Friday Fave #1~

 endeavor:

authentic•oldfashionedvalues•lowtech•slowliving

~livingsimply~

I thought I would add a little series called Friday Faves, wherein I will showcase something I've used and/ or purchased time and time again. I enjoy seeing people's favorites and I have learned about products I might otherwise never have known about without them sharing.  I hope this serves the same purpose for you!

The first item I want to share is *Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick. I have been using this brand's deodorant for years, and get this...I am only on my third purchase (yes, I use it every day, lol). My first ever purchase was the deodorant Stick like I am using now. My second purchase was the liquid roll on, which I liked and worked as effectively, the product itself just didn't last as long as the Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick. 

I love that the ingredient list is short: potassium alum (mineral salts)  and that it doesn't contain common deodorant ingredients such as aluminum, silicone, parabens, artificial fragrances or colors and phthalates. I especially like that for around $6, the product will last two years (as per the label-but mine has lasted, and been just as effective, for a longer time span in the past). 

I prefer to use unscented products when I can, but the brand does offer a variety to choose from: an Invisible Solid and also a Mineral Roll On in Lavender and White Tea, a Mineral Deodorant Roll On in Pomegranate, a Mineral Deodorant Stone with a dish and of course, the  Unscented Mineral Deodorant Stick I use and show here.

Now granted, I realize it may not work in everyone's particular situation, but then again, what ONE product works for everyone? 

If you have used this product, or any other natural deodorants that you enjoy,  please share in the comments. As I mentioned, I love to learn about others' favorite products. And if you haven't already, but decide to try the Crystal deodorant products, please share your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by!

💋xo,

TJ

*this product was not sponsored and is not an ad~just a friend sharing with friends!

What's in My Bag / Exchanging Handbags for the Fall~

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~livingsimply~

from this one... 

to this one!

Do you enjoy "What's in My Bag" type videos? I do and so I thought I would film one! Curious? Take a peek at-> What's in My Bag / Exchanging Handbags for the Fall

See you there!~ TJ 

A Peek Into Last Week (September 17-23)~

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authentic•oldfashionedvalues•lowtech•slowliving

~livingsimply~

 Well...Happy Fall y'all! I've been noticing an almost imperceptible change in the weather for a couple of weeks now. It's slightly less hot (I can't say cool yet) and slightly less humid. It's autumn in Texas, lol.

This past week has been the busiest I've had in a very lonnnnng time! This may be a very short and uneventful read since I was thrown off my usual scheduleand routines.

Errands ~

Hubby went to the ER Monday as his pain level was getting the best of him. I had a follow up appointment with my oral surgeon on Tuesday and a deep cleaning on Thursday. 

Somewhere in the mix of things there, I went to the grocery store and to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions and other OTC necessities. 

Homekeeping ~

The focus this week was the office, desk and paperwork. My special project was to clean out a couple of desk drawers and recycle some unnecessary papers. 

What I'm cooking, baking and eating (besides the usual) ~ 

tomato mozzarella salad 

I did big batch baking of chicken leg quarters (half with lemon pepper seasoning and half with Italian herbs and spices) and a second pan of hamburger patties seasoned with Montreal Steak seasoning. I also made a crustless quiche and a tomato mozzarella salad. It made dinners easy for a busier than usual week.

What I'm watching/reading ~

I watched a movie, Father Stu, on Netflix. I don't know if I was having an emotionally hormonal day or if the movie really got to me that much but I'll just say, the tissue box was definitely on standby 😭. I  found it very touching.

IMDb says the movie, "Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption.

It is based on the real life story of "Father Stu".

Highlight ~

This little guy had a birthday this past week! He is not so little anymore (he's taller than me!), and has grown into a fine young man that his Mamaw (me!🙋‍♀️) is extremely proud of. Here's to many, MANY more birthdays for this handsome fella!

And...not quite as major as a grandsons birthday, but a highlight for me just the same, is these two snuggling up next to each other...

I hope you had a wonderful week, thanks for stopping by! 

💋xo,

TJ

A Peek Into Last Week (September 10-16)~

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authentic•oldfashionedvalues•lowtech•slowliving

~livingsimply~

It's time for another...

...peek into our week.🤭

Homekeeping ~

using the sun's perfect bleaching action for the whitest white laundry 

This week's focus was the guest bedroom and craft room. My pet project this week was spending time on sorting through all my fabric and getting rid of what I know I'll never use. Most went into the giveaway box. Still, I am left with more fabric than I will probably ever use, lol!

What I'm cooking, baking and eating (besides the usual) ~ 

For dinners, I made enchilada casserole  (again!☺️)but this time with red enchilada sauce and chicken. I also made a simple pasta bake using items we had in the freezer and pantry.

I haven't been baking a whole lot lately but did bake a white and a cinnamon raisin loaf this week.

Errands ~

I had to get our car's safety inspection sticker renewed and after I was done with that, I stopped in a couple of grocery stores to pick up some sales items and a few necessities.

Highlight ~

like I've said before...it's the litte things

That morning cup of coffee. 'Nuff said. 😉

Thanks for stopping by! 

💋xo,

TJ

A Peek Into Last Week (September 3-9)~

endeavor:

authentic•oldfashionedvalues•lowtech•slowliving

~livingsimply~

This past week I wasn't very productive imo, due to a case of the blues. But that's okay. We all find ourselves in that position at times. I did manage the following little snapshots of productivity here and there though...

What I'm cooking, baking and eating (besides the usual) ~ 

I didn't do a lot of cooking or baking this week. Of the few things I did make, these are those:

crockpot chicken and noodles. I love a good (practically) dump and go crockpot recipe for those days when my energy, or enthusiasm for fussing over a meal, is low. This is one of those dishes, and I had everything on hand except the egg noodles. I substituted pasta "twirls" instead and it came out just fine. It was tasty and one of those comforting types of meals, like a hug in a bowl, lol.

I, again this week  made another "power food meal" that feeds us several meals worth of food. I love "template" style recipes that allow me to use and combine what we have on hand to made a delicious,  nutritious dish. This time, I made it into an "Italiano" style, with ground turkey, black olives, cauliflower, green beans, mixed veggies, canned diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, garlic cloves, garlic powder (we like our garlic!), Italian herbs, oregano, fennel, parsley and salt & pepper. I like to keep the grain, which in this case was rice, on the side so that the amount of carbs can be controlled by whoever is eating the meal.

Homekeeping ~

This week's focus was the living room, entryway, and front porch. This area proves challenging to clean and tidy because the area is still in disarray from water damage that originated with the hot water tank in the attic and worked it's way down to the first floor. I do what I can, take a deep breath and try to look the other way 😉 until we can get it repaired.

I cleaned the screens flanking the front door, the front door and the decorative lantern. I didn't need to sweep this time because the lawn fellas always blow the porch clean when they are here. 

I  spot cleaned the entryway rug.

📷: unknown 

"I find it soothing to take something wrinkled and make it smooth. It feels anticipatory. It's what I do before a celebration. And nobody bothers me when I'm ironing."

~Alexandra Stoddard

I ironed a few items that needed it. I know, I know...ughhh, right? But, we can do it! The job will be finished before we know it~👍And once you get started, it can become a relaxing exercise in meditation of sorts (and my Rowenta iron is a great tool to help get the job done *not an ad* I've had it for many years and it has been quite the workhorse). 

We don't have many clothes that need ironing but the linen items we wear to keep cool during the sweltering summer demand no less than naturally cool fabrics. And sometimes that means ironing.

The thing about linen though is, even after ironing, it still looks like it needs ironing! 😂

What I'm watching/reading ~

This week, I started a new (to me) series called Marcella on Netflix. I'm only on episode two of the first season but so far I am really enjoying it! 

About Marcella, Netflix says "An emotionally damaged ex-police detective goes back on the job to investigate a serial killer after her seemingly happy marriage falls apart." 

and~ 

"Despite marriage woes, a tragic loss, memory blackouts and her struggles as a mom, a London detective excels at what she does best: catching killers."

Sounds juicy!

I also ran across this YouTube video  describing how to turn milk, that is on the verge of having to be discarded, into farmers cheese and wanted to share. In these days of rising prices, I think we can all use any help we can get to make our dollars-and food- go further. I always love a good "waste not, want not" tip and I look forward to finding out what he does with the whey! (my usual use for whey is to add to soaking beans, but there are many other great uses for whey. I would love to hear your favoriteuses for whey!)

Pamper ~

Have you taken time for yourself this week? I did...and as you can see from the picture, the process wasn't pretty, lol, but it felt great! The fast pace of life these days can overwhelm our spirits if we don't slow down sometimes and show ourselves some kindness. Treat yourself like someone you love! Inexpensive (or free!) things we can all choose from to pamper ourselves:
📚 get lost in a favorite book
🛁 soak in a bubble-or just a nice warm-bath. (bonus~light candles!)
☀️ sit out in the sunshine for a bit
🫖☕️🍫 take a tea/coffee break and maybe nibble some chocolate
🌹💐 buy a pretty bouquet or pick one from your yard...even if it is just greenery
🦶💅 diy mani/pedi or just soak your tootsies in a basin of warm water (optional: add Epsom salts/acv/a drop of a delightfully scented body wash or bubble bath) 

💨 take a few deep breaths

And so many more ideas are out there! Feel free to add your favorite(s) in the comment section! 

Treat yourself like royalty ~~👑

Highlight ~

my pov from under a shady tree♡

This view from underneath a shady tree. It's the simple things for me sometimes!

Well...that's about it for me this week. I hope you had an enjoyable and productive week! But before I go...please join me this week at a FREE online event, The Traditional Skills Summit, given by School of Traditional Skills (get your ticket here). We will learn more about subjects such as sourdough bread, the Back to Eden gardening method, traditional bone broth and much, much more taught by the experts themselves! I can't wait to "see you" there!

As always, I thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog. Until next time...

💋xo,

TJ 

A Peek Into Last Week (August 27-September 2)~

 endeavor:

authentic•oldfashionedvalues•lowtech•slowliving

~livingsimply~

September is upon us, school is back in session here, and it's still hotter than a Texas bonfire outside! Whew! As long as our air conditioners keep on blowing the cold, I am good with laying low and doing indoorsy things. After several days in a row of rain, for which I am extremely grateful, we seem to be living smack dab in the middle of a mosquito hatchery. I rue the times I walk out the door not having had the forethought to apply my lemongrass essential oil, dabbing it on liberally like so much eau de parfum, to repel those tiny vampires.

While I was busy fanning myself and tending to my mosquito bites, I did jot down a few notes of the things I managed to accomplish this past week. Let's take a peek, shall we?~~~

What I'm cooking, baking and eating ~ 

Tomato and basil chicken sausage served over garlic cauliflower mash, enchilada casserole (Since I was making this in a 9"x13" pan-I don't have the size pan called for in the recipe-I used 12 corn tortillas rather than 8. I substituted pork from this recipe that I made in the past, portioned out and froze for future meals. The black beans were big batch cooked in the past as well, divided up into 1 1/2 cup portions and frozen. I substituted green enchilada sauce for the red, as that's what I had on hand. I also added about a half of a cup of salsa verde that I had in the freezer to help stretch the saucy part to accommodate the extra corn tortillas and larger pan. I also used more cheese on top than one cup-maybe 1-1 1/2 cup more), a little garlic powder and a bit of salt.😋), "power food meal", devil's food bundt cake, chocolatey chip yellow snack cake (using up cake mixes I bought at a great price several months ago)

Homekeeping ~ 

this Mainstays candle from Walmart has the most delightful Autumnal scent!

This weeks focus was the master bedroom and closet. I straightened up my shoes and organized a few things on the closet shelves. 

What I'm watching/reading~

After reading this article I decided, after getting away from reading fiction in recent years, to revisit a long lost favorite author of mine and tackle some of her books that have been gathering dust on my bookshelves. I used to devour Ms. Steel's books back in the day. Now, I don't know if they qualify for the fiction Dr. Restack meant but hey, baby steps😉.

Ghost Diving USA I love that they are upcycling the lost nets into other items while helping to clean up the ocean floor!

Arctic Daughter: A Lifetime of Wilderness

and

Rewilding Kernwood, both on Prime Video. The two documentaries were a fun mental escape-sentimental, real and raw from the perspective of Jean Aspen and her husband, Tom Irons.

Garden ~

Haha! Do you ever feel the way Miss Sourpuss does when those never-ending bumper crops keep coming through the door while you feverishly work to put it all up? I know I shouldn't get frustrated and overwhelmed at the work the blessing of the bounty creates,  but I do sometimes if I am to be perfectly honest 🙄. Thankful? Most definitely. But I am after all, only human.

I harvested a few spinach leaves from a volunteer spinach plant and some basil that I used to make some basil ice cubes that will be easy to throw into our favorite Italian dishes.

Create~

After spending all of last week working on trying my hand at my own watercolor rendition of Monet's Water Lilies on a small scale in my traveler's notebook, I thought this was an appropriate quote to salve the frustration that can come with trying to learn something new...

"When I'm working in the barn or house I often think of all the errors I've made in my life. But then I quickly put that behind me and think of water lilies. They will always eradicate unpleasant thoughts. Or goslings are equally comforting in their own way."

 ~Tasha Tudor

Thinking of water lilies and trying to paint them are two totally different things, lol! 

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ 

Why I Share "Me" and My Life~

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~livingsimply~

Is it that I think I'm so fascinating?  NO WAY! Honestly, compared to a lot of others, I'm probably quite boring. 

"While you can, DO."

~TJ @ TJ's Sweet Home 

After taking quite the sabbatical from posting however, and a recent wake up call with my health that reminded me that the clock is ticking, the oft refrained, "life is not a dress rehearsal" has new meaning. So, I'm gonna make more of an effort do what I enjoy, and this my dear friends, is one of them. 

I am a homebody that has been placed in a position of being a "homebody on steroids" (the pandemic quarantine was nothing new for us-"quarantine" or something like it, is and has been our normal daily life for a decade now) since my husband became homebound and I became his caregiver. There are no more vacations or even short road trips. Money has been whittled down to one fixed income that seems to shrink with each passing day. I'm not seeking sympathy, it just IS. Our reality, and what I called our NEW normal ten years ago, is now just our normal. So, I flit and flutter from one responsibility, project or interest to another, like a bee to so many flowers, to fill my days.

Like I said, nothing out of the ordinary to see here. But that's kind of the point of why I share. I get ideas and encouragement from peering into the "everyday days" of others by reading their blogs, watching their vlogs and taking in their Instagram posts. And in turn, hope that maybe something I do, or cook or write might be a spark for another. A spark of imagination, a spark of determination, a spark of hope and maybe even a spark that lights a giggle or two.

And then there's legacy. I would love to be able to read my grandmothers, great-grandmothers (and so on) recipes, daily musings and just the general overview of her daily life during her time. It would be nice to read or view my father's, and his father's thoughts, hopes, dreams and daily doings that they carried on their strong backs and shoulders and within the deep recesses of their minds on a regular basis throughout the years.

I'm fairly certain I wrote in some long forgotten post in the past that I considered this space to be a journal of sorts (only... open for the world to read🤯). Someday, my children and their children's children might be curious about that wild, wacky & nutty Mamaw of theirs, and they can come here if they care to. Maybe not. But it'll be there as long as the internet and Blogger hold up. If not, there's always my paper journals and beloved recipes, written in my hand.

"Yeeeeehawwww! Ride 'em Cow-Mamaw!"

~Mamaw (me) to Jesse, my grandson. when driving over a particularly big bump in the road

So...that's why I share. Not to toot my own horn, but to offer up a buffet of bite-sized yummy moments of my life you may or may not choose to take away from this table of my life to add to your own.

Thanks for reading! ~TJ