Simple, Beautiful.
My aim is to make life simpler, and incorporate more beauty into it, without compromising the simple!
To start me off, I have devised some ideas around which I will build my theme.
"simplify through planning"
--There are so many things I want to do, and I never remember. I was most successful when I planned, but having a planner doesn't work for me. So instead I am going to use my calendar. I am seriously considering buying a really nice one to use. I loved my calendar, because it sat right next to my computer and did the job. I think I can make it work . There I will plan some fun stuff I will probably steal from blogs like Dawn's and Serendipity and others. I need to learn to do just ONE AT A TIME though. This is the simplify part
"use themes"--Dawn used a theme for Christmas... woodland Christmas. It was really cute. I figure with themes, you can make a seasonal celebration, much like at Serendipity, come together. This definitely speaks to the beautiful part too
"create good habits".
--This speaks for itself. Some things I need to learn to do at appropriate times, like fold the laundry RIGHT AWAY so I don't end up with a huge basket of it to fold -my least favourite chore. Again this is to be a ONE AT A TIME thing. One at a time is to be my new motto. I always want to do so many things!
“Live Seasonally”
--Each month is part of a season… and each season has it high points. I was astonished to see Dawn had a list of events for each month posted on her blog. I really like this idea. Last night, I tried to make up my OWN list for January. I used hers as an outline ;)
“Add Beauty”
--It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That is very true! But the little touches are the ones that mean the most. Donna Marie had a beautiful post over at the 4 Real Forums last year. This year, I printed it out and put it in my ‘to do’ pile! I added a bunch of homemaking blogs to my blogroll for inspiration, as well as some blogs by artists. I won’t be always able to visit these blogs, but when I need the inspiration, they will be there!
Sarah, over at Plainsong, had a lovely list of things she was doing for her Home Sweet Home Challenge.
Strive for these Goals
1. Invite the Blessed Mother to my home. . .daily, with a Memorare for the intention of asking her to visit me as she did her cousin, and to help me keep my eyes toward heaven.
2. Begin my day with a Morning Offering-to offer my all to God
3. Follow a simple organizational routine
4. Take on little things to help our household stay beautiful and joyful.
5. Write about household topics and link others' blogs who are motivational
The Rules:
1. Remember People are more important than things
2. Remember that messes look bigger than they are
3. Small things done in the home can add beauty
4. Stay real: we will never be perfect, especially with children around us
5. Keep a sense of humor
6. Forgive myself for imperfection and limitations, focusing on those things I do accomplish
7. Persevere
I think it goes without saying, that these things are something I shall be putting into my own plans!
Dawn has a post about planning. O.K. She has SEVERAL recent posts about planning! I will NOT be following her into making a calendar ;)
I WILL however, be looking again at my Home Companion and redoing it. I did like
Beautiful post. It reminds me of what my husband says I *need* to do: Live Deliberately.
ReplyDeleteI needed a theme for the coming year--I think I've found it!
--Barbara
Sounds like you know what works well for you and what doesn't. Knowing that I'm sure you will succeed.
ReplyDeleteI love the theme for the year idea.
Blessings,
Theresa
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