Four Things: Apr 14 2025 Edition

Thank you for following along to see what we’ve been READING, LOVING, PRACTICING, and COOKING! Whether it’s a new book, a wellness habit, or a favorite meal, we hope you find something here that inspires you.

Today’s edition is by Angela.

What I’m Reading

I just finished The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer, and what a heartwarming story! I highly recommend it!

Make a wish. . . .

Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.

But be careful what you wish for. . . .

Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.

For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.

. . . You might just get it.

What I’m Loving

In my everyday shift to clean-ish living in our household, laundry has been one I haven’t quite figured out yet. If I try the “natural” detergents, we never feel like our clothes are really clean and smelling fresh. So I find myself going back to conventional, big box store detergents often. With a recent outbreak of eczema, I switched to a clean and clear version of the big box store brand, but it’s still missing that fresh scent, which my family likes. So I did some research and discovered Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster. The brand is environmentally friendly and free from harsh chemicals, but the best thing is their oxi laundry booster leaves our clothes looking clean and smelling so fresh! And look at the cute, refillable tin with built in measuring cup that comes with the starter pack. Once you have the tin, just purchase the refills. Don’t be surprised if I feature more from this brand, like their laundry detergent tablets!

What I’m Practicing

I’ve been given the advice on more than one occasion to schedule my workouts as if they are a work meeting. I rearrange my schedule and skip out on “less important” things just to be able to fit in a call with a client, so why don’t I treat myself with the same importance and respect? It’s really a mental game for me, because even though I put this “meeting” on my calendar, I still know in my head that the only person I would be letting down by not going is myself, and that’s easier to do than letting down a paying client. But I’m trying harder to do better, knowing that if I set aside this time for myself regularly, I will not only be physically healthier, but mentally healthier as well. Do you schedule your workouts into your day?

what i’m Cooking

My sweet tooth struggle is real. I will take sweet over savory any day. But once I started tracking my food for weight loss, I realized my sweet tooth was sabotaging my efforts. So I look for ways to satisfy my sweet cravings that is more supportive of my health goals. A quick Google search can result in many “healthier” sweet recipes to try and I was a little skeptical of this one, but wow, this recipe is almost like the slightly less-healthy alternative. Let me introduce you to Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding! It’s high protein, lower fat, and is highly customizable. Add in some chocolate chips and whipped cream, or top with fruit or a hard chocolate shell. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and you have yourself a high protein pudding dessert. So good!

And that’s my four things for this week. Stay healthy!