The Secret

For what seems like forever I was plagued by fear and insecurity. I doubted my abilities and my worth. I was afraid of rocking the boat. I didn't allow myself to be open and vulnerable with anyone. And eventually I started shutting down.

I shut down my emotions. I stopped voicing my opinion or views. I stopped reaching out. I made myself small and invisible. There was in a constant battle going on in my mind. I often sacrificed my needs and desires for everyone else.

That's no way to live.

I am slowly making my way back to myself. It's hard work! I have journaled like never before. I have spent a lot of time thinking and observing my own thoughts and actions. I have spent time in reflection. And I've cried myself to sleep many nights.

I haven't arrived, but I'm actively working on it. But I like myself!! I'm funny and a good listener. I like to help people and create things. I'm a good person. I don't go out of my way to hurt or offend people. I show everyone respect and give common courtesy  - treat others the way I'd like to be treated.

I don't have to be like everyone else to be liked or loved. I don't have to be a martyr to prove my worthiness. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do. I am in control of my choices and my happiness. It took me a long time to come to that realization. Better late than never!

The secret is learning to be yourself and not being afraid to shine! It's so simple, yet hard to implement especially if you're used to negative thought patterns. Change your thoughts. Get to know yourself. Work on your toxic traits.

Life is too short to be anything but happy!

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?

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?

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! 

The Heart of The Home: Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home because that is where we create meals to nourish our family. We want to nourish them because we love them. 

Though the kitchen is the workhorse of the home, I believe in making it as beautiful as possible because we spend so much time in there. When you have a beautiful space you want to spend time in there and that makes the work seem a bit easier. 

How do we create a beautiful kitchen?

• Keep clutter to a minimum. 
• Everything should be useful as well as beautiful. 
• Paint is an inexpensive way to transform a space. Use the colors you love!
• Keep decor simple. 
• Have nice dish rags and towels. Replace as needed.
• Have nicely scented dish washing liquid.
• Use pretty decanters for oils and hand soap to replace the ugly plastic bottles.
• Streamline the counter top. Only keep what you use daily out. 
• Have pretty cookware, dishware, and glassware.
• Be organized. Put like things together and in places they will most likely be used.
• Add a pretty rug or two.
• Hang a few nice inexpensive art prints. 

If you don't know what your style is I encourage you to browse through Pinterest to glean inspiration that you incorporate into your own home. I have a few decor boards of my own which you are welcome to browse and follow if you so desire. You can check it out here:

My Pinterest

Hope this has been helpful for you. Let me know if you need help! 

Tracy x