Life at a "Swell's" pace

Five Simple Things (September 30)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Day.

We celebrated Skylar's birthday this week and took him to Valley River Center in Eugene to let him pick up a few things he's been wanting. The jacket he got that he is wearing in the photo above is sold out, but here is one similar.

Above is the cake baking and icing video reel I created on Instagram. It was a lot of fun piecing all of the steps together. You can see the original video here.

2. This Wrap.

This is the falafel wrap that was delicious when I had it, but ended up giving me food poisoning afterwards. First time I've ever tried falafel, and it will probably be the last. Falafel is notorious for bacteria if it isn't stored, or cooked correctly, so be cautious. First time I've ever had food poisoning and it is rough.

3. These Clouds.

Sometimes storm clouds rolling in are beautiful. These clouds brought several days of rain with them, but definitely were pretty beforehand.

4. These Lamps.

We've had these lamps for at least 20 years, but this week we decided that their time in our house is over. It's weird not having them on the fireplace anymore, or randomly moved from room to room, but the lady I sold them to on Craigslist will give them a great home and their new adventures are underway. I've been on a downsizing track for quite some time and anything I feel that doesn't earn its place in our house ends up being donated, or sold. In 2023 we plan to get rid of a lot more things over the course of the year. Minimizing the things in your life really does have a great impact in your overall mental state, too. If you need tips, or a push in the right direction, check out my Minimalism page at the top of my blog.

5. This Maze.

This corn maze is a short distance from us here in the Willamette Valley and I absolutely love their corn maze message this year. With September being National Suicide Prevention Month it's such a great message to put out into the world right now. Suicide is linked to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues and is definitely a huge crisis in the United States, and worldwide. Those that don't suffer from depression, or other mental health issues, it's hard for them to grasp why suicide is a choice with some that suffer. Finding a purpose in life isn't always the answer to depression. Trauma, mental illness, and life experiences that bring on stressors all contribute to depression and anxiety. With help people can get past certain depression-type symptoms. 988 is now available nationwide and will help in situations where the person suffering doesn't have immediate, present support in front of them. Licensed mental health therapist are available under 988 through calling, or even texting. Let's stop this stigma that depression isn't real, and anxiety is all in our heads. It's very real, and until everyone helps, we won't get better. Please pass along the 988 number to anyone and everyone, and please stop the negativity and harsh options of those that suffer worse than you with mental health issues. We can do this and we can get better with positive support and encouragement. Everyone is enough, we just need to keep holding up and supporting those that don't think they are. Be that change! Be that help! Be that voice they need!

Positive affirmations this week:

I always find it helpful to my mental health issues when I help someone else and see them happy. I try to give homeless people water, or a meal, or ask someone how their day is. I try to smile at strangers in my car when I'm driving and they are crossing the street, or even tell gas station attendants that I appreciate them. Kindness is free and we make a choice every day to be a better person. Try to make a point in one month to do something kind every day of that month. Start in October and make it a point to yourself to be a better person, even to yourself. You can do this!

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (September 23)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Rolls.

I've been on a bit of a sushi/nori roll kick lately. They are easier to make than you might think. If I can do it, anyone can, seriously. I didn't use any seafood in mine, but you could always add whatever you like to the middle. Mine have tomatoes, avocados, celery, and carrots. I posted the recipe I followed for mine and you'll also want one of these to make rolling them a bit easier, or any of the items listed on that page. There's so many great tools out now to help make rolling and cutting so much easier.

2. This Bowl.

Not a huge fan of overpriced items like Yeti coolers, but this dog bowl caught my attention. We've been using it for awhile now, and honestly, it's okay. There's nothing really amazing about it and it will probably be the last and only thing I ever buy from Yeti. If you're a Yeti person, you can get this exact bowl here. It also comes in a size for larger dogs here.

3. This Sunset.

Never a dull moment with sunsets here on the west coast.

4. These Items.

A few things came in the mail this week. (From left to right: Mightynest, Rael Period Underwear, Kinder Beauty Box, and Kiwi Eco Box) I love getting a once a month shipment from Mightynest that helps me go more earth-friendly in my choices. This Period Underwear I have been wanting to try for awhile. I will report back. Kinder Beauty always has such amazing beauty products. Some I already use, but some are new to me and so far so good with the selections they send me. And, I can't say enough about Kiwi Eco Box. Really, get on this mailing list. The two women behind it are just the best! And, all money raised right now goes straight to Ukraine. Their mother was a war refugee, she is safe in the states now, but it's so heartbreaking to see and hear what the innocent Ukrainian citizens are suffering through. No matter where your thoughts are with this war, we can all agree that innocent lives aren't worth all of this.

5. These Feeders.

I always am drawn to anything benefiting animals, even birds, and the more unusual the better. Get the cat seed feeder here, and the terracotta one I picked up at an estate sale, but here is one similar.

One more thing: Today is International Day of Sign Languages. We taught Skylar sign language at an early age, because he was born with a hearing issue. His right ear is worse than his left, so at times, especially in crowded areas, we still use sign language. Learning sign language, even if no one you're around has hearing difficulties, is a great skill to learn and practice. Start today and by this time next year you could be having a full conversation with someone in sign language. The best one to learn first is, "I love you."

Positive affirmations this week:

If you feel like something is off in any relationship, your boss, coworker, family, extended family, neighbors, etc. that is your instincts telling you that something isn't right. Other's feelings don't matter if they continue to treat you with disrespect, unkindness, and my personal experience of relative bullying. Listen to those instincts and don't ignore them for the sake of others. We all deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. If you aren't finding it with certain people, move on. It's hard at first, but setting boundaries is the first step in self love. You can do it!

Have a nice weekend.

Sometimes Wants (Autumn '22)

These are the Autumn "Sometimes Wants" that have caught my eye lately.

10.

Looking into getting a new planner each year and ones from the past I've always recycled after the year ends. I remove any special notes, or memorabilia before tossing, but it would be nice to have something a bit more long-term that I can look back on. This planner from Hemlock & Oak will definitely fit that plan. Love that they have it in the perfect shade of gray, too.
I am literally always looking for better ways to clean without using environmentally-damaging items, or chemicals. We recently purchased a dust mop and the head it came with is removeable and washable, but I wanted a second one to swap out when one is in the wash. I found this microfiber pad from O'Dell. It's exactly what I was looking for and it's perfect for the job. I use it to do quick once overs if someone is coming over, or use it to knock down spider webs from time to time. I also like these cleaner refills from TANIT.
Changing our food choices to more organic and being conscious of what we consume also applies to what we allow on our bodies, too. I recently donated all of my nail polishes and went on a hunt for ones less toxic and more eco-friendly. In that process I discovered Piggy Paint. This is a top coat and it's nontoxic, hardens the same as other polishes, it's also hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and a water-based formula. You'd never know you were wearing a water-based polish once it's on. It's also kid-friendly, too!
Found the most comfortable crew socks yet. Of course, I am sort of a sock seeker, and have a lot of great brands that I love, but these are great. Made from recycled cotton and polyester, and don't make your feet sweat, or bunch up while wearing. I love the color posted here, but there are several different colors to pick through.
Always, always looking out for a well-made, comfortable bra, and this is one of them. In 2020, I had a breast reduction from having gigantomastia, the same thing Punky Brewster actress Soleil Moon Frye had, and since that time I have been looking into different bra brands. All of 2021 I was obsessed with finding all of them that I could. I looked into different ones for different reasons and the main reason was a supportive bra without underwire. Underwires dug into my scars horribly and were a no-go, but ones without an underwire sometimes fall short. Montelle Intimates is amazing and I highly recommend them. They also carry matching undies to complete the set.
We love Pact in this house and we will gladly purchase any clothing need from them above anyone else. This tank top I have in every color listed, but the Blush Heather and White are my go-to on a regular basis. Definitely a clothing company you should check out and support. They are organic, carbon-neutral, and Fair Trade. Give them and other companies that are doing their part for the planet over fast-fashion any day.
Slowly working on a zero waste journey in our house. Of course, it's impossible to completely go zero-waste, but the process has been fun and it's saved us quite a lot of money. These wipes have proved helpful in that journey. I like to use these wipes in place of paper towels, and antibacterial wipes. These wipes can even be used as baby wipes and toilet wipes, as well. Creekside Kid has so many great options for cloth items to help you make that switch. It's easy to get out of the habit of using one-time-use products, the desire to want to change has to be there, too.
If you haven't been using soap saver bags you're really missing out, and it's costing you money. A soap saver bag, like the one pictured here from Well Beings. We use one for soap and another for pieces of soaps that can't really be used efficiently once it gets too small. Inside the organic soap saver bag we are still able to use the soap up until it's completely gone.
You are never too old for a bike or skate helmet and Thousand's Heritage helmet is amazing. We've used several different brands, and all are great at protecting your noggin, but the comfort level is important. If the helmet is comfortable you're going to wear it more. Kids should always wear a helmet when on a bicycle, on a skateboard, or scooter, but a lot of adults don't follow that same rule. Helmets will and do save your life and your head from future trauma. We've had many accidents, some at other's fault and a helmet has saved our life. Check these out from Thousand, and check out their different styles and colors.
This is the time of year to revamp and rethink your exercise plans for the coming colder days and with that comes evaluating your running, hiking, walking shoes to see if they are still in great shape. In our house we replace our workout shoes every New Year and the reason is, we use them so much throughout the year that we are in need of new ones at the beginning of each year. These running shoes from Allbirds are sustainable, durable, water-repellent, and easy to clean. These are women's shoes pictured here, but the selection of men's and kids shoes are great, as well.

Happy Autumn Equinox!

Five Simple Things (September 16)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Machines.

With the wildfire smoke getting a bit thicker the last few days. we've been running our window air conditioner on air purify and also utilizing our air purifiers from IKEA. Inside our home we have taken steps to help keep the indoor air quality healthier for us and our pets. You can get the air conditioner pictured, here. And, they air purifiers pictured, here. (Don't forget the filters)

2. This Sign.

On days we have off, Skylar and I like to take short day trips along the Oregon Trail roadways and explore the back areas that pioneers took. We've pretty much covered the entire trail system since first doing these short trips a few years ago. With our most recent day trip, we came across this sign along someone's land. Being horror fans we couldn't help but stop and take a picture. We just love seeing little things like this along our road trips. It makes the trips that much more exciting for us.

3. These Blankets.

We recently took a trip to Costco to grab a few things we've been needing. We don't normally make a lot of "on a whim" purchases and we really try to stick to a list, especially in Costco, but recently we've been seeing things we actually need. These blankets being one of those things. We love Pendleton blankets, especially the wool ones, but we definitely will be utilizing these this winter. Unfortunately, the house we are in isn't well insulated and every little bit of warmth helps in the colder months ahead. Eleven has been enjoying the warm Pendleton blanket, as well.

4. This Kid.

Since starting at Auto Zone, Skylar has been learning and growing. He was even promoted to Sales Manager this week and Jeff and I couldn't be prouder. He is hoping to learn as much as he can about diesels, too, so he can be on top of anything that happens to our bus.

5. These Skies.

Although the skies here are pink in the evenings with the sunset, it can't go without notice that they are that color because of the wildfires burning around us. Pink skies and red sunsets here are becoming a norm in the summer months, but sometimes they are so bright, they are almost worth taking note of the beauty of them. We hope the wildfires get under control soon, though, no matter how beautiful the skies are.

AND, Happy Fiftieth birthday to this guy.

We love you, Jeff! Happy Birthday, Dudu!

(Everyone always wears the 45 birthday hat. It's our family's inside joke)