An empowering Beginner's Guide to Cycle Syncing (a precursor to NFP)

Dear Reader, 

Like many, many other women in America, I find the lack of open, clear and empathetic education regarding menstrual cycles alarming.  It's not (often) discussed in schools, and culturally speaking, is seen as something to whisper about - but not discuss openly.  Which of course leaves girls and women confused and sometimes even ashamed to raise concerns or questions about their cycles.

This is why I am writing a post about it.  To break through that silence, and help women feel empowered by discovering cycle syncing - what that means, why it helps us look within, and is a great precursor to learning about natural family planning (NFP).  Because when we remove the stigma, when we strip away the cultural shaming around it, we can discover the natural beauty behind a women's fertility.

But first, pin this image for future reference:

A Christian Perspective on Spiritual Bypassing (and why it will never help someone with chronic health issues)

Dear Reader,

As a Christian, most of us are aware that it is not a one size fits all.  In fact, there are over 40,000 denominations, and of that, there are independent churches with no affiliations.  And of course, anytime you have humans involved in anything - you end up with a full spectrum of things, both good, bad and everything in between.  But something that a lot of Christians engage in (and something I myself am working on!), is spiritual bypassing.

What is it?  Why do we engage in it?  Why is it so invalidating at best, and destructive at worst?  And if we should disengage in it, what can we say to people who are struggling, and suffering, with chronic health issues??

Well, before we get into all that, here's a pin you can save for future reference:

How we downsized by 2500+ sq. feet (and never looked back!)

Dear Reader,

Oh yes, you read that title right - we used to have over 2500sq feet of stuff packed into a house (and the garage), and we got rid of all but 250 sq feet of it.  Yup, we got rid of 90% of our stuff, and never looked back!  I had been looking into minimalism for a while, and my husband has always been into sustainable living, but with two toddlers, we thought it'd be a while before we'd really get into it.

And then - like it is for everyone - life happened.  Big time.

Now before I give you the rundown, feel free to pin this pin for future reference - and skip down if you're just looking for the list of how to downsize (plus a FREE printable)

Setting Up a Retreat from Bed

Dear Reader,

Maybe it's because of this pandemic, or maybe you're stuck at home due to chronic illness, or you simply want to try your hand at some Hygge.  Whatever the reason, you're looking for a little getaway at home, a little relaxation corner, something to sink into . . . 

I hear you.  As someone who deals with lung disease - in Minnesota (eek!) - I have to make my own kind of spa days, because most spas have chemicals, or heavily scented spaces that I simply can't step foot in (sorry spas, I do love you, just from a distance!).  You might have already checked out my blog post about a Green Skincare Routine, but this post expands on that idea.

It's not just about what goes on your skin, we're going to try to create a space that brings peace.  Of course that might mean different things, for different people, but here are the basics - followed up with a few more suggestions, based on your spiritual leanings, and as always, plenty of links of ideas at the end!

But first, the list:

Green Skin Care Routine (You Probably Have No.4 in your pantry!)

Dear Reader, 

Because of the times we are living in (global pandemics, climate changes, etc.), environmentalism becomes both a necessity, and an act of love.  Both for ourselves, and for our planet.  

However, because we are in the middle of so much uncertainty, I wanted to share my budget friendly skin care routine, bearing in mind sensitive skin and effectiveness since a lot of us aren't sure when the next spa day is happening . . . this is also a great list for those affected by chronic illness.  Because of my asthma, and allergies, I have to be really careful about what I use: aerosols are out.  Synthetic scented products are out.  And tons of chemicals can give me pretty strong reactions.  So when I say "Green Skin Care Routine", I mean in an all encompassing way:

financially, environmentally, and allergy/skin sensitive.

And of course, the less items, the less time it takes - and as a mom with two young boys, time is precious!

Introduction

Hello dear Reader, 

My name is Katharina, and I'm a 30-something military brat, who's been married for 12 years to a Minnesotan, and have two amazing boys*.  Make sure to click the "read more" to see a little more in depth response to some of these bullet points (and pics!) ♥

For the general mission of my blog, check out the "start here" page.  For the disclaimers/terms of service/privacy policy, click here.

Don't forget to check out both my pinterest, and instagram for the blog for inspiration pins, and sneak peeks for upcoming blog posts.  Facebook group page coming soon ;)

Anyways, now onto the fun stuff (in no order) . . .

• half German, half American (and yet hope to semi retire to Ireland, who would have thought?)
• a Catholic (patron saint is St. Joan of Arc), as well as a Lay Dominican (what used to be called Third Order Dominican) - it means I love to study and pray, and share the fruits of that contemplation ;)  And I am also an Anchoress for our local Seven Sisters Apostate (which dedicates an hour a week of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament for the benefit of an assigned priest).
• a partial homeschooler (as in, summer and holiday break homeschooling, to keep the kiddos brains sharp)
• a bohemian, hippie, crunchy mama kind of gal who loves the traveling spirit, and the philosophy that we are strongest from within.
• a spoonie: chronic illness advocate, who has A1AT, asthma, and COPD.
• way too into personality tests: I'm an ESFP, 6w7, Scorpio Sun/Leo Moon (though I promise I don't read horoscopes, I just like the memes), and have done far too many "Who are you -?" buzzfeed quizzes (sshh - I'm a Luna Lovegood/Rapunzel/Jane Austen's Emma mix, just saying).
• I like to do all things art, but especially craft, and sing, and interior decorate.
• I love to read, study and research.
• I love to connect people, in all sorts of ways, including volunteering with my church, at my son's school, and helping to run my local MOMS Club chapter.

Read on to see more in depth answers, but this is a good and well rounded start :)