Easy Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are one of the first things I learned to bake once I was out on my own. But having to ice them and decorate them, is mostly something for holidays and special occasions, unless you have the time and patience. Just having a simple sugar cookie on any day of the year, or even just a quick cookie to take somewhere, or to eat on throughout the week, is something a lot of us enjoy. Sugar cookies, just baked and left by themselves, is such a simple cookie to mix together. The key to these easy sugar cookies is to roll them in sugar before baking, without the hassle of cookie cutters, or icing. Here is my version of "Easy Sugar Cookies" that you can make any time of the year. And the best part, they're soft.

Here's how to make these easy, soft sugar cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking power
• 3/4 tsp. sea salt
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Using a stand mixer, mix wet ingredients together starting with the butter. Combine butter and sugar, and add the eggs. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix well. Form into balls, about two tablespoons for each ball. Roll in granulated sugar, or colored sprinkles, flatten just slightly and lay on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes, or freeze at this point to bake later.

Bake for 12-16 minutes at 350 degrees.

I would add to allow them to cool before eating, but nothing is better than a warm sugar cookie straight from the oven, so enjoy!

Five Simple Things (July 19)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This kitty.

The different faces of Eleven. I've had a lot of cats growing up, and two others as an adult. Eleven is the only cat that I have had that acted human on different occasions. Her personality has been such a nice thing to have since losing my last cat, Meia. Meia was my best friends, regardless of being an animal. I believe animals come into our life, similar to humans, to help us. Eleven has helped me during some of my worst mental health days. I hope I have helped her on her hard days, too.

2. These peaches.

It's that time of year and I am loving it. In season fruits are the best right now.

3. This sunset.

West coast sunsets are the best sunsets that I have seen. The pink/red/orange skies are breathtaking. No matter where my life takes me, these are the skies that I will always talk about for the rest of my life.

4. This soap.

I have been having issues with redness on my cheeks and recently found out that it could be Rosacea. Which comes with age in some people. No one in my family has Rosacea, and a lot of times it is hereditary. I am leaning more towards it being the water in the house we are in, because of how old it is, but this rose facial soap from Dr. Botanicals has helped lessen some of that redness.

5. These sheets.

My mom gifted these sheets to Skylar when we were in Arkansas back in April. He is going to use them on his bed on the bus, once his room is completely finished. He is excited to be using them and how they remind him of where he was born. Go Hogs!

One last thing:

We have been downsizing things within our house the last few weeks and this week we took three large boxes to Safe Haven Humane Society. The same place we adopted Hardy from back in 2011. We have donated to this place for several years and with a location now in our city, it makes it so much easier to give back to a place that does so much for animals.

Positive affirmations this week:

Always been kind to your mind. You deserve the love that you give to others.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (July 12)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This moment.

Skylar got back his pictures from our trip back in April. He shot a lot of pictures on his film camera, which was Jeff and my first film camera we bought to document Skylar's birth and growing up. Watching him look through them with a smile on his face made my day. I am so happy that old Minolta film camera is getting new life.

2. This garden.

 

I just love our little garden every season. It's small, but it's worth it.

3. These boxes.

Misfits Market and Mighty Nest came this week. We all loved the mango bites in this shipment. They will definitely be something we add to our future orders. And the Mighty Nest Mighty Fix this month was perfect. Sunblock is always a plus, and the Sun Bum brand is one of our favorites. The smell alone reminds me of summer time.

4. This rainbow.

Always seeking out the rainbows during or after the rain.

5. These pancakes.

Delicious pancakes with a tiny doggie that would like proof of that deliciousness.

One last thing:

Keep this list in mind when shopping for in-season produce. It's important to avoid unnecessary additives in what you eat. This list could have more added to it over the years as large amounts of pesticidal residue continues to show up in commercial farming. The best way to avoid exposure is to look for produce that doesn't use as much pesticides. Even organic produce uses a form of pesticides, but the exposure has been reported to be lower. The Dirty Dozen doesn't make the list for overall exposure to pesticides, they make the list because of the amount. 

Positive affirmations this week:

You aren't alone. There are others dealing with anxiety and depression every day just like you do. You aren't weak. You aren't weird. You aren't alone. If anyone makes you feel like you aren't allowed to feel your feelings, they aren't people that you should allow to be part of your good days. A lot of people will try to tell you that your mental health issues are a weakness. What's weak is, not reaching out, or relying on your people that actually do support you 100% when you have bad days. If your bad days are really bad, reach out to someone more qualified to help you get through those days; be it a hospital emergency room, or calling 988. You are enough and please remember, these days are only temporary.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.