somewhere, say no. If you don't want to help someone, say no. If you just don't feel like it's a day that you can give much energy, say no. The people that understand that will respect that and give you that space. Setting boundaries for yourself isn't wrong and if you aren't being respected for those boundaries you set, then maybe it's time to reevaluate the people you give your time and effort to.

You can do this!🌈