so often times, we get distracted from our dreams, goals, or even just plain happiness........
I'm always telling my kids to "focus"
not just on their school work, but their morals, values, goals, aspirations
nothing is any different for me
that is why I make an inspiration board for the sales I do, or other big projects
If you are willing to join me, let's do some "focus" work of our own.....
to live holistically doesn't just mean what I am feeding my kids....or what kind of music I surround myself with...
it's a caring for your whole self and all that surrounds you
~ the clothes you wear
~ the food you eat
~ the people you choose to be your friends
~ the items in your home
***************let's focus***************
fashion and food:
I cannot give you much fashion advice, or what food you should eat, except I do have one motto for both:
think local
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| my 2010 line of clothing...the "pure Elizabeth" |
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| a picture of a typical CSA share here at Na-Da Farm |
thinking local when purchasing fashion and food is good to not only your community,
but also for your well-being
it's fresh........and guilt free :)
friends:
The people you choose to be your friends, well, that's something else I can't tell you what is right and wrong, but I can say that from experience, if those people don't support you in times of trouble, or heartache, then they aren't your friends...no one is too busy to check in on a friend....and they certainly aren't your true friends if all they want is something from you
your home:
The items in your home............okay.......now I can help you!
This involves both the spiritual and the practical
- go to every room of your home that 'troubles you' (I didn't say this was going to be easy) and set aside all the items in that room that aren't special to you...........that don't have any meaning.........
this doesn't mean the couch goes because you don't like it.........that is where the practical comes into 'play'
remember, this isn't rocket science..........no one is watching...........don't let other's opinions sway your decorating!!!!
now that your room is edited, clean it
clean it thoroughly with a natural cleaner to freshen both your home and your peace of mind that those fur balls are gone under the couch, or your pillows are clean (yes! throw those slipcovers and pillow covers in the wash!)
The BEST thing you can do to your 'new room' is to clean it...............
This weekend, I, along with you, will be editing our home.........if you want to join me, you are more than welcome............
(what else do I have to do right?)
xo+blessings,



LOVE this post my friend!!!
ReplyDeletethinking of you & baby today!
xo
So beautiful, Anne Marie! Your gardens are making me pine for summer!
ReplyDeleteHow much longer until that beautiful baby introduces her/himself to the world? Soon?
Mary
Anne Marie, got Fifi's book form Joy, and I must say your grace the pages beautifully the farm look looks lovely.. Can't wait to see pictures of the baby, Very nice post as aways. Have a great weekend
ReplyDelete~~Pattie~~
i agree whole heartedly. my house is in need of an edit. i love that way of thinking about it.
ReplyDeletei got my book yesterday. loved every inch. your section was absolutely gorgeous anne marie and it just made me even more excited to visit na-da farm soon. it was so nice to see the kids in it too. they are so precious.
Well, I'm so eager to get my book like those who have commented above :) And I love your ideas on editing a room. I love editing my rooms this way.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling well and baby is ready to greet the world.
Don't work too hard-(what you need to do is relax, put your feet up, read Romantic Prairie Style...)
Have a great day, Anne Marie :)
Blessings
Becky C
I loved seeing that picture of your beautiful garden again, Anne Marie. I think it was one of the first posts of yours that I saw last year... it was love at first sight. :)
ReplyDeleteI just got my email notification from Amazon.com that I should receive my book next week... yay!
When is that precious baby of yours going to make it's entrance into the world, I wonder? Take care of yourself... don't work too hard. :)
xo,
Jo
I'm a huge fan of local and vintage--and just took a LOAD of things to the thrift shop simply because I never liked them and they had no meaning--little statues and candles and wall hangings that people gave me and I kept for YEARS out of guilt. Feel so clean now!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Anne Marie! But I have to say that every room in my house needs cleaning, and an update. I haven't changed a thing for at least ten years. Dreadful I tell 'ya!
ReplyDeleteTake care and enjoy your weekend!
Inspirational & motivating....Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images!
Beautiful post Anne, Love the pillow by the way, you've set the mood for me to have a great day, xoxo tami
ReplyDeleteI agree with your philosophy, whole heartedly. My "things have been getting in my way, they are in a many ways a burden. I will be purging, cleaning and donating for most of the spring.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, i wish i lived closer to you...i would be there!!
ReplyDeleteYour post really hit home with me. I have one room that I put all my bits and pieces in that really don't have a home...it is time I gave them away to someone who can give them a home! And that would make mine less cluttered. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Very well said! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Ellen
OKAY! YOU are definitely in "Nesting Mode"! Get those dust bunnies before they play hide and seek in another room!
ReplyDeleteHi sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts and ideas. Funny, how just yesterday I was looking at all the "junk" that has accumulated around my home and has made me feel suffocated.
What I noticed most...all the PLASTIC.
Yes, we need to drive less, buy local (I love your thoughts about food and clothing), but also curtail our consumerism.
Do we really need MORE. I read a blog where the mom only allows "wooden" or "metal" toys (lincoln logs, erector sets, etc.) and I used to think, "really?"
I now totally get it! Fisher Price has taken over my home. Oil and petroleum products rule...and my children aren't any smarter b/c of it.
Time to do some cleaning...or as you say, "edit!"
Blessings,
Val
Love this post Anne Marie!;) so true in so many ways~Thanks for the inspiration~I will be cleaning all day tomorrow and using my Mrs.Meyers Lavender cleaner!!:) Hugs, Rachel
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
I did this just today:) good gosh. my upstairs:( even opened up the windows:) you are so right. just a good old fashioned cleaning. and putting away...it gives you a fresh start and the ideas just sort of start to flow.;)
ReplyDeletehi my friend. just checking in to see if the little babe has arrived:) I have been closing off the internet these past few months. will check in again soon:) xo
Maybe have a little rest..???
ReplyDeleteBut, imagining the weeks to come with sweet nursing baby, in surroundings that calm you and are not screaming out to be cleaned or moved...will be so relaxing and nice...
I am on hold, we are hoping to renovate, and then, oh then will come the editing of rooms...as for editing friends, that has been done in the past...and I can only say I feel so better for it...to be left with only a few 'real' friends is so much better than others that 'say' they are your friends...
I have a basket of produce just as wonderful on my blog at the moment...there is nothing better than picking straight from your garden and serving to the family a few hours later...thinking of you , and hope you are feeling well..x Suzanne.
Very inspiring post. I couldn't agree more. Now that we live in a smaller town in the midwest, there seems to be an abundance of "locally grown and made." Can't wait to dig into it all! Happy Friday to you.
ReplyDeletei am going to edit the heck out of my home by moving out of it...we closed on our first house today and we will be moving soon!
ReplyDeletei loved your post and couldn't agree more about the friends you choose...so true!
i am definitely going to try to buy more locally too.
i have so enjoyed seeing and reading about Na-Da Farm in Romantic Prairie Style (got my copy recently from Joy), your home is just so lovely :)
Hi Anne Marie,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...funny thing is today I was editing my kitchen..I was just telling Gary that I have to many things and that I feel like my home is getting clutterd. So I started putting things in the garage that I really don't need. I always have my girls go through the boxes first for what they might want or need and then I donate the rest.
I adore the "Pure Elizabeth" I have always loved a long dress or skirt with boots or flip flops, maybe becasue it was the stlye I grow up with, the style just draws me in, but mostly I live in jeans and sweaters and clogs.
I hope you are feeling well..
Have a sweet weekend, big hugs!
Elizabeth
Do I sence (sp?) some "nesting" going on?? I think the baby is coming! What great words to live by, having a cleaned and refreshed home is the best!
ReplyDelete~Shanon
I found your post on StBlog parish and just have to say I think it is so beautiful. I am signing up!
ReplyDeleteWow, What a coincidence. Yesterday afternoon I started doing just this! I thought to myself, why are you doing this an Friday, after work, you had a horrible week, now you are making a horrible mess.
ReplyDeleteObviously, when your home is full of clutter, so is your life and mind. Now back to cleaning!
Wonderful post. Wonderful encouragement and challenge. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne Marie~
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend. Lovely post as always!
I love your suggestions for editing a room. I've been in the mood for spring cleaning. It's nice to know I'm not doing it alone!
ReplyDelete