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In a reading slump or need something new?
I’ve decided to submit a different book review every Sunday. There are people out there who are in a reading rut (been there) or just looking for new and different read so here I am supplying my own very unprofessional opinion.
At any given time I am somewhere in the middle of 3 or so books. (Hi, my name is Melanie and I have a problem). The first is in the form of a library book or other “hold in my hand and turn the pages” type of book. The 2nd is on my Kindle–a must for vacations so you can take a library with you – You can find one here!
This brings me to me 3rd book I am reading, or in this case listening to. I listen to my books with an Audible subscription (you can get a free 3-month trial using the link I provided). I had never listened to a book before, but it is a game changer. I am a bit too much of a busy body so I feel guilty if I’m just sitting and reading. It’s hard to ignore all of the things I need to get done. Laundry, dishes, cooking, prepping for the next week. Well, insert audible and I can do both it’s a crazy world we live in.
This week I am going to talk about:
Description from Amazon:
A #1 New York Times bestseller • TV series in development at MGM Amazon Studios with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society • Amazon Best Books of the Year, #4 • Apple Best Books of the Year 2023 • Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023 • NPR “Books We Love” 2023 • Audible Best Books of 2023 • Hudson Book of the Year • Google Play Best Books of 2023 • Indigo Best Books of 2023 • Waterstones Book of the Year finalist • Goodreads Choice Award Winner • Newsweek Staffers’ Favorite Books of 2023 • Paste Magazine’s Best Books of 2023
“Suspenseful, sexy, and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros’ Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy.” —Booklist, starred review
“Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end… A fantasy like you’ve never read before.” ―#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron FlameThis brings me to my review. I am generally not a fantasy book reader so they need to hook me very quickly and be very good books. Yarros does not disappoint in this regard. This book had me staying up way past the “time to go to bed notification”. It is very hard to put down. The characters you will love or grow to love throughout this book. It had it all, a villain (or a few), a heroine that you will root for from page one.
If you are interested in this genre of books, you will not be disappointed. This is also included to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service through the Amazon platform that contains millions of titles that you can borrow. Follow this link and you can get a 30 day free trial–here
If you have never read a fantasy book I would add this to your list and give it a chance, you will not be disappointed.
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Addictive Personality Disorder or just a Junkie?
So, I have boys, lots of boys and these boys love to play video games. I’m betting I am not alone here. I never really understood the draw until now.
I grew up in the eighties, I didn’t have a cellphone until I was in my 20’s. We went outside like all day long. We found our own fun or created it. We climbed trees and drank from garden hoses; we had keg parties in fields. I still consider this the greatest generation but, I may be a bit biased.
Fast forward to today. I have overcome the cigarette addiction that lasted for 4 decades. (Quit date Dec. 30th, 2019) I still have drinks and enjoy it. I know I have a shopping problem, I’m looking at you Amazon, I get a little dopamine rush when I find a good deal or the cutest shoes I must have. Are you seeing a pattern here?
In December, I began playing a solitaire game to keep my mind sharp. (I think I was just convincing myself of that). I hadn’t played video games since the days of Pong (if you know, you know). Well, that solitaire game led me down a rabbit hole, and before I knew it, I had more than 10 games downloaded on my phone. “Look, this one pays you money when you play just 10 minutes a day,” and so on. “Make money from your couch.” Just a month into this video game thing, I was hooked. I could see where this was headed and decided I was not going to give my precious time away.
I started thinking about it and realized how quickly I had fallen for the advertising schemes. I consider myself a fairly intelligent person, yet I was drawn in by all the fluff and bluster of these ads. Those tricky ad people are very good at their jobs. I think of our boys and all the time they spend in front of screens—whether TV, computer, phones, or video games—and it scares me to think about the influence these have on their generation.
The invention of the internet was a wonderful thing. It has brought our world much closer together but, it has also created bigger divides. We have become a “need it now” society. Our children haven’t known anything other than this lifestyle. They no longer can go outside and entertain themselves. They are in need of constant excitement.
So, how am I going to stop this in its tracks?
I had to use the same mentality that I used to quit smoking. I went in and deleted all of the games and got my yoga mat back out. I dusted off my running shoes and I ordered an exercise bike.
You can check out my post on New year New Habits… here
Now I look at that paragraph and wonder if that is my next addiction? Well, at least that would do some good for my midsection.
There must be something to this. I get addicted to things awfully quickly?? HMMMMM. It turns out that there is actually research done on addictive personality disorder. I am not self-diagnosing here, but I feel like I may have some of the traits.
The cigarettes, the shopping, the alcohol, and now add video games? Nope, I am not going there.
Update on the “make money from your couch” I made a total of $27. Twenty-seven dollars for an unknown amount of mindless screen time. Nope, not worth it. Add to that, these “free” games get you hooked and then they want you to spend money to get more imaginary spins or rolls so the other imaginary people on the same game cannot damage your imaginary city you are building….see what I’m saying. I know of people who cannot pay their bills but are buying pretend rolls or spins because of the addiction. I know of people that have borrowed money just to keep playing or build the next pretend city.
I will say if this was the thing that made me open my eyes to how easily I and quite possibly others can be manipulated by fancy advertising and chances to earn a “quick” buck. I’m terrified for our next generation.
I cannot say for sure if I actually have addictive personality disorder or if I am actually a shopping, drinking etc. sort of junkie but, it has sure opened my eyes to doing something about it.
If you can relate to this post and would like to read a little more from some actual professionals, not just little old me ranting on my couch. Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic. here
I know this is going to sound super corny but, I am choosing to thrive in 2025, wanna come along with me? Here are a few things I am starting with…
Click on any of the images above to get your year started off right. Let’s do this!
**this post contains affiliate links, if you purchase through any of these links I receive a small commission.
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Transform Your Life: New Year Habits
The turning of the calendar brings a new beginning, a chance to choose our paths and make decisions that line up with our deepest dreams. The new year is a universal reset, a moment that encourages reflection on past experiences while also opening the door to future potential. By grabbing the energy of this shift you can set the stage for a successful year of change.
The Power of New Habits
Habits are the building blocks of our daily lives. They shape what we do and how we do it. They really determine our success. As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to look at our current habits and consider which new ones can lead us to a more fulfilling life.
The impact of habits cannot be overstated; they are the builders of our future. Whether they are positive or negative, habits accumulate over time, creating the framework within which our lives unfold. Understanding the power of habits and their role in our daily routines can help us make more conscious choices about which behaviors to chase and which to let go of.
Why New Year is the Best Time for New Habits
The new year brings a mental boost. We have a clean slate that allows us to leave behind any past failures and focus on future possibilities. This mindset shift is so important for goal setting and bringing new habits into our lives. Starting fresh can provide the catapult needed to make changes that last.
The new year is significant, it is often accompanied by ideas and dreams that excite us about the idea of “the new me”. This momentum can be incredibly motivating, creating a sense of community and shared purpose as everyone strives to make positive changes. The timing also works as the new year follows a season of looking back during the holidays, when many people naturally asses consider what they want to improve.
Goal Setting: The Foundation of Habit Formation
Setting clear goals is the first step in forming new habits. Without knowing where you want to go, it’s easy to get lost. Goals give direction and purpose, helping us to stay on the right road when setbacks occur.
Goals serve as the roadmap for our journey, providing a clear vision for what’s ahead and focus. When we set specific goals, whether they are small daily goals or very large 10 year goals, it is important to break them down into manageable pieces to maintain the drive. This focus is essential for maintaining motivation, especially when the initial excitement of a new habit begins to wane. By anchoring our efforts to well-defined goals, we increase the likelihood of creating positive changes over time.
Steps to Effective Goal Setting
- Be Specific: Vague goals like “get fit” or “save money” lack clarity. Instead, aim for specific targets like “exercise 30 minutes daily” or “save $200 each month.” Specificity helps eliminate any questions and provides a clear target to aim for.
- Make Them Measurable: Tracking progress is crucial. Use metrics that allow you to measure success, like the number of books read or pounds lost. Measurable goals provide tangible evidence of progress, which can boost motivation and help you stay on track.
- Set Achievable Goals: While it’s great to aim high, ensure your goals are realistic. Setting unreachable goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Achievable goals build confidence as you experience success, encouraging you to continue pursuing your ambitions.
- Stay Relevant: Your goals should align with your values and long-term vision. They need to matter to you personally. When goals are relevant, they resonate on a deeper level, fostering a stronger commitment to seeing them through.
- Time-Bound Targets: Deadlines create urgency. Establish timelines for your goals to maintain momentum. Time-bound goals help prioritize actions and create a sense of urgency that can drive consistent effort.
Transformative New Year Habits
Certain habits have the power to profoundly change our lives. Here are a few suggestions to consider as you embark on your new year journey.
These habits are more than resolutions; they are lifestyle changes that can lead to lasting improvements in your well-being. By adopting these habits, you can create a ripple effect that enhances every aspect of your life, from physical health to emotional wellness and intellectual growth.
Morning Routine: Start Your Day Right
A consistent morning routine sets you on the path for a productive day. Consider trying activities like meditation, exercise, or journaling. These habits can boost your mood, increase focus, and reduce stress, setting you up for success.
The morning is a powerful time to establish a sense of control and intention for the day ahead. By dedicating time to activities that grow your mind and body, you create a foundation for strength and productivity. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet reflection or a brisk workout, a morning routine can be a practice that fuels the rest of your day.
Healthy Eating: Fuel Your Body
Adopting healthier eating habits can drastically improve your physical and mental well-being. Start by making small changes like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, drinking more water, and reducing sugar intake.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of health, influencing energy levels, mood, and overall feeling of health. By prioritizing wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, you can support your body’s natural processes and enhance your ability to handle stress and challenges. Small, sustainable changes to your diet can lead to significant long-term benefits, creating a healthier relationship with food.
Exercise: Boost Your Energy
Regular physical activity is not just about losing weight; it’s about feeling energized and strong. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing, and make it a part of your routine.
Exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental health. Beyond the physical benefits, regular activity can improve mood, increase focus, and promote better sleep. By choosing activities that you enjoy, you increase the likelihood of maintaining a consistent exercise routine, making it a pleasurable and rewarding part of your daily life.
Mindfulness: Cultivate Peace
Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Even just a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in your mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the present moment without judgment. This practice can lead to a greater sense of peace and balance, reducing the impact of stress and enhancing your ability to cope with life’s challenges. By cultivating mindfulness, you can create a mental space that supports emotional well-being and personal growth.
Learning: Expand Your Horizons
Commit to lifelong learning by dedicating time each week to read, take courses, or learn a new skill. This habit can keep your mind sharp and open new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial. Lifelong learning not only keeps the mind active but also opens doors to new experiences and possibilities. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and exploration, you can continuously evolve and expand your horizons, enriching your life in countless ways.
Gratitude: Focus on the Positive
Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset from what’s lacking to what you have. Consider starting a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Gratitude is a transformative practice that can enhance well-being and foster a positive outlook on life. By focusing on the abundance in your life, you can cultivate a sense of contentment and appreciation, which can buffer against negative emotions and improve overall happiness. This simple habit can lead to profound shifts in your perspective, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Overcoming Challenges
Creating new habits is challenging, and setbacks are part of the journey. Here are some strategies to help you overcome obstacles.
The path to habit formation is rarely smooth, but with the right strategies, you can navigate challenges and stay on course. Understanding common obstacles and preparing for them can increase your resilience and help you maintain momentum as you work toward your goals.
Start Small
When adopting a new habit, start with small, manageable steps. This approach makes it easier to stick with the habit and gradually build upon it.
Starting small reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to experience early successes that boost confidence. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable actions, you create a sense of progress and accomplishment that fuels motivation. This incremental approach can lead to sustainable change, making it easier to integrate new habits into your daily routine.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to habit formation. Try to perform your new habit at the same time each day to establish a routine.
Routine is a powerful ally in habit formation, helping to reinforce new behaviors until they become automatic. By incorporating your habit into your daily schedule, you reduce the mental effort required to maintain it. Consistency builds momentum, making it easier to overcome initial resistance and establish lasting change.
Find a Support System
Share your goals with friends or family who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable. Joining groups with similar interests can also provide support and motivation.
Having a support system can make a significant difference in your ability to stick with new habits. The encouragement and accountability provided by others can help you stay committed, especially during challenging times. Connecting with like-minded individuals can also inspire and motivate you, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
Celebrate Progress
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can keep you motivated and focused on your long-term goals.
Celebrating progress reinforces positive behavior and boosts morale, reminding you of how far you’ve come. Recognizing even the smallest victories can help maintain enthusiasm and motivation, providing the encouragement needed to continue pursuing your goals. This practice of acknowledging success can create a positive feedback loop that supports ongoing growth and development.
Conclusion: Embrace New Beginnings
The new year is the reminder that change is possible. By setting goals that mean the most to you and adopting habits, you can create a life that aligns with your dreams and values. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. Embrace the new year as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to set out on a journey of personal development and positive change. Here’s to a year filled with new habits, new beginnings, and the pursuit of your best self.
The potential for transformation is always there, and the new year serves as an ideal reason for change. By committing to growth and embracing new habits, you can unlock new levels of fulfillment and achievement. As you embark on this journey, remember that each step forward is a mile marker to your dedication. Here’s to a year of possibility, where every day is an opportunity to create the life you want.
Have you ever entertained the idea of coloring as a grown-up? Research has shown that coloring can reduce stress, calm your mind and help with anxiety. Below you can download 15 pages of affirmation coloring pages for you to start this year.
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You can change your life by this time next year.
After spending almost all of my adult life just letting life happen to me, I have made a conscious choice to change that. I am in charge of my life and I will be intentional about the changes I make and the end results that I want to achieve.
I started 2024 with a mission to find my purpose. I read and then I read some more. I started taking classes again (turns out I am a better student as a 52-year-old). I discovered my “why”. When people used to say that, I never understood what that really meant.
I spent a huge amount of time just sitting with my failures and accepting the things that I could not change. I took a look at my life and all the things I have to be grateful for. The blessings that I have, to start with, my children. There are no words to describe the love for a child. I am I am so incredibly lucky to have 4 of them. This is my “why”. I feel like since the first moment I held my oldest son, I was overcome with my new responsibility and I embraced it with my whole heart. About a decade ago, I got won the lottery and got to add a bonus son and my best friend to my life. It is hard to argue with the blessings I have been given.
Fast forward 30 years and I am finding myself staring at an almost empty nest. It scares me beyond words to not have the boys relying on me, asking me questions and being my company every single night. I know that my job as a parent is to raise them with strong enough wings to fly away. It’s just a very hard thing to do, letting go.
I knew I had to try and rediscover the person I was meant to be, beyond a parent. This is what brings me to this post. In my search I stumbled on a few things that have become invaluable. One-word– Podcasts. I had never before listened to a single one. I, for some reason I had the misconception that they were all news related or purely educational. Boy, was I wrong.
It has been amazing learning from and following these incredible women and I would not be doing my part if I didn’t share them with all of you. I was going through a very very difficult situation in my life and this first woman came into my life exactly when I needed her. My good friend Kelly, suggested I read this book right here. Just click on the photo below to begin your journey to a healthy love for yourself.
There are a couple of books in this series and both are fabulous. She is a very relatable, real writer that I connected with right away. She also has a website and podcast that are worth following. These can be found for free on YouTube.
Near the end of 2023, I was introduced to this next strong woman. By, no surprise here–my friend Kelly. She told me “You need to get some Mel Robbins in your life” Well darling, you were 100% correct. This was my very first podcast I had ever listened to and it changed my view on life like I can not describe. I then found her books that she published like these below. Just click here to find all of her content. You will not regret “getting a little Mel Robbins in your life” too.
If you are instead a fan of audible books–here is a treat for you. I would put on my headphones, turn this on and walk every morning. I came home with new drive, excitement for my life for the first time in years.
We are coming to the end of another year and during this very busy hectic month, take some time to treat yourself to some self-love. If you combine this with the Hygge lifestyle I talked about in this post. You can start 2025 off right with a new sense of peace and intention.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas time brings peace and family together hopefully. It has forever been my favorite time of year. It means it’s time to reflect on the past year, were you the kind of person you intended to be? Were there regrets or mistakes that you will need to move on from.
What were your greatest triumphs or missteps? Each one of us probably has many of both. I hope you’ll humor me and let me share a couple of mine.
For many years I have wanted to become a member of a church family again. I have gotten away from the practice of prayer and how much it can mean when it is part of your daily routine. We are blessed to have found a new church family (Thank you Danielle Davis for inviting us). It has been exactly what we’ve been searching for. If this is something that you have also been grappling with, please reach out and do not waste another second telling yourself “I’ll get to it, there is always time.” before you know it, you’ll be sitting in the same place next year and wondering why you haven’t made a move.
While that, I consider a major triumph in my life choices. Here is an example of one of my missteps ( or should I say “coulda done better there”. I came into this year thinking “all right Mel, this is your year—you are going to shed the pounds and get back into that pile of jeans labeled maybe one day. That did not happen, not only did I not get back to where I wanted to be, I kept going the opposite direction. I tried all of the “miracle pills”, I spent a ton of money looking for the easy way to do it. Guess what there is no easy way. I just finished my first 30 days of the intermittent fasting reset. In my honest opinion, there is something there. I need to do much more studying and research but, I am down 9 pounds and so far holding. I am hoping the 2nd 30 days bring more of the same.
I am not focusing on the failures, I am learning and retraining my mind to go always forward. Even if it’s only an inch, make it an inch forward every day.
Here is a list of my favorite deals, steals, finds and loves for 2024
Love*** Learning new things. I have taken a couple classes on Udemy. Turns out I am a better student when I’m over 50 than I was in high school. I’m looking at you Ms. Newton my senior Russian History teacher. There are classes on every conceivable subject that you might be interested in. Bonus points is the price, very affordable and has excellent reviews.
You can check out all of their courses here
Podcasts: Where have I been for all of these years? It turns out there is a podcast out there for you no matter your interests. These are a couple of my go-to’s.
The Mel Robbins Podcast
https://www.melrobbins.com/podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-hollis-podcast/id1245763628
Audible books—-another little nugget of gold. Wherever you can find them, I use Audible from Amazon which you can find from this link here. Also check out the Lilly app or through your local library.
Hygge: It is a lifestyle and it is wonderful. Bring peace into your home and reduce stress this holiday season. You can check out my Hygge blog post here.
All of these items have made my life just a little more serene, reduced my stress in one way or another. Please check out this list from Amazon to find something for the lady in your life. She will love you for it!
Please share with me all of your tips to make your life a little less hectic. Let’s all learn together.
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Tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
This week, I am totally cheating and sharing with you this post from a young lady by the name of Rachel Hollis. If you haven’t heard of her—check her out and if you do then you know what I am talking about. She’s real, she’s funny and she gets it so I am sharing her knowledge with you today. As Thanksgiving is the holiday that we host, this article rings 100% true! She also has advice for more than just Thanksgiving. Her books Girl, Wash your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing are still in my reading library and deserve a reread.
They say Thanksgiving is the most important meal of the year, and if you’re the host or hostess that’s a TON of pressure! Since it’s such an important holiday here in the US, I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts on how to achieve a stress-free thanksgiving. Or at least, the lowest level of stress possible.
Having hosted hundreds of events over the years (for both clients when I was an event planner and myself just for fun) I’m well-versed in every kind of event stress you can imagine. The advice I’d give you for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving is the same I’d say if you find yourself in a burning building… the most important thing to do is stay calm!
Be Prepared – Just like the Boy Scouts, a great host needs to be prepared. I have shopping lists and to do lists and even a timeline for the day of. Call my nuts, but it helps me to stay organized and I can also troubleshoot in advance.
For instance, when I look over my list and see that seven people are bringing side dishes in a crockpot that reminds me that I need to make sure I’ve got enough power strips to accommodate them. The more you can plan in advance the last stressed you’ll be day of.
Get Ahead – I do whatever I possibly can ahead of time. Shop for non-parishables, clean the guest bathroom, prep my vases for centerpieces etc. There’s nothing worse than getting to Thanksgiving dinner and being utterly exhausted because you’ve spent that last 72 hours preparing. Spread it out and you’ll be infinitely less worn out.
Accept Help – One of my biggest issues as a hostess is allowing others to help me. I want so much for my guests to be able to relax and enjoy and so I tend to tell them no thank you when they offer to bring a dish or come early to help set up. But here’s the thing, we usually have 50 people at our house for Thanksgiving and that’s crazy town! No way I could do it all alone without losing my mind. So if you offer to help I will say Yes Please and Thank You. Don’t let your pride get in the way of enjoying this day.
Let It Go – No, I’m not talking about Frozen here (though planning some fun movies for your kiddos to stay occupied in the last hour before guests arrive is a great idea) I’m talking about the idea that everything needs to be perfect. Plan the very best that you can and then a couple hours before everyone arrives take a breath and accept that everything will be whatever it will be. If you spend your day stressing about tiny imperfections or the fact that your stuffing is a little burnt you will miss the joy of the holiday. Focus on the positives like the green bean casserole having just the right amount of crispy topping or the fact that your children get to play with their cousins. You can find negatives in this day if you look for them, but the same can be said for all the good stuff.
Enjoy – This is my greatest piece of advice! I want to be relaxed and enjoy the time with my family but I’m usually so keyed up from getting everything ready that it’s hard to get there. Whether you pour yourself a glass of wine, put on your favorite pre-dinner pump up song, or snag an extra piece of pie for dessert 😉 be sure to take some time to just enjoy the holiday and your loved ones. Whether everything goes as planned or not, it’s important that YOU get a chance to relax and spend time with your friends and family! I hope you all have a wonderful and stress-free Thanksgiving with your families!
xo, Rachel
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, spend time with those you love and take time for the people around you who may have no one.
Mel
Click below for all last minute Thanksgiving needs and a few of your wants too.
If this holiday and all of the family appears to be too much, read this post and navigating family get-togethers here.
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SOS – Save Our Skin, Winter Edition
Winter Skin {noun} Itchy, scratchy skin. Sometimes cracked and raw.
If you live in one of the areas that winters are harsh and unforgiving, then this post is for you.
I have lived in central Minnesota for most of my life. When friends of mine from the south found that out, they looked at me like maybe I grew up in some foreign land with no electricity and no running water. Well, this is not the case here in the great white north, I have survived winters with frozen water pipes (that means no running water) and being taken to the school bus on a snowmobile. But we are a civilized, occupied state and have been since 1858. No matter where it is that you live during the winter months, we need to have a very different skin care routine than we do when the temps are warm and the air is humid.
Here are some of my favorite skin care products that I use to get through the “itchy long john skin” season. So, cheers from the state where your face tends to hurt in the cold when you go outside.
Click here for my daytime routine.
Click here for the nighttime routine
If you are looking for a little extra help or a deeper routine, please take a look check out the products on this page. The Sunday Riley brand is fabulous don’t take my word for it, you can also read the reviews on each product following this link
The winter weather is not only hard on your face. It wreaks havoc on all of your skin. It is hard to keep moisture anywhere your home (hence all the shocks and static electricity in your blankets and sheets). It is important to make sure all of your body gets more attention. You can start by doing the cheapest and best thing you can do for your body and drink more water every day—it’s free so, what more could you ask for. To go beyond this and give your skin a little more love; here are great ways to pamper yourself through this winter season.
Click here to >>>>Create an at home spa day
Whatever you decide your skin needs this winter. This is the season to take care of yourself, to pamper yourself. Find the peace and calm in a sometimes-crazy season.
**this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may receive a small commision at zero cost to you.
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5 must haves for every kitchen
Must have kitchen items I couldn’t live without.
When you are shopping for items, whether for a gift or for yourself, it is much easier to find things that others have tried and loved. There are so many choices out there, it is overwhelming.
As a mom to 5 boys, and 1 VERY hungry husband, I have cooked my share of meals. We have hosted family get-togethers etc. Here are some items that I could not live without.
Click here to shop >>>>Ceramic Pots and pan set
I had lived most of my 52 years with the standard pots and pans. I had never had a ceramic set until I was given one for Christmas (thanks sweetheart). I for some reason thought everything would stick and be terrible to clean. I was totally mistaken. If you have never tried ceramic I cannot tell you what a difference it has made in my life. Gone are the old and tired “nonstick”. I am telling you, give ceramic a shot. Don’t just take my word for it, read the reviews here.
Click here to shop>>>>Hands free colander
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain – Silicone Clip-On Colander, Heat Resistant Drainer fo Vegetables and Pasta Noodles, Kitchen Gadgets for Bowl, Pots, and Pans.
This colander replaces the large and clunky, hard to clean metal colanders of your mother’s. You cannot go wrong adding this to your collection. I find myself using this nearly every day. You can check out the nearly 40,000 5 star reviews right here.
Click here to shop>>>>Utensil Set
White Silicone and Gold Cooking Utensils Set with Holder – 7PC Silicone Cooking Utensils Set Includes Gold Kitchen Utensils, Gold Whisk, Gold Spatula, & Gold Utensil Holder
When you are working with good pots and pans, you cannot sacrifice good utensils to keep them looking and performing like new. This set not only looks fantastic but, will keep your pots and pans like the day you brought them home. Read all the reviews right here.
Click here to shop>>>>Bakeware set and accessories
BAKKENMASTE 18-Piece Deluxe Nonstick Carbon Steel Bakeware Set – Professional Kitchen Oven Baking Pans with White Silicone Handles and Accessories
No kitchen is complete without and essential bakeware set. This set has everything you will need to make outstanding pies to scrumptious cupcakes.
Your family will be thrilled with all of the treats you’ll be bringing to the table. I have struggled in the pastry department but, with this set it makes baking and clean up a breeze. Over 1500 people can’t be wrong. Read the reviews here.
Click here to shop>>>>#1 must have for every kitchen
PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic, Extra Hot Air Fry, Cook, Crisp, Broil, Roast, Bake, High Gloss Finish, Nonstick, Black
I was given an air fryer a few years ago (before they were such a big thing) and I had no clue what to use it for so it sat and sat like just another gadget on my counter. Fast forward to today and I wouldn’t be without one. This has been a lifesaver both in time and in calories. It is amazing how easy and quick that you can prepare things and without the fat of typical deep frying. If you do not have one of these in your kitchen, do yourself and add it to your list. It would also make a great gift for anyone you know just starting out on their own.
You can read all of the 5000+ 5 star reviews right here.
I hope that this helps you whether you are shopping for a foodie in your life or for yourself.
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Intermittent Fasting and the Menopause Middle.
I spent the first 40 years of my life very fortunate. I could (and would) eat whatever I wanted and not gain a single pound. Then, like a tornado, the onset of menopause. Now I would love to not put all of the blame on menopause. I have not been the kindest to my body. It turns out I’ve let the Western Diet (fast food, artificial chemicals on or in nearly everything) take over my life. Have you taken a look at an ingredient list lately? Very likely there will be many ingredients that you cannot even pronounce. In 1958, the FDA introduced a program called GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). This is the program that these chemicals fall under. An example of one of these chemicals would be MSG. These chemicals will stay on this list until we discover they are dangerous. Partially hydrogenated oils were once on this list. In 2015, it was removed when they ruled they were no longer safe to eat. The FDA reduced the amount of trans fat allowed into our foods. By labeling food either low fat or fat free it led us to believe that we should feel good about picking up these foods. When in fact, we are all collectively gaining weight. This led to another problem by reducing the amount of fat they were left with another problem—flavor. So, began the creation of the litany of chemicals and artificial flavorings that then has gotten mixed in, sprayed on or any other means necessary to fix the zero fat/zero flavor issue on their hands. It also increased the amount of sugar in these foods.
If you want more information, you can read this consumer reports article.
I believe there are many factors at play here that have contributed to this unwanted middle section of my body. I have been researching in so many different places. And there are an unbelievable amount of information it’s overwhelming.
There are so many schemes out there to get you to get out your credit cards and be sucked into the “lose 20 lbs in 30 days” wormhole. Perhaps buy these gummies and you just need to chew 2 each morning and find the weight just falling off, like Oprah and Garth Brooks (heads up, they didn’t actually use this method) You name it. I’ve been sucked into all of them.
When I turned 40, symptoms weren’t drastic they snuck up on me like a secret shadow. Night sweats here and there, brain fog, exhaustion for no reason, and man was I crabby; like I couldn’t stand myself. Then I noticed that my clothes didn’t fit me like they used to. Turns out I didn’t accidentally shrink everything in my closet. I was blaming it on the stress of the Covid lockdown, the sudden start to my homeschooling career and complete lack of social interaction.
I fully believe that all of these things played a part and I didn’t realize it until I had gained 30 lbs and my body was stiff and inflexible. I couldn’t do things that used to be so simple, like bending down and standing back up. It sounds crazy. If I could have seen my future self and known what was coming maybe I would have taken steps to avoid this long road I am now beginning. I didn’t realize just how drastically that menopause would change my hormones. We all have survived the “time-of-the-month” hormones and mood swings. Well, menopause takes these to a whole new level. I have looked at many different approaches and talked to many people that have tried some of the more popular methods out there. Keto, Vegan, Mediterranean, powders, supplements, yada, yada.
I stumbled on this incredible book and countless videos of Dr. Mindy Pelz. She is the author of The Menopause Reset, The Reset factor and Fast Like a Girl.
All of her books are available here
All of these questions I have, it turns out may be answered with the process of Intermittent Fasting, or IF. The studies she has done and the science behind it is extremely fascinating. I am embarking on her 30-day reset to test her theories. I am praying that this is the answer I so desperately have been looking for.
As far as the menopause mystery goes, I feel like I may have come out the other side of the dark place that it became for me. It is no joke; it turned me into a person I did not recognize. The best way I can explain it is this—It’s like it took my brain and my body, put them in a blender, ran it on high for a minute and poured me back out and said “here you go, good luck!”
If you or someone you love is dealing with the same issues, if you have been through it and would like to share any advice, please do so. I believe it is something that needs to be talked about. We as women should not have to travel through it alone. You can check out Dr. Mindy’s website here. Or catch up on her YouTube channel here.
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How to go from election division to holiday togetherness
Going from Election season to Holiday season
Every single election cycle brings a huge amount of stress. From all of the ads bombarding us at every turn TV/radio/billboards/nightly news the list goes on.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independant. Whatever the reasons that you vote the way you do, the importance is that you exercise your right to vote that our ancestors have fought so hard to protect. That being said, I want help our families and communities to heal from all of the division.
Tomorrow I am taking my son along to vote for the very first time. It started me thinking about how this right even came to pass and all of those that left their blood sweat and tears for us to have
Here is an excellent resource to show you the history, it shows you how this country went from white, male landowners being the only ones with this right to today.
This election has driven wedges within families and we are all so divided. The left has gone left and the right has gone right. I don’t think that this is what our forefathers had in mind when this country was founded. Regardless of your views I want to bring our families back together. Every American is entitled to their view and opinion. This is our freedom. So, please I beg that we each do a little less judging and a lot more listening.
Merging the divide
In this article you’ll find answers to some of the questions you may have about the upcoming holiday season.
If you feel the need to take the elephant out of the room, let everyone know before hand that there will be no discussing politics while visiting. Many times when a family or friends are so divided on a subject and there is some alcohol being consumed it can be like a match to the flame.
The most important take away is finding your ability to remain calm regardless of the situation. This year I am going to choose to focus on what I can control, myself.
My favorite ways to keep calm when I want to lose my sh**
Breathe: Taking deep breaths, and learning breathing techniques is one of the very best ways to calm yourself down and avoid saying something that may create an even worse situation. Try deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Be mindful: Having this kind of attitude can help you to stay focused and clear-headed.
Talking to a friend: Someone who knows you well can calm you almost in an instant.
Take a break: There may be times when you just need to walk away and take a few minutes to yourself to gain a fresh outlook.
There are countless resources out there to help you avoid freaking out in any given situation.
Even a better way to handle the situation is to try and avoid it all together. Knowing that you are tired, hungry (or hangry) and know that any difficult situation could be much more difficult if this is the case. Get to know yourself even better by digging deep and realizing when you are running on an empty tank and take a step back to refill your own cup. They say you cannot pour from an empty cup. Learn how to gauge your own feelings and care for yourself first.
If you need some ideas where to start check out this great blog post!
After all of the negative political talk and the never ending media loop I invite you to focus your energy on your family, this wonderful time of year and go all out with your festivities. Here you can find all of your baking/decorating needs. Let this be your most fabulous holiday season yet.
Click on the photo below and bring peace and a festive fall feel to your home!!
Let’s break the internet and share your favorite Thanksgiving recipes or traditions. Please comment below.
