Sunset on the Farm

Simple Centerpiece

I love this time of year when the flowers start blooming. One of my favorite things to do is to make a bouquet from flowers growing on our farm - either wild or cultivated. These flowers - crimson clover - were actually planted as a cover crop. They're so beautiful that I brought a few into the house to brighten up our meals.

Advice

Inspirational Thought

Getting Things Done

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I've only recently come to embrace the goodness of smartphones. I'm a paper and pencil person but since returning to work full time, I've had to adapt to technology. As a result, I've discovered a few apps that I've come to depend on to help me make life better.

One of my favorite apps is Productive. This is a habit tracker app has helped me make some changes in my life. With this app, you set up the habits you want to adopt and you get reminders on your phone. I'm using the free version right now and it's perfect for me. It allows me to set up to five new habits, which is the most I'd want to tackle at a time. Since I'm going to France later this year, one habit I've added is to use another app - Duolingo - to practice my French (more about this app at another time). Productive has endless uses.

Once I find a habit has become routine, I delete it and add a new one. I recommend you give this app a try - it's a perfect way to help establish new habits and routines.

Inspirational Thought

Source

"Just like moons and like suns,

with the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I rise."

~Maya Angelou

Happiness

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Sometimes we're our own worst enemy. Happiness seems like an elusive goal but sometimes it's just a matter of getting out of our own way. According to Elephant Journal, making the following changes will put you the path to a happier life:

Stop procrastinating

Get outside

Reduce clutter and take care of chores

Avoid reality television shows

Live in the present

Say "no" more

Stop frivolous spending

Stop gossiping

Don't compare your life to others

Focus on what is important to you

Elegant Cook

I love this illustration - but very impractical! 

Source unknown

I actually make and sell aprons that are both practical and feminine. I love wearing them at home for all sorts of chores (housework, gardening, cooking) and they have pockets that are perfect for holding my phone and ipod. But I don't wear high-heeled shoes around the house!

Inspirational Thought

Source:  Pinterest

Good Advice

Source: Facebook

Evening Walk

This time of year I try to always take a walk after dinner. It helps with digestion and makes me keep in touch with nature. Since I'm at a desk most of the day, it's something I often miss out on despite owning a farm. A shot from this evening's walk:

It's Official!

We...are...going...to...Paris! (And exploring more of France.) Our airline tickets have been purchased and now I need to start planning!

This will be our third trip there but I know I will enjoy this one the most. The first two times I had small children in tow. While I'm glad my children (and I) got the experience, as a mother I was always busy assuring that the children were happy and safe so really didn't have the opportunity to savor it. On our first trip, we blitzed the city in about 4 days (and I was severely jet lagged the first day or so), then spent most of the rest of the time in Brittany. The next trip, we bypassed Paris when we arrived and headed for Normandy. At the end of the trip, the children wanted to see the Eiffel Tower again so we spent a stressful evening trying to get there and back from our hotel. I'm grateful that I've visited before but am especially looking forward to this trip.

More on the Blog

FreeImages.com/jaylopez

My intention with this new blog is to make it as simple as possible. I've eliminated any side bars, etc. and will sometimes only share a quick bit of inspiration or tip. With the additional duties I've taken on this year, I'm all about simplifying and streamlining.

Inspirational Thought

"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."

~W. Somerset Maugham

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog! Some of you have been following me on my old blog, while others are just now discovering me. While I loved blogging and connecting on that blog, changes in my life and mindset have led me to create this one. I hope you enjoy what you read over the coming days, weeks, months, and even years. Maybe my posts will make you pause and think about making changes to your life, to choose a more simple, beautiful life!