Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY: June 30, 2008...
Outside My Window...I am imagining bright blue skies with a slight breeze thru the trees (but in all actuality, I have no idea since I haven't been by a window since about 8 this morning)

I am thinking...about DH - wondering if he is okay and how his meeting with his boss today

I am thankful for...this short week at work due to the 4th of July holiday

From the kitchen...I made an Angel Lush Cake for dessert last night, everyone loved it!

I am wearing...khaki colored jeans with flip-flops and a white/pink/khaki patterned shirt

I am creating...a cleaner desk, slowly but surely, I will get there!

I am going...to try and stay busy and awake. If I stop too long I might want a nap!

I am reading...the Tightwad Gazette by Amy D. I am trying to read some every chance I get, which isn't much.

I am hoping...that we can close our on new home a week from today! We will see!

I am hearing...the dot matrix printer start up for invoices and my iPod playing in the background...but secretly longing for silence and peace.

Around the house...are many piles that we are going through for purging and packing. I really don't like moving but I don't mind too much since it will be to our first home!

One of my favorite things...is a nice, relaxing day with DH - nothing planned, nothing to do, just whatever we want.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Exercising after work, finishing up purging the office and begin on the closet, cookout lunch on Thursday at my office and then early dismissal around 2 pm!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


(picture borrowed from Forestry)

Ponderings and Tips

The weekend is slowing down and coming to a close. How is it that the weekend days go by so much faster than the weekdays? Maybe it is because I am working out of the home these days. I am longing for the days to be able to be at home and to start my job as a homemaker. I am trying to be patient and take each day as it comes. I had an amazing weekend planned to get my house all cleaned and organized. Well it didn't go according to plan. DH and I did get some things cleaned out and purged for most of the office. I am still in awe of how much stuff we have, not important items of value - just stuff. Where does all of it come from? I asked DH twice this weekend if I could just throw everything away and start over. We do not have any children or any pets - it is just DH and I. We are going to move into a new 4 bedroom home in a week or two and I want open space to make a loving area, not a cluttered, overloaded area. I guess my hesitancy is because I am not sure how to accomplish it. I have been reading and looking at Tightwad Gazette book by Amy Dacyczyn and love some of her insights. Here are a few tips she lists in her book:

What to Do With...
*Leftover Bread Bags? -Use as freezer bags for short-term storage, especially when re-packaging family packs of sale meats. Knot excess to close, and cut open when ready to use. Never resue any plastic bag that has stored meats.

*Toilet Paper Tubes? -Use to gather up unsightly loose excess electrical cords on kitchen appliances, lamps or entertainment centers.

*Milk Jug Rings? -Use to keep socks together when laundering. Store in drawer with rings. When taking socks out, keep ring on bureau. Replace ring around soiled socks before tossing in hamper.

*Crayon Bits? -Place a variety of different color bits in a muffin tin and melt in the oven. Cool. This makes a wonderful scribble "cookie". Each one has its own unique color and pattern.

Amy does state in her book that some of her ideas would be too radical or too frugal for everyone but I would listen to anyone who can feed herself, her husband and 6 (SIX!) children on $180.00 a month. Can you believe that? Another wonderful example of frugalness that does not skip out on the love is the Duggar Family. Michelle Duggar is expecting their 18th child! Talk about a wonderfully organized home with that family. Here is the latest story on this family: Duggars.

(picture borrowed from All Posters)

Productive Weekend Planned

Good Friday Morning! TGIF! I hope everyone else is as excited that today is Friday as I am. Isn't it amazing how our outlook changes when Friday rolls around? I would love to say that I could be that way about Mondays but I am not so sure. I am especially grateful that today is Friday for it means an end to DH's extremely tough work week. I want to thank everyone who prayed for my DH and especially thanks to AllyJo for her comments and well wishes for my husband. I know they are most appreciated!

My weekend is going to be productive! I am hoping that if I have it planned out now that I will get everything accomplished that I would like to. Tomorrow morning my day will start early with my meeting at Weight Watchers and then DH and I are going out to breakfast at our favorite local place. After that we hope to swing by our new house and see if the builders' crew has begun the last little details on the house before the closing. My goal for the rest of this weekend is to CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN and SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY. I was noticing last night that I need to be listening to the age-old wisdom of putting things away the minute you are done with them instead of letting them clutter up and make things messy. A very simple thing to do but I haven't been putting it to good use - one thing I want changed for when we move into the new house!

Also, I am a little conflicted about what to do with those extra items that I need to get rid of - like purses, knick-knacks, etc. I know I can take them to Goodwill which I will do but I tend to have a problem with emotional attachment to things, to the memories of people giving the items to me. I know it is the memories that are the important things but it is hard for me to part with stuff. I was reading a frugal, debt-free living post yesterday on Mrs.Jo blog and I was particularly moved by her frugal living. I would love not to be OWNED by things. I want my new house to be cleaned, uncluttered, simple and full of love. Any suggestions on how I can jump start this new way this weekend?

(picture borrowed from Cleaning)

Hopeful, Grateful and Praying

Ever had a trying time and not be happening to you? That is what I am experiencing. My DH is having a particularly hard time at work this week. When we are in those situations, we tend to think that nothing will get better and that it is just heck! I am very guilty of this - this was me last week but I guess this week is DH's turn. I have asked him to talk to his boss about the situation but being the person that DH is, he won't say anything, he will just keep it in and go along. I am the world's biggest worrywart but I am trying to improve upon this. I am trying to vocalize my worries or fears to those around me. I am also trying to send more prayers up to the Lord. So here is where my hopefulness comes in - I am hoping that tomorrow will be a brand new, fresh day for DH - no extra stresses and a sense of calm for him at work.

For my gratefulness, I am very grateful that I work with my mother. Many people think that working with your parents are awful and can be very trying. I think being able to talk to my mother and let her know what is going on helps me put things into perspective. Also I asked if it was okay that I leave 45 minutes early today to get home to get my exercise done and out of the way and start cleaning the house before DH comes home. That way I can help be ready to talk, listen, or do whatever DH wants to do. For that opportunity and understanding I am very grateful. Lastly I am praying that things get better for DH. It is hard to bring yourself out of the "darkness" and look to the light and be positive. I have never been one to be an optimist but I am trying. I think as we get older we tend to see things differently and deal with things easier or with more acceptance. I hope that both DH and I can move past this difficult time and look ahead to the wonderful times, like moving into our first home next month and celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary. Please wish us luck!

(picture borrowed from All Posters)

Guess I Need to Find...

Guess I need to find where I put my copy of the Tightwad Gazette book. I had seen all the rave about this book on several blogs I read and I was keeping my eyes open for if I ever found one. Well, surprisingly, about 2 weeks ago I did find a copy of it at Half-Price books. I bought it with enthusiasm and began reading it. Somehow I got sidetracked from it and now I need to find out where I put it so I can go back to reading it. I was reviewing our family budget today and am noticing that I have lots left to do and work on with it. With DH and I moving into our new home next month I need to have a budget written out and planned so that we can follow with no problems.

I will be the first to admit that DH is much better at his frugality than I am. I know he has his lovely parents to thank for that - seriously his parents are wonders at budgetting. I wish I could pick their brain one afternoon and have them show me what I am doing wrong. I grew up the oldest of 3 kids and we all pretty much got what we wanted or asked for - our parents wanted us to have better than they did and I am eternally grateful for that. I never had to want for anything but now I am seeing the problems I tend to make for myself that can be avoided so easily. I am planning on this weekend to sit down and plan out everything, put it all in writing and go over it with DH. I want to be able to have a nicely decorated new home in which we can live comfortably and not be scraping paycheck to paycheck. We are not in dire straits by any means but I know we can always do better. Any prayers would always be appreciated!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11 NIV


I would love it if someone could come and decorate my new house like this...just seeing this picture makes me relax and long to be at home.

(picture borrowed from Country Sampler Home Photos)

Simple Woman's Daybook and Summer Swap!

FOR TODAY - June 23, 2008...

Outside My Window...I imagine blue skies and a cool breeze, but I know better since it is June in Texas. I can always dream, right?

I am thinking...that I would love to be able to relax at home with my new found magazine and be able to start going through our possessions in preparation for moving next month

I am thankful for...my husband, his love and understanding; the blessing of our first home and the ability to live another day

From the kitchen...I made 2 loaves of banana bread and some apple cinnamon muffins. I hope to get some more wonderful baking in this weekend.

I am wearing...khaki capris, navy blue tee, navy blue slip-on sandals and my small silver hoop earrings and my silver Brighton "celebrate small victories" bracelet

I am creating...a home management binder for use in my new home

I am going...to try and accomplish some of my home duties this evening after work and before my exercise at the gym

I am reading...Mary Jane's Farm magazine! So wonderful! Recommend it highly!

I am hoping...to get all caught up on my work from last week and to be very productive

I am hearing...the A/C unit run in my office...going to turn on my Celtic Thunder CD (I just got tickets for my sister and I to see them in November!)

Around the house...are piles of things to go through, finish up and get ready to start packing next weekend

One of my favorite things...is having a sense of calm and peacefulness at the house with my husband

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: get all laundry caught up and done before weekend, get bills paid and organized and start simplifying our possessions for the move

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

(picture borrowed from Quilts)

I would like to thank the hostess of this daybook - The Simple Woman


How about some summer swapping fun?? I am so excited. I just joined Peggy @ Simple Woman Summer Swap. I highly encourage each of you to go over and take a look. We all love getting some snail mail from people! Here are the rules:
"So let's send to our swap partner, a new something, a gently used something from home that you would like to share, and something from a thrift, goodwill or yard sale that is lovely and says, "SUMMER". (IF you have time to create, sew, knit or any of the hand-crafted ways of making something, PLEASE do, but do not feel you have too.) Remember the theme is "SUMMER" so keep that in mind when choosing your items (like no stuffed snowman for the summer swap...lol)...not spending more than $12.00 before shipping. (Do keep in mind how you package and how rough the postal system can be when wrapping and packaging.)"

I am so excited to participate and I cannot wait to see who my swap partner will be!

Baking and Great Magazine

Hello kindred spirits, friends and family! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I can hardly believe that it is 5:30 on Sunday already - time flies, doesn't it? Well my weekend didn't start off the greatest but it has gotten better. I had my Weight Watchers meeting Saturday morning at 6:30 and I found out at my weigh-in that I had gained 0.8 lbs. Never like seeing plus anything on a scale! I was a little down but DH was determined not to let it get to me. After the meeting, DH and I went to our local favorite place, Rise and Dine, for breakfast. It was yummy! I had my typical breakfast sundae and DH had his favorite, french toast. After tasting the yummy food, I decided I wanted to make some lovely items myself. So look at what I made!


2 loaves of Banana Bread


Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Don't they look yummy? Since my parents were out of town this weekend and my siblings were home by themselves, I decided to take the 2 loaves of banana bread over to them for breakfast and snack. The muffins I stored away from DH and I for later. I was so pleased with myself and felt more at home like I was doing a small part towards becoming a better housewife. I cannot wait for the day to be able to do those type of loving things all the time. I will just have to bide my patience until God says it is time for me to be a full time homemaker. Saturday afternoon I was pampered!! I had my appt for a massage and pedicure that DH gave me for Xmas that I was finally able to use. It was a hour and a half of wonderful relaxation at the Coldwater Creek Spa in Southlake. I have another appt in 4 weeks, which will be the same time as DH and I's wedding anniversary so I told him he can use it as my anniversary present! The evening passed by quickly with dinner with my siblings at Pei Wei Asian Diner and then seeing The Incredible Hulk (it wasn't bad, better than the one that was made a couple of years ago).

Today has been a puddling day - puddle around like a duck, not have anything specific in mind. I happened across the most fabulous magazine at Borders today - it is called MaryJane's Farm. It is amazing! I have been looking for something like this! The front page's description of articles says "Romantic Farmstyle...Intimate Picnics", "Flirty Fashion - apron curtains and sink skirts", "Simple solutions for an everyday organic lifestyle" - here is the link to the issue I just got - Mary Jane's Farm. I am going to relax with my newly found magazine and have a cup of hot tea or cocoa - sounds heavenly to me. (I won't say that it is about 95 degrees outside either!)

Meme Borrowed

Name 5 things I do for myself:
1. I read novels in the genre I like - I am currently reading Johanna Lindsey's new book and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 4th book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series
2. I get my hair highlighted
3. I am a Weight Watchers member, since December 27, 2007
4. I listen to Christian radio when I need a reminder of my blessings and God's love
5. Try to exercise daily for weight loss and health benefits

Name 5 kind things I do for friends, my children, or partner:
1. I tell my husband I love him every day and try to surprise him with little gifts
2. I love to put together and send care packages to my friends (started with my college roomie, Steffany
3. I try to do holiday gifts for my siblings - for example, still put together and give them Easter baskets (even though they are 18 & 19 - they ask me about them to make sure they are going to get one!)
4. I try to show my appreciation for friends and family by sending them cards in the mail - everyone loves snail mail!
5. Buy Disney and beloved Childrens DVDs for my future children to enjoy

Name 5 things I've done for a stranger:
1. I let a big family with a cart full of groceries go in front of me in Wal-Mart line last night - we had tried to go to a shorter line at the same time
2. Informed a lady who dropped groceries out of her cart and didn't see them as she walked to her car
3. This year I put together and participated in Christmas Shoeboxes for needy children, sponsored by Samaritian's Purse
4. ????
5. ???? (Guess I need to try and do more for my fellow man huh?)

Name 5 hobbies I enjoy:
1. Reading
2. Decorating - trying to anyway, I love to read Country Sampler magazine!
3. Quilting - haven't learned yet but that is on my to do list this fall after we move into our first home
4. Organizing
5. Gardening - another one to try this fall when we move into our first home

This meme was borrowed from Country Girl At Heart. Any one who would love to complete this meme - consider yourself tagged!

My busy week is coming to an end at my office and I am thankful for it. My mother (aka the office manager) will be back at work on Monday morning. You never really realize all what one person does until they are gone and you need to help complete their work. I always knew that she was busy but wow! This weekend I am going to try and recuperate and relax. Twice this week I got to the office at 6-6:30 am to get started on work. Tomorrow morning I have my WW meeting first thing and then DH and I are going out to breakfast at our new favorite, Rise and Dine. Then at 3:45 pm I have an appt for a massage and a pedicure! I am so excited - I am finally using the gift card that DH got me for Christmas. I should be nice and pampered and jelly-like at the end! And then after that DH and I are going out to dinner and a movie with my siblings who just got back from their European vacation. Jealous, yes, I am!

Congratulations to Steffany on her new place and her new teaching position! Way to go! You will be great!!


(picture borrowed from Barbados Travel)

Ever Want to Yell Do-Over?

Ever had one of those days that you just want to yell "Do-Over"? I am having one of those days. This week the office manager at my office is off on vacation (and the office manager happens to be my mother as well). Well since she is off, I am having to do my job as well as maintain and upkeep hers. I don't mind helping her in the slightest - I am glad to do it. I just tend to get easily stressed or agitated when I have to deal with little pitfalls caused by other people. I am not meaning to cast blame...I am just trying to relax some and allow this day to go as God planned.

Yesterday I was blessed to find some wonderful blogs. I found The Simple Woman and Ally Jo's Erudition. Ally Jo has some amazing and beautiful quilts posted on her blog. Just looking at the wonderful, beautiful creations makes me think of all the time and love put into making them. I shared my dream with Ally Jo about learning how to do that someday. What are some things you would like to learn to do? What excuses stand in the way of achieving those goals?

I would love to learn how to sew (especially quilts), I would love to learn how to speak Italian or Irish Gaelic, I would love to learn how to play the violin, I would love to learn how to fill my house with simplicity and love at the same time....so many things I would love to do. And know what the sad part is - I am the only one standing in that way. I think during my lunchtime today I will go have lunch by myself and think and organize out the things DH and I want to do and how we can achieve them. I hope each and every one of you are having a relaxing, calm and blessed day! Now...back to work....

(picture borrowed from Rough Rider Blog )

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY - June 16, 2008...

Outside My Window...I can't only imagine what it looks like, I am inside my little office. I envision blue skies with white puffy clouds.

I am thinking...how wonderful it will be when DH and I finally move into our first home next month

I am thankful for...my loving DH, family, friends and the ability to be alive another day

From the kitchen...just finished my lunch of ravioli florentine and dulce de leche pudding

I am wearing...a khaki skort and a light blue tank with a light blue button down over it and white flip-flops

I am creating...order in my busy day at work

I am going...to stay calm and collected throughout this period of working outside the home

I am reading...the Tightwad Gazette by Amy D.

I am hoping...that DH's calves feel better and that I can achieve my dream of becoming a simple wife and housemaker

I am hearing...my iPod play in the background

Around the house...are signs of getting ready to move and organizing

One of my favorite things...is emails from friends and loved ones

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: exercise some form every day, finishing the laundry, simplifying my tangible items at home in preparation for moving next month

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

(picture borrowed from Community of the Resurrection )

I would like to thank the hostess of this daybook - The Simple Woman