Are you a goal setter? A list maker? I know so many people who seem so opposed to working from a list, and I am not sure why. I know when I set goals, and tie them to daily actions, then cross them off as I complete them, I always feel a little more empowered;…
So, I did a thing. After 26 years teaching in the public school system, I have decided that it is time for a pivot. I have absolutely loved my time teaching high school students, but there are other things that I want to try. Leaving the students will be hard, but the thing that is…
I love the excitement of Christmas; the lights, the presents, the family gatherings, the decorating, Hallmark movies, the whole she-bang. But I have to admit that New Year’s has its own charms. This week between Christmas and New Years lends itself to much personal reflection, and for those of us who are introverts, we are…
The idea of determining a personal word of the year to serve as inspiration for the next months has gained popularity over the last few years. Don’t just let this be something to do, a page to add to your journal; instead let this set the course for the year ahead. Your word, chosen correctly, …
Possibly one of my greatest pleasures, is a pantry or larder full of jams, jellies, preserves, marmalades, pickles and chutneys that all add dimension and quality to my meals. They can easily take a frugal meal from bland to extraordinary, and create the perfect balance of tastes. A sweet chutney next to a hot spicy…
My Grandmother used to make Candied Crabapples, that tasted like tiny versions of the candied apples that you get at the fair. They go perfectly as a addition to a ham or pork dinner. My sweet daughter is getting married on Thanksgiving weekend, so I made them to go with the dinner. So for a…
Puttering is really a time to be alone, to dream, to get in touch with yourself…to putter is to discover. –Alexandra Stoddard I believe an afternoon of puttering is good for the soul. It is really the one thing that separates a housekeeper and a homemaker. We putter, we tweak, we rearrange, snug up and…
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” —Seneca Yesterday marked the end of the 2021-2022 school year, final marks were in the computer by noon. What a year it has been! It was supposed to be “back to normal” but for students and teachers it was everything but. Next week, we have students…
Right now, we are dealing with the highest inflation that we have had since the 1980’s. I read a tweet from someone who said that magazines printing articles about meal planning or saving money at the grocery store are tone deaf and the issues are far more serious. I would beg to differ and…
We are all feeling the financial crunch right now. From trips to the grocery store, at the gas pumps and every stop in between. The cost of living has gone up faster than most of our salaries. There is a tendency to want to point fingers and lay blame at the feet of another but…
“The incredible gift of the ordinary! Glory comes streaming from the table of daily life.” –Macrina Wiederkehr- A tree full of Angels (1988) Have you ever said that housekeeping is boring? Sometimes routines are boring, but sometimes they are a lifeline. During this covid lockdown, many people talk about how they are struggling with depression. …
As we travel into midlife, many of us tend to carry a lot of baggage with us. We bring negative self-talk and self-doubt, in spite of a lifetime of successes. We have an inexplicable need to apologize for things that don’t require apologies. We bring with us a trunk full of bad habits that self-sabotage…
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of hosting family and friends. Whether you’re welcoming loved ones for a few hours or a few days, creating a warm and inviting space can make their visit memorable. Here are 25 simple yet impactful tips to help you prepare your home for…
Painting thrifted silver tea sets can be a delightful DIY project to add a touch of romance to your Valentine’s Day mantle. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint thrifted silver tea sets for a charming Valentine’s Day display: Materials Needed: Instructions: Enjoy your beautifully painted thrifted silver tea set as a lovely addition…
As winter draws near, it’s time to wrap our homes in layers of warmth, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Winter invites us to turn our spaces into cozy retreats—filled with soft fabrics, vintage treasures, and a sprinkle of romantic, flea-market finds. Here’s how you can transform your home for winter with a cozy, feminine…
The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it can easily become overwhelming with endless to-do lists, gatherings, and expectations. By setting a mindful, empowered tone, you can enjoy a season that reflects what truly matters to you. Here are some empowering tips to help you prepare for a calm, intentional…
Autumn is a season synonymous with warmth, comfort, and reflection. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s no better time to embrace a cozy grandmacore aesthetic. This charming style, characterized by its nostalgic and comforting elements, brings the spirit of a traditional autumn into your home. Here’s how you can cultivate this…
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. –Albert Einstein I’ve been journaling for as long as I can remember. It started with a little red diary, complete with a lock and key, that I got on my 8th birthday. That small book was the beginning of a habit that has carried…
Autumn, with its cool breezes, falling leaves, and cozy vibes, is a season of transformation. As nature changes, so too can our approach to self-care. While summer may be all about outdoor adventures, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and focus on nurturing our well-being. Here are some ideas and tips for practicing self-care…
Enjoy the delightful taste of rosewater with these simple yet delicious Rosewater Shortbread Cookies. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch of these charming treats. Here’s a simple recipe for Rosewater Shortbread Cookies: Recipe Ingredients: Instructions: These delicate and fragrant Rosewater Shortbread Cookies…
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love, romance, and heartfelt expressions of affection. While today it’s often associated with the exchange of cards, flowers, and chocolates, the origins of Valentine’s Day trace back centuries, weaving a rich tapestry of tradition and sentimentality. Origins of Valentine’s Day: The origins of…
Loving your home on Valentine’s Day is a beautiful way to show appreciation for the space that nurtures and supports you. Here are some heartfelt ideas to love your home on Valentine’s Day: Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Light candles, dim the lights, and set the mood for a cozy evening at home. Enhance the ambiance…
