Slices of Life

What on.... how?... I can't believe we are nearly 1/2 through January already! I'm not complaining though. I often feel like January, February, and even March can drag right on by. But I am trying to plan some fun things to look forward to every few weeks and enjoy this cozy season at home. I loved reading all the yearly reviews and intentions and goals and seeing so much hope and gratitude. I enjoyed last week's party so much and can't wait to see what you have to share with us today.  The link with the most views from last week's party: 2024- Year End Review A few that caught my eye: Green Check Skirt by Curated by Jennifer Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin by Homemade on a Weeknight A Distant View of Cassiebawn Castle Mountbatten in County Sligo by Image-in- ing This party will remain open until the weekend.  My hope is that everyone will share all sorts of wonderful posts: travel, recipes, how to's, crafting ideas, and more-- up to 3 posts per blog.  Anything tha...

 I'm taking a break from recapping our Hawaii trip this week but will be back on Monday with daily posts from our time on the big island. Welcome to the first Share Our Lives link up of 2025! This month we're talking about how we're saving time on chores.  Over the years I have tried so many different ways to streamline the household chores/cleaning.  Now I'm not always 100% convinced that they save time but they definitely make cleaning the house seems like a more manageable job.  Some things we've tried over the years:  First and foremost stop dirt in it's tracks. We ask that people leave their shoes at the door! That cuts down on a lot of dirt coming into the house.  Ask for help!  I assigned tasks to each of the boys and rotate who had what chore monthly (something that no longer works with Ian working full time and Alec away at school but it was so nice while it lasted). Make  it easy on yourself and others.  I put stickers on our washe...

 Our last full day in Maui, we decided to visit the Kula Botanical Gardens-- the one that we closing when we tried to stop on our first full day in Maui. We slept in a bit and enjoyed a lazy breakfast at/around the condo before heading out.  It was another beautiful, clear day!  We arrived at the botanical gardens around 9:30 and spent nearly 2 hours exploring. Evan and I took a crazy amount of photos and Alec brought along his sketchpad and pencil.  My photos are in no particular order and I threw in some of Evan's as well... enjoy the roundup! notice the flowers growing OUT of the pink fronds! I was obsessed with these hanging flowers The green balls are macadamia nuts; this was a macadamia tree There were a couple of gazebos  we saw ducks, cats, koi, geese, and more.  This tree had the neatest bark! There were statues and benches and mosaics walkways We got to see painted eucalyptus!  Pinks, greens, purples, so many colors you don't expect to see on...