My DIY Coral Project

Ever since I decided to decorate our master bath with a ocean/sea theme, I have been looking for coral decorations to use. I found some at Hobby Lobby, but I wasn't going to pay $20.00 for one. Also, I could never find it on sale or in a color that would go well with my bathroom colors. I also looked at other stores, but to no avail. So while I was perusing Pinterest one day, I came across a DYI pin for making you own coral decorations using spray paint and a piece of coral bought from Walmart's aquarium section. I thought this was doable and I knew I was getting some money for Christmas so I could make my own. 

I ended up buying mine at Pet Smart. I just couldn't seem to find what I wanted at Walmart. I paid a little more than I would have at Walmart, but that is okay. I bought 4 pieces; 2 of these pieces and 2 of pieces similar to this one. (I can't find the actual ones I bought.) I then bought 3 cans of spray paint all in satin; Ivory Silk, Green Apple, and Eden at Walmart. I want to create an ombre effect. 

I started out with the Ivory Silk. I had to spray on several coats to cover the bright yellow/orange and bright pink. However, I didn't mind if small sections of those colors still shined through. 

The next step was to spray on the lightest green which was green apple. I started at the bottom and went about 3/4's of the way up on the pieces. 

Next came the darker green ~ Eden. I started at the bottom and sprayed about 1/2 way up. 

 

Pleased with the final product, I moved them to their home on the edge of our tub. I paired them with 2 white seahorses I found on sell at Hobby Lobby and candles I already had from Walmart.

I know I spent a little more than I wanted and only saved a little money, but I did get the sizes I wanted and was able to tailor the colors to our bathroom. I would call that a win! Besides DIY coral decorations is simply a good thing! 

A Little Bit Of This...

A Little Bit Of That

This will probably become a regular feature around here. It will be a good way to share those little things that pop into my mind and can't be made into a whole post. So, here goes! 

• Walmart Savings Catcher: I am in love with this feature. We started doing this over 10 months ago and have gotten around $56 back. We bought our outdoor lights in the spring with some of the money. DH recently bought shorts and socks with some of the money. It is an easy way to earn some money back from something you have to do every week. It is easy to set up and to put in your receipt code. Just go to Walmart Savings Catcher. 
• DD's temporary job: Her job at our local library ended over two weeks ago. They are hoping to be able to hire her back for a permanent part position in the near future. Please, send up prayers for this to happen. 
• Planner Bandwagon: I have been lusting over a "Erin Condren" planner for a couple of years now. I was about the take the plunge when I heard that Michael's had just put out a similar planner and it was cheaper. So I headed there to check them out and ended up coming home with one. I think I am going to like it. Once I get into using it, I will put up a bigger  post about it. 
• Grill Mat: Apparently, these things are all the rage. My FIL ordered a set and gave us one to try. We haven't used it, yet. DH said he thought it would be just the thing to grill squash on. It is suppose to leave grill marks and impart the grilled flavor to foods. So, we shall see and when we do, I let you know how it turns out. 
• Outlander: I heard about this tv series and the set of books the tv series is based on from Brittany at "Life Of Charmings." As soon as, I read about it I knew it would be a series I would be interested in. I have read the first book and am on the second one. I love them. The story is great and it involves history and time travel. That is just what this semi-nerd loves. I hope to rent the first two seasons soon. 
• Computer Time: I was spending too much time on the computer during the day reading blogs and looking at Instagram accounts. This took time away from getting chores done and time I could using to blog. I was trying to find a way I could fit reading blogs and found that time in a round about way. DH recently bought a tablet so we could get on the net without being tied down to the desktop. It helped with my blog reading problem. I use the tablet a night to read blogs when DH has already gone to bed and I am still up watching tv. It was the perfect solution, because it was time being wasted. I don't like not making use of all the time available to me. 
• Back To The Docs: I went to see my doctor yesterday. My belly and thighs started swelling on Monday afternoon. They were still swollen on Tuesday afternoon when DH got home. He told me to call our doctor to get it checked out. I did and after talking to the nurse to assess the situation, I got an appointment for the following day. The doc said the swelling was from my belly being bruised by the seat belt in the wreck. He checked my hemoglobin just to make sure I wasn't anemic, which would indicate internal bleeding. It was fine. So, he sent me home and told me to take an easy for the next few days. So thankful it wasn't a serious issue. God is good! 

Well, that is all for "A Little Bit Of This, A Little Bit Of That." 

Living life simply and thankful for every minute of it! 

True Confessions

Today, I thought I would share of few things about the real me. It might get ugly and involve way to much TMI, but I don't want to come across as fake. So, here goes! 

• I don't make-up our beds every day. The longest they have gone without being made up is a whole week. 
• My house isn't always neat and tidy. At times, it looks like a tornado has gone through it or that it has been ransacked. 
• Mount Washmore kicks my butt most of the time and let my ironing pile up. 
• I am not a people person and think on the whole people suck. A lot of people have let me down and left bruises on my soul. So, I find it hard to trust and let people in. This makes me appear shy or stand offish. 
• I cuss like a sailor. Sad, but true. It is one of my biggest weaknesses. I blame it on my teenage years, because it is what bad girls did back when I growing up. So in my rebellious age, I learned real well. To this day if I get tired, mad, or stressed, I could make a sailor blush with the words that come out of my mouth. 
• I don't wash my hands every time I leave the bathroom. My hands are in soap and water most of the day anyway, so why bother. 
• I love to cook and bake ~ when I want to. Sometimes, it is a struggle to get a dessert made and supper on the table. 
• I get along better with men than I do women. Men have no pretense to them. They are who they are. Women wear to many masks and faces. 
• I wear make-up for special occasions such as a family gatherings and date nights with DH. Most days I look au naturale.

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse at the real me and I didn't gross you out or turn you off too much! Simply keeping it real! 

Snapshots; Part 9

Here is a glimpse into life around here lately!

We have had a lot of rain over the past few weeks. As a result our garden is doing well.

Our squash plants. I am so looking forward to grilled squash. Yummy!

The last of our lettuce.

Bell pepper plants and volunteer tomato plants.

My flowers are absolutely gorgeous this year.

Bee Balm flower.

More of the beauty

I am trying to bring as many as I can in for us to enjoy.

After weeks of hard work, our flower beds are weeded and in good shape. Although, I will have to start round 2 of weeding soon.

I love our brick patio area.

A decorative touch.

 

My daddy takes old sewing machines and turns them into tractors. This is his latest one.

He built the engine part of the tractor along with the gears, seats, and axels.

He has built 3 of them so far.

The last of our lettuce.

Miss Oakley posing much to her chagrin with a pretty flower. An update on how she is doing is coming soon to "A Life Lived Simply's" FB page.

Living life simply and simply loving every minute of it!

The Purpose Of "A Life Lived Simply"

As a follower of Christ, I try my best to live by the truths, principles, and wisdom found in the word of God. So when God laid it upon my heart to start blogging again, a few verses of scripture came to mind ~ Titus 2: 3-5. It is a scripture very near to my heart and one I have tried to live. I have tried to share what little knowledge I have learned over the years as a wife and a housekeeper with my daughter, girls in a Keepers Of The Home group we were involved in, and young women in our former small group. Yet, the desire to share with more women was there and God gave me a clear vision of how to do that by blogging. So, I am stepping out in faith with this blog and letting God take care about reaching those who may benefit from it.

I felt that part of the purpose of this blog was to show younger women just how fulfilling a simple life could be. With all the shows and voices out there giving so many mixed messages about what it means to be a woman, a wife, or a mother; I wanted them to know there was nothing wrong with being a submissive wife. There is nothing wrong with wanting to care for your home and stay at home with your children. I wanted them to know joy can come from doing simple things like working a garden or spending time enjoying a meal outside with your family. I wanted them to know it is okay not to be on the go all of the time or busy with some sort of activity. I wanted them to know that some of the best pleasures in life are often the simplest ones; like going for a walk, taking a ride in the mountains, or snuggling in the bed with your spouse and a fur baby to watch a movie.

So it is here through this little blog where I will write down and share all the things I have learned about being a wife, mother, and home keeper over the years. I will share cleaning tips, organizational ideas, and recipes. I will give the readers little glimpses into our simple life through pictures and stories. It is here I will share a little bit of my heart and my faith. So join me as I continue my blogging journey! 

If you know someone that may benefit from this simple blog, please let them know. Let me know to, if you have found this blog helpful. I would love to hear suggestions for posts you would like to see and what types of posts are your favorite.

ABC's Of Me; Part 2

I recently found another ABC prompt to use in order to let you know a little more about me. If you want to read Part 1 of the ABC's of me here. 

A: Age ~ 47 years old

B: Bed Size ~ King

C: Chore you hate ~ washing dishes

D: Dogs ~ 2 (Oakley and Snowflake) 

E: Essential start to your day ~ Breakfast

F: Favorite Color ~ Green, then Pink

G: Gold or Silver ~ Gold

H: Height ~ 5' 2"

I: Instrument You Play ~ Flute

J: Job Title ~ Stay at Home Wife/Mom, Finder of all lost things, Meal Fixer, and Calendar Keeper (Whew!)

K: Kids ~ Jacqueline (our angel) & Jessica (our blessing here on earth)

L: Live ~ in rural North Carolina

M: Maiden Name ~ Richey

N: Nickname ~ Salt Water Taffy

O: Overnight hospital stay ~ 3: Tonsils out age 5, C-section age 20, Hysterectomy age 41

P: Pet Peeve ~ rude people 

Q: Quote ~ "Every man dies. Not every man really lives." William Wallace from the movie Braveheart.

R: Righty or Lefty ~ Righty

S: Siblings ~ one younger brother

T: Time You Wake Up ~ around 8:00 am

U: University Attended ~ CCC & TI, App. State, LR University

V: Vegetable You Dislike ~ Green Beans

W: What Makes You Run Late ~ nervous bladder or tummy

X: X-Rays You Had ~ one of a broken bone in foot

Y: Yummy Food ~ Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Mexican Food, Beef Liver w/ Onion Gravy

Z: Zoo Animal Favorite ~ wolves, foxes, big cats  

Well, now you know a little more about me. I would love to learn a little more about you, so if you use this prompt anywhere on social media, leave me a comment with a link and I will pop by for a visit. 

Living life simply being me!  

Simply Me

A little over a year and a half ago, I started this little blog. I did so out of a calling I felt from God to pass on what I have learned over the years about being a wife and a mother. I also felt an urging to show that a life lived simply can be a life lived well. I have followed the calling and continue to feel that calling. So, I thought today I would start a relaunch of sorts and introduce myself again. 

I am a 40 year old (getting closer to 50) living in the South, which is more than a region it is a way of life centered around God, family, and food. I am a child of God and  have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I am trying to live my life in such a way that the love and glory of my heavenly Father will shine through. 

I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for almost 30 years now. He is my rock and the other half of my heart. I believe he was appointed as the head of our household by God. I believe it is my duty as a follower of Christ to submit to his authority, an authority that he doesn't abuse in anyway. I couldn't ask for a more patient, giving, understanding, and loving man.  

We have 2 daughters; one an angel in heaven and a blessing here on earth. She has an hearing impairment that requires the use of hearing aides. She also has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a high-functioning form of Autism. Needless to say, life can be very interesting around our house. We have fur babies; 2 dogs (Oakley & Snowflake), 2 cats (Copper and Bashful), and 8 egg laying hens. 

I am an individual that does NOT go along with the crowd. I am definitely more of a donkey than a sheep. I find my own path and take the road less traveled. I am not a people person and find it hard to let people in. I have been burned too many times by very close family members which has made it hard for me to trust. All of this makes me somewhat shy until I get to know you, then watch out, I can talk your ear off.

Political speaking, I am NEITHER republican or democrat. If I had to define my views, I would say I am a Constitutional Conservative. I believe the Constitution is a document of negative powers that is meant to keep the federal government from interfering in our lives. I also believe in the rights of the states. I believe it is up to individuals, churches, and charities to care for those in need. I believe the government welfare system created another system of slavery that is hard to get out from underneath. I believe our system needs to go back to a system that is for the people and by the people, not a system for the sycophants and by the sycophants. I know everyone has their own ideas and opinions. I will gladly listen to your views with great respect and will think over points you have brought up, if you will give me the same consideration. 

Socially, I am conservative and adhere to my Biblical principles and truths. However, I will NOT interfere or belittle your beliefs, as long as you don't try to impose your beliefs on me. Although I am a follower of Christ and will share my beliefs with you if asked, I will NOT impose my beliefs on you.  Live the way you want, but don't expect me to condone it. I will respect your rights if you will do the same for me. We can agree to disagree. 

Well, that is a little bit of who I am and what I believe ~ the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am a simply complicated person who loves fiercely and believes what I believe. I am simply me!

Memorial Day: All Gave Some & Some Gave All

On this day when we remember those that gave their lives serving and fighting for our country's freedom, I would like to pay special recognition to those that died during the Vietnam War. My daddy served in the Vietnam War and has been to visit the Wall. It impacted him by to see this country finally honoring the men and women who served and died during that War, because it was long overdue. NO, veteran asked to serve and defend our country should EVER receive the treatment our Vietnam veterans did, especially those that gave all. 

Pic via The Southwest Desert Lover.

The Wall

by Catherine Anne McNeill

I walked along that long black wall, with names as far as I could see.
Friends I knew in childhood now etched in memories.
I've touched their names so many times, remembered them with love.
I walk along, the rain pours down, tears from heaven above.

I watch a Vet, deep in thought, pain across his face.
He walks a mother to the wall; he's taken his friend's place.
She reaches out to touch a name, the one that was her son.
They pause together in the rain, their memories a bond.

The men who fought, the men who died, their names for all to see
Their lives so brief, fallen short, a page in history.
We can't forget what they had done, so many years ago.
Sacrifices they have made the bravery they showed.

I walked along that long black wall, crying in the rain.
For all those men who've touched our lives, we'll never see again.

28 May 2000

To all of those that served and died fighting for and defending our country, you have my family's sincerest gratitude! Your sacrifice will NOT be forgotten and your bravery will live on in our memories and our hearts. To those veterans that have passed on from this world to the next, thank you for the time you took out of your lives to serve and defend our country! The Sills' family honors and remembers you all!!!!

A Recap Of Our Mother's Day Weekend

We had the perfect weather for the Mother's Day Weekend. It was a little warm, but the sky was crystal blue and the sun was golden. Both of the gatherings to celebrate the special mothers in our lives were fun and relaxing. 

The celebrations started on Saturday night our DH's parent's house. Usually all of us fix a dish and serve my MIL a home cooked meal, with me organizing everything. This year I asked DH to talk to his father and see if he would get some sort of food for us and boy, did he. He also requested that I make some cookies which he thought would go well with finger foods. I made White Chocolate Walnut Cookies.

Publix has recently opened in our area and my FIL is very impressed with the place. He went to their deli and ordered a bunch of finger foods. There was so much to eat and the best thing about it was that Publix delivered it to the house. They also bought a huge cupcake cake that someone ordered but never picked up. We stuffed ourselves and then took plenty of leftovers home for lunch during the week. 

 

There was a pizza roll platter, a veggie tray with dip, croissants with different kinds of sandwich salads in them, a platter of chicken tenders, a tray of sub sandwiches, and potato salad.

All of it was delicious and all of us had our favorites.

My MIL insisted on a picture taking section and it was Mother's Day so we obeyed.

If you have a husband that has all brothers, then you will understand that DH was showboating for the benefit of those brothers in this pic. He pulled his shirt up and I was trying to pull it back down.

On Sunday morning, DH fixed the breakfast I requested for me ~ Country Ham Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, and fresh Strawberries. I found my mother's day present at my place at the table along with my card. They got me the box set of the Twilight series that I had been wanting for a long time. I love the movies but the books are so much better.

My thoughtful gift and card from my loved ones.

Sunday night, we had my parents down for supper. We didn't have a big family gathering because one of my nephews was doing his month tour with the Army Reserves, not to mention the rest of my brother's family was on the way to the beach. Even with all of that, I still wanted to do something special for my momma. 

I fixed pork tender lions, potato salad, baked beans, and watermelon. I was going to fix a coconut cream pie, but we had plenty of cookies and cupcakes from Saturday night. I knew the cupcakes would be a hit, because my momma loves grocery store icing. 

We sat our outdoor table up on our deck. I picked some flowers from my MIL's garden the night before to make a center piece for the table. The deck was nice and shady. The view was awesome and we had a really good time enjoying the beautiful weather, good food, and conservation. 

The flower arrangement

The table setting and the view.

The drink station. We served water and homemade lemonade.

The food and the desserts.

We was a wonderful weekend shared with most of our loved ones. I love days where we can simply celebrate the special people in our lives!

Catching My Breath

Good Morning!!!!!! How was everyone's Mother's Day Weekend? Mine was wonderful, but very busy with family gatherings. I am planning a recap post for Friday. I made sure to take a lot of pics over the weekend to put in a recap post. So stay tuned! 

The rest of the week, I am taking a break from posting. We are in the process of switching from well water to city water. The plumbers are coming in a day or two. I have flowers I need to dig up and move before they come or risk having them tramped on. I also am trying to get all of the laundry, including the cats blankets, washed while we are still on the well. Don't want to run the bill up right away. LOL! When you add that the washing on top of the clothes I didn't get folded over the weekend, I am looking at a HUGE pile of laundry to deal with. 

Have a wonderfully blessed week, everyone! I will be back on Friday, until then I will be living life simply! 

A Peek Inside My Pocketbook

Are you ever curious as to what other women carry in their purses or here in the South, their pocketbooks? I have to admit I have been especially when women carry really big purses. I just wonder what all they have to take with them everywhere they go. I know it is more than I want to lug around.

In the years past on other blogs, I have seen ladies post what is inside their pocketbook and decided I would revive that. So here is my pocketbook and all of its contents. 

I recently had to buy a new pocketbook. The Liz Claiborne I bought with some of my Christmas money a few years ago had seen its better days and was starting to fall apart. It had lived a hard life. I found this one a Walmart.

I liked its classy look and it was on sale. I would have preferred it in black, but was pleased with the brown. It has 3 sections to it, one of which zips shut. It also has a side pocket and a long strap for carrying it on your shoulder. I prefer using the handles and carrying it on my forearm.

 

In one of the sections, I put all of the little books I carry in. I have my "Grocery List & Expenses Book", a small book of Bible verses my brother and his wife gave me a long time ago for singing at the wedding, a small book of Bible verses for moms our church handed out one Mother's Day, and the little pink book is where I write down the errands and shopping lists (besides groceries) when I have errands to run.

In the other section, I have my wallets. The change purse is for one dollar bills and the bigger one holds all of my other financial needs. I have two cosmetics bags and a manicure set.

The contents of one of the cosmetics bags; brush, comb, small mirror,  nail clippers, nail file, chap stick, tissues, and lotion.

The other contains wet wipes, meds (Benadryl, ibuprofen, and Tyenol), band-aids, and an inhaler. The manicure set carries tweezers, clippers, and a small pair of scissors.

In the zipped section of my pocketbook is where my flip phone resides. Yes, a flip phone. I hate talking on the phone and would hate being available 24/7. So, NO fancy I Phone for me.

That's it! That is all I carry and want to carry. I keep it as simple as possible, just like the rest of my life. Living life simple is the life for me! 

What is in your pocketbook or purse? Leave me a comment and let me know! 

Snapshots: Part 8

Snapshots of life in the Spring around here at "A Life Lived Simply."

Miss Oakley resting on her bed of our throw blankets and her blankets.

Since Doc Hannah okayed Miss Oakley eating people food, here is a pic of the food she gets to eat.

I am so far behind on my weeding of my flower beds. They are a mess.

However, I am slowly making progress.

It is sad when you can't see the pretty flowers because of the weeds in front of them.

A small victory, but lots more work to be done.

All the work is worth when you see these beauties; a bearded Iris on the left and a Siberian on the right.

Some wildflowers and blackberry brambles.

I love when I can bring in fresh flowers from outside in.

Wildflowers make me happy. The white flowers are new arrivals. I have never seen them before.

I have been working on a DYI project for a while.

I will put up a post about it and reveal the finished product in a few weeks.

DH has kept himself busy by replacing parts on my car...

and learning how to build transmissions.

I have been trying out new recipes; like oven roasted asparagus and sauteed mushrooms. Both of them were Yummy!

Although we usually don't celebrate Cinco De Mayo, we decided it was a good excuse for eaitng Mexican inspired food. So I made "Everything But The Kitchen Sink Nachos".

To go with our nachos, I decided to make "Agua Fresca" which I saw being made on "Pati's Mexican Table." You can find the recipe here. 

It was refreshing and something different.

You can't go wrong with watermelon and cantaloupe.

Our Cinco De Mayo meal.

Miss Copper was stalking me as I was taking pictures.

I got a pic of the elusive Miss Bashful. She had just finished bathing herself.Both of them have been naughty. I found a dead bunny in the garden shed where they sleep at night. DH had to remove the poor thing.

Our garden beds are still a work in progress. Our lettuce and radishes are up. The onions I set out rotted in all the rain we have had, but I am NOT going to complain.

Our peas are up and so is volunteer lettuce. I still have cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and bell peppers to set out.

Springtime at our simple home is just beautiful.

We have been blessed with a lot of rain which has made everything lush and green.

I love our simple life out in the country.