Currently... October, 2020

 Welcome, October!  

This is the birth month of one of my very favorite people ever.  (hint:  it's the Man of the House).  That means it would automatically get a big thumbs up from me.  But, I adore October for so many reasons.  Football season is in full swing.  Pumpkins are everywhere. It (usually) starts to really feel like fall - which means I get to start wearing sweaters and boots without feeling as if I'm going to melt into a puddle by lunchtime.  Around here, the best part of the autumn leaf season usually occurs in October. 

There is just so much to enjoy about this month!

Working On:  Prioritizing tasks.  I am doing pretty well with getting myself back into the habit of setting monthly and weekly goals and planning my weeks. (Something I seriously let slide during the first several months of the whole pandemic thing) But I need to do a better job of prioritizing each of my tasks so that Important things get accomplished on time.

Reading:  The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes  and  Living With Intent by Mallika Chopra

I've never read any of Jojo Moyes' other popular works such as Me Before You.  But I am thoroughly enjoying this tale of a British girl who hastily marries an American boy and moves to a small Kentucky mining town where she joins a group of women delivering books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt's new Pack Horse Library Project.

Celebrating:  As I mentioned above, the Man of the House has a birthday this month.  Our daughter and her husband also celebrate their first anniversary.  Hard to believe that an entire year has passed since the wedding!

Loving:  This month!  (see above)   Also my two little doggies.  Yep - two!  We have been talking about getting a "brother" for Max.  A companion and playmate.  Last weekend we drove to an animal rescue in South Carolina and adopted a Chiweenie.  We have named him Ziggy and so far he is fitting right into our family.  It's adorable to see the two of them playing and wrestling.  And Ziggy is a sweetheart who loves to cuddle in my lap.

Wanting/Needing:  I need some book suggestions.  I welcome any reading recommendations, but specifically I am looking for a good daily devotional or two (or three, or four) as well as suggestions for good books about intentional living and mindfulness. 

Dreaming About:  Fun birthday celebrations.  For the Man of the House this month and for myself on November  1st. 

October Goals:

• Get back onto Weight Watchers program
• Schedule a "self care' day once a week
• Select a crochet project that isn't for the Etsy shop
• Create November blog schedule
• Create graphics for November blog posts
• Create and schedule Sunday Inspiration posts for blog
• Create 5 new listings for Etsy shop
• Write at least 3 posts for the shop blog
• Plan for "Before Black Friday" sale 

What will your October look like?

Currently... September 2020

 Yes!!  September has arrived!  And fall is peeking around the corner.  I don't know about y'all, but I am so over this summer and ready to move on into the autumn of this year.  In some ways this year is feeling as if it's flying by - as most years seem to do for me recently.  But in so many other ways it has been the longest year in the history of ever! 

Of course, fall is my favorite time of year - so I always anticipate and welcome it under even the very best of circumstances.   

Working On:  We've been working on some yard work. Landscaping an area in the front of the house.  We put in a walkway from the front porch over to the stairs that lead to the driveway at the side of the house.  Clearing out some over grown shrubs and vines on the side near the chimney.  The clearing is almost done, and we are to a point with the landscaping where we're ready to spread a bunch of mulch and start some planting and replanting.   

Celebrating:  September brings Labor Day.  Which usually means the Apple Festival here in town.  But... Covid-19. So...  It's also my youngest nephew's birthday.  And my dad is getting married!  It's just going to be a small civil ceremony, because - you know... Covid-19. 

Reading: I have a pretty big to-read stack for this month.  Because for some reason, no matter how long the wait list is - all my holds seem to become available at the same time.  September's list includes: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian, The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, and Very, Very, Very Dreadful by Albert Marrin

Loving:  My hairs.  My curls have suddenly found a whole new spring in thier coils and it's bonkers!  I don't think I've ever had this much actual curl to my wavy/curly hair before.  I don't know if it's the humidity we've had this August, the products I'm using, this cut, or WHAT.  But I'm not hating it! There's also a lot of halo frizz happening, but nothing I can't live with on most days.  

Wanting/Needing:  A good moisturizer that I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for.  I'm getting super serious about my skin care routine.  Something I wish I had done in my 20s.  Or at least by my 30s.  But alas, I was a slacker who often slept in her makeup and now I'm paying the price and trying to play catchup a little.

 I was using the Olay Regenerist Whip fragrance free, and ,I liked that.  It felt nice and moisturizing on my skin, but light.  Then when I needed more, I couldn't in find the whip, so I got the regular formula - but it feels heavy on my skin and leaves me feeling a little greasy.  Which I don't like.  So, I'm on the prowl for a new one.  In my case, this involves reading about 2 bagillion articles with titles such as "The Best Anti-Aging Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin" and then searching and reading reviews on every single one of them. 

Dreaming About: Fall days.  Cooler weather.  Autumn leaves.  Wearing my boots again.  And Pumpkin spice everything.  

September Goals:

• Be intentional about following skincare routine 
• One week sugar detox (that I didn't do last mo socinth)
• Get back into nail care routine
• Create blog schedule for October
• Create graphics for October Thankful posts
• Create and schedule Sunday posts for October
• Increase Etsy sales
• Add at least 5 new listings to Etsy shop
• Schedule October social media posts for shop

What is your September going to look like this year?

Currently... August 2020

Remember back in the late winter/early spring when we were hoping that Covid-19 would go away during the summer with the heat and sunshine.  That didn't quite work out as we wished, did it?  Here in North Carolina the numbers - especially hospitalizations and deaths - have continued to increase.  

Schools are opening this month and that whole situation is going to be anything but typical for a while. They are going with a "hybrid" plan, which means beginning with some brief in-person time (including masks and social distancing) to get to know their teacher and the program, then at least the remainder of the first semester will be remote learning.  

It's not going to be easy on anyone.  Least of all, the children.  I don't envy the administrators and government officials for having to make those decisions.  Not the teachers trying to readjust lessons and plans to meet new requirements and also managing to keep kids 6 feet apart and stop them from fidgeting with masks all day for that first week while worrying about keeping themselves healthy.  Or the parents trying to make this work for thier families.  Lots of prayers going all around! I will be helping out with the remote learning portion of the grand kid's schooling since it's not as if one of his parents can just take a semester off from work.  

I'm still pretty much self quarantined here.  About once or twice a month I make a trip out to the craft store to pick up yarn needed for my shop orders (fully masked and social distancing as far away from other people as possible)  Other than that, I stay safe here at home.  I'm not enjoying the heat this summer, which keeps me inside with the comfort of air conditioning where I do a lot of reading and crocheting.

Working On:  Staying sane.  Aren't we all?   In 2020 so far, some days it really does feel like work.  If you're like me you go along thinking you're doing pretty well keeping it all together, then you have a day (or a week) when you feel as if you are truly struggling.

Celebrating: My dad's birthday is this month.  And I think that's the only celebration we have for August

Reading:  Last night I finished The Alienist by Caleb Carr.  I have started watching the show and wondered if the books were as good or better. (Answer: better)  Next on the To-Read queue is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and then The German Heiress by Anika Scott.  I'm also still limping my way through The Great Influenza.  Parts of it really drag on and the parts that don't are depressing in that they show that nothing has changed much in 100 years.

Loving:  All these afternoon and evening thunderstorms.  I'm one of those weirdos that enjoys the thunder, lightening, wind and rain of an afternoon storm.  As long as it's not severe.

Wanting/Needing:  To reorganize my office and get a space ready for the grand kid's remote learning time. I want him to have a dedicated place for education away from distractions.

Dreaming about:  An upcoming getaway.  In this summer of Covid, I'm not comfortable going somewhere touristy or at risk of having crowds for a vacation.  So, the Man and I have booked an AirBnB at the lake for a long weekend soon.  I am in great need of a few days by the water, resting, reading and soaking up the sun.  

August Goals:

• Drink 64 oz of water per day
• Journal every day
• Meditate at least 3 times per week
• One week sugar detox
• Created blog schedule for September
• Create Thankful Thursday posts for September
• Create Sunday posts for September
• Receive 20 new orders
• Write at least 3 posts for shop blog
• Create shop social media schedule for September

What's your August going to look like?

Currently... July 2020

After three months that seemed to last a couple of lifetimes - June just flew by!  Or was it just me?

I recently read that today is "Second Half of the Year Day".  Half of 2020 is behind us (and most of us would agree that it's good riddance).  This is a good day to look at your year so far, evaluate your goals for the year and think about where you're headed for the rest of the year.  

I'm certainly thinking about my one word for the year: Intentional.  When I decided on this word, I never imagined that it would be tested as a result of a global pandemic.  But, that's exactly what happened.  After being thrown for a complete loop by fear of the virus, everything shutting down, worries about the health and safety of my friends and family and the effects all this had on my Etsy shop - I kind of withdrew mentally and emotionally for a while.  I allowed all this to become an excuse for just drifting through a few months, rather than living up to my focus of being intentional.  

Fortunately, over the past month or so - I am finally shaking off that sense of ennui and getting back on track.  

I have been intentionally memorizing Scripture verses and spending time in daily prayer.  I have been working to get back into a regular habit of journaling and meditation.  I'm making monthly goals, then planning my weekly goals and daily to do lists in an effort to help meet those goals.  And I am creating content schedules for the blog and promos for my Etsy shop.  

All this has me looking forward to a great second half of 2020! Starting with July.  

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Working On:  All that stuff I said up there about renewing my focus to be more intentional in my life.  Yeh... that. 

Celebrating:  Of course, there's the 4th of July - which will be very quiet this year.  No cookouts or firework displays for us.  I did give myself a lovely little red, white and blue themed pedicure in honor of the day.  So, I guess that's something...

My youngest niece celebrates her Sweet 16 on the 12th and then the Female Offspring turns 28 on the 18th.  I know what you're thinking.  I can't possibly be old enough to have a daughter that age.  You're right.  I think the same thing almost every day!  How can that be correct??

Reading:  Just finished The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.  Very good!  Hard to believe she was only in her early 20s when she wrote this!  Next up is In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. 

I also just got a hold of another copy and can finally complete The Great Influenza by John M Barry.  This one is about the flu pandemic of 1918-1920, and what I have come to realize so far is that we have learned little to nothing from the lessons of 100 years ago.  

Loving:  Fresh summer fruit.  Watermelon, peaches, and berries.  I love all the sweet in-season deliciousness!  What's your favorite summer fruit? 

Wanting/Needing:  Some TLC for my nails.  My cuticles are all hang-naily  (brand new word - I just invented it).  My nails keeps breaking and splitting.  I've put myself on a hardcore nail care routine which will hopefully rectify the situation.  I'll be giving you details on that in a future post.

Dreaming About:  I'm still dreaming about travel and vacations.  And still not feeling safe enough to actually go anywhere.  

July Goals:

1. Journal everyday
2. Meditate at least 3 times per week
3. Drink 6 - 8 cups of water per day
4. Create a blogging schedule for August
5. Create Sunday posts for August
6. Create Thankful Thursday graphics for August
7. Work on August social media schedule for Etsy Shop
8. Write at least 3 new blog posts for shop 
9. List new Christmas items in Etsy shop
10. Update shop and blog "About" pages

What's up in July?  What are your goals for the month?  Do you have any fun summer plans? 

Currently... May 2020

Y'all.  … I can't figure out whether April went by very quickly or if it was the longest month ever. I take that back.  It has definitely been the longest.  That is possibly because I had no idea what day it was most of the time.  I'd be rolling along, thinking a day was Thursday - when it was actually a Wednesday or a Friday.  In fact, I am pretty sure it has been about 130 days since April 1st

They announced last week that the schools in our state will continue remote learning for the remainder of the year.  Which means lots more tine with the grand kid for the next several months. I'm also finally working on a couple of projects that I have in mind for quite awhile.  Which goes to proved that there's definitely a silver lining to all of this quarantine/shutdown stuff.

Reading:  I'm just finishing City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert and ready to begin Under Occupation by Alan Furst.  My non-fiction book of the moment is Intentional Living by John C Maxwell.  Later this month I plan to read another one of the five classics that I challenged myself to finish this year. 

Working On:  For a long time now I wanted to find or create some prints to hang over the coffee station in my dining room.  I finally found exactly what I want to do and I have the time to do it.  

Loving:   Delivery and curbside pick up options.  Some are better than others, but the ones that are good are making me very happy, and my life easier, right now.  

Celebrating:  May brings Mother's Day. We usually have our mothers and the Female Offspring over for dinner on the day before to celebrate them.  I guess that will look a little different this year.  We also have my nephew's birthday on Cinco de Mayo and  the Male Offspring's birthday at the end of the month.  I can't believe my "baby" is going to be 22 this year!

Wanting/Needing:  Like most of us, I need a haircut. I actually needed a trim about two months ago, but decided to put it off a little longer.  Now, my layers are shaggy and out of shape and my hair is too long to do much of anything with it.  I did break out the scissors that came with the hair clippers we have to give my bangs a trim and I'm feeling pretty good about how that turned out. But I'm not feeling confident enough to attempt cutting the rest of it by myself.  

Dreaming About:  As I mentioned in my post earlier this week, I am doing a lot of day dreaming about all the things I want to do once this virus is only a memory. 

May Goals:

• Read The Count of Monte Cristo
• Frame new coffee prints and hang over coffee station
• Hang prints in laundry room
• Select 3 Christmas designs to start creating for shop
• Write at least 3 future blog posts for shop
• Write and schedule at least 3 blog posts for June

Currently... April 2020

Oh.  My.  Goodness.

Was March one wild ride or WHAT?  And April is looking to be more of the same.

How's everyone coping?  Me?  Well, I swing wildly between feeling like I've got an handle on things and being on the edge of a nervous breakdown.  I think the self-quarantine is starting to get to me.  Yesterday, while walking the puppy around the yard - I realized I was singing "You're the One That I Want" from Grease.  Out loud and not in my quiet voice.  So...  there ya go.

Reading:  The Lying Game by Ruth Ware and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  One of the saddest moments for me was when the local libraries closed because of coronavirus.  Thank goodness for the digital library.

Working On:  Lots of ready-made items for the Etsy shop

Loving:  Spending so much time with my grandson!  With school closed and his parents working in what are considered essential businesses, it's been me and him (him and me?  he and I?) together most days.  Working on his virtual learning assignments, watching nature documentaries on Disney+, walking the dog and reading.

Celebrating:  The obvious answer is Easter.  This month also brings my "baby" sister's birthday.

Wanting/Needing:  A vacation would be nice.  A few Etsy sales (my shop has taken a hard hit from all this Covid-19 business).  But mostly - an end to this pandemic!

Dreaming About:  A trip to Hobby Lobby, Target and Starbucks.  My dreams are pretty simple at this point in the game.

April Goals:  You know, I haven't even set any goals for the coming month.  I know I should. But everything is so up in the air and out of the norm right now that I'm just trying to take things as they come each day.

What are you up to for April?

Currently... March 2020

March is an unpredictable month.  Sometimes it can be warm and spring-like. Other times it can be cold and wintery.  In 1993, we had a blizzard in the middle of March that most people who experienced it will never forget!  Hopefully, that won't happen again. Probably not.  But whatever March brings, I feel ready for it!

Reading:  The Ones Who Save Us by Jenna Blum.  In the next couple of weeks, I will also be reading Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin.  I was finally able to check out 168 Hours (which I finished yesterday) and The Fringe Hours (which I'll hopefully be completing this week) after having to return them for other holds.  It's nice to be able to get those done and behind me.

Working On:  Planning ahead and scheduling social media posts and promos for my Etsy shop.  I am tired of scrambling to figure out what I want to post most days, and this is helping me get ahead of the game.  The social media planning calendar my sister gave me for Christmas is a big help with this!

Loving: Going on more walks with Max.  Now that he's a little bigger and has received his vaccines, we're getting out for more walks when the weather is nice -  including walking at the park.  It's good for both of us to get a little exercise and fresh air!

Celebrating:  March brings birthdays for my mother and our son in law.   I'm also celebrating that my amazing niece was accepted into the grad program she wanted!

Wanting/Needing:  Some inspiration for healthy, WW friendly meals.  I've gotten a little bored with the same old sameness and that makes it more challenging to stick with the program.

Dreaming About:  Future road trips with the Man of the House.  We spent a weekend in Memphis earlier this month and decided that we want to start taking more long weekend trips together.

March Goals:

1. Lose 5 pounds
2. Take a long walk with Max at least 2 days per week 
3. Drink 75 ounces of water per day
4. Schedule April social media posts for Etsy Shop
5. Follow up with local bath and body shop owner re: wholesale partnership
6. Create samples to provide per #5
7. Schedule April Thankful posts
8. Create April Sunday posts

Currently... December 2019

November was not the month I expected it to be as it began.  Oh, sure - it started off normal enough.  My 50th birthday was lovely.  On the 13th, the Man of the House and I headed to Cleveland where we visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Christmas Story House and attended the Thursday night football game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  (Yes, that game.  The one with the helmet incident.  It was crazy!)  After a fun trip and a very long drive home, we arrived safely at about 2am on Saturday.  

Later that morning was when everything went topsy-turvy.  I received a call that my father was being taken to the hospital with what appeared to be a heart attack.  He required a heart cath, followed by a triple bypass surgery.  It's all mostly a blur of long days and nights in hospital waiting areas and ICU rooms with my sisters and his girlfriend.  Fortunately, he came through the surgery well and is back home.  And while he has a long recovery period ahead of him - he's a stubborn guy with a determination to get back to his regular routines.  That makes two of us!

Reading:  I just finished The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  The first of the five classics I plan to read this year.  Now I am starting A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House.

Celebrating: Every step of my dad's recovery process!  Along with Christmas, my sister's birthday and the upcoming new year. 

Working On:  A collaboration between my Etsy shop and my middle sister's shop!  I'm not quite ready to share all the details yet, but it should be good for both businesses. 

Wanting:  To do some Christmas baking.  I haven't done in any several years, but for some reason I find myself wanting to whip up some Christmas cookies this year.  

Needing:  At least two entire days worth of sleep.  I didn't get a good night's sleep for about two weeks and I think I'm still paying for that.  It's probably why I caught a nasty cold right after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, having a head full of sinus pressure doesn't help one get a restful sleep either.  

Making:  Lists and lists and lists.  Christmas lists - lists of who I need to shop for, lists of what I have already bought.   Grocery lists.  Lists of what I want to bake.  To do lists.  Lists of my lists.

Wearing:  A lot of dresses or tunics with leggings and boots.  It's comfy, and, as I mentioned last month, a good option with where I am in my weight loss journey rather than having to buy new pants every couple of months.

Feeling:  Extremely grateful and oh-so-very aware of how every single day is a gift. 

Enjoying:  Coffeemate Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha creamer in my morning coffee.  All the peppermint mocha flavor I adore, especially at this time of year - with very few Weight Watchers points!  

Anticipating:  The holiday season.  Especially cuddling up on the couch with a cup of tea or cocoa to watch all my favorite Christmas movies.

What is December bringing your way?

Currently... November 2019

Today, I have officially been walking the planet for an entire half of a century.  Fifty.  That number has me feeling a little shell-shocked.  I'm not all freaked out about getting older (like I did when I turned thirty).  I'm just finding it hard to believe that meany years have come and gone.  It certainly doesn't feel as if it has been that long. So much of that time has been amazing.  Some of it was pretty good.  And a tiny little bit has been down right rotten.  But every single moment has brought me to where I am today.  And I like this season of life - a LOT!

Reading:  The Testaments by Margaret Atwood and Everybody, Always by Bob Goff.  Just started the first one, so no opinion on that.  Enjoying Everybody, Always immensely!  On the "To Be Read" list for this month are The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff and Tidelands by Philippa Gregory.

Celebrating:  My birthday is just the first of our celebrations in November!  The Man of the House and I will celebrate our 27th anniversary on the 21st.  And of course there's Thanksgiving at the end of the month.

Working On:  Purging some of my clothing.  It is a wonderful feeling to have pants that no longer fit because they are too big - instead of too small!  Even my fitted yoga pants are now more of a loose fit.

Wanting:  To continue losing weight throughout the holiday season; or at the very least, maintain the weight loss that I have achieved so far

Needing:  Some cute, comfy, inexpensive leggings.  Rather than having to buy new clothes every couple of months as I lose weight, I have a few dresses and tunics that I can wear with leggings and sweaters to get me through the winter.  I figure it's much less expensive to replace leggings than jeans, etc.

Making:  Big plans for my Etsy shop next year

Feeling:  Pretty darn good!  I'm so happy to finally feel as if I have control over my weight.  I'm now closer to my goal weight than my start weight.  I'm seeing and feeling physical changes.

Enjoying:  Wearing all my somewhat-too-big-jeans before they get so big that I can't wear them anymore.  I haven't tried on my favorite jeans, which were too small before - but that's happening soon!  (fingers crossed)

Anticipating:  The Man of the House and I have planned a trip up to Cleveland.  We're going to the Football Hall of Fame, a Browns football game and the Rock n Roll Hall of fame.  And maybe a few other things that catch our fancy along the drive.

That's what November looks like for me.  What are you up to this month?

Currently... October 2019

Right now, it feels more like July.  But the calendar says October.  So, I'm going to go with that and trust that the temperatures will start too cool down very soon and feel a little more seasonal.  I think autumn has been cancelled and we're all just going to wake up one morning to discover that we've gone straight from summer to winter.  I know that some of you have already experienced this and are now digging out of several feet of snow!

Reading:  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.  I'm finding it tedious.  I want to like it.  Really I do.  There are bright spots where I start to believe the story is starting to pick up.  Then it starts to get slow and monotonous again.  I don't care for Pip or most of the people he comes in contact with.  Miss Havisham is the only character that holds any interest for me at this point, and we see disappointingly little of her.

Celebrating:  It's a HUGE month for celebrating around here.  First we have the Man of the House's birthday.  Then, after over a year of planning and anticipation - the Female Offspring's wedding happens this month!!

Working On:  Etsy shop orders and wedding preparations

Enjoying:  All the trappings of Autumn. Pumpkin spice coffee, fall decorations, comfort food in the crockpot and the scent of fall candles.

Wanting:  To find some good books about time management, especially those working at home.  Any suggestions?

Needing:  Some new clothes.  Thanks to my continuing weight loss, my pants are all now too big and starting to get to the point where just tightening my belt isn't going to do the trick anymore.  I don't want to go buy a whole new wardrobe while I'm still in the process of losing weight. My solution may be to purchase a few swing dresses that I can wear with tights or leggings and top with a sweater if needed to get me through the cooler months.

Making:  Some changes to my daily schedule and my current system for blogging as well as scheduling my promotions for my Etsy shop on social media

Feeling:  Tired.  I have been trying to go to bed by 9:30 PM and start my day by 6 in the morning.  I'm getting up as planned; however, even though I go to bed early - I am not able to fall asleep until 10:30 or 11:00.  This leaves me feeling pretty tired in the later afternoon and always makes me think that this is the night I'll fall asleep easily.  Which doesn't happen.

Anticipating:  Several things...  The top of the list is probably when my youngest sister comes to visit for the Female Offspring's wedding.  I haven't seen her for over a year and miss her so much!  The leaves have started to change and I can hardly wait until the full colorful display appears.  Oh, and I have a pretty big milestone birthday coming up on the first of next month. 

That's where the beginning of October finds me.  What are you up to this month?

Currently... September 2019

Finally, it's here!  September.  The month when Autumn begins.  My favorite season of them all.  I love everything about Autumn.  Cooler temperatures.  Leaves changing colors and beginning to fall.  All things pumpkin spice.  Soups, stews, and chilis in the crockpot.  The beginning of football season.  Bring.  It.  All.  On.

Reading:  As the month starts, I am reading  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and The Book Of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  This isn't unusual for me.  I often will read more than one book at a time, especially if one is a novel and the other is nonfiction.  Later this month I plan to read another book for my Before 50 list, perhaps Great Expectations. 

Celebrating:  This month is our daughter's bridal shower!

Working On:  Planning the above mentioned bridal shower and helping finalize wedding details. 

Enjoying:  How I'm feeling since I started losing weight.  More on that in a minute...

Wanting:  To find an exercise that I can actually enjoy and look forward to doing.  So far, I'm not sure that exists.

Needing:  To find a dress for our daughter's wedding next month.  Come to think of it - I should probably do that pretty soon!

Making:  If last month was all about washcloths and exfoliating bath puffs, this month it's washcloths and cotton facial rounds - both exfoliating and original.

Feeling:  Pretty good about myself! During August, I reached 20+ pounds of weight lost and just before that I reached the threshold where I lost 10% of my starting body weight.  I'm starting to see some differences in how my clothes are fitting and how my body feels. 

Anticipating:  The Man of the House and I have our tickets and travel plans set to attend 2 NFL games this fall.  One in Charlotte, because... The Panthers!!  The second is in Cleveland, because he was born in Ohio and is a life-long fan of the Browns. I can't wait!

That's my life in a nutshell as we head into September.   What are you up to this month?

Currently... August 2019

This year is flying by!!  In just over 2 months we will be celebrating the wedding of the Female Offspring.  In just under 3 months,  I will turn the big 5-0.  Once my birthday rolls around, it always seems as if the rest of the year is just a blur!    But for now, I plan to spend this month enjoying my last few weeks with the grand kid before he goes back to school.

Reading:  Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief).  Later this month I plan to read either Great Expectations or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for my Before 50 list.

Celebrating:  This is a relatively quiet month for us.  The only celebration this month is my dad's birthday on the 10th.

Working On:  Still working on my office.  I have been steadily plugging away at it, and now it's almost done. There some detail things, like a lot of paper work that needs to be sorted/organized/shredded.  And some final organizing details - mostly sewing and craft stuff that needs purged.

Enjoying:  Trying new Weight Watchers recipes.  I have tried several off the app and website and haven't found one that I don't like yet.  Even the Man of the House and the Male Offspring have liked them.

Wanting:  Ice cream.  And donuts.  Or both.  Generally, all the things I try to limit or avoid now that I am determined to lose the weight.  Once I reach a certain milestone I will give myself a little treat.  But until then, I will continue to be strong.  (unless anyone has a secret for removing all the calories from my favorite foods?)

Needing:  I started Weight Watchers at the beginning of July.  So far, I am down over 10 pounds.  Now I need to incorporate more activity into my routine to help keep things moving in the right direction.

Making:  It must be washcloth and exfoliating bath puff season!  I have a steady flow of orders for both.  When I have a moment between orders, I am trying to work on new ready to ship dishcloth sets, especially for fall and I will soon be starting on Christmas items.

Feeling:  Alternately good and frustrated with my weight loss journey.  I keep reminding myself that it is just that - a journey.  Every journey has twists and turns, ups and downs.

Anticipating:  NFL preseason starts this month.  Which means that the regular season is just around the corner!  You may know by now that I am a big fan of football, especially the Carolina Panthers.  The Man of the House and I are making plans to attend a few games this year.  We already have tickets for the Panthers home opener against the Rams.  Now we're looking at making a trip to Cleveland to see his Browns play.

What is your life looking like during August?

Currently... July 2019

Is anyone else finding themselves singing that old song from 1987 by Buster Poindexter?  🎶 "Feelin' hot, hot, hot" 🎶

Well, that's me!  I know some people love the summer heat, but this gal does not deal well once the temps get over 80 degrees.  As July rolls in, looking to be at least as hot as June was - you'll find me doing a lot of hiding inside with a glass of water and the a/c running!

Reading:  I just finished The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, and it was fabulous!  The true story of the girls (most in their late teens, some as young as 14), who worked painting luminous dials in the early part of the 1900's with radium based paint - and suffered the horrific side effects.  After that, though, I needed something a little lighter - so I am reading American Duchess by Karen Harper.  It is a fictional novel based on the life of Consuelo Vanderbilt.  Also coming up on my "to read" this for this month are The Five by Hallie Rubenhold and The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty. 

Celebrating:  July is a month for celebrating!  We have the 4th of July later this week.  Later this month, my niece and the Female Offspring have birthdays only 6 days apart.  

Working On:  Getting my office straightened up.  I've been doing a little bit of work almost every day to get it cleaned and reorganized.  I've made so much progress, but there's still a lot of work to be done!  

Enjoying:  Spending time with the grand kid.  It's so nice in the summer when I get to have him over a few days a week while his parents work.  I adore that little boy, and he has me completely wrapped around his finger. 

Wanting:  Y'all, I never in a million years thought I would say this - but I think I want to join Weight Watchers.  I am really struggling to lose my extra weight on my own. I've sort of followed the plan on my own with some success in the past. And I that joining the online program might be the support and structure I am wanting to help me meet this goal.  

Needing:  A little motivation in general  The summer time and all this heat have me just wanting to be a big lazy blob!

Making:  The grand kid told me he wants to learn to cook.  We went to the library to check out several kid's cook books.  He sat down with them to make a list of recipes he wants to cook.  From that list, we are making one thing together each week. 

Feeling:  We arrived home Saturday evening from a week away at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.  So, right now I am feeling a little post vacation hangover/blues.  It was a lovely vacation.  And as happy as I am to be home, I already miss being ocean side.  Not to mention having all that laundry that now has to be done.

Anticipating:  Having my guys home for a long four day weekend this week.  Doing some more cooking with the grand kid.  

What are you up to as we start the month of July?

Currently... May 2019

Happy May, y'all!!  I can't speak for the rest of the country, but it has finally started to feel like spring around here.  And except for some crazy rains which let to a lot of flooding on Easter weekend, the weather has been absolutely perfect.  This is the best time of year. As I mentioned last month, I love this weather when it's sunny and warm, but it's not too hot yet.  Like the baby bear's porridge - it's not too hot, not too cold.  Just right.

Reading:  I'm close to finishing Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan.  (Because apparently, I have developed a fondness for fictional stories about the wives of famous men)  As soon as I wrap this one up, I'll be starting Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy.  (Because I also have a fondness for books by local authors and/or are set in local places)  My nonfiction, self-improvement type book right now is Genius Foods by Max Lugavere.

Celebrating:  The month starts with my nephew's birthday and ends with the Male Offspring's birthday. I can't believe my baby is going to be 21 this month!  In between the two, we celebrate Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

Working on:  Cutting added sugars out of my diet.  I did this a while back, but the typical back sliding happened and now I am back to full-on sugar junkie.

Enjoying:   The final season of Game of Thrones.

Anticipating:  Summer fruits.  I get so excited when the weather starts warming up because I know that means fresh fruit season is starting.  Strawberries. Blueberries.  Blackberries.  Cherries.  Peaches and nectarines.  Watermelon.  Mmmm…  I can't wait!

Needing:  Well, since I never got around to it last month - I'm going to have to say that I still need to declutter and organize my closet and dresser.

Wanting:  To find healthy snacks.  I get such a craving for sugar in the middle of the afternoon, no matter what I have for lunch.  I want to find an alternative that is healthier, but still yummy and satisfying.

Making:  Dietary changes.  The Man of the House and I started intermittent fasting last month.  We've been doing the 8/16 method for him and the 10/14 method for me.  (meaning he consumes all his calories in an 8 hour period and then "fasts" for the other 16 hours each day, I eat for 10 and fast for 14)  This has been easier than we expected - mostly since we're asleep for a large portion of the fasting period.  The problem now is that we are eating needs to improve.  This month we're focusing on cutting back on processed foods and added sugars.

Feeling:  A little tired.  I'm definitely not getting enough sleep these days.

Favorite Things:  

1.  Going for walks and hikes with The Man of the House
2.  Having the windows open
3.  DevaCurl Low-poo cleanser and One Condition Delight

Currently... April 2019

Huzzah! April has arrived!  The month of all things Spring and Easter.  Rebirth and renewal.  It seems as if there's something new you have been putting off, or if you need a do-over for a dropped New Years resolution or two - April is the perfect month for fresh starts.

Reading:  Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, with Good Omens by Neil Gaiman ready and waiting to be next.

I'm also reading The Joy Diet by Martha Beck.  Maybe "reading" isn't the right word for it though.  I am reading one chapter at a time and then taking the next week to see how (or even if) that daily habit fits into my life and benefits me.

Celebrating:  Well, obviously, Easter.  Other than that - my "baby" sister has a birthday this month, and I wish I could be with her to celebrate that.

Working On:  I am still all about the Spring Cleaning and adding some Spring decor touches around the house.  I put out the hummingbird feeders this past weekend.

Enjoying:  Beautiful Spring weather.  I love this time of year when it's warm again, but the temperatures haven't become actually hot yet.

Anticipating:  Summer vacation!  We've made reservations for a week on the beach at Hilton Head Island.   It's still a few months away, but I'm ready to go right now!

Also, the grand kid has spring break later this month and I'm going to get a few days to hang out with him while his parents are working.

Needing:  To purge and declutter my closet and dresser.  I have waaaay too much stuff.  And I never wear a significant portion of it, or I only wear it maybe once a year.   It's truly ridiculous if I'm being honest about it.

Wanting:  I'm wanting the weather to stay warm and dry long enough for the Man of the House and I to hit the trails and start taking some day hikes.  We didn't get out much last year and I want this year to be different!

Making:  Some good-for-me new habits.  I have been adding some meditation into my morning quiet time.  Last month I worked on making oral health a priority and turning a skin care routine into a daily habit (I have never been the greatest about washing my face, etc. every night) This month I plan to focus on taking better care of my nails and making them look nicer, as well as getting back into the habit of drinking plenty of water.

Feeling:  Hopeful and grateful

Favorite Things:

1. My new Shark Stick Vacuum
2. Jelly beans
3. Taco Tuesdays

Currently... March 2019

We all know that February is the shortest month of the year.  And, it certainly did feel like it this time around!  It was a busy month, which always make the time fly.  Between confirming the venue for our daughter's wedding and reception, wedding dress shopping, celebrating Valentine's day, and keeping up with all the usual day to day of work, family, etc - we have barely had time to slow down for even a moment.

Reading:  This month I will be reading the 2nd of my never-before-read classics from this list.  My first (as you may remember) was Anna Karenina.  The 2nd book I have selected is Fahrenheit 451.  Which I will be starting just as soon as I finish See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt.

Celebrating:  My mother celebrates her 70th birthday next week!  Yeh, I said it out loud. Or rather, I typed it.  Sorry, Mom - not sorry.  Happy Birthday!

Our future son-in-law also has a birthday this month.

Working On:  Some pre-Spring cleaning, purging, and organizing.  So far, I have cleaned out and re-organized the hall/guest bathroom, the linen/cleaning closet, the pantry, and the refrigerator/freezer.  This week I have been focused on the living room and next week I'm on to the master bath. 

Enjoying:  Wedding planning with my daughter!  We went shopping last weekend for her dress.  I can't give away any details, but I  can say that she is going to be a gorgeous bride.  The dress she chose is perfection!

Anticipating:  I was going to say something about the coming of spring with warm weather and blooming flowers.  But... honestly, I'm anticipating all the Easter candy being stocked in the stores. I have a teeny little addiction to jelly beans.  I don't eat them year 'round - but this is the time of year I allow myself to indulge that 

Needing:  To make some couple time with the Man of the House a priority.  We've both been so busy lately that we haven't had much opportunity for date nights.

Wanting:  To figure out what I will do for Lent this year.  I don't want to do something mundane or empty just to be doing something.  I want to give something up - or work at developing a new habit with will have real impact on my life and help me to grow closer to God. 

Making:  Some cute little bunny baskets for my Etsy shop.  They should be listed by sometime next week.  

Feeling:  A little waterlogged.  We have had so much rain down here in our part of North Carolina.  I'm hoping that as we move into Spring later this month the weather will dry up a little and give us a chance to get out of doors a little more often. 

Favorite Things:

1. Egg salad
2. Simply Clean by Becky Rapinchuk  (also her blog Clean Mama)
3. Spring flowers in bloom

Currently... February 2019

The shortest month of the year is here, and for all you cold-weather-phobes that means that Spring is right around the corner.  For those of us who like the winter - let's enjoy every one of these February days.  Maybe take advantage of the chill to snuggle up with someone special and celebrate Valentine's Day?  

Reading:  I am still working my way through Anna Karenina.  I can't remember the last time it took me this long to read through a book.  

Celebrating:  This house is a football house.  Despite the fact that neither one of our favorite teams are playing this year, and that we have to endure the Patriots in yet another championship game - we can be found eating some of the Man of the House's delicious chili and cheering on the Rams in the Super Bowl this Sunday.  

Of course, the big day this month is Valentine's Day.  The Man of the House and I have developed a tradition of having our Valentine date on the weekend before or after February 14th.  That way we get our cozy couple time,  but we avoid the crowds that occur at the restaurants on the actual day.

Enjoying:  My new living room furniture.  We've had it for a month now, and I love it so much!  It works so well in the room and makes the space feel so warm and comfy-cozy.

Anticipating:  Next football season.  The Man of the House and I have been hatching a plan to visit every NFL stadium in the country.  Not all in one season!  But a few each year until we have been to every one of them.  

Working On:  Doing some purging and organizing.  A little here.  A little there.  

Making:  Washcloths and bath puffs for the Etsy shop.  One of my goals for this year is to build up an inventory of the more popular items to help reduce wait times - especially for some of my wholesale customers.

Wanting: Just to feel better.  I have been dealing with a nasty head cold all week and I am more than ready for it to be done and over!  Or at the very least, I need a good night of sleep to help me heal.  Which doesn't seem to be happening.

Needing:  A better plan for getting my eating back to a healthier habit and working some exercise and healthy movement into my routine.  

Feeling:  (see Wanting above)

Favorite Things:
1)  SweeTart hearts
2)  Watching Netflix
3)  Gel pens

Currently... 2019

Happy New Year, y'all!  2019 has arrived!  (2019?  Wasn't it just 2k a couple of years ago??)  I hope each and everyone of you has enjoyed a wonderful start to the year and that you have many joyful and exciting things ahead in the coming year.

Reading:  Last month, I read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  I've seen numerous variations of this tale in movies and plays - but realized I couldn't remember ever reading the original!  I also read To Capture What We Cannot Keep by Beatrice Colin.

I ended 2018 by re-reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Ingle.  I recently watched the movie, which was alright but I know they changed a lot which made me want to go back and read the original, which was one of my favorites as a child.

I have kicked off 2019 with a bit of a challenge.  I am reading the first of my 5 "must read classics" that I want to read as part of my "Before 50" list - Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

Celebrating:  This month we celebrate the Grand Kid's birthday.  I can't believe that he's almost 7 years old!  It doesn't seem that long ago I was seeing his sweet little face for the first time.

Enjoying:  Setting goals and planning for 2019!

Anticipating:  Having things back to "normal" after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season

Working On:  Doing a better job of planning ahead and scheduling posts for the blog, as well as social media posts for my Etsy shop.  (which brings me to my "Currently Needing" for the month)

Making:  Some new "ready to ship" items for my Etsy shop.  Including some unique cotton bath puffs that aren't available in the "choose your color" listing.  And some Valentine's Day themed items.

Wanting:  To lose some weight before the Female Offspring's wedding.  Right now, this looks like trying to get into some kind of routine when it comes to walking - either outside (when the weather allows) or on the treadmill. .

Needing:  Ideas for new blog posts in 2019!

Feeling:  Excited about 2019 and all the still unknown experiences it will bring my way!

Favorite Things:

1. An afternoon cup of Constant Comment tea with honey 
2. My new Kindle Fire
3. My 2019 planners (yes...  I have more than one)

Currently... December 2018

Holy jingle bells, Batman - It's December!  That time of year when the whole world feels as if it's wrapped up in Ho-Ho-Ho's and shopping and decorating and eating much and being merry and being busy.  I pray that during the hustle and bustle of the season each and every one of you takes time to pause and soak in the joy of this season while remembering the true meaning behind Christmas.

Reading:  I finally arrived back at the top of the wait list so that I can complete Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleves.  Next up in the queue is The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.

Working On:  Trying to get my home, my business, and myself ready for Christmas.  One thing keeps distracting me from the next and somehow none of it seems to be getting done!

Enjoying:  The season.  I love Christmas time.  The giving.  The shopping.  The foods.  The music.  The lights.  The "ugly" sweaters.  Joy to the World.  Peace on earth.  Good will toward men.

Anticipating:  The new year.  I love that feeling of new beginnings.  All the hope and promise of the new year.  The goals to be made and dreams to be chased.  It's the same kind of feeling I get in the spring as the weather starts to turn warmer and things begin to bloom.  And again when it's back to school season.

Wanting:  This to be the best Christmas ever!  But, I pretty much want that every single year.  So... nothing new there!

Needing:  To find some good spiritual, devotional, and/or personal enrichment books to study in the coming year.  I'm especially interested in ones that focus on joy and happiness.  Any suggestion?

Feeling:  Obviously, I'm pretty excited about the holidays.  I'm also feeling a little bittersweet.  As much as I love the Christmas season, I'm also a little sad to face another Christmas without my sisters around. And the Man of the House told me that for the first time ever his company is not inviting spouses and families to their Christmas luncheon, which is disappointing.  Especially since it's the only Christmas party sort of thing I attend in the years since I stopped working outside the home.  So, that's a bummer.  But I don't want to let any negative feelings overcome all the good and beautiful feelings of Christmas!

What are you up to this December?