MONTHLY FAVOURITES | JANUARY

I have decided to start sharing some of my favourite things each month. I have decluttered and minimised my belongings and what I am left with are things that add so much value to my life that I can enjoy. Instead of just sharing with you what I declutter, I want to share with you what I keep and what I get a lot of joy from. Here are my 5 favourites for January 2020!

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Thank you for taking the time to watch my video, I appreciate it so much.

Mary ❤

#mountainequipment #archerandolive #yankeecandle #wanderlust

[smchas]

I have found myself watching hiking videos, including your excellent PCT epic journey. I retired at age 62 last January and over this past year I got my very out of shape body away from a desk, off the couch, and have ventured into nature. I absolutely love it and find so much joy being out of doors. I have increased my endurance from barely able to do 1/4 mile without huffing and puffing, to being able to put in 10 miles, as I just finished doing today. Thank you for your inspiration, whether you knew you were inspiring or not!

[cja]

I don't usually comment but... you Mary. You are my favourite 'thing'😉 I am doing regular physiotherapy so sit on an exercise bike most mornings and you gentle nature and determination is nothing less than inspirational. You're on the right path m'love xxxx

[antheablackmore]

Loved this video thank you....I’m loving painting en plein air (outside) I’m new to oils and my ambition is to hike and paint 🎨🥾

[susanmansfield]

Thank you for sharing Mary and passing on serenity. I must try those candles! x

[creedm]

Wow, great video! Some good stuff there Mary. About ten years ago I started keeping a journal. I am like you, I love good thick paper. It is high quality and easily carried but not so small. The pages are lined but completely empty. And it has a pocket for postcards or whatever you want to keep, maybe a dried flower. I have filled up 4 of them since. I also found a high quality fountain pen with a fine nib which I love. It adds to the experience. I found it on Amazon. The amazing thing is the reaction I get at airports or someone sitting next to me at a bar or on a jet. Questions about what I am doing. I suppose in this digital age I should be typing on my iPad !! So, I can certainly relate. Please keep the wonderful videos coming, I enjoy them very much! Best!

[jessemudge]

Another good one :)
What I enjoy is cycling on my recumbent trike, It rocks. I got to old to backpack.

[edwardmcgrath]

"I don't take anything to extreme's"
Says the woman who just hiked 2600 miles thru every kind of terrain and weather.

[yellowroseoftexas]

Thank you for sharing another side (inside) of you. I personally learned meditation to overcome intense pain 10 years ago. I was able to greatly eliminate pain medication. Today, I do not take pain medication. The act of meditation also allows to reduce daily stress. Meditation is my medication. I will be looking for “Wanderlust”. I cannot use candles due to breathing difficulties. I do use essential oils and many of the same aromatic scents that you described. Last year I purchased my first puffer. This year I purchased a longer and dresser version. Both are synthetic down due to allergies. I am currently starting to weed through so much clutter amassed over 60 years. This act is tiring but also very freeing. Thank you for sharing your minimalist attributes. 😊

[andreabritz]

Your minimalism challenge inspired me to do one in February. Things I did enjoy in January: journaling, essential oils, a plant based recipe ebook

[janetstarr]

Brilliant! I like this fun format! I found your channel on minimalist topic just before your hike and found myself delighted to discover you were going to thru hike since that is another topic that I enjoy. Thank you for bravely sharing yourself with us and that was such a nice point of view about minimalism as it brings you greater joy. Good for you and your kind reflection to the lady's comment. Sounds like you are decompressing out of your post thru hike transition. I have heard others speak about it too. What an amazing experience all the way from preparing to recovering.

[antheablackmore]

Check the chemicals out in your Yankee candles Mary ! A lot of scented candles are synthetic chemical fragrances that can cause respiratory problems...I had to ditch them years ago for natural fragrances

[raydenham]

Mary life and living is your " box ", you are the most centered person I have encountered. Thanks for sharing your life and hikes with us. Always looking forward to your next video.

[wackyswanderings]

Surprisingly enough over last month I've been hooked and really enjoyed your PCT exploits having stumbled across your channel, oh and tonight responding to one of your commenters below as it brought back some great memories😁 ATB Dave 😊👍 aka wackyswanderings

[bettyjorodgers]

All your videos are a joy to watch. Thank you for creative ideas. Blessings

[allencrider]

I got a book, _How to Walk_ by Thich Nhat Hanh as a gift in December and it was a perfect gift for me, the hiker. Filled with Buddhist mindfulness.

[Vesbolk]

What have I been enjoying? Glendronach 18 - it’s vegan! Thanks for the soothing video.

[vickiebartnicki]

You are not wearing teal. I am enjoying my cross stitch projects and I set a goal to work on a project at least an hour a day.. Bible study class with 3 year old grandson. He spends Wednesdays night and we get to enjoy his company and book club challenge this year 12 books different subjects. First book is Forgiveness by Terri Roberts. Another great video and you truly are an inspiration, Blessings and safe adventures.xx

[trakyboy]

I hope this doesn't sound bad or off some how but....
As a guy I envy how women ( not all of course ) can find enjoyment contentment and peace in doing such little things. And with out much expense. The things that I feel ' drawn to ' require to much of everything.
My wife loves to knit,
it fits in a bag that she can tote around and pull it out and start going even while we're driving!! I guess maybe that's what makes women the wonderful creatures they are !!!

[martyfowler]

That Wanderlust book looks interesting. I’ll have to order the book. Thanks for sharing. I’m working on my keto diet and I know it will be a long and positive journey.

[tootsla]

Just watch a few episodes of “Hoarding: Buried Alive.” It’s a study in rampant consumerism meets hyper-sentimentality with a touch of mental illness thrown in. I really makes one question the accumulation of “Stuff, ” and do you really need all of it.

My Special January Item: I bought a Cynthia Rowley boiled wool, persimmon color coat at a ridiculous low price at after Christmas sale. I’ve worn it every day since. It’s casual or dressy with different scarves and accessories, it’s lightweight and great to layer - stylish but so functional. It’s my favorite piece of winter clothing! I love it.