by Cathy Baker | Home & Family |
Okay, I realize the song title is a bit different but since I’m pretty certain you don’t want to dream a little dream of me, I’m inviting you to dream a little dream with me.
The Daily Health Post reports that there are actual health benefits to dreaming/daydreaming!
So, let’s step outside, walk on a leaf-strewn path, find a comfy bench at the park, lay in a hammock…and dream a little!
With all the serious facets of life as our foundation (faith, family, health, etc.), it’s fun to dream of the “what if’s” and the “I wonder’s” as long as our contentment meter doesn’t get out of whack.
Since I only know the dreams rumbling around in my head (and it’s my birthday!) I’ll get the ball rolling. See if anything resonates in your own heart.
A house — tiny, small, or on stilts, I don’t care…
as long as it’s in the NC mountains…
with a view, or at least the feel, of the mountains surrounding me.
(The perfect writing nook, wouldn’t you agree?)
Did I mention the winding tree-shrouded private driveway leading up to it?
(Look, Brian! No grass to mow.)
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| Williams Sonoma |
And don’t forget the chicken coop! I’ve already named three of my chickens:
Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, Grilled…I’m serious.
Bye Bye big bucks for organic eggs!
Umm, did I cross a line in naming my future chickens? Just keeping it real here! So how about you? What’s one thing you dream about doing or becoming?
by Cathy Baker | Ideas, Seasonal |
by Cathy Baker
There is a gratefulness often gone unspoken, relying only on assumptions between two people. Then it’s too late, and assumptions ripen into regrets never fulfilled this side of heaven.
It’s for this reason I decided to bundle six notes of gratitude together to slip into my hubby’s luggage for a recent trip to France. With our 25th wedding anniversary just around the corner {actually, it’s today!)}, it was the perfect opportunity to leave all assumptions behind.
So I purchased a pack of note cards and began writing one for each day he was to be away, spelling out why I’m grateful for him.
Sunday’s card shared what he could expect throughout the week. A Week of Gratefulness, if you will.
Monday focused on how grateful I am for his relationship with Christ, for it is from that relationship that all else flows.
Tuesday through Thursday were specific things I’m grateful for, character-wise, and I ended Friday’s note by sharing how grateful I am for how hard he works. I chose to end the week focused on work because it doesn’t define who he is…it’s simply what he does. And he does it well. He’s one of the hardest workers I know, and for that, I am very grateful.
Did anyone in particular come to mind as you read today’s post? Grab the phone or pen and paper…don’t hesitate another moment…let the gratitude flow.
You’ll never regret it.
by Cathy Baker | Home & Family, Ideas |
Big outdoor plans were in the making for our October weekends.
But then the historic SC rain fell the first weekend…and the following Saturday. Call it stir crazy but I had to get out of the house!
Out of this craziness came five ideas for outside fun when the sun returns:
Head to the Farm! Many farms during this season open their doors to visitors for hayrides, the selling of their goods, and instructional opportunities — perfect for kids and adults alike. Just watch where you step. 🙂
Flee to the local Flea Market. You need only ask me once and I’m there. I’m not sure why, as I’m pretty much maxed out on antiques, but I love the idea of finding Mason jars at a bargain or something unusual that prompts a story. One really doesn’t need an excuse to flee, right?
Go to your County Fair. I think I’ve missed this one in our area. Honestly, it’s been years since I’ve gone but nothing said Fall when I was a teenager like a boyfriend wowing the crowd and winning a big stuffed bear! But I digress. County fairs have it all – animals, flowers, rides, cotton candy and funnel cakes (I’ve never had one of these!)
Attend a Football Game. Enough said. 🙂
Enjoy an Outdoor Concert. Wonder what’s going on in your city? Google it! Most city Web sites now have a section just for concerts. Don’t forget to bundle up for Fall’s chilly nights and chairs, if necessary. Or even a better, a mega wool blanket.
Your turn! What have I missed? What’s your favorite Fall outdoor activity? There are so many. Let me hear at least one.
by Cathy Baker | Home & Family |
by Cathy Baker
Need I say more?
I stumbled across Chelsea’s Messy Apron while searching for the perfect pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies. But once I spotted this picture? Game over.
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| Image from Chelsea’s Messy Apron |
Once you visit Chelsea’s site you’re sure to be wowed by the healthy recipes just waiting to be made, enjoyed, and shared with others. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
But for today, go here {Chelsea’s Messy Apron} to read this gluten-free yummylicious recipe!
Do you think you’ll give this a try? Let me know.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Did you know that the word “pumpkin” showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella, according to Good Housekeeping?
Yep, today we’re talking pumpkins, fall’s favorite fruit, and unique ways we can use them to bless others.
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| Thistle Wood Farms |
1. Gather neighbors, family and friends for a game night. Nothing builds community like informal gatherings, food, and fun! If your gathering falls on a Bible study night, use the letters to spell out certain key words in your passage. Searching for a unique conversation piece, centerpiece, and game all in one?
Kari Anne over at Thistle Wood Farms has you covered. Simply scatter the chalk and let the games begin.
Chalkboard Word Finder Pumpkin
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| mywedding.com |
2. Nothing says you are welcome in this place than seeing your name placed on the table, reserving your special spot. Place cards, however, need not be fancy. In fact, the more unique, the better.
If you’re searching for inspiration for your next tea or friendly gathering, Mywedding.com has a plethora of unique fallish ideas—but here’s the pumpkin favorite!
3. Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. Yes, honey roasted. Yum.
Get the children or grandchildren involved in the process by separating the seeds once removed from the pumpkin. Cook, cool, and then place scoops in cellophane bags, tie with an orange ribbon, and secretly bless someone by dropping off a bag at a friend’s doorstep with a handwritten prayer and the link for the recipe.
The Clever Carrot {healthy comfort food} has nailed this one, among many other fall faves. If you’ve never visited this site, do so immediately!
I hope you find a favorite among one of these. Leave a comment letting me know which of the three is your fave — or if you have another. Please share!
