There are only 4 days left in September so I wanted to check in with my goals and see how I've done.
Goal #1 was to get out into the garden. I would say that is 50% done. Our garden requires so much work. Without having a sprinkler system, a lot of time goes into just keeping everything alive. We did quite a bit of work in the front but all the side gardens need attention. So this goal will carry over into October.
Goal #2 was working on the inside. I did a lot of decluttering and rearranging this month which I plan to share with you next month. Today we plan to tackle the basement so my donation box will grow for sure. After today I'd say this goal will be complete!
Goal #3 was to go through my wardrobe. I shared that with you on Monday. While it is complete I know it's an ongoing task. One of my favorite shopping secrets is to buy anything that needs replaced at the end of the season when things are on sale. For instance the last 5 summers I've carried my wicker bag, but it is wearing out. The wicker is starting to fray and the handles are starting to separate. So last week I ordered a new bag from Frances Valentine. This is Kate and Andy Spades new company and has all the spunk of the original Kate Spade. The bag I ordered is sold out but they still have lots of gorgeous bags and right now an additional 25% off the sale price. Take a look if you are in need.
Goal #4 was to get the pantry and refrigerator sorted since Larry is now vegan. Gone are the traditional ice cream and cookies and in their place he's enjoying Trader Joes Soy Vanilla and their Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip cookies. All the shelves in both places were thoroughly cleaned and organized.
Goal #5 was to increase my exercise and I'm super happy to report that I've rejoined my Yoga gym. It feels so good to be back even tho I'm so sore!
I'm looking forward to October and seeing what I'll come up with. How did you do? We still have 4 days left!
Oh in case you're interested that's my Williams Sonoma Apron I'm wearing in the photo.
Happy rest of September guys! x
Great job! September went so fast. We are having our windows replaced this week. Looking forward to fall cleaning next two weeks and then the yard work since it is cooling down. Enjoy the blog :)!
ReplyDeletethank you jan. you'll be nice and toasty this winter with new windows. x
DeleteIT seems YOU Just PURGED!!!!!!!!How much stuff can a little woman like YOU accumulate?
ReplyDeleteYour GOALS are basically MY GOALS!!!!!I do have a watering system but it FAILS me EVERY YEAR!
I too wear an APRON!!!!!!!!!!
I love being able to wipe my hands dry on ME MYSELF and I!!!!
XX
yes i did a big declutter about 6 months ago. things accumulate, esp with little storage. it's something we have to stay on top of. x
DeleteWell done with your goals for the month! September just flew by, I can't believe Sunday is October. How is Larry feeling? My hubs has been on a vegan diet since August 14th (I started in July) and he is feeling wonderful. Lots of energy and he lost ten pounds without trying. Also he says he never ever feels hungry. Have to say I've spent most of the month cooking up new recipes and I'm loving it. Thanks for inspiring us to go plant-based Janet, you're such an inspiration. XO
ReplyDeleteps Love that apron by the way, it's so much your style!
larry is feeling great! he feels a lot lighter. i'm so thrilled you are enjoying the new way of life! xo
DeleteYou've done so well! My trip to Idaho with son/daughter-in-law was wonderful, I began an exercise DVD today, have canned some fruit, made out my menu for the first two weeks of October and given the dog a bath among other things. Tomorrow's a much needed massage. Still have to wash the windows. :)
ReplyDeleteoh that sounds wonderful. esp. the massage, so well deserved. xo
DeleteYou are so good! I have nothing to report. In my defense, I started a new job just before school started (I work for a school district) and am now in transition to another new job in the district! That's a lot of change in a short period of time. Only reason for the new, new job is it's a move up for me. Too bad about the timing, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Love the apron, love the outfit, especially love that blue pot with the fern in it!
ReplyDeletejeanine, oh a new job takes so much energy in every way. thanks for the compliment on the apron! xo
DeleteThis new thing of you posting so frequently is making me giddy; love it!
ReplyDeleteYou in the first photo with your utility apron - could be in a magazine spread; love it! You look dah-ling, darling!
As for my Sept goals, where the heck did Sept go anyway; sigh. When I make a 'to-do' list, I seem to be lucky if I get one out of 10 done/finished (but better than none, I guess; anything is progress). I've definitely got a Oct list started for the house - starting up the furnace again (hope it comes on; hope it works; fingers crossed; it's old, like everything in my house!); getting my five outdoor feral-cat shelters cleaned up and organized (fresh straw in them, too) for colder weather; one major trim-back/yard clearing with the expensive landscape guy we have no choice but to bring in twice a year to tackle the hillside (it's just too wild right now); a new tarp to cover one of the outdoor sheds in the absence of a new roof for it; my husband will be cleaning out roof gutters of leaves after all this blustery Santa Ana/East wind (could there be any more tumbleweeds on the roads right now?!); and I have a driving need to get out all the Christmas stuff and give 80% of it to Goodwill so that they'll have time to take advantage of the season to resell it and make some money for the charity. I've done this once already, but I want to pare down even more. I want to get back to the old days, when my parents brought down one big box from the closet and that was IT for our fave ornaments and a small amt of holiday decor packed away in it; was so much easier and just the right amount of things instead of all this GLUT of Christmas stuff I've collected over 'way too many years (time to let somebody else enjoy some of it). October (and May) was always my fave time to have a garage sale/yard sale but those days are over for me; my husband can't tolerate having them.
vicki we really should call in someone to help with the yard too. the trees are a massive effort and i don't know how L does it. it's so much work. good luck on the furnace and all i can say about paring down xmas decor is DO IT. it's such a relief having all my decor in one small rubbermaid tub. x
DeleteLove the apron.
ReplyDeletethanks CLG.x
DeleteGood for you! That's a very productive September. Do you actually stand and water your garden, and if so, do you find it meditative?
ReplyDeletethanks carolyn. mostly stand and hand water but in the really hot hot weather i'll use a sprinkler. we are on water rationing here so every other day in the summer before 12 noon. watering can be meditative but tbh, in the summer it's a chore! xo
DeleteGood work Janet...you've accomplished a lot in these past few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI have been on a thrift shopping binge...and the reason is because there are so many great things right now in the shops...I think everyone here is decluttering like you are!
I wear an apron while working here in The Humble Bungalow...mine is a beige rough linen one that has a big pocket in the front which is handy for secateurs and an array of things one finds around the house!
I see you are wearing the double denim outfit...I have been loving the new top that I bought thanks to your inspiration! Off to see what the Spades have for sale now...
i love 2nd hand shopping at the end of any season leslie. such good deals to find. always find the best things then! love the wicker bag you got! x
DeleteJanet - sorry to ask on another subject but do you recommend/use Jane Iredale cosmetics? I get so confused about mineral makeup - is it good for vegans / organic / cruelty and mature skin etc etc?
ReplyDeletejane iredale is a wonderful line. not everything is vegan and organic but almost everything in the line is ok for cancer patients to use. that's a big deal bc few lines get that seal of approval from the cancer society. it is cruelty free and fab for aging skin. their makeup has nutrients for the skin so that's a big plus too. go to her website and read the about page. they are open with everything. x
DeleteThanks so much, Janet! Off to look into them.
ReplyDelete