Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
Why I Hid My Toothbrush, and Other Tales of June
Published 5 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
β
β
Hello, and happy June!
β
As I shared last month, our house is for sale and it's a rather strange time.
β
At any given moment, my phone can chime with a showing request.
β
I stuff our dog's giant, fluffy dog bed into its washing machine hiding place. It does not go down without a fight.
β
My son hangs the white towels -- the ones he can't actually use -- in his bathroom.
β
My toothbrush is banished to the back of a drawer, and I replace my bed pillows with two that have ironed pillowcases. (Ironed pillowcases!)
β
Ironed pillowcases and no trashy magazines!
β
We can now stage our home in a 20-minute mad dash. With our dog in the back seat, we drive to the park and wait while potential buyers peruse our home.
β
Rituals During Disruptions
β
May I be honest? The interruptions are the most challenging part of this home selling process for me. I love my routines, and feel out of sorts right now.
β
Many of us will experience periods of time when the daily rhythms of our lives are disrupted.
β
I remember feeling this way when my dad was in the hospital for an extended time. I tried to visit every day while working and parenting.
β
What kept me sane then is the same practice I'm leaning on now: a quiet morning routine.
β
For me, it's this:
β
Whispering a word of gratitude when I wake up.
Brushing my teeth (where is that toothbrush I hid?).
Drinking a full glass of water to start the day hydrated.
Stretching. Ohhh, it feels so good to stretch first thing in the morning.
Petting our dog Hazel, and telling her she is the bestest girl.
Making a cup of coffee, and settling in the comfy chair.
Enjoying quiet time reading, meditating, praying, and writing.
Figuring out my top 3 priorities for the day.
β
β
Hal Elrod, author of one of my favorite books The Miracle Morning, developed the SAVERS acronym for starting the day strong. It stands for: Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading and Scribing.
β
How about you? What's the morning routine that helps you stay grounded?
β
Drop me a note at elizagcross@gmail.com. I'd love to hear and share your strategies.
β
Meanwhile, if you need me I'll be trying to find my toothbrush and extracting the dog bed from the washing machine.
Looking for the perfect side dish for your summer picnics and cookouts?
β Our Macaroni Salad with Bacon is a crowd-pleaser! With crunchy celery, tomatoes, tender pasta, a creamy dressing, and plenty of savory bacon, it's perfect for any BBQ or gathering.
π Check out Party with a Plan on Instagram for fresh, inspired entertaining ideas. The creator happens to be a very special person in my life!
β
π My latest guilty TV pleasure is Tucci in Italy - National Geographic's special featuring actor Stanley Tucci exploring Italy's food and culture. Have you watched it?
π When I can't figure out what to make for dinner, The Stay at Home Chef has a TON of great meals you can make in 30 minutes or less.
β
π Have you tried John C. Maxwell's '30 Second Rule' when starting a new conversation? It really helps!
Are You Curious About Blogging? Here's What I Know.
β
Iβm frequently asked about blogging, and whether itβs a hobby or a career.
β People wonder if itβs possible to earn money running a blog, and are often surprised to learn that many bloggers support their households with the money they earn.
β
If you're curious about blogging, check out my new guide, "Blogging for Fun and Profit."
Craving something crispy, crunchy, and totally delicious? Our Potato Chip Chicken is a family favorite!
β
Tender chicken breasts are coated in crushed potato chips and baked to golden perfectionβno frying needed. These homemade chicken tenders are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike, and they make an easy appetizer, too.
Beat the heat with this sweet collection of no-bake strawberry recipes from some of my talented food blogging friends! These easy, refreshing treats are perfect for summer, and packed with juicy berry flavor
Treat Dad to something special this Fatherβs Day with our irresistible Maple Bacon Pancakes! Each fluffy stack hides a layer of crunchy bacon bits insideβsweet, savory, and sure to be a hit at breakfast.
β
This recipe is from our sister site, BENSA Bacon Lovers Society:
Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
β