Boy, I have really dropped the ball lately with blogging – I apologize. The world has just felt so heavy lately – Covid, winter in general, and now Ukraine. It’s just a lot, and sometimes it feels right to unplug. But I’m coming back out today to share some of my favorite things that I’ve come across lately, and I hope you’ll find something you can appreciate in them as well. This post contains some affiliate links.
The Yellow Wife
I’ve been reading some great books lately, and this is one that stuck with me. The Yellow Wife takes place during slavery, and tells a story that shines a light on some of the situations that occurred that you don’t necessarily fully appreciate or understand when you think of this era. So very thought-provoking and interesting, with a story that is sometimes hard to read, but so important to understand.
Shout Color Catcher Sheets
Have you all known about these Shout Color Catcher Sheets and just never told me about them? I found out about these in a FB group I’m in, and my mind was just blown. Not only do they come in handy when you’re washing a mix of colors, but they’re great for kids learning to do their own laundry, or ones that you’re sending off to college (who may or may not know how to do laundry). No judgment here, friends. They’re just a good idea, and I figured if I didn’t know about them, surely I’m not alone there.
Mullen Design Co.
I discovered Mullen Design Co. on Instagram, and just loved the designs that Morgan does, as well as the home products that she sells. She also has an amazing subscription box that I receive, and it is amazing. So well thought out and curated (and it takes a lot for me to find something that I say that about). My husband and I were in California last month, and by sheer chance, I got to stop by her shop in person, and it’s as cute as you would think it would be.
Bagster
Now that the weather is starting to warm up, I’m starting to get the itch to pitch all of my junk that has been building up in the garage, the storage area, etc… We purchased one of these Bagster disposable dumpsters before we started our kitchen remodel last year, and it’s such a great way to get rid of junk. In fact, I have one sitting in my driveway and am filling it up as we speak. You fill it up, call your trash people (in our case, Waste Management does this), and pay them to haul it away. They pull into your driveway and just lift it away. Magic.
The World Played Chess
I’m going to wrap up my favorites with another great book. If you read (and loved) The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, you will surely love an appreciate the storytelling of this book. It always amazes me when an author can write brilliant stories about completely different subjects, and that’s what Robert Dugoni does here. It’s a story about becoming an adult and dealing with different challenges in those times. It’s about the preciousness of life, and learning lessons from those around you whether they’re older or younger. A great read, great characters and a wonderful message.
My +1 for the week – The State of the World
I don’t know about you, but I was feeling hopeful that we were turning the corner where the pandemic is concerned, looking forward to brighter days. And now Ukraine has me feeling so disheartened, sad and helpless. The images we’re seeing on tv are just more than my heart can bear, and make me angry that we, as a civilized society, are witnessing these atrocities in this century. As I sit here, I’m seeing video of a young boy, walking by himself into Poland – by himself – crying. My heart is broken.
I will continue to pray for Ukraine and the world.
Jenny
10 Comments
Amy
March 7, 2022 at 4:17 pmJenny, I’m glad to hear from you. It’s been too long and I have missed your posts.
Gail
March 7, 2022 at 4:25 pmHi Jenny! Good to see your post. I had wondered what happened. The only thing I have in my thoughts to offer you is this: My life runs on two rails these days – TRUST and GRATITUDE. Continue praying, especially to trust more in Him and His plans, and with much gratitude. It really helps with those “blues”. And remember, we are in this world, but we are not of this world. There is a bigger picture and a bigger plan for all of us! Much love, Gail
Jenny
May 1, 2022 at 6:42 pmGREAT advice Gail. Thanks for the perspective.
Barb
March 7, 2022 at 5:11 pmWelcome back! Chuckled that you’d never heard of Color Catchers so welcome to the user’s club. I finally broke down on Saturday after watching days of coverage from Ukraine. We’ve been watching a remake of the 70’s series All Creatures Great and Small on PBS which takes place in the area of England my husband comes from. We find it the perfect palate cleanser and a welcome break from all the heavy news. Wish we, as a country, could do more for Ukraine.
julie
March 7, 2022 at 7:31 pmNice to see you back and I completely agree about Ukraine. I can’t imagine my family going through all that suffering.
Barb, I watched All Creatures Great and Small as a child with my parents and loved it! Thank you for the memory, I’m now going to look for it!
John
March 7, 2022 at 8:40 pmDo you have any experience with Benjamin Moore command paint? I have read some good reviews and trust your opinion.
Jenny
May 1, 2022 at 6:41 pmI have tried Command – it reminds me of the old Breakthrough. Very fast drying and appears to be durable. The only thing I didn’t care for was the sheen – it felt a little too flat to me.
Denise McDaniel
March 12, 2022 at 9:09 amI love your blog and glad to see your post. Agree, there is a lot of heavy things on all our hearts. Your blog is a bright spot. Thank you.
John
May 31, 2022 at 12:48 pmWith Benjamin Command which primer did you use ? Is command better than Breakthrough ? Are you currently using Breakthrough with your clients ? Please share your experience. Thanks
Jenny
July 10, 2022 at 8:53 pmI used BIN shellac based primer under Command. Command is similar to the original formula of Breakthrough which was fast drying. I don’t use it anymore – I prefer Milesi 2k for cabinets.