Good morning, y'all! I slept in this morning, so this is coming to you a little bit late. But, I'm not a bit sorry - I needed that extra sleep. As a chronic insomniac, I take it where I can get it. I'm sure any of my other wakeful friends in the email list know exactly what I mean.

I hit the grocery store at exactly the right time last week. The last day of sale markdowns got increased even more (I guess that happens later in the day - who knew?) and I got so much stuff for so little money I thought I hit my head and woke up ten years ago. I remember back in the day when I could drop $50-60 a week, feed my little family of three, and still have stuff to put back for preps. These days, I'm lucky to get out of there for less than $100 just for me.

And I really, really, really don't feel comfortable dipping into my preps any further without replenishing them. Normally when prices are outrageous, I'll eat the preps and restock when I can. Right now, that just doesn't seem wise. I know from what you guys have said in the comments that I'm not alone in this feeling of urgency.

For my other city-dwelling friends, have you checked out some of the "ambiance" videos on YouTube? Some days, I'm just not up for my music playlists and I love listening to the sounds of nature in the background while I write or clean the apartment. Some of the channels add some soft classical music, while others add sounds like coffee pouring and cats purring, or a crackling fire in the fireplace. It makes for a cozy atmosphere when you can't get away and experience it for yourself. Here's the one I've been listening to lately.

I figure during tough times, we need all the help winding down that we can get. (If you aren't having tough times right now, I'm sincerely glad for you.) I know that many folks are struggling through no fault of their own. Find a bit of happiness and peace where and when you can.

You deserve a break from constant stress. Maybe this weekend you can...

Take a walk in nature
Visit friends or family
Bake something delicious
Do a craft - I've just about finished an embroidery piece and I'm about to move on to crochet
Visit friends or family
Bake something delicious
Do a craft - I've just about finished an embroidery piece and I'm about to move on to crochet
Stream a movie you've been dying to see
Read a book just for enjoyment, not because you need to learn something

If you can at all, find a way to spend a little downtime and relax. Stressing won't help the situation, and may in fact hinder you.

Here's hoping for a wonderful week ahead for all of us.