Awesome Book: The Boss of You

As a newbie entrepreneur, I've been picking up a lot of small business related books. The best I've found thus far that I was really able to get into and felt was really relevant to what I was doing is The Boss of You by Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon, two kick-ass down-to-earth ladies. I just finished reading it this past weekend and it's one of those books I know I'll keep referring to because it's very comprehensive and full of invaluable advice and information. The tone of the authors is so approachable and they write with a certain flair that just keeps you reading and maintains/revives the excitement of doing your own thing your way. It's helped and will continue to help me bring clarity and structure to what I'm doing. They get it -my aim is not to get rich quick, or grow super big, which is the emphasis of several (male-written) business books out there, but rather my goal is to earn a nice living doing something I love in a way that is sustainable, keeps to my values, and helps me live my best life.

If you're a thinking of becoming an owner of a creative small business or maybe have already taken the leap, I highly recommend this resource. You'll get practical advice written in simple language (not a lot of business jargon here!) on how to work your ideas, and visualize and create a realistic plan in a way that's not overwhelming. Oh and you'll get a few words of encouragement that'll keep you going when you're doubting yourself. Emira and Lauren give you strategies for how to deal with this and reassure you others have gone through something similar, gotten through it, and succeeded.

Happy First Day of Fall

How about a little design inspiration to welcome in the new season?

I'm loving this classic sophisticated bedroom by New York designer Sharon Simonaire. I think spaces with a strong neutral base are so smart because they lend themselves to change with the seasons. In this case the blanket brings in the lovely warm hues of autumn. In the warmer seasons, the blanket can easily be swapped for a lighter one with fresher, cooler tones. Happy First Day of Fall! :)

Improving the View

While some of you have been fluffing the inside of your home with pumpkins, I've been outside working. Have to get the last of my summer projects completed outside before the winter comes. Fall in Oklahoma is the perfect time for many outdoor projects.

Remember when we took some of the vines off of our pergola a couple of weeks ago? That let in lots of wonderful sunshine and air - which is needed to prevent fungus on the grass. There was fescue grass planted in that area that was never happy. This week we had zoysia planted under the pergola and off the patio area. It looks so much better to look out at green grass instead of a sparse muddy mess!

Down along the back fence we finished the flower bed that we started a few weeks ago. The bed now runs the full length of the backyard. Most of the plants in this bed have been transplanted from around the yard. Crepe myrtle, hostas, and hollies all came from crowded spots.

I purchased and put in pansies. I also added more nandinas, hostas, and heucheras. They are mostly pretty small plants now but with a little time it will blend seamlessly with the rest of the yard.

One more shot of the pond. It has been just beautiful this year!

Oh, I still needs spring bulbs and some pumpkins too. :) I love to put pumpkins in the flower beds and pretend like they grew there. Do you? Happy Gardening.

Fall Delights

As much as I love summer, I'm excited for the changing season. A few little things I find make autumn a lovely time of the year:

The crisp smell in the air and pumpkin patches

Fall trees and fresh outdoor mornings


Cozy spaces and preppy chic outfits


Tailored coats and orange leaves


Autumn walks and apple orchards


Rainy days and cute umbrellas


Warm apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes

*Images are linked to their source

What makes you happy during the fall season?

Sunday Supper

Spinach quiche, salad, and a biscuit.

Spinach Quiche

1 pie crust
2 eggs beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups grated cheddar
1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 box spinach cooked and squeezed dry

Mix all ingredients. Pour into pie crust and bake about 50 minutes at 350 degrees.

I love simple and delicious foods. I'm especially proud though because we had planned to go out to eat and decided to save the money and eat at home!

Packing It Up and Shipping It Out

Thank you so much to everyone who put their name in the hat for my give away. I really enjoyed hearing from old friends and meeting some new friends. A few people that I've never heard from did come out of their shells and say hello. :) I'm so glad you did.

There were 71 entries. I borrowed Tara Frey's Random Number Generator.



The winner is tiny little Shelia of Note Songs!

Shelia, please email me at snskee@aol.com with your tiny little address and I will send it to you all the way down there in my home state of Texas. :)

Happy Friday!

image via here

Since in the northern hemisphere summer doesn't officially end til the 22nd of September and since temperatures are expected in the high 80s in my side of town this weekend, I'll be taking advantage and squeezing in a little more beach time. Have a great weekend everyone! :)