Month: January 2017

Baby Steps: Small Acts…Big Results

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baby steps

Baby Steps

In my last post I mentioned the organizing I’ve been up to in my kitchen. I am a fairly organized person anyway, so it rarely gets too out of control here. When it does it’s more of a paperwork thing than anything else. Usually. However, sometimes things do pile up. When that happens I’ve learned it’s best to tackle those piles one small step at a time. Baby steps.

It used to overwhelm me when we’d have parties or get-togethers and the counters would be overflowing with dirty dishes and spills and crumbs. I loved having friends gather here, but hated the clean up that followed.

A Simpler Approach

Sometime in the early 2000’s I discovered Continue reading →

Organized Fun: My Happy Space

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organized pantry

A New Year, an Organized Pantry

Not sure what it is about January that makes me want to get organized, but I have been in that mode since we returned from our [very long!] drive the other day. I began by cleaning out my kitchen fridge that very morning. Today I started to de-clutter my pantry and cabinets. My son is home on his break from college, and we have been going through items I can hand down to him from my kitchen. In the process I am creating space. I should Continue reading →

Chicken Soup and a Manhattan: Soul Food by the Fire

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Manhattan by a cozy wood fire
Manhattan by a cozy wood fire

Cozy fires, Chicken Soup and a Manhattan

Today is my favorite kind of day. Texas has been hit with another cold spell, cold enough to have a wood fire burning in our fireplace. And so we do. To go with that cozy fire is my traditional Manhattan. I’m not sure how long I have been pairing the two, but somehow when I think of a roaring fire, a Manhattan* [see recipe below] goes along with it.

What else pairs with a cold, wintery day besides a toasty fire and a nice cocktail? Continue reading →

January’s Ultimate Blog Challenge

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Happy 2017!!
Happy 2017!!

The Ultimate Blog Challenge is back!

The Ultimate Blog Challenge runs every 3 months, and January is the latest one. I have committed to write 31 posts in 31 days for the entire month. With the holidays fondly behind us, I am eager to jump in and get started!

You might remember that I first participated in this challenge this past July. It’s been around for some time; however, I had not learned of it before then. It really helped jump start my blog writing, so I decided to sign up this month and am planning to rev things up once again. I am curious to see what other things I am able do with my blog…what new ideas I’ll pick up from this month’s challenge and where I can take them.

I’m not sure what new adventures this month will bring, but I welcome new [and old] readers to travel along. And I invite you to offer any insights, comments, and questions you might have.

Oh, and it’s January 1st so Happy New Year! Hope you all enjoyed a safe, happy and healthy holiday season!