On a recent episode of the award winning Girl Talk show, we talked about establishing new hobbies in the New Year. Normally, I would advise anyone and everyone against adding to a schedule…I feel like I have “You can say no!” tattooed across my forehead when helping them declutter every aspect of their life. But.
My husband suggested (advised with seriousness) that I had needed and should look into something to allow myself positive me time.
In his defense, I said no to a whole bunch for the last four years—that I’ve kind of become extra weird with free time and free space.
I still go out with a lovely girlfriend to supper once a month with the occasional coffee & drive thrown into the mix…but honestly I’m home 90% of the time.
What did I do with that 90%?
I had (and still continue to improve) simplifying my house— tackling small weekend (and sometimes way too big to complete on my own) projects.
I continue to write several articles throughout the month that highlighted local politics, global savvy trends, and highlights of the community.
I’ve simplified my cleaning regime— and learned that the house is still lived in with seven people constantly calling it their home. It’s minimal for sure— but it’s easy for everyone to pull together AND feel comfortable.
I’ve simplified my meal planning and snacks…with the fun addition of a new meal to try every now and then. With tighter budgets and a champagne palate, I’ve started slowly facing the challenge of making better food at home. Sometimes it’s JBTS (Just Better than Sonic!) and other times it’s full on healthy, delicious, and dinner guest approved!
You’ve got to see my LATEST success story with this one new supper! It’s at the bottom of the post.
I’ve simplified my wardrobe and the family laundry system. I literally created a way for me to take the boys clothes and towels out of the dryer and put them away INSTANTLY in the laundry room.
I’ve started following closer to a lower food waste. I look consistently what’s in my fridge, pantry, and freezer.
I complete certain daily things out of habit…
Dishes and laundry in the morning.
Almost always make Brook’s coffee and the kids weekly fancy breakfast…(with the occasional splurge of course!)
Fancy literally means it’s a hot breakfast. I rotate between pancakes, bacon + eggs, or just simply toast. Fancy just means more effort than cereal.
My husband was satisfied with my care of him… the kids still always wanting time with mom— they were GOOD kids. They’d never say no to time with me.
But I needed time with myself.
Alone.
Not being a housewife.
Not being a writer.
Not being a friend.
Not being a mom.
Just being Rachel.
With being a mom for over a decade now—I hadn’t taken much time for discovering what I enjoyed now. If I still lived in the city, it would have been easy; but transplanted into the quiet, small town life created its own challenges.
In the city, I would have gone to the mall. Hands down.
Yep, I’m that type of girl… and what makes it more ironic…(could it be that I’m a devout minimalist who likes to shop???)
Add double weird.
I also enjoyed hiking at my slower than snail pace. But without a Cherry Creek Lane and the mountains of Colorado, those dreams would have to be reimagined.
I loved the quiet life of a small town. It made me feel at peace with having kids play outside, and the peaceful silent evenings with sweet dreams.
I looked into bow making. After all, a Southern Belle rooted in big bows would make sense and social times at craft fairs…But.
The commitment and level of difficulty for my not crafty created self… took it off the list quickly.
I looked at writing more…but I was satisfied.
I looked at cleaning more…but I was NEVER satisfied. I still disliked cleaning with a passion.
Nothing was lifting the aha moment, until one day the words slipped out of my mouth in a conversation I had with my husband through tears in a completely irrelevant (non-hobby) conversation.
“I used to walk all the time before we were married…”
And there it was.
I might not be able to hike mountains in Kansas, but I can absolutely walk around the town I set my family roots in to grow.
I loved walking Main Street.
I loved walking the park trail.
So…I started my old, new hobby of walking…and started looking forward to it everyday.
Maybe there is a hobby you used to love… maybe it was from seasons ago. Can we be brave together and find something we enjoy doing alone again?
Here’s the two recipes I tried in December!
Essie’s Potato Casserole
10 oz of shredded Swiss Cheese
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 30 oz Package of Hash browns (Thawed and Shredded)
4 tablespoons of softened butter
1 cup of sour cream
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Onion Powder (to taste)
Salt and Pepper
Combine everything together and set in baking dish.
Bake at 350 for 70 minutes
Tip: If you serve this for breakfast, save leftovers for another day’s dinner side. It will go great with BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker.
Emren’s Favorite Chicken
Chicken Breasts (We usually use 5-10)
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Salt and Pepper
Basil Pesto
Thick Sliced Mozzarella
Balsamic Vinegar
Salad Greens
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Top and spread basil pesto over each chicken breast. We use about 1.5 oz of pesto each.
Take two slices of Mozzarella Cheese and place on top of each breast.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with salad greens tossed with balsamic vinegar.
In his words, “It’s not a good dinner, it’s a great dinner. 10/10”
Simply Blooming Grace 