Happy Friday!!

Lulu & Kit playing in the grass. She's happy, I swear!

Hey y'all! What have you got planned for the weekend? I'm brunching it with Mom on my day off as well as running a million errands, then working on Sunday again. I hope you have much more relaxing planned than I do!

Here's this week's list of funs, pretties, happies, interestings and what-nots to get your weekend kicked off right! Enjoy!

*Did you take me up on my challenge last Friday to do 3 Summer things? If not, here's a great recipe to try! 

*This video made me laugh.

*This is cool. The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method of packing for trips.

*This photographers life and career was changed by one chance encounter.

*Sixteen surprising things about parenting in the Netherlands.

*There's a place where you can swim with baby otters and play with all other kinds of animals. Yes please!!

*I love this! These couples make the best of their rainy day weddings!

*I've posted this before but it makes me genuinely laugh out loud every single time I find it. So even if it was two weeks ago, I'm posting it again. I don't care, it's that amusing to me.

*Mind, Body, Green's 10 songs to make you happy right now! Some of them I can vouch for, some I'm making it to this weekend.

*This is pretty cool. A trove of letters between German POW's in the US and the people who lived in the town around them shines a different light on...well, it's just very poignant, and interesting!

*Eight years after its series end, why the Gilmore Girls fandom lives on.

*Oh the cute sleepy puppy!

*I love this wreath for the Fall!

*This cracked me up! "My baby monitor just produced a paranormal horror movie"! So funny and the teeniest bit creepo!

Have a truly wonderful weekend, guys!

Friday Happies!

Friday rainbow!

Hello my lovely dearies! What's your plan for the weekend? I'll be trucking along at the shop, hopefully it will be drama-free and go by quickly so I can hurry up and enjoy my Monday off! Because I'm super ready for a long hot bath and bed, I'll jump right in to this week's list of happies, funs, pretties, interestings and what-nots to usher you into a rad weekend of happiness and hilarity!

*This guy does 10 second songs in a bunch of different styles. It's a little bit mind blowing.

*I love this guy! Alan Rickman talks about working with strong, talented, brilliant women. Oh you!

*I loved Alice Gao's interview on A Cup of Jo. What great simple style!

*This is one of the funniest artist series I've seen in a minute. "The Distance I Can Be From My Son". 

*This started out as an article that I wanted to roll my eyes about. Parents who think their kids' Minion toys in their Happy Meals were cussing. It turned out to be a great article on words and their meanings and how we, as adults, sometimes cause more harm than good in teaching our children about what's "good" and "bad".

*Bruiser just wanted to belly flop in the pool. He certainly succeeded.

*SO COOL! A Sun Printing Kit!! I want one!

*Weird things couples are thankful for. HA!

*These lovely gals tried on Victoria's Secret bathing suits, and this is what happened!

*A five step guide to Making S--t Happen!

*To Basil on your 10th birthday! My heart!

*Comedians talking about fatherhood.

*Both impressive and creepy! This guy can do makeup so well, he can transform himself into celebrities!

*Common entertaining mistakes and how to avoid them! I've done 'em all, y'all!

*And to round it out, 10 Ways to Remind Yourself You're Worth It!

Awesome! Have a wonderful weekend friends!!

Breaking the Radio Silence

Y'all, last week was the lost week for me. You know that phrase "everything that can go wrong, did go wrong"? It was a lot like that except it seemed like it was only about human interaction. There were dramas, arguments, near-rampages and a myriad of other salty, pointy, jabby interactions.

Other than the full moon tomorrow, I haven't a clue what was going on- but due to that intense energy all week long, I just kind of needed a break. To be real, my head was so fuzzy from it that I had nothing of value to say to anyone anyway. I wanted to crawl into a sensory deprivation tank.

But this week is a new week, and today is a new day, I'm happy to report. Things are back on the upswing minus a few moody so's-and-so's at work. What else is new there, amiright? So here are some happy things that have happened over the past week, to remind me (and you, if you're into it) that positivity is still all around even if it feels like everyone is out to get you.

*Dogs all across Nepal showered with love and gifts on June 27th, the day to celebrate dogs! That is so rad.

*In the first three months of this year, Scottish wind turbines produced enough electricity to power 960,000 Scottish homes for an entire year! That's amazing!

*This guy turned eight. Happy birthday, Comodino!

*And the ruling for Marriage Equality! I and my little family are thrilled for it and send all the best wishes and congratulations out there to the throngs of new brides and grooms out there!

I hope y'all have a truly wonderful day, friends! I promise I will be back to somewhat normal soon!

A Monday Happy Too!

Little Miss Kit.

I found this snippet the other day and it made me happy. Non-ironically it is titled The Real Secret To A Happy & Abundant Life. It has inspired me to not be such a grumpy gus this week (something I was feeling creep in like a dark wave). So I'm turning it around! Your turn! More tomorrow, I swear!

Have a truly wonderful day!

Friday Happies!

It's Friday again you guys! This week has been a blur of closing shifts and trying to prepare my body for the time change on Sunday (don't forget!). Yeah, I'm a nerd and I love my sleep too much to be all out of sorts on my only day off this weekend. Aaaanywho, here's this week's roundup of happies, funs, pretties, interestings, and what-nots to usher you into your weekend (working or not) with the utmost pep in yo step! Hang on to your hats!

*Did you know about the hidden "village" of Pomander Walk in the middle of Manhattan? It's like a faerie tale! I love the story behind it too! So cheeky!

*Remember that awesome picture of the guy giving water therapy to his aging dog (Schoep lived to be 20!!))? Well, it's been a while since his best buddy passed on and he's gotten himself a new buddy, his name is Bear and he says that he is whole again since Schoep's passing! It's so lovely and heart-warming!

*Have you seen Meryl Streep's three daughters in their photo shoot for a fashion line? The clothes and they girls are absolutely stunning!


*Why are people always bashing on Kelly Clarkson? Her music isn't my taste per se, but her voice is undeniably incredible and her disposition and class are immeasurable in today's icky pop-music world. Check out her badass response to a total crap-heap talking head from Britain. Shame on you person whose name I refuse to remember. You're mean and Kelly's rad! TEAM KELLY!

*The weather has been whackadoodle this winter, no? Check out these frozen waves in Nantucket. It's so trippy! Makes me wonder if people two hundred years ago ever saw something like that!

*I LOVED John Oliver's segment on infrastructure and the hilarious and star-studded movie trailer he made about making a passion for maintaining our nation's infrastructure sexy and glamorous! It's the entire segment, the "movie trailer" is at the end and it's worth the wait (Cue to 17:30 if you don't wanna wait).

*Heh. Look at this idiot thief get taken down by a brick he tried to use to break into a Mercedes. What a fool! 

*This made me laugh out loud! The Zagat Guide on Twitter sent out a hashtag about coming up with your best "food band names". The internet responded with gusto, needless to say.

*I thought this was interesting and a little sad too (it shouldn't have to be!), but this woman is keeping her pregnancy a secret at work for as long as she can. See why she's made this choice, it's fascinating.

*One of my favorite shows ended last week and I'm bummed. But here are 14 Things Parks & Rec taught us about food.

*Completely awesome post about how to deal with people who think/act/treat you like you're nuts for trying to make healthy changes in your life.

*The Steven Banks specials in the 1980's was one of my legitimate favorite things as a kid. Last week I found the whole thing online and watched it twice back to back. It is so damn funny and the guy is a genius of not only subtle and slapstick comedy but timing and orchestration. Here is "Rock and Roll R.I.P" from the Steven Banks special from 1980-something.

*10 Habits of naturally calm people! Totally taking notes.

*Cute post by Caroline. How to Find Your Soulmate.

*I've been really enjoying the blog Raising Miss Matilda. This week Matilda turned two. The cuteness abides, man...the cuteness abides.

*I like this little candle for a subtle nod to St. Patty's Day (or just to have because it's so lovely!).

Well, with that I'm off! I hope this finds you on a beautiful day and even if the weather's grey...I hope you choose to make it a beautiful day! Ciao!

Tennessee Snapshot

We had a wonderful trip up in Nashville visiting my family. We had cocktails and pasta at Maggiano's with the whole fam on Thursday (we had too much fun to take pictures). Then Friday I was interviewed on East Nashville Radio about my series on time management (hold your autograph requests until after the post please, thank you). Friday night we stayed in and had a delicious tortilla soup and watched Cut Bank (woah!) and St. Vincent (a new classic for me). Saturday was bowling and appetizers in East Nashville! Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Snow and ice in Alabama. 

The boys in ENR headquarters rockin' their welding best!

Colby. Our poster boy from a few Fridays ago. He's such a little caterpillar! Excuse my creeper face.

Me and the hubs at the Holland House in East Nashville where we had the best $5 Happy Hour cocktails (la Paloma was my favorite), and Salt & Vinegar fries. Yum!

Beautiful Tennessee scenery on our way back to Tally. It went by too fast!

Home with my little buddy. He likes to take selfies. 

Hope you enjoyed a little look into the fun weekend of relaxation and great food (and beer)! A big thank you to my folks for having us and showing us such a great time!! We love you!

Have a truly wonderful day!

Thoughts on Time Part 5

Alright friends, today's the last day of my series on time management and it is a long one- but it's worth it! I know I've learned a lot, have you? Well, today I have four simple tips that are usually reserved for organizing and decluttering projects that are, in fact, extremely helpful for time management. But I also have a breakdown of how to apply everything we've learned so far. So, without further ado...here we go!

Apples & Oranges.

#1. Group like with like.

This helps not only with organizing your stuff, but also with your tasks. Instead of running errands on different ends of the planet all the time, group tasks, chores and errands into categories. I also like to plan a route so that I a) save gas b) save money c) save time d) save my sanity. Keep this in your mind, there will be a visual example at the end of the post!

...

               

#2. Divide and conquer!

As with grouping like with like, dividing tasks into workable groups or sub-groups helps to take huge chunks out of your list with far greater ease than if you just made the list and started going with bullet point number one and worked your way down. Threes work for me. Three types of things that need to get done. I can look at that and take whatever is in the group I choose first and knock it out. Keep this in your head too, kiddos! It's all going to be revealed to you visually shortly.

#3. Handle things once.

This has been a huge help to me. I had a boss say it at work almost ten years ago and it has stuck with me. I've always been kind of a walks-in-circles kind of person. I live a lot in my head and when I get overstimulated especially I have a tendency to wander. It's taken a lot of hard work to teach myself to just pick that thing up and put it away where it belongs and be done with hit. In the past I would have carried it through every room of the house before I found a place that didn't bug me as much. It works with possessions, paperwork, and especially tasks on your to-do list. If you sit down and dedicate a given amount of time to a task and just get it done, it won't haunt you or grow bigger or nag you and make you feel bad or overwhelmed. It will have simply been handled, once. Handling something once can be done every day too. So instead of checking emails 34 times a day, do it once at a given time...period. Unbelievable time saved.

Cut it out!

#4. Ruthlessly cut away the unimportant.

I've touched on this a bit when I explained time thieves. However, a lot of unimportant things occupy our "to-do" lists. There are a million things we all do that aren't necessary but for some reason we still waste/piddle time away doing them! Think back to that time audit you did...where is your time going? What are the things that are unnecessary, outdated, annoying, or unimportant that you could cut from your life?

I know I waste time complaining about work. If I added up all the time I spend in a week bitching about stuff that happened at work and put it toward learning to sew (something I've longed to master for years), I'd be making a garment or decorative pillow a week (and I'm not kidding)! Or I could have put out a dozen more applications for another job in the meantime until my creative things take off more. I have to learn to cut the unimportant things too. We all do.

And don't worry, baby steps are the most important steps of all!!

So that brings me to a visual example of all the things that I have talked about these three weeks. Here's the summary:

1. Time management is energy management. AKA, Know thyself.

2. Develop a sleep routine and start getting to bed (and waking up) earlier. It's what the cool kids are doing.

3. Use the concept of "control" a little more wisely. Time management is about working smarter, not adding more stuff to do so you have no peace. Peace and joy are the goals here, people!

4. Write everything down and utilize a calendar. 

5. Determine what is urgent vs. what is personal priority.

6. Get the no-fun stuff done first, freeing up more time for the stuff that makes you happy and fulfills you!

7. Plan. Plan for tomorrow, then have a contingency plan (or two).

8. Delegate.

9. Learn to say "No."

No.thank.you.

10. Eliminate (or greatly reduce) distractions.

11. Be aware of your time thieves.

12. Focus on the tasks that will accomplish the most (the Pareto Principle).

13. Do a time audit. See where your time really goes (be honest!).

14. Learn how long it takes you to accomplish your tasks and be real about that too.

15. Schedule time to relax. Leave room for the joys of life!

16. Group like with like. 

17. Divide & conquer!

18. Handle things once. Even if its every day.

19. Ruthlessly cut away the unimportant. 

Here's a to-do list for my day off as an example. Before time management and after...

Before

1. grocery shop for the week (U)

2. do laundry (U)

3. get oil changed in car (U)

4. write blog posts for Monday and Tuesday. (PP)

5. make dinner (U)

6. pick up Mom's birthday gift (PP)

7. get hair cut (PP)

8. check emails and respond (U)

9. clean upstairs bathroom (full clean) (U)

10. wash the pup (PP)

11. call out of town friend to catch up (PP)

12. work on sewing project (STG)

13. call Credit Union with questions about IRA. (LTG)

I went ahead and added identifiers to the list to immediately indicate which items are urgent, which are personal priorities, and which were either short-tern or long-term goals. 

After

Morning: Out of house errands (arranged in a horseshoe/circular pattern so the first and last tasks are closest to home). Starting at 8:30 a.m.:

1. get oil changed and use the wait time to...

     *call CU with IRA ?'s (should take 5 minutes). 

     *call out of town friend to quickly catch up (5-10 minutes).

2. get hair cut

3. pick up Mom's birthday gift.

4. grocery shop for the week (30-45 minutes).

Early afternoon: In-house tasks. Starting around 12:15 p.m.:

5. start first load of laundry and...

6. prep food and snacks for dinner and lunches (30-45 minutes)

     *switch out laundry and...

7. assemble dinner in the crock pot or oven 

     *switch out laundry and put away. (30-45 minutes)

8.while upstairs and laundry is put away...

     *use the time upstairs to clean the bathroom (takes 30 minutes for full clean).

Late afternoon: In-house tasks:

9. check emails and respond while last load of laundry dries. (30 minutes or so).

10. work on Monday and Tuesday's blogs (30 minutes for Monday & 15 for Tuesday). 

11. Finish up the last of the laundry and put away. (30-45 minutes)

You are done. It's about 4:35 p.m. and the rest of the night is free to do what makes me happy like work on that sewing project I've been wanting to do or getting in a little yoga. I can have New Girl or The Mindy Project streaming in the background as I do so too! The things that make me truly happy get a chance now, all because I got all that no-fun and urgent stuff out of the way in a well-thought out manner. I bet you'd feel better with those big, urgent ones out of the way as well as those personal priorities too.

Exactly how I feel now after my to-do lists!

Do you think you'll use any of these ideas? I know I have been incorporating them bit by bit every day. I hope this series has helped, y'all! And I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Friday Happies!!

This is Colby. He is not digging the snow & ice currently swallowing Nashville whole. This is what he listens to to keep warm! Donate today!

 Happy Friday y'all! What a week! Birthday, Valentine's AND Mardi Gras! I'm beat. I hope y'all have made it through your week relatively unscathed as well. I know there is some real scary weather out there right now (it's below 25 degrees in Florida this morning!), and my thoughts are with all of you dealing with ice and snow and cabin fever.

I'm working all weekend again, I hope you aren't- but either way, here are this week's funs, happies, pretties, interestings, and what-not's to usher you into a fun weekend regardless (it's all about the attitude, right?). Have a great weekend you guys, I truly hope it's wonderful! Here we go (and stay safe and warm out there)!

*Bless her little heart. When her baby wouldn't come on her due date, she decided to do the entire dance from "Thriller" to jiggle herself into going into labour. She did a damn good job too!! Get down girl, go on get down!

*I love this infographic/quote about time (#14). It really resonated with me.

*Cool! The 7 types of English surnames! 

*Heh. Suburban Funk (soccer mom parody of Uptown Funk).

*Oooh! I'm such a sucker for a beverage dispenser. These are so pretty!

*This sounds like a fun dinner experiment for next week...Italian-style Meatloaf. Mine's already pretty damn good (if I do say so myself), but I think this recipe sounds yummy!

*Y'all know I'm about the cosy! I'll add this to the pile of incredibly snuggly throws I'm collecting thankyouverymuch!

*I must get this book. MUST!!

*This poor fella. His guilty conscious got the better of him. So funny!

*I had never heard of Horn Island until I found this article. My husband is from Biloxi and even he has never mentioned it. I must admit, I'm super intrigued!

*I love a good themed collection! These rustic candleholders are perfect for Spring, Summer, St. Patrick's Day and even Christmas in varying shades of greens!

*From looking at these pictures, I feel I should step up my pajama and lingerie game. Seriously!

*I'm a sucker for a good buddy movie, particularly once that looks slightly cheesy. Hot Pursuit looks like  it may fit the bill I will go alone, and laugh super loudly in a partially-empty matinee theatre.
That's how I roll, y'all. Don't hate.

*I was given a beautiful white hyacinth bulb for my birthday this year and, having never cared for them was unsure how to care for it so I can enjoy its magnificence again for years to come. Since this is the time for hyacinths, I thought I'd share some tips with y'all too! It's such an enjoyable blossom!

*Did y'all know this trick for drying a load of clothes faster if you're in a hurry? I didn't and I'm totally going to try it!

Friday Happies!

Southern Belle vintage Valentine!

Good Friday, kiddos (and a Good Luck Friday the 13th too)! I cannot believe how fast the weeks are flying by these days! Geesh! I hope you have a nice relaxing weekend planned, I'll be working for part of it and celebrating ValenGras (Valentine's + Mardi Gras) for the other part! Woohoo! So, without further ado, here's this week's list of sweets, funnies, pretties, happies, interestings, and what-nots to get your weekend off to a great start!

*The hubs and I enjoyed this speed dating prank...and how awfully cheesy these guys were on a supposed blind date. Ouch.

*Photographs of sweet pits with flower crowns to help people see the sweetness there beneath the bad reputation (it's the people who hurt them, not the pups themselves, y'all!). I think Mr. Fantastic is thinking "Yeah, that's right- I own this look!".


*I go nowhere on Valentine's Day on principal (traffic, crowds *shudder*). However, this would be a beautiful number to wear for a romantic dinner for two any old day of the week.

*Dear Potatoes...Will you be my Valentine? I love you so!

*While we're at it...Valentine's Day is apparently totally different for "Millenials". Technically I am a part of the "Millenial" generation (though I definitely have some thoughts on that), but I have to say...it's totally true!

*Y'all know I loved Anne of Green Gables in 2015! Check out my girl Lizzy Bennet in 2015...totally nailed it!

Mardi Gras beads in the trees!

*Oooweeoo! A DIY Mardi Gras statement necklace (that doesn't have to be so tacky or "I think I have too many beads" suffocatey").

*Sniff! Oh my goodness! This commercial is so sweet and so heartbreaking! I couldn't even remember what it was for! Whoopsie!

*I'm in big-time need for stationery and thank you cards these days. I really liked these. Call me old-fashioned but I am a bit turned off by cards that say "Thanks". Is it too much trouble to say "Thank You"? It's like saying "Yeah" to the Queen or something. I guess it's better than no thank you note at all thought, huh? I've totally been guilty of that before!

*What a cool little birdhouse! This would make a good gift for my Mama. We both have a thing for acorns.

*I thought this was kind of cool. Three woman of various ethnic backgrounds get transformed to look like a royal ancestor.

*Who knew John Reilly could sing like that?! The hubs and I have been listening to this over and over for a few days now!

*Y'all know I'm a candle whore. Every candle on Terrain needs to be at my house right now.

*Well, if this didn't come along right when I needed it. Geez Louise!

*I don't have the best track record for baking...but I wanna make these. Should I even try? I miss New Orleans right now (because that means I can eat them but don't have to attempt to make them)!

Have a great weekend, y'all! I hope it's an awesome one and super relaxing and lovely!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pssst...And here's one for only those with a slightly foul sense of humor. You have been warned (I no likey to upsetty).

Okay, so obviously I'm a movie trailer nerd. But, I love a romantic comedy that's not a romantic comedy, and Amy Schumer and Bill Hader are both my jams, respectively. Enter "Trainwreck". Super not safe for work because of language and hilarious raunch. It looks so funny!!

Friday Happies - Birthday Edition!!!

How was your week, friends? Mine was a little off, but good. I worked a lot and spent a lot of time trying to "get ahead", whatever that means. Amiright?

Well, I'm off for the weekend because  IT"S MY BIRTHDAY (on Monday)!!! I love my birthday. It's all red and pink and tulips and chocolate and chilly pretty weather in all its swirly February-ness! Heh. I digress.

I hope y'all all have a nice relaxing weekend planned (and even if you have to work), here is a list of pretties, funs, happies, feel-goods, interestings, and what-nots to at least put a smile on your face! Here we go!

*This is Rami. He is a love child (obviously) of a dachshund and a pit bull. I love him, but there is a wait list at the shelter in Moultrie (just an hour or so from me!) for possible adoptive parents. That is a good thing, because I would totally take him home tomorrow otherwise.

Rami

*Woah. The cost of things in the U.S. after living abroad for fourteen years! Wowsers.

*Heh. Perfect for a birthday girl!

*I love all the ladies on Saturday Night Live. They are incredible from A to Z (Aidy to Sasheer Zamata). This article on Aidy made me smile. She's interesting and funny and smart and I just liked it so there!

*I like practical things that are beautiful. These scissors would be so beautiful on my (one day) desk.

*Peonies and tulips are two of my favorite flowers. But, I never heard of Peony Tulips until yesterday! What the what?! They are the prettiest flower I've ever seen!!!

*Workouts you can do according to how the characters on your favorite shows act! Love it. It's the perfect balance of totally lazy and getting exercise.

*What a pretty garden thermometer! It'd be so pretty outside a screened-in porch (I want a screened-in porch so badly!).

*I got two great records from my dad for my birthday and they have been on constant rotation on my record player since. This one makes me dance around like I'm James Brown!

*Hmm! Coming out as "anxious".  Super duper interesting article!

*Now these are some par-tay shoes!!!

*A really pretty blog about gratitude and other lovely things. The Garden of Eating.

*What a hilariously dark, weird, funny looking movie. The Voices.

*And a beautiful, chilling and charming movie. Woman In Gold. 

*Ahmahgah! I wish I had found these before Groundhog's Day!!! I could make them for myself for like- a regular Tuesday in the future, right? Right?!

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! How could you not after seeing that groundhog cookie? P.S. If the image is no longer moving, refresh the page and scroll down and be prepared for utter joy!

Friday Happies!

Little Jimmy Dickens, that ole son of a gun.

Happy Friday fellas! I'm very much looking forward to a day off. It's been an interesting week. My plans? Clean! Organize! Menu plan! Exercise! Naps! I am waiting with baited breath. I hope y'all all get some nice time of respite soon too! Heeeeere's the list of funs, pretties and happies to help nudge you into your weekend with a smile on your face!

*This made me laugh...and cringe. How to spot an American traveling abroad. I'm definitely guilty of the tipping and talking to strangers. My husband is guilty of the white socks and baseball cap!

*I need a little bit of this. "McMindfulness".

*Unique and pretty glass boxes to organize jewelry or little keepsakes you treasure. I love the idea of a "curiosity" display.

*Oh my goodness! Twin Peaks pin up girls! I just got inspired to do a Twin Peaks marathon!! I love me some Sherilyn Fenn!

*I love the simplicity of the jewelry from Masha Moon! I think I'll be perusing their site more frequently.

*Y'all know I'm a history nerd. Well, I found a site that teaches you how to date undated old photographs by what the people are wearing, how their wearing it and hairstyles. So cool!! I got lost on it for a little while.

*Something we all need! Seven things that clean up your gut. I don't recognize a couple of these, but I'm still intrigued. I'm convinced that so many maladies can be remedied from a healthy gut (and I don't mean a spare tire!). Interesting stuff!


*Though I don't necessarily think a little girl needs to get married to consider herself worthy like a "Queen", I still love what that this papa is teaching his (adorable) little girls to know they deserve love, respect, honor and good manners from the people they choose to have in their lives.

*I know it's way to soon to be thinking about warm weather clothes, but I saw this top on Parc Boutique's web site and just loved it. It makes me want to wear flowy linen pants and super long light weight sweaters and sophisticated sandals. It makes me daydream about living in a little beachy historic town and having a little shop and living simply. All for the low low price of...well- we won't go there! Yikes!

*Y'all, Tony Bennett's new record Cheek to Cheek is really lovely. I adore him and this new release of songs from The American Songbook just makes me smile. Listen to the whole record here! 

*In the rush of the holidays (and the apparently unavoidable cold and buggy virus from hell that accompanied it), I missed my awesome mom's awesome post about the holidays! It's so lovely and tactile and visual. She really has a way with creating a bittersweet, cosy and magical nostalgia with every little thing she touches. So what if the holidays are over?! Walk down that little path with her today, it's charming and warm and sometimes you just need something as simple as that to make your day better.

*Beauty insights from a French tomboy. Fascinating for those who love French style, but don't really want to care about not caring that much. Ha! I definitely am stealing a handful of these tips!

*There is something truly magical about flower bulbs. I'm a February baby, and have always had a soft spot for tulips, crocus, and daffodils as they start to sprout up around then. But I also love amaryllis and just about anything else that comes in bulb form. They're just little gifts that keep on giving and remind me of a lot of lovely women in my life. Even the ones that didn't garden much! All of that is to say, check out these bulbs, y'all! Plant some magic today!

*And on a upbeat but melancholy note, a farewell to Little Jimmy Dickens. When I was a little girl, my dad played drums at the Grand Ole Opry and I saw and spoke with Little Jimmy Dickens practically every time I was there. He was always nice, even to a little kid he didn't know. I didn't know until I was a few years older just how special, funny and talented he was. Rest in peace, sir.


Have a great weekend, y'all!

Real thoughts on being present.

Great quote.

Happy Monday, y'all! I don't know about you, but I surely am not ready to get back into the swing of things. One day off just isn't enough in my book, but I shouldn't complain. That's one of my "vague" resolutions (I'm definitely going to need it to get through this week)!

Anyway, today I wanted to chat briefly about being present. It's a lot harder than those zen people make it seem like. I work hard on it and though I'm annoyingly observant and analytical; I still find myself falling short a lot. This is how I know (see if it rings any bells for you).

*I find myself getting into bed at night and feeling like I was just there. The day feels like a blur.

*I zone out while someone is speaking to me, even if I love them and/or what they're saying is completely interesting. Or I don't remember the drive home from work (yikes!).

*I escape. Netflix marathons are a biggie. Very long baths are another. Every now and then is perfectly okay, but sometimes those marathons or baths last a lot longer than they should.

*I react. "I'm bored, let's go eat out." "I know I have five loads of laundry to do, let's go to the book store or a movie instead." "I'm mad about something that happened at work, I'm going to take a ridiculously long bath and stew" (literally and figuratively). "Customers are annoying me, I'm going to go to the back office and occupy myself with something unimportant or not at all helpful." My mind can become full of white noise, and distraction becomes the go-to.

Instead of tackling things head on (which is the way I normally attempt to do things), I let them pile up or haunt me. I have a problem staying present sometimes. So, in case this is a problem for you too, here are some ways to help (and yes, I will take my own damn advice).

*Daily gratitude. Even just stealing a quiet moment at work in the loo to look at yourself in the mirror and say one thing you are more grateful for than mad at at the moment. "I am thankful that I put dinner in the crockpot this morning because I'll have a wonderful dinner to go home to in less than five hours. I'm going to put on some unbelievably comfy pajamas and kiss my dog on the head and eat that delicious dinner!" Sometimes that little reminder of something happy can get you through a lot of annoyance at work (or home or school or wherever you are). Reminding yourself of small greatnesses really can do wonders for you spirit and pop you right back into the moment where you belong.

*Time outside. Even five minutes. It's unbelievable how little time people devote to being outdoors these days. No wonder people can't wrap their heads around global environmental crises, they aren't spending time in the beautiful outdoors. Yes, and even though it's winter and cold, it still pays to be out in it for a few minutes a day (bundled up nicely, of course). I love to notice the minute changes in the seasons. Right now the trees are spindly and grey and make beautiful designs against the sky. And look up at the remainder of the Full Moon from Sunday. What a gorgeous silver pie! Laugh at the animals in your neighborhood. They can't help but be entertaining. Where I live there are birds everywhere right now, even the seagulls have come inland and are happily stealing bread from the ducks at the lake (who are getting sassy in return). Even if its just a moment, take that moment. Realign with yourself, with your spirit and with nature. It truly helps with priorities and presence.

*Have a cuppa. Take a few minutes to sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea or warm water with lemon. Prepare it for yourself and focus on it. Be in the moment and enjoy it as you consume it. Sure your mind will wander, let it. If you sanction time to let it wander then it tends to wander less when you're actually needing it to focus.

*Write. Just jot down what's been going on in your day. Is it cold, rainy or lovely and sunny? Did you eat something scrumptious? Write it down. Remember it. Savour it. Did you have a quick breakfast with someone you love? What made you laugh? This ties in nicely with the gratitude bit too. It's amazing how it flows when you start to jot it all down. It doesn't have to be Shakespeare. No one ever has to read it but you. It can just be you and yours. And it will help you when you're feeling all "blurry" too (of course it will happen, you're human).

*Get some sleep. Go to bed early, don't play that next episode of Louie or Call the Midwife. Just wash your face, brush your teeth and get in that cosy bed. Get 8 hours, go ahead. Your body needs it, and your mind most definitely needs it too.

I hope this helps y'all a little. It's nothing new, no reinvention of the wheel. Just a few thoughts on caring for yourself and being present in your own life-- it's your show after all!! Enjoy it!

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!

Better late than never!

Snapshots of Wellness.

What a day, y'all! You know that saying "when it rains, it pours"? That has been my Monday and it was a tough one (the reason this post is 15 hours tardy...or 9 hours early, whatever). The fridge broke down in the middle of the night. I salvaged what I could. My gracious family let me use their fridges and freezers for our holiday meal ingredients. I set out to move said groceries to their safe havens during the only torrential part of the non-stop rain all day long. My husband spent hours seeing if he could fix it before calling our landlord who will send over his not-so-handy handyman after Christmas.

Remember that crazy-maker situation? That came to a head today. Two others came out of the woodworks as well. I had a stupid long night shift at work (from which I'm plum tuckered out) and tomorrow I have a stupid long early morning shift with no other managerial help until 530 or 6 but I'm not thinking of that at the moment.

I have pretty major PMS and there isn't enough chocolate or soft jammies or baby goat/otter videos in the world to help me retain a semblance of normality. I haven't been drinking for the past two weeks (just because) and today I could have used one. I'm kind of a mess.

To top it all off, one of my favorite singers of all time, Joe Cocker, passed away today. Out of all the stress and absurdity today, that's the only thing that actually made me cry.

But you know what? I'm totally fine.

I'm cool, yo; and have been laughing at it (mostly) all day. There were a few moments of anger in regards to the crazy-makers that put a burr in my saddle, but you know what I did? I went to work. I worked ridiculously hard and fast and knocked out most of the tasks I would have to be doing tomorrow morning (hell yeah!). My sweet friend came to work and brought me a lovely and thoughtful holiday gift bag (that may have brought a tear to my eye too). I got a few laughs and some great hugs from him, both of which I needed. Oh! I also got a handsome new nephew, Mannee (pronounced Manny), today. He was born this afternoon and didn't even look like a squishy pink toe or a conehead (like I did)! Then... then I came home and when I saw my puppy's sweet face, I instantly felt better. My blood pressure went down big time.

I'm going off to bed very very soon. Every inch of my body aches. But I'm good. And I'll be even better tomorrow.

In case your holidays are making you insane, read this article. It's got some actual helpful advice on keeping your zen while everything seems out to intentionally be wonky and out of whack.

Love, friends. Here's some Joe to send us off. Rest in peace, Mr. Joe.

A little adieu...

Image

I love Autumn. It's my favourite time of year (though Winter is a close second). I can't believe that this season is already over! It seemed like Summer took forever to move along and Autumn has breezed by in a complete blur! It has been a beautiful season here in North Florida. That's not something I ever get to say, but we really have had a colourful Fall full of chilly nights, clear skies and even woodsmoke on the air once in a while!

The Winter Solstice is coming up. The longest night of the year and the first day of Winter. I hope you get a chance to get out in the beautiful last lingering days of Fall. It's hard to believe what with all the holiday preparations, that it technically is still Autumn. Sigh. I encourage you to take some time and feel peace in nature during this transitional time. It's crisp, the colours are fading into the silvers, tawny browns and greys of this new season. It's all so beautiful isn't it? Watching it all transform?

I plan on taking a little time this weekend to get a little fire going in the backyard fire pit. I may even brew up wassail and perhaps play a game of dominoes with the hubs in the very few hours I do not have to be at work. What will you do to note this passing of time? I hope you steal a peaceful moment for yourself.

Here is a previous musing on the seasons, and another. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Friday Happies!

Well, the weeks are going by so fast now. What have you got planned for this weekend? I will be finishing up all things holiday before working like a dog during the week of Christmas. Fun. Anyway! Here's this week's list of funs, pretties, & happies to move you steadfastly into a lovely weekend! I hope you enjoy!!

*Guidelines for book lovers (the hubs and I have seriously half of one room devoted to our growing collection- it fights with the growing minimalist in me).

*In case you missed my post on 9 Kisses. I just love the whole idea!

*Y'all I love a magnifying glass. And small binoculars. Always have. Yet I own neither. One of these on a mantle (when I someday have a mantle) would be awesome! I like the tall one best. Or the eye. I can't make up my mind!

*This made me laugh out loud. A new mom recorded her kid screwing with her while she "tried to sleep". Apparently nap time just isn't an option for anyone present. It's so funny!

*Don't read this if you don't want to sniffle a little with happy-cry-sniffles.

*I absolutely adore this faux fawn throw. Say that three times fast. I want it in my snuggly cozy house I don't have yet; on my nice, clean, reupholstered sofa I don't have yet, in front of a roaring fireplace I don't have yet. Sigh. But it will be mine, oh yes! It will be mine!

*Did y'all see the time capsule from post-Revolutionary Massachusetts uncovered this week? Paul Revere and Samual Adams both had a hand in its creation. Cool! I love historical and anthropological stuffs!!

*I don't know if you noticed this awesome water bottle from my post the other day, but it's so damn pretty I had to post it again!

*I've had this song stuck in my head for days now. It's your turn. Yes, that's the actor with the one wooden eye from Pirates of the Caribbean. I kinda have a weird crush on him.

*I love a "Just Because"!

*This was interesting. Seven food trends to watch in 2015. Would you try maple or cactus water? I just might!

*How refreshing! Holiday decorating ideas that don't make me want to barf.

*Sausage balls recipe from Garden & Gun. Dang! Those sound good!

*I love this charming post from my mom's blog, Firefly Evenings. Even the name of the blog is cute!

*I'm a February baby, so I love hearts. This would be cute framed in a small powder room or on a nursery wall.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday, y'all! I hope it was filled with merriment and excellent food. Mine was lovely and low-key. I'm working all weekend and the hubs is visiting his family out of town (lonely girl!). I hope you have a nice peaceful weekend planned and here's a list of some funs, pretties & happies for you to enjoy as you stretch out those stretchy pants.

*What a stunning candle (above). It's honey tobacco scented!

*I'm not one for adding more tchotchkes to the house since I began the "great purge" a few weeks ago. However...these cheese knives are the prettiest I've seen and would make a beautiful addition to any table, any season.

*So moving! 101 year old Tennessean, Ruby Holt, sees the ocean for the first time!

*I like these gingham towels. They're so fancy yet rustic.

*What a cool gift for the men in your life, a copper love note for their wallet!

*That's the stuff right there!

*I'm going to be making a batch of this delicious soup this weekend.

*Oooh, me wanty!

*For those Harry Potter fans out there (ME!!!). It's getting to be my favorite time to re-watch the movies!

*Love this color palette for a living room or dining room. So pretty and a nice balance between masculine and feminine.

*Now I have to try this sometime! Apple Stack Cake!

*This made me giggle so much. P.S. Totally not safe for work or if anyone in your family is looking over your shoulder while you watch this (naughty language). Heh.

*I'm making this cocoa for my office's Black Friday potluck.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Happies!

*I listen to this song at least three times a day. It makes me so happy. I've been a big fan of Brett Dennen for nearly a decade now and he just keeps getting better. His feel good, well-written, quirky and often wry music always makes me feel up for an adventure. Dig that this record was made in my hometown of Nashville, TN and dig the 70's vibe in the video too.

*My feet have been so cold lately.  I could use these! I'd feel like a Scandinavian princess!

*This is a need, not a want!!!

*I absolutely love this tunic! I'd wear it with gold heels, leggings, a turtleneck and gold dangly earrings!

*I love this beautiful magnolia leaf wreath. It's so simple and Southern and lovely.

*I have a pretty casual style. Mama always said "never leave the house wearing something you'd be embarrassed to run into Mam-maw & Uncle Snap in". Mam-maw and Uncle Snap were my great-grandparents, and though they are both gone now, I still keep this in mind. That being said, I am a devout fan of nice, cozy loungewear- but it stays at home for lounging! It gives me something decadent to look forward to after a long day of dealing with annoying customers and when I am out, I don't ever have to worry about being schlumpy or too casual. All of this is to say, I kind of adore these slouchy pants by Parc Boutique. But they stay at home...

*Great article on actress Joy Bryant and her beautiful home. She seems like she'd be someone you could end up sharing a private joke with about some crazy misadventure.

*Have you ever played King Kubb? I think I'd like to try!

*I think I'm going to make some of these as gifts this year. Or just for my container garden.

*And now, something just weird and funny for you to enjoy.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Give a little bit!

Hey y'all! It's Wednesday, and around here on Wednesdays I give a list of organizations, people, animals etc. you can donate to (even just $5 helps!). No act of kindness, no matter how small ever goes unnoticed!

*This is cool! DonorsChoose.org, teachers ask for what the need for their students, your donations get them what they need!

*Help little Diesel get his tests and treatment. Look at that face!!!

*Kiva is an organization that helps give loans to people all over the world to start their own businesses! How neat is that?!

*I've linked to Best Friends before, but it's been a while and I like them. So here it is again!

*Help Mom get to France!

*Give this soap maker a helping hand to get her wares out to her community. They look so nice!

*Help lay to rest a family (one mother and four children) who were killed in a fire. So sad.

*This little guy fell 150 feet down cliff and survived with major injuries. The Oregon Humane Society's Technical Animal Rescue Team hiked for hours to get him safely to surgery (he's doing great- what a tough and brave little guy!). Anything over the costs needed for his surgeries and medicines (already covered) goes to those brave and loving animal lovers that saved his life. Let's help them out!

*Let's give this dance troupe the public dance event they are working toward!

*Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life to those affected by poverty, illness, catastrophe and war. A frequent high-ranking organization for its quality work.

Give what you can y'all! Every little bit helps!

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!