I love Mondays because it means MM.
I often think the world doesn’t need my recipes or more ideas, more blog posts. What we need is for someone to promote the great work, recipes, & ideas that already exist on the internet. SO many good things to share.
And, not to toot my own horn, but I think I’m pretty good at finding good things.
First.
I’m back from a 5 day “tech fast.”
I was just getting grumpy & I couldn’t figure out why. Yes, I know there are plenty of reasons to be grumpy, but there are plenty of reasons to be happy too.
(This podcast episode also got me thinking.)
I did some introspection & realized the internet was making me unnecessarily irritated with life. I don’t have iphone or an ipad, just a simple, old-fashioned PC. But I spend a lot of time on it.
Since I have to get most of my blogging work done when the kids are in bed or during nap time, I was spending all my “free” time (what’s that?) online. As a temporary single-mom, my energy & resources are even more in demand, yet there’s only so much of me to go around.
Technology is supposed to be a tool that enhances & enriches our lives. I fear, too often, it does not. It’s not the fault of technology (technology is not “evil”). It’s up to the individual to have the self-awareness, self-control, & good sense to know when & how to use it.
So I decided I needed to step back & take a break. So I didn’t tweet, no fb, no pinterest. And you know what? The days flew by. I loved the space.
I am glad to be back with a fresh perspective, a better grip on reality (& the online life is NOT reality). There’s a lot of pressure (maybe it’s self-imposed) to stay up-to-date on blogs, social media, etc. But the fact is, it’s a never-ending process, a rabbit hole, if you will.
Alex talks about this on her blog, Alexandra Wrote.
As Alex, points out, there needs to be clear boundaries, limits. If those lines are blurred, it’s important to step away from the iphone, the computer, & re-access.
♥ You know one thing that I had more time to do over the past few days during my tech-fast? Be grateful. Ahh. Gratitude, real & sincere, is the balm of life.
Image from the adorable Jane of the Messy, Messy, Bun
♥♥
♥ Speaking of thanks. My gratitude list:
Goodwill Oh my, I went on a spree last week. Those $5 sweaters & $5 heels–a steal. Between those & the books, I’m keeping them in business.
Salem’s gibberish, it cracks me up every time.
Books. They save my life. They calm my soul. & they help me be a better parent.
Cell phones. I’ve had 10+ conversations over the weekend with Joseph, all thanks to a little miracle of an invention called the phone. I’m totally in love with my husband (again!).
Canned pumpkin. Without it, I could not have made & eaten a pumpkin pie smoothie every day for the past 3 weeks.
♥ If you’re a mom, you get this.
♥ How to make peanut butter. (It’s super easy.)
♥ From beautiful MJ: Great tips for shopping with kids & awesome, inspirational printables.
♥ Love this simple idea for a healthy, Halloween-inspired kid treat from Angela & these monster eyeballs (use vegan marshmallows to make vegan) from Leanne.
♥ & these, gf corn dog mummies are just adorable.
♥ Also, more fall goodness, on my autumn board.
♥ I *really* wish these were vegan. (I think they could be, just not sure, since they’re also grain-free.) Don’t they look mouthwatering?
♥ What is more autumn-y than a savory, warm dish of cheesy-carbs?
Christy, of the Blissful Chef shows how to make baked mac & cheese using a cast-iron skillet (not oil-free).
♥ Here‘s another take on mac, this time with the addition of pumpkin (this one’s oil-free), from Ashlee.
to pin:
DIY vegan almond joys
hot jalepeno poppers
curried cauliflower & apple soup
acorn squash alfredo
kale + sweet potatoes & pumpkin seed dressing
potato slices w/ bacony pieces & cashew creme
super healthy grain-free breakfast porridge
Glad to be back, glad you’re here.
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