3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
How often do you let your kids in to what it's lik How often do you let your kids in to what it's like to manage life as an adult? To work, budget, to eat healthy not because you have to but because you want to, to give to others, to spend time in the word, to forgive even when we don't feel like it...

I think it's so important to model and help our kids see the every day choices that are not always easy but make a huge difference in the long run. Ie. eating out less = more $$ in the bank to buy meals for the homeless or to bring a child in who need a home. Josh and I don't always feel like cooking, but it's easier when we remember we're working towards greater things ❤️

In a world of instant gratification, what are we teaching our kids to work and wait for?
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Family, Food, Kids, Motherhood, Sponsored · December 3, 2020

Cultivating Quality Time With the Kids This Holiday Season

This post is sponsored by Silk® and Café Bustelo®.

I think a big theme for this year is togetherness. We’re heard it 1000 times, “Together apart.”


Everyone’s experienced so many changes this year, and our family is no different. My work had to make a big pivot in order to stay afloat and I was very much involved in that process which meant working when I woke up and until I went to bed. We experienced quarantine and social distancing, our family moved across the country. Now that we’ve more or less settled in and found our “new normal,” Josh and I have been trying extra hard to create quality time with the kids. This year has been a lot! And we all need a reminder sometimes that we’re loved, valued, enjoyed, and not alone. 

So after all of that, I think we now have a better understanding of what makes real quality time achievable and realistic:
1 | Not taking on too much.2 | Taking time to enjoy the simple things.
Here are a few of life’s simple pleasures we’re learning to not take for granted and use them as a small family refresh as we head into this holiday season.


1 |  Get some fresh air. 

I mean, literally. We’ve spent A LOT of time indoors this year. How nice does it feel to be able to get out on a walk with the family after dinner and enjoy the cool air that’s now here? Working from home, I can sometimes go a couple of days without even leaving the house! And I don’t even realize it at the time but it really does have an effect on my mental state. So, even if it’s just for a short walk in the neighborhood, Josh and I typically try to get a walk in with the kids and Rainy after dinner and before bed. 

Cultivating Quality Time With the Kids This Holiday Season


2 | Making every day a little special.

Trust me, I totally have those mornings where you’ve woken up but haven’t necessarily opened your eyes yet and you think, “Here we go again.” 
On mornings like that, I like to “incentivize” getting out of bed, if you will, for both me and the kids. My go-to morning treat is a hot cup of Cafe Bustelo® Latin American Blends coffee. On the weekends, I like to slow down and brew it in a french press, during the school/work week, I’ll use my single-cup coffee maker. Trust me – I’m picky about coffee. I always like to try my coffee black before I add anything to it. It’s a unique dark roast coffee with rich flavor and hints of cocoa. It is so good.

Cafe Bustelo, Silk, Target


I pair that with Silk® Dairy-Free Half & Half Alternative. It’s half oat milk. Half coconut milk. All yum. Traditional half & half makes my stomach hurt in minutes but this is dairy-free and oh so creamy. It’s vegan, non-GMO, and Keto friendly. I also love the slight nutty flavor that I think blends with the Cafe Bustelo® perfectly. 


I see this perfect combo as a guilt-free morning treat the doesn’t come back to bite me later. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
And while I’m enjoying my treat in the mornings, I like to surprise the kids with their own cup of hot chocolate. How nice it it to be able to warm up before stepping out in the cold on our way to school?

Cultivating Quality Time With the Kids This Holiday Season


3 | Family movie nights

To be honest, this isn’t something Josh and I have done much with the kids until recently. I think that with the virus, this has been the year of the screen, so in an effort to minimize screentime, we haven’t been allowing the kids to watch movies before but. 
But – just recently we’ve started watching the newer Lost in Space together as a family. It’s just slightly scary at times for the kids but Josh and I feel comfortable watching it together with them. It’s a great time of slowing down, cuddling together, and having a shared family experience before bedtime. 


4 | Cooking + baking together

Along with being the year of screens, it’s been the year of ordering our for us! The past month or so, Josh and I have been reigning it in for our health’s sake and also our bank account’s sake. Not to mention, the kids LOVE getting to help us cook dinner so it doubles as a fun activity for them and TRIPLES as family bonding. What’s better than that.
We’ve now gotten into the routine of mapping out our meals for 2 weeks. Then, we go to the grocery store and get ALL the food we need for the next two weeks and follow our meal plan for that time. We’re allowed to order/eat out once a week, the rest of the nights we’re either cooking or munching on leftovers. Honestly, it’s been a great way to save extra money each month and our tummies are saying “Thank you!!”


5 | Mood-boosting playlists

I always forget just how much a good playlist either boosts my mood, ups my productivity, or makes our home feel festive for the holiday season! Have fun making a playlist with the family for different occasions! Road trips, tree decorating, baking cookies, whatever!


What are the simple pleasures you’re taking the time to enjoy this holiday season? While you’re out doing your holiday shopping, remember to pick up Cafe Bustelo® Latin American Blends coffee and Silk® Dairy-Free Half & Half Alternative in the grocery section of Target! You can also save money on both of these products with the Circle offers in the Target app.

In: Family, Food, Kids, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: almond milk, alternative, brazil, cafe bustelo, coffee, coffee creamer, dairy alternative, dairy free, family, half and half, holidays, kids, lactose free, quality time, silk

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My Etsy and Small Business Gift Guide for Her 2020

Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!

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3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
How often do you let your kids in to what it's lik How often do you let your kids in to what it's like to manage life as an adult? To work, budget, to eat healthy not because you have to but because you want to, to give to others, to spend time in the word, to forgive even when we don't feel like it...

I think it's so important to model and help our kids see the every day choices that are not always easy but make a huge difference in the long run. Ie. eating out less = more $$ in the bank to buy meals for the homeless or to bring a child in who need a home. Josh and I don't always feel like cooking, but it's easier when we remember we're working towards greater things ❤️

In a world of instant gratification, what are we teaching our kids to work and wait for?
So this happened 💚 What started as a blog turne So this happened 💚
What started as a blog turned into a way to help others, then turned into a book, and then turned into a way to support our family. We love our new city and  are so happy to be here!
1 Corinthians 1:11 "Follow me as I follow Christ."

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