Have you heard about the concept of hygge yet? When I first learned of it, I remember turning to my husband and saying, That's it! THAT'S the word for what I love so much! I felt like I finally had come across the exact way to describe what I strive for in my mentality and my home. It was refreshing and comforting to finally have a term for it! In case you're new to the idea of hygge (pronounced more like hue-gah or sometimes hoo-gah), it's a Danish/Scandinavian term that means a sense of … [Read more...]
Announcing: Just Bee’s 30-Day Slower Living Challenge!
Earlier this month, I shared about my journey to slower living. I've been able to incorporate that mentality into my life even more these past 5 years of living in small-town Minnesota! Like I said in my previous blog post, it's been quite the adventure to get here, but I eventually settled into this lifestyle. Slower living, to me, means having a “take a deeper breath” approach to life – soaking up the small joys, relishing routines and meaningful tasks, and focusing on relationships. And … [Read more...]
4 Stress Relief Strategies From My Husband (+ a $500 PayPal Cash giveaway!)
Even typing the title for this post had me smiling! It was definitely crucial for me to include the fact that these stress relief tips come from my wonderful husband, because I am not particularly qualified to offer stress relief advice at this point! Perhaps someday. ;) My husband Bjorn is such a "steady Eddy," something I am consistently noticing and am grateful for! To have someone like him in my life has been an incredible blessing. Bjorn doesn't stress the way that many people so often … [Read more...]
Our Peaceful Midmorning Playlist
I'm working on getting into a new routine here at home with our dear little Sophie! We certainly don't have a set schedule by any means (#lifewithanewborn), but now that Sophie is almost 6 weeks old, our days are starting to settle into more predictable patterns. (I thrive on that! Do you do best with a routine like me?) Midmorning One of the parts of our weekdays that has become more or less predictable is our midmorning. The way our sleeping patterns are going right now, Sophie usually … [Read more...]
Learning to Be Okay With Self-Care
One of my goals for 2017 is to get better at self-care. Honestly, I'm still figuring out what self-care looks like and feels like for me, but at least I've got these next 11 months to figure it out and meet my goal. ;) I'm not going to stress myself out about it -- how ironic would that be? The Case For Self-Care The funny thing is, self-care and making sure you are well-rested and balanced is actually something that we must practice and approach intentionally! A few years ago, … [Read more...]
The Fight To Get Better Sleep At Night (6 Things That Are Helping Me!)
Sleep is super important to me. For real! I'm convinced that although there are recommendations out there for the number of hours you should get (ahem - 8? 7? 6?), some people just naturally need more or less than others. :) Unfortunately - or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I'm one of those people who just plain needs those 8 to 8-and-a-half hours of sleep a night. My Sleep Story This natural need of mine (to not stay up too late, to sleep well, and to sleep long … [Read more...]
She Dwells in Security: Fighting Anxiety with Truths from the Psalms
I’ve got SUCH a special treat for you today, friends! My dear, sweet friend Jordan – whom I’ve known since high school – is sharing here on the blog today! Jordan and I became close friends in college and she was my matron of honor at my wedding! I admire her for her gentle spirit, her desire to serve the Lord in all she does, and most recently, her beautiful mother heart! When she and I get together, we can spend hours laughing, sharing stories, and talking about life! Jordan and her husband … [Read more...]
8 Bible Verses For a Busy Mind
I've always had a busy mind. A worrier, an over-analyzer, or just a deep thinker - I'm still not entirely sure what I'd call myself. :) Although the worrying and over-thinking is something I'm working on, I can also be grateful for how these characteristics of mine have affected my faith journey. When I feel like I'm at my weakest, I've learned there are two directions I can go: the first is that I can choose to let my thoughts swirl around me. I can let them all sink in until I find … [Read more...]