Hello Beautiful friends! If you haven't noticed yet, I am all about cozy. It is my language. I love slow and calm moments, even in the midst of busy must live life moments. Join me as I share about a much needed restful day simply saying yes to things that make me feel refreshed, slow me down and enjoy some COZY!
When our children were little, I read a parenting book and there was a suggestion to have a say yes day (within reason) with your kids. If they want to paint, then paint. If they want to cook with you, let them. If they want to build a fort, let them. As a very routine person and super type A I needed this balance in my life. It was a wonderful tip and it was foundational to me as a young mom.
Well, every now and then we need to say yes to ourselves too!!! I am an empty nester now and so it is a little easier BUT even when our children were at home, I was very good about balancing a day of slowness and coziness to recharge myself during our busy lives.
So, I had one of those days this past Saturday! I slept in. Enjoyed a cozy bath, cup of coffee, read my devotions and then ordered take out! YES! Yes! I did. I never ever do this but I did. I enjoyed my early lunch while reading and catching up on blogs and watching my favorite YouTube creators.
I picked up this delicious fall scented bath wash from Bath & Body! It is so perfect for this time of year.
I enjoyed a body scrub, face scrub, a face mask, and pampering my eyes and nails. LONG OVERDUE!!
While I was doing this I curled up in my cozy bed to finish reading my book on my Kindle. It was pretty good. I began reading it on vacation and finished it up on Saturday.
Then I continued curled up and watched an older Fall Hallmark Movie called, Falling for Vermont, that Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Blog suggested. I loved it. It was fitting for MY COZY day!
I decided I needed to move my body and work my mind a little besides staying in bed ALL DAY! So, I worked on my Book Nook and took an evening walk.
It was a perfect ending to a lovely SLOW COZY SAY YES DAY!!!
I hope this will encourage you to take a day, a morning, an afternoon or evening. Or even take an hour to slow down and get cozy. Say yes to something you keep putting off that will refresh you!!!
Hello, Beautiful friends! Welcome to this cozy spot! I am sharing our vacation adventures. We took a very long overdue vacation to celebrate a few years of missed anniversaries and vacations. Empty Nesting allows us to do this now. :) I am sharing our first stop as we travelled to Florida. Grab a drink and a cozy blanket and let me take you on a little trip.....
We hit the road bright and early from the good ole' state of Mississippi. We headed toward Tallahassee, Florida. This was our first stop of MANY stops. We started our explorations at Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla Springs, FL.
The first thing we did was hop on a boat to tour the spring. We saw a ton of alligators, birds, and ducks, and the sounds of these birds were absolutely amazing. One literally made a sound like a monkey. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it.
The boat ride was well worth the $7 a person. It costs a few dollars to enter this state park. There are many hiking trails, swimming, and so much more. We were pressed for time, so we just enjoyed the boat ride and made reservations to eat at the only lodge in a Florida State Park. It was good. Nothing fantastic, but it was nice to eat there after our boat ride. We planned our boat ride at 4 and then dinner at 5:30. It was a perfect plan.
I saw my first manatee in person. I know I shared this on Sunday, but I am so in love with them. They are gentle, loving creatures, so they say.
Wakulla had no shortage of wildlife. We saw more alligators here at this stop than we did on our tour in the Everglades National Park.
I had a hard time catching images of them because they were well hidden. But we did see a 12 ft one, according to the guide. He was massive!!!!! Here are a few shots of some wildlife and our tour.
The film from the 50's called the Creature of the Black Lagoon was filmed here as well as a Tarzan film in 1941. I could totally see how this location would be perfect for it.
This was the lodge where we had dinner and dessert. It had beautiful architecture. The Chocolate Torte was delish.
Here is a mama gator and she had some babies close by.
The spring was absolutely clear and and overall, I give this place a 4 out of 5 trees (trees besides stars when it comes to rating parks and outdoor things), and I would love to go back when I have more time to really take advantage of hiking the trails.
Hello Beautiful friends! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I had a beautiful Slow All Things Cozy Saturday where I said YES to things I wanted to do. I will share that tomorrow with you, but for today, I want to join Sandra at the Diary of a Stay as Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday! Check out Saturday and Sunday posts! I am glad to be back from our vacation. I hope to share more about our adventures this week.
The weather in my neck of the woods ~
HOT! That is all I can y'all! It is HOT! I am craving cool air!!!! Highs are the 90's all week and no rain. Lows 60's.
As I look at my window ~
It is partly cloudy with a little sun shining. Green leaves are starting to get more lighter!! Hope for fall coming!!
Right now I am ~
Finishing up my quiet time while listening to my instrumental cozy music. About to get moving and tackle the to do list!
Something fun to share (a blog, video, or tip) ~
Thinking and pondering ~
I am thinking about the deep cleaning and home projects I want to do and plan for the month, along with items I need to replace this year for fall needs. I am also thinking about all the busy things that are planned for this time of year that I have to organize for church and family.
I am thinking of creating a fall bucket list.
Planning my fall hikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On my bedside table ~
My Kindle and current reading and a cup of coffee with water bottle
What I am currently reading ~
I am starting to read all things cozy mysteries for the fall!!!! Check this one out here!
On my TV ~
YouTube instrumental fall and cozy playlists
Listening to ~
One of my favorite things is to have instrumental music playing throughout my day. Piano, indie folk, jazz or Christian instrumental music. I love Cozy folk indie by Andrew Gialanella and Solo Moody Modern Pianist James Malikey.
On the Menu this week ~
Monday- Seasoned Chicken Breast, Veggies, and Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday- No Cooking (Hubby has a work dinner & I have a dinner & movie with our daughter)
Wednesday- Smothered Chicken and Rice with veggies
Thursday- No Cooking (Hubby & Sons dinner out, and I have a church ladies dinner)
Friday- Sheet Pan Ham & Pineapple, green beans, baby potatoes with parmesan
Apple Dumplings for dessert
Saturday- Homemade pizza night
On my to-do list ~
Personal quiet time
I have a lot of church bookkeeping to catch up on since I was on vacation for 10 days
Laundry
Do checkbook and pay bills
Vacuum
Start getting fall boxes down from the attic
wash car (it is covered in bugs from our trip)
make church deposit
water plants
grocery shop
Pick up some medication
Walking
What I am creating ~
I am working on a book nook. These are little things you build and create that are like miniature bookstores that light up. If you are a book lover, then you will love these little nooks to add to your shelves. I am almost finished with this one.
My simple pleasure ~
This week, it is cozying up with a book or watching an inspirational YouTube video and some chocolate.
I would love to hit a trail. Nature and hiking are calling my name.
Looking around the house ~
I see subtle hints of cozy as I slowly transition from late summer to fall. I see a collection of cozy books, fall candles, and new soft white bedding that I am planning to add "fallish" color throws and pillows to add the autumnal feel. I also see very neglected windows that need a good scrubbing on the outside.
From the camera ~
Cozy at its best! Isn't this lighting divine?
Bible Verse, Prayer, Journaling, or special devotional ~
I hope you have a fantastic Monday!!! Go pop in by Sandra's sweet spot (Link above) and join in. I love reading about others' day and weekly menu plans.
This past week we explored many areas of Florida. From a Manatee, gators, and Anhinga (snake bird or water turkey) to an Eagle, more gators and birds at St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge, to again MORE gators at the Everglades along with more birds.....
My first time seeing sweet manatees!!! I learned some great facts about these precious "sea cows.:
The Anhinga was showing off!
Do you see what I see????? Having a little sunny sun!
The eagle is one of my favorite birds! For the first time ever, I got to see one so close! It made my day. It was literally right by the road, enjoying its view!
Another precious friend at St. Mark's NWR.
The Everglades National Park was a nice experience! Hot as all get out, though.
Look Close!!!!!! Oh, this critter is just soaking!!!!
I am linking and joining up with Eileen at Saturday Critters!!! I love seeing all of the wonderful posts of nature and creatures!!!
Hello, beautiful friends! I am back!!! Back from a VERY HOT vacation. I'm eager to share our trip experience. I also cannot wait to share all things FALL. This time of year, many of us are bombarded with Autumn posts, ideas, videos, and so much more. Guess what...Well, I will be bombarding here and there as well. :) Today, I want to share a few favorite fall quotes, sayings, and ideas as I sit here dreaming of the days that feel cool. Because right now I am crisping in the heat 😅. The South is not for the faint of heart. Our fall really doesn't feel like autumn until October. So, to me, fall is October. I consider September late summer and preparation time for fall....
Do you have a favorite from list above that you like to bake this time of year? I want to try the Apple Cinnamon Donuts this year. I also plan to do Apple Butter this month and Pumpkin Butter next month. It is a tradition for me.
I want to interject here.... Thank you for the kind encouragement and prayers for our son, who had a wreck a few weeks back. I appreciate those who understand having a prodigal and the worry and scare it can cause. TO THE RUDE COMMENTOR....
Your comment was not published (well, it was removed). Apparently, you are perfect and truly never made a mistake in your life (tell us your secret), or you have forgotten grace and life lessons. Why make a comment if you are going to punch a little harder in the gut of a mama that has just already been gut punched, that we could have lost our child? Also, if you have to make yourself anonymous, then you hide who you really are and aren't brave enough to show your true rude colors. Mama bear will come out.... Just saying.
BACK TO POSITIVITY.....
I found this super neat printable on Pinterest. They actually have them for each month. I will be putting this into action this month.
~What is your favorite and least favorite fall chore?~
My favorite chore to do when fall arrives (this means when cool fall weather arrives for me) is to clean and freshen our front porch. I love going to a local produce stand and getting a few plants, changing out our front door wreath & rug, washing the porch, cleaning the windows & door, and making it welcoming.
My least favorite chore is getting into the attic to get my decorations down for the fall. It is just tedious but well worth it.
I love having Bucket List! I have a yearly one and I made a graphic for my wallpaper on my computer for the year. I have done all but two things for 2025! I can't wait to share.
A photo challenge sounds fun!!!!! I may do a little of this!!! Do you like doing photo challenges?!
As I wrap up this post, I want to share, I have so many fun posts planned for the next few weeks and a GIVEAWAY!!!
I love the old format of traditional blogging. For those who have that nostalgic heart and miss that, you have come to the right spot!
Good day, beautiful friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and Labor Day. I have been busy preparing for our vacation. We leave on Wednesday and will be away for quite a while. I will not have internet access very much. But when I get back, I will be so happy to share our adventures.
This weekend was a very challenging one. I will always try to share joy and positivity in this little space BUT I do think authenticity is important. I want to share a miracle and how my mama's heart is so thankful.
This verse hits close to home Sunday. We had a busy weekend preparing for church and for our long vacation. In the middle of that, we had planned a family day on Sunday following church. We had all kinds of yummy food planned and a special movie time with all our young adult kids and their significant others. I got up Sunday morning around 6:15 to begin cooking and to get ready stuff before church. I had to lead worship and be at church early. It was just one of those BLESSED but BUSY "planned" days.
I got a phone call from our youngest son (he is a prodigal) and it was at 6:38 a.m. while I was cooking. I knew something was wrong instantly. He had been in a wreck. He didn't really know what happened fully. He had ended up in a parking lot but didn't know how he even got there. He wasn't sure when he had the wreck, he just knew that his head and face hurt very bad and his car was damaged. He says he feels he remembers running into a concrete barrier on his driver's side, but he said it was very vague. Nobody else was involved or hurt. No other vehicles either. We believe he fell asleep.
To keep this post short.... IF IT WASN'T for the GRACE, MERCY, PATIENCE, GOD'S PROTECTION, MAMA'S PRAYERS, GOD's DEEP LOVE, DADDY's PRAYERS, FASTING, and HIS WINGS COVERING our youngest son, we know that I could be writing a different post.
Our minds and hearts are in so many places right now. There was much more to the story and the hardship we had to endure that is related to this, but to respect the privacy of our son, I will not go any further. I will say I PRAISE the LORD for His love and patience with our son. I praise Him because I know he hears my husband's and my prayers. His siblings had to go through a lot this weekend, knowing this could have been a tragic thing. Our family and our children are very close. So, it was a very upsetting weekend. One thing I do believe it did was give a little wake-up call to our son. Which was needed. Please be in prayer for him. His name is Kyle. He is an amazing beyond talented individual. I have faith the Lord will lead Him back to Him.
Thank you for understanding my lack of posting over the past few days. It may be sporadic until I return from vacation. I will be honest, we have really been worried about leaving with the current situation. But it really isn't a way to cancel. We have made sure he is safe and his older siblings are in their early and mid 20's so we know they are available for him locally 24/7.
Hello, Beautiful friends! I hope you have lovely weekend planned. Maybe it is going to be slow and cozy or packed full of life (nicer way to say you are busy😁) I hope it is filled with joy. With further ado, I would like to share a small post about where I was last year at this time. I would like to keep it as a memory on my blog. So, enjoy and share if you have been before to the place before!!
Our daughter last year did an internship in Estes Park, Colorado, for the Rocky National Park. We are deep southern people, so this was a wonderful experience. We took a road trip to see her this time last year. I have soooo many pictures and so many more beautiful ones compared to these. But the ones I am sharing are the ones that are easily accessible and have a special moment. I will probably do a longer post about my experience but for today a short glimpse is all I planning to share.
I love to hike. I have been hiking on and off for years but over the last two years I have hiked consistently and experienced so many amazing places. This was my first time visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park. A picture COULD NEVER explain the way I felt. This was literally one of the most beautiful and refreshing places I have ever visited. I loved the hikes and the view. We drove a sketchy road all the way to the Alpine Center at 11, 796 ft above sea level. It was fantastic. Oh, and yes, you will see me in shades a lot even when it is cloudy. I was having major altitude sickness and vertigo. Keeping my shades helped alleviate the brightness from the clouds. I know that makes no sense. But it did.
The weather was nothing I like I have ever experienced. One-minute, warm 70's and sunny and then in a few minutes it would be snowing and 28. It was majorly overwhelming hiking like that. It would rain one minute, snow mix one minute, sunshine and beautiful one minute. I am serious all in one day and all in a few hours.
We came across a moose literally right in front of us. Like 30 ft away. We had stay put for a long time to let it cross. We came across two elk bugling and fighting. It was rutting time. Literally, they were locking antlers. It was pretty nerve wracking. We also had to stand still for a long time until they moved off the path. If you have never heard an elk bugle. Look it up. It can be intimidating for sure.
I love funny hiking shirts. I also collect Bigfoot things!!! I just think it is fun and cheesy!!!
While this saying is funny, it can actually be dangerous. :)
This photo was after I finished a hike. It was an achievement. A moment I will treasure.
Last year (2024), I hiked 168 miles total. I hiked in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Colorado. I set goals every season of miles I wanted to hike. It was a great challenge and one I hope to do again next year. I took a break last year just to enjoy hikes and not focus so much on clocking mileage. I also burned myself out a little. I have hiked a good bit this year BUT NOTHING like last year. We also had a milder summer last year opposed to this summer. I did a ton of hiking last summer. But this summer was very minimal. I try to hike at least weekly during my hiking seasons. In the hot summer months, I like to hike at least one hike a month, but I like to hike two times. I didn't do that this year. My last hike was the last week of June. I am itching to get on the trail. I can't wait...
Floridia Hiking is coming up in a few days. I will hit a state park and then hike some in Everglades National Park. 🥾
DO YOU HIKE? DO LIKE NATURE WALKS? ARE YOU AN OUTDOORSY GIRL? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE EOCKY MOUNTAINS? MAYBE YOU ARE A WATERFALL CHASER??? I would love to know your answers!!!
Welcome!!! I am a wife to a Pastor & Homemaker. A little about me...I love Jesus. Reading, nature, outdoors, hiking, walking, 5k's, tea parties, tea time, all things feminine, diamond painting, coloring, wax sealing and stationary art, cave and cavern exploring, cruising, traveling...all while balancing each new season life throws. I also like serving in my local church and volunteering where I can. I love to teach and lead bible studies for women. I enjoy hosting book clubs too!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
