Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Dramatic title, right? Today I just want to focus on the positive things that are making me feel good, happy, productive, you know?
The Sun!
I always say that the few warm winter days help me make it through the winter. Honestly, our winter isn’t that bad. We did have a pretty cold start to January and I don’t hate it. I like a bit of snow each winter. I also don’t mind the rain we had in January. But, after about 13 days with zero sun whatsoever, I really loved seeing the sun and then enjoying it in the afternoon when I could sit outside.
I sat outside Saturday and Sunday in my happy place in my happy anti-gravity chair. My family first experienced this chair at a lake house in Michigan over 15 years ago. Since then, we have had at least one and usually two at my house, given them for gifts to both Grandpas, and talked non-stop about them. I keep mine folded up but available all year long. You need one!
I sat in the sun Sunday and Friday, too!
Yes, I will try to drop everything to enjoy a sunny day until spring comes.
Meal prep and thinking of my future self!
I spend time on the weekend to make the week go more smoothly. I heard this concept of “your future self” from Gretchen Rubin, I think. This can just mean your future self of 5 days from now! What can I do on a Saturday or Sunday to help myself be on autopilot when I get busier? Meal planning, ordering or shopping for the groceries, and a bit of meal prep. As I run out of something, I add it to my grocery app on my phone and use that as my list.
I start the week with 5 breakfasts and one lunch for Erica and I. Here is my breakfast pizza:
I deal with mail and emails right away; there are lots of things I could let linger, but I try to think of my future self not having to deal with those things later.
I also try to do my laundry on a weekday for two reasons – I know my college kids and Tom need to do theirs on weekends so I try to leave it free for them – but also, I don’t have to spend my weekend doing mine because I did it during the week.
Coconut Oil!
I put this amount on my hand and rub it all over my face before I get in the shower:
My face has never been softer and it just melts the makeup off if I have been wearing it. I have not had dry skin this winter.
Room Temperature Water!
I find I drink more when I have just this Tervis Tumbler with no lid, no straw, no nothing and if the water is room temp. I used to think I needed my water full of ice but I actually think this is better for me. When I am home on the weekends I try to fill this as many times as I can.
So, what say you? What is saving your life right now?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I enjoy walks outside and the sun too. My husband and son bought a bass boat over the weekend. I hope they enjoy it as much as you do yours.
LikeLike
Oh yes! You should go with them! It’s so peaceful!
LikeLike
Sun is definitely needed, gosh, we never have lots of dark days like we recently did and I felt it. My future self is thankful every day that I get up early and get my exercise done. It really sets the tone for the rest of the day!
xo,
Kellyann
LikeLike
Yes! It really does – I hope to get back to that habit soon.
LikeLike
Sophia is coming home at the end of March, I cannot wait to have her close again!
LikeLike
Aww – wonderful!
LikeLike
These sunny days have been so good for me…& I didn’t really realize I needed the sunny day until we’ve had so many. My tumbler for water has been so nice in ensuring I get plenty of water too.
LikeLike
Me too! I really need a new one! That would help me, I think!
LikeLike
It sounds like you had a superb weekend. And that pizza looks delicious.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
The sunshine this week is so nice!
LikeLike
I’m like a lizard looking for any sun remaining when I get home!
LikeLike
Someone told me today we went 23 straight days without sunshine and broke a record! So, the sun shining is at the top of my list! I am so much more productive on those days which is weird because I like nothing better than a good rainy or snowy day!
The other thing saving my life is having meals made and frozen in my freezer. We have a big-ish chest freezer in the garage, but I haven’t plugged it in since we moved here almost two years ago. I used to swear by my big freezers back in the good old days when one of our Christmas gifts from my mom was a 1/4 of a beef! Now, I just rely on the one in the kitchen. That sounds weird…like I have a freezer in my kitchen…it’s the freezer part of my refrigerator!
Have a fabulous rest of the week!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
LikeLike
Wow! That’s just like the UK! Ha!
Great idea! I am more of a prepper than a whole meal preparer. My freezer is quite empty right now. It’s really nice to be able to pull out a meal when you want it.
LikeLike
I agree with the sun! We’ve had a very dreary January, but the sun has been out the last couple of days and it is giving me LIFE!
LikeLike
Right? And today is gonna be 60! So happy! Love that groundhog!
LikeLike