Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m not good at anything!” Or “I can’t do anything right!” How about “If only I was good at _____!” Yep, I’ve been there! There have been many days when I felt totally useless and had nothing to offer, nothing to give. And although I don’t like what aging is doing to my body, it has improved my mind and my mindset. I know deep down in my heart that there are things I am good at and while I’ve never been anyone to brag, I think all of us owe it to ourselves to toot our own horn every now and then!
Let’s talk about the things we are good at, instead of dwelling on what we don’t think we are. I thought it would be fun to list 10 things that I know in my heart I’m good at. I have a feeling other people would tell me the same things and most of them are things people have told me I excel at. Those attributes are what make each of us unique and we should be proud of those things.
Flowers
Taking care of and planting annual flowers to be exact. If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I inherited my green thumb from my mama! She always has the most beautiful flowers in the world and I’m happy to take care of the ones I plant every spring and watch how beautifully they grow. Since I wasn’t around the blog last summer, you didn’t get to see what I planted last year. Here’s a couple photos and I might do an entire post on it this Spring. In the past I’ve done post called picking posies where my mom and I go to greenhouses and plot our flower landscape each April. Would you like post on that?
Lil Flower area by the Pool Shed
Decorating the Front Porch
Especially during the fall and Christmas season, people tell me that my front porch decorations should be in a magazine. Imagine my surprise when Pioneer Woman magazine reached out to me last year, and I was included in their Fall Edition in an article about pumpkins and porch decorations. They had seen a photo of one of my Fall porches on Pinterest and wanted more. I sent them pictures from each year and ironically enough they chose the year that was my least favorite, lol! I tried to do something different every year, but you can guarantee there are lots of pumpkins and mums.
Honored! That years Fall Porch HERE
But this was my favorite year. See that Post HERE
In the Kitchen
Cooking and baking are my jam! I pretty much cook almost every single night. I have some of my favorites in my Recipes Tab so I won't go putting all my favs here. I love to cook for others, and I love to try new recipes. And it’s funny with the baking, years ago, you may remember I entered baked goods in the county fair and won many ribbons. One year, I even won the Bursting with Blueberries contest. I never have done that cookbook like I wanted to, but maybe one day. My husband always tells me my cookies are 100 times better than Crumbl cookies which always makes me feel good. There’s nothing like a homemade cookie, but homemade cookies must be done right. LOL! You'll see on the sidebars, my most pinned posts on Pinterest are my Food Posts.
Recipe for the PB Fudge HERE
Decorating/House Design
I love to decorate and it’s one of those things that again, I say I wish I was better at but everyone that comes to our home loves it. I especially loved designing our new home 8 yrs ago and when my husband and I watch HGTV shows, we say we could design them so much better, ha ha.
We have 5 bathrooms, but these two are my favs..the Powder Bath and the Glam Bath in my Upstairs Office/Craft area
Gift Giving
My love language is truly giving gifts to those I love! And not just any old gift, I am adamant about finding the perfect thing that fits that person and that I know they will love! And if it's one I'm mailing, I love to decorate the boxes. It’s one of my greatest joys to see people open gifts that I have picked out just for them!
A Birthday Box sent to a Bestie in Louisiana
Spreading Kindness
I try to make the day for someone every day! I’m all about giving genuine compliments, opening a door for someone and helping them in any way I can. This world needs more kindness, and it needs to be engraved in our souls to spread it to others.
Being Empathetic
This somewhat goes along with being kind, but the addition to that is being empathetic! To know when others are hurting to know when others just need a listening ear, to know when to relate to what others are going through so that they know they’re not alone! If you ask me, I would say being empathetic is one of my greatest qualities.
Games
I love to play games, and we don’t as often as I wish. But I have to say I’m pretty darn good at them! I love me a mean game of Yahtzee, Uno and mine and Mr. Nine’s favorite, gin rummy! Mini golf, Badminton Especially love playing corn hole with the kids, and don’t mind boasting when we beat the younger set, lol!
So Proud Beating our kids, LOL
Stylin’
OK, I will admit, I’m not as into fashion in my 50s as I was when I was younger. Part of that is because I no longer work in the professional world and part of that is because I just want to be comfortable and cozy these days! Give me a cute leisure outfit to play with the granddaughters and I’m in heaven! But I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t love getting dressed up every now and then and styling things from time to time for you all on the blog.
A Few outfits you missed last summer
while I was on Sabbatical.
I LOVE Jumpsuits as you know..
This one Available HERE It's a FAV!
Christmas
Ok, this last one kind of combines a lot of these, but you know I take pride in being a queen of Christmas! Everything for decorating my numerous trees to taking trays of baked goods to friends and family, to beautifully wrapping gifts, and picking out just the right thing for people and making all the favorite foods on Christmas Day and making it special for my sweet family! Spreading Christmas Cheer my dears!
Ok, this last one kind of combines a lot of these, but you know I take pride in being a queen of Christmas! Everything for decorating my numerous trees to taking trays of baked goods to friends and family, to beautifully wrapping gifts, and picking out just the right thing for people and making all the favorite foods on Christmas Day and making it special for my sweet family! Spreading Christmas Cheer my dears!
Gosh, I got on a roll, and I think it was good for my soul! I thought of many more and I picked up my own Debbie Downer attitude from the times I think there’s nothing I can do! When in reality, there is so much we all are good at!
Now, there are some things that I definitely won’t be exceptional at that I wish I was. Probably the number one thing is singing, but you know what? When I’m singing songs or lullabies to the granddaughters I feel like a songbird, haha!
I encourage you to make your own list of those things you are awesome at! If you’re a blogger, write a post about it! If you’re not, write it down in your journal or on a piece of paper and every now and then when you’re down on yourself, look at it to remind you of all the cool things you CAN do! And always remember, I love ya!
Linking up with Momfessionals and Between Naps on The Porch // Thursday Fashion Files // I Do deClaire // Hello Monday // Sunday's on Silverado // Life and Linda
xoxo
Such a beautiful post, Andrea! You are so good at a mountain of things, the number one just being a special human!! Sorry I haven't visited for a while, I've been missing a lot of my friends blogs lately as there's been a lot going on. Can you believe we're still not in the new house?! But we're hoping to move in sometime over the next six weeks! YAY!! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs
Suzy xx
Yes you should toot your own horn my friend! Loved that flowers was your first because that's what came into my head when I saw the title. And yes you are the most amazing gift giver and fashionista too! Being a grandma is on the top too I'm sure. I love the idea of creating a post like this. Thanks for the inspiration Andrea! XO
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Awww, loved this post so much, Andrea! There's a fine line between bragging about oneself and honestly thinking about and acknowledging that which we do well. You've definitely achieved the latter and not the former. I enjoyed learning about some of your talents that I didn't know about it and seeing the photos of you shining in your element! How awesome to have your front porch selected to be in a magazine!! Have a great Monday!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely good at these things especially fashion!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! You do a great job of sharing your joy with others are a bright spot for me! You have such great style whether it comes to plants, fashion, decorating, holidays or food. This is a good challenge for me to think about a list for myself.
ReplyDeleteHermosa publicación, eres muy talentosa en muchas cosas y eso nos inspira..Si de vez en cuando tenemos que reconocernos a nosotras mismas nuestros talentos...Me encanta tú estilo y además eres muy dulce, eso lo transmites en tú blog que muchos y muchas extrañamos el año pasado. Saludos desde C.R.
ReplyDeleteThis is so inspiring! Love this.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
I think you are a real life Wonder Woman and I am so glad you are back spreading joy on your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. What an honor to be put in the PW magazine! YES -- please do the flowers post. And that MOG dress...stunning. Hope you are recovering well from your procedure! Happy Monday!!
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog now for a few years and I must say that I couldn't agree more - you are a marvel at all ten! Thanks for sharing your gifts with us all!
ReplyDeleteI’d love to be a recipient of your gift giving or baking talents. You are kind and empathetic. I hope you’re recovering well. Love you.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Wonderful post, my friend! I think that sometimes we forget that the love that we have for ourselves is more important than anything. We all need (myself included) to focus more on all of the things that we are good at. Your flowers and your porch always look spectacular, and your house is stunning. I also think that you have amazing style, and you are the best hostess. But what I really think that you should toot your own horn about is how good of a person you are. You always make people feel special, and you radiate kindness and love. I love you, my friend, and I hope that you are enjoying your day today! XO, Caroline
ReplyDeleteI would have absolutely listed ALL of these things as skills that you rock!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I love this post! You are so talented and above all, I love the push to take a positive outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! I agree, you rock at all of these things! You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
You are really good with flowers! I'm not surprised you made it in the magazine!! I also love your recipes... there is a caramel bar recipe of yours I've made twice. I need to make it again!!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
I loved this post, Andrea! And YES - please do the post on Picking Posies! It has been an inspiration to me. This year we are going to re-do our landscaping. And i love your recipes, too!
ReplyDeleteYou are great at all of these things for sure! And how fun that the Pioneer Woman magazine reached out and shared your pic. It can be hard to keep that negative self talk at bay, this is a great way to remind yourself how special you are!
ReplyDeleteI love this and you chose great ones! I always been impressed with those talents of yours!
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
We do need to toot our own horn every now and then! I loved this post!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I would love to see a post all about your flowers, you have a beautiful garden. Decorating porches is not a big thing here but I wish it was, it looks like so much fun. Your home is just stunning and you are too! I always think, wow! She looks amazing!!
You hit the nail on the head with this list PLUS the whole concept. We do tend to sweep our accomplishments under the rug many days.
ReplyDeleteYour decorating is always amazing...I know I've said that over and over,
OXOX
Jodie
What a wonderful and uplifting message! It's so important to recognize our strengths and celebrate the things that make us unique. I completely agree that we often focus too much on our perceived shortcomings instead of embracing the skills and talents we possess. Your journey of self-acknowledgment is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI love that you’re sharing your passion for gardening and flowers! There’s something so rewarding about nurturing plants and watching them thrive. Your connection to your mother and the green thumb you inherited is such a beautiful story. I would absolutely love to see a post about your flower planting adventures and the beauty you create each spring.
Here’s to celebrating what we’re good at and continuing to grow, just like those beautiful flowers!
You are invited to read my new blog post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/02/our-pre-valentine-visit-to-pitlochry.html
We as women are kinda taught not to toot our own horn, but I think we should celebrate what we are good at and what makes us special. love this! Sorry I missed The Pioneer Woman magazine - I love getting it when I think about it. How cool!
ReplyDeleteLove any peak at the grandbabies! And it's official - I need you to help decorate my home and take care of the flowers out front <3
ReplyDeleteI love this so much and definitely needed the reminder to toot my own horn this week with work. I love all of the flowers that you shared! I'm dying for the weather to warm up enough that I can start planning out how I want my flower beds this year. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! And you definitely are fabulous at all the things you mentioned and more!
ReplyDeleteLove this post and concept. I think we should all thinking about being more kind to ourselves. So yes, I am going to think about this and maybe write my own version. Now, I don't know you in real life but your smile always seemed so genuine to me and I felt it had great warmth, so I can definitely see kindness and compassion being something you are naturally good at. Also, can you come decorate the inside and outside of my home? You have great style all around.
ReplyDeletebosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Beautiful! Keep being you! What a gift you are to those around you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Andrea! You are most DEFINITELY the flower queen!! I have never seen such gorgeous flowers and plants as the ones you have around your house! I'm always in awe of your ferns!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely great at decorating the inside and outside of your home and I love those gorgeous flowers. You are great with fashion and always look so nice.
ReplyDeleteI love your recipes and I hope to see more of them on the blog!
You are a woman of MANY talents! Keep on doing what you're doing!
ReplyDeleteI love this! It really is so important to recognize gifts and talents in ourselves and enjoy sharing them. :) Visiting from the Love Your Creativity linkup.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you have so many talents and you just can't hide your sweetness! Wanted to tell you that I ordered the Pistola jumpsuit after this post the other day. It came today and I love it! Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteWow Andrea, I am loving the flowers. You definitely have a green thumb. so many darling looks and those adorable twins.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome reminder! You keep doing you! I enjoy the uplifting vibe of your blog.
ReplyDelete