Five Simple Things (October 1)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Chocolate.

When I can't get Seely's Mints this is my next go-to minty chocolate treat. I could eat the entire bar in one sitting, it's that good! I like to break off a piece as a treat after a long day and it's the perfect mix of chocolate and mint. The company is women-owned and is based out of Seattle. You can check out all of their delicious chocolate treats here.

2. These Trees.

We dug out around the Hawthorne Trees this week and have plans to lay down some bark mulch later. The rain came in towards the end of us finishing, so we decided to hold off on the bark mulch for now. Still trying to figure out if we want to lay white marble stone similar to what's around the walkway, or actually do bark mulch...

3. These Samples.

I took advantage of the free sample offer Truvani had this week for their four plant-based protein powders. I also added the free samples of the protein bars they offer, as well. I enjoyed all of them and I love the fact that they are organic and offer organic ingredients that help keep us on track with our all organic diet. I am not sure I will be purchasing anymore of their products in the future, though. Although the protein powders and the protein bars were delicious, the protein sourcing they do for their products doesn't align with our dietary needs at this time. But, you can get this same offer here to try their protein powders, or try their full-sized protein bars here. 

4. This Moment.

This week we ate a lot of soups and watched a lot of movies. With the weather turning colder and the days getting shorter, soup and movie nights feel right. This particular time was tomato soup and Kindergarten Cop.

5. This Moth.

Little guy was hanging out on the stairs inside the house and before Eleven could get to it, we saved him and put him outside near the porch light. We think he is a version of the Underwing Moth, or possibly and Apple Moth/Light Froller Moth. 

Did you catch the Moon near Hyades this week (25), or  Pegasus near Pisces (28)?

Positive affirmations this week:

Although my Twitter is private now, I recently posted this reminder to everyone that follows me on there. I am grateful for the small amounts of progress I make every month, week, and even day. Each and every one of us are struggling with something that others can't see. As long as we can see the small progress and positive changes with bettering ourselves that's all that matters. No matter what anyone else says to you about your own struggles, know that your struggles are valid and your progress is a wonderful thing. 

Have a nice weekend.

Day Hike at Larwood Bridge

We've been to Larwood Bridge before during the summer months to swim in the water under the bridge. It's kind of a hidden gem in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It's one of the many covered bridges in the area that are still maintained and travelable by car. 

Five Simple Things (September 24)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Meals.

We've been cooking a lot more meals at home lately and have been experimenting with different ingredients. We have found a lot of organic options in the frozen food section and have been trying them out. The one on the left is frozen pot stickers from Costco, and the one on the right is organic enchiladas from our local food co-op. Definitely both worth trying. We thought they were delicious.

2. 

Fab Fit Fun and Kiwi Eco Box came this week. Love everything in both boxes this month. Fab Fit Fun is a seasonal box and you can sign up here to get the next winter box. And, Kiwi Eco Box is a monthly box that is amazing if you're trying to be more eco-friendly and zero waste. You can sign up here to get the next month's box. The items that came in the Fab Fit Fun box can be seen here, and the items that came in the Kiwi Eco Box are lipstick from Elate Cosmetics, natural body brush, handmade storage box made from natural jute, two Swedish dish cloths, bamboo pot scrubber, and a bamboo toothbrush.  

3. This Box.

We have been on a desperate hunt to find a meal/grocery delivery service that provides a lot of organic options and we hit the nail on the head with the Misfits Market. Their fruit, vegetables, meats, and even their sweets options are organic, non-gmo, or sustainable options. We got our first box this week and as you can see above the selection was spot on for us. You can get your first box for $10 off and free shipping with my code by clicking here. It's not only convenient, but also their selection will blow you away! Give them a try!

4. This Rain.

With rain sometimes there's rainbows and I love how bright and colorful they are here. It is amazing how many rainbows I've seen since living in Oregon. 

5. These Colors.

We've been looking into painting our duck's coop and we've been slowly narrowing down paint colors. We still haven't come to a definitely decision, but we are hoping to figure out a new color and to do some revamping of the coop soon.

Did you catch the Harvest Moon this week (20), and the Autumn Equinox?

Positive affirmations this week:

Have a nice weekend.

Sometimes Wants (Autumn)

These are the autumn time "Sometimes Wants" that have caught my eye lately.

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5.  6. 

7.  8. 

9.  10. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Finishing Rinse

2. Mad Hippie Cheek & Lip Tint

3. Polywood Long Island Adirondack Chair

4. Moon Valley Organics, Liquid Hand Soap

5. by Humankind Kindfill Hand Sanitizer in 8 oz. aluminum bottles. 

6. Organic linen napkins set

7. Zero Waste Lunch Kit With Tumbler

8. Natural Loofah Exfoliating Bath Sponge by Spa Destinations

9. Bee Yourself Large Zipper Pouch

10. Luxury Natural Throw Blankets-Organic Cotton

During the summer months the sun and salt water really beat up my hair and as the autumn season rolls around I like to give it a bit of a boost. This apple cider hair rinse really comes through. It is not only a better-made product and nonchemical, it really gives my hair a good recovery from all the product, sun damage, salt water, and anything else I tend to beat my hair up with over the summer. You can pair it with the Avalon Organics Shampoo and Conditioner, but any shampoo and conditioner combination works great. As the seasons change, I try to mix up the colors I use. I love this lip and cheek coloring by Mad Hippie. There's fig, poppy, and plum color, but I love the plum color for the seasonal change. And, their eco-friendly packaging is a plus. This product comes in a glass tub with a bamboo lid. We've been looking for more eco-friendly outdoor furniture that can put up with all the rain Oregon gets throughout the year. And, I think we hit it with the Polywood collection. Made from recycled plastics and can definitely withstand the weather changes here on the Pacific Northwest. With the change of seasons comes germs and colds, and I like to use this time to switch out our hand soaps throughout the house. I love the organic lemon rosemary scent from Moon Valley Organics. And, even though our guard is a bit lowered now that the pandemic is getting controlled we still haven't let our guard down with hand washing with soap and water, and using hand sanitizers. We've also found some great lunch items that are more sustainable, and also switched to using natural loofahs in the shower over plastic loofahs. I also have been taking a liking to small bags to use for lunch, day trips, change for filling our water jugs, and even small snacks. And, with the change in seasons, a new throw blanket was definitely in order. Our old blankets always get handed down to Hardy, Eleven, or even in our duck house to help with insulation. Hopefully these items peek your interest, as well, and help you make some seasonal changes for the better. Happy Autumnal Equinox!

Happy Birthday, Jeff

Since Jeff had to work on his birthday, which was the sixteenth, we celebrated with him on September 20. He has been working hard and doing a lot of things for himself lately that he has been putting off, so Skylar and I baked him a cake and enjoyed the weekend with him. He has been such a great help to both Skylar and me since our car accident, and even though I'm not the greatest cook, or baker, I do my best to make birthdays special to the people around me that love me and are part of my team. Happy forty-ninth birthday, Jeff.