I am an introvert. Plain and simple.  I always have been and when people say they're shocked, it's usually because they see me in a setting where I can't embrace my introvert side and I have to be social and engaging with others even if I don't feel like it. This usually happens at work when we have an in office day.

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Saying Goodbye to Summer

It's bittersweet right now as we close out August and say goodbye to Summer.  Kids are preparing for going back to school, gardens are getting their final harvests, and all the fun gatherings as we knew them are stopping for the year. Here's an ode to Summer.

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Birthdays in Your Late 30s

Birthdays are quite interesting as you age. I'll be 38 next week so they look very different than they used to.  Speaking of birthdays...my blog is 14 years old this week! Hooray!

 

Anyways... just thought I'd talk a bit about how I spend my birthdays as someone in their late 30s.

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Embracing the Cold Weather | How I Do It

Now I know you may read the title of this post and think that there is no way you will ever embrace the cold weather, but just know that I used to feel the same.  Truth is, if you live in an area that gets cold weather, it's just a part of life.  Nature goes through seasons and there;s no way around it. But there is a way through it, and that's to make the most of it.  I have several ways I make the most of Winter and embrace the cold weather.

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It's My 12 Year Blogiversary!

Wow! It's been 12 years since I started this blog and so many things changed during that time from the logo and content to the frequency of my posts.  I wanted to take time today to not only thank all of my readers but just talk about some general stuff happening with my blog. 

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Tips for Winding Down from Summer

It's just the beginning of August but sadly, Summer is coming to a close and the end of August will be here before you know it.  That means it's time to think about the transition to Fall and everything that comes with it like the weather, school starting back up, older kids moving out for college, etc.  So here are some tips to help you wind down from Summer so that the transition is smooth and easy without that sad feeling that comes when you have to do it all at once and say bye to Summer.

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How To Prepare for Summer's End

 

Summer is coming to an end and it's time to transition many aspects of our lives and homes towards what's to come with Fall so I made a list of some ways to prepare for the end of summer so it's a smooth transition and you can still find time to enjoy the in between.

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What To Do When You Unplug for A Day

 

Lately, I've been thinking about how productive you can actually be if you remove the digital distractions just for ONE day.  That's all.  24 hours.   And you're asleep for some of that time so really it's not even that many hours that you have to make the conscious effort.  

So whether you just wanna see what it's like to unplug for a full day or if you have things you want to get done and finally have a legit reason to unplug, so you can get them done - here are 5 things you can do around your home when you unplug for an entire day.

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The Benefits of Taking Nature Walks

Anyone that knows me in real life, knows that I love nature walks.  Basically, I define a nature walk as a walk through any nature area whether it's a park with plenty of trees and birds to see, or a small trail or hidden gem that takes you through the woods.  I try to take these walks every week or so when I can.  But there are so many benefits to a nature walk versus just a walk down your street so today I wanted to explain them to you.

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How To Enjoy Summer Despite the Heat

 

Very soon, the weather will be hotter, the sun brighter, and the humidity increasing.  While I love summer so much, I really truly love late spring and early summer because there's less humidity and the air is more dry.  But, that doesn't mean I don't get outside and enjoy the middle of summer when I can.  Here are some ways to enjoy summer even when it's stifling hot.

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Slowing Down is Your Secret Weapon

 

I used to live a very fast paced life like most of us do.  Quarantine actually helped me realize I didn't need all the things I filled my time with.  The problem was I got so used to repeating the things I did that I thought I needed them.  Now I know I don't and it's been so helpful.  I have more time, energy, and money.  Here's how slowing down can be your secret weapon to a better life too!

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My 2020 Highlights

 

2020 was certainly an interesting year, not just for me, but the entire world.  But no matter what happens in a year, I always try to focus on the highlights no matter how many rough time there are.  Here are my 2020 highlights.  

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2020 Takeaways | What I've Learned This Year

 

 

2020 has been a whirlwind to say the very least.  Everyone has been through A LOT whether it's from global happenings, the pandemic, the election, or things they've experienced in their own life personally.  Ever the optimist, I decided from the month of March that I would continue to find lessons from whatever the year held for me and I would try to find the positive.  So for my year in summary themed post I decided to write about what I've learned from this year. 

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Duck Tales: My Backyard Duck Family

So in April, the usual male and female mallard duck couple were in the pond out back.  After a couple weeks I bought them some cracked corn to see if they'd come near me.  And they did.  I know that in years past, Mama always tried to have a nest nearby but something always got it.  But one day, I noticed she would disappear at night instead of flying away with Daddy.  Then I saw her go onto this little island on the pond and I realized she must have a nest.  I figured out when they would hatch from the date I started to see her disappearing.  And sure enough, April 27th  brought the babies!

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How 2020 Has Changed My Life For The Better

2020 has been a hell of a year so far.  I know there have been plenty of negative things that have happened but for me, I'm focusing on the positive today because it has changed my life in the best way possible.  Here's how....

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A List of My Favorite TV Shows Growing Up

Get ready for nostalgia because for today's post I'm making a list of the shows I loved growing up.

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Why Grandparents Rock!

Grandparent's Day is September 13th this year and I figured it would be nice to do a post on why grandparents are so important.  If you are lucky enough to still have at least one grandparent alive, make sure you do something nice for them to celebrate this magical cute little holiday. So anyways...here's why grandparents are THE BEST!

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What I've Learned About Life So Far

As I came towards my 34th year of life I did some thinking about what all I have learned so far and I figured it would be cool to put those thoughts into words and share them here.  Maybe you can relate to some of them and maybe you haven't experienced some of these things yet but you will feel inspired by them when I share.  Enjoy!

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My Anti Bucket List

I recently saw someone post about their anti bucket list - a list of things they have no interest in doing in their lifetime and it got me thinking about my own.  So I decided to think of things that I could care less about doing in this lifetime.  Enjoy!

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Giving Unsolicited Advice

Oh man, this is a topic I'm very passionate about - unsolicited advice.   It happens most of all on social media like Facebook but can also happen in daily conversations.  Why does it trigger me so much, especially on Facebook? Okay, so look at this scenario.   You post your dinner on Facebook and it's a nice steak you grilled, some potatoes, and green beans.  Someone comments under it that they don't eat meat and it's horrible how animals are treated at meat farms.   Well, we all know that, but it's not really your place to judge.  I didn't ask for your opinion.  It's almost as if I was sitting inside eating dinner and you came to my window to shout that you don't like meat.  Okay? Cool, I don't care.   So how do you know if you're giving unsolicited advice and you should actually push post under your reply? Well here are some questions to ask yourself first.  Keep in mind these are in regards to regular things that people may talk or post about and this doesn't include hateful spewing of vulgar language, etc.

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