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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Keep It Simple


I made the sign a year ago to hang by the garage door, but it was in the way of our new gate.


I moved it to my potting bench temporarily and in doing so, I really thought about the message.


This week, I am


keeping it simple.


Yesterday I washed and folded 24 IKEA towels - Steve and I use them in place of paper towels.


I worked a little in the garden,


moved the table so Steve no longer gets scratched by rose thorns while we eat,


and planted flowers in the wicker basket.


I kept my goals simple for today too by sewing a bag for an Instagram friend,


cutting out a few Christmas items to sew,


walking to the park with Lulu,


cleaning the kitchen and then messing it up again


by baking brownies.


We have absolutely no plans for tomorrow other than keeping it simple.


We'll definitely walk to the park.


Maybe I'll make pillows out of the these IKEA towels.


Or maybe, I'll simply doodle all day.

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50 comments:

  1. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow October 20, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    So sweet. I love it. I use Ikea towels the same way. xoxo Su

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  2. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!October 21, 2015 at 12:55 AM

    Good Morning, I think we should all follow your lead and keep it simple.... some days that is just what we need.
    Have a lovely, 'keep it simple' day today.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  3. Castles Crowns and CottagesOctober 21, 2015 at 3:14 AM

    Keeping it simple when I come home from a difficult day is my way of surviving and finding joy where it's usually not found. The joy of simply sitting down, talking with a friend, looking out the window. Yes, keeping it simple is the way to be inspired for the next step of creativity! HI CAROL!

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  4. Kim October 21, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    I still love the sign Carol and the sentiment.

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  5. StaceyOctober 21, 2015 at 5:20 AM

    Honestly, I don't remember seeing your kitchen before. It's so perfect! I'm hanging my head in shame because you don't use paper towels. That's one thing I haven't given up. Keepin' it simple today. :)

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  6. ANNEOctober 21, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    beautiful! I wish I could relax but it doesn't seem to be in my nature - always seeing something I should be doing & getting up to do it. Enjoy your beautiful home and that beach!!

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  7. LaurieOctober 21, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    Well gosh, everything is simply beautiful!!

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  8. craftylesOctober 21, 2015 at 6:43 AM

    I have a few Ikea towels, but that is such a great idea. Also I was inspired by the last post-I moved my kitchen table over to my window seat and I think I love it/ So much roomier in my little breakfast area. Love the sign and the meaning! Have a wonderful day!

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  9. Sherry @ Thrift My HouseOctober 21, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    Simple is good! I need about a week of simple. But I'd probably complicate it! Your photos are so pretty Carol! I'm catching up today, beware!

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  10. bobbieOctober 21, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    And you do simple so perfectly!! Great post, and a wonderful message ~

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  11. Linda @ A La CarteOctober 21, 2015 at 7:35 AM

    Next time I get to Atlanta, I will stop at IKEA and get some of those towels. I have a lot of old one's I use as rags and that helps cut down on paper towel usage. I also use cloth napkins. Keep it simple, now I need to work on that for sure.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  12. FlowerLady LorraineOctober 21, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    Keeping it simple, relieves stress. :-)

    Love your photos, projects and lovely home as always.

    Happy Fall ~ FlowerLady

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  13. Sam I Am......October 21, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    Good for you! What beautiful outdoor scenery you have there. It's so nice to see other's surroundings both inside and out. I've been trying to clear out so I can have a simple life eventually! LOL!

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  14. SusieOctober 21, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    Love your picture Carol. We all need to simplify..here and there. Love your walking to the park spots. Your Ikea towels are wonderful. Hope you are still enjoying some simple times. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  15. podsoOctober 21, 2015 at 1:35 PM

    It seems you filled your simple day, but it was probably just what you felt like doing and nothing more. So that is good. I do love your new sign.

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  16. Row homes and CobblestonesOctober 21, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    Oh Yes, keeping it simple Carol I try... I use flour sack towels on every floor everyday. I buy them dozens at a time from Amazon, they hold up well as daily lapkins for John and I, plus they can be bleached. Same idea as your IKEA towels. Yup keeping it simple is a good start to end daily stress. Enjoy yourself as you relax in the enjoyment of the day. You're right there's so much beauty in simplicity.
    xoxo

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  17. KellyOctober 21, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    You definitely have the good life when you can pick and choose how you want to spend your day. Sounds dreamy to me! You may have kept it simple, but you got a lot done. I love the tote bag you made for a friend and the Christmas items you're working on.

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  18. ~Lavender Dreamer~October 21, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    I love the Christmas stockings! I better get busy sewing for the holidays soon! Hugs, Diane

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  19. MelanieOctober 21, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    Keeping it simple is definitely the way to go! Mmm, your brownies look good and very tempting!

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  20. LorrieOctober 21, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    The simple life is an appealing one at your place!

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  21. bj October 21, 2015 at 8:30 PM

    I just LOVE "SIMPLE"...in younger days, I was busy constantly...as I age, I realize I don't have to be busy all the time....I love retirement...I love the simple life.
    and I also love everything you do in your pretty cottage. You are very talented...

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  22. NanaDianaOctober 21, 2015 at 8:31 PM

    I love those simple days and they are too few and far between here. I love your sweet place. You home always make me feel like I am visiting-it's warm and welcoming. xo Diana

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  23. cynthia lee designsOctober 21, 2015 at 9:21 PM

    I use the same IKEA towels. I've been on a mission lately to keep my life more simple. I want to enjoy my retirement after doing shows for 30 years. Love the tote-bag...I just decorated some totes for all the ladies in my family.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  24. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseOctober 21, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    No plan for tomorrow seems the perfect plan to me!

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  25. Jackie @ travelnwriteOctober 21, 2015 at 10:00 PM

    Such a simple concept and sometimes so hard to accomplish!

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  26. handmade by amaliaOctober 21, 2015 at 11:52 PM

    What a lovely post, I felt myself relaxing just by reading it :-) I tend to complicate things whenever possible so simple sounds like a very worthy ambition to me.
    Amalia
    xo

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  27. Botanic BleuOctober 22, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    Carol,
    Love your simple life! What a great idea to use inexpensive dish towels instead of paper towels. The downside is the laundry. Also, love the red-checked fabric for the stocking.

    Judith

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  28. Celestina MarieOctober 22, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    Hi Carol, love this post and the older I get the more I want to "Keep It Simply" Love that sign and all your decor. I have a few of those Ikea towels too. Have a great day! cm

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  29. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsOctober 22, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    You make "keep it simple" look the best, Carol! : ) Even a simple walk to the park is eye candy. Love the tote you made with the red and white check lining. I love those towels from Ikea. I have to plan my trips to Ikea and its been a couple of years so I'm due. I'll have to remember the towels.

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  30. SarahOctober 22, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    Simple or not, life is definitely good at your cottage. I envy your beach walks. '-)

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  31. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaOctober 22, 2015 at 4:34 PM

    I so try to keep it simple every day but I just love stuff and doing too much! Maybe I need a sign to remind me! Love your post.

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  32. Joy JunktionOctober 22, 2015 at 7:59 PM

    Love your simple post of enjoying life! It's a best! Blessings, Cindy

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  33. Shabby chic SandyOctober 22, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    Your posts are always so bright and pretty! I love your keep it simple sign--I feel the same way but sometimes have a hard time adhering to that sign's message! I love a simple uncluttered look.

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  34. KathyOctober 22, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    That sounds like perfection to me!

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  35. DD's CottageOctober 23, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    Keeping it simple and going with the flow are two of my mottos to live by! Love it!

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  36. DawnOctober 23, 2015 at 1:58 PM

    The Christmas ornaments are adorable. How do you get in the Christmas mood with no snow? I spent one Christmas in Florida and it didn't feel like Christmas at all to me. I had to laugh at you moving the seasoning so no more rose thorn scratches. Also how do you clean your dish towel paper towels. I have the same ones and can't seem to get the stains out if I use them as paper towels? Maybe we are just messy here.

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  37. Ricki TreleavenOctober 24, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    I love the little Keep it Simple sign. So creative! I need to take the advice, I think!

    xo,
    RJ

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  38. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresOctober 24, 2015 at 9:59 AM

    Your simple days sound like a whole lot of fun to me. I think I'll take a hint from you and keep it simple today, lol. Beautiful treasures as always, Carol

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  39. Tea in the LibraryOctober 24, 2015 at 2:05 PM

    Keeping It Simple is a great plan.

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  40. Helen PhilippsOctober 25, 2015 at 2:03 PM

    Love the pictures, and especially the little sign and it's meaning.....think I will keep it simple tomorrow too :)
    Wishing you a happy week Carol.
    Helen xox

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  41. AnaOctober 25, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    Great post Carol...Looks like you had a simply wonderful day.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  42. JunkchiccottageOctober 26, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    Looking great Carol. Love all your "simple" touches. Your kitchen is looking so great. Have a great week ahead.
    Kris

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  43. Jen KershnerOctober 26, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    I LOVE simple! Those Ikea towels are the best, aren't they? They look perfect in your home too!

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  44. UnknownOctober 26, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    I need to remember to keep it simple as well. I tend to make things so complicated at times. Argh. Thanks for the reminder! xoxoxo Jen

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  45. corners of my lifeOctober 27, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    The photos on your blog are amazing.
    It was fun "stopping by".

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  46. Lowcarb team memberOctober 27, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    Sometimes it is just so good to keep things simple ...
    Love your photo's.

    Take Care

    All the best Jan

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  47. CarlaOctober 28, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    I just love that red plate with white polka dots.
    Your photos are awesome.
    Thanks for sharing a piece of your world

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  48. SueNovember 2, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Your photos look like paintings now, I love seeing everything.

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  49. Sand SuppliersNovember 6, 2015 at 1:32 AM

    Awesome doodles!! I liked it.

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  50. Carolyn PetersNovember 11, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    I LOVE the simple life, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my bag and gifts inside! But most of all I loved meeting you both. I will cherish my bag and think of you whenever I use it. I look forward to doing some fun things with it for the holidays.

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