Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Walking in the Woods


I surprised John with a walk in the woods a few weeks ago. He was born in the blue grass hills of Kentucky and raised in the winding mountains of Western Pennsylvania. He loves the woods and he loves hiking. There's not much of that going on in central Indiana. Mounds Park is about all we've got so that's where we went. 

It felt so peaceful and perfect - coffee in hand, light breeze, leaves about to change. 

How could a place so maze like, so twisty and complicated and full of thick trees and fallen leaves feel so peaceful?

And I felt like I was walking through my own life, my own head and heart. 

Life is good. Life is wonderful. Life is full. But lately it's felt a little confusing, a little hard to navigate and a little twisty. A little bit like walking through the woods. 



Everyday is always full of so many decisions. 

Should I go back to school? Twisty and complicated. 

Should I focus on building my business? Thick trees, fallen leaves and I can't see the path. 

Should we move? Should we save that money for a new car? Should we do this? Should we do that? 

Maybe you're not 24 and suffering a quarter life crisis. 

Maybe you're 50 and thinking about changing careers for the first time. Maybe you're deciding whether or not to start a family, or move, or how to spend your money. Or make a big decision that seems so daunting. 


Read Ecclesiastes with me. 

It's my "life book" for the year. 

"After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now.It’s useless to brood over how long we might live... "  - Ecclesiastes 5 


That's what I am trying to focus on. Simplicity. Enjoy the woods for what they are. Enjoy it. It is twisty. It is complicated. And it's good. 

I'm working on enjoying the confusion and messiness and all the complex parts of life. Because they will pass and in the end they don't really matter. Enjoy it - but it's just "smoke". "Like spitting in to the wind". 

And during this season of walking through the woods, with my husband, coffee in hand - I'm trying to enjoy the moment. Even if I don't know where I'm going. 




Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fave Under 5

I really wanted to post a Sunday post from the Free House but things got a little crazy (in a good way) and I was unable to fulfill my own wishes.

So here's another Fave Under 5. Look for a Sunday post this week. As well as a few other goodies!



1. Pacifica Lip Tint from Target - $1.87 
- This stuff makes my heart pitter patter. I love Pacifica and this lip tint is so moisturizing. It also adds the perfect amount of color for fall. 

2. Dragon Fruit from Meijer - $2.00
- I had never had Dragon Fruit before. I was so excited to try this gorgeous fruit. I don't know if I got a bad one but it did not taste as wonderful as it looked.

3. Succulent - Free! 
- These little "Chicks and Hens" succulents grow right outside my house. I decided to cut some, let the stems seal off and plant them in pots with left over potting soil from the summer. Here's to hoping I can keep them alive. 

4. "Hello Sunshine" Print from Target - $0.25
- This scrap book stuff is so great. I feel like my picture frame greets me each time I look at it. 

5. South of France Soap from Earth Fare - $1.00
- If you don't have an Earth Fare near you then I feel very sorry for you. I got this fantastic, almond soap for just a buck. I keep sneaking whiffs of it. 

6. Poached Eggs from Meijer and my kitchen - $1.99
- It took me an entire carton and over two hours to figure out how to poach an egg. Once I figured it out I couldn't stop making them. They are just perfect little pouches of runny, eggy goodness! 


I hope you're loving the things you surround yourself with. I hope you are savoring every treasure and blessing you get. 

Breathe in the smell of your favorite soap, bring in some goodness from your garden, try a new trick in the kitchen. Whether it's free or whether it costs you a few nickels, savor it. Your heart will be fuller and life will be richer when you recognize the goodness around you. 

Share your Fave Under 5 with me in the comment section, on your own blog, on Twitter, and Instagram

Use the hashtag #FaveUnder5 and let's celebrate life! 





Sunday, October 6, 2013

Back At It & Fave Under 5

Every time I think I am going to write a blog I always think about the "The Free House". I started this blog when John and I were first married. I wanted to share all the ways I make most of what's free in life. The best and most wonderful things are free to us - ready to be taken! For me life is always about, and always will be about, enjoying the small things.

So I'm back! I'd like to make my entry back into the blogging world by sharing with you a new little list of mine.

FAVE FINDS UNDER 5 
These are my favorite finds for under $5. I love shopping. Gifts are my love language. I love a good deal. I always try to keep it simple. These are the things in my home that I'm constantly staring at and make my heart flutter when I walk by them. 





1. Foggy Forrest Coasters from Crate & Barrel - $4.95
- I couldn't believe how cheap these babies were. 6 for under 5. They make me excited for winter.

2. Bella by Illume from Target - $4.48 (clearance) 
- I'd been watching this candle for weeks at Target so I was thrilled when it dropped from 14.95 to under 5 dollars. And the mercury glass look makes my heart go pitter patter.

3. "Home is Wherever I'm With You" Picture from Target (scrap booking) - $0.25
- These little booklets are in the scrapbook section and full of gorgeous "Pinterest Worthy" prints!

4. Vintage Musical Terminology Book from Half Priced Books - $2.00
- I dug up some of John's old piano work books and felt inspired. I found this book and a few other musical treasures at Half Priced. Score.

5. Pomegranate from my local grocery store- $1.00
- I love love love using fresh food to decorate with. Plus I enjoy eating them.

6. Perfect White Pumpkin from Bloomington Farmer's Market - $2.00 
- I'm obsessed with this pumpkin. I wish I had 30 more. I love it's pure white color and perfectly twisty stem.

Those are my favorites (this week). I would LOVE to see your Fave Under 5s. It can be one thing or ten things. Just show me your favorite treasures you're enjoying that cost you less than $5.

Post them to your blog and leave a comment letting me know you've done so. I'll feature other people's Fave Under 5s periodically.
You can also post them to Instagram and use the hashtag #faveunder5 

If you look to the left you can also see my October Goals. Some are specific and some not so much. I'll update the goals monthly and even post a few blogs about how they're coming. I'd love for you to share your own October Goals with me in the comments - we can keep each other accountable!