Monthly Archives: January 2017
The Kindness of Strangers
As I was drifting to sleep, my mind clicked through thoughts like late-night television channels. Suddenly, one grabbed my attention. What did I do with those old photographs of Dad and the kids? Oh, yeah, they’re in the side pocket of my brown purse. Gasp! I sold that purse to the consignment store last week! The […]
Lovely Thing ~ Mighty Magnesium
Does anyone else have a spouse or significant other who falls into the deepest sleep the second his head hits the pillow? For years, I’ve been envious of my husband’s ability to fall asleep so quickly. It all came to a tipping point when I was pregnant with my son, around the second-trimester or so. […]
My Side of the Closet
At the risk of appearing shallow, materialistic, and a little creepy, I admittedly have a fascination with women’s closets, and I really hope I’m not alone. Honestly, I have never been comfortable with fashion. I’ve struggled with too many choices, swinging wildly from one style and color palette to another. I’ve tried not caring at […]
A Breath of Fresh Air
Yesterday, my family and I ventured outside for the first time in weeks. Like a magnet, the sixty-eight degree weather pulled us from our house of hibernation into the gleaming sunshine. And it was so refreshing. If the weather has improved in your area recently, I encourage you to step outside. Though the leaves have yet to […]
Lovely Thing ~ Homemade Cleaners
This post is for those of us who have the time and desire to devote ourselves to the art of homemaking. If the idea of making natural cleaning supplies ranks right up there with gathering eggs from your own chickens, I completely understand. Forward this to your cleaning lady and and carry on. There are some good […]
Coming Clean
I have a confession to make. I like watching internet videos. The women who make them are finally bringing some respect to one of the oldest and dirtiest occupations. Housekeeping. What did you think I was talking about?! I should be embarrassed that I recently spent twenty minutes watching someone clean her kitchen, but I’m […]
Lovely Thing ~ Soothing Scents
Every Christmas season, our family burns Bath & Body Works’ Eucalyptus Spearmint candle. In fact, I once had this candle burning during the non-Christmas season, and my husband remarked that our house “smelled like Christmas!” The thing is, this candle doesn’t exactly smell “like Christmas.” It does, however, remind our particular olfactory senses of the […]
Birthday Presence
The name Natalie is said to mean “Christmas child” or “Christmas birthday.” Fittingly, I was born on January 7th, only 13 days after Christmas. However, as I get older, I find it harder and harder to wish for actual birthday presents. Experiencing Christmas with my family, husband, and three children has literally filled my house, closet, […]
Lovely Thing ~ Winter Sky
On most winter days, we can look out the window and solemnly hum, “all the leaves are brown and the sky is gray.” It’s tempting to pull the curtains and find solace in hot cocoa, flannel pajamas, and Netflix, but don’t miss the loveliness of a winter sky. While an endless silver sky can provide […]
Oh, My Word
Instead of making new year resolutions, I’ve adopted the practice of dedicating the entire year to a single word. The idea is that the word becomes your personal theme, motto, or intention for everything you do throughout the new year. In previous years, my words have included gratitude, simplicity, and light. Each year, I get […]
Lessons in Loveliness 