Simplifying - Don't Over Think It!!!!

 Howdy all!  Hope everyone is well and safe today.

It is 69*F this morning and going into the 80's again.  We hit 87* yesterday.  I turned the AC on for one cycle late in the afternoon, and the house was good after that.  I had a very comfortable night, slept so good.  I sure resisted getting up this morning.  It is currently 78* in the house.  I will be opening windows in a bit, once it gets light out.  With temps like this it is hard to believe we are almost halfway through October.  Time to get things done.  Rain is coming later on!  So are cooler temps.

Isn't this the truth????

It sure is for me.  Just sitting with my Bits in the house and getting snuggles.  Watching and playing with kitties outdoors.  A nice breeze coming through the window.  Good simple food that just tastes so good.  Wonderful neighbors and friends.  A fall scented candle.  Home!

I think we tend to over complicate things so often.  It isn't about what you have or what you can buy - it is about feeling peace that comes from within and all those little things that happen each day.

I think it is beautiful to be the one who doesn't chase after more.  Doing what feels important to YOU, doesn't always match others - that is fine.  You do you.

Simplicity happens in all kinds of ways.  Having less.  Cooking with what we have.  Enjoying the simpler things in life.  Using up what we have - maybe finding new ways for things.  Keeping life basic and real and simple.  That is what makes it feel so comforting in my book.

Along those lines, I give a couple little ideas that were just "duh" moments for me.  Sometimes it takes a long time to figure out that simple ways work wonderfully!

I was dusting and cleaning last week, and I happened to notice the lampshade.  It was really dusty.  It is a linen type of fabric.  I usually use the attachment from the vacuum to clean it, and it really never does the best job and I worry about the suction on the shade.

What did I do?  I had this idea that worked perfectly!!!!

I used the sticky lint roller thing.  Oh my goodness, the shade is totally lint free and it was the easiest thing ever.  Took just a minute to do and no more worry about the suction on the shade (it is older).  I will never clean the shade any other way.  I can do this often and not worry about damage.  Something I had and can use over and over.

So many people over complicate eating.  It doesn't take a lot of courses to make a good meal.  It just takes good wholesome food, (even if it is one thing) that fills you and tastes good.

I know not everyone can probably eat them, but potatoes are just so versatile and can be made in so many ways.  They are pretty darn cheap and can stretch a meal to feed many, if need be.

Just a few ideas!!!!!!!!!  There are many more ideas as well.  I like potatoes, as they really do provide substance and help us feel full, they are pretty cheap, and very, very versatile.

Let's talk about cleaning products.  You walk down the aisle and there are literally hundreds of different products!  All have a "specific" use!!!  Well, let us think about this for a moment.  Most of the laundry products are highly comprised of water!  Duh.  Then they have perfume added.  Other cleaning items are either lots of water or very caustic chemicals (just smell some of them).  All are in plastic containers!  What are we thinking?  I make my own cleaning products at home using basic things.  Baking soda, vinegar, citrus peels, and yes sometimes just water and clean soap!  I have never made laundry detergent, I know many do - but I use very little of it.  Never do I use what they recommend.  I do not use fancy stuff for fabric softener.  I either use vinegar in the rinse (no smell by time it is done) or nothing.  I use peroxide for bleach - nothing toxic.  On top of all the water, plastic and toxic crap we are buying we are spending a small fortune for it!!!!  We have so much we could use right in the pantry.

Broth - have you purchased broth at the grocery lately?  It is very expensive - sometimes between $4 - $6 a box.  Look at the ingredients.  Again, lots of water and salt - probably nothing that is really real meat in it - maybe bouillon.  Make your own - it is so simple to make and it is basically FREE.  You are using what many throw away.  Sure, you use water - but you put real meat bones or scraps in it and any herbs you want.  You can do the same with veggie scraps for veggie broth.  Put in in a pot, turn on the heat, and go about doing your stuff around the house.  It takes care of itself.  Can or freeze.

Just an idea or two and looking at simplifying a little differently perhaps.

We often just get in the habit of buying or doing things the same week after week, and when we really stop and think, we can see new ideas!  

Being a little more conscious of our daily habits, really can simplify life and it can also save a little.

I love my calm, quiet and simple life.  I just kind of go with the flow and keep a low profile.

Hope you love your life as well!

Have a beautiful day.