Happy February…and happy 2021!! It seems late to say that but I missed the chance last month because of my blogging break. I took the entire month off. It was needed and helpful, but I am excited to be writing again and look forward to reconnecting with those who stop by this space of mine. During my hiatus, I was not writing nor was I reading any blogs (I was barely on the computer) and so I have a lot of catching up to do! A “Currently” link-up seems like a great way to do just that: jump back in and get caught up! If you have found your way back to my blog, please leave a comment – just say “hi!” – and if you are new…welcome!! Let me know what you have been doing lately…or, currently:)
As for me, currently….I am:
LOVING – all things winter. Well, I am trying my very best. It is no secret that I am not a winter fan. But I have really been trying to adjust my attitude. I’ve been trying to notice and even appreciate things – especially the small things – about each season. Not only the seasons of life but each of nature’s seasons. Typically, I spend the first three months of each year sitting around wishing it was summer. Those three months can be looong. Old habits die hard, but I have purposed to enjoy winter just a bit more this year. It’s a challenge – but I’m trying. Lately, I have been loving the hot drinks of winter….especially Peppermint Bark tea by Bigelow. Sleeping a little longer and our slow mornings by the fire. The afternoons by the fire are nice too:) Pretty much all the things that hygge enthusiasts rave about are making winter more of a joy for me!!
READING – a 30-day devotional geared toward weight loss, Less of Me by Becky Lehman. Although it is not exactly part of my morning quiet time (when I read my Bible, etc) nor do I think it should be, I still am not sure how I feel about weight loss and how to incorporate it into my spiritual life or devotional time. If that makes any sense? The two have always seemed like an awkward mix to me. However, this book has been interesting so far. Obviously, I am only on day two! I will let you know if it proves to be beneficial.
REMEMBERING – some of the past mission trips that I have taken. I don’t know exactly why they have been on my mind so much lately (maybe because they were all in delightfully warm places where no thought of snow and ice ever crosses one’s mind!) but the memories are delightful! I feel very blessed to have had each opportunity and, seriously, wonder if similar opportunities will ever come again. Right now, I don’t know if I will ever travel again! Which makes me really sad.
SHARING – some little gifts with friends and neighbors for winter…and Valentine’s Day. Just because:) I’m making homemade hot chocolate mix and (hopefully) some chocolate dipping spoons that will make cute packages and will just be a way to bring a smile to a few someones!!
WISH LISTING – new essential oils….which seems like a crazy thing to even say seeing I have way too many bottles of oils that I rarely use. If ever. But I have discovered something: not all essential oils are created equal. And, if I am honest, when it comes to oils, you really do get what you pay for. Sigh. I’m not saying that only the highest-priced oils work but it is true that cheap ones are a waste of time. And money. That said, I really enjoy and benefit from essential oils and, if I am going to use them every day I want the best I can afford. I have done quite a bit of research and have settled on the ones I hope to use…..but, they are pricey. So they are on my wishlist. If you use essential oils, I would love to know which oils (and/or oil brand) you use.
And, just like that, I have returned to the blogging world and my small part of it!! It’s nice to be back. Thanks for following along. I hope you return often.
I am with you on winter… I don’t like it, but changing my attitude about it makes a huge difference! Love your indoor cozy ideas. A couple of years ago I got a pair of snowshoes to have an outdoor activity that would help me enjoy snow – I like that it keeps me decently warm if I’m moving at a good clip. Fresh air does help, even though I don’t love the cold…
Thanks for joining in, and happy February!
Snowshoes? Actually, that really does sound like fun:) Enjoyed the link-up, Anne!
I’m trying to appreciate Winter more this year too. Especially because we get so much of it…
“So much winter!!” My heart hurts for you!:)
I am really trying to embrace winter more this year too. I find looking through my camera lens and finding way to have fun outside (even just for short spurts) like hiking or snowshoeing has helped… but I still wish it was sunnier and warmer.
I really should try taking more pictures outside! For short spurts:)
I love my simply earth oils! Good ones are expensive, but depending on what you use them for, it’s worth it. I do buy cheaper ones for making my cleaning products, but for diffusing and other uses, simply earth is my favorite! I need to remember to embrace winter more too. By March I am very over it and can’t wait for sun and warmer temps!
Thanks so much for the recommendation. And what good advice – to use up my cheaper oils for cleaning products. Brilliant. So glad you stopped by!!
I love essential oils and yes, I agree it’s worth paying the price for a good one.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Jennifer, it is so good to read your words here. 🙂 I’m one of the weird ones who likes every season…including winter. Of course, I live in a place where winter always gives way to spring and reveals beauty in many of its moods.
I enjoy oils too. I use Young Living, which I’ve used (and loved) for years. You’re welcome to email me if you have questions.
Welcome back!
Thanks, Jeanne! So sweet of you to offer a chat about oils. I just might do that:) So glad you stopped by!! I’ve missed blogging…and blogging friends:)
Welcome back to blogging! Yes I dislike Winter but my husband and I are trying to get outside each week for a walk- the fresh air, even when it is cold, feels good!
Thanks for stopping by, Holly! I am determined to get outside for a walk! It really does help!
Welcome back! I have missed seeing you regularly. I am curious about the oils and the brand you’ve picked. I’ve been looking into Young Living Oils and have a friend who sells them. I’m thinking about becoming a distributor so I can get a discount. I’m looking forward to your posts!
Thanks – glad to be back! Enjoying catching up for sure:) I’m wondering about “jumping all in” with the oils as well!
Happy New Year! That’s awesome you’re making little treats for friends and neighbors.
Thanks!! Best new year wishes to you as well!!
Your hygge style winter sounds wonderful! Mornings by the fire! Sign me up! And peppermint tea is my favorite, I will have to try that brand.
My stepmom just sent me over a box of essential oils – I have never used them but I am excited to look them up and see what I can do with them! 🙂
What a nice treat from your stepmom!! I think you will really enjoy them! Enjoy some peppermint sometime this weekend!!:)
I grew up in Iowa and plenty of winter. Now, I’ve been in Texas for many years and miss a little snow but not the continued cold days. I am really working on getting more oils into my life too.
Oh my….my son lives in Iowa right now and the winter has been brutal!! Hello to Texas!!:)
I notice that you post Tuesdays and Fridays, my favorite days of the week. I know, totally unrelated to your current post, but it is what struck me. I have never been into essential oils, but am using perfume every day this year to try and make the days more uplifting.
I agree – every day deserves perfume!!:)
Good for you for trying to find things about each season to enjoy! I have to admit, spring is still a struggle for me – where I live, spring is just a muddy mess. I love winter though – I’ve really been enjoying searching “cozy reading music” on Youtube and seeing what comes up! Sometimes they have a cozy winter cabin scene with the music, and it definitely adds to the hygge!
Spring is a struggle?!! Wow – who could imagine!:) I will have to try searching for cozy music…sounds great!!
I feel the same about the Australian summer as you do about your winter! Learning to appreciate it even when it’s not my favourite season and it seems to go on for ages!
So hard to believe any one would struggle to appreciate summer!!?! 🙂
I love the idea of trying to embrace winter instead of hating it–that is something I’ve been trying to do as well, since it isn’t my favorite season either. How fun that you’re making little gifts for friends and neighbors, I bet they will love that!