domesticnoise

While paper letters (though cool) have become mostly outdated, most people still get a lot of mail. And it piles up, sitting unopened or unfiled or unacted upon.

I Want to Believe Christmas Card - set of 5

# Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don’t gulp. If you have a hard time slowing down, put down your fork between each bite. # Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candies. These activities can cause you to swallow more air. # Don’t eat when you’re anxious, upset or on the run. Try to make meals relaxed occasions. Eating when you’re stressed can interfere with digestion.

1. Do this work to benefit those who share our lives - a beautiful reminder of our interconnectedness.
2. It matters what you do and how you do it.
3. Mindfulness is moment to moment nonjudgemental awareness.
4. Obstacles are our teachers. Become comfortable with discomfort.
5. Taking time to create space between thought and action allows us to transform how we react.
6. Everything you do and think matters because it affects others. 7. We sit in meditation to train the mind to become more conscious.
8. Balance effort and surrender.
9. Focus on the exhale = let go.
10. It takes 20 minutes for the mind to settle down.

We freeze vegetables from our garden and fruit we buy in bulk. Quality depends greatly on how you prep and what you store it in. (and what you plan to do with it -casserole vs. frying vs. steaming/microwave?) For instance, when the squash is in season, I mix up squash casseroles and freeze it. I thaw it out and add my topping and bake. Just recently I used a casserole that I froze last summer and everyone thought I made it fresh! Strawberries, apples, peaches and other fruit can be put in the freezer without any prep other than wash/slice, etc. (no blanching needed) Seal in airtight container or zip-lock bag. They are great for cobblers and pies or making ice cream. It may sound bad but we’ve successfully kept fruits and veggies for a couple of years.