Starting My Crochet Journey: Stress Relief and Sales

With all that’s going on in the world and in my life, I needed to get back to one of my favorite stress relievers…crocheting. I’ve decided to start selling some of my creations. I’ve opened up a Tedoo shop and listed some things but haven’t made a sale yet. It’s ok, I only just started listing items this week. Here are a few of the things I have made and listed.

Have you had the cold?

Down here on the SW Florida coast, there is a cold, virus…crud going around. Mike came home with it two Friday’s ago. Two days later, I started with it. It was weird. The symptoms were exactly the same for us both, just two days difference.

They were:

  • Sore throat
  • Extreme sinus/nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Exhaustion
  • Body aches
  • Cough (starting as non-productive then becoming productive)

I started with it on Sunday. I spent Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in bed. No appetite. On Wednesday, I saw the doctor and he put me on antibiotics. Thursday, Friday, Saturday showed much improvement. It is now Sunday and I am feeling a lot better. We both still have the cough but that will go away soon, I hope.

I am susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia, so I was lucky this time. This all started with someone coughing all over him at work.

Things I ask, without infringing upon your “freedoms”:

  • Cover your mouth when you cough
  • Cover your face when you sneeze
  • If are sick and you can, STAY HOME
  • Wash your hands
  • Use hand sanitizer

Good luck out there.

Thanks for reading.

My Lingo CGM is bossy!

Today, after indulging in some candy to see how it would affect my glucose count, my CGM (I shall call her Lingy) got bossy and told me I had to do 20 squats! What a bossy pants. I moved into a corner near my desk and completed all 20 squats. Kind of proud of myself!

Frugal Fun Friday – How to have a good time without breaking the bank

Embracing Frugal Fun: Creative Ways to Enjoy Life on a Budget

In a world where entertainment often comes with a hefty price tag, finding joy in simple pleasures can be both liberating and rewarding. Embracing frugal fun isn’t just about saving money – it’s about discovering creative ways to enjoy life without breaking the bank. Join me as we explore the art of frugal fun and uncover how you can make the most of every moment without spending a fortune.

Why Embrace Frugal Fun?

Before diving into the practical tips, let’s reflect on why embracing frugal fun is worth it. Living within your means not only reduces financial stress but also fosters a mindset of gratitude and resourcefulness. It encourages us to prioritize experiences over material possessions, connect more deeply with loved ones, and appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Frugal Fun:

  1. Picnic in the Park: Pack a homemade lunch, grab a blanket, and head to your local park for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy the fresh air, soak in the natural surroundings, and unwind without spending a dime.
  2. Explore Nature Trails: Lace up your sneakers and explore nearby hiking or biking trails. Nature offers a wealth of beauty and serenity, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  3. Host a Movie Night at Home: Skip the expensive movie tickets and popcorn. Instead, host a cozy movie night at home with friends or family. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a film marathon from the comfort of your own couch.
  4. Attend Community Events: Keep an eye out for free or low-cost community events such as festivals, concerts in the park, or art exhibitions. These events often showcase local talent and provide opportunities to connect with your community.
  5. DIY Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side with DIY arts and crafts projects. Use materials you already have at home to create handmade gifts, home décor, or personalized keepsakes.
  6. Visit Local Museums or Libraries: Many museums offer free admission days or discounts. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore art, history, and culture without breaking your budget. Libraries also often host free events, workshops, and book clubs.
  7. Cook Together: Plan a themed cooking night with friends or family. Choose a cuisine, gather ingredients, and cook a delicious meal together. It’s a fun way to bond, learn new recipes, and enjoy a homemade feast.
  8. Volunteer in Your Community: Giving back doesn’t have to cost a thing. Volunteer your time and skills to local organizations or community projects. Whether it’s cleaning up a park, assisting at a food pantry, or mentoring youth, volunteering enriches both your life and the lives of others.
  9. Plan a Game Night: Dust off your board games or card decks and host a game night with friends or family. Games encourage laughter, friendly competition, and bonding – all without spending a fortune.
  10. Enjoy Free Educational Resources: Explore free online courses, webinars, or workshops on topics that interest you. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and TED Talks offer a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

Benefits of Frugal Fun:

  • Financial Freedom: By embracing frugal fun, you can allocate your resources towards savings, investments, or other financial goals.
  • Creativity and Resourcefulness: Finding joy in simple pleasures cultivates creativity and encourages you to think outside the box.
  • Quality Time: Frugal fun emphasizes experiences and relationships, fostering meaningful connections with loved ones.

Final Thoughts:

As we navigate life’s journey, let’s remember that happiness and fulfillment don’t have to come with a price tag. Embracing frugal fun allows us to appreciate the richness of life’s moments, cherish the company of loved ones, and explore the beauty of the world around us – all while staying true to our financial values. So, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, hosting a movie night at home, or volunteering in your community, savor each experience and treasure the memories created along the way. Here’s to living life to the fullest, one frugal adventure at a time!

On Fridays we will discuss being frugal – covering anything from saving money on fun, books about frugality, budget recipes, podcasts about budgeting and frugality, personal budget and frugality stories, and much more. I hope you will join me.

Wacky Wednesday – How to keep life from being boring

Embrace the Fun: Celebrating Wacky Wednesday!

Welcome to Wacky Wednesday – a day dedicated to breaking free from the ordinary and injecting a bit of whimsy into our lives! Whether you’re familiar with this quirky tradition or it’s your first encounter, Wacky Wednesday is all about embracing creativity, letting loose, and enjoying the lighter side of life. So, buckle up and join me on this delightful journey as we explore what makes Wacky Wednesday so special.

What is Wacky Wednesday?

Wacky Wednesday is a lighthearted observance where people intentionally do something out of the ordinary. It’s a day to unleash your inner child, embrace spontaneity, and revel in the joy of silliness. From wearing mismatched clothes to holding impromptu dance parties, the possibilities are endless when it comes to celebrating Wacky Wednesday.

Why Celebrate Wacky Wednesday?

In our fast-paced world, filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and stress, Wacky Wednesday offers a refreshing break. It encourages us to step away from the seriousness of everyday life and indulge in a bit of fun. By celebrating Wacky Wednesday, we cultivate a sense of playfulness, reduce stress levels, and foster stronger connections with those around us.

How to Celebrate Wacky Wednesday:

  1. Dress Up: Forget about fashion norms! Mix and match your clothes in the most unconventional way possible. Stripes with polka dots? Why not!
  2. Office Shenanigans: Spice up the workplace with harmless pranks or playful antics (with permission, of course). Decorate your coworker’s desk with balloons or organize a spontaneous karaoke session during lunch break.
  3. Food Adventures: Experiment with bizarre food combinations or create your own wacky recipe. Ever tried a peanut butter and pickle sandwich? Now’s the time!
  4. Get Crafty: Channel your inner artist and create wacky art or crafts. Use unconventional materials or explore abstract styles – let your imagination run wild!
  5. Random Acts of Kindness: Spread joy by performing unexpected acts of kindness. Leave cheerful notes for strangers, surprise a friend with a quirky gift, or simply offer a warm smile to brighten someone’s day.

Benefits of Embracing Wackiness:

  • Boosts Creativity: Engaging in playful activities stimulates creativity and encourages innovative thinking.
  • Enhances Mood: Laughter and lightheartedness release endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress levels.
  • Strengthens Relationships: Shared experiences of fun and laughter create bonds and deepen connections with others.

Final Thoughts:

As we celebrate Wacky Wednesday, let’s embrace the joy of spontaneity and revel in the beauty of silliness. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, coworkers, or on your own, remember that a little dose of wackiness can go a long way in brightening your day and bringing a smile to those around you. So, let your creativity soar, unleash your inner goofball, and make every Wacky Wednesday a memorable adventure!

Here’s to celebrating the unconventional, embracing the unexpected, and cherishing the moments of pure joy that Wacky Wednesday brings into our lives. Let the wackiness begin!

Wednesday posts will cover everything wacky – movies, books, music, podcasts, memes, and personal Wacky Wednesday stories. I hope you will join me.

Goal Setting Tuesday – How to choose a goal that inspires you.

The Art of Setting Goals: Crafting Your Path to Success

Setting goals is more than just jotting down a list of aspirations – it’s about creating a roadmap that guides us towards our dreams, motivates us through challenges, and ultimately leads to personal growth and achievement. Whether you’re aiming for professional success, personal development, or a healthier lifestyle, the process of setting goals is a powerful tool that propels us forward. Let’s delve into the art of setting goals and how you can harness this practice to transform your life.

1. Define Your Vision

The first step in setting meaningful goals is to clarify your vision. What do you truly want to achieve? Whether it’s advancing in your career, improving your relationships, or achieving a fitness milestone, defining your aspirations provides a clear direction and purpose.

2. Make Them SMART

SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – are a proven framework for setting goals that are clear and actionable. Instead of setting vague goals like “get healthier,” make them specific, such as “exercise for 30 minutes five days a week,” measurable by tracking progress, achievable with realistic expectations, relevant to your overall vision, and time-bound with a deadline like “achieve this by the end of the year.”

3. Break Them Down

Large goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. This not only makes the goal more achievable but also allows you to celebrate incremental successes along the way, keeping your motivation high.

4. Write Them Down

There’s power in putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Write down your goals and revisit them regularly. This not only solidifies your commitment but also serves as a constant reminder of what you’re working towards.

5. Stay Flexible and Adapt

While setting goals is important, it’s equally crucial to remain flexible and adapt as circumstances change. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes adjustments are necessary. Embrace these changes and see them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

6. Seek Accountability and Support

Share your goals with trusted friends, family members, or mentors who can provide encouragement and hold you accountable. Accountability partners can offer valuable insights, motivation, and support during challenging times.

7. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful technique used by athletes, performers, and successful individuals across various fields. Take time to visualize yourself achieving your goals – imagine the emotions, the sights, and the sounds associated with your success. This practice not only reinforces your commitment but also primes your mind for success.

8. Celebrate Your Achievements

As you make progress towards your goals, take time to celebrate your achievements. Whether it’s a small victory or a major milestone, acknowledging your successes boosts your confidence and reinforces your commitment to continuing on your journey.

9. Review and Adjust Regularly

Periodically review your goals to assess your progress. Are you on track? Are there any adjustments or refinements needed? Reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved, and adjust your goals accordingly.

10. Embrace the Journey

Lastly, remember that setting goals is not just about reaching the destination – it’s about embracing the journey. Each step you take towards your goals contributes to your personal growth and development. Enjoy the process, learn from challenges, and celebrate the victories, knowing that every effort you make brings you closer to achieving your dreams.

In conclusion, setting goals is a transformative practice that empowers us to create the life we envision. By defining your vision, making SMART goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and staying flexible and adaptive, you pave the way for success and personal fulfillment. So, dare to dream big, set your goals with intention, and embark on a journey of growth, achievement, and endless possibilities.

Tuesday blogs will be dedicated to goal-setting. We will discuss books, podcasts, and personal stories about setting goals. I hope you will join me.

What’s up 2024?

I can’t believe it has been 76 days since my last post! What have I been up to? Lots of reading, crocheting, and working on myself. Blogging hasn’t been at the top of my To Do list lately but I really have to get back into the habit. I’m way behind on book reviews. Eeek!

So, what is in store for 2024? Here is my work-in-progress plan for the year:

  • Commit to writing at least one book review per month to be posted on or around the 15th.
  • Continue eating healthier and track what I eat.
  • Come up with a food prep plan that will work for Mike and me.
  • Continue crocheting and learning new techniques.
  • List 5 crocheted items on either my Etsy or Tedooo shop to get started selling my crafts.
  • Start a notebook of crochet ideas
  • Be happy.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

What are your plans for 2024? How will you track your successes?

Thanks for reading

September 28, 2023 – One year

It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought death and devastation to Southwest Florida and the recovery is slow but it is ongoing. To me it feels like we will never recover. I could tell you about my experience but I think that conversation would be better if I had it with my therapist…

My personal observations:

1. There are so many blue tarped roofs out there.

2. People forget that the same people helping with the recovery in the community are dealing with damages from the same storm.

3. A lot of people are living only parts of their houses. I know one guy who can only use one bathroom and his living room. Heart breaking.

4. Holes in houses raise your electric bill. (FACT)

5. For every person who moves out of the area it feels like six more move in.

6. Feels like it was just yesterday.

7. People who take advantage of those dealing with the aftermath have a special place reserved for them in hell.

8. I hear from a lot of people who are stuck here due to the financial devastation that Hurricane Ian brought to their lives. I know how they feel. I’d leave FL if I could afford to.

9. I cry at least once a week about Hurricane Ian’s effect on my life.

Hurricane Ian – that blue dot is where we live

I guess today is this week’s day to cry.

Thanks for reading.