Summer Projects or anytime

 We were talking about feeling motivated or not. Needing something to focus on. Needless to say if we didn't blog for six months we were not motivated or focused. We came up with a few ideas to maybe jump start motivation this summer if you are looking for a summer (or anytime) project. Here goes.....

• Pick an item like rocks, trees, beaches, drinks and take pictures of that item. Again and again so that at the end of the season you have a collection. Pick something fun and that you know you will be seeing at least off and on this season.
• Gratitude journal - easy write down three things you were grateful for today. I know people always put this on the list. Likely because easy and it works.
• Rainy days purge or organize a cabinet or drawer. Note cabinet or drawer not closet. Not room. Don't get overwhelmed. One drawer done. 
• Paint or mod-podge plant pots. For mod-podge try pretty napkins.
• Walk / hike. What about walking your neighbourhood after supper.  If you have a front porch sit out there in the evenings and watch the world or at least your neighbours go by.
• Try something new. Check out classes or YouTube. What about line drawing? Tai Chi? Up to you.
• Try a new cocktail or beer or wine or cooler. Maybe write down, snap pic of them and note why you like or not for recommendations.
• Try a new restaurants.
• Send postcards from your city to away friends
• If relaxing catch up on your reading list. Make a plan with a friend that you are reading X many books this summer.    

If you have other ideas we'd love to hear them.  Happy summer / season.     

Summer talks on well everything!!!

With lifting of restrictions we have finally had a few chances of getting together.  Loving it.  We know we were and are fortunate to have access to Skype and other social media platforms to get together, share and make sure we are connecting.  But seriously face-to-face can't be beat.

Our latest discussion resolved around summer trends from clothes to make-up to decor.  With being home for extended length of time home became a focal point.  Reading articles on what COVID-19 has told us, home design wise, we are in agreement (majority of us). Open concept is great but we need more define areas if we are working and living at home for longer periods of time. Maybe not go back to a formal dining room but an alcove or working in a desk in the kitchen or living room.

Outdoor space was also highlighted and much needed.  Part of our self-isolation was still winter but still we need natural light.  Consider adding plants to your home if you are not a plant person. Nothing major but we found having something green to look at during the winter or anytime is nice.

Introverts know they need their own space. So consider reworking your bedroom. If you don't have a large home with living room and family room - everyone needs a place to escape. Rework your (kids) bedroom. What do they really need in there?  If you moved furniture around, did a good purging of old toys, clothes, even furniture could you make space for a small chair for reading? A space for yoga? One of us has a chair and table in the corner of their bedroom and it was much used during pandemic.  A place to curl up with coffee in the mornings. Reading in the evening. Just a space to get away.  Another person moved a bed from the centre of the room to a wall and free up floor space.  Think outside the box. Who uses the room?  How do you want it to function?

Since the stores have opened up we have been shopping for home decor items. Pillows and/or pillow covers.  Pretty summer dishes.  Small rugs for splashes of color.  It has been fun to add new items to our decor.  You don't have to spend big money.  IKEA and other places have pillows forms. Buy a few and then purchase pillow covers for different seasons.  Easy way to switch up your decor. Plus pillow cases are easy to store if they all fit the same pillow form! Win / Win.

Clothes and make-up wise we have been purchasing just fun clothes. Nothing expensive and if they last this summer great. Not an investment. It is about making the most of time and money. This is summer people for some of us it will only last a few months so get out there and enjoy.