A New Year

It's that time again, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. A time to reflect on where you've been and look ahead at where you'd like to go.

A time to let go, release the past and move forward into a bright new year. I hope you've all had a great year and that 2014 will filled with much love, joy and happiness and that you have all your dreams come true!

Happy New Year!

B. :)

November

November is here. October flew past and a new month is upon us. Fall is in full swing now, the colors on the trees are bright and beautiful. All the reds, golds, yellows and oranges, gorgeous! It's the month of Thanksgiving, a time for focusing on all the blessings in our life. But really that should be every month, every day. 

We should take a moment every day to count all the wonderful people and things we have around us. Take time to appreciate all that we have, to tell people we love them and really just be glad to wake up to another beautiful day. 

Today and every day I am grateful!

Have a wonderful weekend! B. <3

Beauty and Color

Beauty is all around us. Life is beautiful. It's colorful and beautiful wherever you look. 

I see beauty in all things, in nature, in buildings, in furniture, in art. I love things that are bright and colorful. Bright cheery buildings, happy colorful walls, lovely furniture in bright unexpected colors, paintings and sculptures, flowers and things as ordinary as your dishes or towels or candles.

I love and need to be surrounded by things of beauty, things that are bright and cheery. I don't wish to live a dull and dreary life so why would I want to live in a home that was dull and dreary?

I think a home that is filled with beautiful and colorful things is a lighter, happier and a more  joyful place to be.I know that sometimes I get busy and don't tend to those little things like making sure everything is neat and dust free, but what a difference it makes in how your home feels when you take the time just to clean it up. You don't realize it until you're done, that's when you feel it, like everything is fresh and new. 

Put out some fresh flowers, hang a new piece of art, get some bright new pillows for your couch or your bed . Or simply take the time to wash blankets and curtains, dust the furniture, vacuum the floors,put out fresh towels or light a delicious scented candle. It all makes your home feel so fresh and wonderful and like new again. It's amazing how something so simple can make a world of difference.

Hope you are all in a place that is filled with wonderful things of beauty and color and things that smell delightful. That your life is filled with things that delight your senses and make your world a wonderful, beautiful place to be.

Have a fabulous weekend! B. <3 

Saturday

Hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday and your weekend is filled with fun, love and beauty B. <3

Happy Wednesday

Just wanted to check in and see how the week is going for everyone. Hope you are all having a great week so far, that it's filled with delicious, beautiful, wonderful things.

Have a beautiful week! B. <3

Beautiful Things

We live in a world of beautiful things. Each of us is surrounded by beauty in some way every day. Some times you have to search a little harder to see it but it's there

.

There are beautiful homes,beautiful clothes, beautiful art, beautiful people and of course there is all the beauty in nature. And there is plenty of that wherever you go. Beauty is all around us, it surrounds us if we just take the time to see it and appreciate it.

It,s easy to get caught up in life with all the million things you have to do every day, but taking the time to appreciate the beauty that is everywhere is important too.

It's important to just stop every now and then just to take it all in. No matter where you are or what you're doing, just stop and admire the beautiful things around you. It might be a sunrise or a lovely flower. It might a child laughing and playing without a care in the world. It might be the kind words of a friend or even a stranger. It might be a beautiful piece of jewelry you see in a store. Maybe it's a piece of art that takes you're breath away. Whatever it is doesn't matter. Just take a moment in your day to enjoy it. Take a deep breath and really appreciate the beauty that surrounds you!

Have wonderful and beautiful day! B<3

October

I love October! It's a month where the air gets cooler, the leaves change from their summery green to all the fiery shades of red, orange and gold. When there is a crunch under your feet from the fallen leaves and the wonderful scent of those dried crunchy leaves.

There's the smell of smoke in the air as people light a fire to ward off the chill of the night air. The days are much shorter now so there's more time to snuggle under your favorite blanket and sip hot cocoa with someone you love.

And let's not forget Halloween, that one night a year that no matter how old you are you can let loose and be a kid again. I love all the fun decorations, jack-o-lanterns, bats, scarecrows and all the other creepy ghosts and goblins. And don't forget the candy. And Halloween wouldn't be complete without some scary movies!

Hope you're all having a great October so far and that it brings you lots of fun and joy! B. <3

Weekend Hello

Just stopping by to say hi and wish everyone a happy weekend. I've been busy this week but wanted to check in if just for a moment to say hello. Hope you all have a great weekend and that it's filled with fun and beauty!

B. <3

I'm Back

It's been quite a while since I've been on here. It's been a busy summer and I really just haven't time or the energy to write anything. I guess I just haven't been inspired to write anything. I've had lots of stuff going on and somehow this just wasn't a priority. But I have missed it and now that it's September and as we ease into fall I will take the time to write more.

I am ready for the cooler weather that autumn brings. We're not quite there yet, the temps are still pretty high during the day, but the nights are cooler and the early mornings are perfect for sitting on the porch and sipping on a cup of tea or coffee, slowly waking up and getting the day started.

As much as I love summer I must admit I do enjoy the cool, crispness of fall. The changing colors of the leaves, the pumpkins, the apples, it all puts me in the mood to bake something. I start to crave the flavors of apples and cinnamon. I want to light deliciously scented candles. I'm ready to wear warm cozy sweaters and pack away the clothes of summer. Ready for warm, soft blankets to wrap myself in.

Fall is a time for change, a time for letting go and moving into the next phase. I'm so ready for this. This summer was a tough one for me and though I love the season but I'm ready to let it go and move on. I'm looking forward to a new season, new things to look forward to.

This week I've been bringing out the fall decorations and placing them around the house. Though it's not officially fall yet, I'm anxious to welcome it. I love to place the colorful leaves, pumpkins, mums and scarecrows all around , inside and out.It just seems to make my home cozier and more welcoming.

I hope what ever season you're in that you find beauty and peace in it. Hope your days are filled with love joy and happiness! <3 B.

Gorgeous Summer Day

Today has been one of the most gorgeous days of the summer so far. With temps in the 80's, bright blue skies, lots of sunshine and a sky full of big fluffy clouds along with a gentle breeze, it's been pretty much perfect.

We decided to get out and take a walk this morning, something we haven't had a chance to do in a while. It was nice to get out in nature for a while, when it's quiet out, before everyone is outside making noise.So we loaded up our little furry pup and drove to our favorite spot to walk. A place where there is little to no traffic and an abundance of trees and wildlife.

The rest of our day was spent not doing a whole lot of anything special. A little grocery shopping for the week, catching up an the laundry and getting ready for the start of a new week.

By far my favorite parts of the day have been when I was outside on one of our porches just reading or writing as I am now. As I sit here on my screened porch the trees are filled with the sounds of all the happy little birds. The sun is starting to slowly sink into the sky behind me and it's almost time for me to head inside to start dinner.

Hope you all have had a wonderful, beautiful day as well and that you got to spend time doing something you love. Have a wonderful night!
B. <3

Happy Friday!

It's Friday again, I can't believe another week has passed. It seems like I blink and it's the weekend again. It's been a very hot one here this week. Hot and humid! But that's July for you. I thought summer would never get here, but here it is and I'm loving it. Seems we had so many cool rainy days that it didn't feel like summer, that's all changed now.

It's uncomfortable sometimes but I still love it. I love all the beautiful flowers that are blooming all around my yard. I love that I can just step outside and pick a big bouquet and put all through the house and on my porches. The butterflies and bees are loving them too.

I love that we sit outside after dark and enjoy the cooler night air and watch the lightening bugs.We tend to stay out a little later than we probably should but it's so nice out that you just don't want to come inside. I get to spend a lot more time on my porch swing too, my favorite spot.

Summer here means long hot days, thunderstorms and just being a little more laid back. The meals are usually lighter and easier, the drinks a little colder and you take things a little slower. It's too hot not to. I love summer!

Hope you have all had a wonderful week and you have a beautiful weekend ahead!  <3 B.

Happy weekend

Just wanted to pop in and say hello and hope you're having a wonderful weekend. I hope it's filled with lots of love and sunshine!

<3 B

Beach Dreaming

I've been dreaming of the beach lately. Now that summer is here I find myself dreaming of lying on a beach somewhere, feeling the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. Soaking up the warm sunshine and just relaxing with the sand between my toes.

I think that's one of the most wonderful ways to spend a day, sitting on the beach. I love the smell of the salt air, I love the feeling of the waves as they wash ashore while you stroll along the shoreline. I love the palm trees and I love sipping a cool refreshing drink as I watch people wander past, enjoying their time on the beach. 

I love the outdoor dining, enjoying delicious food, listening to the sound of the ocean. Such a wonderful, peaceful sound.

It's been a number of years since I've been to the beach and oh how I've missed it. I often wonder what it would be like to live on a tropical island, to wake up everyday to those sounds, that breeze and those smells. What would it be like to spend all your days relaxing on the beach, not worrying about a job or bills or any of those things that we deal with on a daily basis.It's just a fantasy I know, but it's fun to think about, to dream. An escape, if even for just for a little while.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend and if you get a chance to escape to the beach enjoy the sun and salt air and take in all the beauty that surrounds you! B. <3 

Gratitude

I've been thinking a lot lately about all the things I have to be grateful for. There are the obvious things like health and family, but there is so much more to it than that. There's being grateful for the the little things and the mundane things you do everyday.

Be grateful for having laundry to do because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be grateful that you have to clean your house because it means you have a home to live in.

Be grateful that you have to cook dinner because it means you have food to eat.

Be grateful for having to get up early to go to work because it means you have a job.

Be grateful for washing dishes because it means you ate today.

Be grateful for the rainy days as well as the sunny ones because it means you're alive.

Be grateful for exercising because it means you're healthy and able to walk.

There are so many things to show gratitude for, the things we do everyday that we wish we didn't have to do. Not everything we do is fun or something we really want to do, but if we can change the way we look at them then maybe we can find a way to appreciate them. It's easy to complain about having to do things we don't want to do, but if you're not careful you can lose those things and then you'll realize that it wasn't so bad having to do them. Complain about work then lose your job, complain about cooking and you find yourself unable to pay for food. We don't think about these things until it's too late sometimes and then we realize how lucky you were.

So take time to appreciate what you do have even if it's not exactly how you'd like it to be. Show some gratitude for all that's in your life and there will be so much more headed your way to be grateful for. Attitude is everything.

Hope you're all having a wonderful night and a great week and you find much to be grateful for! <3 B.

Summer Has Arrived

It's official, summer is here. It seemed to me that it took forever to get here this year. The weather kept going back and forth between hot and cool, teasing us with hints of summer only to cool off again. But now it's officially here and it's been hot. Along with the hot are storms, lots of storms and some of them strong ones. We were lucky no major damage, just trees. Not everyone was so lucky.

But that's the way summer is here, the trade off for the hot weather and summer fun, thunderstorms. But for today the storms are over and the air is cooler and everything is fresh and clean from the rain. Tomorrow the sun will be back as will the heat and we will enjoy another beautiful summer day.

I love all the seasons and they all bring their own uniqueness and beauty, but summer will forever be my favorite just for the fond memories it holds.I love this time of year and I hope that wherever you are and whatever the season I hope it holds something special for you! Have a wonderful night! B. <3

Trying To Stay On Track

I've been trying really hard to stay on track with healthy eating but I'm finding it a lot harder than I'd like it to be. The problem is I really love food, especially sweets. Ice cream is a tough one. I love it and on a really hot day it hits the spot.

I guess the trick is to find healthier versions of my favorite things and not over do it when I do eat things like ice cream. Balance is key. I read a lot of things about health and nutrition and everyone has a different idea of the best way to do it. Some are very extreme and while that may work for some, it's not going to work for me. I have to have a little more flexibility, I have to have variety and it has to taste good, if it's not good I'm not going to eat it. So I'll eat my salads, drink my juices and smoothies and eat the occasional piece of chocolate. I will however try and cut back on the ice cream.

I need to get myself moving too, that is even harder for me. I really don't like to exercise. As much a I hate to admit it I am a bit of a couch potato. It's so much easier to sit and watch t.v. or play on the computer than to exercise. But I'm trying to change that too,trying to do some yoga and stretching. I want to start out slowly and build my way up to something more. If I can just keep myself motivated and not start it and then quit, if I can just keep at it I know I'll get the results I want. I really want to be healthier and have more energy and feel better about me. But I also want to prove to myself that I can do it. This is my goal to stick with it and do what I set out to do.

Hope you're all having a great day and that you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. Enjoy your beautiful world! B. <3

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Happy fathers day to all the dads out there, hope you all have a great day! Relax and enjoy!

Beautiful Weekend

The weekend here is off to a beautiful start. Lots of bright sunshine and blue skies. I awoke early this morning to cool air and birds singing. A perfect morning to have my tea out on the front porch. It was also a perfect way to start off the day and the weekend.

We've got lots of yard work planned and the weather should be wonderful.  Wherever you are I hope the weather is beautiful and you have a great weekend and have something fun planned. Happy Weekend! B. <3

Beautiful Summer Day

It's been a beautiful, hot summer day. It felt as if we skipped spring and summer was slow in coming as well, but it's here now. I'm so glad, Summer is my very favorite season and I look forward to it every year. I think it goes back to being a kid and getting out of school for the summer. I couldn't wait for summer, no school, long days meant more time to play outside. I loved that and I still do.I love the warm nights, to sit outside after dark or take a walk in the cool night air. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and honeysuckle. I love the humming birds and butterflies that come to check out all of my flowers, the sound of the fountains flowing in my front yard, all part of life in the summertime. Sitting on the front porch sipping iced tea, lounging on the porch swing reading a book. I do love summer, the things I do may have changed since childhood, but my love for this season remains as strong as ever.

I hope you find beauty and happiness in your world no matter what the season, Have a wonderful night and a bright, happy tomorrow! B. <3

Hello Out There

Just popping in to say hello and wish you all a wonderful evening! B. <3

Breathing Room

Lately we've been getting rid of things, letting go of stuff and it feels so good. I am surprised at what a wonderful feeling it is to release all of the stuff we no longer need. I realize now how much stuff I have held on to just because I thought I should, not because I really wanted or needed them, but I felt I couldn't let it go. What if I need it someday?

I realize I've been holding on out of fear. Fear of letting go. Fear of the unknown, fear of trusting. Then I just realized that I'm only holding myself back, keeping away all that I truly desire by holding on so tightly to things that no longer serve me.

So I made the decision to let it go, to let the universe guide me in the right direction and stop fighting and just go with it. I'm so happy that I did because clearing out the clutter feels good. I feel calmer, more relaxed and I have more room to breathe. It's amazing how much stuff you collect over the years, things you buy, things you inherit and gifts that are given to you. You keep them even after they they are of no use to you and that just clutters up your life. My home feels so much lighter now and we're just getting started. Everyday I find more that I want to get rid of.

I've also decided to think about what I bring into my home and into my life. It is my desire to only buy that which will bring me closer to all that I want out of life. Things that truly bring me joy and help me on my path. I no longer wish to shop on a whim, I will be much more careful about my purchases. My goals in life have changed and things that were once important just aren't anymore. I'm looking closely at everything and deciding if I really want in my life, do I really love it? Does it serve me in some way? If not, out it goes, let someone else have it. It's very freeing to do this, I wish I had done it sooner but I guess I wasn't ready. I'm there now and I'm happy to let it all go.

Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend and have a great night and maybe you can release something that's holding you back. Here's to a bright and clutter free future. B. <3