An Ode to Authenticity

When I started this blog I knew that I wanted it to be authentic.  Authentically Mere..errr... Martha Chartreuse.  I want it to include great recipes, craft projects and home decor.  But, I also want to share things outside of those interests.  Like beauty posts or reflections on life.  And, I always want this to be honest and attainable.  I want to be realistic about budget and time constraints.  Souv vide duck just isn't going to happen right now.  Roast chicken, now that is a regular thing here!

Via

I never want anything to feel forced.  I also do not want to put out an image of "perfection" or have anyone leaving with the "OMG. WHY  ISN'T MY LIFE SO PRETTY?!?  What is wrong with me?  I need to go out and buy everything from Sur La Table?  BLEGH.  LIFE IS HORRIBLE."  Instead, when stopping by (and hopefully staying awhile) you leave thinking, "Wow!  I can do that!  I just need to grab one thing!  Let's throw a dinner party this weekend!  It will be fun and easy!  YAY!"

So, why this ramble about me! me! me! and all of my wants and desires?

Well, I have several different posts in draft mode and they just don't feel authentic.  Maybe they will get there, but, my voice is absent from these posts.  So, instead, I am going to share a few teasers and spoilers about these pending posts.  Or, better described as, the voices in my head.  Hang tight.

Spring Cleaning

Why are my baseboards so dirty?  

How do I get historic aka banged up wood floors clean and shiny?  

Is there a way to make my closet more functional without putting money and labor into it?  

Why are mops so expensive?  

How much is a cleaning service?  

Pinterest, you are so overwhelming!!!

Pinterest, I LOVE YOU!!!

Bah!  I still haven't cleaned!

Lent

This is hard!!!  The evening news has made it clear Kimye is on the cover of Vogue.

This is so calming!!!  I love not being caught up in other people's drama.  My conversation is so meaningful.

What is the difference between gossip and venting?

Is talking about Bono's path to being an advocate to eradicate AIDS gossip?!?!?!

Ooooh!  Chocolate bunnies are so yummy.

Hot Rollers Tutorial

My cousin suggested I do hot roller tutorial.

Should I?

Who would photograph?

Or, should I film?

Would anyone like that?

Would I need to be in an apron to make this work with the rest of the blog?

Does anyone want to see this?

The Good Wife

WHY????????????????????????

Rumor Has It + A Lenten Journey

Whether you know me in real life or follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you probably know that I am Catholic.  Or, maybe all of the Pope Frankie shout outs tipped you off.  Throughout my life I have really struggled with Lent.  I have tried giving up candy, coffee, tv, etc.  I almost always fail.  The years I have added something to my life have proven to be significantly more effective and rewarding.

Well, this year I am going to try and give something up.  And I already know it is going to be a challenge.  Which is why I am sharing it on the blog.  In hopes that those in my life will hold me accountable.

I am giving up GOSSIP!!

That means no celebrity gossip!  No real life gossip!  No mean spirited or unkind conversation.

While I am ashamed to admit I partake in all of the above, I do.  It is a truth of who I am.  

Good. Bad. Ugly.

Celebrity Gossip

I will be deleting some of my favorite celebrity focused applications on my phone.  

I will also be unfollowing a few Twitter accounts.   

I cannot read any tabloids.

 I can't talk about celebrities.

Not even about the fashion.

The really cute, darling babies that I don't know?

Nope, can't chat about that either.

I can discuss a film. I can discuss the art.  Can't discuss the beings behind the characters.  

Real Life Gossip

I can't have conversations about people who aren't actually in my life.

If I haven't spoken to a person in years, I probably shouldn't be discussing them with other people.

I can still share kind, thoughtful stories about a person.

Hopefully, it will inspire me to call them up and say hello.

If I am sharing information about one person to another person, it needs to be thoughtful and well intentioned.

Rule of thumb: if I wouldn't say it to their face, I shouldn't say it to anyone else.

If I feel like other people around me are gossiping I need to step out of the conversation.

Can I still discuss world events?  Sure thing.

Can I make snarky comments about the world leaders?  Nope!

Am I allowed to have gossipy thoughts?  While I can't control this, I hope the count will reduce dramatically come Easter.  

I hope this will make me a more thoughtful, kind, and, sincere person.  

I am hopeful this will make me a better friend, help clean out the clutter, and, stick with me long term.

I am hopeful this will let me let go of a few things.

What will you be doing for Lent?  Do you prefer to add or remove something from your life?  I would love to hear your thoughts!