Sunny Saturday

Happy Easter weekend, friends.  We are soaking up time with family today before we head back home to celebrate Easter tomorrow at our church.  Although this week was full of all the fun things of Easter, it's been a somber few days to remember Christ's death on the cross.  The weight of his sacrifice is too heavy for words.

But, tomorrow we celebrate!  We celebrate his mighty resurrection and death being defeated!  It will be a good day, indeed.

Today, I'm sharing some things that made my week a bit sunnier.

Last year I picked up this print from The Written Tree and it came out during this Easter season.  It's simple and beautiful and the words are a good reminder of what this weekend is all about.

I have been wanting to plant some herbs for awhile now.  I finally found some time to grab some from Home Depot and get them in some pots.  I picked up some thyme and rosemary (for pizza!) and still want to pick up some basil.  My window behind my sink is looking pretty now.

Tomorrow I'm making a quiche for Easter.  It will just be our little family. We will be eating 'pie' as the kids call it and some yummy Easter candy for a treat.  How will you be celebrating this weekend?

I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Happy Sunny Saturday, all!

Sunny Saturday

We started the week in the desert in swimsuits and sunscreen and are ending the week with raincoats and chicken pot pie.  It's been a wonderful week, one I'm thankful for.  It is always good to be away, but it is always so so sweet to come back to my babies.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? 

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a bit sunnier. 

Reading is one of the things Kevin and I love to do on a trip away.  I am currently finishing up Jamie Ivey's If You Only Knew.  If you have been around here long, you know I am a BIG Jamie Ivey fan.  Her story is real and vulnerable and I love how she tells it like it is and challenges us to tell our stories.  Friends, this book will not disappoint you.  If you are a wife, woman, mother, daughter, sister, friend...this book will inspire you to love the ones around you well, to tell your stories, and to understand nothing is unforgivable. 

Ritter chocolate.  Have you had it?  They are a German candy company and since you can't pick them up everywhere, I am easily persuaded to buy them anytime I see them.  Trader Joe's sells a few varieties, but World Market has more options.  I'm not sure I could choose a favorite, but Peppermint is high up there...and it's not one I often see.  I might be making an Easter basket for myself this year.

Many of you know I am a Rodan and Fields' girl.  Not that I sell it, but that I use it.  After being in the sun for a few days, their Soothe moisture replenishing cream is helping my skin come back from the dry heat and into the cool spring.  It makes my skin feel so good.

Grilling season is coming.  We have been grilling about once a week for a month or so now and it's one of my favorite nights.  It's easy and eliminates a lot of mess and I'm not the one manning the grill.  Burgers are our go-to, but we do fish and steaks as well.  I am hoping to add this recipe for beef tenderloin on the grill this spring.

Today Kevin and the bigs are at an event at church and I am home with our sweet Jude.  Hope you have a great weekend.

Have a Sunny Saturday all!

Secure your Mask

Secure your own mask before securing others.  We have all heard this analogy before.  If you don't secure your mask first, you might not be able to get your mask on in time.  I know I am in need of a break when I am securing everyone else's masks except for my own.  Sound familiar?

As mommas, we get the incredible privilege of serving our families day in and day out.  We get to love them, make them meals, read the same book thirteen times in an hour, kiss imaginary 'owies', and give of ourselves all day long. And it's good, really good...most days.  But it's also hard and exhausting and sometimes it can make us weary.  Whenever I get that weary feeling deep in my bones and I've let a deep sigh slip for the fifth time during lunch, I know it's time to secure my mask.

Securing my own mask looks like a coffee date alone.  It looks like a good book in my hands and a hot cup of coffee by my side.  It looks like moving my body in the early mornings before my babies wake.  It looks like a date with my husband.  It looks like writing at a coffee shop.  It looks like meeting a friend to chat.  I feel reenergized and ready to love my people when I take a little time to secure my mask.

This week I am going to do something big to secure my mask.  My sweet husband and I are taking a trip, just the two of us, to have some fun and spend a load of time together.  To be us and to connect so our marriage can continue to thrive.  We are the kind of people who like to be together and to travel, so that's what we do.  We have great grandparents who love to watch our kids, so it is a win-win-win for everyone.

How do you need to secure your mask?  Take time to write down or think about three things that make you feel happy, refreshed, or calm.  Write them down or put them in your notes app.  Try and do one of those things each week for yourself.  Even if it's getting up five minutes earlier to have a cup of coffee before you have children to feed.  Think about it, write it down, and then do it.  It's worth it, friends.  Secure your mask so you can secure those cute, wonderful little humans' masks.  It's worth it. 

Sunny Saturday: Girl-y Things

Happy Saturday, all!  Today we are spending a family day watching Kevin run a 5K and then doing some fun things around town before we head home for the day.  
Last weekend I was able to meet some high school girlfriends for a night away. We browsed shops, talked about great big things like gun control and itty bitty things like what podcasts we are listening to and books we are reading, and had the absolute best time.  It was good for my soul to be with two friends that have known me my entire life.  

And, as girls do, we exchanged gifts with one another.  We are only all together about once a year, so it's a great time to bring each other a little gift.  I LOVE all the gifts I received, so I thought I would share them with you today.

First up, this simple, beautiful mug.  We own eight mugs at the moment and I think one is going to be donated, because this one is a keeper.  My friend introduced me to Rae Dunn pottery and I really, really love it.  They are pricey online, but I was told they are sold at Home Goods, so I might have to check them out there.  My friend, Paige, had a funny story of going to Home Goods with a die hard Rae Dunn fan and waiting by the warehouse door for the truck to come in because I guess people love this stuff.  I am behind on the trend, but I sure am into it now.

Paige also gave me a tea towel with the image of a drawing from her son, Cooper.  He is my godson and I love him dearly.  This is a brilliant idea, isn't it?  This towel is hanging in my kitchen right now.  I am thinking these towels would make great gifts for grandparents, friends, or extended family for Mother's Day or Christmas. 

My sweet friend, Anne, brought some fun gifts for us from World Market.  She lives in Chicago and has an eye for classic, cool things.  (She's maybe my hippest friend.)  This hand soap smells so good. Lily was the first one to use it and she kept sniffing her hands after she had washed them.  And the bottle is just so dainty and pretty.

Last is this vintage looking candle.  It's teeny tiny and perfect for right behind my kitchen sink.  It's the scent of spring and will be burning all weekend long.  Give me all the smelly things.

I hope you enjoy this (almost) spring day!  Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Five Favorite Simplicity Books

Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. —Vera Nazarian

We are a family of readers, so far anyway.  Kevin and I spend the early morning quiet hours engrossed in books and Luke and Lily like to make a stack of books on the couch and read book after book after book.  It is yet to be seen if Jude will join us.  His interest in books includes carrying them around and throwing them.  #thirdchild

Recently I had a pile of simplicity books on my nightstand in my bedroom and on the end table in my living room.  I reread my favorite simplicity book and found a new favorite.  Today I'm going to share my top five simplicity books along with a runner up.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker is one of my favorite minimalists to read.  He has two kids and loves Jesus.  This book is completely practical, but gets down to the why on simplifying and getting rid of the stuff.  You can find more of his work over at: becoming minimalist.com.

Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver is the creator of Project 333, a movement to live with less clothing, 33 pieces for 3 months to be exact.  In her book she writes about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and her need to eliminate stress and her desire to live a more intentional, more love focused life.  I am newer to her writing, but I loved this book.  I love how she integrated storytelling into practical ways to live with less so you can have more time for the good stuff.

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

I have read and reread this book so many times.  I am in love with the simplistic approach to parenting.  I know not everyone would agree with my thoughts and ideas and that's okay!  Being different is good!  However, I do think every parent could take away something from this book.  It's insightful and backed by research.  I make it a point to reread this book every year.

Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker

Another book by Becker and it hits all the highlights of decluttering and purging with kids.  If you're looking to pare down and you have kids, this is a must read.

Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider

Tsh is a favorite author of mine.  She doesn't know it, but I view her kind of as my simplicity coach.  Notes from a Blue Bike is laid out storytelling style and I couldn't love it more.  Tsh has lived around the world and she uses her experience to craft a book full of wisdom and practical tips and tricks to live a more intentional life.  She discusses food, work, travel, entertainment, and education.  And it's all good.    

Seven by Jen Hatmaker

Seven is my runner up.  Not because I don't absolutely love it, because I do. I love Seven and Jen.  I just borrowed the book from a friend awhile back, so it's not in the picture or my library (I might have to change that).  In Seven, Jen introduces us to her experiment to get rid of the excess.  One of her experiments included only eating seven types of food for a month. Another experiment she only wore seven pieces of clothing.  (Can you imagine??) She turns the 'American dream' upside down and it's a bit shocking, highly motivational, and super enjoyable and witty.  Classic Jen.

If you're looking for a simplicity book, these are some good ones to start with...there isn't a bad one in the bunch.  What are your favorites?  

  

Sunny Saturday

A beautiful Saturday I have ahead of me.  I am spending today with two girlfriends and we have 24 hours to ourselves, sans kids.  

This week was the right amount of slow and full.  We had days at home and days with friends.  We had easy mornings and dinners that lingered and then some early mornings and crescent rolls for dinner on our way out the door to church. I really like when I can balance our week out that way with easy days and full days.

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a bit sunnier.

I can't not mention these tulips.  They have been bringing me joy every single morning with their vibrant pink blooms and the way they stand taller each and every day gives me a little something to look forward to when I walk into the kitchen.  I picked them up at Trader Joe's (shocker) and they were worth every penny.

Last week, I spoke to one of my MOPS groups about simplicity.  It's a subject I am passionate about and if you've been around here long you already know all about my journey towards simplicity.  I'm talking more about it over at A Simpler Motherhood.  When preparing for this talk, I did a big purge and it felt good.  I love decluttering and refocusing on what is important, which is not my stuff.  Last week I included Soulful Simplicity in my Sunny Saturday post and as I finished it this week, I couldn't help but want to dive in to a more simple lifestyle. She talks about her journey over at bemorewithless.com.  Check it out.

The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson has been a book I read a bit out of every morning.  It's an incredibly well written book about creating a loving atmosphere at home.  I love homemaking so much and it's a good balance to my want-to-get-rid-of-anything minimalism persona.  This book touches on how to create space in your home for connection and love and practical ways to do just that.  It is broken up into months and while I know I should be waiting for May to read the May chapter, it's a library book so I must return it soon. However, I think this is one I could go back to again, so it might end up on my book wishlist.  

My last item is a silly one.  Dips.  Vegetable dips.  Kevin and I have been trying to squeeze more raw veggies in our diets and dips are helping me get there.  I heard on a podcast to use dips to start eating more raw vegetables and it's working for us.  I have been buying them, but I am going to try and make one here one of these days.

I hope you have a splendid weekend wherever you may be today.

Happy Sunny Saturday, all!

  

A Quick Reset

March is so close and it brings mud and hope and the occasional snow fall and spring.  March 20 we will welcome spring.  In the midwest we could have snow or sunshine, one can never be sure.  Whatever the weather brings outside, come March I am always ready to reset, refocus, and open up the windows for some fresh air while I do a little spring cleaning.

Before I can dust the cobwebs and mop the salt off the floor in our mudroom, I like to do a quick declutter.  A reset.  It doesn't take long to prepare my home for the hope of spring that's coming in a few short weeks.  I put the reset on my calendar and to-do list.  Two 15-30 minute sessions always leaves my house a bit tidier and easier for me to clean surfaces and nooks and crannies.

The Reset

1.  Clear surfaces.

Maybe you still have Christmas decorations out.  Maybe you have moved onto Easter already.  I am stuck in between with remnants of Valentine's Day still scattered through the house.  I clear all the surfaces in my main living areas: the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, the entry.  I box everything up or put it in an empty cupboard.  As I clear each surface, I quickly decide if I need to keep each item.  If not, it goes in the donation box in the basement. I don't think a lot about it, I just decide if it's useful or beautiful and move on.

I keep my surfaces clear for about a week or so and slowly bring things back in, once each surface is clean.  This helps me to really decide if I want an item in the space this spring.  Also, this ties into quieting the home, something I did after Christmas.

2.  Make a quick sweep through kid rooms.

I am not talking about a big overhaul here.  I go through each room with a box or bag in hand and take out everything unnecessary: a hoard of books under the bed that hasn't been looked at in awhile, random Kleenex (I know, gross), small knick knack toys forgotten on dressers or in tubs.  I donate whatever is unnecessary and try and quickly put everything back in it's place.  I also make a pass through my husband and I's bedroom, closet, and bathroom.  

3.  Go through the winter gear.

During the winter I try and not look too closely into my kids' drawers in our mudroom that hold mittens, hats, shoes, and boots.  It's just not worth the loss of my sanity.  But now it's time to look (ugh) and take out any unused shoes or accessories so I can give the drawers a good vacuuming and wiping out when it's time to spring clean.  Many times I will put away all of their gloves and mittens and only keep a single basket with one pair of mittens and one hat for each child.  

4.  Paper

Paper doesn't affect my spring cleaning much, but I try and go through the kids' artwork and random papers I haven't decided on in the junk drawer and purge.  It's a good way to start fresh with new art this spring.  

5.  Cleaning Closet

The last thing I do is double check my cleaning closet.  I go through everything that sits on the shelves to see if there is anything that needs to be tossed or recycled.  Earth 911's article on how to dispose of cleaning products has helped me know what to do with supplies I no longer need or use. There may even be some items I need to pick up and I record those so I have everything I need I'm ready to do a deep spring clean.

A reset is something I do a few times a year and right before spring cleaning is my favorite time to do it.  Grab a bag or box or both and declutter areas in your home so you are ready for the hopeful new season of spring.  

Saying Yes

'Momma, I need a mailbox.'  A normal Tuesday morning began with the construction and decoration of a mailbox for Luke (and Lily), deep discussion on where to place the mailboxes, and finally a carefully curated plan on how Momma is going to get the letters into the mailbox without any little eyes seeing.  (I did not lead any of these conversations.)  The day went on with Luke carrying around his mailbox, asking for me to write him letters, then having me read him the letters over and over and over again.  And you know what, on Tuesday I didn't mind.  On Tuesday, my little brain got over my to-do list and said 'yes' to the mailbox and the letters and all of it.

Now, you're probably thinking, that's not such a big deal, saying 'yes' to something so small.  And when I really think about it, it's not.  BUT, there are times, many times I'm embarrassed to say, I have said 'no' for no good reason.  I have squelched ideas, buried creative schemes, and said uh-uh to some  imaginative proposals.  All for the sake of...well that I can't tell you.

I recently received a good reminder from a wise speaker at MOPS about the power of saying 'yes' to our kids.  After about a month of trying it out, 'yes' is coming easier.  It glides out of my mouth without me thinking about it too much.  It has become a bit more natural than the 'no' that used to fly out of my mouth whenever I was asked something by my three foot littles.  

I am now seeing the power behind the 'yes'.  My kids are empowered, they are believing their ideas matter, they are getting to be in control of their fun. They are even seeing Momma have a little fun, too.  I'm not sure about you, but I am all in for being the mom who says 'yes' instead of 'maybe another time' or 'not today' or 'that's too messy' or 'no, no, no'.  I want 'yes' to be the soundtrack my kids play in their brains.  I want my babes to know they can come to me with a crazy idea and there is a good chance I will buy in and jump in with them.  I want to be a 'yes' mom.  

Although I am no where near a pro at this 'yes' thing, I am finding it easier to take a deep breath and dive into my kids' little worlds and look them in the eye to find out their creative endeavor.  I am always, always a work in progress.  #andallthemommassaidamen

Sunny Saturday

Good.  Good.  Good.  This week was a good one.  The beginning of the week was full of friends and chocolate and Valentine's Day everything.  The latter half of the week was slow and sleepy and just what we needed.  Today I am looking forward to being home with my people, soaking in these last unhurried, cold Saturdays of winter.

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a wee bit sunnier.

First up is the book, Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver.  She is the originator of Project 333, a capsule wardrobe movement.  She writes on her blog, Be More with Less, about living an intentional life with less.  Her book is full of practical advice as well as her inspiring story of living life with multiple sclerosis.  If you're into simple living or just want some advice on how to simplify your life a bit, check our her blog and her book.

Most everyone loves a bite of chocolate every now and again.  These cute little heart cookies from Trader Joe's have me exerting quite the amount of self control.  (I am not winning the battle.)  They are bite-sized and perfect to curb my sweet craving.

I have been waking earlier and earlier in the morning to do some things for me before my littles rise.  I used to get about an hour earlier, but I have stretched it to about two hours.  These precious hours give me time to move my body, talk to God, read, and enjoy a cup of hot coffee.  I didn't know how much I needed these hours until I had them and now I find myself wondering if I should add another fifteen minutes.  It fills my cup and prepares me for the day ahead.  

It's the week for flowers.  I was lucky enough to have a sweet friend and my husband gift me some blooms.  When it's brown and muddy and brown outside, a fresh bouquet is just what I need to brighten things up inside.

Only two more weekends left in this short month of February!  Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Campaign for Love

Love.  We all want it whether we want to admit it or not.  We want deep, real, truth-telling, nitty gritty love.  We want to feel seen and known and valued for who we are - flaws and all.  We want someone to see us, know all the ugly stuff in our hearts and minds and still look at us with sincere affection.  We long for real agape love.

Today is Valentine's Day.  Whether you're searching for a significant other to love you unconditionally or have found your 'prince charming', I want to point us in the direction of someone who can give us all the things we desire in one beautifully wrapped package.  Jesus, the originator of the campaign for love, is real and alive and sees, knows, and values us.  Despite our flaws.  Despite our innermost thoughts.  Despite anything we say or do or don't say or don't do. 

Today while we are giving and receiving pink and red construction paper hearts, eating little nuggets of chocolate and maybe even going out for a date night, let's not forget the creator of the Earth loves us, unconditionally.  He doesn't recoil when he looks at us.  He looks at us with affection, with joy, with love.  He delights in us.  

Today is about love.  I am going to rest in the truest fact I know: I AM LOVED.

Decisions

Constant contemplation.  Ruminating.  Yes?  No?  Should I?  Should I not?

Have you been there?  Stuck in a cycle of overwhelm in the midst of a big or small or somewhere in-between decision?  Have you made lists, talked with friends, prayed with friends, discussed it with your husband until he tries really hard not to roll his eyes after the tenth conversation in seven days.  

I am there.  Here.  In the midst of a decision.  Many decisions really.  And I want to throw my hands up in the air and tell some random person at Target my story and have her make a decision for me.  I am stuck.

My decision(s) stem from our kids, our life, and our desire to homeschool. As Luke begins kindergarten this coming fall, a transition will occur whether we are ready for it or not.  Decisions need to be made about all kinds of things. What curriculum do we use?  Can we still attend two different MOPS groups? Are playdates still feasible?  When will we do school during the day?  How do I connect Luke with other children?  Do I need to join a homeschool group?  What will it look like to instruct Luke with two other littles running under my feet?

At the moment, my answer to all of these questions is: I don't know.  And I don't.  I am in the middle ground of weighing options, making lists, my brain constantly going through what we could or should do.  I am frustrated with the not knowing.  The waiting.  The considering part.  Why?  Because the unknown is big and kinda scary and illusive.  And my brain is tired.  I have been spinning circles and I'm ready to just lie down and put my feet up.  Figuratively and literally.

As I sit in the space of the 'I don't know' of ruminating, I am searching for some kind of peace here.  Granted, I have not found it yet, but I'm slowly moving in that direction.  I'm trying to really believe it's part of the process.  I'm trying to make myself be in the 'I don't know' and not move too quickly through the hard, unsettling parts of decision making.  The contemplation part of the decision making process is vital to good decisions. Yes?  I think so.

I have my husband in my corner, listening to my words.  I have my girls in my corner nodding their heads and putting their hands on me to pray for clarity and peace and...answers.

In time, I know God is going to help me with all the answers to all my questions.  I know He is going to show up and help me decide.  I am praying for his gentle hand to guide me down the right path.  I know it's coming.  I just need to take a deep breath and sit in the waiting.  Think, consider, discuss, pray.  And wait.  My song and my heartbeat at the moment.

  

Sunny Saturday

Today we are celebrating our littlest's first birthday.  It is joyful, exciting, and a bit bittersweet.  Where did the past year go?  I can't tell you.  But time passes and Jude is one and we are going to celebrate today!

Here are some things that made my week a bit sunnier...

These barkTHINS are quite possibly the best little 'snack' I have ever eaten. I say snack because it sounds a bit healthier.  Yes?  Anyways, they don't have anything too terrible in them and the ingredient list is readable.  AND they are delicious.  I call it a win.

I have not done well taking care of this hyacinth from Trader Joe's.  In my defense, it did so well on it's own, I kind of thought it was one of those plants you don't do anything to for months.  I was wrong.  It just needs rotated in the sun and it won't flop over.  Regardless, I still find it charming and whimsical and a flowering plant in February makes me happy.

This week I tried this Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken for tacos and it was incredible.  And easy.  And we had no leftovers.  I was trying it out for Cooking Club this month and I think it's a keeper.  Tacos could be one of my love languages.

I can't believe it, but Jamie Ivey's first book, If You Only Knew: My Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free, came out this past week.  I feel like I have been waiting so long to hold it in my hands.  I preordered it and was giddy to open the box knowing it was inside.  Jamie is real and vulnerable and I can't wait to dig into this one.

Today is all about celebrating.  I love a good party.  Hope you have a fun Super Bowl weekend.

Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Sunny Saturday

Saturdays are for lounging.  My new mantra.  Today marks the second Saturday in a row with 0 plans.  We like to roll that way around here.  Cue the pancakes, pjs, and two full hours of reading during nap time.  A lounging day indeed.

Today I'm sharing some things that made this week a wee bit sunnier.  

Flowers.  It has come time for fresh flowers in the house.  I picked up these beauties last weekend and they're still going strong.  A $3.99 bouquet at Trader Joe's does wonders for my countertop and my mood.

Who says Christmas lights are just for Christmas?  I picked up this copper string of lights on clearance two years ago and recently pulled it out (after all my Christmas things were stored). It brings a bit of warmth to our space during this gray winter season.  Anyone else still have lights up?

I love a beautiful card.  A dear friend gifted me this for my birthday and I just adore the simple and sincere message.  It doesn't hurt that it's super cute (possibly frame-able) and was made by my friend's sister-in-law. 

On Monday everyone got a snow day except for us.  The surrounding areas received a dumping of snow while we sat gray and brown and muddy.  (I might have been a little bit jealous and bitter.)  I pretended it was a snow day, nonetheless, and made this yummy no peek beef tip recipe.  It's always a winner and super easy to throw in the oven on a slow afternoon.  

Whether you are lounging on your couch like me today or out and about doing all the things, I hope you have a great day.

Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Visual Clutter

The week after Christmas we slowly, slowly, slowly wrapped and packed and stored Christmas decorations around our home.  Instead of doing it all the day after Christmas, I gave myself grace and time to get them all put away over the course of a week.  It helped that we really didn't have much else going on in-between Christmas and New Year's.

After the counters were clear, the railing simplified, and the living room put back together without the tree, I let out a sigh of relief.  As much as I absolutely love putting the decorations out after Thanksgiving, I feel the same way storing them after Christmas.  Our home felt clean (even though it wasn't) and clear of visual clutter. 

I gave the room a good wash down with soapy water and swept numerous piles of pine needles into a dustpan.  As I started to go around to get all the items that usually stood on the end tables and the counters, I stopped.  It was so easy to clean, so easy to breathe in the space without the books and the knick knacks and the stuff.  So I didn't.  I didn't pull out the pile of books that stand at attention on an end table.  I didn't have Kevin move the oversized peeling faux-leather chair back into the corner.  I didn't get the few knick knacks I have sitting in random spots around the room.  I just didn't.  And I liked it.

If you know The Nester, she talks about quieting a room.  Her definition of quieting a room is removing everything, except for the furniture, rugs, and big art, from a space.  Then she suggests sitting in the space and looking for any areas that feel cold.  Add something meaningful to those specific places. Store everything else.  I guess you could say not putting all of our everyday decorations out after Christmas is my version of quieting our main living space.  The quiet feels peaceful, clean, simpler, and better without all the stuff.

   There is a reason my home is feeling better without all the stuff.  Visual clutter affects not just our homes, but how we feel.  UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families(CELF) studies show clutter has a strong affect on mood and self esteem.  The same study concluded the amount of stress women feel at home is directly proportional to the amount of physical stuff they have accumulated.  Visual clutter matters to the overall feeling of not just our home, but of how we feel.  Wow.

So, this quieting the room thing is working so far for me.  The books on my end table were just for show and I usually ended up straightening them three or four times a day because the kids knocked into them.  They are now corralled on the bookshelf.  The oversized chair that's peeling mainly just got jumped on and was in the way.  I got rid of it on the swap page.  The knick knacks collected dust and moving them to clean was a pain.  They can stay stored or maybe I will even make a trip to Open Door Mission to get them out of my house. The dark and cold winter months are a good time for me to quiet everything, to remove the excess and focus on what is truly useful and meaningful in my home. And the peeling chair certainly isn't it.

What could you remove today to make your home simpler and the things in your home more meaningful?

Sunny Saturday

Hey friends.  What a week.  After a long, fun weekend last weekend, this week was all about getting back to our routine and our normal.  We had a few playdates on the calendar, but otherwise we were home doing life.  It was cold anyhow.  

Here are a few things that made my week a tad bit sunnier.

Have you heard of May Designs?  I heard Mica May, the founder of May Designs on The Happy Hour podcast with Jamie Ivey and decided to order one of her notebooks to try out for a planner this year.  You guys, it's beautiful.  And customizable.  I chose a marble pattern and then was able to customize the inside pages to fit my needs.  It is so so cool.  I am using it as my to-do list/planner and am loving it so far.  It works because I can keep my to-do list in it as well as my lesson plans for preschool and appointments and playdates.  Because it is a semi-blank slate on the inside, I can make it be what I need it to be.  Love it.

Deep breathing.  Some podcasts I have been listening to lately have talked about meditation.  The last few weeks I have had an ongoing headache and have found a few deep breaths give me some relief.  It grounds me and helps me to focus on the present.  Also, we talked about it in our Journey Group this week. I think God is giving me a nudge.  My next step is to try and set aside a few minutes at the beginning of my day to get some breaths in. It's good to have goals.

Christmas decorations are down.  Except for one.  This beautiful ornament was made by my dear, dear friend, Nicole.  She creates canvases, notebooks, and works of art over at Natural Joy Boutique.   This one might be up for awhile.

Laundry is a never ending chore.  Literally, never ending.  This week I have made it a priority to keep up with it so it doesn't become overwhelming.  I have read in a few different places to throw in one load of laundry a day, so here I go.  One load of laundry a day, maybe two if I want to get ahead.  As if.  

Last, but not least.  Chili.  Winter around here calls for chili on a weekly basis.  I try to mix it up a bit with different recipes, but it's always on the rotation.  This week I tried a version of this recipe and used ground pork instead of beef and it was delicious.  The only bummer about chili is there are usually limited leftovers, which is because of few in my clan eat seconds and thirds.  Also, I always throw in frozen sweet corn because it is the best.   

We have a slow weekend at home and I am going to bask in staying in my pjs all day.  Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Sunny Saturday

This week was full...of good things.  It was a MOPS week, so I was able to connect with friends.  Unfortunately, one of my MOPS mornings was cancelled due to some winter weather.  My mom was also here, so I was able to knock out some meetings and see some friends.  Kevin and I are sneaking away today for a delayed birthday date.  I am one excited girl.

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a bit sunnier...

Last Saturday I was not feeling the best.  I was taking cold medication habitually and the only thing I was drinking was water, both hot and cold.  I ate spoonfuls of honey to soothe my sore throat and kept Kleenexes in my pocket at all times.  It wasn't the end of the world, I didn't have the flu or anything.  Just a cold.  But it still made me feel crummy enough to cancel plans I had for the day.  One thing that made that day so much brighter, were fresh flowers scattered through my home.  I received some beauties from various friends and family.  There is nothing like flowers to make a girl feel loved.

Caramels.  I am a caramel lover.  Kevin brought a Shotwell Candy Company box home from work and they are so yummy.  The box is adorable and would make a perfect gift.  Buy one for you and a friend.  So good.

I was absolutely spoiled last weekend.  A dear friend of mine drove to my home with all kinds of goodies, this magazine included.  She gifted me a subscription to The Magnolia Journal and those of you who know me well know I love Chip and Jo.  A year and a half ago I made the trip with girlfriends down to Waco and loved every minute of it.  I am super excited to have this arrive in the mail.

I would be remiss to not mention my mom and hubby this week.  I had a full week and they were by my side (not literally) cheering me on.  They watched the kids and fed the kids and did 'all the things' for the kids.  I was able to have have some meetings and time away with them at home in my corner.  Thanks, guys.

Last, but not least, this yummy Beefy Tomato Soup has been making the dinner rotation often.  It is perfect for cooler weather and super filling.  It comes together quickly and I have made big batches to feed friends and family.  This week I ground up a bunch of hamburger on Sunday to use throughout the week to make this recipe even simpler.  

You can find me snuggled up with my man somewhere in downtown Omaha.  It's going to be a good day, friends.  

Have a Sunny Saturday!