October

 

Goodbye, October

What. A. Month!

October was filled with challenges.  Looking back, it feels like a blur. It seems as if there is so much to say and so little to say all at the same time. 

The month began with our area starting the recovery from the destruction of Hurricane Helene and the floods that brought to western North Carolina.  Those first couple of weeks - every day just blended in to the next. 

We finally had our power restored on Day Twelve.  There were cheers heard throughout our neighborhood  that evening as everyones lights came on. Because we are on a well, once our power was restored - we also had water restored.  After almost two weeks without, you have a new gratitude for being able to flush a toilet with the push of a lever, flip on a light switch, and take a warm shower. 

Our internet came back for about two days mid- month before going back out again.  Optimum hasn't been very good about communicating any sort of updates or information and at this point no one seems to have any idea when service will be restored. 

That weekend, the kids and grandkids came for a dinner and to celebrate the Man of the House's birthday. There was white chili, corn muffins, and banana pudding. Best of all - it was an afternoon just enjoying having our family together. 

The Man of the House and our son had planned to go to Charleston for a fishing trip this month.  With everything going on after the storm they considered canceling, but since they had elected not to get the insurance, they would be unable to get a return of the money paid for the rental. So, instead of just the two of them going - I brought the dogs and we tagged along.  We even had our daughter and the grandsons come along.  It turned into a nice weekend of just getting away from all the stress and chaos we had been dealing with. 

On the 18th, I had my knee surgery.  The Man of the House drove me to the surgery center early that morning, before the sun came up. I was extremely nervous before the procedure, but it all went well. I was surprised by the amount of nausea I had after coming out of the amnesia, and the pain was much more than I expected.  My recovery isn't going as quickly as I would hope. But let's be honest - it was unreasonable to expect I would be completely back to normal in less than two weeks. 

I had my follow-up appointment on Monday and things are healing well. The stitches are out. Continuing pain/discomfort is normal, but should continue to improve little by little.  I was given some exercises to do for strengthening the knee. 

The Man of the House has been my absolute rock star through the entire situation. He nursed me through the nausea and pain of that first afternoon. In the following days, he took over my share of the house work, all of the cooking, grocery shopping, caring for the dogs, and helping me as needed. All while continuing to carry all of his usual responsibility, including those of overseeing the company's return to normal production after the hurricane temporarily shut it down. I couldn't have done this without his care and support. 

And that was the month in a nutshell.  How was your October? 

Good-bye, October

You know how some months are slow paced and easy going? This was not one of those months. October felt like a mad whirlwind of activity!

The Man of the House has a birthday in October, and the first weekend of the month was dedicated to celebrating him.  On the Saturday before his birthday, we went for lunch at a local barbeque place and the a matinee of the new Exorcism movie. The original is probably his favorite scary movie, so he was quite curious about this new chapter. Was it great? No. But it also wasn't as terrible as I expected it to be. And movie theater popcorn is always yummy. 

On that Sunday, (his actual birthday) we had some family over for football, pizza, and birthday fun. Our daughter made a Fruity Pebbles cheesecake. Yes - as in the cereal.  It was a whole lot of sweet, but tasty.

He also had to spend a week in California during October for work.  Since he was there over the weekend, he did find time for a little sightseeing. He walked the Golden Gate Bridge and visited Alcatraz while in San Francisco.  I didn't tag along on this trip because a day after he got home I was off on a little trip of my own.

My youngest sister and I spent a lovely week in the low country of South Carolina on a sisters getaway. We stayed at an RV park near Beaufort, which was convenient for day trips into Charleston, Savannah, and Hilton Head. Since it was just about a week or two before Halloween and we were visiting what are considered two of the most haunted cities in America - we decided to roll with that and declared it our "Spooktacular Sister Getaway". We visited historic cemetaries, ate at reportedly haunted restaurants, and took a ghost tour in both Charleston and Savannah. We laughed, ate too much junk food, and had an all around great time.

I did take a nasty fall after tripping on one of the many uneven sidewalks in Savannah. At the time, I thought maybe I had escaped with just some scrapes and bruises. However after waking up early the next day with a considerable amount of pain in my left hand and wrist - we spent an afternoon in an Urgent Care, followed by xrays at the outpatient radiology center to determine if I had broken something. Fortunately, the images were negative for any fracture. Just a severely sprained hand and wrist. It could have been much worse and I am very grateful that it wasn't. 

Unfortunately, October wasn't all celebrations and travels. My 16 year old cat crossed the rainbow bridge this month after a short illness. It was very sad and I'm still coming to terms with him being gone. 😞

And that was October. A lot of highs and lows and activities all stuffed into one month.

How was your October?

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?

Currently... October 2021

Whew... I hope your September was less stressful than my September.  What a wild and crazy month that turned out to be!  It hasn't been all bad, but I can definitely say that I am ready to put the month behind us and move on to October.  Hopefully, this one will be a little calmer.

The good news is that all of my mother's pathology reports came back negative for cancer!  Praise God!!  She is recovering well from her surgery. Although maybe not as quickly as she would like - it's definitely a process.  So, it's about as good of an outcome as we could have hoped for.  BIG sigh of relief!

I always view October as sort of the unofficial start to the holiday season in our house.  Our celebrations begin when the Man of the House has his birthday this month. (The Big 5-0 this year!) Then my birthday is the first of November.  Our anniversary is the 21st of November.  And then the real holiday season begins.  

Working On: September and early October are busy times in my Etsy shop for the little "character" hats I create.  This year the teddy bear hats, tiger hats, and R2D2 hats have been quite popular.  So, that's pretty much been the focus right now. 

Celebrating:  As I mentioned above - the Man of the House turns 50 this month. (He probably doesn't appreciate me pointing that out so many times in one blog post.) So next weekend will be all about celebrating him!

Wanting/Needing: Ideas for healthy protein-rich breakfasts and lunches that are quick and simple to prepare. Dinners, I can do - no problem.  But I don't like having to do a lot of work to prepare my breakfast or lunch.  As a result, I will often skip meals and end up doing a lot of snacking late in the day to make up for it -  or I grab something that is not very good for me.   

Eating:  Too much candy corn.  This is the only time of year I eat the stuff.  And by the middle to end of this month, I'll probably be sick of it.  I know a lot of you don't like candy corn.  That's ok.  More for me! 

Loving: The weather took a turn toward cooler temperatures just as Autumn officially started.  And I couldn't be happier about that.  Chilly mornings. Comfortable afternoons.  The leaves just starting to change.  Pumpkin cream cold brew back at the coffee shops.  It all reminds me why this is my favorite season!

Thinking About:  How some things happen and why they happen the way they do. Check back on Monday for more of my thoughts about that. 

Goals for October:

• Celebrate the Man of the House's birthday
• Read one self-help or inspirational book
• Do some sort of exercise (walk, weight, yoga, etc) every day
• Select inspirational quotes for first quarter Sunday posts
• Brainstorm January post ideas
• Create 1 - 2 valentine gift sets for Etsy shop
• Plan1 - 2 blog posts during January for the shop blog 

What are your plans and goals for October?

Sunday Inspiration: October

 

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... 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?

October Busyness

Last week was just one of those weeks when I felt as if I was running as fast as I could without getting anywhere.  Whenever I am doing one thing that needs doing, I feel as if I am neglecting about 3 other things that I could/should be taking care of.   Feeling pulled in a few different directions like that hasn't exactly been encouraging me to sit down at the computer and write some blog posts. But - here I am!

The beginning of last week found us celebrating the Man of the House's birthday.  Sunday afternoon, the Female Offspring brought her crew over and we enjoyed a some football, pizza and a ginormous double-decker cookie cake.  (What can I say? The man loves all three of those things)  For his actual birthday on Monday, I made him a nice spaghetti dinner, and we actually sat down at the table with the Male Offspring for a meal.

Mid week had him off to Maryland for work.  Usually I take his business trips in stride; but for some reason this one stressed me out.  I actually cried a little after I dropped him off at the airport.  Which I never do.  (I'm blaming it on hormones)  That was when I decided I needed a trip to Target for some Starbucks and a little retail therapy.

He was scheduled to head home late Thursday afternoon.  Unfortunately, that was also the time when Hurricane (by then Tropical Storm) Michael, decided to arrive in the Washington, DC area.  This led to his plane sitting on the tarmac for about 2 hours before returning to the terminal.  I was a little anxious that he was going to be stuck in Reagan National Airport overnight, or that he would finally make it out only to arrive in Atlanta to late to catch the last flight from there to home.  However, he did finally get to Atlanta, making it just in time for the last flight of the evening.  And all's well that ends well.

Once the storm blew through, the weather finally began to feel like Autumn.  Which - in my humble opinion -  has been a very welcome change!  I can finally start pulling out some of my long sleeve shirts, and thinking about sweaters and boots again  And maybe the leaves will finally start showing some color.    It is odd to look outside in the middle of October and see so much green.


I have also been especially busy with my Etsy shop.  September, and October have been unusually busy months.  It seems as if I barely get an order or two completed, before another one or two are placed.  I can't complain.  I'm very happy to see the shop doing so well!

These tiger hats have been especially popular this month!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/486134227/

How is your October going so far?  Are you as busy as I feel?

Sunday Inspiration: October

Currently... October 2018

Hooray for October!!  In my humble opinion, October might just be the best month of the year.  And not just because it's the birth month of my very favorite human. 

I sometimes feel as if October is the unofficial start of the holiday season in our house.  It all kicks off with the Man of the House's birthday next week and from there it's a quick progression through Halloween right on into November with my birthday, our anniversary, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas.

There's also just something special about October.  The sky seems bluer.  The air smells crisper.  Pumpkin spice everything is back in the store, and (most importantly) my coffee.  And if you don't like pumpkin - there's apple!  The leaves change their colors, putting on a beautiful art show for all of us.  

I mean... what's not to love about October?

Reading:  The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  I've heard a lot of good things about this book.  And I like that it's a historical fiction based on two real-life sisters.  The Grimke' Sisters were before their time when it came to their beliefs about abolition and women's rights.  Unusual in their day and age, especially considering they were born and raised in Charleston, SC.  

I am also reading Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.  If you have spent much time on social media recently, you've probably seen someone mention this book.  I put my name on the wait list at the library for this book a couple of months ago.  As of last week, I was number 417 in line for one of 12 copies.  Yikes!!  At that rate, I decided if I wanted to read it anytime soon, I should probably just spend the $20 and buy it already!  

Enjoying:  Autumn.  Every day when I look out my back yard, I can see just a little more yellow popping up in the trees behind the house. Which means that reds, oranges, and rusts can't bee too far behind.  And it is just lovely to feel the cool evening breezes we are now experiencing.  

Working On: Getting my Etsy shop ready for the holiday season.  During September, I had every intention of creating some Christmas themed items.  However, the month turned out to be one of my busiest months ever which meant I never had the opportunity to work on the things I had originally scheduled.  Once I complete the orders I have now, I hope to get a few holiday items completed and listed before November arrives.  

Anticipating:   Did you see that long list I created up there of all the great October things and upcoming holiday?  All of that!!

Wanting:  To plan a weekend drive or hike up into the mountains to enjoy the fall colors.   I am fortunate to live in a part of the country where fall puts on one it's most beautiful displays.   Not to mention access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous state and national parks, and some amazing hiking trails. 

Needing:  About 12 more hours in every day.  But doesn't that always seem as if it's the case?  There's always just so many things that need done, and that I want to do.  

Feeling:  Not great.  I haven't been feeling well since the end of last week.  It started with sinus congestion and a sore throat.  The sinus stuff has mostly cleared up, but the sore throat continues.  It doesn't really feel like the sore throats I have been used to in the past when I have had strep or tonsillitis.  And I'm not running a fever or anything.  It is disrupting my sleep, so I am also feeling tired. I guess if it's not better in another day or two, I will go to the doctor.  

What are you currently up to as we head into October?

This and That and a Few Other Things

Ever feel like you have a LOT to say, then when the time comes to actually say it...  crickets... ? 

No?  Just me?  C'mon now.  I know I can't be the only one.  Well, whether I'm one in a million - or not - that's me recently.  I always think I have so very much to write about until I sit down at the computer with a blank post screen in front of me.

We've been doing a hike pretty much every Saturday this month.  And I'm loving it!

Weekend before last we went up to Max Patch.  The Male Offspring even went with us!  If you've never been, let me just warn you - it is quite a climb up to the top!  And this ol' asthmatic gal was huffing and puffing most of the way.  Be prepared.  I can assure you, however - that it is WELL worth the work!  It is amazingly beautiful!  They said we would have 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.  We were not disappointed!  Words simply do not do it justice.

Afterward, because it was the Man of the House's birthday weekend - we went to listen to some live music, eat dinner and relax for a while at Sierra Nevada Brewing.  (hint: try the Hop and Sour!)Followed by dessert at Baked Pie Company.

This past weekend the Man of the House and I stayed a little closer to home.  We started at the Hard Times Loop Trail head, walked down the NC Arboretum property, down Bent Creek Trail and back.  That's a nice easy hike if you're looking for one in the area.

In other news...

We got a new fridge.  The old one was about 24 years old.  I know!!  Can you believe it?  But it just kept chugging along.  Recently it started freezing a lot of items in the fridge area, so when we saw a good deal on one in the Lowe's clearance area we snapped it up.

I made a cute little no-sew valance for my dining room using Pioneer Woman napkins I picked up at the Walmart.

And my mantel is finally FALLified  (sure, that's a word)

I think  that's about all I have to say for now.  Although I'll probably think of about a dozen more things once I shut down the computer. 

How's life been treating you so far this month?

Currently... October 2017

October and November are my two favorite months of the year.  Maybe because fall is my favorite season and these are its peak months.  Maybe because during these two months the Man of the House and I both have birthdays and we celebrate out anniversary.  Maybe because of Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Or because it's the calm before the holiday whirlwind begins.  It's probably a combination of ALL those things!

Reading:  My reading slowed down a little in September.  I finished Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, which I didn't start out liking very much - but ended up enjoying much more than expected.   Since then I have been reading  The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford.  Despite being a little dry and slow going in some parts, it has been quite interesting to see the important role of women in the leadership of the Mongol empire (a historical period I admittedly don't know much about).  Unfortunately, the book had to be returned and had another hold waiting which prevented me from renewing it, so I am having to wait to complete it.  Until then I am reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.  I had plans to read The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson last month, but my hold didn't become available until today.  So, that's next up on the October TBR list.

I am also still working my way through She's Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst with the Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study.  Oh my goodness gracious.  Just...  So, SO good!!


Eating:  *sigh*...  Here we go again.  Honestly, I haven't been eating a ton of bad stuff.  But I haven't exactly been healthy either.  The Man of the House and I are planning to work on that this month.  So, hopefully I'll have something that's not completely embarrassing to report at the beginning of November.

Working On:  You think I'm going to say "washcloths", dont' you?  I don't blame you.  That has been the answer for months and months.  But I am happy to say that NO, I am not currently working on washcloths.  I finally completed my big wholesale order and have moved on.  Right now the popular item seems to be tiger hats.

Enjoying:  Some pleasant fall temperatures. Finally!!  I was so over all those 80+ degree days.  I'm ready for some boot and sweater weather.  I'm such a fall girl.  Seriously.

Anticipating:  Celebrating the Man of the House's birthday this weekend.  And hopefully some more autumn hikes.  I'd like to take the grand kid to an apple orchard for some fall fun also.

Feeling:  hmmm... that's quite a good question.  I haven't really given it much real thought recently.  Which I suppose is a good thing.  If I cant' complain, I must be doing pretty well.  So, there ya go!

The week has just begun and October is already looking like a wonderful month for me!  How is your October currently looking?

My Love

Today we celebrate the Man of the House's birthday.

I adore this man!  He's so much more than just my husband.  He's my best friend, my rock, my biggest supporter, my fellow explorer/traveler, and my heart's joy.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

As October Draws to a Close

Tomorrow is the last day of October!!  Which means two big things to me:  1) my birthday is in 2 days (yay me!!)  And 2) this year is flying by much too quickly!

I feel as if lost a big chunk of October after spending most of the past two weeks being sick.  Which was no fun.  At.  All.  I still have a little bit of a cough and my voice is still raspy.  But I am finally starting to feel like myself again.  So, that's good.

I have learned a couple of things this month...

• After consuming extravagant amounts of tea with honey over the past two weeks I have found that Chai green tea is delicious.  Serious yumminess!  My old standby - Constant Comment - has some hard competition now.
  

• It is most difficult to heal and get better when you have a cough which keeps you awaken all night.  And being tired does nothing to help your mood or your attitude when you're already not feeling well.

• Silk Almond "egg" Nog in Pumpkin Spice flavor makes coffee even better!  A scrumptious latte, right here at home.
  

October was also a busy month.  We celebrated the Man of the House's birthday.  The male offspring played guitar at an anniversary celebration for the church where is guitar instructor is a pastor, and he had a county wide orchestra concert for violin.  The Man of the House finished up the fall softball season.  And business was booming for my Etsy shop (praise the Lord!)


When all is said and done, it was a good month.  I'm looking forward to seeing what November  has in store for us!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 3

Here we are in week three!  Yes, the post is a few days late.  Such is life, as it is.  We all know things happen.

As far as the challenge - I've had good days.  I've had a few off days.  I wish I could extol you all with tales of how this has made such a huge difference and my hope is sparkling and tidy.  But I'm not going to lie to you like that.  It's maybe not as bad as usual though.  I hope. (?)  And I'm sticking with it.

Here's a list of cleaning ideas for Week 3:

• Dust /clean light fixtures
• Wipe light switches
• Sweep/Vacuum
• Clean under the kitchen sink
• Clean off the top of the fridge
• Wipe down the legs of your dining table and chairs

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference 10 minutes can make.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 2

An entire week of October has already come and gone! At this rate it is going to be a quick month!

How's everyone been doing with the daily cleaning?

I have a confession - I skipped a day or two.  Although I have tried to do a little something each day, even if I don't get the full 15 to 30 minutes in pet day.

Here's the list of suggested tasks for Week 2.

• Clean the kitchen/dining room chairs
• Wash the walls in the hallway or one room
• Clean out the junk drawer
• Clean out from under the couch and chair cushions
• Clean the front door (and any other doors leading to the outside)
• Tidy up the front porch area
• Dust tops of door frames
• Sweep/Vacuum

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference 10 minutes can make.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge Update

Hello fellow cleaning challengers!  How's everyone been doing this week?

I've had some long neglected tasks get marked off the To Do list this week.  Including finally switching out the mantel decor from summer to autumn, straightening up the foyer and cleaning and decluttering under the bathroom sink.  Yay me!!

I wish I could tell you that I feel as if it has made a huge difference and my house is shiny and spotless.  But that's just not true.  There's still a long day to go.  But every day is a little step closer, so I stick with it.

I'll be posting the list of task ideas and such tomorrow or Saturday.  So, be prepared for that.  In the meantime, tell us a little about how your week has been!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 1

Welcome to October!  And thanks for joining us in the October Daily Cleaning Challenge!

If you're new around here, you might be asking yourself what this whole challenge is all about.  So, here's a quick recap!

Each day in October do 15 to 30 minutes of cleaning. Yes - EVERY day.

That's it.  No cleaning schedule or assigned tasks.  Just clean SOMETHING in your home each day.  There is only one "rule":  your 15 to 30 minutes has to be something other than washing dishes or laundry.  Those need done regardless.  And in my case, if anything is getting done its typically going to be one of these two things.  So, I have to pick something I would normally be more likely to avoid.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started this first week of the challenge.  Do a few.  Do them all.  Do something you decide all on your own.  Just Do Something!!

• Clean foyer/entrance area
• Clean out the fridge
• Clean under the bathroom sink
• Vacuum and/or sweep
• Clean off surfaces in bedroom
• Sweep and mop bathroom
• Tidy up living room

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference just ten minutes can make!

Ready?  Set your timers!  We can do this!

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Picture October

For the month of October I am challenging myself to post a picture each day.  A snapshot of life as I know it... my reality. 

If this goes well, I plan to continue the picture a day as my "30 Days of Gratitude" series for this November.  Each day posting a picture of something for which I am thankful.