Beginning December

Here we are. The last month of 2024. December is the time to look back at the year we've been through.   Take a moment to savor the memories of the good times. Learn a lesson or two feom the not-so-good times. And begin to dream, hope, and plan for the year to come. 

One of my beautiful nieces is celebrating het 26th birthday today. It's hard to believe that little blonde child who grew up alongside my son is now a grown woman with a masters degree.   She's pretty amazing.

I'm hoping to get out one evening to see one of the light displays near here.  There are two to choose from.  One is at the North Carolina Arboretum. The other is at a local park.  We usually go to the smaller one.  We used to get hot cocoa for the whole family, get in the car and go enjoy the light show almost every year.  Even though our "children" are now adults, I still enjoy going to see the lights.  Heck - it was probably even more for me back then! 😁

Christmas is going to be a little different this year.  Less family at our annual Christmas eve dinner.  Not for any bad or sad reasons.   Just because of circumstances and other plans.  But we'll make the most of it and enjoy a quiet holiday. 

The Man of the House usually has the week from Christmas eve to New Years off from work.  But this year their production demands are such that the company will need to be open that week.  That's going to feel strange only having him home for a couple of days at each holiday.  But it might help to decrease that sense of lost time for that last week of December. 

This month I am reading "West With Giraffes" by Linda Rutledge for book club.  I am also reading "The Invisible Hour" by Alice Hoffman and whatever else strikes my fancy.  Maybe I'll sneak in a holiday themed book.

My goals for December are simple:

• Decorate for Christmas
• Send Christmas cards
• Bake cookies
• Finish 2 crochet projects before Christmas 

What do you have planned for December?

Can You Believe It's November?

We know these last two months are going to zoom by.  They always do.  That's just how it goes.  So, before that happens - let's take a moment to appreciate November. 

As it has for more than 50 years now - November started off with all the joy and fun that is my birthday. Nothing grand was done to celebrate this year.  At my request, the Man of the House brought home take-out from Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack for dinner. On Saturday, the kids and grandkids were here for dinner and cake. I received some lovely presents and cards.  It was a nice weekend and I appreciated every minute of it.

The Man and I will also be celebrating 32 years of marriage this month. That's right... 32 years!!  We've planned a little getaway to the coast later this month to celebrate the occasion.

Of course, here in the US - November means Thanksgiving and I'm already beginning to plan for our feast.  I find it's easier to start picking up things here and there rather than trying to remember it all in one big shopping trip. Especially with all the other busyness of the month. 

Usually on Black Friday, the Female Offspring and I get together and go out to start our Christmas shopping.  We enjoy spending the day together and the fun of searching for some bargains. 

My Goals for November:

• Do knee exercises every day 
• Have Christmas cards ready to mail by December 1st
• Decorate for Christmas

What are your plans for November?

Hello, September

It's here!!  September has finally arrived!  Fair warning - I am breaking out ALL the Autumn-ness.  Yes, I know it's technically still summer until later this month.  But I have been stifling the urge for all things pumpkin for the past couple of weeks. So, now that it's September, I am letting it run wild. 

September is always a quiet month for us.  We don't have any immediate family birthdays this month.  And no major holidays.  It's the quiet before the storm.  A shirt break before the months that are jam packed with our birthdays, anniversary, and the holidays begin.

With that in mind, I plan to use this month to Prepare for the upcoming months.  That's why I have chosen Prepare as my word for September.  It's time to take care of some things before life potential gets crazy during the last three months of the year. 

The only books on my Reading list for September are "Tangled Hearts" by Sara McClaflin and "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson.  I am taking part in the virtual book tour for "Tangled Hearts". "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" is our book club selection for September.  After that, I'm going to do a little mood reading and open whatever my little book heart desires.  

My big project for September is getting my Etsy shop ready to reopen next month. I'm switching up my business model just a little. And hoping I can avoid the stress and anxiety it was causing me when I shut things down a year ago

My Goals for September:

• Decorate the house for Autumn
• Prepare Etsy shop for reopening in October 

What are your plans for September?

August Begins

Oh, August.  That month which is most definitely still firmly set in summer with all the heat and  humidty, and yet we find ourselves leaning forward and squinting just a bit as we think "I'm pretty sure I can see autumn from here". 

August is another month of medical appointments. I have a follow-up visit for the endoscopy I had in July.  I am scheduled for an MRI on my knee, and a follow up for that. I also think Max is due for a one of his semi-annual checkups at the end of the month. (I should probably double check that and get something scheduled)

My dad's birthday is this month.  I know I've said it before - but every birthday we get to celebrate with him has extra meaning ever since we came close to losing him to a heart attack almost five years ago.  Every birthday since then feels like a bonus.

August has always felt like a month for fresh new beginnings to me. Maybe that's because it's back to school season.  All the new school supplies and clothes as well as a new school year with different classes and teachers.  What better time for reset? Which just happens to be my word for August.  (more on that in a future post)

My reading list for the month of August includes finishing "Normal Women" by Philippa Gregory, "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman, and "I Did a New Thing" by Tabitha Brown.  I started "Normal Women" some time back, but was unable to finish it before it had to go back to the library. I happened to see that the Kindle version was on sale during Prime Days and snagged a copy.  "The Thursday Murder Club" is the Book Club selection for August.  And "I Did a New Thing" is from my endless TBR list. 

My August Goals include:

• Clean out and reorganize linen closet
• Create a new morning routine 
• Journal/Write everyday 

What are your plans for August?

Welcome to June

I enjoy the month of June.  It marks the beginning of summer. It's hot - but usually not the kind of heat and humidity that we experience in July and August.  The days stretch out well into the evening hours. The lightening bugs reappear from where ever it is they've been hiding all winter, giving us a little show right after dusk every evening.

June is a quiet month. Lazy, even.  It's a month that invites picnics, cookouts, and long walks with the dogs. It calls for open windows to welcome the morning breeze. And it provides time with my grandson while school is on summer break. 

The only book that is definitely on my reading list for June is "Killing Floor" by Lee Child for book club.  It's another book I probably never would have chosen for myself.  But, there are a couple of ladies in the group who are apparently HUGE "Reacher" fans, and they talked the librarian into adding it to our reading schedule. Other than that, I'm just going to pull a few things from my To-Be-Read pile and see where that leads me.

My word for June is Flourish.  Over the last couple of months,  I have often felt like I have been floundering. This month I am striving to shake off the dust and truly make the most of midlife.  We'll talk more about that in week or two.  

My Goals for June:

• Complete the top I am crocheting 
• Clean out and reorganize linen closet 
• Clean out and reorganize medicine cabinet
• Journal every day 
• Meditate three days per week 

What are your goals and/or plans for June?

Hello, May!

Here we go again.  Another new month stretches out ahead of us, full of hope and promise.  May feels like a month for fresh starts and new beginnings. 

May is always a joyful month for me. It is the month we celebrate the birthday of my second born and only son. He may be turning 26 this year,  but to me he'll always be my baby boy.  (I'm sure he would love to see me saying that.  Haha)

The Man of the House and I have a short getaway planned to the beach this month.  A long weekend just outside of Charleston,  South Carolina.  And it can't come soon enough.  I need some time by the ocean to calm my spirit. 

My reading list for May includes: The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez,  finishing Normal Women by Philippa Gregory,  and The Gunseller by Hugh Laurie.  Yes, that Hugh Laurie.  That last one is the selection for book club.  It's not one I probably ever would have picked up for myself,  so I'm very curious to see what I think of it.

I'm in the last stages of crocheting a granny square sweater vest for myself.  It feels as if this ribbed edging is going to take forever. But when it's done I will have another fun item to wear that I made with my own hands.  I am also about to begin a cute crossbody bag for my daughter.  I knew I wanted to make it,  and it seemed like a perfect accessory for her style.

My word for the month of May is "Nurture". It's a great word,  one I need so very much right now. But we'll talk more about that soon.

If you read yesterday's post,  you know that April completely threw me off my goal completion game.  Because of that,  most of May's goals are things I didn't accomplish in April.  

May Goals:

• Clean out and reorganize pantry 
• Finish sweater vest 
• Meditate for fifteen minutes at least three days per week 
• Walk three days per week 

What are your plans and goals for the month of May?

Hello, April!

March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April.  Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.

Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina.  I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and  a hike or two.  Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.

My "baby" sister has a birthday this month.  I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year.  That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though! 

My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose).  I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning  Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that,  I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand. 

April is going to be a month of doctor appointments.   I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check.  My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month. 

In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting.  I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month.  After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different. 

March saw mixed results for my goals.  I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project.  I did not, however,  walk three days per week.   If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤

My goals for April:  

• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Switch out winter clothing in closet for warmer weather items 
• Meditate 3- 5 days a week for 15 minutes 

What are your plans for April?

Hello, October

 Welcome to October!  We have officially moved into my favorite months of the year. And also the busiest months of the year. 

This month we'll be celebrating my husband's birthday. It's next weekend, as a matter of fact. Which means I should get my rear in gear to finalize birthday celebration plans

As of yesterday, I put my Etsy shop on vacation for at least the rest of the year. This was not an easy decision, but I feel it is the right one at this time. Recently, the running of the Etsy shop has become more of a stress instead of something I enjoy. I need time to rediscover my love for crochet and work on some personal projects, as well as to explore some new hobbies. I don't know if this break will be permanent or if I will return after the first of the year, perhaps with new products and a little rebranding. We'll just have to see where the next three months lead me.

Last month, I had just the most wonderful trip to Canada to meet some relatives. There were some stressful hiccups as I headed back to the states, but all's well that ends well, as they say. And it wasn't enough to deter me from looking forward to some future travels planned for this fall.  

October is considered "spooky season". And that means my October reading list has some spine-tingling books to match the mood of the month.  The list includes: "The Woman in Black" by Susan Hill, " The Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Hunting" by Grady Hendrix, and "The Girl in Cabin 13" by A. J. Rivers. 

Goals for Oxtober:

• Decorate for Autumn during first week of month
• Make Halloween costumes for dogs by October 19
• Have family birthday dinner for my husband
• Take boxes in craft room to Goodwill by October 15

What are your plans for October?

September 2023

Finally... September! After the long, hot days of August - I am hoping for some cooler days and nights and seeing the leaves start to change colors. But let's be honest - here in North Carolina, September can feel more like a continuation of Summer instead of the first days of Autumn.

I'll be doing a little solo traveling in September. I'm incredibly nervous and excited about this trip. And while I don't want to discuss details about it right now - I look forward to sharing the whole story with you later this month.

Football season begins this month. And that means lots of Sunday afternoons in front of the television, relaxing and rooting on our favorite teams. As much as it pains me to say it - I'm not expecting much from my Carolina Panthers this year. But I will still enjoy watching games. And we're looking at plans to see a game at another stadium later in the season.

This month is slow when it comes to celebrations. One of my nephews and a brother in law each have a birthday. But mostly, for us, it's a quiet month. 

I plan to continue doing some "mood reading" through September. I enjoyed the relaxation of just reading whatever stirs my interest or curiosity. And it gives me time to plan some spooky reads for next month! (Suggestions are welcome)

Speaking of scary - but also exciting - I'll be making some big decisions and changes in regards to my Etsy business over the coming weeks. I don't have any details to share right now. But those plans will be coming together and going into action sooner rather than later. 

My Goals for September:

• Take boxes in craft room to Goodwill
• Go hiking at Biltmore Estate
• Run an inventory reduction sale in Etsy shop
• Select 2 patterns to crochet as Christmas gifts this year
• Start one of those crochet gift projects

What are your plans for September?

Currently: November 2022

November is going to be an excellent month!  Can't you just feel it?  This is always my favorite month of the year, but it's going to be extra special this year.

Working On: Getting my Etsy shop ready for the busy holiday season.  I'm taking a short break for the first few weeks this month before things get hectic.  I need to get everything ready for the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sale.

Celebrating:  November is always a big one for celebrations.  Today is my birthday. The Big 5-3!  Of course there's Thanksgiving.  And the Man of the House and I have plans for celebrating our wedding anniversary this month.  Thirty years deserves a big celebration - don't you think? 

Wanting/Needing: You know what?  I can't think of a single thing!  Unless it's a few extra hours in the day to take care of everything I need to be doing this month. 

Eating: It's officially soup season!  Which means I'm cranking up the slow cooker and enjoying all the soups, stews, chilis and gumbo.  It makes my heart - and my tummy - happy!

Loving:  I think it's pretty obvious by now that I am loving just about everything about November

Goals for November:

• Set up Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale for Etsy shop
• Post Bath and Body items from Etsy to FB shop
• Decorate for Christmas

What are your plans for November? Share in the comments!

Currently: September 2022

August was SUCH a great month!  

Last month got off to a beautiful start when we were told that grandbaby #2 is expected to make an appearance early next year.  Y'all know that I adore being Oma - and now I'll have another grandkid to love on and spoil! 

The Man of the House and I did a little traveling in August. He had a conference for work in Washington, DC. I tagged along and did a little solo sightseeing until his conference let out for the day when we could explore the city together. I adore wandering around museums, so all the different ones available in Washington made me feel like a kid in a candy store. 

We also made a weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee to catch the Titans playing an NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. We have a goal to watch a professional football game at every stadium. We made it to two in 2019 before having to take a break for a couple of years (thanks Covid). Oh, how much I have missed watching games in person! We explored Nashville some while we were there.  Downtown has very much a "party city" feel to it. But there's also lots of history and interesting things to see.  Who knew that Nashville has a full-size replica of the Parthenon? I sure didn't!

In fact, after all the joy, fun, and excitement of August  -  I'm kind of sorry to see it come to an end. But, I am equally excited to see what September has in store!

Working On: Planning for the last three months of the year.  I've got to get my Etsy shop ready for the holiday season.  We have got a big trip planned for later this year, so we're working on plans and the itinerary for each city we'll be visiting. 

Celebrating: This month is my youngest nephew's birthday. Football season starts.  And I'm very excited that I get to see my baby sister and hang out some this month!

Wanting/Needing: Is it too much to ask to find a cute pair of boots that are waterproof and comfortable for lots of walking? Preferably ones that don't cost a small fortune?  I certainly didn't think it would be so difficult. 

Eating: Recently, I have been eating a lot of oatmeal for breakfast.  I have it with protein powder, hemp seeds (for fiber and more protein), walnuts, berries, and a sprinkle of oatmeal. Delicious and packed with nutrition. 

Loving: That it's September!  Fall is almost here.  Football season is starting.  Soon the leaves will be changing and the air will be cooler.  I love everything about fall.

September Goals:

• Post new lip balm holders to the Etsy shop
• Create Thankful and Sunday post templates for the 4th quarter
• Set goals for the 4th quarter
• Clean out the spice cabinet
• Clean out pantry
  
  

 

Currently... August 2022

Once August hits, I find myself thinking ahead to Autumn. Wondering exactly when it's ok to put out my fall decor, thinking about pumpkin spice everything, looking forward to football season, and dreaming about comforting soups and stews. 

Too soon? Maybe.  Probably. There's still plenty of summer left to savor.

But, after the extreme heat we had to endure during July, I'm guessing that I am not the only one who is already longing for the crisp Autumn days to come!

Until they arrive, let's enjoy what August has to offer!

Working On:  My health.  The husband and I have been walking 2 to 4 miles with the dogs every Sunday (weather permitting)and I am slowly trying to increase my activity levels during the week.  I'm also getting my nutrition back under control.  We'll discuss this in just a minute.

Celebrating: August is a quiet month for celebrations. My dad celebrates his birthday on the 10th.  I'm also going to go ahead and say that I am celebrating a few personal experiences that are going on.  But, we'll talk more about those later this month.

Wanting/Needing:  As I'm trying to increase the stock of ready to ship items for my shop, I find myself needing a different way of storing and tracking my inventory.  I'm considering a couple of different options, but haven't decided yet what is going to be the best way of managing things.

Eating: I have been focusing on lean protein, lots of fiber, and nutrient dense fruits and veggies. It's been amazing to me how a few simple changes can help you feel fuller and reduce snacking.

Loving: Our Sunday walks. I love getting out in the sunshine and fresh air, watching the dogs explore a little, and - most of all - spending the time with my husband.

Goals for August:

• Update blog appearance and layout
• Add 10 new listings to my Etsy shop
• Sort and reorganize 2 boxes of inventory

What are your plans and goals for August?

Currently... July 2022

 Maybe you noticed that the blog wasn't very active in June.  

I haven't felt much like writing recently.  Not here.  Not in my personal journal.  Even my Instagram captions have been sort of... meh.  I've been in a bit of a creative slump for the past few weeks.  Call it a case of writer's burn-out. Or something like that.  

Its not just my writing, though. My Etsy shop is also stuck in the doldrums. Sales have been in a huge slump for the past couple of months. I've actually found myself wondering if I should just shut it down. 😳

Hopefully, July brings the energy levels back up and my creativity back on track!

Working On: I have been trying to take advantage of this quiet time in my Etsy shop to create some readymade items for new listings. I also made a blanket to gift our neighbors who are expecting. And this week I am going to start crocheting a top for myself.

Celebrating:  July is always a big month for celebrations in our family. There's the fourth, which means a nice long weekend and the Man of the House cooking something yummy on the grill.  My youngest niece turns 18 this month.  And my "baby" girl also has a big birthday at mid month. 

Wanting/Needing: Clearly, I need a little something to help me get my creative mojo back! (In the case of my yarn work, would that be "cro-jo"?)

Eating: I'm still on a produce kick. Berries, watermelon,and stone fruits. Plates of raw veggies with hummus or another dip for lunches. Salads or a plate of vegetables for dinner. Little to no cooking is a bonus!

Loving:  The grandkid is on summer break and that means we get to spend several days together each week. I try do do some kind of baking with him each week. And every day after lunch we sit down and read a book together. 

Goals for July:

• Write 3 blog posts per week
• List at least 5 new items to Etsy shop
• Read 3 books
• Clean up office/craft room
• Crochet top for myself
• Max: check up at Vet

What's on your list for July?

Currently... June 2022

It's June, which means we're heading into the middle months of the year.  Somehow this got me to thinking about a lot about midlife and comparing the two. 

As we head into midlife, we often think that the best of life is behind us. That we are no longer as relevant or productive as we used to be. But when we look at the year, we might see that isn't true. At this point of the year, things have just warmed up. In the middle of the year, the most fruitful months are still to come. Some of the biggest and most joyful celebrations of the year are still to come.  

Perhaps we could learn from the year and think of life in the same way - that our most fruitful, most joyful, most celebratory days are yet to come!

Working On: I'm still focused on getting some to be purged, cleaned up, and reorganized. This month I will be sorting and reorganizing my cotton yarns. I had originally planned to do.this last month, but other things came up and I kept putting it off. I also have plans to clean out the cabinet where I store my spices and set up a new system for keeping them organized.

Celebrating: The only "official" celebration this month is, of course, Father's Day. I would also like to start focusing more on celebrating the little things in my life. I'm not quite sure what that's going to look like, but I think it's part of living an abundant life.

Wanting/Needing: You know what? I can't think of anything! I mean, I'm sure I could come up with something I want if I took time to really think about it. But, right off the top of my head - I'm drawing a blank. I suppose that's a good thing. I must be pretty satisfied with how things are right now.

Eating: I know I said it last month, but I am eating so much fruit. We bought our first whole watermelon of the season last weekend, and if that was any indication of what's to come - its going to be a great year for melons!  I have been eating cherries like candy. I'm still looking for good peaches and nectarines, but it's a bit early in the season. 

Loving: The man and I have been taking advantage of the annual passes for Biltmore Estate that we bought as our anniversary present to ourselves. The past two weekends we've taken the dogs and gone for a nice long hike on the estate.  

Goals for June:

• Organize cotton yarns
• Create Sunday posts for 3rd quarter 
• Create Thankful Thursday templates for 3rd quarter
• Read 3 books
• Post 10 new listings to Etsy shop
• Crochet a top for myself 

What are your plans or goals for June?

Currently - May 2022

Hooray for May!  

It's a brand new month and I am hoping and praying that things quiet down a little and give me a chance to catch my breath. But, if I'm being honest with myself, I think it's going to be another crazy and busy one. 

Working On:  I have been busy working on new items to build up the ready-to-ship stock in my Etsy shop. Lots of new cotton washcloths and dish cloths will be added in May!

I am also still working to purge my wardrobe and get it reorganized. Last month I completed the closet and this month I am on to the dresser.

Celebrating: The usual May happenings - Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Maybe a little Cinco deal Mayo, because any excuse to eat tacos works for me. And May the Fourth because my family are a bunch of Star Wars nerds. One of my nephews has a birthday this week. And my own "baby" turns 24 at the end of the month.

Needing/Wanting: I have a beautiful handcrafted iron hook rack that my father made for me several years ago when he took a blacksmithing course.  It hangs in my kitchen/dining area and right now it has a few aprons hanging from it.  Recently, I have been looking at it and thinking that I would like to do something a little more styled and polished with it. Make it a little more decorative. I have been scouring Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration and have a few thoughts. If you have any suggestions, be sure to share them in the comments!

Eating:  One if my favorite things about the warmer months is all the fresh fruits. I am eagerly awaiting watermelon, peaches, and nectarines. Until then, I have been enjoying fresh strawberries like they're candy.

Loving: Plants.  My spring flowers - daffodils, tulips, azalea, and lilacs have done especially well this year. And after taking a break because of being transplanted, the peonies have buds and I look forward to them blossoming this month. My houseplants are also doing well and showing signs of growth!

May Goals:

• Rearrange and Spring clean living room
• Paint wall in stairwell
• Purge and reorganize dresser
• Write 3 blog posts per week
• Read 3 books
• List 15 new items in Etsy shop

What are your plans for May?

Currently... April 2022

I had hoped that March would be calmer, but it was another doozy of a month!  

I felt like I spent most of the month in and out of medical offices.   I had a dental cleaning and an attempted root canal.  It was also the month for my regular labs and well check with my primary doctor, as well as my mammogram.  It was certainly a busy month, medically speaking.

The weather in March was a roller coaster ride.  We've had a little bit of everything.  Warm, sunny days.  Cold, wintery weather.  And some spring storms. Typical early Spring in western North Carolina. You never know what to expect. Even April can be iffy in some years.  

The grandkid has time off from school the week before Easter. That means I will get to spend some extra time with him that week.  I feel as if we have hardly seen each other in the past few months, so I am very much looking forward to this time together!

Working On: I've been working on some cleaning, purging, and reorganizing things around the house. Last month it was the master bathroom. This month I'm going to work on my closet and clothes. 

I am also having to work on some changes to the Etsy shop.  Unfortunately, I am going to have to make some price increases. I am very nervous about this.  I have been putting it off for a while, but with the increasing prices of supplies and shipping, I can't avoid it any longer.

Celebrating:  Let's see... There's Easter, of course.  And my "baby" sister's birthday is in April.

Wanting/Needing: I need some new sandals for summer.  Something cute, but also comfortable and not too flimsy. Or too chunky.  I would love something with a little bit of a wedge heel,  but nothing that I'm risking an ankle when I walk around in them.  And not costing an arm and a leg is a must.

Eating: I have been trying to eat more fish.  Before I would cook fish maaaybe once a week.  Sometimes.  I am now aiming for twice a week. Although often I am still only getting it in once a week.  But I decided that falling short of my goal and getting it once a week is better than none. I am also trying to eat more plant-based meals.  And more whole grains and leafy greens.

Loving: My coffee routine.  I have become absolutely spoiled when it comes to my morning coffee.  Now that I have a selection of sugar-free syrup flavors and my milk frother, I can whip up some tasty treats in the morning instead of the same ol' coffee with half and half.  It's delicious and I look forward to each almost every morning!

April Goals:

• Purge and reorganize my closet
• Read 3 books
• Update Etsy shop with new prices
• Walk stairs every day (April 3-9: 3 flights x 2, April 10-16: 4 flights x 2, April 17-23: 4 flights x 2, April 24-30: 5 flights x2)
• Reorganize cotton yarns

What are your plans for April?

Currently... March 2022

February was a rough month. Between plumbing problems, my dad having another episode of angina and requiring another heart cath, the man's broken foot, and myself and the male offspring having Covid - I was more than happy to put that month behind me! A new month means a clean slate. A fresh start.

Happily looking forward to March!

Working On:  After more than a week of lying around recuperating from Covid-19, I've slowly been getting back to my normal routines. That includes getting back to some healthier eating.  When I was sick, there was a lot of comfort eating going on. And convenience foods. Not always the most nutritious options. I've been looking for new healthy recipes and meal plans. 

Celebrating: This month brings my mother's birthday. Our son-in-law also has a birthday in March.

Wanting/Needing: I need to find some type of exercise that I actually enjoy.  Or the motivation to do some sort of exercise despite hating it.  I wish I could be one of those people who just love jogging or yoga or whatever. But I'm just not

Eating: As well as the above-mentioned comfort food, I was also enjoying lots of sweets.  Cookies, jelly beans, and sugary cereal.  Now that I'm getting back on track, I am focusing on lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies. 

Loving: We've been having some lovely spring-like days in the last couple of weeks.  It has been nice to turn off the heat, open the windows and let in some fresh air.  The dogs are loving being able to go hang out on the back porch in the sunshine. 

March Goals:

• Mail Mom's birthday present
• Clean out and re-organize bathroom cabinet
• Walk stairs every day (March 1-5: 3 flights, March 6-12: 4 flights, March 13-19: 5 flights, March 20-26: 6 flights)
• Read at least 3 books
• Create Thankful Thursday post templates for the 2nd quarter
• Continue working on winding and organizing yarn

What is March looking like in your life?

Currently... February 2022

Welcome, February!  It's the month of love.  Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day, Galentines, show yourself some affection with a little self-care, or don't observe the day at all - I hope you find an opportunity to let some love into your life.

Working On: I am doing a little bit of cleaning, organizing,  and redecorating around the house.  I need to clean out and extremely organize the linen closet.  I did a little redo of the kitchen counters - nothing major.  I'm also working on winding all my yarn into cakes and reorganizing it.  That's a whole process, but it will get there eventually.

I'm a month into the temperature blanket and so far I am pleased with how it's looking.  So far, I have only had to use a few of the cooler colors.  I am excited to see the colors change when we start to get warmer temperatures in a few months. 

Celebrating: The Man of the House and I made some plans to celebrate Valentine's Day a little early.  We're usually very low-key for that holiday, just a dinner out and a card or chocolate or something. But this year we're taking a little local overnight getaway.  

Wanting/Needing: After a winter storm dropped about 10 inches of snow on us last month, I realized that I need a new coat/jacket.  I haven't really been going out much in the last couple of years - especially in the cold, so I didn't realize how worn out mine was.  When I take the dogs out I usually just throw on one of my husband's jackets or an old coat that used to belong to the male offspring.  Time to order a little something new for myself. 

Eating: I have been trying out some new recipes recently.  Last week I made a delicious shakshuka!  Over the weekend, I created a version of chicken shawarma. We wrapped the chicken in flatbread with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a homemade yogurt sauce. Yummy!  I will definitely be making both of these again.

Loving: The Man of the House and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary later this year.  We're starting to make plans for a big anniversary trip. I am loving the anticipation and fun of dreaming about where we'll go and the adventures we will have.

February Goals:

• Post Easter items to Etsy shop
•  Organize linen closet
• Work on winding and organizing yarn
• Read at least 3 books
• Create Sunday posts for the 2nd quarter
• Make at least 3 new-to-me recipes

What are your plans for February?

Currently: January 2022

Not only is today Monday... It's the first Monday of 2022! How's your new year going so far?  Mine has been suuuper lazy.  I'll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to judge me. Deal?  Ok, here goes - my Christmas decorations are still up. I know, I know.  But don't worry.  They're coming down today. Definitely tomorrow at the latest. 

My guys go back to work today. It's going to seem so quiet around here without them here. But I'm also looking forward to getting back to the usual routine.

Working On:  I decided to take on a year-long crochet project in the form of a temperature blanket. This is a crocheted blanket created with different color yarns that you have assigned to different temperature ranges. Each day you crochet a row with the color associated with the high (or low, or average) temperature for that day. (You can read more about temperature blankets HERE ) 

I also plan to spend the next several weeks getting all the skiens of yarn in my stash wound into yarn cakes and reorganizing all of them.

Celebrating: Not much. There are no special occasions happening in January that our family celebrates. I guess we'll just have to find a few everyday things to celebrate this month!

Wanting/Needing: Hmm... Someone to put away my Christmas stuff? LOL 

Eating: After the holidays, I am feeling a little gross.  I ate too much junk and over indulged on many, many days.  It's time to get back to healthy eating.   Lots of chicken, fish, whole grains, fruits and veggies. 

Loving: The new year. I love that sense of a beginning. New years. Spring. Back to school. There's something about a fresh start and all the promise and hope that goes along with it.

Goals for January:

• Eat healthy and track all food on Healthi app
• Drink at least 64 oz of water per day
• Start Easter items for Etsy shop
• Start winding yarn into cakes and reorganizing it
• Write 3 blog posts per week

Currently... December 2021

It's already December y'all! The holiday season is well underway and the year will be over before we know it!  

The last few days of November and the first days of December were a blur.  The good thing is that I've been busy - decorating the house, working on Christmas orders for my Etsy shop, and getting most of my Christmas shopping done. And hopefully, that means I won't feel so overwhelmed and rushed as we get closer to Christmas!

Working On: Christmas orders for the Etsy shop. I'm also still in the process of planning and making goals for the first months of 2022. 

Celebrating: It's pretty obvious this month!  Right?  Of course, besides the holidays - my oldest niece had a birthday yesterday.  And my middle sister's birthday is at the end of the month.  

Wanting/Needing: Other than better time management skills?  

Eating: Popcorn.  You know those ginormous tins of popcorn that are in all the stores this time of year?  Well, I bought one. Mostly because they make me think of my youngest sister and I've been missing her.  That was probably a mistake. The Man of the House opened it Wednesday night while we were watching television and I think we ate about half of it in one sitting!

Loving: All the Christmas decorations.  We got a new tree for the living room this year.  My coffee station is all decked out for Christmas and the lovely pencil tree I got last year for the dining room makes me so happy.  And we put lights on the back porch (which faces the main road in our neighborhood).  I also enjoy seeing the outdoor decorations that other people put on display. 

Goals for December:

• Drink at least 64 oz of water per day
• Do some sort of physical activity/exercise for  at least 3 days each week
• Schedule a 1-hour block of blogging time on 3 days each week
• Preschedule drafts of Sunday Inspiration and Thankful Thursday posts for 1st quarter 
• Select a color palette for Easter items I will be making for the Etsy shop

How are you doing with your holiday planning and preparations?