Tired of being tired?

Easy Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are one of the first things I learned to bake once I was out on my own. But having to ice them and decorate them, is mostly something for holidays and special occasions, unless you have the time and patience. Just having a simple sugar cookie on any day of the year, or even just a quick cookie to take somewhere, or to eat on throughout the week, is something a lot of us enjoy. Sugar cookies, just baked and left by themselves, is such a simple cookie to mix together. The key to these easy sugar cookies is to roll them in sugar before baking, without the hassle of cookie cutters, or icing. Here is my version of "Easy Sugar Cookies" that you can make any time of the year. And the best part, they're soft.


Here's how to make these easy, soft sugar cookies:
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. baking power
  • 3/4 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Using a stand mixer, mix wet ingredients together starting with the butter. Combine butter and sugar, and add the eggs. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix well. Form into balls, about two tablespoons for each ball. Roll in granulated sugar, or colored sprinkles, flatten just slightly and lay on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes, or freeze at this point to bake later.


Bake for 12-16 minutes at 350 degrees.

I would add to allow them to cool before eating, but nothing is better than a warm sugar cookie straight from the oven, so enjoy!

Five Simple Things (September 27)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This tree.

We have had success from growing trees from seed in the past, so we are hoping this Bonsai Kit gives us the same success.

2. This doggy.

Always around us, always wanting to be close, always the very best friend. He is getting older, but he is doing great for a doggie that turns 18 this year. Lots of love and unconditional support keeps any living thing thriving. A lot of humans could learn from that.

3. These goofballs.


Welcome, Great Pumpkin.

4. This soup.

I made this potato soup this week and it was a definite hit. We ate on it for about three days and it was so warm and comforting, and I am all about comfort foods this time of year.

5. These bananas.

It's time to make banana muffins, too.

One last thing:

This particular pumpkin is no longer available, but here are similar ones.
The pumpkin on Skylar's head is a giant plastic pumpkin. Although we stray away from plastic, mostly single-use plastic, this giant pumpkin we have had for several years now. We use it every year for our main candy and a blue one for alternative, allergy-free candy. There are other options on the market that are great for Halloween season, and here are a few that I have found.
1.2.  3. 


Positive affirmations this week:

  • Eat plants.
  • Study hard.
  • Spend smart.
  • Work out.
  • Don't compare.
  • Be happy.
Have a nice weekend.

Welcome Day (Linn Benton Community College)

 I attended welcome day this week with Skylar at Linn Benton Community College. It was raining off and on throughout the day, but we had a great time. He got to meet a lot of his peer counselors, the dean of the school, and assistant dean, a few of the heads of departments, and he learned who his advisor would be for the first term. Linn Benton Community College had first time students go on a scavenger hunt and I was allowed to do the scavenger hunt with Skylar. We got to see the renovated courtyard, too. It is absolutely beautiful. It looks a lot cleaner and more cohesive since I attended LBCC. The day was a great day and I love being part of Skylar's journey through his college years. I am excited for Skylar to start his college experience here. 









Five Simple Things (September 20)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These incense.

I purchased these Shoyeido frankincense incense this week to burn throughout the house and on the school bus. Frankincense is associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and stress-relieving properties. This week has been a bit less stressful, so it definitely came in handy.

2. This guy.


On Monday this week we celebrated Jeff's birthday. He asked for chocolate cupcakes, so chocolate cupcakes is what he received. These cupcakes are made by our local food co-op and paired with the buttercream icing they are delicious! It was a good day for him. Happy birthday, Jeff! We love you!

3. This moment.


Speaking of the local food co-op, we had an issue with our car battery while we were there picking up birthday food for Jeff. The car wouldn't start and we needed a jump. Skylar asked a few people in the parking lot and no one had jumper cables, so he went inside and told one of the workers. The worker immediately said, "Don't worry, I have cables and I will even move my car around the help you out." His name was Kory and we are so grateful to him for helping us get back on the road. Also, a big shoutout to Bodhi at AutoZone for helping Skylar replace the battery. 

4. This soap.

We've been trying to turn to more alternative mentions for basic things, like this shave soap. Badger is a great company anyway, but anything we can do to create less waste I'm all for it. We are going to give this shave soap a try and see if it can become part of our routine going forward.

5. This Bath.

Hardy used to hate baths, but he has gotten better over the years at trusting us and letting us wash him up. He still hates it, I'm sure, but at least when it's over he gets treats and love. That part he loves! Him's a good boy!

One last thing:

On Tuesday night (September 17) we got a great view of the Full Harvest Moon. It was also a partial lunar eclipse, as well. We were able to see the moon completely and it was definitely a great full moon that night. The picture on the left is through a cell phone camera, and the picture on the right is through the telescope. Both views did not disappoint.

Positive affirmations this week:
This is such a great addition to mental health coverage, and it's something that has been needed for a long time. One of my hot buttons with politics is having an administration that pushes for better mental health care for everyone in the United States. Having a president in office that takes that seriously and actually makes positive changes, means so much for all of us that suffer with mental health issues and mental illness. With these changes, be sure to talk to someone when you're struggling and reach out when you need to, without worry of having it not covered under insurance, or your state's healthcare providers. You are worth it, and you are brave!
You can do this!🌈
Have a nice weekend.