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Time to Relax
Meditating is so goooooood for the soul. It’s so good for the mind, body, and spirit. I admit that it took me awhile to get into my groove. I was the worst at practicing, but I’ve begun and this is what I’ve noticed.
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How Do You God?
It was a Saturday morning. I met a friend for coffee and we were chatting by a big window, relaxing in comfy chairs. The music was playing, some people were wide eyed, while others looked like tired travelers hanging onto disheveled bright eyed kids in tow. We were talking about people who had passed on in our lives whom we loved so dearly and were so close to. She asked me an amazing question, “Alyssa, how do you God?” This left me so inspired saying, “Ummm…” That’s such an easy and complex question to answer. I know how I God, but I’ve never have been asked that question and I’ve…
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Wallpaper or Paint
But, First Wallpaper Wallpaper. It’s back! Thank God it’s peel and stick! There are so many choices for wallpaper and I love so many of the wallpaper patterns they offer now. When I was younger I used to love flipping through those heavy wallpaper books with the handles. They had a smell of glue and plastic. Remember those? Are you on the wallpaper trend?
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Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad
Looking for a refreshing summer salad on a warm afternoon or evening? This is it! This watermelon cucumber mint salad is simple to make. I used fresh ingredients for this salad and combined a light honey lime dressing that I made from scratch. This watermelon cucumber mint salad is the perfect addition to any summer gathering. I hope you try it because it is delicious!
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I Want To Be A Minimalist
I really do! I do! I do! I do! But where do I begin? Do I strip my walls of everything until it’s naked. Gone? Poof? Oh, there are so many questions that lie in the world of minimalism and I want to figure out the secret so I am going to my sources…
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Want A Slice of Humble Pie?
Sometimes I’m not smart. Most of the time, really. I never think I’m the smartest person in a room. Ever. I know better. That is not a put down for myself either. I am okay with not knowing everything. Life is better that way and gives me sweet success. Why? Because I can be me and truly be me. It’s a nice feeling. Well, it is for me. Have some humble pie with me and take that load off your shoulders to always be right. To always have the answers. People like that drive me nuts. Oops, I said it. I shouldn’t let them, but perfectionism is such a cover…
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Simple Ways To Financial Goals
Facing reality with having to spend money in savings is something that I've had to give myself grace and come to grips with. Expenses come up. Things happen. It's life. Sometimes we have to take a quick detour, but our focus to get right back on track is always there. This was a hard lesson to learn, but getting back on path that you were on is key.
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Hello, Summer
Summer is here and I live a pretty easy life come summer. My teacher life comes to a close and I tend to shift to slow mode. I love this time of year because I can really reflect, ground myself, and enjoy my home even more. My summer days are spent traveling back and forth to Southern Maine, a few days there then back home. I spend time with family, friends, and just enjoy every day. One thing I love to do is visit my favorite place in Maine, Snug Harbor Farm. If I were to have a shop, this would be it! But, I digress. I love the sea…
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Beach Rock Painting
The ocean is calling and the beach rocks are plentiful. Some beaches do not allow you to take a few rocks off of the beach, but if it is allowed on your favorite beach, then grab a few of those smooth stones for a relaxing activity. Beach rock painting can be so relaxing and fun. I remember when I was in my mid-twenties, a friend and I painted beach rocks and didn’t relaize we had been sitting, chatting , and painting for about 3 hours! Gather Inspiration Beach rocks and regular rocks found in your yard, or at your local home and garden shop, work! Don’t overlook these treasuers. I’ve…
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The Simplicity of Giving
Giving is simple. The other day an elder church friend who lives a pretty simple life arrived at church. I am one of the Alter Guild members and I help set up the alter for the service. As he walked in, he asked me to get the geraniums out of his car and he said that there was a rhubarb bread in there for me too! The simple fact that he thought of me and made my family a delicious baked treat was so humbling. Also, he is a very talented baker and a historian, so he always adds a bit of 1800s to his recipes.
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For the Love of Roses
I have developed a new found passion for roses. Last summer, I decided to plant three different types of rose bushes. I decided on Perfume Breeze, which are petit pink climbing roses, Julie Andrews Hybrid Tea Roses, and a simple fragrant pink rose, which I can’t think of the name at the moment. Truthfully, I was worried about Japanese Beetles and rot. I planted them once before, about 18 years ago. I had plants full of those pesky beetles and they didn’t keep well. But, I decided to try again. Today, I added another rose to the gang of now 6 roses. This one is called “Peach Knockout.” It smells…
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Tucked In, Cozy and Inspired
Just because it’s technically winter outside, doesn’t mean that you can’t feel inspired. Here in Massachusetts, it’s cold and we have snow piling up. Yesterday, we got our first snowfall of 5″. It was beautiful to watch falling, but not so beautiful cleaning it all up. I felt inspired yesterday to begin creating a new refresh for one of my rooms. I love going on to Pinterest and looking for new inspiration. I am a hands-on creator. I like to cut, glue, and tape (with pretty tape of course,) my ideas into a notebook, or onto a piece of paper. Who am I inspired by? A lot of people, shops,…
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Workshop
Another workshop is on the way! Yay! This time it will be at The Rose Room Cafe in Webster, Massachusetts.
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How to Make Your Homestead Winter Warm
It’s cold. Well, where I am in Massachusetts it is. I love to decorate with the seasons. As I awaken into the world, you can usually find me walking around my home in bare feet and flannels on a cold, winter morning. I fill up my mug and begin my day. But, the rhythms and routines depend on the season and I need to make sure that my home matches the season I’m in and there are a few reasons for this.
