This thread is for those little changes or goals that make each day easier or more enjoyable.

Though we have a dryer, we recently put up a clothesline in our backyard. This gets me out early in the morning to breathe in some fresh air. The early morning deep breathing makes a difference. One reason why I started doing yoga in the morning also. Anyway, I love the smell of clothes that have been dried outside so folding them is more enjoyable also. I'm sure carrying a basket of wet clothes outside each day will add up. Certainly better for me than taking a handful from the washer and just putting it in the dryer. I don't see honey complaining about the electric bill either.

Nice thread idea! My little things are:

• switching to 1% milk in my coffee instead of cream
• taking a walk break instead of a coffee break at work
• walking to the store whenever possible
• hula-hooping in the garage while listening to music during a rainstorm

Good idea!

I'm focusing on drinking more water (2L/day).

Being aware of my posture. No slouching!!

And I'd like to start a small garden this summer to help us eat more fresh veggies and to get me and the kids outside each day.

Casey

Oh and I forgot!! Just for me...just for fun...I'm going to bellydance everyday...and if I lose weight great!

Casey

Hoola Hooping and Belly dancing! What fun ideas!

A "home spa"....

I never really paid much attention to pampering myself in the bath.. Just a quick shower and got dressed. But now I really take time for myself. I've bought bubble bath, bath salts, lotions, exfoliating towels, etc etc..

And the big one.. I always wanted a nice white robe.. you know the ones you get to wear when you stay at a nice hotel.. But I could never see the expense of buying one. I broke down and bought one.. a nice one.. It makes SUCH a difference!!

I think I look forward to exercising even more now because I know that the showering experience will be a treat..

I love the idea of spending more time on yourself! Its so important to take care of your body even if you would prefer it to be thinner. I've decided to lose weight but while that is happening I'm still going to exfoliate and moisturize and all that other good stuff. I may even go get myself a fake tan this spring!

Casey

Here is a little change that I've noticed, and I'm going to start implementing regularly ...

I've lost over 40 pounds and I'm starting to notice it in my torso. I feel my sides and think, "Wow, imagine how this will feel when ALL the weight is gone!" I've decided that, rather than looking toward having that 'perfect' body, I'm going to enjoy my body every step along the way.

What a positive thing to say. Thank YOU!!!

Dishes....

I love pretty dishes. My husband says I am a little obsessed with them but it makes me happy so ....

I have a nice set so now I look for unique pieces. After spending time planning and cooking quality meals it only makes sense to have the dining experience as pleasant as possible.

I've read many threads where people use small plates so their servings look larger; I prefer to put small amounts of food on larger plates so that I can actually see parts of the plate underneath. I mean what is the sense of having pretty pieces if you can't see them.

Most of my newer pieces are made in Italy, Portugal, Korea, and Japan. It makes for a very eclectic dining experience.

Thats a fabulous obsession! Much better than shoes. I would love to have nice dishes but my kids are at that stage where a lot of things are still getting broken. We've gone through a half a set of corelle in three years. They maybe more resistant to breaking but when they break BOY do they break. Shatter really. I don't think we'll go with them again. I can't wait til it feels safe to get a new set that I really love though!

Casey

Having only 2 people in our family, we've never had the need to own more than a handful of dishes. I have a beautiful cobalt-blue set of 3 that is my favorite, but we also have some blue and white Correlles. Teenagers are just as rough on dishes as little kids ... they have their friends over, eat in the garage, and the rest is history.

Man! I'm never going to have nice stuff am I? Or maybe I'll have it I just shouldn't get too attached since it may not be around for long!

Casey

Exactly.. the dish breaks... my heart jumps and I sigh inside.. but outwards I just say, "It's only a dish... no big deal. I'm glad you weren't hurt. Let's clean it up."

The only breakable things I have that I am absolutely heartbroken over are things my children have made. I recently broke a sculpture. The pieces are in the closet. My heart is still in pieces as I haven't shown my son yet.

Bought dishes.. they are meant to be enjoyed.. used.. chipped.. and eventually either in this generation or the next or the next.. they will get broken. So it goes ... My children's hearts are more important than ceramic pieces.

This is what I'm going to tell my mom the next time she tries to talk me into "practical" dishes!

Casey