A Few Hearty Survivors

I know it's only the beginning of January, 

but I can't recall a colder winter 

since we've lived in Central Florida.  

Even my relatives up north are willing to admit 

that we are getting some of what they are used to.

It's sad to say, 

but most of our gardens  are a monotone of brown, 

but there are a few

green specimens left to give us hope.

Parsley ready to harvest

The milkweed is hangin' in there.

The delicate allyssum isn't afraid of cold nights.

 

I think Meems over at Hoe and Shovel

has the right idea.  It's a good idea to plant

with the frosts and freezes in mind, instead

of trying to frantically run around covering up

every single thing in your garden.  

I think I'm done with that.  

If it's not hearty, it's not stayin'!

Maybe that's asking a lot 

considering the variance of temperatures 

we have been experiencing as of late,

but I'm willing to take the chance.  

After all, what's the worst that could happen? 

Hmmmm...

Maybe a trip to the nursery for a bit of perusing?

These are like a ray of sunshine, even on the dreariest of days.

One of two rosemary bushes that just keeps on going...

Can't believe these came back!

I'm not even sure what's in here, but I'm sure it'll be lovely!

Natural hair mask

Yesterday was my first attempt 
at trying to create a natural hair care product.  
My hair has been extremely dry for some time. 
It tangles easily and even feels dry when it's wet-

how does that happen?  
I never color it and don't even blow-dry it on a regular basis, 
but I guess being outside in the sun has taken its toll.  
I don't plan to discontinue my daily outdoor ritual, 
 so I decided to try to make a conditioner  
with ingredients I had at home. 

It was so easy. 

I just mashed a small avocado in a bowl, 
added about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and voila!  
I applied it on my hair and left it for about 30 minutes, 
while I did some baking for the little one.  
Then I washed my hair (twice) and rinsed it well.  
I have to say that it does feel much softer.  

I'm going to do this once a month and
experiment with some other treatments too.  

It feels great being able to provide myself with

a spa treatment that I would never think of

spending time and money on.  
Being extremely low-maintenance and practical, 
it wouldn't feel right.  

It puts a different twist on it though,
when you are creating it for yourself. 

Love the feeling of self-reliance! 

Barin' My Drawers!

Not those drawers.  
Kitchen drawers. 

One of my focuses for this year 
is to get back to doing some organizing around here. 

It's something I've always enjoyed 
and have even gotten paid to do for others. 

Today I started with just one drawer.  
That's really all it takes.  Just start somewhere.

Any unneeded items will be brought 
to the local "Meals on Wheels" thrift shop.

before

after

The cutest lil' lemon squeezer you ever did see,
but it never gets used.  
So, out it goes...

If the house is organized 
before we put it on the market,

it will be more appealing to potential buyers.

They need to feel that their treasures  
will fit in each space with room to spare.

Energy needs room to move around.

It feels good to let things go, 
knowing they will

be of some use to another owner.  
If we don't make room for the new stuff, we get stuck. 

I believe that keeps us from realizing our dreams. 

Gotta make the dreams feel welcome...



Alafia River State Park in Lithia, FL

We started out 2011 on a positive note.  

We paid a visit to Alafia River State Park.

It was fantastic to see all the biking enthusiasts there.  

There are hiking and biking trails galore.  

You can even bring your horse for a ride on special pathways.

The park offers picnic areas, 

a playground for those who don't find the

hikes stimulating enough (imagine that!),

restrooms (one of my requirements) 

and overnight camping.

Admission is only $5 a carload.

What a wonderful way to spend a relaxing day 

doing something good for your body and spirit while spending time with

those who mean the most to you.  

My lil' guy wasn't keen on going, 

as he tends to tire easily, 

but he was excited to discover 

what lurked around each turn 

as we made our way through the woods.  

He inspires me so.  

We are looking forward 

to discovering the many state parks here in our area.

Can't think of a better way to start off a new year!

The start of our journey.

I couldn't help thinking what great mulch those leaves make!

A more adventurous climb.

"Uh, no, you will not stick your hand in there!"

What a lovely day for dining outdoors.

Welcoming in the New Year

Here are some things I am inviting into my life in the coming year:

Visit a state park once a month.

Learn to knit.

Spend one day a month volunteering.

Give blood four times.

Make our own laundry soap, shampoo and body wash.

Take time on Fridays to scrapbook.

Add six new recipes to my menu-by-the-month plan.

Read for pleasure every day.

Become adept at finding new uses for what we have.

Send more letters of gratitude.

Write one published article.

Mail postcards to friends just because.

Spend a few days each month reorganizing
one area of the house.

Change the pictures on the walls.

Engage my lil' guy in a physical activity everyday.

Acquire a bike and use it often.

Learn more about bartering for the things we want.

Increase yoga time to 30 minutes per day.

Decrease the use of white sugar.

Learn more about the technical aspects of blogging.

Revise the Household Notebook.

Wake up saying "Thank you".

Sending blessings out to all who come this way

in the New Year.  Thank you for sharing,

for caring and for helping me

become more of who I am.

Enjoy!