Tag Archives: Laura Bruno Lilly

Declutter

Posted on January 1, 2024 | 18 comments

I read a wonderful blog post by the Other Laura last night. She interweaved some personal reflection with a project that she was finishing up and that gave me some thoughts of my own.

Laura defines fun as “in the moment and feeds the need in the now before it withers”.

She defines happiness as “a quest that requires vigilance and can become myopic – in some respects it is frustratingly elusive and not easily sustained”.

I see the two terms as intertwined. Can one have fun without happiness?

I see happiness in terms of the state of my well-being…my contentment. I don’t think it has to be an elusive quest. In fact, I think it is intertwined with gratitude as well. The more fun and gratitude that I have, the more I am happy.

2023 was my most fun year in a very long time. Previous years were tough for me. Some of that toughness was not of my doing. But, in retrospect, some of it indeed was. If I had practiced a gratitude attitude, I am now sure that some things would’ve been easier to deal with.

Pity parties of one are so easy.

Some of what made 2023 so fun was that I had more gratitude (The first complete year without any water issues! Yes, I can honestly say that I am grateful to clean the toilet!). I had more time to visit with family…so precious and so grateful! I had an epic road trip…so much fun! I explored more genealogy (fun for me to learn that I am a descendant of Governor William Bradford and Susanna North Martin as well as learning other family stories). I baked more (and gained pounds)…I love to bake! I have so much to be thankful for…more than I can list here!

I suggest to declutter as much stress as you can! 2023 was less stressful for me and that definitely brings on a state of well-being…happiness.

I believe decluttering relieves stress! My pantry/laundry room/closets/attic spaces have been cleaned and decluttered and I feel great about that! No photos to show, so you will just have to trust me. The Hubster and I have spent the end of 2023 taking care of stuff. Starting fresh in 2024! We don’t live in a sterile environment, not by any means, but we know what we have and where it is (most of the time).

I have joined Karen’s 2024 Declutter Challenge (clicking on the photo below, or in the side bar, will take you there).

I did this challenge last year as well. Karen takes the process in baby steps and makes it fun!

Another way that I am decluttering is by joining the Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge.

I am using this challenge as fun motivation to clear out “stuff” from my sewing studio as well as from my mind, leading to contentment.

Number 6 was chosen, so I’ll be working on the Santa door draft kit. Looks like I will have this one finished before Christmas!

A very fun and happy 2024 to you all!

18 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged 2023, 2024, Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge, contentment, Declutter Challenge, fun, goal setting, happiness, happy, Laura Bruno Lilly, LCsCottage

The Other Laura’s Post-Cardamom Bread

Posted on May 24, 2021 | 21 comments

My online buddy, the other Laura, posted a recipe for Cardamom Braid Bread, and I had to try this! So this post is for you, Laura!

The above photo shows the braids after the first rising, but before the second.

The milk and sugar were brushed on in the photo above, and the braids are ready for baking.

Hubby and I couldn’t wait to try this bread!

Fresh baked and smelling so good!

This recipe is not difficult to do at all! I had an enjoyable morning bread baking.

Thanks so much, Laura!

21 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged bread baking, cardamom bread, Laura Bruno Lilly, LCsCottage

Outstanding Blogger Award

Posted on March 21, 2021 | 21 comments

I have been nominated for the Outstanding Blogger Award by my blogger friend, The Other Laura. In view of the various definitions that Laura shares, this may, or may not be, an honor. However, knowing her as I think I do, I take it as an honor and thank her for it.

With the acceptance of this award, comes the privilege to answer five questions that Laura has prepared.

What’s the first thing (or two) you’ll do once you ‘get your shot’ and/or the world otherwise opens back up after the Pandemic?

At this time, I am not planning to get ‘the shot’. As an essential worker, I have worked straight through this entire pandemic. I have been exposed several times. I do realize that I could be a carrier. For me, the jury is still out on ‘the shot’.

The pandemic hasn’t changed my lifestyle all that much…with the exception of this cursed mask. The first thing I shall do is get rid of the mask! I might even throw my own private party in honor of liberation from the mask!

What makes you break into your ‘happy dance’?

Road trips. Short road trips. Long road trips. Everyone needs some adventure in their lives!

I am blessed to have a fantastic family, so trips to see family are always happy!

My garden makes me happy. There is serenity amongst the fragrant blooms and the busy bees. It is somehow comforting to get my hands dirty digging new beds and pulling weeds.

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

English was my favorite subject in school. Although I haven’t pursued writing, I have inconsistently kept various journals. I have always enjoyed reading, and appreciate that my teachers introduced me to classics. As my children were growing (they were homeschooled), we enjoyed a lot of story time classics, both as a family (read aloud) and on a personal basis. I am happy that they have passed on the love of reading to their children!

Which of your blog posts is your favorite and why? Please provide a link.

This was the hard question for me. My blog began in 2011, mostly because I had an online fabric shop and I wanted a way to connect with customers. That changed. The shop has long since closed and the blog has become more personal. I think of it as my journal. The blog is where I record projects in various stages of completion, road trips, and my gardening efforts. There are good memories recorded here…gifts made and given, favorite places that I have visited, blooms that have cheered me up. The blog is still a way to connect, but that is more personal, too. I have met some wonderful blogging friends…friends to share encouragement with.

I created various tabs on my header, making it easy for me to reminisce about my travel experiences, or admire my own creative gardening/project efforts.

I share my faith in this link.

I share a reminder to remember those who work hard to make our lives better in this link.

I share time management tips in this link.

Coffee, tea or ????

Tea. Black tea. White tea. Green tea. But not red. I have a cupboard full of teas. But for the sentiment, I might have cried at the Boston Tea Party.

My questions to the next nominees are as follows:

Which lifestyle are you most comfortable living…cluttered or organized?

What is your favorite quiet place?

To party hearty or enjoy an intimate gathering?

Early to bed or a night owl?

What makes you accountable to your goals? What keeps you motivated?

To quote The Other Laura, “To those nominated, there is no obligation to take up the challenge of answering and asking the questions. If you do accept, then please answer the questions, nominate 5 other bloggers and then compile a set of 5 of your own questions.”

I nominate: