What is Saving my Life This Winter

In the dead of winter I always start planning make believe tropical vacations and thinking longingly of my favorite summer outfits. I feel like I don’t even remember what it feels like to take a long walk outside anymore! But in an attempt to find the joy in this season, I’m jotting down the little things that are saving my life and putting a smile on my freezing cold face this winter.
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1. Ben's Yeti

Yes, Ben got it for Christmas. And like his wonderful memory foam pillow, it’s basically mine now. This mug is magic. I don’t even understand how it can keep my coffee piping hot for literally a WHOLE SCHOOL DAY. I drink my coffee nice and slow so this mug is a God send. I sip from it during my ten minute morning outdoor duty that feel more like half a day duties and it helps me feel toasty inside while my fingers are freezing off. ​
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Click to buy one!

2. Daily Laundry and Audio Input

I know that most people do things like laundry on the weekends, but we are definitely in a season where every evening is full and the weekends are packed, so laundry was piling up WAY more than it should have. Now, we are working out a daily system of a small load a day. Before we head to bed, the dishwasher and washing machine are working to get our things clean for morning. In the morning I wake up, talk to Jesus, turn on a podcast (loving Relevant podcast right now) or new music (JohnnySwim has my heart), and start folding laundry and putting away dishes. It gives my hands something productive to do and wakes up my brain. Before I leave for my day, I feel like I will come home to a clean and completed space. ​
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3. The Overdrive App

I got a Kindle for Christmas and became a complete ebook convert (don’t tell my paper making Dad). Here’s why - the Overdrive app. Basically it's a library for ebooks and audiobooks. I have poured through so much insanely good material that is delivered for free to my Kindle for 21 days. You can sign up through your local library card. It’s a beautiful experience. ALSO! Once you download the app, you should immediately check out Before the Fall and The Astronauts’ Wives Club on ebook and As You Wish and Lilac Girls on audio - such good books!
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4. Living with Landyn

This blog is everything. I love her style and have bought so many gorgeous new pieces on her recommendation. She has the smartest recipes and I’ve cooked at least three already that Ben was obsessed with. And her Instastories….I cannot get enough. It is super unlike me to follow someone’s blog religiously, but she’s got a fan in me. Love her.
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livingwithlandyn.com

5. My Elliptical 

My TV time has become my workout time. After my lazy Christmas break I needed to move my body but guys I HATE THE TREADMILL. So instead I’m spending an episode of Grey’s Anatomy or The Bachelor on the elliptical four or so days a week and working in a yoga class two or three times a week. I feel like I’ve finally struck a balance that actually allows me to look forward to my work outs. But maybe I’m just excited about Grey’s…..whatever works.
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6. Stauf's in Grandview

My productivity goes up when I work in a coffee shop in such a meaningful way. I especially love a bustly, somewhat loud environment where I can feel like I’m around people (such an extravert) but can be completely unbothered for as many hours as my lesson plans/applications/musical communication takes. This place has stolen my heart. I’m here almost as often as the Bexley Starbucks - and that is really saying something. Get their Milky Way Mocha and settle in.