Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Feb 6, 2012, 10:46 am
“There is always something to miss, no matter where you are.” ― Patricia MacLachlan, Sarah, Plain And Tall Every Sunday afternoon we go to Mama's to visit, eat together and watch a movie. This week we watched Sarah Plain and Tall which is my personal favorite. Set in Kansas 19...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Feb 5, 2012, 6:56 am
It has been a busy week, but I have so much to be thankful for! This week, I am thankful for: ~ Becoming better aquainted with a lady whose husband is friends with my husband. ~ A really good night of sleep. I went to bed a little before 8pm last night and slept soundly. ~ Watching the electric bill...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Feb 1, 2012, 7:07 pm
I went to the doctor for my post-op checkup. She said I looked great and was very pleased with my recovery. After next week I can begin using Mederma on my scar. I can't begin to describe how wonderful it feels to be pain-free after suffering for 18 months with constant pain towards the end! It's be...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 29, 2012, 8:32 am
This week I am thankful for: ~ Simple days at home. ~ Inspirational books. ~ Joyce Meyer broadcasts that can be viewed online. ~ Positive thoughts and encouraging others. ~ Beautiful weather. What are you thankful for this week?
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 29, 2012, 2:28 am
Last January I became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. I was working in food service part-time and was not happy. I missed being home with my girls and having the time and energy to work on my house and do things with my family. Mary Kay seemed ideal. I could be self-employed, plus it offe...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 26, 2012, 10:03 am
art by Susan Rios We are expecting bad weather today. Thankfully, I've done the grocery shopping this morning and now have everything I need here at home to make meals. I plan to spend my day making sweet tea and baking brownies for dessert. I will putter and tidy up around the house. I will engage ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 25, 2012, 1:25 am
These days I find such peace and contentment here at home as I am learning to slow down and be mindful in my homemaking. I realized that homemaking is never done and so I no longer attempt to finish it all in one day. There will always be dishes to wash, laundry to do, floors to be swept, etc. Now...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 24, 2012, 6:15 am
Today I thought I would share a few of my collections with you. None cost much at all, but I love them and they make me smile. That's the most important thing in decorating, isn't it? Love. I adore these colorful glass bottles! They are small, but the colors are so pretty. They were thrifting trea...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 23, 2012, 10:37 pm
Today I decided to change up the pictures in my living room. This large wall looks a little plain at the moment, but I will make do with it as it is until I find the perfect pieces to add to it. This is now my picture gallery wall. I am going to get my Mama to build shelves that fit the length of t...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 22, 2012, 10:08 am
This week I am thankful for: ~ Spring-like weather that allow me to leave the windows open day and night. I love the way the curtains billow in the gentle breeze and being able to hear the birds and crickets. ~ Mindful homemaking. What a difference it makes! ~ Thrifting treasures bought for a song. ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 21, 2012, 8:25 pm
Today I decided to work on my sunroom. It was in dire need of a good cleaning. I wish I had taken before pictures for it was bad! The right side of the room... Pretties displayed atop the entertainment center... The left side of the room... Kenzie's keyboard and art easel... This room will even...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 20, 2012, 9:15 pm
The light in my office has taken on a life of its own. It goes off and turns on again at will. So I determined to remedy the situation myself for the time being. I unhooked the printer that no longer works with my new Windows 7 operating system and replaced it with a lamp from the bedroom. I'll make...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 19, 2012, 8:17 pm
(Returning Home by Daniel Ridgeway Knight) I puttered around the house today tackling a few small odd jobs that often get neglected in the rush of daily life. I took my time and enjoyed bringing order and beauty to our home sweet home. Over the last three weeks, I have had alot of time to examine ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 18, 2012, 5:21 pm
As promised, I return today feeling much better and to show you a few of my Valentine pretties! This is my large picture window in the living room that overlooks the front porch and yard. I put up Valentine window clings. The red and white hearts are paper doilies stuck to the glass with a dot of E...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 17, 2012, 12:09 pm
Yesterday was a miserable day all around. Seems I came down with a stomach virus. It is so rare for me to get sick - which is a good thing because I am a big baby when ill. I just don't like it! Thankfully, I remained fever-free last night and slept well. I think I am on the upswing! I plan on takin...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 15, 2012, 9:24 am
This week I am thankful for: ~ Phone calls from my love. It's always so nice to hear his voice though we are thousands of miles apart.  ~ Adding Valentines touches here and there to add a little festivity on these bleak Winter days. ~ Curled up on the couch with a blanket, our three doggies and my...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 14, 2012, 12:58 pm
Next month will be two years since we bought and moved into our home. It is a three bedroom, two bath house built in the 1950s and though it is on the smallish side {1,700 sq. ft.}, I love it! There are a million things I would love to tackle, but my primary goal this year is to pay off as much debt...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 13, 2012, 1:38 pm
Here is my menu plan for January 13-19: Friday: Ham & Noodle Casserole Saturday: Beef tips, rice & gravy with green beans and buttered rolls Sunday: Dinner with Mama Monday: Chili Mac Tuesday: Chicken nuggets, mac & cheese with green beans Wednesday: Pizza Thursday: Lasagna, corn, rolls I am attempt...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 12, 2012, 11:21 pm
Just finished paying the bills for the month. My expenses have been rather low. I am sure not being able to get and about much has helped with that. :) Before Alfred deployed we had gotten behind on bills. At his civilian job, he is not paid an hourly rate, but book hours which means it goes by the ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 11, 2012, 7:41 pm
Practicing self-care does not come easy to me. I am used to making sure everything gets done that needs doing, putting my family's needs first and not asking for help. But these past two weeks have taught me that self-care is a good thing. I have had no choice but to ask for help. It is a humbling p...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 10, 2012, 5:48 pm
It's been a napping sort of day. The day has been gray and rainy. The trees with their bare branches sway in the wind and the house is dark. It is a Winter lullaby. With no where to go and nothing I must do, I allow myself to succumb to slumber. Obviously I need the rest because sleep comes so e...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 9, 2012, 11:50 pm
Today I was able to do a tad more on the house. I also ran to the grocery store to pick up a couple of much-needed items and thankfully was not out of breath! Next a quick trip to the library to pick up the books on hold for me. Came home to find a package in the mail for me! Last week I had ordered...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jan 8, 2012, 7:14 am
This week I am thankful for: ~ Feeling so much better since my surgery and no more chronic pain. ~ My family who took care of me and ran errands that I could not do. ~ Beautiful weather. The calender says it's Winter but the fast few days have felt like Spring with highs in the 70s and lows in the 5...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Oct 9, 2011, 6:29 am
This week I am thankful for: ~ Moist, delicious chocolate cake. ~ Each precious minute I have to spend with my husband before he deploys. ~ Having time to read and thoroughly enjoying it. ~ Working in my home to create a cozy nest for my family. ~ That the days, while still warm, are not stifling ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Oct 8, 2011, 12:28 pm
There is nothing I love better than decorating my home on a budget! With a little creativity and a willingness to DIY, you can make a beautiful home without spending a lot of money. I purchased this little wall sticker at Dollar Tree for $1. I placed in the dining room over the entry way to the ki...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Oct 8, 2011, 11:33 am
I love changing up the look of my home - inside and out. Earlier this week, I decorated the front porch for Halloween. Below: An Autumn garland with Halloween-colored mini-lights with tombstones and a haunted house figurine tucked in for interest.  At night, so you can see the lights....  My ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Oct 7, 2011, 10:09 am
Being home, I now have a little more time to read than I did while working. I really missed reading good books! My current selections are: Maris by Grace Livingston Hill Green River, Running Red by Ann Rule(I like true crime books!) A Year on LadyBug Farm by Donna Ball(A re-read, but I love it!) Key...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Oct 5, 2011, 8:14 pm
Last night, my neighbor across the street gave me a whole bunch of home goods she was going to take to charity. I spent the day fluffing my nest, making it cozy and warm for the Autumn and Winter months. The little round table, lamp, and faux plant are new additions to our home along with the flora...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Sep 26, 2011, 6:02 am
Thanks for returning for my home tour! Today I am sharing the dining room. I created an Autumn centerpiece with items already on hand on our lovely table. The freezer I moved into the kitchen used to be beneath the posterboard . I love how open this space looks now! You can also see into my office...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Sep 25, 2011, 6:00 pm
While my husband's been gone for training for his upcoming deployment, I have been busy deep-cleaning our home. Let's begin in the kitchen, shall we? This is the shelf above my sink that I decorated for Autumn with things I already had on hand. Looking into the kitchen from the dining room. I move...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Sep 6, 2011, 10:22 am
After many days of rain, the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee have finally moved north and in its wake there is sunshine and cooler temperatures. Oh, it is so beautiful out! We are to have Autumn-like weather all week long! That's a good thing because I have a lot of yard work to catch up, plus there ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Sep 1, 2011, 12:54 pm
Last night Alfred, the girls, and I went to church. I liken it to a homecoming. We have a history with these people and they are like family to us. It had been much too long since we have been to church and I have greatly missed it! I was thankful to get my grocery shopping done fairly early this m...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Aug 30, 2011, 3:30 pm
I expected there to be a bit of an adjustment period with my coming home from the working world. This past week has been fabulous in the fact that I am no longer punching a time-clock, but at the same time I feel a bit adrift and disconnected from my home. As August is coming to a close, I am looki...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Aug 24, 2011, 8:24 pm
I am once again a full-time homemaker! No longer do I have to work according to someone else's schedule. My time is my own and it is heavenly! I have spent the past two days cleaning, cooking and working on projects that I haven't had the time or energy to get to while working outside the home. ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 30, 2011, 10:56 am
Today I am thankful for: ~ A good night's rest, finally! The dogs usually wake me up multiple times a night, but they were good last night and I slept soundly. Boy, how I needed it! ~ Golden sunshine, blue skies, green grass and trees, dots of color from flowers, and bird-song. The beauty of summe...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 29, 2011, 7:03 pm
{photo: Ree's Facebook page} Recently, I finished reading Ree Drummond's book, The Pioneer Woman: From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--a Love Story. I loved it! I was often found giggling - much to my husband's dismay when I was reading in bed and he was trying to go to sleep. Ree is down-to-earth an...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 29, 2011, 6:57 pm
It was a long, hot day at work. I was ever so glad when 4 o'clock finally rolled around. My co-workers always make fun because I don't stick around to chit-chat when my shift is over (nor do I go there on my off days!). I am out the door and down the highway before they know it - happily driving hom...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 28, 2011, 6:33 pm
Today I am thankful for: ~ The rain which is helping our drought conditions and has brought with it slightly cooler temperatures. It is a nice break from the scorching heat and humidity here in the South. ~ My dogs always being so happy to see me. They act like they haven't seen me in years everytim...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 24, 2011, 9:58 pm
Today, I am thankful for: ~ Being creative in the kitchen and starting dinner in the crockpot this morning. It makes for an easier evening. ~ A much needed nap after arriving home from work. ~ A clean kitchen which will make tomorrow morning pleasant, as I won't have to look at a sink of dirty dishe...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 23, 2011, 4:31 pm
 It's my day off and I have been getting caught up on my cleaning. There was laundry to do, floors to sweep and vacuum, dishes to wash, decluttering (always decluttering)... I don't want to spend my off days cleaning. There has to be a better way. I am going to give FlyLady a try. I am hoping th...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 22, 2011, 10:00 pm
I haven't written in so long because the direction of my life has changed so much in recent months. When I first began this blog, homemaking was my primary occupation. I had time to putter and primp my home, work in  the yard, cook good meals and bake loads of goodies. Now I am working outside the ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jul 22, 2011, 9:24 am
Which one do you like best?
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jun 15, 2011, 10:11 pm
My, it's been terribly hot here. My car read 102 degrees this afternoon when I got off work. If it's this hot now, I dread the month of August when temperatures really soar! We were super busy at work today and I was so glad when it came time to clock out. I came home and took a nap to try to ward o...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jun 2, 2011, 8:53 am
I have had a wonderful mini-vacation the past five days. I puttered around the house, enjoyed dips in the pool, took afternoon naps, read books, and tackled a few projects I have been wanting to get to. I painted the front porch columns, the front door, and the porch shutters....now the other shutte...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - Jun 1, 2011, 7:00 am
Since we have an annual membership to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (you know, The Little Zoo That Could?), we go fairly often. Yesterday was no exception. We arrived about 30 minutes before a wildlife presentation was to begin. We learned about (and was able to pet) beareded dragons, boa constrictor,...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - May 31, 2011, 9:31 am
The last three days have been fabulous as I have been off work. Today is my last day home and then it's back to the daily grind.... Having read 27 things to Feng Shui Your Home Monday night, I was inspired to declutter even more. I culled through my clothes in the closet and dresser. My husband now ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - May 27, 2011, 5:57 pm
Kenzie and I did the grocery shopping this morning shortly after 7am. I wanted to avoid the crowds this afternoon (and traffic!) with it being the lasty day of public school here, plus the start of Memorial Day weekend! I was able to stock up on a few things and saved a little money with coupons. ...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - May 19, 2011, 8:07 am
Each flower is a soul blossoming out to nature.Gerard De Nerval Our girls like to visit with an elderly lady up the road, Mrs. Hesse. Yesterday she sent this gorgeous bouquet of flowers home with the girls for me cut fresh from her garden. They smell heavenly!
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - May 18, 2011, 7:59 pm
This is my bathroom. It is long but not very wide. It is wall-papered, but we would like to eventually take that down and paint.  The sink/vanity holds much of my  Mary Kay beauty products. The wicker container is divided into two sections: Alfred gets one half and I the other (along with the res...
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Tracy H. posted an article on Seaside Enchantment - May 18, 2011, 6:04 am
This is looking into my office from the dining room.... My desk where the blogging magic happens and where I visit with all of my blog friends and kindred spirits. The sunflower picture was made by my 10 year old daughter, Kenzie, using acrylic paints on a canvas. Didn't it turn out wonderful? The ...
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