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

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"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