here from virginia - want your faith renewed google older man and strangers on I-95. Poor man didn't have a map and was trying to get to Florida and made it only with the help of 7 strangers!!!
Happy Friday everyone! Congratulations on making it through the first week of 2022! I was supposed to have a glorious weekend (part creative energy alone time/part girls trip) at our families lake house, but stupid Omicron had other plans. Next time! (Please tell me another a-hole variant is not going to ruin my plans!) I still have hopes of spending a few hours at a coffee shop tomorrow and digging into my new planner. Send prayers because I'm already having avoidance issues with this one and have only managed to write the numbers of the months in. Hahaha!
I want to leave you with this sweet little treasure, my nephews, Sully and Kit, enjoying their first romp in the snow this winter. They are 3,000 miles away in Boston, but I can just feel their cold little cheeks on mine! Have a great weekend!
Bear Moon looks like the best dog ever! New Year's was quiet, but good around here and went on a first day hike in the redwoods and saw a salmon spawning and it was THE BEST moment ever! Here in Northern California, now is the perfect time to visit - everything is green and so, so pretty! I love just looking out my window - after the drought years and dry brown hills, it is balm for my soul to see all the green. Hoping and praying we get some more rain before winter's end.
I've been having high anxiety lately and couldn't figure out why until this morning. My annual exams for heart (4 years post transplant at the end of the month!) are this month, and they always bring worry about what might be going on inside of my beautiful donated heart. That combined with the fact that fully 40% of my friend group has Covid now has got me on high alert. Now that I've named it, working on dealing with it. Surprising my hubby for his birthday this weekend with an outdoor lunch with the friends that aren't sick in the redwoods - magical! And then two camping trips to look forward to amidst all of the medical testing!
If Bear Moon (I feel compelled to use his full name) is half as sweet on the inside as he is handsome on the outside, I can guarantee that he will quickly become very popular with the vet staff, so do not fear! (We don't pick favorites only in the sense that so many of them are our favorites as to mostly nullify the concept.)
Thanks to a change in Hulu plans, I now have Disney+. I stayed up way past my bedtime NYE, and so spent the whole of New Year's Day in bed watching WandaVision and am now on Falcon and the Winter Soldier. When Marvel is good, they're very, very good. The timing is also perfect as Star Trek is on a mid-season break until next month.
I had two more shifts at my new job this week and while the commute is a killer, I'm really enjoying the work. My boss was under the impression that one of the wellness vets that works 3 days/week would be dropping to 2 days, therefore opening another shift for me. That hasn't happened, but my boss has assured me that she is working to find me enough work for me to be able to move in the next few months. I'm really hoping this happens soon or my savings is going to start taking a bigger hit. Also I would like to get out of this trailer ASAP. It has been getting very cold at night, and by some miracle of physics, the propane only ever runs out in the middle of the night. Jesus be a heater.
I have never in my life kept track of my reading, but I think I might start doing it this year on IG (@egharrison08 if you care about what some rando is reading).
Happy New Year! Today was our first snow day in MA and even though I work from home, I still balanced that with the normal snow day fun ❄️
Treasures
✨ I just moved to a new town and visited the library on Monday (it’s across the street from my apt!). I walked in and immediately felt like I was Belle walking into Beast’s library. Three floors and beautiful...so dreamy!
✨it’s my third week into my new job and I feel so good in this role. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so at peace in a job. Grateful, grateful!
✨ I bought a sweatshirt and sweatpants combo from GAP last week and I’ve worn it at least 4 times this week. And it was on clearance 👏🏻👏🏻
That Tamagochi tweet killed me. I was watching Schitta Creek yesterday and Alexis and David were arguing about the time Alexis let his tamagochi die and it brought me back.
Again I will say, this community is freaking amazing. Thank you SO much. And here’s a funny little tidbit of how my son reacted to everyone’s graciousness. Backstory - he’s 11, autistic, and VERY by the book on eeeeeverything. He tries to keep a tight squeeze on our finances, even though I don’t share diddly squat with him about it. 😂 So as I’m hooping and hollering that things are flying off my classroom wishlist, he is going “MOM someone spent $100 on us?!? What it they don’t have that much money? You have to give it back! Oh my gosh! Someone bought that for $35?! That is way too much! What if they can’t afford that!” So while I am floored by grace, Paul is working on a plan to mail everything back to get y’all a full refund. 😂❤️🤣
Some people have still been asking if they can help, so I added a few more things to the list. Absolutely no one should feel obligated to buy anything. We are SO beyond blessed! 😭
Checking in for the start of (my) new year. My pen pal best friend (who is an Internet-friend-don’t-tell-me-those-aren’t-real-friendships!) and I just completed our 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange and I’m still floating from the content. Every day was a letter exchanged via email – with attached PDF because the letters needed to *look* perfectly designed, don’t ya know 😊 – and they featured topics like Fave Skincare Products from 2021, Newest Celebrity Crushes, Best Reading, Most Played Music, Word That Guided My Year, and (my friend’s entry) Favorite Drawings from the 5-year-old Niece [which always included a farting figure 😂]. When I tell you the Christmastide season gave me life! 🙌🏻 It was our solution to reducing Amazon purchases and not giving all the cash to the postal service for shipping of gifts. IT WAS THE GREATEST. I’m exhausted because (a) I never got ahead of the letter-writing and did them all the night before 😩, and (b) I’m too ambitious for my own good and made each day’s letter include the same number of items (Day 3 = 3 skincare products, Day 8 = 8 fave purchases of 2021, Day 12 = 12 fave reads) with photos and links and paragraphs of commentary. 🤪 So I was writing every day for weeks, just to keep up. But then…
A funny thing has occurred. I’ve slept *at night* for 2 weeks straight and woken in the mornings. Y’all. I’ve not seen vampire hours in two weeks! I’m hoping a switch has been flipped.
Yesterday was the Day of Epiphany and I spent it being *still*, collecting my thoughts on year’s-end and planning for the new year. I’m looking at Jan 10 as my New Year’s Day (the beginning of Ordinary Time on the liturgical calendar), and it’s just the most precious feeling to be easing into 2022 without the influx of pressure that seems happen that first week of January. I’ve loved reading everyone’s resolutions and intentions and jumpstarts while also giving myself space to sort through my own ideas about the next year. Highly recommended!
This weekend is about year-end journaling, new journal setup, and deciding what devotional time will look like (hoping my mom wants to continue a joint practice in ‘22 🤞🏻). And we’ll also make time for the new Matrix movie. That trilogy is in my top 3 favorite movie experiences of all time (along with Lord of the Rings and Star Wars). What a way to begin the year. 😊
I love this gift exchange, it's such a cool idea and I'm so, so glad you've had a great Christmas season! 😊 And congratulations on sleeping at night! This vampire hopes your new sleep pattern is here to stay!
I love the idea of the new year starting on Jan 10th! I've been struggling and really feel like I needed extra length on the runway this year. (Bri McKoy's post on feeling "jet lag" from 2021 hit so perfectly. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYY13-CrBYj/). So I love picking a new start date connected to the liturgical calendar - I think I may borrow this. 😊
This is my first year really looking at the Church calendar and considering how to implement those rhythms into my life, but having a Jan 10 "start" to the year truly fit my current mentality. I say go for it!
Good afternoon Lil Swipes! Being in California can be tricky because I feel like I get here so late on Fridays. 😂
😴 I am sipping on my coffee after sleeping in this morning because I had a weird bout of insomnia last night. My eyes were tired, but the rest of me was wide awake until almost 3 am! 😵💫 I am a bit of a night owl, but last night was something different. Anyone have any favorite insomnia hacks?
🤑 On the treasure side, I was kept company by Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians. I loved the movie, so it has been fun to find the book so utterly delightful! I am feeling like I need more fiction in my life in 2022.
🧢 I am currently in a training to become a Flourishing in Ministry leadership coach. It has been a really interesting and challenging experience and I feel like I am learning so much. As part of my training, I am asked to do 20 hours of pro-bono coaching. So I want to reach out to all my lovely Swipes and see if anyone is interested! You don't need to be in leadership or in ministry, but if you feel like you'd like an hour to talk with someone about goals, life, or a specific issue you can't wrap your head around, I'd love to walk alongside you. I also want to note, that I am not a trained therapist, but I am a trained pastor. :) (That being said, I'm open to talking about faith struggles too). Anyway, sorry if this is a weird offer! Haha. I just wanted to open it up here first. Also, if you're intrigued, but have more questions, feel free to email me. (juliana.gh.ford@gmail.com)
I'm looking forward to jumping into the comments with you! 💛💛
I have had insomnia in enough different shapes and sizes and for long enough that the most effective "hack" ended up being prescription meds. However! I do have some other things that have been helpful to varying degrees. The Sleep With Me podcast - I don't use this one as much currently but I do really like it, it has a huge back-catalogue, and Scooter is a very compassionate host. The Pzizz app - I have the paid version, which gives access to their other apps as well. I alternate betwee Pzizz and Doze, although recent updates have given them a lot of the same content. Basically, guided meditation/imagery or stories over white noise or music. Don't be afraid of earplugs if you think you need them, you can still hear your alarm. Melatonin helps - start with a lower milligram and work up if needed.
Beth, I will definitely check out that podcast - thank you! And I have a love/hate feels with melatonin. It does knock my out, but then it feels impossibly hard to wake up the next morning 😆
I adopted my nickname as my daily name in college. It just fit my inner personality so much more than "Julie." Over time, it's all I've come to know. :-)
I am so bad at getting into the comments with comments; I always try to read but by the time I can get the log in email to download from the server I’ve forgotten what I was going to say or have had a child request my soul for their collection and I am going to try and be more intentional about being in the community this year instead of a lurky-loo like I tend to be 😬
I am currently waiting on merengue mushrooms to bake to add to my daughter’s “goblin core” aesthetic 13th birthday cake, which is only just I thing I learned about this week when her father decided to share all his thoughts on her fashion choices with me after her visit with him over Christmas break. Suffice it to say, I truly am not sure how we were ever married. 🥴 But anyway as this is birthday 2 inside a pandemic and omicron taking over our lives, we are doing low key again this year since our original plan was to go to the selfie museum. We will go later, when it isn’t quite so precarious to hang your face out for photos. Fingers crossed the under 5s can get vaccines soon so I can feel more confident about everyone pulling through an infection with little to no problems.
I feel adrift in most things starting off this year as it is seeing me have big life changes regarding health and wellness and all that and I’m hoping we can make it work to get a lot of these issues checked out and put in check if needed this year. I feel very much like I’ve fallen quite apart in the past year or so and it makes me worry if this is a major issue or maybe something simple like a deficiency that would be easily rectified. I guess I’ll know when I know 🤷🏼♀️
Mostly I’m disappointed that I haven’t had some peace that passes understanding descend upon me where I can just transcend all my worldly troubles but maybe that will come tomorrow. Lol
Wish me luck on ushering my oldest into the teen years tomorrow! 🍄
Like Erin & Jackie (& perhaps, hopefully more of you once I dig in there), I am also seeing some positive happenings here in the new year.
- we have a beautiful snow day today, and I have been able to enjoy it from the depths of my NEW (old) COUCH that I finally found after many, many months, and perfectly matches our old loveseat, and is just my favorite thing
- sometime in the fall, a friend asked if I wanted to be part of a triad (a thing our church does) with a new friend; this has been such a blessing! We got together last night, and the new friend asked what I have been doing lately about personal faith practices. I decided to fess up and reply honestly not much, but that the dis/entangle breath prayers were really valuable to me. Turns out, all 3 of us are kind of in the same place in this regard! One friend shared that she & her husband read a psalm each evening, and the other friend uses an app that has a 3 - 7 minute reading/practice each day. I just feel like these are exactly the kind of in-real-life friendships I need heading into 2022.
- husband & I booked a 4 day getaway in the redwoods next June using points/miles. (did I already share this? maybe). This will be our first flight since February 2020, and I am so excited to GO SOMEWHERE
- PODCASTS ARE BACK! I had saved a bunch for the week after Christmas, and they saw me through, but just barely. Felt so seen when Jamie said we are wanting Farrow & Ball kitchens - we painted our cabinets Mole's Breath a few years ago, and everyone always asks us what paint we used. Highly recommend!
- Thank you for honoring Betty White; I think because I repress my real life emotions so much, I get overly emotional about celebrity deaths. When QE2 passes, I will not be ok, you guys.
Oh, and by the way - fire season here typically doesn't start until August or September, your June trip should be safe! The best time to visit here is now - June - everything is green and beautiful!
Kathryn! Hooray for the redwoods indeed! They are right in my backyard! If you'd like some suggestions of wineries, restaurants, hikes, etc. let me know - happy to share my absolute favorite part of the world, which also happens to be my home!
Yes, please, that would be wonderful!! This is our first trip to California at all. The place we are staying is in Stinson Beach, which looks like it's somewhat near you? Any recommendations would be so appreciated!! Especially hikes & restaurants. :)
Hi Kathryn! Do you like seafood? If so, you NEED to visit the small town of Marshall, which is near Stinson. Make reservations at either Tony's Seafood or Hog Island Oyster. Nick's Cove is also good, but others are better. Also, the Marshall Store is pretty amazing too! That part of the coast is famous for our oysters. Rent kayaks and explore Tomales Bay (from Blue Waters in Point Reyes Station). In Point Reyes Station eat at Side Street Kitchen, have cheese at Cowgirl Creamery and stop at Bovine Bakery for a treat. HIkes - walk either Drake's Beach or Limantour - Drakes might have elephant seals depending on the time of year. Point Reyes Lighthouse is not to be missed. The elephant seal overlook at Chimney Rock will just about guarantee you a wildlife sighting. In the late afternoon, drive to Pierce Point Ranch at the north in of the Tomales Peninsula and check out the elk population! McClure Beach hike is great in that area! In the Mount Tam area, check out the Cataract Canyon trail, it's steep, but the waterfall is beautiful! The Tomales Point trail is a good hike to take to see the elk too!
Climb up to the fire lookout station at the top of Mount Tam for the best view of the city and the ocean - on a clear day, it's fantastic. In Bolinas, go to Agate Beach at low tide for some great tide pools! The last I was in Stinson Beach itself, the restaurants were pretty touristy and not super yummy. At Dillon Beach, Coastal Kitchen is really good and the beach is fun to walk. The last hike I'll recommend is the Estero Trail to Drakes Head. The end overlooks Limantour Beach and it's a great hike! Let me know if you want any more details, or ideas!
They are elusive for sure, but we've seen them several times - they are majestic! If you look at my IG @deniseredeker, there are several photos from that hike! We were there in November, so it's right near the top! Have so much fun!
Hi Dawn! We live in Petaluma - about 30 minutes from Guerneville! Isn't it beautiful? My favorite restaurant used to be there - unfortunately it didn't survive the pandemic....Did you make it to Armstrong Redwoods? What a place!
Hooray for the redwoods!! You had asked where we stayed and here it is. We had some kind of discount,, so I don't know what we paid.. but it was a great location. Right in the middle of the ocean, the Russian River, the redwoods, and wine country. Farms. cute little towns. And this place was cozy,, homey,, and luxurious all at once.. responsive hosts too.. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11259818?guests=1&adults=1
thank you so much for the share (& the warning!) - I hadn't come across this place & am saving it to my favorites list. :) I am so glad you had a wonderful time!
The river and the beach are so fun. The hosts have floaties and maybe even kayaks. I imagine a lot of places do. I hope there is minimal fire activity and that you get to have just the best time!
This comes around periodically and I looked it up again because it was bugging me that I couldn't remember. I thought that he couldn't abdicate just for the hell of it. Apparently he can, but most people think it's unlikely because the whole situation with the Queens uncle is still in living memory. I also have a hard time imagining that he would pass up the one job that he has been training/waiting his whole life for. I do have to laugh about the fact that just when his image was finally, mostly rehabilitated, there was a big cultural Diana Moment to remind all of us just how terrible he is.
This is somehow almost my first time in the comments, despite Erin talking them up every week… excited to be here!
Treasure: TJ Klune. I just finished Under the Whispering Door, which was a delight. I read House on the Cerulean Sea a few weeks ago and liked it even more!
My eldest just headed back to school far away and probably won’t be back until summer. But the treasure is that we get him all summer because he just got an awesome internship at a nuclear power plant nearby🎉.
I’m also apparently going to spend the next 9 months getting choked up every time I contemplate the departure of kid #2 to college in the fall. Seriously, I get teared up every time it comes up, which is a problem😂.
The nest is quickly emptying (youngest is a freshman) and it’s not entirely okay😂.
In silly news, I’m on day 84 of the #100daydresschallenge And I am OVER IT. But, only two weeks to go, so I’m sticking it out:).
That sentence is not something I see all the time (*ever) so I need you to elaborate! What is he studying? What kind of work will he be involved in? How did such an internship come about? So many questions!
It’s actually his second summer, so he was really excited that they want him back! My husband helped him get his foot in the door last year with some contacts, but it was really gratifying that they want him back on his own terms! He’s studying electrical and computer engineering with an interest in clean power generation and mostly did programming last summer. It was his dream job, and if they had asked, I think he’d have quit school and stayed forever😂. And it’s less than an hour from our house, so it’s my dream job for my kid, too, since he currently goes to school three states away!
Little late getting here today, but I just wanted to say hi, friends!! I have loved reading through and catching up with you all this afternoon.
A few updates/treasures from me:
💜 I found out a few weeks before Christmas that I HAVE CURLY HAIR. WHAT. All of my hair struggles now make sense. I noticed a huge change in my texture toward the end of my second pregnancy in 2019, but never put two and two together that I might have curls. It’s been an interesting month watching lots of YouTube and IG reels, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of things. 🤞
💜 Still on a No Way Home high. What an absolute delight of a movie. My older son is VERY into Spider-Man right now (he’s in his costume at this very moment), and it is a true joy. I’ve always been a huge Spidey fan, so passing the love to my kiddos is ridiculously fun. Can’t wait for the day when they are old enough to watch alllllll the movies with me. 😎
💜 Reading through the Bible this year with some Swipes has already brought me so much comfort and softened my heart toward the Word. I went pretty dark last year with my faith, so I’m very grateful to read and walk alongside ladies I know and trust, near and far!
Okay, that’s it for this week! Love to you all & praying for safety and health this year.
Hannah! Isn't it weird that things like pregnancy can change hair texture? Good for you for embracing it (I'm still trying to figure out what my hair wants to do, and if it's wavy or curly or a weird mix). Those cookies look really good, I think we're going to try making them this weekend. And your oldest being into Spider-Man is so fun!!
Yay, I'm so glad you're not in as much pain anymore!
I once dated a guy who was so into Spider-Man that he wanted to name his future son Peter. I'm embarrassed to say it took me several weeks to put two and two together and realize it was because dude's last name was Parker...
I am HERE for all the GF recs!! I've been GF for 4 years this fall, and while I get grumpy about it sometimes, I know it is sooooo much better for my overall physical/mental/emotional health. I really love Danielle Walker's recipes too! Her chocolate cake is so good, no one can usually tell that it's GF. :) I am totally going to check out those recipes you posted 😍
Hi friends! The new year has been good so far and here are a few quick highlights!
🍝 One of my besties and I got dinner at my favorite restaurant last night and I got my favorite mocktail and pasta and ice cream and to process our lives with each other and ugh, I didn’t know how much my soul needed it until I drove home after the fact.
😴 Not quite a treasure but not quite a turd, maybe just a human thing? I had every intention of starting my morning routine at 5:45am, I woke up to use the restroom and saw that it was very bright and shiny through my windows and I knew what it meant. I looked at my phone and it was 7am on the dot. I had to quickly scribble into my gratitude journal and read my Bible devotional at a stoplight (I am on the book of Job, lol how fitting) and then I was half an hour late. Thankfully, so was my boss! I ran over to the bakery and got us consolation croissants.
📖 I am working really hard to try and make sure my morning and evening routines are on point, and I am learning to try again the next day, the next meal, the next moment of margin time, instead of just giving up altogether. I’m very much a “if I can’t do it perfectly, don’t even bother” black and white thinker and I’m really trying to change that mindset, especially when it comes to physical and emotional health.
💫 I need to watch The Book of Boba Fett, thank you all for reminding me.
I’ll be in the comments after work! Gotta wrap up my lunch break!
Jackie, good for you! I think I need to remember to try again more as well, and not give up quite so quickly if things don't turn out how I planned. "If I can’t do it perfectly, don’t even bother" could be my tagline - but Mr Chazz on Instagram says to try to be an "improvinist" instead of a perfectionist!
Hello dear friends! I lost the password to my other email, but I am figuring out life! I am honestly in a fantastic mood rn. My friends are all coming back in town this weekend, I get to hang with all of my other friends next weekend, it’s snowy and pretty and LIFE IS GREAT!! Anyway. I listened to the December Patreon of the Big Boo Cast and came up with my favorites of 2021 along with them. I have so many treasures! Most of these definitely did not come about in 2021, but they’re things I discovered last year.
TV: I loved both The Good Place and Signed Sealed Delivered (Hallmark, it’s THE BEST). *VERY* different vibes, but very good shows.
Movie: Crip Camp (Netflix) changed the way I view the world. I am obsessed with it and I think that (most) everyone should watch it. (Definitely NSFJM)
Books: I devoured two nonfiction works this year. Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams both really shaped a lot of my life this year. They will always and forever hold a special place in my heart. Also, That Sounds Fun by AFD was great!
Skincare-ish?: I really enjoy a good eyebrow razor. I started really taking care of my brows/sideburns this year and it’s made me feel better about life.
Hair: I have had a VERY EXCITING HAIR YEAR! I was quarantined and decided to experiment. My current magic mix is hair glue, curl mousse, anti-frizz milk, and leave in conditioner. But the biggest and most important trick is to wrap it in a t-shirt and let it air dry! Perfect waves! It’s magical for my hair!
Music: Has to be Into The Mystery by NEEDTOBREATHE. That album will forever and always be the soundtrack of my 2021.
Content Creator: Safiya Nygaard. She does some stuff on Instagram and TikTok, but I adore her livestream channel. Her main channel videos are great, but the livestreams are just so soothing and yet chaotic!
Food: Peppers! I discovered that I love peppers this year and they’re my favorite vegetable ever.
I’m very invested in your hair hack. I think we need details on the products. Also, do you sleep in the t-shirt or does it dry after you wet in in the morning?
So, to explain, I realized that I have wavy/curly hair this fall. I found Curly Hair TikTok and it was a life changer. I just used what I had around (bc quarantine😬), so the current magic mix is Garnier Fructis curly hair mousse, leave in conditioner, and anti frizz milk. It’s all sort of the same line, in green bottles. Got them at Walmart, I think. The hair glue is Walmart’s version of the göt2bglued spike gel. My brother went through a spiky hair phase a few years ago and it was still under my bathroom sink. The t-shirt is really experimental from person to person. I can’t sleep with it on, mostly because I’m a wuss and I hate how it feels trying to sleep. Mine dries enough within an hour or two to let it air dry the rest of the way.
Crip Camp will make you hack your cry big time! I love Peppers, I always have a pepper trio on my shopping list because I use them so much. I'm going to be binging Big Boo episodes this weekend. Taking time with Melanie and Sophie makes my day brighter. :)
Your hair update sounds amazing!! So glad you found what works for you!
I also read Secret Life of Bees last year and loooved it (I’m a big Sue Monk Kidd fan and have now read The Book of Longings and The Mermaid Chair and have 2 more of hers on my library holds list). Have you watched the Secret Life of Bees movie? It’s also on my list to do.
My whole routine is in my reply to Annette, but honestly, it’s an off brand version of the göt2bglued spike glue. I have no clue where I got it. My brother went through a weird spikey hair phase in late elementary school and it still lives in our bathroom. I am now realizing this hair glue is at least 3-4 years old. GAH I NEED TO CLEAN OUT MY BATHROOM!!😂
Happy first Friday of 2022, Swipes! Gonna be a quick comment, as my middles are distracted by Yoshi's Crafted World but not for long...
It is cold but not snowy here in Kansas, and it make me sad. I'm fully one of those "if it is going to be cold, there better be snow" kind of people so it's just an annoying winter right now. My oldest had some big tears when my mom showed him the snow they have in Minnesota; he keeps threatening to move to Alaska if we don't have a good snow this winter. Climate change is a b, son.
Treasures:
- I finished the main Court of Thorns and Roses Trilogy and man, what a ride. I loved that it was different enough from Throne of Glass that I didn't get confused, but now I need some kind of crossover, stat. Also, very pumped that they are turning COTAR into a mini-series; I am not good with casting things since I am over 40 and don't know any of the up and coming young'uns, but Flo Pugh was in my head as Feyre toward the end (probably due to watching Hawkeye) and that was a good fit for me.
- My husband and I started watching The Book of Boba Fett and it's really good. It's fun to back in the Star Wars world.
- Spin class at my gym. I go two days a week and have two very different instructors, but they are both excellent, and make super fun playlists!
- I am starting a 40 day sugar fast on Monday, and I am enjoying trying to find treats to make that have no added sugar (honey and maple syrup are okay, as is fruit). If you have any suggestions, let me know!
- I am taking my quarterly trip to Costco and Trader Joe's, and love making those lists. Any faves I should check out this winter?
- I finished cleaning out our bookshelves yesterday (I have a used book problem) and have 6 bags of books to donate to our public library sale. I also have my two shelves of books I can choose to read from for 2022. My goals are to read 12 non-fiction I own, 12 fiction I own, and more BIPOC authors in my favorite genres.
That's it from this cold flyover state. Stay warm, all!
Sarah! Ahh, wasn't the series great? I read that before Throne of Glass, and thought it was just magical. Rhys is absolutely my favorite (did I cast him as Regé Jean Page in my head? Yup I did.) but I love the idea of Flo Pugh being Feyre.
My husband was pretty excited to watch The Book of Boba Fett because he loves that character, and I liked it too. I like seeing more of the details in the Star Wars universe.
The Trader Joes Well Rested Herbal Tea is so good. We also really love the lentil soup!
Love your book goal! We gave away so many books already this month as we are packing so it gives us a time to really inventory what we keep and helps me guide my reading plan for the year and decide what to do once I read a book that I own (as yes I own a lot more books that I have not read vs what I have read).
Your kids might like the snow in MN but seeing as it's still -2 out (ooh we MIGHT HIT 1 degree at 4 pm! HEAT WAAAAAVE) you can't go out and enjoy it. :)
Trader Joes always means I grab the greek yogurt guacamole, various frozen pastas, the orange chicken, and their chicken stock (its liquid gold!) -- plus FLOWERS!
Where are you guys moving to? Yeah, it was -24 at my parents' the morning; I don't think my boys understand what that feels like :D I'm going to have to try that greek yogurt guac!
Yep it was -20 here. We are just moving a mile away, but we went from a townhouse to a single family home and finally 2 full bathrooms and everyone will have more space. SO SO SO excited.
Their guac, have I ate it out of the container with a spoon and chip bits like savory yogurt when there was only a little bit left? YEP.
Oooh I purchased A Court of Thorns and Roses when it was on a kindle sale a few weeks ago, think I will dive in! Do you follow Caroline Chambers on Instagram (@carochambers)? She’s one of my favorite recipe creators and does a Trader Joe’s Tuesday series (usually in her Reels) that always has lots of good ideas. She may even have a highlight for it too!
Danielle Walker has some amazing dessert text with no refined sugar! (They also happen to be gluten free and dairy free, which is why I use them, but I haven't had a flop - they taste AMAZING). https://daniellewalker.com/
here from virginia - want your faith renewed google older man and strangers on I-95. Poor man didn't have a map and was trying to get to Florida and made it only with the help of 7 strangers!!!
Oh my goodness. That coffee cup just makes me giggle so much.
Happy Friday everyone! Congratulations on making it through the first week of 2022! I was supposed to have a glorious weekend (part creative energy alone time/part girls trip) at our families lake house, but stupid Omicron had other plans. Next time! (Please tell me another a-hole variant is not going to ruin my plans!) I still have hopes of spending a few hours at a coffee shop tomorrow and digging into my new planner. Send prayers because I'm already having avoidance issues with this one and have only managed to write the numbers of the months in. Hahaha!
I want to leave you with this sweet little treasure, my nephews, Sully and Kit, enjoying their first romp in the snow this winter. They are 3,000 miles away in Boston, but I can just feel their cold little cheeks on mine! Have a great weekend!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYcbF7LFrSw/
Bear Moon looks like the best dog ever! New Year's was quiet, but good around here and went on a first day hike in the redwoods and saw a salmon spawning and it was THE BEST moment ever! Here in Northern California, now is the perfect time to visit - everything is green and so, so pretty! I love just looking out my window - after the drought years and dry brown hills, it is balm for my soul to see all the green. Hoping and praying we get some more rain before winter's end.
I've been having high anxiety lately and couldn't figure out why until this morning. My annual exams for heart (4 years post transplant at the end of the month!) are this month, and they always bring worry about what might be going on inside of my beautiful donated heart. That combined with the fact that fully 40% of my friend group has Covid now has got me on high alert. Now that I've named it, working on dealing with it. Surprising my hubby for his birthday this weekend with an outdoor lunch with the friends that aren't sick in the redwoods - magical! And then two camping trips to look forward to amidst all of the medical testing!
Have a great week!
If Bear Moon (I feel compelled to use his full name) is half as sweet on the inside as he is handsome on the outside, I can guarantee that he will quickly become very popular with the vet staff, so do not fear! (We don't pick favorites only in the sense that so many of them are our favorites as to mostly nullify the concept.)
Thanks to a change in Hulu plans, I now have Disney+. I stayed up way past my bedtime NYE, and so spent the whole of New Year's Day in bed watching WandaVision and am now on Falcon and the Winter Soldier. When Marvel is good, they're very, very good. The timing is also perfect as Star Trek is on a mid-season break until next month.
I had two more shifts at my new job this week and while the commute is a killer, I'm really enjoying the work. My boss was under the impression that one of the wellness vets that works 3 days/week would be dropping to 2 days, therefore opening another shift for me. That hasn't happened, but my boss has assured me that she is working to find me enough work for me to be able to move in the next few months. I'm really hoping this happens soon or my savings is going to start taking a bigger hit. Also I would like to get out of this trailer ASAP. It has been getting very cold at night, and by some miracle of physics, the propane only ever runs out in the middle of the night. Jesus be a heater.
I have never in my life kept track of my reading, but I think I might start doing it this year on IG (@egharrison08 if you care about what some rando is reading).
I cannot believe I forgot this article! Come for chaotic Nic Cage, stay for Andrew Garfield as the hero we need. #justiceforrainman
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/nicolas-cage-andrew-garfield-jonathan-majors-actor-roundtable-1235069392/
Happy New Year! Today was our first snow day in MA and even though I work from home, I still balanced that with the normal snow day fun ❄️
Treasures
✨ I just moved to a new town and visited the library on Monday (it’s across the street from my apt!). I walked in and immediately felt like I was Belle walking into Beast’s library. Three floors and beautiful...so dreamy!
✨it’s my third week into my new job and I feel so good in this role. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so at peace in a job. Grateful, grateful!
✨ I bought a sweatshirt and sweatpants combo from GAP last week and I’ve worn it at least 4 times this week. And it was on clearance 👏🏻👏🏻
That Tamagochi tweet killed me. I was watching Schitta Creek yesterday and Alexis and David were arguing about the time Alexis let his tamagochi die and it brought me back.
Happy weekend, all!
The idea of finding a library as lovely as the one in Beauty and the Beast - wonderful!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Again I will say, this community is freaking amazing. Thank you SO much. And here’s a funny little tidbit of how my son reacted to everyone’s graciousness. Backstory - he’s 11, autistic, and VERY by the book on eeeeeverything. He tries to keep a tight squeeze on our finances, even though I don’t share diddly squat with him about it. 😂 So as I’m hooping and hollering that things are flying off my classroom wishlist, he is going “MOM someone spent $100 on us?!? What it they don’t have that much money? You have to give it back! Oh my gosh! Someone bought that for $35?! That is way too much! What if they can’t afford that!” So while I am floored by grace, Paul is working on a plan to mail everything back to get y’all a full refund. 😂❤️🤣
What a sweet story! Is it accurate that all the items are purchased from your list?!
YES! I truly cannot believe it.
Some people have still been asking if they can help, so I added a few more things to the list. Absolutely no one should feel obligated to buy anything. We are SO beyond blessed! 😭
He is precious! That’s too funny! Thank you for ALL you do, it’s a gift for us to help stock your classroom 💕
Checking in for the start of (my) new year. My pen pal best friend (who is an Internet-friend-don’t-tell-me-those-aren’t-real-friendships!) and I just completed our 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange and I’m still floating from the content. Every day was a letter exchanged via email – with attached PDF because the letters needed to *look* perfectly designed, don’t ya know 😊 – and they featured topics like Fave Skincare Products from 2021, Newest Celebrity Crushes, Best Reading, Most Played Music, Word That Guided My Year, and (my friend’s entry) Favorite Drawings from the 5-year-old Niece [which always included a farting figure 😂]. When I tell you the Christmastide season gave me life! 🙌🏻 It was our solution to reducing Amazon purchases and not giving all the cash to the postal service for shipping of gifts. IT WAS THE GREATEST. I’m exhausted because (a) I never got ahead of the letter-writing and did them all the night before 😩, and (b) I’m too ambitious for my own good and made each day’s letter include the same number of items (Day 3 = 3 skincare products, Day 8 = 8 fave purchases of 2021, Day 12 = 12 fave reads) with photos and links and paragraphs of commentary. 🤪 So I was writing every day for weeks, just to keep up. But then…
A funny thing has occurred. I’ve slept *at night* for 2 weeks straight and woken in the mornings. Y’all. I’ve not seen vampire hours in two weeks! I’m hoping a switch has been flipped.
Yesterday was the Day of Epiphany and I spent it being *still*, collecting my thoughts on year’s-end and planning for the new year. I’m looking at Jan 10 as my New Year’s Day (the beginning of Ordinary Time on the liturgical calendar), and it’s just the most precious feeling to be easing into 2022 without the influx of pressure that seems happen that first week of January. I’ve loved reading everyone’s resolutions and intentions and jumpstarts while also giving myself space to sort through my own ideas about the next year. Highly recommended!
This weekend is about year-end journaling, new journal setup, and deciding what devotional time will look like (hoping my mom wants to continue a joint practice in ‘22 🤞🏻). And we’ll also make time for the new Matrix movie. That trilogy is in my top 3 favorite movie experiences of all time (along with Lord of the Rings and Star Wars). What a way to begin the year. 😊
I'm definitely keeping this kind of gift exchange in mind for next year with my friends!
I love this gift exchange, it's such a cool idea and I'm so, so glad you've had a great Christmas season! 😊 And congratulations on sleeping at night! This vampire hopes your new sleep pattern is here to stay!
I love the idea of the new year starting on Jan 10th! I've been struggling and really feel like I needed extra length on the runway this year. (Bri McKoy's post on feeling "jet lag" from 2021 hit so perfectly. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYY13-CrBYj/). So I love picking a new start date connected to the liturgical calendar - I think I may borrow this. 😊
This is my first year really looking at the Church calendar and considering how to implement those rhythms into my life, but having a Jan 10 "start" to the year truly fit my current mentality. I say go for it!
Good afternoon Lil Swipes! Being in California can be tricky because I feel like I get here so late on Fridays. 😂
😴 I am sipping on my coffee after sleeping in this morning because I had a weird bout of insomnia last night. My eyes were tired, but the rest of me was wide awake until almost 3 am! 😵💫 I am a bit of a night owl, but last night was something different. Anyone have any favorite insomnia hacks?
🤑 On the treasure side, I was kept company by Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians. I loved the movie, so it has been fun to find the book so utterly delightful! I am feeling like I need more fiction in my life in 2022.
🧢 I am currently in a training to become a Flourishing in Ministry leadership coach. It has been a really interesting and challenging experience and I feel like I am learning so much. As part of my training, I am asked to do 20 hours of pro-bono coaching. So I want to reach out to all my lovely Swipes and see if anyone is interested! You don't need to be in leadership or in ministry, but if you feel like you'd like an hour to talk with someone about goals, life, or a specific issue you can't wrap your head around, I'd love to walk alongside you. I also want to note, that I am not a trained therapist, but I am a trained pastor. :) (That being said, I'm open to talking about faith struggles too). Anyway, sorry if this is a weird offer! Haha. I just wanted to open it up here first. Also, if you're intrigued, but have more questions, feel free to email me. (juliana.gh.ford@gmail.com)
I'm looking forward to jumping into the comments with you! 💛💛
I have had insomnia in enough different shapes and sizes and for long enough that the most effective "hack" ended up being prescription meds. However! I do have some other things that have been helpful to varying degrees. The Sleep With Me podcast - I don't use this one as much currently but I do really like it, it has a huge back-catalogue, and Scooter is a very compassionate host. The Pzizz app - I have the paid version, which gives access to their other apps as well. I alternate betwee Pzizz and Doze, although recent updates have given them a lot of the same content. Basically, guided meditation/imagery or stories over white noise or music. Don't be afraid of earplugs if you think you need them, you can still hear your alarm. Melatonin helps - start with a lower milligram and work up if needed.
Beth, I will definitely check out that podcast - thank you! And I have a love/hate feels with melatonin. It does knock my out, but then it feels impossibly hard to wake up the next morning 😆
It's not a weird offer, I think it's awesome. Sorry about your insomnia, I hope you'll sleep better tonight!
Thanks for the encouragement Rebecka 😊💛
Unless I’m still awake from insomnia, im always here for the later comments. Don’t feel bad! Im always happy to see you pop in!
Haha I always circle back on Saturday mornings too!
Aww thanks for that Jules! (Also, fun fact, my nickname is also Jules 🥰)
I adopted my nickname as my daily name in college. It just fit my inner personality so much more than "Julie." Over time, it's all I've come to know. :-)
Oh I love that!!
I am so bad at getting into the comments with comments; I always try to read but by the time I can get the log in email to download from the server I’ve forgotten what I was going to say or have had a child request my soul for their collection and I am going to try and be more intentional about being in the community this year instead of a lurky-loo like I tend to be 😬
I am currently waiting on merengue mushrooms to bake to add to my daughter’s “goblin core” aesthetic 13th birthday cake, which is only just I thing I learned about this week when her father decided to share all his thoughts on her fashion choices with me after her visit with him over Christmas break. Suffice it to say, I truly am not sure how we were ever married. 🥴 But anyway as this is birthday 2 inside a pandemic and omicron taking over our lives, we are doing low key again this year since our original plan was to go to the selfie museum. We will go later, when it isn’t quite so precarious to hang your face out for photos. Fingers crossed the under 5s can get vaccines soon so I can feel more confident about everyone pulling through an infection with little to no problems.
I feel adrift in most things starting off this year as it is seeing me have big life changes regarding health and wellness and all that and I’m hoping we can make it work to get a lot of these issues checked out and put in check if needed this year. I feel very much like I’ve fallen quite apart in the past year or so and it makes me worry if this is a major issue or maybe something simple like a deficiency that would be easily rectified. I guess I’ll know when I know 🤷🏼♀️
Mostly I’m disappointed that I haven’t had some peace that passes understanding descend upon me where I can just transcend all my worldly troubles but maybe that will come tomorrow. Lol
Wish me luck on ushering my oldest into the teen years tomorrow! 🍄
Good luck! And I hope some of that peace shows up.
I can't wait to dive into the comments!
Like Erin & Jackie (& perhaps, hopefully more of you once I dig in there), I am also seeing some positive happenings here in the new year.
- we have a beautiful snow day today, and I have been able to enjoy it from the depths of my NEW (old) COUCH that I finally found after many, many months, and perfectly matches our old loveseat, and is just my favorite thing
- sometime in the fall, a friend asked if I wanted to be part of a triad (a thing our church does) with a new friend; this has been such a blessing! We got together last night, and the new friend asked what I have been doing lately about personal faith practices. I decided to fess up and reply honestly not much, but that the dis/entangle breath prayers were really valuable to me. Turns out, all 3 of us are kind of in the same place in this regard! One friend shared that she & her husband read a psalm each evening, and the other friend uses an app that has a 3 - 7 minute reading/practice each day. I just feel like these are exactly the kind of in-real-life friendships I need heading into 2022.
- husband & I booked a 4 day getaway in the redwoods next June using points/miles. (did I already share this? maybe). This will be our first flight since February 2020, and I am so excited to GO SOMEWHERE
- PODCASTS ARE BACK! I had saved a bunch for the week after Christmas, and they saw me through, but just barely. Felt so seen when Jamie said we are wanting Farrow & Ball kitchens - we painted our cabinets Mole's Breath a few years ago, and everyone always asks us what paint we used. Highly recommend!
- Thank you for honoring Betty White; I think because I repress my real life emotions so much, I get overly emotional about celebrity deaths. When QE2 passes, I will not be ok, you guys.
Very excited to move into 2022 with all of you!
Oh, and by the way - fire season here typically doesn't start until August or September, your June trip should be safe! The best time to visit here is now - June - everything is green and beautiful!
Kathryn! Hooray for the redwoods indeed! They are right in my backyard! If you'd like some suggestions of wineries, restaurants, hikes, etc. let me know - happy to share my absolute favorite part of the world, which also happens to be my home!
Yes, please, that would be wonderful!! This is our first trip to California at all. The place we are staying is in Stinson Beach, which looks like it's somewhat near you? Any recommendations would be so appreciated!! Especially hikes & restaurants. :)
Hi Kathryn! Do you like seafood? If so, you NEED to visit the small town of Marshall, which is near Stinson. Make reservations at either Tony's Seafood or Hog Island Oyster. Nick's Cove is also good, but others are better. Also, the Marshall Store is pretty amazing too! That part of the coast is famous for our oysters. Rent kayaks and explore Tomales Bay (from Blue Waters in Point Reyes Station). In Point Reyes Station eat at Side Street Kitchen, have cheese at Cowgirl Creamery and stop at Bovine Bakery for a treat. HIkes - walk either Drake's Beach or Limantour - Drakes might have elephant seals depending on the time of year. Point Reyes Lighthouse is not to be missed. The elephant seal overlook at Chimney Rock will just about guarantee you a wildlife sighting. In the late afternoon, drive to Pierce Point Ranch at the north in of the Tomales Peninsula and check out the elk population! McClure Beach hike is great in that area! In the Mount Tam area, check out the Cataract Canyon trail, it's steep, but the waterfall is beautiful! The Tomales Point trail is a good hike to take to see the elk too!
Climb up to the fire lookout station at the top of Mount Tam for the best view of the city and the ocean - on a clear day, it's fantastic. In Bolinas, go to Agate Beach at low tide for some great tide pools! The last I was in Stinson Beach itself, the restaurants were pretty touristy and not super yummy. At Dillon Beach, Coastal Kitchen is really good and the beach is fun to walk. The last hike I'll recommend is the Estero Trail to Drakes Head. The end overlooks Limantour Beach and it's a great hike! Let me know if you want any more details, or ideas!
wow, this is great - thank you so much!!! :) :) It is one of my dreams to see an elk, so I will be sure to do that hike especially.
They are elusive for sure, but we've seen them several times - they are majestic! If you look at my IG @deniseredeker, there are several photos from that hike! We were there in November, so it's right near the top! Have so much fun!
Where do you live? We spent Christmas in Guerneville, and just loved it!
Hi Dawn! We live in Petaluma - about 30 minutes from Guerneville! Isn't it beautiful? My favorite restaurant used to be there - unfortunately it didn't survive the pandemic....Did you make it to Armstrong Redwoods? What a place!
We did! Some parts are shut down bc of fire damage, but we spent a whole day there walking through the trees and mist. It was magical.
Hooray for the redwoods!! You had asked where we stayed and here it is. We had some kind of discount,, so I don't know what we paid.. but it was a great location. Right in the middle of the ocean, the Russian River, the redwoods, and wine country. Farms. cute little towns. And this place was cozy,, homey,, and luxurious all at once.. responsive hosts too.. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11259818?guests=1&adults=1
Be warned though. Fire season is real here. So hold your plans loosely. 😔
thank you so much for the share (& the warning!) - I hadn't come across this place & am saving it to my favorites list. :) I am so glad you had a wonderful time!
I just saw the outdoor shower!!! Every single one of our top Airbnb stays has had an outdoor shower. This place looks amazing :)
The river and the beach are so fun. The hosts have floaties and maybe even kayaks. I imagine a lot of places do. I hope there is minimal fire activity and that you get to have just the best time!
Okay I totally Googled that paint colors for your kitchen cabinets and it is so pretty 😍
QE2 passing will crush us. 😩
Oh noooo, this is so true!
Especially since she'll be succeeded by (as we call him) The Frick Guy With The Ears.
😂 My mom has always said that's why the Queen is still alive; she doesn't want that son to take over!
My friend and I had a whole convo about if he'll pass on the Crown and give it to William. It's a spicy take. But interesting to think about.
We were always big supporters of passing on the Crown to William, but after the Harry/Meghan situation... 🤷🏻♀️
This comes around periodically and I looked it up again because it was bugging me that I couldn't remember. I thought that he couldn't abdicate just for the hell of it. Apparently he can, but most people think it's unlikely because the whole situation with the Queens uncle is still in living memory. I also have a hard time imagining that he would pass up the one job that he has been training/waiting his whole life for. I do have to laugh about the fact that just when his image was finally, mostly rehabilitated, there was a big cultural Diana Moment to remind all of us just how terrible he is.
TRUTH!
This is somehow almost my first time in the comments, despite Erin talking them up every week… excited to be here!
Treasure: TJ Klune. I just finished Under the Whispering Door, which was a delight. I read House on the Cerulean Sea a few weeks ago and liked it even more!
My eldest just headed back to school far away and probably won’t be back until summer. But the treasure is that we get him all summer because he just got an awesome internship at a nuclear power plant nearby🎉.
I’m also apparently going to spend the next 9 months getting choked up every time I contemplate the departure of kid #2 to college in the fall. Seriously, I get teared up every time it comes up, which is a problem😂.
The nest is quickly emptying (youngest is a freshman) and it’s not entirely okay😂.
In silly news, I’m on day 84 of the #100daydresschallenge And I am OVER IT. But, only two weeks to go, so I’m sticking it out:).
Ahh, I let my hold on Under the Whispering Door expire, now I think I have to go put it on hold again!
“an awesome internship at a nuclear power plant”
That sentence is not something I see all the time (*ever) so I need you to elaborate! What is he studying? What kind of work will he be involved in? How did such an internship come about? So many questions!
It’s actually his second summer, so he was really excited that they want him back! My husband helped him get his foot in the door last year with some contacts, but it was really gratifying that they want him back on his own terms! He’s studying electrical and computer engineering with an interest in clean power generation and mostly did programming last summer. It was his dream job, and if they had asked, I think he’d have quit school and stayed forever😂. And it’s less than an hour from our house, so it’s my dream job for my kid, too, since he currently goes to school three states away!
That's just so cool! Congrats on all fronts!
Little late getting here today, but I just wanted to say hi, friends!! I have loved reading through and catching up with you all this afternoon.
A few updates/treasures from me:
💜 I found out a few weeks before Christmas that I HAVE CURLY HAIR. WHAT. All of my hair struggles now make sense. I noticed a huge change in my texture toward the end of my second pregnancy in 2019, but never put two and two together that I might have curls. It’s been an interesting month watching lots of YouTube and IG reels, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of things. 🤞
💜 My gluten-free journey continues to be a major help. I haven’t had any debilitating hip pain for almost three months now, and I am so grateful. Some of my favorite recipes have come from jessicaeatsrealfood.com and allthehealthythings.com. My boys and I made these NYT cookies this morning too and they were REAL GOOD: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020871-gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookies
💜 Still on a No Way Home high. What an absolute delight of a movie. My older son is VERY into Spider-Man right now (he’s in his costume at this very moment), and it is a true joy. I’ve always been a huge Spidey fan, so passing the love to my kiddos is ridiculously fun. Can’t wait for the day when they are old enough to watch alllllll the movies with me. 😎
💜 Reading through the Bible this year with some Swipes has already brought me so much comfort and softened my heart toward the Word. I went pretty dark last year with my faith, so I’m very grateful to read and walk alongside ladies I know and trust, near and far!
Okay, that’s it for this week! Love to you all & praying for safety and health this year.
Hannah! Isn't it weird that things like pregnancy can change hair texture? Good for you for embracing it (I'm still trying to figure out what my hair wants to do, and if it's wavy or curly or a weird mix). Those cookies look really good, I think we're going to try making them this weekend. And your oldest being into Spider-Man is so fun!!
Your days when you really go Power Curl bring me life!
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Yay, I'm so glad you're not in as much pain anymore!
I once dated a guy who was so into Spider-Man that he wanted to name his future son Peter. I'm embarrassed to say it took me several weeks to put two and two together and realize it was because dude's last name was Parker...
HAHAHA wow this is next level 🤣
I am HERE for all the GF recs!! I've been GF for 4 years this fall, and while I get grumpy about it sometimes, I know it is sooooo much better for my overall physical/mental/emotional health. I really love Danielle Walker's recipes too! Her chocolate cake is so good, no one can usually tell that it's GF. :) I am totally going to check out those recipes you posted 😍
YAS NO WAY HOME
No Way Home was the best!!
Curly girls unite! 👊🏻
Hi friends! The new year has been good so far and here are a few quick highlights!
🍝 One of my besties and I got dinner at my favorite restaurant last night and I got my favorite mocktail and pasta and ice cream and to process our lives with each other and ugh, I didn’t know how much my soul needed it until I drove home after the fact.
😴 Not quite a treasure but not quite a turd, maybe just a human thing? I had every intention of starting my morning routine at 5:45am, I woke up to use the restroom and saw that it was very bright and shiny through my windows and I knew what it meant. I looked at my phone and it was 7am on the dot. I had to quickly scribble into my gratitude journal and read my Bible devotional at a stoplight (I am on the book of Job, lol how fitting) and then I was half an hour late. Thankfully, so was my boss! I ran over to the bakery and got us consolation croissants.
📖 I am working really hard to try and make sure my morning and evening routines are on point, and I am learning to try again the next day, the next meal, the next moment of margin time, instead of just giving up altogether. I’m very much a “if I can’t do it perfectly, don’t even bother” black and white thinker and I’m really trying to change that mindset, especially when it comes to physical and emotional health.
💫 I need to watch The Book of Boba Fett, thank you all for reminding me.
I’ll be in the comments after work! Gotta wrap up my lunch break!
Jackie, good for you! I think I need to remember to try again more as well, and not give up quite so quickly if things don't turn out how I planned. "If I can’t do it perfectly, don’t even bother" could be my tagline - but Mr Chazz on Instagram says to try to be an "improvinist" instead of a perfectionist!
Oooooooh that is a great way to put it!
Way to go trying to change your mindset, it is not easy! (When you figure out how to do it, please teach me. I'll pay you! 😂)
I’ll let you know! Don’t give me your money just yet. 😇
That was me this morning too! I overslept by an hour and my husband had to wake me up or who knows how much longer I would have slept!
Still learning to give myself grace when I don't complete my perfect morning routine.
long live consolation croissants!!!
Good job giving yourself grace. As my husband always says, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Hello dear friends! I lost the password to my other email, but I am figuring out life! I am honestly in a fantastic mood rn. My friends are all coming back in town this weekend, I get to hang with all of my other friends next weekend, it’s snowy and pretty and LIFE IS GREAT!! Anyway. I listened to the December Patreon of the Big Boo Cast and came up with my favorites of 2021 along with them. I have so many treasures! Most of these definitely did not come about in 2021, but they’re things I discovered last year.
TV: I loved both The Good Place and Signed Sealed Delivered (Hallmark, it’s THE BEST). *VERY* different vibes, but very good shows.
Movie: Crip Camp (Netflix) changed the way I view the world. I am obsessed with it and I think that (most) everyone should watch it. (Definitely NSFJM)
Books: I devoured two nonfiction works this year. Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams both really shaped a lot of my life this year. They will always and forever hold a special place in my heart. Also, That Sounds Fun by AFD was great!
Skincare-ish?: I really enjoy a good eyebrow razor. I started really taking care of my brows/sideburns this year and it’s made me feel better about life.
Hair: I have had a VERY EXCITING HAIR YEAR! I was quarantined and decided to experiment. My current magic mix is hair glue, curl mousse, anti-frizz milk, and leave in conditioner. But the biggest and most important trick is to wrap it in a t-shirt and let it air dry! Perfect waves! It’s magical for my hair!
Fashion: This is the cutest, most comfy sweatshirt ever. I dress it up (necklace, big earrings, tucked in, flare jeans, booties) or down (sweatpants). It’s a unicorn sweatshirt in terms of comfort to style ratio. https://www.maurices.com/product/plus-size-navy-tie-dye-crew-neck-sweatshirt/123579?camp=PLA%7CRTN%7CGOOG%7CBRAND%7CPRODUCT%7CMaurices_SHOP_BR_Brand_GGL_PLA%7Cpla%7C472946821369%7C11367950324%7Clocal%7C26075291%7C1369%7CUS%7C&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8ICOBhDmARIsAEGI6o2Z_1hcnRtSw8HtOjrPB6EfmeDaBKoOE9323XNESEDWS_KqeXVCoagaAsDmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Music: Has to be Into The Mystery by NEEDTOBREATHE. That album will forever and always be the soundtrack of my 2021.
Content Creator: Safiya Nygaard. She does some stuff on Instagram and TikTok, but I adore her livestream channel. Her main channel videos are great, but the livestreams are just so soothing and yet chaotic!
Food: Peppers! I discovered that I love peppers this year and they’re my favorite vegetable ever.
You discovering peppers was like a couple years ago when I discovered how magical fresh green beans are haha (even my kids would devour them!)
Fellow NTB-er here! :)
I’m very invested in your hair hack. I think we need details on the products. Also, do you sleep in the t-shirt or does it dry after you wet in in the morning?
So, to explain, I realized that I have wavy/curly hair this fall. I found Curly Hair TikTok and it was a life changer. I just used what I had around (bc quarantine😬), so the current magic mix is Garnier Fructis curly hair mousse, leave in conditioner, and anti frizz milk. It’s all sort of the same line, in green bottles. Got them at Walmart, I think. The hair glue is Walmart’s version of the göt2bglued spike gel. My brother went through a spiky hair phase a few years ago and it was still under my bathroom sink. The t-shirt is really experimental from person to person. I can’t sleep with it on, mostly because I’m a wuss and I hate how it feels trying to sleep. Mine dries enough within an hour or two to let it air dry the rest of the way.
Crip Camp will make you hack your cry big time! I love Peppers, I always have a pepper trio on my shopping list because I use them so much. I'm going to be binging Big Boo episodes this weekend. Taking time with Melanie and Sophie makes my day brighter. :)
I had never tried them because my whole family hates peppers!! They are so superior to the rest of the vegetable world.😂
Your hair update sounds amazing!! So glad you found what works for you!
I also read Secret Life of Bees last year and loooved it (I’m a big Sue Monk Kidd fan and have now read The Book of Longings and The Mermaid Chair and have 2 more of hers on my library holds list). Have you watched the Secret Life of Bees movie? It’s also on my list to do.
I didn’t know there was a movie!! I read The Invention of Wings for an English class a few years ago and fell in love with Sue Monk Kidd!
I have Invention of Wings on my hold list so now I’m pumped for that one!
Okay, but what is this hair glue you speak of? 😍
My whole routine is in my reply to Annette, but honestly, it’s an off brand version of the göt2bglued spike glue. I have no clue where I got it. My brother went through a weird spikey hair phase in late elementary school and it still lives in our bathroom. I am now realizing this hair glue is at least 3-4 years old. GAH I NEED TO CLEAN OUT MY BATHROOM!!😂
I loved this recap! And listen: you figure out your hair? That's like, 76% of life.
Right?! I also figured out eyeliner this year and I feel like I’m well on my way to finding the meaning of life.😂
Happy first Friday of 2022, Swipes! Gonna be a quick comment, as my middles are distracted by Yoshi's Crafted World but not for long...
It is cold but not snowy here in Kansas, and it make me sad. I'm fully one of those "if it is going to be cold, there better be snow" kind of people so it's just an annoying winter right now. My oldest had some big tears when my mom showed him the snow they have in Minnesota; he keeps threatening to move to Alaska if we don't have a good snow this winter. Climate change is a b, son.
Treasures:
- I finished the main Court of Thorns and Roses Trilogy and man, what a ride. I loved that it was different enough from Throne of Glass that I didn't get confused, but now I need some kind of crossover, stat. Also, very pumped that they are turning COTAR into a mini-series; I am not good with casting things since I am over 40 and don't know any of the up and coming young'uns, but Flo Pugh was in my head as Feyre toward the end (probably due to watching Hawkeye) and that was a good fit for me.
- My husband and I started watching The Book of Boba Fett and it's really good. It's fun to back in the Star Wars world.
- Spin class at my gym. I go two days a week and have two very different instructors, but they are both excellent, and make super fun playlists!
- I am starting a 40 day sugar fast on Monday, and I am enjoying trying to find treats to make that have no added sugar (honey and maple syrup are okay, as is fruit). If you have any suggestions, let me know!
- I am taking my quarterly trip to Costco and Trader Joe's, and love making those lists. Any faves I should check out this winter?
- I finished cleaning out our bookshelves yesterday (I have a used book problem) and have 6 bags of books to donate to our public library sale. I also have my two shelves of books I can choose to read from for 2022. My goals are to read 12 non-fiction I own, 12 fiction I own, and more BIPOC authors in my favorite genres.
That's it from this cold flyover state. Stay warm, all!
Sarah! Ahh, wasn't the series great? I read that before Throne of Glass, and thought it was just magical. Rhys is absolutely my favorite (did I cast him as Regé Jean Page in my head? Yup I did.) but I love the idea of Flo Pugh being Feyre.
My husband was pretty excited to watch The Book of Boba Fett because he loves that character, and I liked it too. I like seeing more of the details in the Star Wars universe.
The Trader Joes Well Rested Herbal Tea is so good. We also really love the lentil soup!
Rhys may go into my "favorite fictional characters of all time" list. I loved him like I love Severus Snape.
He's the best
Hello, from Wichita. Barely a dusting of snow here. But we still had that delightful cold wind. 🥶
Kansas wind...it's a whole type of weather!
my whole30 no-sugar treats:
peaches cut in half, roasted in the oven with a little bit of coconut oil & cinnamon
dried coconut
seltzer waters
dates (if you can find really good ones - apparently there are also bad ones!)
these lime plantain chips: https://www.vitacost.com/barnana-organic-ridged-plantain-chips-acapulco-lime?&CSRC=GPF-PA-857682003887-google_pla_pro_medium_food+%26+beverages_NEW2021-&network=g&keywordname=&device=c&adid=92700064421690458&matchtype=&gclick=CjwKCAiA5t-OBhByEiwAhR-hm5Em8gXgUVANSFpXll9kmbUSB5D9KJt2S8l9nuQrzpY7D4BIw3IOaxoCDmYQAvD_BwE&ds_agid=58700007167270391&targetid=&gclid=CjwKCAiA5t-OBhByEiwAhR-hm5Em8gXgUVANSFpXll9kmbUSB5D9KJt2S8l9nuQrzpY7D4BIw3IOaxoCDmYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Oooh dates with almond butter and prosciutto is one of my favorite salty/sweet snacks!
this sounds so yummy!
Hey, fellow Kansan, right there with you about the snow! Saturday was SUCH a disappointment- only an inch or so in Topeka!
Ugh, I know. My boys still went "sledding" down our icy driveway, but it wasn't quite the same!
Love your book goal! We gave away so many books already this month as we are packing so it gives us a time to really inventory what we keep and helps me guide my reading plan for the year and decide what to do once I read a book that I own (as yes I own a lot more books that I have not read vs what I have read).
Your kids might like the snow in MN but seeing as it's still -2 out (ooh we MIGHT HIT 1 degree at 4 pm! HEAT WAAAAAVE) you can't go out and enjoy it. :)
Trader Joes always means I grab the greek yogurt guacamole, various frozen pastas, the orange chicken, and their chicken stock (its liquid gold!) -- plus FLOWERS!
Where are you guys moving to? Yeah, it was -24 at my parents' the morning; I don't think my boys understand what that feels like :D I'm going to have to try that greek yogurt guac!
Yep it was -20 here. We are just moving a mile away, but we went from a townhouse to a single family home and finally 2 full bathrooms and everyone will have more space. SO SO SO excited.
Their guac, have I ate it out of the container with a spoon and chip bits like savory yogurt when there was only a little bit left? YEP.
Oooh I purchased A Court of Thorns and Roses when it was on a kindle sale a few weeks ago, think I will dive in! Do you follow Caroline Chambers on Instagram (@carochambers)? She’s one of my favorite recipe creators and does a Trader Joe’s Tuesday series (usually in her Reels) that always has lots of good ideas. She may even have a highlight for it too!
Oh, I will have to check her out!
Danielle Walker has some amazing dessert text with no refined sugar! (They also happen to be gluten free and dairy free, which is why I use them, but I haven't had a flop - they taste AMAZING). https://daniellewalker.com/
Thanks for the rec! I will check her out!
The Trader Joe's sipping chocolate MIIIIIIIIGHT be a good consolation prize for cold weather, but no snow.
You may have just saved winter!