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.

During a recent edition of Dee & Dory, Design Dreamers over on YouTube, the ladies talked about their Challenge Box and it got me to thinking.

I believe it was Dory who mentioned that the Challenge Box encouraged her to try things she might not have done on her own. What an interesting idea!

Check out the video here:

One of the many things I enjoy about these ladies is their willingness to try new things, even if the end results are not exactly what they had in mind. This episode speaks to that, too.

But a Challenge Box could be for anything and I think it might be worth contemplating. Is there a craft you might like to learn more about? Do you need/want to find ways to encourage growth? Do you, or your kids, need some inspiration? It is worth thinking about.

Sometimes I find I need some sort of gentle push to try something I might not have considered doing before or have been putting off ‘because’…

Let me know what you think.

The accumulation of stuff can be debilitating in so many ways. Basically, it robs us of the space we live in. It also robs us of the money spent on all the stuff that takes up space in the place we live.

I am just as guilty of this as anyone else but I have managed, in my own way, to find solutions to the problem. I live in a very small home (less than 1,000 sq. ft.) that has limited storage space. When I moved into my home I made a conscious decision to keep the stuff to a minimum.

As most of you know, it hasn’t been easy.

I came across this article in Apartment Therapy that provides a different way of solving the problem and thought it was on target. Check it out by clicking HERE.

The idea of choosing what you like and having a clear view at what is left so you can decide how to deal with that is a good one. It also provides a bit of clarity when it comes down to being realistic in what we like, want, need, or not.

The other thing to do is give ourselves permission to let go of the stuff we don’t want, use, or need.

While I might not advocate for rushing this process of decluttering, no matter how you go about it, I do think it is worth setting goals and limits so there is actual progress.

Thoughts?

Grocery shopping on Valentine’s Day?

First, there is no major need to hit the grocery store today, but…

Second, I am in the mood for a particular recipe and needed the ingredients I did not already have on hand.

Third, it seemed like a good idea…because we are looking at a change in the weather and… Well, you know.

The Magic Pantry still has some wonderful items in stock. I have all kinds of options for dinners and even a few breakfasts. I stocked up on bacon a while back and haven’t defrosted any to cook in a while and I was gifted some great sausages at Christmas, so there is that, too…

Heavens! I am making excuses even to myself. LOL!

The truth is I came across a recipe that I wanted to try and, wouldn’t you know, I only had part of what I needed on hand. I admit lately it has taken some…inspiration…to get me interested in playing in the kitchen.

It wasn’t until I had completed the order that I realized that it was Valentine’s Day… I’m hoping that my mid day delivery would allow my shopper to find what I need without issue. Ordinarily I am more aware of the calendar and such… <shrug>

Here’s hoping all goes well…across the board. 😉

Bianca has posted this first room evolution in her new old home.

I honestly don’t know what I love more, her use of color and design or the fact that she created a room that fits her and not the average. No, it isn’t to everyone’s taste but it is a beautiful room filled with carefully chosen details.

I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Take a deep breath.

Yes, another (if you were here on Monday). Starting a new anything is stressful and uncomfortable. Here’s an idea or two for you…

One step at a time. One thing at a time.

I know you are feeling pushed to do all sorts of things all at once. Don’t. Pick one thing you want to do and do it for a while. Give it a few days or a few weeks and see how things go. If you try to do lots of things at the same time you will become frustrated and overwhelmed and inclined to walk away from all you want to do.

Be gentle with yourself. You’ve earned it.

Before you embark on that ritual ‘Kick Me’ game that everyone seems to want to start at the new year, STOP. Right now.

Be honest with yourself. Are you doing your best? Then you are doing enough. You can worry about improvement when you have been doing the new stuff for a while. You need time to learn and get used to the things you are trying to do. You also need time to learn if the new things are not what you want to be doing. Look for alternatives that will get you where you want to go.

Decide what ‘Perfect’ means to you.

You might be surprised to discover that the way you define perfection is not the same as the way others define it.

Be prepared

Be prepared to be surprised (both good and bad). Be prepared to be happy and sad and all sorts of things in between. Be prepared to learn new things and unlearn old things. Be prepared to be happy. Better, choose to be happy.

Above all, remember to take one step at a time.

Yes, you read that correctly. Sidelines. As in I’m not going to be out and about frantically doing anything for the next month or so.

As a household without small children, or children of any age come to that, I don’t have the need to be running around checking off lists of Things To Do while keeping an eye on the household budget. If you do, you have my sympathy and encouragement.

Decades ago I discovered that the time between mid-November and mid-January were hectic enough with weather shifts (I live in a part of the country where that has impact) and adding to crowds who were frantically trying to buy everything including the gravel in the mall parking lots was not good for anything to do with me. Think mental and physical health, my meager budget, my sanity. So, I did something radical; I took myself out of the hurley burley and allowed folks who had the need or desire to be there enjoy themselves. Or not…

Recently I caught Nicole on the AllRecipes channel on YouTube prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I was exhausted just watching her! Granted, she had everything down to a science and it worked like a charm, but Good Grief…

I think that a potluck meal would be a great way to spread the work among folks who would be sitting around the table. It is easier on the budget and easier on the stress level. It is also a great way to try new things!

I think that settling in with some good coffee (or tea) a good coffee cake and something to watch that makes you happy is also a good way to enjoy the day.

I think as the days move forward toward the Big Day (or days) it is worth remembering why we are doing these things that have taken over our lives. The big question for me is: Am I enjoying myself or going through the motions?

So, for me, sitting on the sidelines is a great way to reduce stress, avoid injury, keep my budget in check and still spend time with folks I love.

Give yourself permission to do what you can, don’t do what you can’t, admit the difference, and allow others to do the same.

Sending you a hug or two, wishes for a quiet time to relax and reflect, and hope that you find joy in unexpected places.

Oh, and a reminder that this, too, will pass. 🙂

Believe it or not, that is a good thing!

After decades of various versions of social media the idea that everything must be ‘perfect’ is overwhelming. Notice I said ‘idea’. Depending upon the situation or person, ‘perfect’ is a non-defined illusion. It usually includes some collection of perceptions; the spotlessly clean home, the perfectly organized closet, the illusion that everything is easy and quick and cheap.

Reality is often a far different situation.

In my experience, a house that is lived in – comfortably lived in – isn’t spotless all the time. There are dishes to be washed or put away. Clothes in some state of either being cleaned or heading to the closet. Bathrooms that might give the impression of a tornado stopping by to say ‘hello’. And that is only a small list… Each home is different.

I’ve been both amazed and amused at the number of YouTubers who focus on organization and cleaning. Granted, it is a huge topic to consider but … ? Ditto for those who seem to spend more time creating and prettifying their monthly planners than actually using them. Or that is the impression I get. Yours might be different.

Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand that we have a lot of folks who simply have no idea how to do a lot of things. But I think what has gotten lost in the shuffle is the idea that ordinary does not mean perfect all the time. Ordinary is taking one day at a time to do what you need to do, what you can do, and being okay with it.

I’ve been enjoying watching See Mindy Vlog because she has focused on the ordinary. I think it is a breath of fresh air and gives some space to not be pressured into thinking that the life you are living isn’t up to par. Check out this recent entry:

I had to chuckle when I saw the caption on this one because I had mentioned to a friend the day before that I wasn’t sure I was ready to Monday.

Sometimes I think we need to give ourselves permission to be less than ‘Perfect’ because perfection is an illusion most of the time. I appreciate Mindy for reminding us that ordinary is often just fine. We can always strive to be better at something, but I think we need to never lose sight of the fact that the journey is often more important than just getting to the end of the road.

As we head into what is usually a highly stressful time of year, I hope we each find ways to ease the stress, enjoy the opportunities that come our way, and realize that nothing is permanent. The stress will ease, the chores will get done (or not), and we can give ourselves grace to just do the best we can.

Enjoy!

Did you notice that September is almost over?

I love to sit back and contemplate my latest discoveries. There’s nothing like having a good cup of coffee (or large glass of iced tea) while enjoying a moment or ten when I can think about whatever has caught my attention.

Lately such sessions have been about discovering a YouTube channel that has captivated me enough to not only subscribe but send a note telling the presenter that she’s inspired me. That doesn’t happen often!

Then there is the return of Harry Potter to my reading table. I started reading the books when the second was just in the stores, so that would be roughly 1998. When the audio versions were released I was ecstatic; Jim Dale did an amazing job bringing Harry & Company to life. Over the years I have found myself returning to Hogwarts often but not annually. As Stephen Fry’s audio version of the books is now available in the US, I have been enjoying them once again, with a slightly different tone. I think of it as if (with apologies to Mr. Dale & Fry) Grandpa started reading the same books as Dad. I love both versions.

Then there was the rediscovery of the collection of interviews of various people by the Television Academy (Foundation Interviews). As a person who enjoys learning more about television and film, these interviews have been not only interesting but fun. I know some folks would be bored silly but <shrug>.

Once again I am contemplating returning to quilting and doing more hand made cards. There is no lack of ideas or time, that’s for certain. LOL!

Heading into the cooler months tends to open up opportunities to do things we don’t have time, or inclination, for during the warmer months.

What are you contemplating?