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Five simple things

Hello.

The cold has come and now it's gone. We took advantage of the chill in the air for a few days and painted our deck (a post is in the works). We went with a textured surface with color and it really turned out well. We also decided to grab up some textured paint for the front step area, too. We are hoping to get a coat on that soon before the winter season comes. On a different note, today marks one year since we lost our sweet, loving dog Baz. It still hard for us to think about and my favorite and hardest times this past year have been when all three of us gather in the front room with no distractions and just talk about him, or other topics. I really enjoy that time we spend together because it seems to allow us to be more connected. I have Baz to thank for those moments because it really started after he passed away. God we miss him. With Meia and him being gone, and with having them for almost 20 years, our lives have definitely taken a different path now. It's been a hard year, but the healing is happening. And although we are healing from their loss, we will never get over how much they affected our lives and left a permanent mark on our lives. We will live life at a Swell's pace and also never forget how the little things matter so much. Here are five simple things that made this week good.

1. This harvest...


With the Harvest Moon we went ahead of picked and dug all of the vegetables we could gather. We were extremely pleased with the potato harvest and the last of the tomatoes are slowly ripening up. 

2. These crab pots...

Always ready to go and always makes me long for ocean waves.

3. These tablets...

Trying a new way to clean the hard to reach stainless steel water bottles.

4. These organic deodorant...

Giving it a go. We'll see...

5. This Mightnest fix for September...

Still wondering if we like silicone, but we're willing to give it at least give it a chance.

Five simple things

Hello.

So this past weekend we celebrated The Mr.'s birthday; He turned 46 this year! It seems that both of us are slowly aging before we know it, but even though our age shows in numbers it definitely doesn't show in us. We both feel like we are in our late 20s, which we're told is great! The Mr. said every birthday just gets better for him. The Bean and I come up with new ways to celebrate it with him and this year was no different. The Bean will turn 15 on the last day in September, so for the last month we've done nothing but celebrate our birthdays. My mom is the best when it comes to remembering birthdays and she is always prompt with her surprises through the mail. I don't know what we'd do if it wasn't for her birthday surprises to us each year. We all three look forward to them and they are such a treat! On a side note, this week was a pretty stress-filled week and it won't stop yet. The Mr. has to work all weekend and The Bean and I are gearing up for another year of homeschooling soon. I usually give him from August 15, his testing day, to his birthday, September 30, as a "summer break" and then we get back to it on the Monday following. Organizing and getting his school schedule and curriculum done before that time as been quite a chore as he is going into the ninth grade this year. I keep reminding The Mr., The Bean, and myself, "We have this."

Here are five simple things that made this week good.

1. This eye cream gift...

 
I received this firming eye cream as part of the Influenster program and for testing purposes. Although I am not one to use creams like this because of my allergies and how sensitive my eyes are, this one is really nice. I've been using it a week now and I am pleased with the results so far. Most eye creams in the past have made my eyes itch and burn to the point of me rubbing my eyes raw. The Perricone MD firming eye cream feels hydrating and nice when I apply it at night. I have enjoyed it so much that I've been even using a small bit of it during my morning routine, as well. It's holistic and anti-inflammatory. You can purchase the Perricone MD Firming Eye Cream at Sephora, or here

2. This man's birthday...

 
The Mr. had a great time celebrating his birthday. From a homemade chocolate on chocolate birthday cake-his favorite, to The Bean's homemade banner he could run through. It was a good day.

3. This box...


This was the September Yogi Surprise Lifestyle box and it was packed full of great items. I'm not really a huge fan of purple, but that cashmere shaw is amazing! I can't wait to wear it this fall and into the winter months here in Oregon. You can get on the October list here.

4. This sign...


It's really sad that we have to place signs up in businesses to let people know that they are welcome no matter where, who, what, or why. Hate really has no place anywhere!
(Nearly Normal's Gonzo Cuisine) 

5. Autumn changes...

We are looking forward to the changes here because this is the time of year that makes Oregon shine the best! We are looking forward to some great fall hikes.

A few more things:










• Time to clean out and organize your first aid kits

Have a nice weekend.