Happy Little Things

Photo by Hybrid on Unsplash

Let's chat about happier things, shall we?

You may be feeling bored and restless. Why don't you make a list of things you can do to keep yourself happily occupied? Here's what I came up with:

• Create a simple daily routine
• Focus on skin care (glow up)
• Walk & stretch daily
• Cook all meals at home
• Clean one room each day
• Go through all the courses I've purchased and begin to work through them & implement what I've learned
• Read books I already have - on my bookshelf & on my Kindle
• Craft with what I have on hand
• Write on my blog & Instagram
• Create new products for my Etsy
• Work on finances (How can I save more money?)
• Have a DIY spa day at home
• Learn more about something I've always been intrigued by
• Write out a bucket list

What about you? What would you put on your list?

💕 Check out the links in my bio (sidebar) to find e-books and affordable gifts, home decor, and organizing printables! Thank you for supporting small business! 💕

Pressing Pause & a Recipe

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Since life has come to a standstill for many of us for weeks now, I feel like reality is finally setting in. How much longer will this go on? 

I am a homebody at heart but I do like to go a few places occasionally. Now we have to plan to get to the shops before they close hours earlier than they used to and the places I do enjoy are closed completely. I have spent the past couple days resting mainly. I just needed a good time out so I pressed pause. 

Now I am just trying to happily occupy myself at home. Last night I pulled out a few old binders that had old blog posts I had printed out YEARS ago. One was just pictures of decor that I used to love - so frilly and pink. Think Shabby Chic meets Victorian. It amazes me at how much I have changed in the last decade. 

I have been cooking super easy meals. Tonight we had buffalo chicken burritos. 

Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in crock pot

1 packet of Ranch seasoning

1 package of cream cheese

1 cup (est) of buffalo sauce

Cook on high 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours

Serve on tortillas to make burritos or over rice or noodles

Super easy and the family loves it.

Don't beat yourself up if you feel the need to press pause yourself. We are living in trying times. It's okay to take a step back to rest and to keep things simple. Now more than ever....

💕 Check out the links in my bio (sidebar) to find e-books and affordable gifts, home decor, and organizing printables! Thank you for supporting small business! 💕

From my Instagram

Happy Sunday, y'all! 🌞

It's my husband's birthday today! 🎉 I'm baking him a cake 🎂 and have a roast going in the crock-pot with fajita seasoning, served on tortillas! A simple recipe that is so good! 🌯

Like everyone else, I'm feeling a little stir-crazy. All the places I like going to are closed: library 📚, hobby stores, and bookstores.

I try to stay happily occupied at home by reading books I already have, coming up with creative and inexpensive meals for my family, and learning about things that interest me. 💻

Of course, there are always little projects to work on - inside and out. 🌸 I am ready to start planting flowers 💐 and veggies 🍅. In times of uncertainty, I'm learning how to become more patient, use my creativity, count my blessings, and am reminded to slow down. 🙏

How are you doing today? 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @simple.life.happy.life

Live Beneath Your Means

Photo by NORTHFOLK on Unsplash

Tonight, we (husband and I) are going over our budget. We are looking to see what else we can cut out of our budget and reduce our cost of living. I want to make our money stretch as far as possible. I am a natural penny pincher. 

Now, more than ever, it's important to reduce your expenses as much as you can and live below your means. You don't want to be in the category of living above your means (on credit cards & loans). If you fall into the second category, you may have to make some tough choices in order to dig yourself out from the hole. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Decide what your goal is. Do you want to be debt-free, build up a buffer for emergencies, or pay cash for something you want, such as a down payment on a house or buy a car with cash?

Cut out services & subscriptions that you don't need or use. We just cut cable because we literally never used it. 

Call your creditors and see if you can get a better deal. There's no harm in trying and the worst they can do is say no.

Begin tracking your expenses for a minimum of three months. This will be an eye-opener as to where your money is really going!

Create a plan to achieve your goal. Regardless of whether it's paying off debt or building savings, don't cut yourself short in the process.  Then, you'll be forced to use credit or dip into your savings to get yourself out of a bind which kinda defeats the purpose.

Celebrate your successes no matter how small! Be proud of your progress....it all counts! 

What are your money goals?

Prepping On a Budget

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

I am a secret prepper. I believe we should all prepare for the unexpected as much as we possibly can. This virus outbreak just confirmed that for me. 

We don't know how long this is going to last or how it's going to affect our economy and food supply. I am not being paranoid. I am simply thinking ahead to what I can do to ensure my family's survival. I am thinking about this with a calm mind and a rational outlook. 

It's better to think practical rather than an overly optimistic outlook simply because we have never experienced anything like this before. 

So how can you prep on a budget?

1. Take an inventory of what you already have on hand.This will keep you from buying something you already have. Anything you don't need, sell and use the cash to buy what you need.
2. Get serious with your budget. Cut out all non-essentials for the time being. You need your          money to work for you: keep a roof over your head, food, and utilities. This is the time to get back to basics. You can add the extras back at a later time!
3. Decide how much you can spare from your budget to use to obtain prepper supplies. Even if it's only $5-10, it's better than doing nothing at all.
4. Buy foods your family will eat & are used to, otherwise you'll be wasting money and resources.
5. Stock up on sale items so you will get the most bang for your money. Use coupons if applicable.
6. For what you lack in money, invest time in becoming more knowledgeable about survivalist techniques. Learn basic survival skills and make it a family learning experience: how to build a fire, how to cook on an open flame, how to keep warm in winter with no power, etc.
7. Try yard sales, thrift shops, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to get items you need inexpensively.
8. Dollar stores have things you can buy to build up your medical supplies for little money: rubbing alcohol, bandages, neosporin, pain relievers/fever reducers, etc. Also good for cleaning supplies and toiletries.

Again, do not panic buy. Stop and think about what you need and what can be improved. Then, make a plan on how you are going to do it. 

Garden, Anyone?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I've been thinking about starting a container garden and planting a few fruit trees since this virus outbreak has started. With people panic buying, it just makes sense to have access to fresh vegetables and fruits.

Why a container garden? I don't like to weed! We had a garden before and weeding was just the worst. I know me. I will not keep it up. 

It will take a little investment up front: pots, heirloom seeds, potting soil - but it will be a big help in the long run with the grocery bill and if there are food shortages in the future. I'm not trying to be extreme - I just think it is wise to be as prepared as possible. 

It's so rewarding to see the little seeds you planted growing real food that you can eat! We already have Meyer Lemons and Satsuma trees. I'm thinking about adding Apple and Peach trees.

Things you can grow indoors easily: 

•  Carrots
•  Kale
•  Mushrooms
•  Beets
•  Bell Peppers
•  Potatoes
•  Herbs
•  Micro-greens

Don't forget vegetables you can regrow in water:

* The bottom of the vegetable must be intact for this to work.

• Bok choy
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Green onions
• Fennel
• Kohlrabi
• Leeks
• Lemongrass
• Lettuce and heading vegetables such as Napa cabbage

   Also, please visit https://www.burpee.com/ to get more info for newbie gardeners and to order your seeds and fruit trees from. They have been in business since 1876 and have a non-GMO policy. I am NOT an affiliate, it's just a company I recommend.

   One more thing, don't plant things your family won't eat. That would just be a waste of time, money, and food. Start small and build upon it each year to avoid losing money. 

   We are going to try tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and cabbage. Whatever cannot be used right away I will figure out how to save them with canning or blanching and freezing. The goal is no food waste!

   Will you be starting a garden this year? If so, what are you planting?

Stimulus Checks

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

Let's chat about money and stimulus checks today, shall we?

From my understanding everyone who has filed taxes in the past should get $1,200 single and $2,400 couple as a one-time payment. If you have dependents 17 and younger, you'll receive an additional $500 per child. Unemployment compensation is $600/week for 4 months.

Unless you are an "essential employee", you are likely not currently working due to the virus outbreak, so what's the best plan of action for your money?

Personally, I would stock up on food. (Stock up, not Hoard.) Create a menu plan for at least a month.

Go through your pantry and freezer and make up a plan to use up everything you have and fill in the gaps with your shopping list. Stock up on baking supplies and canned goods. Use up those leftovers, rather than let them go to waste. You can eat them for lunch the next day. Bake your own treats rather than buy pre-packaged.

You want to make this money go as far as possible since it looks like we will be social distancing through April, possibly longer.

Next, I would pay my priority bills - rent/mortgage and utilities. Though these companies may give you a break due to the virus by not evicting/foreclosing or turning off your utilities at the moment - when this is over they will be expecting payment in full. 

This is NOT the time to buy new electronics or designer goods. Don't waste your money! Be financially responsible and ensure that your family is taken care of! 

How do you plan to use your stimulus check? Let me know in the comments!

One Day At a Time

Even though things are far from normal at this time, don't give up on your dreams and goals. Take it one day at a time and focus on what you need to do today.

None of us know what the future holds. Your progress may have slowed, but don't let it stop completely. Then you'll have to work twice as hard to get back to where you were! No more going backwards! I'm preaching to myself here too!

I want to create more content for you guys - in addition to my personal goals. Let me know in the comments what kind of content you would find beneficial.

It's another beautiful day here. My husband and I enjoy sitting on the porch and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine before it gets too hot. We've taken a little break from yard work the past two days. We have so much lawn debris the city needs to pick up before we can put anymore out.

Since the Corona virus and self-distancing has started I have been keeping busy with yard work and a little housework, but I also want to work on personal development. I want to use this time to come out better!

So I'm thinking about going through all my self-improvement notes and courses to put together a plan to begin implementing those things. Just because you read about something doesn't mean it's helping you. Action is a must.

Hope you are doing well during this time of uncertainty! Don't forget to let me know what kind of content you are interested in. 💓

52 Things To Do That Won't Cost You Any Money!

Since I last wrote, we (internationally) have been struck with the Corona virus (Covid-19). Many of us are self isolating and practicing social distancing. Life as we knew it was changed seemingly overnight!

In my area (south Alabama, USA), they have closed schools for the rest of the year. The children will do their learning online rather than attend school and risk catching or spreading the virus. Only essential stores and fast food are open. Even our beaches are closed. It's a frightening time.

I have been keeping myself very busy at home. It is Spring here and we have been doing a lot of work in our yard. We spend at least 2 hours most days working outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We also take the dogs walking in the early evening before sunset.

I'm getting lots of exercise this way and have been drinking more water as a result!

Since everyone's normal routines have been tossed out the window, many are feeling kinda lost. I have written an e-book that is filled with activities to help you beat boredom but won't cost any money to do.

Sections Include:
* Improve Your Health
* Improve Your Home
* Get Crafty
* Family Fun
* Personal Development
* Self-Care

Please click the picture above to purchase and browse my Etsy shop.

Tell me, how are you handling the virus outbreak? Is there anything you are struggling with? Please share in the comments! 

Welcome 2020!

Welcome to 2020…

and to Simple Life, Happy Life!

I am Tracy - the blog creator. I am 45 years young and live in a smallish town in south Alabama, not far from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I live with my husband of 27 years, two Italian Mastiffs, and our three adult children - who are all currently at home with us.

I am a dreamer, a romantic, and a lover of all things beautiful. Thus, the creation of this blog. 

I am considering this year to be my level up years in terms of adding more beauty to my life while simplifying, adding self-care, and a lot more joie de vivre (joy of living).

The way I see it, we only have one life to live. I spent my younger years raising a family, sacrificing a lot of my desires for the needs of my babies. Now the babies are grown and it’s time for mama duck to become a swan. 

The second act of my life will be for me. 

Now, tell me about you and what stage of life you are in. 

Are you knee-deep in babies and diapers?

Have your babes flown the nest?

Spill it, sister. I am listening!