By the time our eyelids flutter open, small bits of morning light have started seeping through our window blinds. We no longer feel we are waking in the dark of night each morning. We can see the familiar landscape of mountains and trees burst with green. It is lush and teeming with new life. I open the window over our kitchen sink and can hear a chorus of birds fill the air with song. They are ready for the day. Flitting and tweeting about with great energy.

“When your eyes are tired the world is tired also.
When your vision has gone no part of the world can find you
Time to go into the dark where the night has eyes to recognize its own.”

Winter challenges us to turn inward and now we have more reasons than ever to find a way to live mindfully at home. I would love to hear from you about how you are at this moment in time.

How is life feeling for you, loves? Tell me the truth. One thing that seems to provide me with a needed boost is to reflect on what has been bringing me joy. I literally grab a pen and paper (yep…the good old fashioned way of making a list) and get to work. Happy work, it is!

I have seen a few “Top Ten Things I Will Not Buy” lists showing up lately on my YouTube subscriptions or on blogs that I frequent. Have you ever tried creating one?

I thought I would share a favorite granola recipe that I have made for years! It is wonderful AS IS but you can also add extra nuts and dried fruits to suit your personal preferences. If you have young children, they will love being a part of this process as the best way to mix this up is with your hands!

As the world around us grows more and more unstable and the air turns cooler, our homes and lifestyles can serve as a place of grounding and comfort for us. Here are some simple cozy ways I am making my time in my home feel like a refuge from the storm.

As the weather cools here in Salt Lake City, I find myself craving comfort foods. Have you heard of Tieghan Gerard’s website called Half-Baked Harvest? If you enjoy seasonal comfort food, this is a resource just for you! I have yet to make a recipe that isn’t delicious.

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is that you narrow down the clothes in your closet to your favorite items that you wear all the time. These items should be easy to mix and match so that you can create different outfits from using the same pieces.

I have been leaning hard into pleasure lately. You? I recommend it. Like, really. Pleasure is an important part of feeling the JOY of being alive. We all need some of that. The simpler, the better. Why not make a list right now?

Lemon Bundt Cake + Homemade Banana Bread Recipes - enjoy!

In Salt Lake City, Utah— it is clearly winter. If you happen to live elsewhere, feel free to adapt your answers to whatever season you may find yourself in!

I thought I would share one of our family's favorite soup recipes with you today. Consider it a winter bonus! Years ago, I was "gifted" this recipe in a letter from a dear friend.

Instead of fighting our urge to slow down, to sleep a bit more, to watch that Netflix series, to play games, to cocoon--I offer an invitation to truly BE with the season--to utilize the beckoning of winter to turn inward.

The natural fragrance of the orange, apple, cinnamon, and cloves blend together in the best way.

Here is the easy recipe.

With the recent daylight saving time shift and our family's personal loss, I have been finding some simple ways to incorporate a bit of hygge into our home and our days. It has been so needed!

I love the idea of living in the moment. I do. Still, a little planning can go a long way. Especially when it comes to savoring the few short months of the autumn season.