Everyday Beautiful is my recap of the things that brought me joy during the previous week.
Well hello there, lovelies! How is your January treating you so far? I have been hunkering down this month – prioritizing rest and rejuvenation, but also metal recovery. All of my usual tools – reading, writing, and listening to podcasts have been unhelpful this month – leaving me to lean into other activities – puzzles, listening to music, watching movies with my family, and cooking more! Rather than fight what’s not working, I do best when I just lean into the shifts of the seasons – and winter is certainly for hibernation.
Proof of puzzles.
The sunrises have been on fire this year!
After an excruciatingly expensive and long grocery trip, we fought the hangries by making rotisserie chicken and baguette sandwiches in the parking lot rather than picking up takeout. I was proud to teach my daughter a lesson in resourcefulness – and also how to carve a chicken with a butter knife.
Focusing on Wellness
As I mentioned in my last Everyday Beautiful post – my word for 2024 is Wellness. I’d like to periodically check in with myself (and you) on how things are going in this department.
Physical Wellness: With regard to the Glucose Goddess hacks that I mentioned previously – I have been diligent about eating a savory breakfast (not eating oatmeal on workdays has been very difficult to overcome) for three weeks now and I haven’t had any reflux episodes. I really hope this trend continues. I’ve also been trying to eat my vegetables first whenever possible, and I’ve been spacing my cups of coffee out so that my body doesn’t have time to pool excess acid in my esophagus.
Mental and Emotional Wellness: I have somehow managed to allow meal planning, prepping, and grocery shopping to consume my mind the last several weeks. I’m not sure if this is just a phase that I’m latching on to for the time-being, or if it has taken up permanent residency – but I’m sure my friends are sick of hearing me talk about it. So I asked myself – How can I make this easier? 1) I need to make master grocery lists – both for certain stores and a list of weekly staples that I always need on hand. 2) I need to make a list of meals we love – right now it’s too hard to remember what we like in addition to if the recipe is in my box or binder, on Pinterest, or in a cookbook. I’m thinking a Google Doc with links and references might be a place to start. 3) I’d like to create a permanent page on my blog that I’ll continue to update with Recipes I Tried and loved – because sometimes I forget about them!
Currently Reading
Between Shades of Gray – 5 Stars!
This book packed a serious gut punch! I don’t know if I just didn’t pay enough attention in history class, but Sepetys has an amazing way with words, educating us in lesser known historical events and storylines. I was first introduced to her when I read Salt to the Sea (another 5 stars!) and I cannot wait to share these books with my kids as they get a little bit older. Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea are both Young Adult historical fiction novels.
This was emotional and hard to stomach at times, but deeply researched and extremely powerful. I highly recommend it!
Recipes I Loved
This Chipotle Ranch Dressing is a total winner! We enjoyed it on shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and even with my stuffed peppers.
We enjoyed this White Chicken Chili a few weeks back – the crispy tater tots on top are the key!
Words to Live By
A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner – continuously and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you – is a fine art.
Elizabeth Gilbert
What brought you joy this week?
Becca @ Life’s a Pearl
Yay for leaning into the current season and all the cooking! I love your idea for sharing you wellness checkins with us 😊