Hello, I’m Desirae
I’m so excited to share my passions with you. They are many. My hope is that you find some little nugget of joy or wisdom to carry with you back into your day.
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Beyond Survival: Thriving in the Embrace of Grace
We all know the feeling of simply surviving. We get through the day, check things off our list, and maybe even squeeze in a few moments of joy (but not on the regular). We know there’s something more, something deeper, that our hearts truly crave. It’s a feeling of thriving, a state of deep peace that transcends any earthly understanding.
Imagine a moment of pure contentment. Perhaps it’s the warmth of the sun on your face, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh flowers, or the quiet joy of spending time with loved ones. These moments, fleeting as they may be, offer a glimpse of what it means to truly thrive.
Thriving isn’t about the absence of challenges. It’s about finding a wellspring of strength and peace that allows us to navigate life’s storms with grace and resilience. This strength, for many of us, comes from a deep connection with something greater than ourselves – a connection with God.
The Bible tells us in Mark 12:30 that our greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This love isn’t a burden, but a lifeline. It’s in spending time with God, through prayer, meditation, or simply basking in His presence, that we find the nourishment our souls crave.
When we connect with the divine, we tap into a reservoir of peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a peace that doesn’t rely on external circumstances or a clean house. It’s a knowing, a deep sense of trust, that even in the midst of hardship, we are loved and supported.
This doesn’t mean that life will always be easy. But when we cultivate a thriving spirit through our connection with God, we face challenges with courage, navigate setbacks with faith, and celebrate victories with gratitude. We find the strength to love fiercely, forgive freely, and embrace each day as a gift.
So, how can you cultivate this sense of thriving in your own life? Here are a few suggestions:
- Spend time in prayer and reflection. Talk to God, express your gratitude, and find solace in His presence.
- Read scripture. Allow God’s word to wash over you and guide your steps.
- Seek out a faith community. Surround yourself with others who share your values and can offer support.
- Practice gratitude. Take time each day to appreciate the God’s goodness in your life, big and small.
- Live a life of service. Helping others is a powerful way to connect with something greater than yourself.
Remember, thriving isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. By nurturing your connection with God, you can cultivate a sense of peace, purpose, and joy that will empower you to weather any storm and truly thrive, no matter what life throws your way.
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What’s Saving My Life – 2024 Part 1

Balancing work, family, and personal goals can feel like a Herculean task, but I’ve discovered some essential practices that are truly saving my life in 2024. From the simple pleasure of wearing beautiful earrings to the transformative power of therapy, these little things are making a big difference. As a busy working mom, finding time for self-care often feels impossible, yet it’s crucial for maintaining balance and thriving. In this piece, I’ll share how planning Sunday resets, using Spotify’s “Add to Queue,” and embracing tools like Silk & Sonder planners are key to my self-care routine, and how they can help you too. Let’s dive into these life-saving elements and explore how integrating them into your routine can bring harmony and joy to your everyday life.
Transformative Self-Care Practices
The Power of Earrings
Earrings might seem like a small detail, but their impact on my daily life is substantial. Slipping on a pair of beautiful earrings each morning has become a crucial part of my self-care ritual. They serve as a simple yet powerful reminder to prioritize myself amidst the chaos of family and work. The act of choosing earrings that reflect my mood or that match my outfit can set a positive tone for the day. It’s an effortless way to feel put-together and confident, even when my schedule is packed. Earrings may be a tiny accessory, but they have a significant effect on my outlook and self-esteem. This small act of adornment has proven to be a transformative practice in maintaining my balance and joy.
Embracing Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizer has become a game-changer in my daily routine. As a busy mom, finding time for a full makeup application is often unrealistic. However, tinted moisturizer offers a quick and effective solution. It provides just the right amount of coverage to even out my skin tone while keeping my skin hydrated. This multitasking product simplifies my morning routine, allowing me to feel polished without investing too much time. The lightweight formula feels comfortable, and the added SPF protection is a bonus for my skin’s health. Embracing tinted moisturizer means I can step out of the house with confidence, knowing my skin looks fresh and natural. It’s a small but mighty tool in my self-care arsenal, helping me maintain a sense of self-assurance and ease as I navigate the demands of work and family life.
Regular Doctor Visits
Making time for regular doctor visits has been a cornerstone in my self-care journey. As a working mom, it’s easy to put off healthcare appointments, prioritizing everyone else’s needs over my own. However, I’ve realized that maintaining my health is essential for being able to care for my family and perform well at work. Regular check-ups help catch potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention. These visits also serve as a reminder to monitor and discuss any concerns, ensuring that I’m proactive about my well-being. Scheduling these appointments in advance and treating them as non-negotiable commitments has made it easier to stay on track. Taking this step has not only improved my physical health but also brought peace of mind, knowing that I’m taking care of myself. Prioritizing regular doctor visits is a simple yet powerful way to invest in my long-term health and overall balance.
Simple Everyday Rituals
Therapeutic Sunday Resets
Sunday resets have become a therapeutic ritual that sets the tone for my entire week. On Sundays, I dedicate time to plan, organize, and prepare for the days ahead. This process includes meal prepping, setting goals, and tidying up my living space. The act of decluttering and organizing not only creates a more harmonious environment but also clears my mind. Additionally, I use this time to reflect on the past week, acknowledge my achievements, and identify areas for improvement. Integrating relaxation activities, like a long bath, ensures that I start the week feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. By carving out this intentional time, I am better equipped to manage my responsibilities and maintain a balanced life. Therapeutic Sunday resets have proven to be an indispensable tool in my self-care routine, fostering a sense of control and tranquility as I face the demands of a busy week and boy do I feel it when I don’t make time for it.
The Joy of Spotify “Add to Queue”
The “Add to Queue” feature on Spotify has brought unexpected joy and spontaneity into my daily life. Music has always been a source of comfort and motivation for me, but curating playlists can sometimes feel like another task on my to-do list. With “Add to Queue,” I can effortlessly line up podcasts for my commute to work or home without having to fiddle with my phone. It’s a small act of self-care that doesn’t require much effort but significantly boosts my mood and helps satisfy a core value of mine: learning. This simple feature has made my commute an enjoyable task and joyful part of my everyday routine, helping me stay connected to my emotions and find pleasure in the mundane.
Silk & Sonder Planners
Silk & Sonder planners have become an indispensable part of my daily routine. These planners are designed specifically for self-care and personal growth, offering structured yet flexible layouts that cater to my needs as a busy mom. Each month, I receive a beautifully crafted planner filled with prompts, trackers, and inspirational quotes that help me stay organized and focused. The act of writing down my goals, intentions, and reflections fosters a sense of clarity and purpose. Using the planner also provides a much-needed break from digital devices, allowing me to engage in a tactile and mindful activity. This ritual not only keeps me on track with my tasks and appointments but also encourages me to carve out time for self-reflection and gratitude. Silk & Sonder planners have transformed my approach to planning, making it a more holistic and enjoyable practice that supports my overall well-being and productivity.
I hope you take some time this weekend to reflect on what has been saving your life so far in 2024. I bet it will surprise and delight you when you name the things saving your life and don’t forget to be intentional about including them into your routines and habits heading into this last half of the year.
P.S. Our doggo, Sara, gets an honorable mention. She is my snuggle buddy every morning and brings me lots of joy too!
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Finding Balance – is it possible?
In today’s hustle-focused culture, it can be difficult to find balance between work, home, and personal life. It’s easy to feel like you are constantly juggling multiple priorities and never have enough time for anything. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to spend time looking at different tools to bring balance back to your life. A few ways to do this are by setting some goals, identifying and holding your boundaries and establishing or reinventing routines.
When you have goals, you give your daily tasks a purpose. Your goals can be big or small, but it is important to make them specific and measurable. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” you could say “I want to lose 10 pounds in 2 months.” Having specific goals will help you stay on track and make progress.
Another way to bring balance is to use boundaries. In my world, this means not saying, “Yes,” to everything. Instead, I say, “Let me check my calendar later and I’ll confirm.” This gives me time to consider all the things going on, check in with my husband and check in with myself. Boundaries help you protect your time, energy, and mental health.
Finally, and one I hold dear to my heart: routines. Routines are regular activities that you do on a daily or weekly basis. You may not think you have routines for things or maybe you are a Routine Guru! Either way, take some time to evaluate yours and make tweeks so that they still serve you well! Self-care has been something I STRUGGLE WITH!
Here is something new I’m trying to help fit in self-care every day:

Mindful Monday – Sit outside for 10 -15 minutes (work your way up to 2 hours) and check in with your senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste)
Take a Bath Tuesday – Mini Spa day at home! Pluck your eyebrows, use that fun facemask, change out your mani. Your choice but pair it with luxurious bath.
Watch something Funny Wednesday – Full blow permission to watch 15 minutes of silly cat videos! Or something else that will make you belly laugh.
Thoughtful Thursday – How’s your self-talk? Rate it 1- 5, 1 being RUDE and 5 being your best supporter. How can you be kinder to yourself today?
Funday Friday – Do something fun today, just for you. Need help defining fun? Check out this podcast from The Lazy Genius Episode #306 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/morefun
Sabbath Saturday – This is your rest day! If a whole day of rest is hard, start small. How can you take a small chunk of time to rest your soul today?
Special People Sunday – Spend time with people you love. Fill your cup up before starting the work week so that you are not empty before the week is up!
Finding balance can be hard and different for all of us.
Remember: the balance you had last season may not be applicable in your current one. Give yourself loads of grace as you figure it out. And be sure to check out my Favorite Things post for a number of things that save my sanity on a daily basis.
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This made me think of you!

For those in my close circle of friends – I am that friend that sends random podcasts and songs that remind me of something we have talked about or heard at church. At their request, this is the “safe place” to keep the links I’m sharing! Thank you, ladies, for the inspiration to host this page and for the courage to put it out here.
This page, the space below is just for me and when I think about you. I share with no agenda. Simply hoping that some part of wisdom or encouragement that I picked up will also be something worth taking note of for you. These will be randomly updating as I do this life, trying to be distracted only by our One, True, God.
Holiday Season 2022 notes
As we head into 2023, a great podcast on Bible reading
This week (11/9) in Bible study we were challenged to ask God to work in us before we expect Him to work through us. This song is my response
https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2019/06/05/seeing-what-david-saw/
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Mom Hacks

Sometimes moms just need help. Or as I like to call them, a hack. Below are a few things I am using to help me manage life as a working mom.
Emeals
This a menu planning service, that has MANY options to chose from that include Keto, Paleo, Budget Friendly. You pick the meals, it creates the shopping list and syncs up to Walmart Pick up or Instacart with a shopping list for all the meals you picked out. Click the link for $10 off your subscription!
https://www.talkable.com/x/wn3YkNInstacart
Grocery delivery service. This showed up in my life during the pandemic and I have never looked back. I am a stay-at-home, working mom. Some days I just don’t have the time or energy to grocery shop. Follow the link below to get $10 off your first order.
The Shop Club
Ingredients are SUPER important to me. I get my home essentials like laundry soap, dish soap, mouthwash, toilet bowl cleaner, and disinfectant from this shop club.
http://mymelaleuca.com/distractedmama
Organized Chaos
This lady has been a GAME-CHANGER in my life at home. I’m still not following her program to the “T”, but man if it hasn’t helped me get my act together on most days. Her 6/10 List is hanging on my fridge and I am saving up to get one of those Tineco Mop Vacuum things. 🙂

About Me
I am a woman after God. I search for His thruths and share what I find helpful along the way. Will you join me?
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