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 found this granite serving tray at TJ Maxx this week. A lot of things at TJ Maxx are hit or miss, but I feel like this was a good find. I like to go in there from time to time and explore the home goods area. Sometimes their clothing, luggage, and shoes are a win, too. This tray was calling my name and I love horror-themed items, so this was a great score. There are a few dings, but overall for $13, not regrets!
2. This doggy.
We took the bus to pick up a few things needed this week. We don't take it out often to just run errands, but we decided to drive it around a bit and take Hardy with us. He absolutely loves riding in the bus and I just love how much he loves us, no matter what we are doing. Ever since we got the bus, he has always been the first one to jump on it and be ready to go. Maybe we was a bus driver in another life?
3. This box.
Kiwi Eco Box is one of my favorite items to receive each month and each month is such a wonderful surprise of eco-friendly products from healthcare, beauty, household, and everything to help change over to more earth-friendly items. My favorite thing in this month's box is the soaps, for sure. I love a good soap that doesn't leave a film on your skin, and these soaps are made with quality ingredients that are all-natural and eco-friendly.
4. These products.
I love when my new shipment of Necessaire comes in. The rosemary scent is one of my favorites. I can't say enough about these products. They are made with care and are co-founded by a woman.
5. This moment.
Making our voices heard through the ballot box. I am so proud of Skylar for supporting and voting for the things that really matter and not backing a lot of the misinformation and negativity that is dividing so many of the people in our country. Here's to hoping the people we voted for win and continue to bring the country together and not divide us with harmful words and rhetoric. Hearing someone bully, make off-color jokes, make fun of, and call another party lunatics, is uncalled for and disgusting. There needs to be a change and if we can't do it on a national level, we can at least do it on a local level.
Finding joys and gratitude every day helps retrain your brain to see the good in almost everything and everyone. Of course, stressors will arise and will test your gratitude, but keeping the habit of finding something every day to be positive about helps counteract those intrusive thoughts of negativity. It gets easier over time, and you will see how much better it helps your mental health, too.
Autumn comes in as a mix of different moments. Each day could be different from the previous. No complaints.
4. This cookbook.
This cookbook was offered from our local bank when we went to make a deposit this week. The teller told me if was writing by kids, and part of Furniture Share in Albany, Oregon. So, of course, I had to buy it. I have already made the 'Tater Soup,' and it was delicious.
5. These gifts.
Jeff received gifts from Selmet this week. They showed him their appreciation for his hard work in training new employees hired on at the company. He works so hard and has been there for over 20 years. The little gratitude gifts they give out from time to time, really mean a lot to him. We are proud of him, and it was nice of them to show how much they appreciate him, as well.
One last thing:
These two new items are now in the shop.
The travel bags come in three different sizes and four different colors. They are vegan leather and have zippered closures. They are perfect for holding makeup, toiletries, or even school supplies.
The Look Sharp graphite pencil never needs sharpening and makes a cool addition to school supplies, or even using in the office. It comes with an eraser and a cap. Both of these items are under $25.
This was a post I put on Twitter this week. You can and will get through whatever it is you're dealing with currently. You are strong and you deserve better days. Remember, it's only temporary.
You can do this!🌈
Have a nice weekend.
Be sure to vote on November 5. Be sure to not stress about who you think could make your country, your state, your county, and even your city a better place for everyone. Not just yourself, but EVERYONE. Remember, you can make a huge difference in the outcome of it all, especially on a local level. Also, please consider voting person over party. If the person in your chosen party isn't a good person, consider how that will reflect long-term for us all.🗳
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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