What’s working

Hi everyone, this is a really specific-to-me blogpost. It’s basically just asking the question “what’s working?” Maybe it will inspire some of you. Maybe not. But it was really fun to put together and help me be thankful for my family, our home and where we live. Let’s get into it.

What’s working this summer ?

• Having 3 house rules. I got the idea of house rules from Kendra Adachi who has a podcast called “The Lazy Genius.” She encourages choosing a small amount of house rules in different seasons to keep things flowing. Here are ours for this summer:

1. Clear your plates, waters, trash, tray… after each meal.

2. You can play on the iPad 25 minutes everyday (after eating breakfast, putting away your drawer in the dishwasher, brushing your teeth…)

3. Tidy the couch and living room before going to bed.

More that’s working this summer:

• Fans turned on all day and all night.

• Having several books lined up to read.

• Visiting the library with the kids once a week (ish). FREE!

Our little book worms.

• Visiting art museums. FREE!

Musée Chagall

• Swimming at the local public pool. Only 3 euros and 20 cents for both kids, and I have an annual pass for myself.

Our little fishies.

What’s working overall ?

• Book light to read at night or early morning. Not as necessary in the summer, but super helpful when it gets darker. Thank you Tonio for getting this for me =).

Django enjoys it too sometimes.

• Memory foam mattress topper. Tonio blessed me with this amazing gift. My back is so happy.

• Shampoo bar. Maybe it’s just a wavy hair thing, but using a shampoo bar leaves my hair with better volume than liquid shampoos. I currently use one from Yves Rocher, but I’m sure there’s lots of good ones out there.

• Acupressure mat. This is like a modern-day bed of nails. It sounds terrible, but the relief is incredible. I lay on it for 25 minutes, and I can feel anxiety leaving my body. Or maybe I’m just distracted by the pain, but who cares! It works for me. It’s probably not for everyone. I bought it at Decathlon here in France for 30-something euros.

• Libby library app. Last visit to the states I renewed my local library card, and I have discovered the amazing world of checking out online books for FREE! It’s so much fun!

• Brushing my teeth with the kids at night. Keeps me in a rhythm. And they’re just fun to be with.

• Cleaning the kitchen and starting the dishwasher before tucking in the kids. My batteries wind down quickly at night. Getting the kitchen done early really helps.

• Sleeping on a towel. Peri-menopause. Night sweats. Hot flashes. The towel keeps me from having to change sweaty sheets like all the time. Haha!

Maybe some of these could be helpful for someone. I have enjoyed compiling this list for a while. I thank the Lord for access to amazing places like libraries, museums, pools… I realize we are very blessed. I’m also thankful for his provision to buy what we need and many things we want.

Love Linz