We've taken up the trend of growing avocado trees from seed. We have been saving our avocado seeds throughout the year and trying our best to get them to root. We've has a bit of success and therefore we've planted them in small pots and then combined them into a large pot all together. They've struggled a bit, but they are growing. We haven't read about how long it takes for them to grow larger, but for now we are happy with what we've created. The plants currently share a pot with some ginger found in the back of our refrigerator a few months ago. Waiting to see what happens with that, as well.
There's different way to get them to root, but I've always found that the toothpick balanced on the top of a glass has worked best for us.
I like to wait until there's a good group of roots showing and a small sprout coming from the seed before transferring them to soil.
These are the plants that the seeds above created. This is about a year's worth of growing. There is ginger in the pot with these, but overall there's definite success with the seeds. It's kind of satisfying to know that you can eat the avocados and with a little patience allow it to continue on with life. Everything in this world has a purpose, and I feel that sometimes giving other living things a chance to continue on living, is a great way to appreciate life on a different scale.
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!
I purchased these Shoyeido frankincense incense this week to burn throughout the house and on the school bus. Frankincense is associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and stress-relieving properties. This week has been a bit less stressful, so it definitely came in handy.
2. This guy.
On Monday this week we celebrated Jeff's birthday. He asked for chocolate cupcakes, so chocolate cupcakes is what he received. These cupcakes are made by our local food co-op and paired with the buttercream icing they are delicious! It was a good day for him. Happy birthday, Jeff! We love you!
3. This moment.
Speaking of the local food co-op, we had an issue with our car battery while we were there picking up birthday food for Jeff. The car wouldn't start and we needed a jump. Skylar asked a few people in the parking lot and no one had jumper cables, so he went inside and told one of the workers. The worker immediately said, "Don't worry, I have cables and I will even move my car around the help you out." His name was Kory and we are so grateful to him for helping us get back on the road. Also, a big shoutout to Bodhi at AutoZone for helping Skylar replace the battery.
4. This soap.
We've been trying to turn to more alternative mentions for basic things, like this shave soap. Badger is a great company anyway, but anything we can do to create less waste I'm all for it. We are going to give this shave soap a try and see if it can become part of our routine going forward.
5. This Bath.
Hardy used to hate baths, but he has gotten better over the years at trusting us and letting us wash him up. He still hates it, I'm sure, but at least when it's over he gets treats and love. That part he loves! Him's a good boy!
One last thing:
On Tuesday night (September 17) we got a great view of the Full Harvest Moon. It was also a partial lunar eclipse, as well. We were able to see the moon completely and it was definitely a great full moon that night. The picture on the left is through a cell phone camera, and the picture on the right is through the telescope. Both views did not disappoint.
Positive affirmations this week:
This is such a great addition to mental health coverage, and it's something that has been needed for a long time. One of my hot buttons with politics is having an administration that pushes for better mental health care for everyone in the United States. Having a president in office that takes that seriously and actually makes positive changes, means so much for all of us that suffer with mental health issues and mental illness. With these changes, be sure to talk to someone when you're struggling and reach out when you need to, without worry of having it not covered under insurance, or your state's healthcare providers. You are worth it, and you are brave!
I have been seeing heart shapes around lately. I am not sure why, but I like to think it's a good thing. The universe reminding me that I am loved.
2. This box.
Kiwi Eco Box is always a good subscription to receive. My favorite thing from this month's box, the linen bag.
3. These Crayons.
Nothing is better than a fresh box of Crayons. As a child I loved to open a new box and smell the scent of the Crayons. Now as an adult, I still embrace that smell. It's been awhile since I've been able to find a box of 64 with a built-in sharpener, so finding this made my day.
4. These candles.
Always a good time to burn a nice candle.
5. These flowers.
Getting out in nature is so important for your mental health. One thing that has caused a lot of mental health decline is overuse of social media, and news. Most news now days is bad news. There isn't a lot of good to cling to with that, or with social media. Some of it is avoidable, but some of it isn't. The best way to find that balance within yourself is to take time away from it and get out into nature. Every day of being in nature is best, but even a small amount of time can do a great deal for your wellbeing.
One last thing:
I found these two products this week and at first I didn't think I would use them right away, but of course that didn't happen. I used both all this week and I have to say, no regrets. Jennifer Aniston's Lolavie hair products make my hair feel and smell incredible. Being over the age of 40, this brand is perfect for me. And, we have always been Auromère users in our house, but these soaps smell amazing!
Life at a "Swell's" pace is a lifestyle and travel blog chronicling the life and travels while living in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley. It is mostly written by Shelly HW. Click the image to learn more»
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