A Little Sweeter at Home

"It could always be worse"  is a statement I use all of the time. While I'm not the most optimistic person, I realize that I have it easier than most people in the world. For this reason, I am always incredibly thankful. As a reminder of how "It could always be worse," today, Christmas Day, when all should be fantastic, I woke up with no water. Little did I know that sometime before 10:30 last night, the waterline in front of my house had burst.  This issue could be a significant annoyance and problem for most, especially for those preparing a Christmas meal today. But today, having no water reminded me that "It could always be worse."  Today, I'm mindful that some of my friends are celebrating Christmas for the first time without their spouse, mother, father, etc. Some people can't see their loved ones who are in hospitals or nursing homes. Some people can't afford a Christmas for their family. Others can't afford their water bill or h

Soon, I will be the proud owner of three doormats at @ $40 each ($44.95, $39.95, and $36.95). I just spent over $120 on mats. 😮  IT WAS JUST TOO EASY! Actually, way too easy.  Let me tell you how it happened. First mat:   I saw an ad on Facebook for a "Super Absorbent Magic Doormat." It is just one of many ads I see every day. However, I need a really good mat for my backdoor because my dogs 🐕🐕 bring dirt into the house all of the time.  The mat itself must be made of fibers from heaven because it sure has a hefty price tag. But, I read the reviews, and I decide to order one to try it out. It was expensive, but hey, it is magic, and if it means sweeping less, I'm good with that—at least one to try out.  Second mat:  Oh, but wait, we are offering 60% off if you order another mat RIGHT NOW. Mind you, I have no idea what the original price is, so it sounded like a great bargain, and I need one of these untested miracle mats for my front entry as well. So, I added a second

  I've wanted to get a fixer-upper for years, and in 2020, the opportunity presented itself. So... I did it! It is a little scary, but it will be worth it. The house is located in an older neighborhood in a great school district and near the beach! 🏫🌅 I have some of the best neighbors too! So, what can go wrong?   Well, nothing is easy, and plenty can go wrong! I know, "Nothing is easy" is the understatement of a lifetime, certainly of 2020. It seems that everything is more challenging this year. Although we face many difficulties, I am also very grateful that I can challenge myself with this house. It can be worrisome, but it is also exciting. I can see the potential in what is now the ugliest home on the street. One day, we will change that.  One great thing about the Hooptie House that I absolutely love is being close to the beach. Not a day goes by that I don't enjoy the view! I feel blessed and more peaceful every time I get to see the beach. Those feelings are

When I think about the times I have been away from my home, whether taking a vacation or visiting friends, I have always felt happy to return home. No matter how nice the hotel or friend's house is, It is never as comfortable as your own dwelling.  In particular, I have a very modest fixer-upper that you can view at holyhooptiehouse.com. As you can see, I do not live in a home that looks like it belongs in Architectural Digest. Far from it! Yet, it is always just a little sweeter at my house.  In fact, I have only lived in my "Hooptie House" for a couple of months; however, it is starting to feel like home. Even with a long list of things I want to change about it, it is still my place. A place that I can relax and unwind after a long day at work. A place that I can hide away from people when I need to escape the hustle and bustle of people and things around me.  Now, my home is far from perfect, and if I were to have you over, you would see all of the projects I have to