No matter if it is online shopping or window shopping, tripping into a rabbit hole can be quite the experience!

I love to window shop. I love to online shop. I love to not shop. But if I find ‘something’ that captures my attention and gets me thinking…maybe… there is no telling what might happen.

Recently I came across someone who admitted she was intimidated by making her own pasta. It did not help when her husband bought her a rather pricey manual pasta machine. You know, that crank model that takes your dough ball and flattens it and then cuts it.

Now, I have often thought that home made pasta could be quite an experience. I had an aunt who made the most horrendous home made noodles ever (without any machine), so contemplating making my own … well it was a bit surprising.

As I thought about it, however, I could tell there was the teeniest bit of curiosity. I have a postage stamp sized kitchen so bringing in anything requires thought. As I started looking around to see what was available I came across electronic machines that mix the dough and cut the shapes via extruding the dough through dies. Okay, that really caught my attention. The comments and ratings were exceptionally good, too. A peremptory check of recipe books showed the potential.

While the price tag isn’t cheap, the potential is quite good. I am still thinking about this but you see the problem when you dive into a rabbit hole?

I’ve had similar experiences with crafting tools, too.

It is a funny thing, some items are a no brainer while others require thought and time. I figure if I am still interested in it a few days or a few months in the future, it is worth looking at again and then make a decision.

Thank goodness for small living spaces! <G>

Recently I caught up with several of my favorite YouTubers as they moved forward with their home projects. While all of their efforts were interesting and, to me at least, useful, the one constant theme is the way that their style has changed over the years.

Some were dyed in the wool pink lovers. To the point where the color showed up pretty much everywhere. Really. Now, I like pink but not quite to that degree. Then again, it isn’t my home. <G>

Some were really into major DIY projects to customize their spaces to fit their preferences. I applaud them but realize that some viewers could easily be intimidated by the work involved. Then again, it could be said to be an educational video.

My point is that, for most of us, our styles and our skill sets evolve over time. So, too, is that daredevil may care attitude. Sometimes we do things from ignorance or lack of resources that we might not do later when those … excuses … are no longer valid.

And you know what? It is all okay.

We all have to try, experiment, play around with, things to see what works for us and what doesn’t. Sometimes it is discovering that we really preferred that green in the kitchen rather than all the pink everywhere… Sometimes it is making peace with ourselves over not knowing how to treat antiques. Sometimes it is simply congratulating ourselves because we learned something and moved forward.

One step at a time. Give yourself permission not to follow trends just because.

Enjoy!

Something

I don’t know about you but it is feeling more and more like a shift, a change, a…something. Maybe it is all those Memorial Day commercials talking about DIY and painting or digging up the garden, or buying furniture. LOL!

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to Summer. That time when we start looking toward taking time away from the daily grind to change … something.

It is also that time of year when change happens. Graduations. Weddings. Vacations.

Here’s to starting in on a new … whatever … and enjoying it fully!

I have to admit that I am enjoying a variety of videos on YouTube. In fact, it astounds me when I consider the variety of content over there. That said, I have found myself viewing things that…frankly caught me by surprise.

I’ve long been a fan of Better Homes & Gardens Australia, which has become Great Home Ideas. I love their easy and accessible content coupled with good ideas for all levels of DIYers.

Imagine my surprise to discover another Australian channel that is devoted to massive overgrown garden cleanups. WTH?????

Yeah, surprised me, too. But you know what, it is very interesting to watch and the end result is often astounding. There are similar content channels from around the globe, so you might want to check on that but if you are interested, check out Quick Cuts.

Wasn’t that amazing?

Another thing I have seen is where folks go in and do massive cleaning oriental carpets and such. I mean rugs that are so dirty you can’t tell what color(s) it might be. The end results are astounding.

There are loads of DIY how tos that cover a wide range of topics. And, if you pay attention, you will find folks who know what they are doing and willing to share their knowledge.

And if you aren’t inclined to any of that, there are always lots of dogs and cats to keep up with. I’m rather fond of Eric over at Esselle and Eric.

He really is the sweetest cat!

Enjoy!

Or, Enjoying watching others make their spaces magical!

I have never, ever claimed to be a gardener. Ever. I do, however, enjoy puttering with plants on my deck or, more likely, inside my home. I also have a friend or two with actual green thumbs.

Lately I’ve been indulging in watching some of my regular (or not so regular) YouTubers as they get their garden spaces ready for Spring and Summer.

Catherine, over at Dainty Diaries, recently brought us along as she cleaned her back garden and got ready for warmer weather.

Mr. Carrington recently headed off to work on his roof garden. Check out his channel to see how the roof garden has evolved over the years. I have to say he has encouraged me over the years. I love the random, easy way he has of collecting plants and tucking them into pots.

Luke Catleugh has been spending time in his garden and the result are quite lovely. He is a newbie, just getting started and it has been fun watching him learn, experiment and enjoy the results. Check out his channel HERE.

DIY Danie has recently started working on this year’s garden. You can follow along or catch up by visiting her channel. I love what she has done with the greenhouse and the new addition(s) this year will be lovely to watch.

I recently discovered Shelby’s Cottage and have been captivated by her efforts to update her home and garden. Check out her channel HERE.

Each of these channels has a different approach to the way they deal with their spaces. Each brings something new and interesting. For someone like me, who does not really enjoy cookie cutter homes or gardens, there is a lot to take in and see if I can bring something similar to my home and garden.

At the end of the day, each is unique and pleasant. Just the kind of space I enjoy.

For some reason (or perhaps many reasons) the move into May has felt like a reprieve of sorts. Or, maybe it is just me… April seemed to be one of those months that went on Forever and then was over in a Flash.

It occurred to me that we are heading into graduation month, followed by wedding month(s) and potentially vacation months, with a few birthdays and anniversaries thrown in for good measure.

I won’t lie, some of those … occurrences caught me by surprise. 😀

More than one of my regular YouTubers are in the midst of, or embarking on renovation projects. Some are quite ambitious while others are … middle of the road tear your hair out things.

Several folks are contemplating their gardens. The main question seems to be more along the lines of “Has the hard freeze finally ended?” followed by “Can I head to the garden center now?”

I recently had a handyman out to clear my Honey Do List of things that have been waiting patiently to be repaired. All it took was a few plastic brackets to fail…after 20 odd years…to <cough> encourage that phone call.

And, to top it all off, I heard my first Memorial Day Sale commercial of the year just yesterday.

Say What!?

I’ve been enjoying the recipes offered by All Recipes over on YouTube. The pickle collection was inspired and those potluck salads could be a game changer for the season.

I did reviewed the offerings in my favorite markets and found myself looking at iceberg lettuce ($1.99) and wondering… just wondering… I like lettuce, particularly iceberg lettuce, but have I reached my limit and need to take a break? I have carrots on hand that will make a great salad. Hmmm…

Things to ponder for the next grocery order. In the meantime, we are shifting into a new month with new possibilities.

Take time to find joy.