I honestly think it was October 2015 when I last wrote a ‘ten things’ post…

(and yes, some time has passed since I’ve written anything in this space). But what does all that matter, really?

Let’s get on with THIS post. 🙂 TEN things I am loving right now:

:: baking and cooking. For whatever reason, fall time reminds me that I do in fact know how to cook!  September ushered in trying new recipes and dishes, many of which we enjoyed and will repeat.  Non-pressured kitchen time relaxes me and provides a great outlet for thinking and praying.

::  decluttering our home. I recently read an article on decluttering (found on my Facebook page) and was struck by this sentence: ‘We only need stuff for the life we want to live.’  This hit the right nerve within me and motivated me to Get. Rid. of. Stuff.

In some ways, I kept things for one day, or kept projects and crafts I really should finish.  No more! 🙂 Radical simplifying is taking place and it feels GREAT.

:: my NEW juicer!  I have loved and used my Vitamix blender for almost 7 years, and patiently waited for the Breville juicer I had my eye on to be reduced enough in price (at least for me).  So far, beet juice with ginger, beets, celery, carrots and cucumber is my favorite recipe.  So yummy!

:: sister friends.  I wish I had a picture with each woman who impacted me in such generous ways this year.  My mother, sisters, close church friends, blogger friends, a neighbor and more.  Definitely something I am loving and appreciating right now (my sisters pictured above).

:: Pilot G-2 fine point pens in blue ink. Go ahead and laugh at the detail, but I actually have a favorite pen! It’s been my fave for over a year and I love, love how they write. If you’re also pen picky and appreciate a smooth gel pen (they come in many colors), then try the Pilot.

:: planners and more planners!  My absolute favorite for general planning is the Erin Condren Life Planner.  This year I branched out to her Teacher Planner and loved how my personalized cover came out. If you are interested in EC products, of which she has MANY besides planners….feel free to use my referral link for $10 off your first order.

:: my nighttime routine.  I worked hard this year to maintain healthy self-care practices. I am loving my nighttime routine so much, that I actually look forward to this time! Another post with details coming up…

:: the Podcast app on my phone. My last three favorites connect with my NEW exercise routine of going to the gym. 🙂 Since listening to only music playlists gets a bit boring, I added some podcasts to the mix.  This way I am empowered and encouraged while I work hard physically.  Win-win!

:: Nuun electrolyte and vitamin tabs. Most of the time I drink water.  But to add flavor every once in a while, Nuun tablets have done the trick.  The strawberry lemonade tab is my current favorite.

:: the Bellabeat Leaf fitness tracker.  For a long time I considered purchasing a FitBit due to their popularity as fitness trackers. BUT, I honestly did not like the look.  After asking questions on my Facebook page, a friend suggested the BellaBeat Leaf. One look confirmed this beautiful tracker was perfect for me!  I looove I can wear it as a bracelet or attach to my clothing.  And, did I mention how pretty the Bellabeat is??

 ::

Those are my favorites this month!