I find I get stuck in my house at times doing housework, blogging, crafting and such, and often don't go outside for hours, often not truly remembering where I live. This morning, I went outside with my son for his carpool ride. The morning air totally reminded me of where I live.
The sweet smell of pine, gentle breeze of cool fresh air and the sound of silence. I can't begin to share with you how wonderful it smells up here. Truly like a breath of fresh air. Clean, clean fresh air....
Yes, I remember where I am, it is called home.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
so proud
I know this is not a big deal in the blogging world... but it is a big deal to me.
1005 views on my combined two blogs!! in 78 days.
thank you all. and keep reading!!
1005 views on my combined two blogs!! in 78 days.
thank you all. and keep reading!!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
my favorite ranch...
these are pictures of my most favorite ranch. it is just outside columbia state park. love driving by there on the way to sonora. love how the colors change with the seasons.... i am still in awe every time i drive by... this time, i stopped and took pics!!
Monday, March 18, 2013
comfy!!
have no idea who this guy is, but i want one of these hammocks to hang from our trees!! looks so comfy!! anyone ever seen one?
Sunday, March 17, 2013
more about the six spoons a day.
9.30
morning... not a restful one.
so, yesterday I used up 5 spoons and 2 large spoons, clearly that is more than 6. the last thing I did before bedtime was to write a couple of important emails. not a good idea. I was over tired and had my head spinning... didn't fall asleep until 3am-ish.
I was able to sleep in a little this morning by bribing my son with my phone to play on, but I am feeling like I am already down at least by 2 spoons today.
it will be interesting how much I actually get down on my wish list for sunday.
somethings will have to give, and hopefully it wont be me.
time for a very large cup of coffee....
----------------------
11.00
drank my coffee and had to re-evaluate the priorities of the day. laundry is for sure high on the list. the better organized I am going into a new week, the better. but laundry depletes me rather than filling me. so to counter balance, I am baking with my new mini bundt pans. baking always make me happy! while the cakes are in the oven, I am catching up on facebook and blogs. cakes should be out of the oven in a few minutes and while they are cooling I will begin the daunting task of getting our laundry organized. then lunch.
2.24
did the laundry, baked, did dishes, went to pick up our finds from the garage sale, grocery shopping, now home. have used up my spoons for the day. and am feeling it. so much for zumba, painting and gardening. rest of the day is about resting and relaxing. somewhere around 5.00 it will be dinner prep, bath time for my son and early to bed. it is already 4.04, so I think I can finish out the day!! my son told me that when I run out of spoons, I become mommy cranky pants... yup, that's me!!
7.02
clearly I need to save at least 2 spoons for between 4-8pm. getting dinner ready, my son bathed, in bed, wrap up the day, and in bed myself... takes 2 spoons. I try to get us in bed by 6.30. read until 7.00-7.30 and asleep soon after, especially on sunday night. but not tonight, my son is in the bath playing away... haven't finished up the day. and I am aiming for sleep by 8pm. wish me well.!!
so if I need to save 2 spoons for between 4-8pm. then I only have 4 during the day. how the heck am I suppose to get everything done??? no wonder I am always exhausted and mommy cranky pants by 4pm.
morning... not a restful one.
so, yesterday I used up 5 spoons and 2 large spoons, clearly that is more than 6. the last thing I did before bedtime was to write a couple of important emails. not a good idea. I was over tired and had my head spinning... didn't fall asleep until 3am-ish.
I was able to sleep in a little this morning by bribing my son with my phone to play on, but I am feeling like I am already down at least by 2 spoons today.
it will be interesting how much I actually get down on my wish list for sunday.
somethings will have to give, and hopefully it wont be me.
time for a very large cup of coffee....
----------------------
11.00
drank my coffee and had to re-evaluate the priorities of the day. laundry is for sure high on the list. the better organized I am going into a new week, the better. but laundry depletes me rather than filling me. so to counter balance, I am baking with my new mini bundt pans. baking always make me happy! while the cakes are in the oven, I am catching up on facebook and blogs. cakes should be out of the oven in a few minutes and while they are cooling I will begin the daunting task of getting our laundry organized. then lunch.
2.24
did the laundry, baked, did dishes, went to pick up our finds from the garage sale, grocery shopping, now home. have used up my spoons for the day. and am feeling it. so much for zumba, painting and gardening. rest of the day is about resting and relaxing. somewhere around 5.00 it will be dinner prep, bath time for my son and early to bed. it is already 4.04, so I think I can finish out the day!! my son told me that when I run out of spoons, I become mommy cranky pants... yup, that's me!!
7.02
clearly I need to save at least 2 spoons for between 4-8pm. getting dinner ready, my son bathed, in bed, wrap up the day, and in bed myself... takes 2 spoons. I try to get us in bed by 6.30. read until 7.00-7.30 and asleep soon after, especially on sunday night. but not tonight, my son is in the bath playing away... haven't finished up the day. and I am aiming for sleep by 8pm. wish me well.!!
so if I need to save 2 spoons for between 4-8pm. then I only have 4 during the day. how the heck am I suppose to get everything done??? no wonder I am always exhausted and mommy cranky pants by 4pm.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
6 spoons a day lifestyle.
a friend was telling me about this yesterday and it makes so much sense to me. it also gives me a visual to work with.
each day I have 6 spoons worth of energy. each spoon represents an activity that takes about an hour. housework. appts. exercise. errands. art. and so on.
this is the lifestyle of someone with chronic fatigue and chronic pain. I am going to try this method of scheduling my days and see if I can avoid a fatigue or pain meltdown at the end of the week, which destroys my weekend.
today's spoons....
clean up house in the morning. 1 spoon.
catch up on facebook, blogs, pinterest, emails. 1 spoon.
go to ace hardware for a quart of free paint. 1 spoon
go to a local garage sale, and score some cool pieces to re-finish!
explore the irish days festival. 1 big spoon.
try to the big city to go to joanns fabrics for a bunch of supplies. 1 big spoon.
eat out and drive home. 1 spoon.
catch up on email, facebook, blogs, etc. 1 spoon.
day is done even though it is only 7:15pm.
5 spoons
2 big spoons.
result: likely will be tired tomorrow.
this is another way of what is called "pacing". this makes more sense to me....
each day I have 6 spoons worth of energy. each spoon represents an activity that takes about an hour. housework. appts. exercise. errands. art. and so on.
this is the lifestyle of someone with chronic fatigue and chronic pain. I am going to try this method of scheduling my days and see if I can avoid a fatigue or pain meltdown at the end of the week, which destroys my weekend.
today's spoons....
clean up house in the morning. 1 spoon.
catch up on facebook, blogs, pinterest, emails. 1 spoon.
go to ace hardware for a quart of free paint. 1 spoon
go to a local garage sale, and score some cool pieces to re-finish!
explore the irish days festival. 1 big spoon.
try to the big city to go to joanns fabrics for a bunch of supplies. 1 big spoon.
eat out and drive home. 1 spoon.
catch up on email, facebook, blogs, etc. 1 spoon.
day is done even though it is only 7:15pm.
5 spoons
2 big spoons.
result: likely will be tired tomorrow.
this is another way of what is called "pacing". this makes more sense to me....
as promised the white chocolate fudge creme recipe
my most favorite fudge crème recipe is on blog.....
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
enjoy!!
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
enjoy!!
Friday, March 15, 2013
the infamous donut recipe!! and special announcement.
a friend told me today, that if i posted my donut recipe, she knew i would hit 1,000 views this weekend!! so here it is!!
here is the infamous donut, along with a fun story. my friend Kathy was just about to give birth and she wanted donuts!! i eat gluten free. my maternal grandmother had celiac and died from intestinal cancer complications. i don't have celiac, but when i eat gluten my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is much much much worse. my son has challenges with anxiety and is hypersensitive to many things. so, he eats gluten free with me.
after moving to a very small mountain town last summer, i found that there are not a lot of gluten free
baked goods options up here. during the first snow storm, i had the overwhelming desire to bake, and i have been baking ever since. i have created a couple of baking mixes, gluten free, grain free, nut free... http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
baked goods options up here. during the first snow storm, i had the overwhelming desire to bake, and i have been baking ever since. i have created a couple of baking mixes, gluten free, grain free, nut free... http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
so back to donuts... i wanted to make donuts and i wanted a donut pan to bake them in. my son and i traveled nearly 100 miles to find the only 3 donut pans within the 100 mile radius!! success!!
i love a number of the gluten free blogs that have recipes. i find that i will find one and alter it to my taste. this is just what i did with the donut recipe. i found one using almond flour and one using coconut flour. i decided to try the almond flour one first. I will be making the coconut flour one this weekend.
i love a number of the gluten free blogs that have recipes. i find that i will find one and alter it to my taste. this is just what i did with the donut recipe. i found one using almond flour and one using coconut flour. i decided to try the almond flour one first. I will be making the coconut flour one this weekend.
if i share this with you, will you forward this blog to a friend? trying to hit 1,000 views this weekend!
gluten free- chocolate chip donut recipe.
1 cup of almond flour
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
4 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond.
1/2 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
mix the dry ingredients together, mix in a separate bowl the wet ingredients. then mix the dry into the wet. mix until all smooth.
pour into your donut pan, mine is from wiltons. found it at k-mart! makes approx. 9 full size donuts.
bake at 300 for about 20 minutes or until light brown. i live at 4000 ft elevation so my times may be a bit a off if you live at sea level.
once i pulled them from the oven. i let them cool. i frosted with my white chocolate fudge crème and a multitude of sprinkles... yes, the sprinkles were gluten free!
are you asking yourself, "hey, i want the white chocolate fudge crème recipe as well". i will post that recipe tomorrow, so you will need to come back to get it!!
so start baking!! and enjoy!!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
IF I HIT OVER 1000 VIEWS ON MY BLOG WITH WEEKEND, I WILL LOWER MY ADVERTISING RATES TO $20 FOR ALL CATAGORIES FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL.
LIMIT 6 ADVERTISERS!! YOUR BLOG, YOUR CAUSE, YOUR BUSINESS...
SUBJECT TO MY APPROVAL! email me for more info....
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
a town i call home.
when I decided I wanted to live a simpler life, I knew I needed to move from the bay area. my choice of moving up here, a small mountain town in the sierra mountains was an easy one. my mom has had a cabin up here for years and it already felt like my second home. I already knew the grocery store, the post office, the hardware store, the thrift store, the gift store and the book store. what else could you really need? I knew the elementary school was highly regarded and had really good ratings. I knew a half dozen or so people here. so, moving here wasn't a totally new experience. it was a matter of finding a place to live, moving our "stuff" up here and starting our new life.
what I wasn't expecting was how easy it was going to be to feel like this was home. not only from a physical standpoint but from an emotional one too. this is all coming to me as I am planning a trip down to the bay area in a few weeks. yes, I am excited about seeing family and friends, the beach, trader joes and ikea, sushi! and a few other small stores, but I am already dreading the things that drove me from the bay area. I dread the drive and the traffic. I dread the intensity of the electrical current that floods this area due to the immense amount of computer use. I dread the swarms of people trying to get from point a to point b. I dread the competition of trying to make yet another dollar. I dread how I feel when I am there. I dread not being able to sleep at night due to the noise.
I dread the reality of what silicon valley has become to those of us who are not in the technical world.
I have become in rhythm with the seasons. nothing dictates how to move through the day more than the weather up here. one day can be sunny, the next it is snowing. silly me to think that the season would be more defined. in winter it is cold, it snows, it rains. but in this winter we have had temperatures from 15 degrees to 75 degrees. we have had snow, rain, hail, sun, wind, more sun.... spring is soon upon us and yet I hear we are to have a huge snow storm next week. you have to be flexible and be able to adjust your schedule to mother nature's. is that really such a bad thing? I think not. it reminds me daily how powerful nature is. we are surrounded by some of the largest and oldest trees in the area. the amount of oxygen and fresh air that surrounds us is amazing.
I have written before about "simple living". for me it is eliminating the distractions that keep you from being in the moment. when you can eliminate the rush of traffic, the noise of the environment, the air pollution, the crowds of people and the characteristics of a high tech competitive area which has created it's own bubble of life, who can finally really get to the core of what is important in your life and begin living an authentic life. thank goodness my mom found this town 15 years ago, because now I get to belong in this town. a town I call home.
what I wasn't expecting was how easy it was going to be to feel like this was home. not only from a physical standpoint but from an emotional one too. this is all coming to me as I am planning a trip down to the bay area in a few weeks. yes, I am excited about seeing family and friends, the beach, trader joes and ikea, sushi! and a few other small stores, but I am already dreading the things that drove me from the bay area. I dread the drive and the traffic. I dread the intensity of the electrical current that floods this area due to the immense amount of computer use. I dread the swarms of people trying to get from point a to point b. I dread the competition of trying to make yet another dollar. I dread how I feel when I am there. I dread not being able to sleep at night due to the noise.
I dread the reality of what silicon valley has become to those of us who are not in the technical world.
I have become in rhythm with the seasons. nothing dictates how to move through the day more than the weather up here. one day can be sunny, the next it is snowing. silly me to think that the season would be more defined. in winter it is cold, it snows, it rains. but in this winter we have had temperatures from 15 degrees to 75 degrees. we have had snow, rain, hail, sun, wind, more sun.... spring is soon upon us and yet I hear we are to have a huge snow storm next week. you have to be flexible and be able to adjust your schedule to mother nature's. is that really such a bad thing? I think not. it reminds me daily how powerful nature is. we are surrounded by some of the largest and oldest trees in the area. the amount of oxygen and fresh air that surrounds us is amazing.
I have written before about "simple living". for me it is eliminating the distractions that keep you from being in the moment. when you can eliminate the rush of traffic, the noise of the environment, the air pollution, the crowds of people and the characteristics of a high tech competitive area which has created it's own bubble of life, who can finally really get to the core of what is important in your life and begin living an authentic life. thank goodness my mom found this town 15 years ago, because now I get to belong in this town. a town I call home.
Monday, March 11, 2013
to keep it simple....
creating this business is such a great lesson for me to really keep things simple. with that in mind, I will be making and selling just
ONE baking mix to start with. one that anyone who eats gluten free, grain free, nut free, paleo friendly, dairy free.... can enjoy.
it is also the highest in protein, lowest in carbs and is without white sugar. can it really be??? yes! yes! yes!.
the big heart bak...ing company proudly presents it's first baking mix.
our basic baking mix for all to enjoy.
one mix will make approx. 15 regular size cupcakes.
$5.00 or 2 for $9.
will be bringing the mixes to the bay area the first week in april. please let me know how many you would like.
in light of keeping life simple,
ONE baking mix to start with. one that anyone who eats gluten free, grain free, nut free, paleo friendly, dairy free.... can enjoy.
it is also the highest in protein, lowest in carbs and is without white sugar. can it really be??? yes! yes! yes!.
the big heart bak...ing company proudly presents it's first baking mix.
our basic baking mix for all to enjoy.
one mix will make approx. 15 regular size cupcakes.
$5.00 or 2 for $9.
will be bringing the mixes to the bay area the first week in april. please let me know how many you would like.
in light of keeping life simple,
Saturday, March 9, 2013
i am home.
yesterday started with a volunteer appreciation breakfast at my son's school. I had received this
invitation last week and thought, why am I invited? I haven't done near as much as I would
have liked to... I went anyway... the library was filled with 20 or so moms and dads who are
involved with the school is all sorts of ways. I was greeted by the principal who I have grown
to really appreciate and respect.
I sat down at a table, a very little low table with little low chairs... and realized that I knew at least
by face every single person at this table and most of the others as well. the fourth grade read us poems, the kindergarten sang us songs, it was so sweet. every teacher came by at some point to
thank us for our participation...
I had to leave early to make my 9:00 meeting in the next town down the hill. this meeting was one I had only been to once before. it is a support group for grandparents and relatives who are raising their grandchildren or relatives. I had asked if I could join. I am not a grandparent but am as old as one!!
at 53, raising a 7 year old, adopted son, I often feel like a grandparent in this community where when
you are 53, you are a grandparent not a mom of a 7 year old. well, I was welcomed with open arms to this group. even though it is quite small, the facilitator and the attendees are lovely and warm. we are all dealing with the issue of age and parenting. most of us have children with special needs; adhd, add, autism, anxiety, depression, social issues and or educational challenges. with only one doctor in this area who specializes with these issues, we have a lot to share with one another. what an amazing source of support, friendship and education. I am so glad I reached out to this group. and now am a part of this community of grandparents.
what happened yesterday wasn't just about the joy of feeling welcomed, the most profound moment I felt was when I was driving from one gathering to another.
as I walked out of my son's school, i took a big breathe of the most delicious cold fresh air, slightly tinted with fresh pine and wood stove smoke. this fresh air reminds me every day about the amount of nature we live amongst. having lived in the bay area for so long, I had forgotten how sweet fresh air tastes.
as I drove out of the parking lot from his school, I saw the lake that we spend our summers enjoying, and am reminded of the joy of our summers and the beauty of the changing seasons within this lake.
I continued on my drive and found that i am not battling traffic, waiting for traffic lights, hearing cars honking or seeing people rushing from place to place. i drove down the hill for about 14 miles and as i drove i witnessed the beauty of the changing scenery from big tall pine trees to smaller brush to vineyards. the distance between these two towns is about 1500 ft in altitude which presents itself by a change in scenery that is like a beautiful painting. i drive this drive at least 3 times a week for appointments, for knitting circle and to see friends. i love this drive!
yesterday was different.
i was overwhelmed by the amount of beauty i live amongst.
i was grateful for having made the choice to move here.
i was filled with joy that i finally felt like i was home.
yes, i am home.
home.
invitation last week and thought, why am I invited? I haven't done near as much as I would
have liked to... I went anyway... the library was filled with 20 or so moms and dads who are
involved with the school is all sorts of ways. I was greeted by the principal who I have grown
to really appreciate and respect.
I sat down at a table, a very little low table with little low chairs... and realized that I knew at least
by face every single person at this table and most of the others as well. the fourth grade read us poems, the kindergarten sang us songs, it was so sweet. every teacher came by at some point to
thank us for our participation...
I had to leave early to make my 9:00 meeting in the next town down the hill. this meeting was one I had only been to once before. it is a support group for grandparents and relatives who are raising their grandchildren or relatives. I had asked if I could join. I am not a grandparent but am as old as one!!
at 53, raising a 7 year old, adopted son, I often feel like a grandparent in this community where when
you are 53, you are a grandparent not a mom of a 7 year old. well, I was welcomed with open arms to this group. even though it is quite small, the facilitator and the attendees are lovely and warm. we are all dealing with the issue of age and parenting. most of us have children with special needs; adhd, add, autism, anxiety, depression, social issues and or educational challenges. with only one doctor in this area who specializes with these issues, we have a lot to share with one another. what an amazing source of support, friendship and education. I am so glad I reached out to this group. and now am a part of this community of grandparents.
what happened yesterday wasn't just about the joy of feeling welcomed, the most profound moment I felt was when I was driving from one gathering to another.
as I walked out of my son's school, i took a big breathe of the most delicious cold fresh air, slightly tinted with fresh pine and wood stove smoke. this fresh air reminds me every day about the amount of nature we live amongst. having lived in the bay area for so long, I had forgotten how sweet fresh air tastes.
as I drove out of the parking lot from his school, I saw the lake that we spend our summers enjoying, and am reminded of the joy of our summers and the beauty of the changing seasons within this lake.
I continued on my drive and found that i am not battling traffic, waiting for traffic lights, hearing cars honking or seeing people rushing from place to place. i drove down the hill for about 14 miles and as i drove i witnessed the beauty of the changing scenery from big tall pine trees to smaller brush to vineyards. the distance between these two towns is about 1500 ft in altitude which presents itself by a change in scenery that is like a beautiful painting. i drive this drive at least 3 times a week for appointments, for knitting circle and to see friends. i love this drive!
yesterday was different.
i was overwhelmed by the amount of beauty i live amongst.
i was grateful for having made the choice to move here.
i was filled with joy that i finally felt like i was home.
yes, i am home.
home.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
re-vamped sponsorship program.
after yesterday's amazing record views on this site.... 71 in one day, in only 2 months... total 574!
i have decided to re-vamp the sponsorship idea. i want to make this super simple.
each month there will be 6 sponsorships available.
if you are a friend who wants to sponsor, then the fee is a donation of your choice.
if you are a business and want to promote your business, the fee is a minimum of $40 a month.
if you are affiliated with a non profit and want to promote the cause, the fee is a minimum of $25 a month.
you will need to notify me by the 15th of the previous month. first come, first serve. one month
commitment at a time. notify me by email at bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com.
as of march 15th, april will be open for reservations!!
payment must be received by the 25th of the previous month via
my paypal account.
your information will be highlighted at the end of every post.
the monthly group of sponsors will be highlighted on a separate post
and on my facebook page.
please email me with any questions.
thx, megan
i have decided to re-vamp the sponsorship idea. i want to make this super simple.
each month there will be 6 sponsorships available.
if you are a friend who wants to sponsor, then the fee is a donation of your choice.
if you are a business and want to promote your business, the fee is a minimum of $40 a month.
if you are affiliated with a non profit and want to promote the cause, the fee is a minimum of $25 a month.
you will need to notify me by the 15th of the previous month. first come, first serve. one month
commitment at a time. notify me by email at bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com.
as of march 15th, april will be open for reservations!!
payment must be received by the 25th of the previous month via
my paypal account.
your information will be highlighted at the end of every post.
the monthly group of sponsors will be highlighted on a separate post
and on my facebook page.
please email me with any questions.
thx, megan
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
favorite posts.
here are some of my most favorite posts....
slice of my life #3. the woman in the mirror.
slice of my life #6. with time....
#17-19 cupcake wars.
the beginning of my journey.
I am home.
enjoy!!
slice of my life #3. the woman in the mirror.
slice of my life #6. with time....
#17-19 cupcake wars.
the beginning of my journey.
I am home.
enjoy!!
big news!!
I have been working on a gluten free, grain free baking mix for the past few months. I have finally created the one I desired!! and am ready to take orders!
gluten free and grain free baking mix with sweetener- i am using coconut palm sugar crystals.
$7 or 2 for $12.
gluten free and grain free baking mix without sweetener- you can add the kind you like.
$6 or 2 for $10.
email me at:
thebigheartbakingcompany@yahoo.com
your name, address and phone number.
the number and type of mixes you want to purchase.
i will send you my paypal information for payment.
my favorite recipes will be on my blog at:
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
thanks!!
gluten free and grain free baking mix with sweetener- i am using coconut palm sugar crystals.
$7 or 2 for $12.
gluten free and grain free baking mix without sweetener- you can add the kind you like.
$6 or 2 for $10.
email me at:
thebigheartbakingcompany@yahoo.com
your name, address and phone number.
the number and type of mixes you want to purchase.
i will send you my paypal information for payment.
my favorite recipes will be on my blog at:
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
thanks!!
Monday, March 4, 2013
oh my gosh, i baked donuts!!
just baked the most yummy, gluten free, grain free- almond honey chocolate chip with white chocolate crème glaze with sprinkles!!
thank you Kathy for having a craving for donuts!! these are for you!
more information on my baking blog.
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
thank you Kathy for having a craving for donuts!! these are for you!more information on my baking blog.
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com
monday morning.... #14.
It is a beautiful Monday morning. Got my son to school on time!! Went to exercise class and worked out to the rolling stones. There is the most fun group of women who go to the 8:30 classes. Found that I really missed class this weekend and was excited about going today. Then to quilt guild where over 50 women get together every Monday to celebrate, share and announce their love for quilting. It is an amazing collaboration.
Now home with over 2.5 hours before school pick up time. Every time I drive home from school or class or guild, I am in awe of the beauty of where I now live. The air is so fresh. The trees are so big.
There is talk about a big storm that is coming in tomorrow and Wednesday. Looks like I will have shoveling exercise!! While I am loving the sunshine, it is not time for spring yet. We haven't had nearly enough rain or snow this winter.
So now, I have a recipe for donuts to try, gluten free! tons of dishes to put away, more dishes to clean, phone calls to make, then pick up from school.
This is how my Mondays roll....
Now home with over 2.5 hours before school pick up time. Every time I drive home from school or class or guild, I am in awe of the beauty of where I now live. The air is so fresh. The trees are so big.
There is talk about a big storm that is coming in tomorrow and Wednesday. Looks like I will have shoveling exercise!! While I am loving the sunshine, it is not time for spring yet. We haven't had nearly enough rain or snow this winter.
So now, I have a recipe for donuts to try, gluten free! tons of dishes to put away, more dishes to clean, phone calls to make, then pick up from school.
This is how my Mondays roll....
Saturday, March 2, 2013
how do i define "simple living for a rich life" #31.
how do I define simple living for a rich life.
simplify-
eliminate all unnecessary distractions in order to focus on the crème de la crème of life.
personal joy-
do what makes you happy; for me that is feeling fulfilled, productive, creative, spontaneous, joyful and at peace. teach this forward!
friends-
surround yourself with friends who are on the same or similar path of simplicity. sharing ideas and collaborating is wonderful!!
stuff-
purge your stuff!
if you haven't used it in over a year, can't replace it for less than $20 and forgot you had it, it is gone.
a friend of mine purged her house with the following intention. "I am moving to Africa and have to ship everything, what would I bring?"
I purged when we moved 2 years ago, then again last year and again as I have been unpacking. I have one more layer and I think I will be down to essentials!!
food-
eat as organically as possible, farm to table.
money-
determine an actual budget. then take each line item and try to reduce it as much as possible.
for example.
cell phone- by switching from sprint to a local carrier, I was able to save 50%. Then I audit my bill monthly to make sure I am on the right plan. I just reduced my bill again by $15.
once you have determined a budget with tight numbers, who can actually figure out how much you need to earn to meet your budget. I did this years ago by writing down every single penny I spent for 3 months. and then really took a look at what I spent my money on. I was appalled by how much I was spending at starbucks!! and figured out that if I took that amount each month and saved it, by the end of the year, I could have a long weekend vacation! and more!
it is surprising how many people never have written down their expenses, but are surprised they never have any money at the end of the month. the less I have to live on, the more aware I am of what we are spending.
I am not a huge coupon clipper, rebater or sales guru, but I do look for bargains, buy a lot at the thrift stores and am careful with my funds.
I do write down what I spend on my monthly bills each month. and buy with my debit card so I can see what I have spent at the end of the month, and know where my money has gone.
knowledge is power!!!
I would rather spend money on adventures that create memories than a meal out.
education-
learn something new, teach your children by experience, volunteer your expertise to someone who can benefit from it- be a student of the world.
I have gone from a business owner making $100,000+ to raising my family on less than $22,000 a year.
I truly believe I have a much richer life now than I ever have had. I have the time to be present, the motivation to teach my son by experience and have decreased my stress level ten fold.
As of today, this is my definition of simple living for a rich life. Likely it will change a bit as our journey continues...
simplify-
eliminate all unnecessary distractions in order to focus on the crème de la crème of life.
personal joy-
do what makes you happy; for me that is feeling fulfilled, productive, creative, spontaneous, joyful and at peace. teach this forward!
friends-
surround yourself with friends who are on the same or similar path of simplicity. sharing ideas and collaborating is wonderful!!
stuff-
purge your stuff!
if you haven't used it in over a year, can't replace it for less than $20 and forgot you had it, it is gone.
a friend of mine purged her house with the following intention. "I am moving to Africa and have to ship everything, what would I bring?"
I purged when we moved 2 years ago, then again last year and again as I have been unpacking. I have one more layer and I think I will be down to essentials!!
food-
eat as organically as possible, farm to table.
money-
determine an actual budget. then take each line item and try to reduce it as much as possible.
for example.
cell phone- by switching from sprint to a local carrier, I was able to save 50%. Then I audit my bill monthly to make sure I am on the right plan. I just reduced my bill again by $15.
once you have determined a budget with tight numbers, who can actually figure out how much you need to earn to meet your budget. I did this years ago by writing down every single penny I spent for 3 months. and then really took a look at what I spent my money on. I was appalled by how much I was spending at starbucks!! and figured out that if I took that amount each month and saved it, by the end of the year, I could have a long weekend vacation! and more!
it is surprising how many people never have written down their expenses, but are surprised they never have any money at the end of the month. the less I have to live on, the more aware I am of what we are spending.
I am not a huge coupon clipper, rebater or sales guru, but I do look for bargains, buy a lot at the thrift stores and am careful with my funds.
I do write down what I spend on my monthly bills each month. and buy with my debit card so I can see what I have spent at the end of the month, and know where my money has gone.
knowledge is power!!!
I would rather spend money on adventures that create memories than a meal out.
education-
learn something new, teach your children by experience, volunteer your expertise to someone who can benefit from it- be a student of the world.
I have gone from a business owner making $100,000+ to raising my family on less than $22,000 a year.
I truly believe I have a much richer life now than I ever have had. I have the time to be present, the motivation to teach my son by experience and have decreased my stress level ten fold.
As of today, this is my definition of simple living for a rich life. Likely it will change a bit as our journey continues...
sponsorship idea!
thank you all.
we hit 385 views last night. that is in just less than 2 months!! started this
blog on January 5th, 2013, six months after moving here.
Instead of the adsense route that google offers, I would rather be able to offer
your business, non-profit, blog or facebook page a chance to sponsor my blog.
I will do a write up of each sponsor and mention them at the end of each blog post.
your contribution will be a donation per view, like 2 cents to a dollar+
a view per month or a set amount each month. you determine the amount.
I will send out the stats at the end of each month, and send you an invoice
you can pay through paypal.... this is a win win for everyone!!
what do you think??? who will be the first??
starting march 5th!
we hit 385 views last night. that is in just less than 2 months!! started this
blog on January 5th, 2013, six months after moving here.
Instead of the adsense route that google offers, I would rather be able to offer
your business, non-profit, blog or facebook page a chance to sponsor my blog.
I will do a write up of each sponsor and mention them at the end of each blog post.
your contribution will be a donation per view, like 2 cents to a dollar+
a view per month or a set amount each month. you determine the amount.
I will send out the stats at the end of each month, and send you an invoice
you can pay through paypal.... this is a win win for everyone!!
what do you think??? who will be the first??
starting march 5th!
Friday, March 1, 2013
thank you, slice of my life #13. march 1st.
thank you all who read my post two days ago. I happened to have the most traffic of any post/day since the first of the year. It also happened to be the day that I was writing and thinking out loud,
not in a very good mood and not feeling very hopeful. when I re-read it last night, I thought "wow, this is not what I wanted my first impression to be". so, thank you all for your understanding.
patience right now is my toughest lesson. patience for myself, number 1, patience for the process, patience for my son, patience, period. as I have said before, I am an overachiever. always have been, hope not to always be. I set these goals for myself that often are not realistic and then beat myself up when I don't reach them.
at this point in my life, I am in a place where I don't know what is realistic and what isn't. that is truly the hardest part of living with a chronic pain/fatigue condition. the unpredictability is the most disabling component.
just my quick assessment of the last 48 hours.
not in a very good mood and not feeling very hopeful. when I re-read it last night, I thought "wow, this is not what I wanted my first impression to be". so, thank you all for your understanding.
patience right now is my toughest lesson. patience for myself, number 1, patience for the process, patience for my son, patience, period. as I have said before, I am an overachiever. always have been, hope not to always be. I set these goals for myself that often are not realistic and then beat myself up when I don't reach them.
at this point in my life, I am in a place where I don't know what is realistic and what isn't. that is truly the hardest part of living with a chronic pain/fatigue condition. the unpredictability is the most disabling component.
just my quick assessment of the last 48 hours.
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