Staying Intentional with Decluttering

 

Friday Coffee Chat: Little Changes, Big Progress

Happy Friday, friends!

Can you believe this week is already coming to an end? It honestly feels like it just started. Thankfully, work yesterday was fairly slow, which made the day go by a little easier. I finished with 10 saves. My goal was 12, so I fell a little short, but I’m still grateful for the 10 that I was able to help.

Lately, it seems like my job has become a little more challenging. With the economy, job losses, and families trying to cut every expense they can, I completely understand why people have to make difficult financial decisions. At the same time, I truly believe in the service we offer because I’ve seen how much it has helped people over the years. Sometimes it’s just about planting a seed and hoping it helps someone down the road.

One thing that has brought me so much peace this week has been digital decluttering. I’ve also been working through paperwork, and I can honestly tell a difference in how much calmer my mind feels. It’s amazing how getting rid of little bits of clutter—whether it’s around the house or inside my phone—can make such a big impact.

So far this week I’ve accomplished:

1. Unsubscribed from five email lists.
2. Deleted more unnecessary screenshots from my phone.
3. Wrote two cancellation letters to eliminate monthly expenses.
4. Finished my IRS paperwork and updated my direct deposit information.

Speaking of those cancellation letters…

After work yesterday, I stopped by my chiropractic appointment. I’ve really enjoyed getting adjusted, and it’s definitely helped my back and sciatic nerve. Right now my membership is about $80 a month, which includes four visits. As much as I like it, I’m trying to be intentional with every dollar I spend, so I handed them my cancellation letter while I was there.

The chiropractor mentioned they have some lower-cost plans that we can discuss over my remaining visits. I may end up switching to something that allows me to come once or twice a month instead. I still want to take care of my health while also making smart financial decisions.

I also received confirmation that my Minifig subscription has been canceled, which will save me another $20 each month. Every little bit adds up!

Then came the surprise of the day…

When I got home, I found a letter from the IRS in my mailbox. I immediately thought, “Oh great…what did I do now?” I assumed maybe I owed additional taxes since I had already heard back from the state earlier this year.

Instead, the letter explained that I had forgotten to include my banking information for direct deposit! They simply needed me to log in through ID.me, scan the QR code they provided, and enter my account information so they could send my refund.

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

The refund is only about $249, but I’ll gladly take it! It should arrive within the next couple of weeks, and I’ve already decided exactly where it’s going.

Straight to my Jeep payment.

Between that refund, my regular payments, and the small work bonus I’ll receive in August, I’m getting so close to paying my Jeep completely off. Right now I only owe about $1,290, and my goal is to make two larger payments in July and August, with the remaining balance paid in September—or sooner if I’m able to send in a little extra.

That feels incredibly exciting.

This afternoon after work I’m planning to add more family photos to my digital picture frame and spend some time learning more about my electronic calendar. I want to start using it for my weekly menus, appointments, and daily to-do lists so it becomes a tool I actually use instead of just another gadget sitting on the counter.

Little by little, I’m creating a life that feels less cluttered, less stressful, and much more intentional. It isn’t happening overnight, but every email I unsubscribe from, every drawer I clean out, every debt I pay down, and every small decision I make is moving me closer to the peaceful life I’m working toward.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me today. I always enjoy our coffee chats, and I hope your Friday is filled with a few small victories of your own.

Talk to you later!

Cheers, Karen

Been sick this week!

 

Some weeks just don’t go according to plan, and this one definitely threw me a curveball.

Tuesday morning, I made it to work thinking I could push through whatever was going on. Well…my body had other ideas. By about 7:45 that morning, I was sitting at my desk feeling absolutely miserable. I was so sick that I actually started crying. My boss came over and asked what was wrong, and all I could say was, “I’m so sick.”

She took one look at me and told me to go home and not worry about work. She also asked me to let her know around 2:00 that afternoon how I was feeling so she could decide whether I needed to stay home on Wednesday. I was so out of it that I had Mr. C wake me up around 1:45 so I could figure out if I was capable of functioning. The answer was a definite “No.” I sent Sherry a message letting her know I still wasn’t feeling well, and Wednesday became another day of rest.

Getting older has definitely taught me one thing. At 59 years old, I don’t get sick very often, but when I do…I don’t do anything halfway. If my body is going to have a virus, it apparently wants the deluxe package. My stomach was rolling, I was nauseated, and I had a pounding headache in my left temple that just would not let up. Tylenol didn’t seem to make much of a difference, and honestly, I couldn’t even think straight enough to decide if I should call Dr. Angie.

When I left work Tuesday morning, I called Mr. C, and yes…I was crying. He immediately offered to come get me, along with Brody, but I told him not to. They were already at Brody and Savannah’s because Mr. C was planning to watch Lane while Brody, Savannah, Sophie, and Landon went to Landon’s doctor’s appointment.

I just wanted to get home as quickly as I could and crawl into bed.

Even though I told him there wasn’t anything he could do for me and that he should stay where he was, he came home anyway. They simply took Lane along with them to the doctor’s appointment instead.

That’s just who he is.

I felt bad because it completely changed his plans for the day, but he told me he wanted to be home in case I needed anything. I am so incredibly blessed to have a husband who always thinks about everyone else before himself. He takes such good care of me, and I never take that for granted.

By Wednesday morning, I was finally beginning to feel a little better, although that stubborn headache was still hanging around like an unwanted houseguest who couldn’t take a hint. I spent most of the day in bed because I simply had no energy. Thankfully, by this morning—Thursday, July 2—I finally feel like myself again.

Today is our work potluck before everyone enjoys the Fourth of July holiday. Ironically, I was the one who suggested we have one! My original plan was to make my famous piña colada cake, but after spending two days sick, I figured my coworkers probably wouldn’t appreciate me showing up saying, “Don’t worry…I only sneezed on it once!” 😂

So I pivoted.

Instead of baking, I’m bringing a supreme pizza from Casey’s, along with some festive sugar cookies, plates, napkins, and silverware in navy blue to give everything a little Fourth of July feel.

This morning Mr. C asked if I was taking my insulated lunch bag to work. I decided against it because sometimes simplifying life is the best decision. I packed a little fruit cup, a Zero Sugar Monster, a Zero Sugar Cherry Dr Pepper, and a bottle of water. Ice is free in the break room, so if my drinks get warm, I’ll survive.

My goal today is simple: make lots of saves, enjoy lunch with my coworkers, and ease back into normal life.

After work, I’m finally getting my nails done—which is long overdue—and then I’m stopping by Johnny’s Restaurant to pick up dinner. Mr. C wants chicken fried steak, and I’m planning on ordering a club sandwich. The best part? We’ll both have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Sometimes life reminds us that our plans can change in a heartbeat. Thankfully, good people, a little rest, and a lot of grace can help get us back on our feet.

Here’s hoping the rest of the holiday weekend is full of fireworks, good food, and absolutely no surprise viruses!

Decluttering and refreshing the house.

  Making Our House Feel Like Home Again: A Productive Weekend Full of Progress & Family Time

I cannot believe it is already Monday! Where did the weekend go? I feel like I had such a productive weekend, but at the same time, I made sure I had plenty of time for family and just enjoying being home. Those are the weekends I really love — getting things accomplished but not feeling like I missed out on the important moments.

Today is going to be a good day. Of course, I am headed to work, and then after work I am going to stop by Grandpa Kendall’s for a few minutes. On my way home, I will make a quick grocery store stop for the essentials… which right now are just milk, bread, and taco seasoning. But we all know how that grocery list works — somehow by 5 p.m. it usually grows into a few more things that I “didn’t know we needed.” 😂

This weekend was all about making progress around the house, but also making memories with the people I love.

Saturday, Mr. C and I worked in our bedroom. We took down all the curtains and blackout curtains from our huge bedroom window and replaced with new red curtains. I changed out the bedding and put on our new floral bedding that has black, red, mauve, and pink colors in it. I absolutely love how it changed the feel of the room.

Of course, after putting it all together, I realized I needed more curtains. I had only bought two panels, and that just wasn’t enough for that big window. So, I ordered four more red curtain panels. I told Mr. C that I wasn’t sure they would really show up the very next day, but guess what? They did! They arrived Sunday, and I was pretty impressed.

We cleaned the bedroom really well, and while it is not completely finished, it already looks and feels so much better. It is amazing what a few changes can do.

Sunday was toy room day. Oh goodness… we went through so many toys. We sorted, cleaned, and got rid of toys that were broken, missing pieces, or just not being used anymore. It feels so much lighter in there now.

We do plan on buying some new toys, but we are going to be watching for sales and being more intentional about what comes into the room. We also decided we are going to get a new toy box because the one we currently have has definitely seen better days. It should arrive Thursday.

But before we got too deep into our cleaning, I made sure to take some time for family.

Around 10 o’clock Sunday morning, I left the house and headed over to Redbud Park in Marlow to meet up with Michelle, Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max at the splash pad. I stayed a little over an hour just enjoying seeing the kiddos, watching them play, and soaking up that time together. Those little moments are the ones that make my heart happy.

Sunday evening, Mr. C and I went over to Brody and Savannah’s house to visit for a while and, of course, get some time with Sophie. It was such a nice way to end the weekend — spending time with family and making memories. Lane and Landon were with Grandma Elizabeth, 

We also washed the curtains from the guest bedroom because they were so dusty and needed some attention. I feel like that room is pretty much finished now! I do still need to go back through the closet and clean it out because there are definitely things in there that do not need to stay.

While I was working on things, I also started cleaning out my drawers in our bedroom. I got three drawers completely cleaned out and organized. I still have two more to go, but progress is progress! I also started clearing off the top of my black cabinet where I store things I am not currently using. It looks better already, even though it is not completely done.

This decluttering journey is definitely a process, but I can already tell a difference. The house feels lighter. It feels calmer. And honestly, it just feels good knowing we are getting rid of things we no longer need and making room for the things that matter.

We are going to be ordering a new toy box it will be here Thursday. Alisha has three or four boxes in the toy room that we are going to move out to the garage or shop. They just do not need to be taking up space in that room anymore. We’ve had them for 5 years.

I am also excited because the  twin mattress I ordered comes in Thursday. I also ordered  new bedding for that room, I think everything is really going to come together. So in the toy room we will be completely done once the mattress and bedding and curtains get here.  

Next weekend, we are tackling the sunroom. And oh my goodness… that room is going to be a project! 😂 But we will get there one step at a time.

I am really proud of the progress we are making. Sometimes it is easy to look around and see everything that still needs done, but I am learning to stop and appreciate what we have already accomplished.

This weekend was the perfect mix of cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and spending time with family. Those are the weekends that fill my heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and following along with our little home projects and everyday life. Leave me a comment down below and let me know where you are from or even what time you are reading this. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time… ❤️

Finally Friday

Finally Friday: Toy Rooms, Decluttering, and Getting Ready for Birthday Fun

Happy Friday, friends!

It is finally Friday, June 26th, 2026, and I have to say… I am very excited for this upcoming weekend. There is just something about knowing you have a couple of days ahead to work on projects around the house, spend time together, and make some progress that feels really good.

This weekend, Mr. C  and I are going to tackle the toy room. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “That sounds fun!” 😂 Okay, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but honestly, I am looking forward to it. We have been working so hard on revamping our house, getting rid of clutter, and making our home feel more peaceful and refreshed. This is just another step in that direction.

Our plan is to go through all the toys and really be honest about what needs to stay and what needs to go. Broken toys, old toys, toys nobody plays with anymore… it is time for them to find a new home. Sometimes things just sit around because we think “someone might use that someday,” but let’s be honest… sometimes someday never comes. 😉

I also have a big tote full of Legos that I need to decide what to do with. I’m thinking about putting them on Marketplace because I just don’t see myself using them anytime soon. But before I do that, I want to check with Jessica and see if Brooks would like some of them. He really enjoys building with Legos, and I would much rather see them being loved and played with than sitting in a tote in my toy room.

I also have a big stack of those cute Christmas gift boxes you usually find at Hobby Lobby. Those are definitely staying because I know I will use them. I just need to find a better storage solution for them so they aren’t taking up space in the toy room. That seems to be the theme around here lately — figuring out where everything belongs! 😂

There are also some bigger toys in there that haven’t been played with in a long time, and I think it is time for those to go too. My goal is to get that room cleaned out, organized, and ready for a fresh start.

I have already ordered a new mattress for the twin-size bed in there along with new bedding. Once everything arrives, I plan to find a couple of curtains to match and really finish the room off. I am excited to see it all come together.

I have to say, it feels really good seeing our house slowly transform. We are clearing out the clutter, making changes, and creating a home that feels calmer and more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s amazing what a little organizing and letting go can do.

We are also getting ready for something much more fun — Sophie’s first birthday party on July 12th! 🎉

Mr. C and I have already picked up a couple of presents for her, and Savannah asked if we would help with some food for the party. We are going to make a meat and cheese tray, along with a dozen ham and cheese sliders and a dozen turkey and cheese sliders.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a little homemade sweetness too. I am going to make chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats and chocolate-covered pretzel rods. I decided to make it a little easier on myself and use the pre-made Rice Krispie treats instead of making them from scratch. Sometimes simple is the way to go!

I already bought my candy melts, so I just need to grab the Rice Krispie treats, more candy melts, and the pretzel rods this week. I am actually looking forward to getting back in the kitchen and making something creative.

Now, Mr C. already says I’m going to make a mess… and he’s probably right. 😂 But honestly, sometimes making a mess while creating something fun is part of the joy. There is something relaxing about being in the kitchen, trying something different, and making something that people can enjoy.

So this weekend will be a mix of decluttering, organizing, and dreaming about birthday celebrations. A little work, a little creativity, and a whole lot of making our home feel like us.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who reads along with my everyday adventures.

Drop a comment below and let me know where you are reading from. I would love to see how far this little blog reaches!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’ll talk to you later. ❤️

Thursday Adventures

A Thursday Full of Little Adventures, Friendship, and Getting Things Done

Today is Thursday, and I have already decided it is going to be a good day. Sometimes you just have to start the day with the right mindset, and that is exactly what I am doing.

My goal for work today is simple: stay positive, give it my best, and help people understand why they really do need the services we provide. Some days can be challenging, but I am choosing to focus on the people I can help and the difference I can make.

After work, I had a little adventure planned. My sciatic nerve has started bothering me again. Thankfully, it is nothing like it was before, but I know myself well enough to know that I want to stay ahead of the pain and keep moving in the right direction. So after work, I was headed to Lawton to see my chiropractor.

Then Cherrie messaged me and asked if I was off work Friday. I had to laugh because I was like, “No ma’am, I work Monday through Friday unless it is a holiday!” 😂

Since she was off, I asked if she wanted to ride with me to Lawton. My chiropractor appointment only takes about 15 minutes, and then we could do a little shopping since we were already there. It is not often that we get to do something during the week, so with her new schedule, we are just figuring out what works best for us.

And honestly… this ended up being the perfect little evening.

I met Cherrie at the Duncan Lawton Y after work, and we headed to my appointment. After that, we walked over to Five Below because I was on a mission. I have been looking for a specific sticker book, and while they did not have the exact one I wanted, I still found one that I liked. Of course, I also picked up some much-needed eyeliner because somehow that always seems to disappear when you  need it.

I also found a cute little yo-yo that I am going to put in Kendall’s treasure box in her dresser drawer. I love finding little things that I know the grandkids will enjoy.

Our next stop was Hobby Lobby, and honestly, I do not get to go there nearly enough. It was the perfect time to wander around and look at all the fun things.

I found the cutest floral picture for our bedroom that I think will look so pretty with our new bedding. I also picked up everything I needed to make treats for Sophie’s first birthday party — candy melts, cellophane bags, and craft sticks.

After all that shopping, we were getting hungry, so we stopped at Long John Silver’s. I picked up a meal for Mr. C, and for myself I got fish, chicken, and hush puppies. Sherry got herself a coconut shrimp meal. We ate our dinner on the way home, chatting and enjoying our little girls’ night out.

I dropped Cherrie back off at her vehicle, and I was home by about 8 o’clock.

For a normal weekday, this was definitely a late night for me, but it was worth it. Sometimes you have to make time for friendships, even if it means changing up your routine a little bit.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday! And if you are like me, you are probably already looking forward to the weekend. I hope you have some fun plans, some relaxing moments, and maybe a little adventure of your own.

Drop a comment below and just say hi — I always love hearing from you!

Until next time, I’ll see you later. ❤️

Easy Birthday Party Treat Ideas

Quick Rice Krispie Treats Using Pre-Made Rice Krispies

Ingredients:

• 1 package pre-made Rice Krispie treats
• 1 cup candy melts (any color you like)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Cellophane treat bags
• Craft sticks

Directions:

1. Unwrap each Rice Krispie treat.
2. Carefully insert a craft stick into the bottom of each treat.
3. Melt candy melts according to package directions.
4. Dip or drizzle the Rice Krispie treats with melted candy.
5. Add sprinkles while the candy coating is still wet.
6. Place on parchment paper until set.
7. Wrap each treat in a cellophane bag for a cute party favor.

These are simple, inexpensive, and perfect for little hands at birthday parties!

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:

• 1 bag pretzel rods
• 1 package candy melts or chocolate melting wafers
• Sprinkles, crushed candy, or drizzle topping (optional)
• Parchment paper

Directions:

1. Melt your candy melts according to the package instructions.
2. Pour melted chocolate into a tall cup or glass to make dipping easier.
3. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the chocolate.
4. Let the extra chocolate drip off.
5. Add sprinkles or decorations before the chocolate sets.
6. Lay the pretzels on parchment paper.
7. Allow them to completely harden before packaging.

Tip: These can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They make adorable birthday party treats!

#ThursdayAdventures #LittleMomentsBigMemories #FamilyFriendsAndFun