I've Been Bitten by the (de)Clutter Bug!

...But still wanting to enjoy the summer season and life and having to work my business, I have been sticking to my "just one thing" philosophy.

bird watching

see the video clip here on ig:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlL4By_g-e8/?taken-by=tjssweethome

Just one thing?!  "What does that mean?", I hear you inquiring.  Out loud.  To your computer screen.  (Lol, there goes my offbeat sense of humor/vivid imagination again *wink*.)

Wellllll... it simply means that, for instance, if I enter a room to do or fetch something, I do just one thing more (no matter how small).  That way, I am decluttering, cleaning or doing, just one extra little thing or task, at a time.  It allows me to make progress and not allow things to become stagnant or build up, but without a major added investment of time spent.

This especially helps me when decluttering.  You see, I have a hard time letting things go sometimes.  Especially those items to which I may have a sentimental or other attachment to (oh, who am I kidding?!  I have an attachment to all my stuff in one way or another.~ "My kid made that hardened blob of salt dough thirty years ago!",  I whine.  "I paid good, hard earned money for that at Dollar Tree seven years ago.",  I wail.  "So what that I've only been holding onto it for the past four decades?  I still might neeeeeed it someday!", I protest.  You get me.  I know you do.).  Since I am only asking myself to get rid of one thing at a time, on the fly, somehow it's easier for me.  I'm not sitting in front of a whole tub of sentimental knick knacks and paddy whacks telling myself I need to make a decision on EACH. AND. EVERY. THING. in the box. NOW.  And getting rid of one thing at a time as I'm quickly passing through a room or area?  I hardly feel or remember it.

And as far as cleaning goes, (which I detest.  LOATHE, to be quite honest.  But I do like my surroundings to be clean and relatively tidy.  So, what's a girl to do?  Just one thing!) a quick swipe, sweep, fold or put away, doesn't feel quite so painful.

And it all barely adds up to an extra minute or two of my time for each task.  Leaving me to attend to things that, by my calculations, really matter.  Like listening to a family member unburden themselves or share joyful news.  Or earning an extra dollar to pay a bill or put food on the table.  Or...bird watching.

I know I am not the inventor of this concept.  You may actually do it as well.  And if you do, I would love to hear about it!  You may have a way of doing it that's even better that would help me, and anyone else reading here!

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

The Heat is On!

strolling the beach on Galveston island in TX, with a lone fisherman in the distance

As much as I would like to be one of those people that embrace the hot, sultry summer months here on the coast of Texas, sadly, it just doesn't happen for this girl.  And never has.  As a child and teen, while all my classmates were hoping for sunshine and warm weather for their weekend beach plans, I was silently praying for a cool, rainy weekend, so that I could curl up with a good book.

Once the heat and humidity really set in, I easily become physically ill.  Spending too much time in the hot outdoors leaves me feeling, exhausted, queasy, and like I might pass out at any moment.  Our first official day of over 90 degree Fahrenheit temperature was on the 8th of this month.  That is about the temperature that I notice I just can't take the heat anymore and have to spend most of my time indoors.  I become phantomlike, waiting for sunset, if at all possible, before venturing out to run errands.  Even then, the humidity can make my evening and nighttime outings as unbearable as during the heat of the day.

I have learned to wholeheartedly embrace the months that have temperatures that agree with me to the fullest, and that's just what I have been up to.

any day that leaves you, your dog, and your vehicle covered in sand from stem to stern, is a good day!

One of the things I did before the mercury hit the high 80's, is take a little day trip to my hometown of Galveston, Texas.  I explored my old stomping grounds, walked the beach and closed out the day with a late lunch, parked at Sonic, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  While noshing, I was treated to the sight of birds, divebombing into the water to catch a little lunch of their own!  The weather was glorious, with light, sea salt scented breezes!  The high that day was 80°F.

a late lunch at Sonic enjoying the view

How is the weather where you are?

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm off to sit in front of a fan, lol!~ TJ

Focus: The Here and Now

sweet, honey scented blossoms right outside our front door

When I first thought of writing this, we were still experiencing what, for us, is winter weather.  It was very rainy and cold for days on end.  But I was getting the itch to get to gardenin'!  I knew, sooner than later though, I would be aggravated by our tropical, swamplike weather and not want to go outside at all.  To garden or anything else.  So, I did what I could do with the cards I had been dealt.  I looked up winter sowing and set about sowing seeds on the darkest, wettest, chilliest of days.  And I loved every minute of it!  I was able to satisfy my itch to garden, and I believe it will help me feel better on the days, deep in the summer swelter, when I have begun my hot weather hibernation, to think, "I should be out there gardening, but NO."  We'll see.  This is the first year I'm trying this.      

What does all this yappin' have to do with this post?  Well, focusing on the here and now was last on the list of things I wanted to zero in on for the foreseeable future. However, in practice, it soon became number one in my mind.  Each time I started to feel a little grouchy about...well, anything, from weather to housework, my thoughts tended to automatically adjust.  I soon was able to correct my "stinkin' thinkin'" by reminding myself that, "this too shall pass" and to focus on the here and now, and savor the good bits of the present moment.  Because there is always something good somewhere if we will look hard enough.  I know some would argue that, especially when it comes to health challenges and other hardships in life.  But, I, like everyone, have experienced those things, and still have been able to find something good to focus on.  It may be miniscule, but hey, it's something.  And in my experience, sometimes those teeny tiny things are the only thing that may see us through to the other side.

But since I don't want to get all heavy on you here, I'll just talk about the things that have been relevant to me on this journey recently.

I can't resist pausing to savor the aroma of these tiny gems

As mentioned above, I was looking and longing for, an imagined future on those winter days.  And if I will be honest, have lived my whole life like that.  "I can't wait until...", etc., etc.  Always mentally rushing to the next thing.  An unguaranteed future moment, hour, day.  Missing the here and now.

I don't want to live like that anymore, missing out on my life.  So, I am retraining myself to focus on the sights, sounds and smells of now.  The gift of now.

And my "now" focus has been to spend as much time doing all the outdoor things that I will refuse to do once the heat has set in, only coming inside to do indoor tasks and activities when the weather is beyond my comfort zone.  The shift is happening.  I find myself doing shorter stints outside already.

intoxicating!

The ebb and flow of life.  Letting the tide carry me has been so much more enjoyable than fighting it.  (Living near the ocean, I was always taught that if you get caught in a rip current, to just let it carry you, don't fight it.  It will eventually let you loose.  But if you fight it, it could kill you. I don't want the rip current of life to do me in!)

I'd love to hear what your "work in progress" might be (even if it's different than mine)!  How do you focus on the here and now and not get caught up in rushing through your days?

As always...

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

It's December!

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!  I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful season as much as I am!

each fall and winter I look forward the first cool weather so I can enjoy a baby bonfire

I recently realized that I have been so busy savoring the moments of life, that I have been totally delinquent in recording them here.  So much for the "dailies", lol. Nonetheless, it has still been, (although simply lived) extraordinary.

Christmas day is looming large on the horizon...

I, long ago, decided not to let the pressure of marketing campaigns, and expectations of others, guilt me into spending beyond our budget, whatever it happened to be at the time.  It all began when I was a single mom of three small children.  I did the best I could with what I had and made do.  I've always enjoyed baking and making treats and gifts from the kitchen, so since that can help in keeping gift giving costs low, that was the bulk of gifts I gave to friends, family and co-workers.  I also enjoyed crafting and would occasionally make handmade crafty items to give.  (True, not everyone appreciated a homemade gift.  There are people in the world that feel that if you haven't spent a pretty penny on a gift, that it isn't worthy.  I couldn't allow that to be my problem.)  In all honesty, I do occasionally struggle with this.  But I find my equilibrium again and move forward...and ENJOY the season simply.

These days, all our children are grown and my gift giving list has shrunk to close family and those who perform and provide services for us.  For those, we usually gift them a little cash.  Having come from the service industry ourselves, my hubby and I both know how hard they work, and how much that little bit of extra money can mean, so we plan and budget for it.  Also, we no longer have co-workers and an extensive list of friends that requires me to come up with many, many gifts to give.

As far as decorating goes, in the past I would put out many decorations all around the house.  The past few years I have put out only a few, well chosen decorations that I mostly had on hand.  The Christmas tree, stockings on the hearth, a wreath on the front door and cards that we receive in the mail from friends and family.  This year I framed our front door with a strand of colorful lights, bought two beautiful pink poinsettias to set outside on each side of the front door and also a white narcissus bulb to force in water.  Simple. Cozy. Homey.

So, the theme of our Christmases these past few years has become: "simplify".

a simple breakfast of cinnamon toast on a chilly morning

I'm quite enjoying this newer, quieter season in our lives.  (As much as I love my children, I've never been a morning person and do not miss those crack of dawn, call-to-action-to-see-what-Santa-left, mornings.  GASP!~hey, just being honest.)  In this new season of life, with it's slow, quiet mornings, no pressure afternoons and lazy evenings, I have decided to add another theme along with "simplify".  And that is "savor".

slow cooker bean and ham soup on a winter's eve

Don't get me wrong.  I still have that soft, annoying, nagging voice that likes to remind me of all the things we can't do since my husband has become disabled and is in constant pain.  I struggle with it.  I wrestle with it, sometimes until I feel bruised and bloodied emotionally.  But, I always come back to the fact we still have SO much to be grateful for.  We still have SO much more than many others.  And it could ALWAYS be worse.  And then I find it easier to adjust my attitude from discontent, to gratitude.  And that is a much, much nicer place to dwell!

Wishing you joy and peace in this hustle and bustle holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

Simple Living, Extraordinary Life ~ The Dailies (sort of) 11/14/17~11/21/17

Well...squirrel!!!

Of course I intended to "journal" more often than this, but a little over a week ago, on a Friday, my daughter had the day off.  We spent some Mumzy/Mumzy Jr time together by thrift shopping at our favorite thrift stores and then begrudgingly (*wink* I jest because we LOVE mexican food) obliging hubby's request to stop by our nearby taqueria to bring home dinner.

At the thrift stores, after heading to the book displays firstly, as I always do, a found four books that looked interesting to me.  Being the hardcore bookworm that I am, that was all it took to trigger a swan dive into a reading marathon that sucked me in like a rip tide and spit me out just in time to come ashore to man our Thanksgiving dinner prep.  I lost track of all space, time and focus.  And here we are.  

Yes, I took care of the necessities of life: bathing, eating, sleeping.  But heaven help me, when I get lost in a good book, all bets are off.  I'm sure my fellow bibliophiles can relate and will relate and forgive me for neglecting this here little blog of mine.

Just so you don't think all I did was read for a week, we must also factor in the fact that this is my ab-so-lute favorite time of the year. Ahhh yes, AUTUMN.  The time when we get a reprieve from the heat and humidity that I have never been friends with in my whole life. But. NOW. I am menopausal and have discovered a new hell on earth: heat + humidity + hot flashes + bosom sweat = MISERABLE (pronouncing it with a Spanish accent takes some of the sting out of it).

Therefore, I have made it my job to enjoy all things outdoors that I feel might literally kill me (or at least make me pass out) in the other 355 days of summer that we have in these here parts.  I've been biking, hiking, gardening, and simply lounging on the patio savoring the golden afternoon light.  While I can.  Priorities.  A girl must have priorities.  

I'd love to hear about your Autumn activities & how you wile away the glorious days of Fall.

Thanks for your patience and...

thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

Simple Living, Extraordinary Life ~ The Dailies 11/6/17

hundred year old oak

I discovered a Youtube channel today called Great Depression Cooking (link is to the first video I watched. I'm not affiliated with it in any way.).  It was hosted by a cute lady in her nineties named Clara and filmed by her grandson Christopher.  She shares recipes that her family ate during the depression of the early 1900's here in America, stories from that time of their lives and bits of wisdom that life has taught her.  One of her statements that stuck with me (this is not a direct quote) was how life is so much better for our population at large than it was in those days but people are still "squawking"/complaining/griping about their lot in life.  So true.

After spending the day watching her short videos when I had a moment to spare, I found myself taking mental trips down memory lane.  Back to the days of my childhood spent with my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother.  And then the days of my own young motherhood, of which many were spent as a single mom.  And how we all cooked and served our own versions of depression fare.

It also got me to thinking how quickly, if we don't record the minutiae of our lives, it can be forgotten and lost in the next generation's own struggle of building their families and lives.  And how knowing those little things can birth a new and great appreciation for your own lot in life.  Since I have never been the best journaler, but have developed a new hunger to know my own family's history, I have vowed to become better at recording "the dailies" of my life, on the chance that someday my own offspring begin to wonder "what was it like when...?".  

So here we go (this should be about as much fun as watching paint dry for most of y'all, lol!)...

Today's tidbits:

In addition to getting to know Clara ^^^ (RIP Clara), today I had some errands to run that could include our miniature dachshund, Dollface (named by my daughter).  Bank and veterinarian's office to pick up Galahad's (our cat, who was named by the shelter we adopted him from).  (Since my children are grown, I find I apparently need to continue nurturing, so the pets are my new "babies" that I tend to humanize, much to my family's eye rolling dismay😂).

On the way to the bank, I stopped at a local park that I love so Dollface could get a bit of exercise.

A Quick Walk in the Park

A Quick Walk in the Park pt 2

Other than that, we followed our usual routine: breakfast (homemade apple cinnamon raisin oatmeal), lunch (leftovers), dinner (leftovers), a snack of DIY microwave popcorn in the evening, and all the little tasks in between.

I hope you took time to savor those little moments in each day that all add up to your extraordinary life!

Thanks for stopping by! ~ TJ 

Estate Sale Lamp

A couple of weekends ago, hubby & I happened upon an estate sale. We wandered through the home, looking around to see if there was anything that caught our eye. This lamp, sitting quietly lit in the  corner of the den, kept calling my name. I noticed it as soon as I walked into the home.

 It's golden glow. It's tiny little panes. I admired it but we left without it.

That day.



hubbys orchid & plant corner is our lamp's new home

The very next day, hubby went back and got it. And everything was marked half off! I think he ended up paying around $30 for it. When he got it home he noticed a crack in the piece that cradles the lamp shade (?~I'm not sure if that's what you'd call the stained glassy looking part that covers the light bulb.) I don't care. I love that lamp

And there's always Gorilla glue.

~TJ

Sum-sum-summertime!

It's summertime! I'm honestly not a big fan of the heat~it's been at least 104 degrees one day that I know of. Personally, I don't really want to know how hot it is because, combine that with our humidity, and it ain't a pretty picture. Frizzy hair, shiny face, sweaty as soon as you towel off from your bath or shower...icky I say.

But all that aside, I try to make the best of it. I try to focus on the good, and not the heat, of summer. I partake in the summery delights that this season abounds with. Icy cold, juice dripping from your chin, watermelon. Our pear and fig trees heavy with fruit just waiting to be plucked. Chilly glasses of Sauvignon blanc and rose' enjoyed as the sun sets over the horizon. Sizzling food, grilled to perfection in a joint effort by hubby & me. Iced tea, sea breezes, graduations, birthdays...all the wonderful things of summer. Because I know, soon enough, it will be Autumn, my favorite time of year. And to get to that, I have to endure go through summer. Kind of like life's challenges. 

And it's not so bad, if I focus on the good.

How do you enjoy your summer?

~TJ

Summer...and Scents

Wow! Summer is upon us! After our weather going back and forth between chilly mornings and days to warm, almost hot ones for several weeks, I think the warm (hot!) weather is here to stay. We graduate from toasty mugs of hot chocolate afloat with tiny marshmallows to tall frosty glasses of lemonade! And barbeque, homemade potato salad and chilly slices of watermelon!

But for now, we are looking forward to our "baby" graduating from high school! So exciting!

And a little tip I though I'd share that has been fun for me:
Some fragrances I buy end up not agreeing with me so... instead of just throwing them out or passing them on (just yet), I've been spritzing letters and cards that I send out with just a bit of the fragrance so the recipient has a sweet smelling letter to open from sweet lil' ole me, lol!

Violets anyone?

Here hoping you have a safe, fun Memorial Day in your neck of the woods!~TJ

Hair Colorista

It started out innocently enough... 

then she grew up and

began following in her mama's (hair coloring) footsteps...

Platinum...

Brunette...

 Auburn...

and then...

it started getting interesting.

She took her hair color places her mama's had never been before /= ...

ummm...Calico(?)...

 Purple

AND

 Blue...

 Red, White and Blue

(or as I called it: The bomb pop)

 Turquoise...

 Cherry, a bit 'o blue and orange-y blond...

Rose.

 

I must admit, at first I was shocked, appalled, beside myself! I didn't like the wide array of hues. (Egads!!! WHAT would people think!?!?!)

 

But...she is not me, she is she: a sweet girl and a budding cosmetologist. 



 

 

I've learned to choose my battles.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you have a rainbow-licious day!~TJ

Spring-y Backyard Beauty!

Hibiscus.

So pretty!

Sadly, the blossoms don't last very long.

It has taught me to savor the beauty while it lasts.

A great life lesson! 

Rose.

I LOVE the scent of this rose!

(I know I've said it before...)

See the heart in this bloom?!

Love is in the air...

And yes, I think even this critter is beautiful!

A little peek into the creative mind of God!

 

I hope YOU are having a beautiful Spring-y day!

~TJ

Take the Time...

 

To enjoy this day that the Lord has made! Rejoice and be glad in it!

Take the time to savor and enjoy each and every tiny moment with your family, home and anything else the Lord has blessed you with!

(Time DOES have a way of "flying" and getting away from us.)

Weeds

Pretty purple "weeds" from our afternoon walk

Have a glorious day!
~TJ
PS~I'm on Instagram now! Follow me: TJsSweetHome

Belated Happy Valentines Day & In the Shop

*Please note: links may take you to my personal Etsy shop

I hope everyone (anyone?) that reads my humble little blog had a wonderfully romantic, and happy Valentines Day! You don't need to be in a romatic relationship with anyone to have a romantic day or life!

I have been a bit under the weather the past couple of days but won't let it get me too down.

I have been working on a couple of new apron styles for my shop:

Sassy Sweetheart Full Apron

&

Flirty Half Apron

 

 

I'm still tweaking and plying with the designs but I'm happy with them so far!

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Our Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

I thought I would share a few pictures of our little family get together we had on Thanksgiving day. After experiencing a rough year, we decided to keep the day quiet and intimate, free of the pressure that having a gaggle of guests can bring. Although I cut back on a lot of what I normally do by insisting EVERYTHING be made from scratch, I still spent the majority of the day in the kitchen. Mike made the turkey as he always does, and I made the sides. The result was delicious, as always.



the guest of honor!

always two of our very favorite "guests"~my son and grandson

kiss the cook!





 

We hope YOU enjoyed your Thanksgiving day!

~TJ





It's a Beautiful Day!

With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us and the Christmas season upon us, I just want to check in and say I hope everyone has been, and will be, enjoying the best this season has to offer!

I have not been keeping up with my frugal five nor my weekly to do's but, rest assured, I am still frugal and "to doing". In fact, I thought I'd share one of my happiest frugal things as of late. The flowers above were purchased as a mark down gift flower at the grocery store for $2.99. When I bought it, it was still in bloom so I set it by the front door to give a cheery "hello" to visitors and passers-by. When the blooms faded, I snipped off all the spent blooms, put the plant in a sunny but protected spot to see what would happen, if anything. I have watered it almost daily (we are still seeing temps in the 80's on some days even in November!) and am happily surprised that it is putting on a happy, colorful show!

Back soon. In between life happening!

Enjoy your day!
~TJ

Volunteering in the Garden

A container of oregano seeds was planted...

but the container had a surprise gift for me...

a volunteer named Basil!