Earlier in the week I posted this reel on how I finally kicked my habit of mindlessly scrolling on IG. I think we all head to social media for similar reasons - some sort of escape or inspiration. We know that going down this aimless path isn’t necessarily serving us, but we continue to do it. I continued to do it and wasted a lot of precious time. Time that I could have used to be productive rather than procrastinate, time that I could have used to watch a movie with my kids or go for a walk. I realized I feel better about myself and life in general when I live more in the present moment. The scroll was prohibiting this. What I did to stop the scroll is nothing revolutionary, but here’s what I found helps me:
Disable Notifications - I don’t have any push notifications for any social media apps on my phone. If I want to see likes, comments, etc. on IG or FB I have to click into the app to see them. Something about that little number in the upper right corner of the app on my screen feels too enticing.
Create a List of Accounts - I make it a point to check-in on the accounts I’m inspired by, whether in business or in life. This keeps me from going too far down the rabbit hole and wasting time throughout the day.
Organize your Feed - Unfollow or mute accounts that frequently post content that distracts you or makes you feel negatively. Going back to point #2, curate your feed to include content that aligns with your values and interests.
I’m not here to condemn social media. I actually love Instagram and even Facebook (mostly for the groups and FB marketplace). The connection and positivity these apps bring to my life far outweigh the negatives. Heck, I’ve purchased so many awesome things for my home on FBMP, that I would be lost without it.
Tell me, do you have a love/hate relationship with social media?
READ/LISTEN/WATCH.
I’m a library girl these days out of necessity. I noticed I was developing a habit of purchasing books on Amazon the moment I saw a recommendation for something I thought looked appealing. This resulted in a lot of money coming out of my bank account every month along with stacks of unread books piling up on my nightstand. Does anyone else have this problem?
I still have a few healthy piles to get through of my own books, but I’m finding that the pressure of a library due date helps me get through a book more quickly and it’s FREE. Right now, I’m reading, Work Wife: The Power of Female Friendship to Drive Successful Business by the creators of the A Thing or Two Podcast. This book is from 2018, but the message still rings true and I’m inspired by the evolution of these two business owners and friends who have transitioned their business over the years.
And do you know about the Libby app? It’s basically a free version of Audible, you just need a library card. This is where I listen to all of my audio books.
Oprah’s take on our Happiness Slump is worth watching. Hint: it has to do with social media.
A Glossary for Giving Up. You’ve probably heard a few of these terms, i.e. quiet quitting, lazy-girl job, bed rot. I don’t partake in these particular activities, but the one I’m here for is the everything shower - ok, and maybe a bit of carcass time.
IN THE KITCHEN.
I made my first chicken pot pie of the season this week! I’ve gone back to this same recipe over and over again, because it’s just that good. Oh, and once again, I used rotisserie chicken in this recipe. I had arugula in the fridge, so I whipped up my trusty salad that I’ve made for many years. It’s perfect on its own or with almost any meal. I don’t have an exact recipe, but I’ll tell you what I throw together to make it.
Pear and Arugula Salad - Throw together the following in a bowl: arugula, one bosc pear(diced), candied walnuts (I used Trader Joe’s, but I believe they recently discontinued these), crumbled gorgonzola cheese, a drizzle of good olive oil, and an even bigger drizzle of this balsamic vinegar. Toss and serve to the hungry people.
Alison Roman. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I feel like Alison Roman is a bit polarizing. You either love her or you hate her. I fall somewhere in between. I like her enough to follow her on IG and I’m often enticed to click over to her cooking show ‘Home Movies’ on YouTube. I particularly liked this Taco Tuesday Episode.
IN MY CART.
The Hulken Bag. This has made it out of my cart and into my closet or the trunk of my car depending on what I have going on for the week. I purchased it a while back and can say it’s been money well spent. The wheels and multiple handles are a game-changer.
Everything Organizer Monitor Stand. I spend a lot of time in front of my computer every week. Wrapping up design jobs, this newsletter, and the 25-30 hours a week I’ve been putting in at my government contractor position. Because I work from two different laptops, I realized it might be time to get a laptop/monitor stand so that I’m putting less strain on my neck. This is the one I’m planning to purchase. I love the acrylic drawers for storing post-its 😬
Osea Scrub and Oil Set. I’ve had this on my **‘What Mama Wants’ note on my phone for about a month now. This is my categorized running list of all the things that I come across and would like to purchase. They are wants not needs, so this is my system for keeping track. Anywho, I’ve heard that this Osea combo makes you feel like you’re at a luxury spa, but in your own shower. From the reviews - “…smells amazing, nice and light, not sticky, will buy over and over again”
**Because I’ve been working on being more mindful of my spending in recent months(more on that another time), not all of these items in my cart will be purchased. Most get moved to the ‘What Mama Wants’ list that I refer back to when I feel like treating myself and sometimes I share this list with those closest to me for birthday or Christmas purchases.
DESIGN INSPY.
Capturing Home on Magnolia Network. I’ve watched every single episode. And some of them multiple times. If I had to choose a favorite it would have to be ‘Kate’s Kitchen’ (S2, Ep3). I’ve quite possibly watched it 4 times and I pick up on new details every time. It’s like no other design show out there.
And the icing on the cake is the personal style of Amy Neunsinger and Kate Martindale. Their wardrobes are simple, but cool - think denim, stripe tees, and converse. I’m wondering if I can pull off some of the wide leg jeans they sport in every episode?
If you loved this issue of The Keeping Room, or think you might know someone who would, please feel free to share!
I need more discipline. It is 7:48am on a beautiful Sunday and I am on the phone. I woke up at 7am to go for a walk but, here I am typing....sheesh....going for my walk NOW!
It’s a struggle Cynthia! Progress over perfection 💕