Its been a minute! So glad to connect with you again.
Pressing publish on this in August, but it's a little recap of July!
How are you Doing?
Especially lately, life has felt heavy. The pandemic. Police brutality. The "work from home with kids" juggling act so many of us are preforming in. Debates surrounding this election. Hate that seems to be growing by the day on social media.
And that's just a small list we could keep adding to. Everything feels big and heavy right now. And out of our control.
So I want to ask -- how are you doing? How are you really doing?
A few things that have brought me JOY amidst this season:
- Daily walks. Spending time outdoors with my family is a daily habit that always boosts my mood.
- Family time. It's impossible to be anything but joyful sitting in a kiddie pool with a 16 month old in shark-print swim trunks.
- One of my favorite verses: "So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” - Luke 21:28 Even when things seem beyond our control, they are not out of God's. And he promises salvation for those who believe in Him. No matter how crazy things get. I always come back to this and find joy.
- Talking it out with others. I am a verbal processor so nothing makes me feel better than a good chat with others! If you ever want to talk things out. Email me. Seriously. I could use it too. ([email protected])
Family Photos
On a lighter note! We did a round of family photos recently. It was so fun to capture this stage in Sawyer's life. If you are in Eastern Washington, you MUST look up Cassie Trottier (she did our wedding too!). She works MAGIC behind the lens.
Currently Eating:
Not exactly eating, but we have been sipping on Probiotic Lemonade to keep cool in these hot summer temps!
Eating TONS of salad with Trader Joe's Vegan Caesar, lots of veg, and always Feasting at Home's Simple Crispy Tofu.
I've gotten back into Smoothie Bowls in a big way. Loving this recipe topped with coconut flakes (seriously the best!), cacao nibs, and lots of creamy peanut butter. Heaven.
Loving Lately:
The Instant Pot. We use ours almost daily. We set steel cut oats to cook before we head out on a walk. Cook dry beans a couple times a week. And use it to make foolproof rice aka rice that I don't forget about and burn.
This cropped tee was a birthday gift that I have been living in!
I've never loved a skincare item more than this CLEARity Serum. It has been a total game changer for my skin! My skin is more even toned, brighter, and I haven't had a zit in months. It's been nicknamed the "Blackhead Dissolver" for a reason.
Jenna says
I really love this post! So many great things in it! Did you lighten your hair? It looks so pretty! I love that verse you shared and I need to try that crispy tofu!
Laurel says
Jenna! It warms my heart that you took the time to read this! I did lighten it, thank you. I needed a change!