Saturday Suggestions

Happy Saturday, friends! Hope you have had a great week. I've been in training all week to learn about federal grant proposals, so I am not sure how well my brain is working today. I hope it's working well enough to give you some fun finds today. Enjoy! 

ONE. 

Last Sunday, I told you about taking down our Christmas decorations and putting them away in tubs. I had mentioned this in an earlier post and had a question about my new labeling system, so I thought I’d tell you more about it! I’ve been learning the Canva website (canva.com) for social media posts for Love INC, and I have found I really enjoy using it. I found this spice jar label template in there and used it to make storage tub labels – just by changing the wording. (I printed it as a full page, so it’s easy to see…it’s not printed as a spice jar sized label.) I laminated each one and taped them to the sides of the tubs! (NOTE: I’m not sure if the link will show you the template if you don’t have a Canva login. Those are free to make, though! The template is called “Black White Clean Minimalist Printable Kitchen Pantry Storage Label.” Aren’t you glad you don’t have to answer its phone???)

TWO. 

Friendships are sweet…I wrote about that earlier this week. And isn’t it fun to give a friendship gift now and then? (One of my favorite things about being back in the land of the working is the ability to get a little gift to share now and then!) I found these adorable cutting boards on Etsy. “Friends are the family we choose.” YES!! I love that sentiment, and I love this sweet little gift. (Note: This shop has lots of cute boards for a variety of occasions, so if you’re looking for a gift idea in general, even if it isn’t for a friendship gift, you might find something here!)

THREE. 

When we first brought Lexi home, we relied on the gentleman at 3Lost Dogs to help us know some of the training tips we used in those early days. He has a lot of great articles on his site, but he also has coaching packages you can purchase, regardless of where you live! He can help you via Zoom! Having some additional help was worth every penny for us since we were brand new to all of it. If you are looking to be first-time puppy parents, we highly recommend the resources on this site!

FOUR. 

I talked earlier this week about some things I try to do when I start to panic over the chaos of life. This one wasn’t in the list, but I’m adding it now! Soft music is so helpful for me!! I stumbled upon this 45-minute recording of piano hymns, played by the amazingly talented Erin Paine. I played it more than once during the packing days lately, and it is so soothing. Check it out! (She has a cd option for purchase if that is more your thing.)

FIVE. 

When Ryan and I were married, one of our gifts was a big, beautiful picture frame that says “Love Lives Here.” It came from hobby Lobby, but I doubt they make that particular design anymore. It has been a decade, after all. But I love the saying “love lives here,” and every time I see the frame, I am reminded that Love is about action. Though I don’t know about finding the frame anymore, I did find this sign on Etsy that shares the sentiment. It could make a perfect last minute Valentine’s Day gift (though it might arrive late)!

SIX. 

I know Valentine’s Day can be a hard topic if you’re wishing for someone special to share the day but don’t have that person just yet. In my single years, I sometimes spent the day alone and sometimes spent it with friends. And now, we often spend it at home, just because restaurant crowds can be crazy. Here’s a menu idea I did once with a friend in my single days and once with Ryan since we’ve been married: fondue! It’s just plain fun food, and it’s yummy, too! Here’s asmall-scale recipe for white chocolate and regular chocolate fondue. If you want to try it out next week, it might be fun!