Sunday Inspiration:: Don't Forget

Dogs and Chasing Rabbits

It's been a good week - despite being one of those weeks when I feel as if I have been very busy and getting not much done. 

I was actually going to say something about how I've been working like a dog this week.  But then I took a look at these two doing what they typically do and decided perhaps that phrase really isn't accurate...

Which also got me thinking that maybe the phrase "a dog's life" isn't all that accurate either; as most of the dogs I know live a pretty pampered existence.  

I chased that thought right down the rabbit trail to considering how dog's are also fairly grateful creatures.  Showing joy and thanks for every scrap of food, every bit of attention, every walk, every time you walk back in the door.   Maybe we could learn something from the dogs...

Relax more.  Be grateful.

A Spirit of Gratitude: August 17, 2017

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

An Etsy order which will be going to Norway!

Having my dad over to dinner for his birthday

The Male Offspring going back to classes

Being able to rend his books for about 1/4 what it would cost to buy

Dog sitting the grand kid's pet

Early morning trips to the gym

Baby deer in the backyard

The Man of the House making popcorn for me

Potato salad

Finding cotton scrubby yarn

A trip to Barnes and Noble

Iced coffee

25 Things You Can Declutter TODAY (without guilt or regret)

As many of you know, my One Word for this year is Simplify.  Part of my process for this year has been to begin simplifying what I own.  In other words - decluttering.  It has been a slow, off again - on again kind of a thing for me.  But over the past 7 and a half months there are a few things I have come to realize I can donate or dispose of easily and without guilt. 

On those days when you feel a little overwhelmed with where to begin or that you just can't face some deep cleaning type decluttering - having a list like this can help you keep making forward progress in some form.

1. Old Magazines:  If you haven't read them by now, you aren't going to.  Drop them in the recycling bin!
2. Old Cosmetics:  You're not wearing them for a reason.  And there's a good chance they've expired by now.  Toss 'em!
3. Unread Books:  If it's been sitting on your nightstand for months and months - you're likely never going to read it.  If you change your mind, you can check it out from the library. 
4. VHS and Audio Cassette Tapes:  You probably don't even have a way to play these anymore. 
5. Accessories for Cell Phones you  no longer use:  Cases, head sets, charging cords, etc.  If you don't use the phone - you don't need the extras for it.
6. Stretched out Hair Elastics, bent Bobby Pins and Broken Clips: If you're like me you have a whole bunch of these in a drawer or box somewhere.  Probably mixed in with all the ones that actually function.  I don't know what we're saving them for.  
7. Lids to Food Storage Containers that have no matching container:  I know... you think you'll find the match eventually.  Trust me - you won't
8. Like wise... Food Storage Containers with no matching lid.
9. Unused toiletries:  The ones you received as a gift and never use.  The cute little bottles you brought home from that hotel on your last vacation.  Samples.
10. Old Nail Polish:  Is it a color you never wear?  Thick?  Has it separated?  Toss it and treat yourself to a bottle of a cute new color!
11. Recipe Books You Never Use:  If you suddenly discover you wanted a certain recipe, you can probably find it online. 
12. Treats Your Pet Won't Eat:  Is someone else in the house going to eat it?
13. Any Expired Food in your Pantry, Cabinet, Fridge or Freezer:  Expired food?  'Nuf said...
14. Expired medications:  Just be sure you dispose of them correctly!!  Check out the FDA GUIDELINES
15. Paper or Plastic Bags:  What are you saving them for?  You're gonna get more...
16. Scraps of Wrapping Paper:  Do you ever really use all those little leftover pieces?
17. Socks with No Matches:  I'm marking this one "Note to Self".  I keep a mesh bag of mismatched socks thinking the partner will show up someday.  Probably time to give it up.
18. And while you're at it:  Any Socks with holes in them.  
19. Or - Tights with Runs
20. Video or Computer Games the kids have outgrown or you don't play anymore:  Lots of places have buy back programs where you can get some credit toward new ones!  Or give them to a friend with younger kids who will enjoy them. 
21. Old Prescription Eyeglasses:  Donate them!  Many eye glass providers have collection boxes, or contact your local Lions Club for information
22. Packets of Anything that came with a take out order:  ketchup, salt, soy sauce, etc...
23. Old Planners or Calendars:  Do you think you might need to know what you were doing on an exact day a year or more ago?  
24. Old Herbs and Spices:  That bottle of seasoning you bought for that one recipe that you made that one time?  It's gotta go.
25. Pens and Pens:  I am the worst for this!  I have a pretty serious pen addiction, and it would be embarrassing for both of us if I told you how many pens I have in my house right now.  (Whatever you're thinking - it's more than that)  Keep a few of your favorites and get rid of the rest.

Sunday Inspiration: Motivate One Another

A Spirit of Gratitude: August 10

It's been a good week here in my little world.  The temperatures have been nice and comfortable, and we had some good soaking rains.  I've made it to the gym a few mornings (thanks to the Man of the House).  And there's been plenty to be thankful for!

I Am Thankful For:

Nutella

Funny auto-correct errors

The Male Offspring baking

The Male offspring's "new" car

Dinner at White Duck Taco Shop

A happy dog

Waking up to the sound of rain

Rainy Mondays

New ideas for my shop

An evening at the ball field

What are you thankful for this week?

Quack Attack!

The Man of the House and I have been hearing about White Duck Taco Shop for what must be a couple of years now.  It's been one of those "we need to go try it out sometime" things that we've never gotten around to actually doing.  We never seemed to be on that side of town or don't think about it when we are over that way.

So, when we found out that at new location had opened on our end of town - we knew we'd be making a visit.  Probably sooner, rather than later.  This past Saturday was that day.

Who ever selected the site for this newest location is a genius.  It's right beside the high school (I don't want to even try to stop for dinner on a Friday night during football season! It's gonna be packed!)  There's seating available inside and out, with the outside tables having plenty of natural shade so you don't roast in the sun.  They have a cute little display full of - you guessed it! - white ducks.  (The plastic kind)

We shared a side of queso and chips.  Yummy stuff.  But there's only so much you can say about queso and chips.  It's kind of hard to mess that one up.

I selected a black bean and cheese taco as well as a buffalo chicken taco.  The buffalo chicken was tasty, but in my humble opinion it could have been a little hotter.  Truth be told - I think I liked the black bean better.  Simple, but delicious!

The Man of the House had the fish taco and (I think) the black bean.  He was quite pleased with the fish taco.

The Male Offspring enjoyed two steak and cheddar.  He said it was really good - but, sadly, he was appalled that I was taking pictures of our food and refused to let me get one of his.

There are so many interesting choices available on the menu and we want to try almost all of them.  It was a great experience, and I can definitely say we will be back!