Autism

My One Year Autism Diagnosis Anniversary

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Autism Mental Health

My Eating Disorder

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Sustainability

Switching From Plastic To Reusable Straws

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Books Bullet Journal

Book Review: The Bullet Journal Method

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Books Lifestyle

Book Review: The Happiness Project

Posted on May 9, 2019
A paperback copy of The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin on a table with triangles in wood, yellow, black, and red in a geometric pattern

The Happiness ProjectYellow block letters that say "The Happiness Project" with a blue bird flying to the right

by Gretchen Rubin

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Publication date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 331
Format: Paperback

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Synopsis

Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.

In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

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Books Lifestyle Minimalism

Read Fewer Books

Posted on May 1, 2019
Two books on a pile on top of a white dresser. The background is light grey. The books are 'Tiny Houses' and 'Dit is een goede gids'.

For years, my Goodreads reading challenges have been set to goals like 100, 80, 50 books (depending on how much I had going on that year). In 2019, my challenge is set to 25 books. And for the first time in my adult life, I don’t feel bad about it at all.

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Lifestyle

Guest Post: Donating My Hair

Posted on April 14, 2019

This is a guest post written by Laura. Check out her blog!

Hello, my name is Laura. You might have seen me around on Lauren’s channels — I am her best friend after all, meaning I often also carry out duties such as personal assistant and/or personal photographer.
Years ago Lauren donated her hair to charity, got a pixie cut, and basically never went back. When I decided to follow her lead and also donate my hair, she asked me if I would write a post for her blog about it. So here we are. I hope you enjoy it.

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Books Sustainability

Book Review: 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

Posted on April 2, 2019

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for review by the publisher. In no way does this affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

by Kathryn Kellogg

Age Group/Genre: Non-Fiction, Sustainability
Publication date: April 2nd, 2019
Publisher: Countryman Press
Pages: 256
Format: ARC

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Synopsis

We all know how important it is to reduce our environmental footprint, but it can be daunting to know where to begin. Enter Kathryn Kellogg, who can fit all her trash from the past two years into a 16-ounce mason jar. How? She starts by saying “no” to straws and grocery bags, and “yes” to a reusable water bottle and compostable dish scrubbers.

In 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, Kellogg shares these tips and more, along with DIY recipes for beauty and home; advice for responsible consumption and making better choices for home goods, fashion, and the office; and even secrets for how to go waste free at the airport. “It’s not about perfection,” she says. “It’s about making better choices.”

This is a practical, friendly blueprint of realistic lifestyle changes for anyone who wants to reduce their waste.

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Lifestyle Service Dog

4 Things I Learned From My Puppy’s First Few Weeks Home

Posted on February 27, 2019

Photo by Laura

Wounded hands? Check. Puppy-proofed/extremely minimalist house? Check. Tears, frustration, and insecurity? Check.

My life has changed dramatically since bringing home my golden retriever puppy Nugget on December 9th, 2018. We’ve only been together for a little over 2 months but I feel like I’ve already learned ten years worth of lessons. Every day is a challenge, but also a learning opportunity!

Here are just 4 things I’ve learned since I became a dog mom:

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