“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” – Thich Nat Hahn

Biggest tea mug ever.
Bought at Target for about $5, if you want one for yourself; they come in several colors that exactly match the assorted pieces of vintage Fiesta ware I have. It also matches my desk. I may have a turquoise addiction. {In this photo it looks a bit bluer than in real life.}

from around the web

• How to find deals at Whole Foods :: Making a point to go to Whole Foods is now on the agenda. Seriously, some items are $3+ less expensive there!
• An 11-year-old boy’s open letter to Sports Illustrated :: “I know America stands for freedom and this is why you were allowed to put that lady on your cover, but why are you allowed to take away my freedom by forcing me to look at it?”
• Inspired idea: oyster shell trinket trays :: I passed up a bunch of these sorts of shells on our last beach trip because they aren’t very pretty. But with this makeover? Love!
• Mindfulness in the empty minutes :: I’ve thought about this often since reading this post and I’m making a point to let those moments be a time to let my mind wander.
• 7 strategies for raising creative kids :: I love these ideas. And they are actually do-able in real life. {Ken, aka MacGyver, is especially good at #4.}

on the blog (in case you missed ’em):

• Cute workout tanks for exercises motivation
• Learning how to Dream Big

right here at home

Finally we had a week with a few days of warmer weather, although we saw a few snow flurries this morning. I admit we’re quite happy to have missed the snowfalls that hit many of our friends a bit further north.

While the girls were in their weekly enrichment classes, the kindergartener and I took a trip to the library, and I helped him pick out a few books in addition to my own stack. I’m not pushing reading but I do want him to love books, and so far, he does. {Score!}

Piper did great in obedience class this week and the other dogs did, too; we must all be doing our homework! Ken said last night that these classes have already been well worthwhile, and I agree.

As for me, I’m getting a bit panicky about my upcoming certification test, and working on studying every day. Big concepts, not a problem; memorization of illogical things: painful!

I was doing great staying ahead of the game with blog posts so far this year, but now I need a work day to get caught back up with deadlines (self-imposed and otherwise) so that’s my plan for tomorrow: my laptop and I have a date at Starbucks. 😉

Enjoy your weekend! 

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Linking up with Kris and Mary.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »