Five Simple Things (November 15)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These cookies.

I have been baking cookies lately. Probably being in full holiday mode tricks my brain to think cookies much be baked. I've been using some of my own recipes that I have perfected to our taste over the years.

2. This runner.

Our table is long and always welcoming to anyone wanting to sit at it with us for dinner. A lot of times we are feeding Skylar's friends, and sometimes coworkers, but over all, it's always a place we gather at once a week as a family. This table runner I found this week at TJ Maxx and I can't wait to add it to the tablescape this holiday season.

3. This kitty.

I washed all the quits this week and Eleven was the first one to take a nap on them before I added them back to everyone's beds.

4. This syrup.

We needed syrup, but half the reason I bought this one was for the bottle. Okay, mostly the reason I bought it was for the bottle.

5. This subscription.

This week my monthly subscription to Birchbox came, and I love that a full-sized bottle of Paul Mitchell Hair Mask was included this month. I love anything hair mask related that helps hydrate my hair. Skylar has enjoyed using the hair masks, too, because the city water dries our skin and hair out a lot more than it should. I have extremely sensitive skin and Skylar got my sensitive skin, as well. We love to hydrate our hair, skin, feet, and everything in between. Birchbox has been coming through for us on this for a few months in a row now.

One last thing:

These two new items are now in the shop.

These Sardines Match Box contain 18 wooden matches in a matchbox that looks like a pack of sardines. They are perfect for small gifts, or just laying out on a table for decor. These Watercolor Rainbow Greeting Cards are 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 $7.

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

Positive affirmations this week:

You deserve everything that gives you joy, slowing down and enjoying the moments that matter to you, and to smile at the things that bring you comfort. No matter the people in your life that try to take that joy away from you, you deserve to have a happy life. When people try to still that joy, they themselves have no found theirs. Focus on what makes you happy, and don't let people take that away from you.

You can do this!🌈

The image below is from Amber Fillerup Clark's company Dae.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (November 8)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This tray.

I found this granite serving tray at TJ Maxx this week. A lot of things at TJ Maxx are hit or miss, but I feel like this was a good find. I like to go in there from time to time and explore the home goods area. Sometimes their clothing, luggage, and shoes are a win, too. This tray was calling my name and I love horror-themed items, so this was a great score. There are a few dings, but overall for $13, not regrets!

2. This doggy.

We took the bus to pick up a few things needed this week. We don't take it out often to just run errands, but we decided to drive it around a bit and take Hardy with us. He absolutely loves riding in the bus and I just love how much he loves us, no matter what we are doing. Ever since we got the bus, he has always been the first one to jump on it and be ready to go. Maybe we was a bus driver in another life?

3. This box.

Kiwi Eco Box is one of my favorite items to receive each month and each month is such a wonderful surprise of eco-friendly products from healthcare, beauty, household, and everything to help change over to more earth-friendly items. My favorite thing in this month's box is the soaps, for sure. I love a good soap that doesn't leave a film on your skin, and these soaps are made with quality ingredients that are all-natural and eco-friendly.

4. These products.

I love when my new shipment of Necessaire comes in. The rosemary scent is one of my favorites. I can't say enough about these products. They are made with care and are co-founded by a woman.

5. This moment.

Making our voices heard through the ballot box. I am so proud of Skylar for supporting and voting for the things that really matter and not backing a lot of the misinformation and negativity that is dividing so many of the people in our country. Here's to hoping the people we voted for win and continue to bring the country together and not divide us with harmful words and rhetoric. Hearing someone bully, make off-color jokes, make fun of, and call another party lunatics, is uncalled for and disgusting. There needs to be a change and if we can't do it on a national level, we can at least do it on a local level.

One last thing:

We are starting this puzzle this week. I love Alice in Wonderland and Skylar got this puzzle for me recently. I can't wait to sit down and put it together as a family. A thousand pieces? We can do it!🧩

I love this mushroom puzzle, too.

Positive affirmations this week:

Finding joys and gratitude every day helps retrain your brain to see the good in almost everything and everyone. Of course, stressors will arise and will test your gratitude, but keeping the habit of finding something every day to be positive about helps counteract those intrusive thoughts of negativity. It gets easier over time, and you will see how much better it helps your mental health, too.

You can do this!🌈

The image below is from Amber Fillerup Clark's company Dae.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (November 1)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These clouds.

The sky is the bluest I've ever seen, and the clouds are the fluffiest. West coast skies are always worth looking at.

2. This street.

I will buy you that big house way up in the West Hills....  AI seems to think this quote was about "it."

3. These views.

Autumn comes in as a mix of different moments. Each day could be different from the previous. No complaints.

4. This cookbook.

This cookbook was offered from our local bank when we went to make a deposit this week. The teller told me if was writing by kids, and part of Furniture Share in Albany, Oregon. So, of course, I had to buy it. I have already made the 'Tater Soup,' and it was delicious.

5. These gifts.

Jeff received gifts from Selmet this week. They showed him their appreciation for his hard work in training new employees hired on at the company. He works so hard and has been there for over 20 years. The little gratitude gifts they give out from time to time, really mean a lot to him. We are proud of him, and it was nice of them to show how much they appreciate him, as well.

One last thing:

 

These two new items are now in the shop. 

The travel bags come in three different sizes and four different colors. They are vegan leather and have zippered closures. They are perfect for holding makeup, toiletries, or even school supplies.

The Look Sharp graphite pencil never needs sharpening and makes a cool addition to school supplies, or even using in the office. It comes with an eraser and a cap. Both of these items are under $25.

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

Positive affirmations this week:

This was a post I put on Twitter this week. You can and will get through whatever it is you're dealing with currently. You are strong and you deserve better days. Remember, it's only temporary.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Be sure to vote on November 5. Be sure to not stress about who you think could make your country, your state, your county, and even your city a better place for everyone. Not just yourself, but EVERYONE. Remember, you can make a huge difference in the outcome of it all, especially on a local level. Also, please consider voting person over party. If the person in your chosen party isn't a good person, consider how that will reflect long-term for us all.🗳

Halloween Things

 Skylar went as Indiana Jones this year for Halloween and with a little help he pulled it off completely. We walked around Linn Benton Community College taking different candid shots of him being Indy. The campus was filled with so many people dressed up for Halloween, too. It was a good time and we also picked up a couple of Halloween smoke bombs to light while waiting for trick-or-treaters. It was a good night and we all had a great time.