Lupine turned eight yesterday.

And her day was so sweet, so simple, so mellow.

So Lupine.

She decided to skip the party this year in exchange for a day in town last week with one dear friend. We went for sushi, to the children's museum and the thrift store. Simple. Easy. Fun.

That left yesterday wide open. We made art together ("This is like a whole extra birthday present, mama!"), played games, read books, and ate some lots of her favorite foods.

The gifts she received were unwrapped slowly throughout the day and appreciated deeply.

A bag of tulip bulbs from her papa and the muscle behind tilling her a new flower garden.

A fancy ceiling light from my dad, hung in her room before the day's end.

A replacement pair of Lupine's favorite earrings from Sage, one of which was lost this summer.

A rad t-shirt and sweet stationary kit from my mom.

And a pair of mittens and cozy vest from me that I knitted up during the past few weeks from yarn in my stash.

No toys, no clutter, just things she will use and treasure.

It was lovely.

And then we made a cake together, ate Paleo samosas and dal for dinner (whoa. so good.), found her worn wool birthday crown, and lit the candles on our wooden spiral as we read her story, year by year.

Stories of her birth, her growth, her unfolding.

Stories of this strong spirit, where she has been, and the promise of all that is before her.

And truly, I can't wait to see where she goes from here.

Happy Birthday, Lupine. You're made of magic.

Love,

Mama

If you'd like suggestions of how to keep birthdays simple and meaningful, do let me know. I'd be happy to write a post to share some ideas!

This is a repost from last year, one of the most popular, resonant posts I have ever shared. It struck a cord for so many of you who are striving for less stuff and more meaning in your lives.

We're on a serious simplicity kick over here.

Our house is consciously small, and that means we have to filter out things we already have and stay on top of how much new stuff comes in.

Recently Lupine and I were tucking into bed and as she cozied up to her two favorite dolls, both made by me.

She looked up at me and said, "Mama, don't ever make me another doll. Because if you do I'll love it so much that I'll forget how much I love the dolls I already have."

And, whoa.

Because, yes. It's like that, isn't it?

Too much stuff means we lose track of what we already treasure. We get buried. Overwhelmed.

We become consumers in a big and mindless way.

The truth is, two dolls is probably one too many.

So this holiday we're keeping it simple.

It's a path we've been on for years.

And yes, I'm blessed with my own parents who "get it" and keep things simple.

And we have a small family. Very little stuff comes into our life every season.

But even without a like-minded family, you can take strides toward simplicity. And see measurable changes!

Here are ten tips to keep your holiday as simple as you can this season, regardless of where you are now.

1. Be honest with family

The holidays can be hard.

So. Much. Stuff!

And for many of us, we find ourselves buried in things to give and receive.

If the holidays leave you feeling a little sick with all the buying, be gentle and honest with those you love.

Year after year if you need to.

I have a few friends who have taken this step as far as being honest that much of what is given is not kept. It's a tough message, but an important one, too.

Request that they give less, or give consumables or non-tangible gifts for the holiday (think museum membership, restaurant gift certificate, or some special ingredients for your kitchen).

Sometimes it takes our family a while to catch on, so be patient as they move towards the path of less with you.

2. Create meaningful traditions

If your holiday revolves around what is under the tree, simplifying can be uncomfortable.

Create traditions that your family looks forward to more than the presents.

We love dipping or rolling candles every Solstice eve, decorating our gingerbread houses, and staying up far past our bedtime.

And this year we're serving dinner at a soup kitchen on Christmas day. We can't wait!

Yes, gifts are lovely, but they aren't the center of our celebration.

3. Ask for and give experiences

Gifts like a pottery class, a one-on-one day with someone special, or a trip to the museum are among the best around.

These are – hands down – the most treasured and remembered gifts my kids receive.

Remind your family that gifts of yourself are remembered for far longer than a new toy.

And keep asking.

Year after year if you have to.

With loving persistence most of them will catch on.

4. Live your truth

Be a good example!

Start this year by toning down the stuff that comes into your own celebration.

The first year we had a super simple holiday I was nervous. Will the kids be disappointed?

And the answer was a resounding no!

No one noticed how simple our giving had become because we took it a little at a time and we replaced things with experiences. 

(You can read about our super simple celebration from last winter here.)

5. Love coupons

Love coupons are wonderful filler if you are worried about there being not enough under the tree.

And they are a treasured gift in their own right.

My parents began this tradition when our budget was tight when I was a child, and I still love it today.

A Love Coupon is simply a promise – to shovel the snow or take a picnic together; share a trip to the movies or a night camping in the back yard.

Simple gifts of yourself or experiences to share.

One year I gave Pete a dozen date coupons. Sweet, simple, and stuff-less.

Often they are things you would have done anyway, but creating a coupon for it makes it even more special, and something to look forward to.

6. Shop small

If you are buying some gifts (or have a family member who is) give or request handmade.

Ditch the big box store madness and shop small. Shop local. Shop family-owned. 

You can even register for what you want at the Alternative Gift Registry and share the list with your family.

As someone who owns a small business myself, I'll attest to the impact of each and every purchase. You make a difference when you shop small. 

With a bit of searching all kinds of treasures (like this gorgeous doll) will appear.

(Art pictured by local-to-me artist Tammy Olson.)

7. Create it yourself

A gift made by you is the best gift of all!

And you don't have to be crafty to enjoy a DIY holiday.

I have collected some great (arguably crafty) holiday project ideas here and here, but consider a gift of infused olive oil or vinegar, canned goods, homemade mustard, bath fizzies, chocolates, or other simple kitchen wizardry.

And framed kid art is always a hit.

Trust me when I say that people flip when given a small, handmade treat from your heart.

8. Give to charity

If your family loves to buy, request items for a charity you love.

Gifts of pet supplies for the local animal shelter, a Heifer Project donation for a family in need, shampoos, soaps, and lotions for the women's shelter, food for the food pantry.

Make a habit of giving of the abundance your family enjoys.

If your message is not heard this season and more gifts come in than you want to keep, those can also be donated. As one friend put it, "Keep the love and pass the gift along."

9. Be patient

Remember that your partner, your dad, or your grandma might not "get it" the first year.

Or the second.

Or the third.

But trust that they are doing their best with the tools that they have.

Remember that for many buying equates love. And it can be a hard story to re-write.

Keep the spirit of love and compassion in your heart as those you care about (yes, maybe even you!) stumble along this new road.

Change is hard. Give it time.

And for perspective, while my parents give simply, my grandparents did not. When I was a kid I got more gifts than I could count every year.

And I turned out okay.

10. Enjoy this holiday

And when all is said and done, enjoy the holiday – whatever it brings.

Reach for gratitude for your family, your community, your life, and this season.

Go with the flow, as best as you can.

And then next year, begin again.

Love,

Rachel

This is a repost from last Easter. Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

You. Are. Enough.

~ Rachel

Message for today:

Cut yourself some slack. You'll never get it all done.

So instead of racing about, find the courage to say: "I've done enough. I am enough."

Life – or your house or your holiday – doesn't need to be perfect, nor will it be. So enjoy today and find magic in the small, ordinary moments of your amazing life.

Love,
Rachel

In a world where apparent perfection is always just a mouse click away, I want to remind you that perfection is a myth.

It's a myth.

Let it go.

Because today you may feel like a Valentine flunkie.

Because your feed is full of heart-shaped cupcakes and buckets of roses and hand embroidered Valentines. And maybe you barely managed to hug and kiss your kids as they ran out the door in the morning.

Guilt.

Failure.

Dissapointment.

Don't buy in.

Because even without homemade chocolates and a pink and red heart-clad decorating scheme, you're still a kick-ass parent/partner/lover/friend.

Your love is what's real. Share that.

In my world, I sometimes go all out.

And those days our house is a delicious, crafty, magical wonderland.

Other times I don't.

Like today. 

Today's festivities consisted of a quickly cut out heart-shaped card for each of the kids, made as I listened to their feet padding down the stairs in the morning. Each simply read, "I love you! <3 Mama" in partially dried out marker.

Oh, and I colored their milk pink at breakfast.

As for tangibles, that was it.

Nothing more.

And it was enough.

Today I want to absolve you of any guilt you feel because you didn't do something special, memorable, or Pinterest-worthy this Valentine's Day.

Because that's just the perfection myth trying to trip you up again.

It sure was over here.

Love,
Rachel

Without debate, this year's celebration was unanimously voted the best Solstice ever.

Delicious, simple food.

Candle rolling.

Gingerbread house decorating.

Treats and sweets.

A visit from our friend and neighbor Dan.

Handmade gifts.

An the highlight for us all, a sunset hike to the woods and a campfire until long after dark.

Then we whispered our wishes for the coming season into the fire, and mindfully let go of the things that are holding us back.

And then… Christmas! We were off to Milwaukee to celebrate with my sister and my parents back home.

More simple sweetness and celebration.

And yes, more good food and treats. Oh, my.

An easy, magical holiday.

I even managed a whole day with a dear friend who's been by my side since high school. Such a rare treat.

And then, before we knew it, we were back home.

(Yes, and walking the goats.)

We're finding our groove on the farm once more, and counting our blessings with each sunrise and sunset over these hills.

Because no matter how wonderful the time away, it's always so good to be home.

How was your holiday, friends? 

I first posted this for you last spring, the day before Easter. Perhaps it will become a holiday tradition.

This gentle reminder, as you embrace the heck out of your perfectly imperfect celebration.

Message for today:

Cut yourself some slack. You'll never get it all done.

So instead of racing about, find the courage to say: "I've done enough. I am enough."

Life – or your house or your holiday – doesn't need to be perfect, nor will it be. So enjoy today and find magic in the small, ordinary moments of your amazing life.

Merry Christmas to you and those you hold dear.

Love,
Rachel

The Wolfs, from left to right: Pete, Rachel, Sage & Lupine

Oh, what a year it has been!

Our first year on the farm.

Chickens.

Gardens.

Apple trees.

Sheep.

Goats.

A llama!

Cutting hay, butchering chickens, canning food, and then cooling off with an icy dip in the creek.

Lyme disease.

Health's return.

Floods.

A cycle of seasons in a valley that's stolen my heart.

And so, so much more.

And somehow also finding my authentic voice here.

Today is our Solstice celebration. Our biggest and favorite family celebration of the year!

If you dropped by today you'd find us rolling or dipping candles; decorating our gingerbread houses; and eating too many cookies.

We'll be sledding; maybe skiing; and hiking in the woods for a campfire at dusk.

We'll be stoking the wood-fired hot tup for a midnight soak, and staying up way past everyone's bedtime on this longest night of the year.

And we'll be sharing wished and dreams for the coming year with each other in the quiet darkness.

Happy Solstice to each and every one of you.

We're on a serious simplicity kick over here.

Our house is consciously small, and that means we have to filter out things we already have and stay on top of how much new stuff comes in.

Recently Lupine and I were tucking into bed and as she cozied up to her two favorite dolls, both made by me.

She looked up at me and said, "Mama, don't ever make me another doll. Because if you do I'll love it so much that I'll forget how much I love the dolls I already have."

And, whoa.

Because, yes. It's like that, isn't it?

Too much stuff means we lose track of what we already treasure. We get buried. Overwhelmed.

We become consumers in a big and mindless way.

The truth is, two dolls is probably one too many.

So this holiday we're keeping it simple.

It's a path we've been on for years.

And yes, I'm blessed with my own parents who "get it" and keep things simple.

And we have a small family. Very little stuff comes into our life every season.

But even without a like-minded family, you can take strides toward simplicity. And see measurable changes!

Here are ten tips to keep your holiday as simple as you can this season, regardless of where you are now.

1. Be honest with family

The holidays can be hard.

So. Much. Stuff!

And for many of us, we find ourselves buried in things to give and receive.

If the holidays leave you feeling a little sick with all the buying, be gentle and honest with those you love.

Year after year if you need to.

I have a few friends who have taken this step as far as being honest that much of what is given is not kept. It's a tough message, but an important one, too.

Request that they give less, or give consumables or non-tangible gifts for the holiday (think museum membership, restaurant gift certificate, or some special ingredients for your kitchen).

Sometimes it takes our family a while to catch on, so be patient as they move towards the path of less with you.

2. Create meaningful traditions

If your holiday revolves around what is under the tree, simplifying can be uncomfortable.

Create traditions that your family looks forward to more than the presents.

We love dipping or rolling candles every Solstice eve, decorating our gingerbread houses, and staying up far past our bedtime.

And this year we're serving dinner at a soup kitchen on Christmas day. We can't wait!

Yes, gifts are lovely, but they aren't the center of our celebration.

3. Ask for and give experiences

Gifts like a pottery class, a one-on-one day with someone special, or a trip to the museum are among the best around.

These are – hands down – the most treasured and remembered gifts my kids receive.

Remind your family that gifts of yourself are remembered for far longer than a new toy.

And keep asking.

Year after year if you have to.

With loving persistence most of them will catch on.

4. Live your truth

Be a good example!

Start this year by toning down the stuff that comes into your own celebration.

The first year we had a super simple holiday I was nervous. Will the kids be disappointed?

And the answer was a resounding no!

No one noticed how simple our giving had become because we took it a little at a time and we replaced things with experiences. 

(You can read about our super simple celebration from last winter here.)

5. Love coupons

Love coupons are wonderful filler if you are worried about there being not enough under the tree.

And they are a treasured gift in their own right.

My parents began this tradition when our budget was tight when I was a child, and I still love it today.

A Love Coupon is simply a promise – to shovel the snow or take a picnic together; share a trip to the movies or a night camping in the back yard.

Simple gifts of yourself or experiences to share.

One year I gave Pete a dozen date coupons. Sweet, simple, and stuff-less.

Often they are things you would have done anyway, but creating a coupon for it makes it even more special, and something to look forward to.

6. Shop small

If you are buying some gifts (or have a family member who is) give or request handmade.

Ditch the big box store madness and shop small. Shop local. Shop family-owned. 

You can even register for what you want at the Alternative Gift Registry and share the list with your family.

As someone who owns a small business myself, I'll attest to the impact of each and every purchase. You make a difference when you shop small. 

With a bit of searching all kinds of treasures (like this gorgeous doll) will appear.

(Art pictured by local-to-me artist Tammy Olson.)

7. Create it yourself

A gift made by you is the best gift of all!

And you don't have to be crafty to enjoy a DIY holiday.

I have collected some great (arguably crafty) holiday project ideas here and here, but consider a gift of infused olive oil or vinegar, canned goods, homemade mustard, bath fizzies, chocolates, or other simple kitchen wizardry.

And framed kid art is always a hit.

Trust me when I say that people flip when given a small, handmade treat from your heart.

8. Give to charity

If your family loves to buy, request items for a charity you love.

Gifts of pet supplies for the local animal shelter, a Heifer Project donation for a family in need, shampoos, soaps, and lotions for the women's shelter, food for the food pantry.

Make a habit of giving of the abundance your family enjoys.

If your message is not heard this season and more gifts come in than you want to keep, those can also be donated. As one friend put it, "Keep the love and pass the gift along."

9. Be patient

Remember that your partner, your dad, or your grandma might not "get it" the first year.

Or the second.

Or the third.

But trust that they are doing their best with the tools that they have.

Remember that for many buying equates love. And it can be a hard story to re-write.

Keep the spirit of love and compassion in your heart as those you care about (yes, maybe even you!) stumble along this new road.

Change is hard. Give it time.

And for perspective, while my parents give simply, my grandparents did not. When I was a kid I got more gifts than I could count every year.

And I turned out okay.

10. Enjoy this holiday

And when all is said and done, enjoy the holiday – whatever it brings.

Reach for gratitude for your family, your community, your life, and this season.

Go with the flow, as best as you can.

And then next year, begin again.

Love,

Rachel

It's 6:00. And aside from the dogs I'm the only one awake.

I'm wrapped in an afghan that my grandma knitted for me and tucked into my hope chest when I was small.

I used to spread it out on the floor by her chair and lay down on it, imagining what my life might look like when it was finally mine.

And you know, I never pictured this.

But I did picture happiness and motherhood and an authentic life all my own, so there you go.

And I'm remembering her and every Thanksgiving we spent at her house alongside the Wolf River.

We'd cook and laugh and set the table all fancy like, waiting for the deer hunters to come in from the woods.

She's been gone for years.

So have all of my grandparents.

And I'm blessed by all that time that we had together.

It's dark and quiet in the valley and despite having had a rocky two weeks, I'm overwhelmed by gratitude.

Because my troubles are minuscule.

And my blessings are vast.

My life is a gift.

Every. Single. Day.

And here I am, unwrapping another present of now beneath the brightening sky.

How did I get so lucky?

Will you join me in a simple action?

Because I know for many, holidays can be rocky.

There are old stories that come up, and big feelings with them.

There is a lot going on and sometimes we lose ourselves in the mess and forget to see the beauty.

So let us keep today in perspective.

To roll with the bumps that inevitably will come.

To breathe. Just breathe.

To be graceful, forgiving, accepting, and kind.

To give ourselves and our parents and our partners and our siblings the same grace that we strive to give our children. Undertsanding. Acceptance. Patience. Love.

To open our hearts and our minds and truly notice all there is to be thankful for.

Let's rock this day in a more real and beautiful way than ever before.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.

You're on my thankful list.

Love,

Rachel

Edited to add: In case you need it, here are some other words to keep your rolling in a brilliant direction today:

Because it's Thanksgving and You're Online (Beth is brilliant and this is spot on.)

Behold The Power of Cropping (Just in case you need this remider today.)