Cruising into summer - start booking

 Well it is that time of year to start booking your summer.  From Airbnb, day camps and camp grounds to name a few.  Things full up fast especially those day or week long camps for children. Not many of us can take the summer off.  Great if you can get two weeks in a row.  

Some of us are trying to book a few week camps and not make promises we can't keep.  Also working around our vacations.  If you are interested in booking a cottage - start now. We mean now as in finish reading this post and head over to start looking and booking. 

Also don't forget your public library. They often have children's program all year round. Oh also adult programs. Summer reading program are great as being part of a challenge can spur people on.

So we're off to cruise into summer and start booking. One of us already has a week book by the ocean in August. Sigh. There is always one.  

Pretty spring wreath! Want!!!!

 Saw this pretty spring wreath and had to share.  I love the wooden balls, which I'm seeing in more crafts lately.  I love having different wreaths for different occasions and seasons. 

DIY spring wreath.  

What do you think? Too much? 

A good coffee shop

 Since we spend a good portion in coffee shops.  Some of us more than others. We thought we'd tell you our take on a good coffee shop. Besides good coffee. 

One of the big things is a good table.  One that doesn't shake when you sit down. You know the ones where you are looking for a piece of paper to put under one of the legs. Grabbing your coffee/drink before it spills.  Also a table that is large enough to put a tablet and coffee on. It doesn't have to be a four seater but not so small you're reaching behind tablet for the coffee.

Okay we are seated now coffee in hand.  A selection of pastries and a variety of other choices. We're not talking full meals but bagels, sandwiches, and maybe soup.  Oh also for the coffee we want a good mug. Not a three mouthful and gone mug. One of us judges a good mug by how many fingers she can get into the handle. Comfortable.

We're not talking a chain here for our coffee shop. Local and maybe even know the owner or servers by name.  A chain often has a set look.  If local anything goes decor wise.  We've been in a few coffee shops where they have local art.  Supporting local artists is great and love seeing that. Community supporting community. 

Also opening up the coffee shop to events.  Or showcasing other products.  To have a local coffee shop that supports the community.  Plus good coffee, treats, table and chairs.  We're good to go.

The calendar says spring this month but........

It is funny, living in Canada, when we hear the ground hog predicted six more weeks of winter on February 2nd any year! We sigh. We're in Canada so it is a minimum of six more weeks of winter after that date whatever the little guy predicts. Snow in March? A definite. Snow in April no big surprise.  May? Sigh have seen it not happy.

That said when the calendar says spring and we flip to April it does have a lifting feeling. Like we are on the home stretch. Usually Easter is in April so a long chocolate filled weekend to look forward to. Some of us have already starting looking at Pinterest for spring crafts. Lots of bunnies there. 

Life is changing with restrictions lifting. Some people embracing it, others still a bit anxious. All we hope is that everyone is kind and appreciate people are coming at this from different places. If you see someone with a mask on after it is lifted don't make it difficult for them. We have no idea where people are coming from and what issues (health for one) they are dealing with.

This post went so off topic but that is okay. The world is shifting again and we are all shifting with it. Give people grace and space. It has been a long hard two years. People have lost loved ones, jobs and dreams. Be kind. Take a deep breath if you have to and walk away. 

Enjoy the freedom we are being give. Look at the world around us not everyone has it.

 

Okay we need a pick me up

 The ground hog in our area said six more weeks of winter.  Hmm.....first of February I can pretty well guarantee we will have six or more weeks of winter regardless of a shadow.  That said we thought we all need a bit of a pick-me up.  Something to do, look forward to and maybe plan.  Here are a few ideas.

• Pick yourself up some flowers.  The don't have to be expensive. There are some lovely bouquets at the grocery stores. We are worth it.
• If you have to submit your vacation for the summer (or year) soon start looking at cottages to rent if that if your thing.  Beach, lake, middle of now where all good.
• Clean out your linen closet. Toss those towels that will never look clean again. Those old sheets - what are we saving them for.  Once this is done treat yourself to new towels or bed linen. Something pretty for the spring
• Treat yourself to a magazine when your picking up your groceries. Home decorating. Cooking.
• If you have a pile of book - pick one up and start it. Take time for you to sit and read. Put your feet up. We all know once the weather gets warm we will be out and about. Use this time to nest.
• Pinterest anyone!  If you enjoy doing crafts now it the time to pop into Pinterest and check out spring crafts or Easter. Lots of time to pin and get supplies.
• I always have blank cards around for last minute wishes. What about picking a friend or two and sending "just because" snail mail cards. 
• Make a date with friends. 
• Book a facial or have one at home. I always have a few scrubs or facials to grab when I feel I need a pick me up self-care wise.
• Get outside! Yes it is still cold so dress for it. Enjoy the fresh air. If you have snow enjoy that. Take the kids or adults snow shoeing or sledding. 

Trying to regroup and make the most of it

It has been over a month since we posted.  We are all feeling a little stagnate. There are still restrictions in place and even when they lift some of us are still leery about heading back out to crowded restaurants, theatres and events.  We know eventually it will be "living with COVID" but are we there yet?

January can be a blah month to begin with. Weather and a pandemic hasn't helped.  Not enough fluffy snow and too much ice and rain. Come on weather cooperate.  It is now the second week of February and we are working at regrouping and shaking off the January blues.  

There are a few things we are pulling together for the next month and a bit.  Book club is one. Suggestions welcome as would like to have a few picked out.  We are also planning a wine and cheese get together at one of our homes before the end of the month.  Bring your favoriate wine and/or cheese please.

A few of us are planning a Saturday afternoon out for a few drinks and munchies. Plan to be home before the supper time rush.  Also Pinterest for spring crafts anyone? If anyone decorates for Easter let us know. What do you use? Craft DIY. The works.

Just having a few up and coming things feels good.  We truly believe we should grab our wins, COVID or not, when we have them. It is just it has been hard lately.  Enough said.  We have a plan. If you are feeling blue also, be gentle with yourself. This has been a long hard road and sometimes we didn't see the light at the end.  Make a plan for you.  Purchase new bubble bath and a candle. Do a spa day at home. Treat yourself to some magazines and make plans with friends.  Deep breath we have this.

Word/s for the year

 Happy New Year.  Hope everyone had a safe and lovely holiday.  WOW 2022 no idea where or how that happened.

We were over at Setting our intention and the post was about setting your word for the new year.  Check out the post for all the details.  Summary what do you want to accomplish this year?  How do you want to feel this year?  Start there.

So two of us decided to work with those parameters and go for it.  One word that resonated with one of us was clarity.  This is the year to get clear with what is important. How do we want to move forward? What do we want to let go of?  To get clarity on where the path is or even where to head.  Action plan is to sit down and write out what brings joy. Distress. What can be let go of? What can be added?  Clarity.

 Peace was the other word. COVID19 has made us slow down.  Not rushing out to social engagements, sport activities or even family gatherings.  We have been home more and quiet. At times it has been nice and actually needed.  This year we want to concentrate on peace and making it a habit.  Setting time aside if not daily than weekly to slow down, sit and just be.

Do you have a word for the year?  Let us know your word and the reason behind it.