Five Simple Things (December 27)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This lighting.

This little light of mine.

2. These warmers.

These handwarmers are like ones I've never seen before. We were fascinated by how a small piece of copper can react with the liquid inside and make them solid and heat up. Then, boiling them to bring them back to a liquid again. Color me impressed.

3. These candles.

Day three of lighting the menorah. We always let Skylar light the candles, and he does a great job.

4. This "capacitor."

It's 1 point 21 gigawatts.

5. This light.

Day five of lighting the menorah. I love this menorah a lot. It has a granite base and brass candle sticks. It's heavy in weight and perfect for our little table by the window. We like celebrating Hanukkah, too. It's become a nice tradition for us during this time of year.

One last thing:

 

This was such a cool advent calendar. It's a bit picture-heavy, but I couldn't miss sharing every it of it. Skylar loved opening each window to see which flavor Tony's chocolate he was going to be surprised with on that day.

Positive affirmations this week:

Forgiveness is one thing, allow someone/people to continue to keep up the same behavior of disrespect is a choice you are making. Do not keep allowing yourself to be treated this way, no matter who it is. If it's family, put distance between them. If it's in-laws, you own them no obligation to be around them. If it's a past friend, spouse, or coworker, cut ties with them. Life is short, and you don't want to spend any minute of your life having to shrink yourself down to fit the narrative of what other people have in their head about you. I actually like when people have the wrong impression of me. It gives me the closure I need to cut ties with them completely. It takes you respecting yourself enough to make that decision. You own no one an explanation, or reason. Just leave and cut off ties. You deserve peace.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Christmas Day (2024)

 We love spending most of the holidays at home and with just us, and Christmas night and Christmas morning are no exception. It's quiet, and less stressful to just spend holidays with just the three of us. A lot of past holiday gatherings have been overwhelming for us, because we like low-key and relaxed. All three of us have busy days each week, so we like to take the holidays, especially this time of year to wind down and reset from all of the hustle and bustle from the year.

Gifts for the good boys big and small.

Socks and hats were the hot item this year. Which, of course, most of us needed anyway.

We decided this year to have a traditional Jewish meal with brisket and potato latkes.

We lit the Hanukkah candles and this year I found some great advent candles to compliment our menorah. They are from Big Dipper Wax Works and are made from beeswax. They were perfect this year!

We played a few games and went for a walk to the local park here to look at the lights. Ralston Park has local businesses decorate the different parts of the park and the businesses sponsor the lights to stay on for their company display. We always look to see what business gets the tree that we love so much.

Five Simple Things (December 20)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This place.

This week I had a hair appointment to cut most of my hair off. It's been getting long and I wanted a change. I love the salon I go to and I finally found a hair stylist that doesn't make me feel uncomfortable. This salon is filled with plants and other things that are just my vibe. At Honey Comb Salon the stylists are always so kind, understanding, and patient. It took me awhile to find a good place, and every time I go there I feel amazing when I leave. Hair salons are one of the places that give me a lot of anxiety, and they have been so understanding of that. As long as I live in the Willamette Valley, I won't go anywhere else.

2. This night.

Christmas eve we made enchiladas (beef and green chicken) and opened one gift each. Skylar opened a book on the history of Hanukah and why it's important to Jewish families. We light the menorah every year to honor our family that are Jewish. The book we got him is, "Hanukkah Pop-Up Menorah: An 8-Day Celebration of the Festival of Lights" by Lisa Rojany 

3. This box.

This month's Kiwi Eco Box was holiday-themed and I loved the socks the most. My feet are always cold, so these were perfect!

4. These bags.

Mighty Nest this month was Full Circle Compostable Food Waste Bags. We will definitely be using these. We have been trying to compost our food scraps more inside the house until we can place them into the waste recycle bin, or use in our own composting. These will come in handy to keep the smell down inside the house. We have tried so many different ways to try to compost our food scraps, but everything has always failed us. The smell, the hassle, the gnats, etc. I think these bags are perfect, because I can place them in the freezer until they are full and we can compost them properly.

5. This subscription.

Birchbox this month was a hit. I am loving the Ouai Melrose Place Body Cleanser. The smell is amazing! I also love the Dr. Brandt Oil to Foam Cleanser. With having extremely sensitive skin, it helps clean my face without drying it out, or causing more redness and breakouts.

One last thing:

These two new items are now in the shop.

This Surfy Days Coloring Book features unique hand-drawn illustrations inspired by Hawaii surf culture and lifestyle. Each page is designed by artist Sierra Rehrer in Oahu, and promotes the values of inclusion with all types of surfers featured. This Boho Sunshine Greeting Card is blank inside for your own personal message. They are hand painted by an artist in Hawaii and come with a cardstock envelope. Both of these items are under $20.

You can check out the rest of the Five Simple Things shop here.

Positive affirmations this week:

If you anxiety with tests, job applications, or just all around anxiety when put on the spot to complete something, here are some helpful strategies to soothe some of those feelings. Staying organized in a way that you understand, practice simple questions and write them out to prepare. You can also take practice tests, or do mock job questions with someone else that can help you. Get a good night's sleep, and eat before you go. The one thing that gives most people anxiety with anything is not focusing on one thing at a time and feeling overwhelmed. Practice breathing techniques and attempt to calm and slow your mind down to focus on one thing at a time in front of you. It isn't easy, but it is doable. Above all, believe in yourself that you are stronger than your brain is trying to tell you.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.