Tired of being tired?

Five Simple Things (January 12)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These noisemakers.

I found these noisemakers at an antique store and we were able to use them for New Years. All three of them make a different sound and I love how the tin sounds for each one. These are definitely toys we plan on keeping and passing down. These were from a local store here in the Valley, but here are some similar.

2. This craft.


I found this homemade desk organizer Skylar made for me when he was eight. When we were learning cool things in our homeschool classroom (Rain Valley Red Snails) one of the things we enjoyed twice a month was educational boxes from KiwiCo. We learned about pinball machines, pullies, sea life, computers, space, claw machines, marble runs, you name it, we learned it. It's a great STEM learning tool for kids of all ages, and even adults. Check it out here!

3. These phones.

Skylar and I got new cell phones this week. It's been a long time coming. We aren't Apple users and definitely Samsung users all the way. These two phones are upgrades from our old phones, so we are looking forward to getting to know all of the ins and outs of these new phones.

4. This kid.

  
We just love him so much! His personality is the best!♥

5. These tunes.

 
Nothing beats finding great tunes on vinyl.

One last thing:

Homemade soup on repeat right now. This is homemade chicken noodle soup.

Positive affirmations this week:
Always. 
If you aren't currently living within your means, take the time to reevaluate where your time, money, and goals are. Write down where everything goes and mark off things you can cut. If it's credit debt, most financial planners will tell you to start with the largest one first and work your way to the smaller one. But what I find helpful is still working on the largest one, but also work on the smallest one, too. Once you pay off the smallest one, work on the next smallest, while still working on the larger one. Paying on smaller ones at the same time makes you feel like you are getting closer to that light at the end of the tunnel. If time is what's causing you not to live within your means, then do the same. Write down where you time is going and mark off things you can do without. And remember, telling people "NO" is not something you should feel guilty about. If it makes your mental health worse being part of something, then that's a red flag. Stop going. Every three months, or as the seasons change, reevaluate your goals, money, and time. If you need help, reach out to a trained financial adviser, life coach, or counselor. You can do this!
You can do this!🌈


Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (January 5)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These decorations.


When the sun goes down, it all lights up for the holidays.

2. This pie.

Since my homemade apple pie was a hit I decided to make another one for New Years. Another hit to bring in the new year with.

3. This woodpecker.

We went to leave on Wednesday this week and there was a woodpecker having his breakfast in one of the Hawthorn Trees in front of our house. He let us watch him for about 10 minutes and then he went on his way.

4. This fog.

Another week of fog here. Winters on the west coast are starting to get to me mentally, and physically. We have been wanting to move out of the city for awhile, but we may even most out of the area completely. It's still on the table, so we'll see.

5. These antiques.

The 1800s is my era of choice and I love when I'm strolling through area antique stores and find some treasures from the time period. 

One last thing:

Looking into adding Freeze Tag to our Geocache.

Positive affirmations this week:


Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (December 29)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These stockings.

Hung by the "chimney" with care.

2. These enchiladas.

We like to mix it up around the end of the year and instead of having the same foods for holidays back to back, we have a Mexican entrée on December 25. If Hanukkah falls closer to December 25, we try to definitely mix it up with some different options that what we have on Thanksgiving. We make a lot of chicken and beef enchiladas, or tacos, and freeze the leftovers. Sometimes we eat on them for several days until New Years when we then have homemade pizzas. It's been a good change of pace and we love it.

3. These gifts.



Skylar is always fun to buy for. We got him a selection of horror-themed socks this year and some new gloves he can use while he goes to college. Hopefully, on chilly nights, he will grab these cozy gifts to warm up.

4. This helper.

Skylar helped me get all the food ready this year and I loved his help. Last year he was working and wasn't able to help as much. I love that he still sits on the kitchen counter while I cook. I will definitely miss these days when he moves out.

5. This moment.

Such a good time.☺

One last thing:



We have been trying to get better when our stocking and gift-giving each year, and this year I feel we found some good choices. Giving with intention is important. And healthy candy options with sugar are a top priority. We reach for organic over conventional and doing that we are casting a vote on what we want to see on the store shelves. I wish more people would put thought into what they purchase, not to mention, what they put in their bodies. Small changes do make a big difference. You are welcome to copy these items pictured for your next holiday gift buying, or any time throughout the year.

Positive affirmations this week:
Eating more wholesome, whole, nutritious foods can have great benefits for your mental health and overall physical health. Your wellbeing is your responsibility and taking control of what you put in your body and how you treat your body can help you stay on the right path with your mental state, too. Here are some foods to help get you started on the right path.

1. Apples: Fiber, Vitamin C, Gut Health, Brain Health.

2. Beets: Folate, Fiber, Digestive Health.

3. Broccoli: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Immunity.

4. Brussels Sprouts: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Heart Health, Bone Health, Immunity.

5. Cabbage: Vitamin B6, Folate, Fiber.

6. Carrots: Vitamin A, Eye Health, Potassium, Blood Pressure Regulation.

7. Cauliflower: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fiber.

8. Kale: Beta-Carotene, Antioxidant, Vitamin A, Vitamin K.

9. Onions: Potassium, Vitamin C, Immunity.

10. Parsnips: Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate.

11. Pears: Anthocyanin, Chlorogenic Acid, Certain Cancer Protections.

12. Potatoes: Vitamin C, Potassium, Heart Health.

13. Quince: Vitamin C, Fiber, Immunity.

14. Rutabaga: Vitamin C, Antioxidant, Potassium, Fiber.

15. Swiss Chard: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Magnesium.

16. Turnips: Vitamin C, Glucosinolates, Antioxidant.

17. Winter Squash (Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti, etc.): Fiber, Vitamin A.

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Have a nice weekend.