Friday Finds Volume IV

Well friends, it’s back. My little corner of the blogosphere where I overshare some of my favorite finds and offer random tips. Hopefully adding a bit of value and fun in the process. Last month I was on a little blogging hiatus… because January. Which came at me like a high speed train. Bringing travel three out of the four weekends, company most of the month, college visits, closing on a new home and negotiating on the sell of our current home. It was fast. It was furious. It was awesomely exhausting.

Nevertheless, we have things to talk about! So much so, that I decided, (after writing this first draft as if I hadn’t spoken words for a month), to split this edition of Friday Finds into two posts. Because no one has that much spare time! I’ve saved not only our attention spans but also the second part for next week’s Friday Finds my dears.

Mochi Ice Cream

The Japanese inspired dessert winning hearts and tastebuds all over social media.

Hello! My name is Mochi and we are going to be fast friends. Just go with me here for a minute… mmmmkay. I would like to introduce you to a unique, delicious dessert newcomer that is taking over the world. Well, at least the instagram world.

Maybe you have seen them. Or even passed by that intriguing freezer case at Whole Foods. And wondered. What are all those little pastel colored mystery balls. Well, I am her for you. Willing to talk, in great detail, about anything dessert related.

So what is it?

Imagine a bite sized ball of creamy gourmet ice cream. Now imagine that frozen treat encased in a layer of soft chewy rice dough with a hint of sweetness. Folks… this is your best life now. I will warn you that they are %100 addicting and easily gone in a nano second if you have teenagers or millennials lying around.

And where did it come from?

Although mochi ice cream is the new kid on the block, mochi itself has been a Japanese staple since around the year 794 A.D. This smooth sticky rice dough has provided it’s people sustenance and symbolized good fortune for, well, basically all of history.

Considering the Japanese are the OG of popular charming cuteness… Have you seen Hello Kitty! It’s no surprise that a Japanese-American business woman, Frances Hashimoto, transformed this antique food into a totally trendy and adorable concoction.

Now, I know that if you’re a foodie adventurist, you’re completely thrilled about a new up and coming dessert darling. I also understand that all you food tentatives are like, “umm, you can’t make me”! Either way, check out your local grocery store freezer section for MyMo or visit the freezer buffet at Whole Foods and give mochi ice cream treats a try. You can choose from classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry and all you foodie die hards can live on the edge with flavors like green tea, mango, and cookies and cream.

Full Focus Journal

My Fifteen minutes a day that has produced manifold gains

Since I can remember, I have written things down. In my high school journal I once wrote that when I grew up I was going to get married, have a boy and a girl, and a red convertible sports car. Thinking as if I wrote it, it would be so. This was obviously before I fully understood that God was in control and that that was best for everyone involved! Five children and multiple minivans later… By the utter grace of God, my journaling and my perspective have found their grown up selves.

Writing and reflecting on thoughts, feelings and lessons learned has been an indispensable tool that God has used to smooth out my rough edges, shape my heart for the better, and surface important things I may have otherwise missed.

I am an over thinker. My thought life needs serious taming. And my journaling needs consistency. In walks… the Full Focus Journal. Gathering my discombobulated brain highway and sorting it into neatly packaged areas of processing. Providing an onramp to reflection, and teaching me how to be a consistent journal writer.

Journaling helps me clarify my thinking, process my feelings, and make better decisions.

Michael Hyatt

Here is what I love about this particular journal…

It uses a template

You answer the same 8 questions each entry. Sound boring? It’s brilliant! These questions are a well crafted reflection of the previous day. Also, using a journaling template removes that daunting blank page intimidation of “go ahead, fill the page, out of thin air”!

Having a template gives us an onramp to journaling, reflecting and growing.

It is actually freeing to keep things simple and use these same eight questions each day. Helping to produce consistency and build momentum in our journaling by keeping us on track.

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I am a morning journaler. By the end of the day my stamina is spent and words are difficult. For some of us, a good night’s sleep brings a fresher clearer perspective. Therefore, during my morning routine I write about the previous day’s happenings. For others, capturing your thoughts and feelings at the end of the day works best. There are no hard and fast rules here.

Speaking of, my fellow rule followers, there are days I don’t complete all eight questions. It’s ok. Don’t get hung up. Leave some things undone. Ok, moving on.

It has a glossary

Once you begin the journaling habit, it can be difficult to keep track of all the progress you’ve made. Let’s face it, who can even remember what day of the week it is much less what day you journaled about a certain topic. Having a glossary, I can quickly jot down a highlight from a particular entry and note the page number. Easily referring back to important experiences and insights. Reflection fosters growth!

Michael Hyatt, the creator of this journal, has some highly valuable tools for growth on his blog. He even provides a link to his template you can download for journaling. And so. much. more.

Journaling is a means to an end. It helps me think more deeply about my life, where it is going, and what it means.

Michael Hyatt

Look out for next week’s Beauty Edition of Friday Finds!

XOXO,