I love each season for its own unique characteristics we expect and anticipate. Harvesting, preserving, stocking up, and preparing for the cold winter months. I am enjoying the cooler, almost PERFECT weather we are finally having the last few days. Ahhh...

Somehow September is seeming to come with a sense of "renewing", or "refreshing", a time to assess what is maybe needing some intentional care from a homemaker, gardener, budgeting, and business standpoint. The first of the year and spring is all about the "new", while fall seems more like the "RE-fresh and RE-new" season. This week I have been doing some work outside in preparation for the dormant, cold winter months ahead. I know it is a bit early for Tennessee, but I'm able to work on cleaning the garden as things are slowing down. Our garden did "ok". I can't say it was a booming success but it's a process of learning and growing WITH the growing plants.

When I think of my grandma's seed starts, then her beautiful and bountiful garden each year, even our own family garden as a child and teen, I try to pull the details, the How To's from the deep recesses of my memory. When my efforts or accomplishments fall short, I remind myself it takes practice, study, and intentionality! Gardening and plants have so many "life" lessons! This year has definitely been much better than it ever has been before in our gardening world. There is still lots of room to "grow"! Pun intended. Haha! There is a time to plant, to harvest, and to let the earth rest, so in the upcoming "rest" or dormant & cold months, I want to study more about seeds, fertilizer, and soil.

So, I'll continue trimming, pulling weeds, nurturing, watering, transplanting, trying to recognize and adapt to the seasons, (literally and metaphorically speaking). All while I try to find and create good, budget friendly habits to support a healthy, thriving, and as self-sufficient as possible, organic home. Lifestyle. Our haven. Our safe place. It requires effort, balance.

We are in the process of buying Donnie's uncle's house. EXCITED! We will be remodeling it and plan to move in after it's done. It doesn't have as much land as we picture our Dream Home to have so we will see how long God has us there. I can't wait to move in and have more room!!! Of course, I'm also excited to design, organize, and decorate. I know it will be a lot of work but believe it will be worth it. Praying for this new venture!

Another way I am wanting to try to be more self-sufficient is by making our own shower gel, shampoo, & hand soap. There is more I would like to experiment with, but one (or a few) things at a time! I got my Castille soap and organic glycerin, and will add essential oils for scent and with specific purpose in mind. Contact me for the results or recipes if you are interested! Or come watch / help.