Five things

How’s everybody doing? What’s shaking? What’s new? We’ve had two birthdays and Mother’s Day in the past two week so lots to celebrate. And a lot of cake. Lil just turned the big 1-3 so I guess that makes her a quaran-teen?

It’s hard to find a quiet corner at home but this spot here with a great candle (I’m loving this ruby red grapefruit one from Charleston & Harlow) helps me find some zen. I mean, I can still hear every word anyone says but that physical separation makes a difference. Cat recommended this meditation app so I’m going to try that too. How do you find your zen?

LIVA sent us some of their date sugar to try so we’ve baked a few things with that. It’s a natural alternative to white and brown sugar that you use 1 to 1 and it’s made from 100% ground dates. These peanut butter cookies were awesome (one cup pb + one cup LIVA + one egg baked at 375 for 10 to 12 minutes) and they’re a little healthier too. (Date sugar has less carbs and cals than white and brown sugar + some fibre.)

Somehow it’s mid-May and I’ve barely made a dent in this month’s TBR. Keep What You Love: A Visual Decluttering Guide (c/o Thomas Allen & Son) isn’t in my stack but I’ve been looking at it from time to time and it’s giving me the urge to purge. Each page has a whimsical drawing of a common household object, i.e. incomplete board games, a plant that can’t be saved, all those pens, and then a yes and no box below that you check depending on whether you’ll keep it or send it packing. If you have a hard time getting rid of things and/or finding the energy to do so (🙋‍♀️) it’s a gentle way to ease into it. Another lovely little book from the creators of 50 Ways To Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life: Practical Lessons In Pencil And Paper; The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter; A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness and many more.

Last but not least, if you haven’t entered my Hygge in a Box giveaway go, go! It’s a Canadian subscription service from two sisters in Winnipeg who curate a delivery of products and ideas to help people find more meaningful hygge moments for relaxation and self-care. Most of the items are made in small batches by 🇨🇦 artisans and businesses. There’s a box every season and limited edition boxes throughout the year. I bought the Spring box to share with one of you and help support a small business I believe in. (I’ve written about the Hygge Holiday Box and the Hygge Starter Kit if you’re curious to see more.) The giveaway ends May 27.

That’s it for now. Meet you back here tomorrow? I hope you’re having a good weekend and finding some zen.