five simple things #4 — The Traveling Notebook

Jan 26

Jan 26 five simple things #4

This past week felt like a bit of a doozy. It was cold (hello winter) and grey. Work had some more stressful moments. My meal plan was uninspiring. This weekend was a nice reset for the last week of January. I hosted a birthday brunch with family for Badger’s birthday earlier this morning and will be making his most requested meal for dinner. I hope that you can take the time for a deep breath and to find calm before the week begins.

1. Badger’s Birthday. I love celebrations. Badger does not. Since his birthday falls on a Monday, hosting a birthday brunch seemed like a compromise of a low key celebration. I made this quiche with spinach, red pepper, onion and gruyere cheese along with blueberry cream cheese biscuits from The Pretty Dish. The combination with fruit and bacon was a hit! I only wish that I had made a brunch dessert.

2. Planner time. I used to be much better with dedicating time each week to “planner time” which helps me to see the upcoming week through stickers and color coordinated notes. I also love being able to easily see fun events coming up to give me something to be excited about. I have been using the Erin Condren LifePlanner for at least the past 5 years. Now if only I could stop buying stickers…

*this is just a small sampling for a photo op.*

3. Homesteading without the dirt. Fox has always been more of a country mouse at heart than me. She’d love to live with chickens in the backyard with a lush garden to supply the ingredients for her vegetarian meals. I share in the appeal and hope to one day learn how to can. Chickens living in my backyard is not in the stars for the near future (particularly since my “backyard” is nonexistent #apartmentlife). However, I am going to adopt homesteading without the dirt which is my own phrase to describe using things that I already own rather than purchasing things new. This includes beauty products, craft supplies, pantry items, etc. It is both a way to save money and strive towards sustainability.

image: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/instit/savbond/mat/clipart/clipart_savbond.htm

4. Savings Bonds. I recently re-discovered several savings bonds that were gifted to me when I was a baby. We checked out the current values and realized that the majority of them had completely matured and were not still earning interest. Badger and I promptly went to the bank to cash them and viola! I am sharing this because financial content is something that I wish was shared more on blogs. Finances often feel out of my comfort zone but I am willing learn and share along the way.

5. Rothy’s. Mama Bear surprised me with a pair of Rothy’s for Christmas and my love for them has re-emerged. In my opinion, they live up to the hype. They are comfortable all day long, are durable and wash perfectly. I threw in a load of my Rothy’s before heading out on Thursday morning and I have three freshly washed and air dried shoes!