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aging, blogging, change, February, Hardware Store Life, heart health, Home, loss, Resilence, southern living, weight loss

The Heart of the Matter

February 19, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

My heart is sad today. We lost a dear friend a few days ago. He died of a heart attack. I’m sad to say that he was younger than me.

*Rest in peace dear friend and may you rise in glory*

February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Did you know that one of the leading causes of death among women in America is heart disease? I was stunned when I heard that fact recently on the news. It was one of those moments in time when I began recalling women in my life who faced heart health challenges and it created a bit of discomfort in my mind. So where do I go from those uneasy thoughts??? And now the loss of friend due to heart health issues.

Those thoughts… led to a bit of reflection on my current lifestyle, eating habits, and a mental checklist of progress since LAST February when I began my weight loss journey.

In February of 2023, I was unhappy with my weight and just in general, how I was feeling. Both of our eating habits had deteriorated into a fast-paced lunch without a lot of thought into what we ate. We were grabbing whatever was convenient and easy, not necessarily healthy. Planning meals or even thinking ahead about what we should eat… well, that simply did not happen. Change had to happen and it finally did!

*Time is a factor for many… do we make wise heart healthy food choices??? Well… maybe not always*

Change and progress has been slow but steady. To date, I have lost and kept off consistently 36 pounds, which I’ll consider as success! I realize that I still have a few more goals left to accomplish, so my work is not done yet.

My eye doctor always jokes around with me about A-G-E disease… we both laugh and nod about how much AGE can impact our eyes. I bet that if we really think about it, A-G-E disease can be applied elsewhere.

That being said, AGE can slowly creep upon you, whether we realize it’s happening or not, and changes are inevitable… the body IS changing with age. That’s not revolutionary, that’s just simple science.

*Happy Heart* ❤️ *… finding beauty in the world each day*

Unhealthy eating habits and patterns can impact health. These factors combined CAN influence our overall physical health and wellbeing. Heart health and establishing healthy eating habits go hand and hand.

Listed below are FIVE key takeaways that I have learned from my weight loss journey which have served me well in the last year. I hope that these tips will inspire you to keep working towards good heart health, consistent weight management, and overall better wellbeing in 2024.

1. Find your willpower. Weight loss is not easy and it takes considerable effort and dedication to make it happen. The weight loss curve is not a true downhill line. Mine has been full of zips and zags along the way. Be consistent and keep going strong, your heart will thank you!

Weight fluctuations happen. I have consistently been weighing in each day to monitor my progress, expecting the fluctuations to occur so that I’m not disappointed in my overall performance. Did you know that Wilkes County Hardware has scales in stock ???

2. Eating in a calorie deficit was an adjustment and an eye opener!!! I had no idea how many calories I was consuming daily until I started managing my intake at each meal. It was surprising and shocking! 😳 Enough said!

3. You can eat anything within reason, when you think about portion size AND as long as you plan ahead… example… if you eat lunch at a restaurant with friends, plan to eat light at your evening meal. Choosing to focus on filling foods (green foods – those with a high water content),eat a balance of protein, and eat the rainbow of colors (thinking about colors of vegetables/fruits) have been helpful to me.

Many people think it’s expensive to be on a diet and buy food for that “diet plan” … BUT, when you shop differently, there are simply things you don’t put in your shopping cart anymore, which could make a difference in your shopping habits and overall savings! If you are shopping around for the best app or diet plan to try, pick one that best suits your needs and lifestyle… Making sure to look at the overall long term impact.

My personal experience taught me that eating more vegetables and smaller amounts of meat was helpful. I don’t exclude anything from my diet but, I do try to honor a cravings, while make wiser choices when it comes to food choices, staying away from empty calories. AND you can eat well and on a budget by shopping around for the best deals on fruits and veggies! We love Aldi and Food Lion locally here.

4. Just Keep moving! Keeping up a vigorous exercise routine might be great, but most of us don’t have the time for it. Consistent movement each day… that is the key!!! Just keep on moving and going. Monitor your steps and add try to add a few steps more each day. You might be surprised how many steps you can get in just by cleaning the house, running errands, etc.

*I’ll often walk to pick up lunch from Main Street or to do a quick errand… it’s actually great exercise and I can get a few extra steps in.*

5. Drink plenty of water. It helps!!! Reduce your sugary drink consumption… You will quickly notice the difference in how you feel and your heart will appreciate it too!

*We keep water stocked in our drink cooler at the hardware store!*

My motivation was simple. I didn’t like how my weight was making me feel physically. Being overweight can create heart health issues, higher cholesterol, diabetes, and a host of other problems. I didn’t want any of those health concerns coming into play in my life anytime soon. So I decided to take action. I know my numbers… I had my yearly check up this month so I’m familiar with my current progress and what I need to do in regard to my numbers… blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. It’s a balancing act of all of these things… managing your numbers, weight and stress. Do I do that well enough??? Well… that’s a work in progress but the effort is there.

*Stress relief… find those beautiful places, hobbies, or take time to unwind and recharge.*

In closing, I’m sharing a few tips directly from the American Heart Association to GO RED Campaign for women which can apply to anyone who wants to be Heart Healthy.

• G: GET YOUR NUMBERS – Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.

• O: OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE – Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat healthy.

• R: REALIZE YOUR RISK – We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills 1 in 3 women.

• E: EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY – Make healthy food choices for you & your family and stay active.

• D: DON’T BE SILENT – Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our No. 1 killer. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined! The more we know about our heart health, action can occur and prevention strategies can be developed.

Before we leave this subject… use this website for more information: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women

I’ve decided to not be silent. I’m sharing a small portion of my journey with you and my hope is that you can take away something from my own personal experience to help you or someone else who might benefit from this.

*February Reading about Longevity patterns across the globe.*

I’ll often draft/edit a blog post and leave them in editing mode… I had honestly thought about pushing this one off for a while. But after the events of last week, I changed my mind. It is never too late to start a new chapter in life. Here’s to being Heart Healthy and having Happy Hearts in 2024!

blogging, Cleaning House, family, finding inspiration, Hand washing dishes, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, high touch surfaces, Home, memories, Shop Local, southern cooking, southern living, spring cleaning, Supply Chain

“All Washed Up”… Hand Washing Dishes, A Chore or A Pleasant “Dish-traction”???

February 12, 2024 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

My dishwasher died last week . I simply went to turn it on before I left to go to work, and it didn’t come on. After all connections were checked, called the manufacturer, etc, we decided it was time to begin looking for a new one. No further “dish-cussion” was needed!

My kitchen window where my sink has a view… the view changes from season to season, but one thing is consistent, plants are always growing and happy here. A great excuse to enjoy doing the dishes, lovely plants and flowers to enjoy!

Much to my dismay, as I believe is the now the norm, the “box” store stock remains very low and the dishwasher has to be ordered. It’s not ideal. But I do want to shop around a bit in order to find the best option. I realize that this appliance is not a life altering product for us… if it was a washer, or a stove … well that would be a much more serious problem. But, we can definitely manage without a dishwasher.

My mind quickly went back to my Grandparents homes. Both sets of my grandparents had dishwashers and they rarely used them. I feel confident it was the era they grew up in, and hand washing dishes was just second nature to cooking a meal.

Granny kept a dishpan in her sink as a “catch pan” for loose dishes in between meals. She also washed dishes in the pan… saving water and detergent. After family meals we all piled into the kitchen, washing, drying, and putting the dishes away so that she didn’t have to do all those dishes. We had fun laughing, and telling stories, as Granny sat smiling, and of course, supervising all of us. The dishes didn’t take long when we all pooled together and did them together.

As my experience has begun without a functional dishwasher, I pulled out an old dishpan as a “catch-all” for my miscellaneous dirty dishes. A very sweet memory of my Granny’s kitchen.

Hand washing dishes isn’t glamorous but let’s face it, not many household daily tasks are! So I needed to simply reframe my mind about this new daily chore I was facing. Using the fond memories of washing dishes side by side with my Granny and other family in her kitchen, I am ready to “wipe up” my success in hand washing dishes.

Washing dishes shouldn’t be monotonous, but a therapeutic “cleansing” experience… not leaving me “sloppy, soppy wet” like a well used sponge.

Sponges! Available at Wilkes County Hardware. Sponges have a short lifespan in the kitchen. When they start to “smell” they need to go away to the trash. The average lifespan is 2 weeks to 30 days depending on how often it is sanitized/ used.

After all, we (Richard and I) both hand wash several items already each day. Yes, he helps me with the dishes every evening, since I do most of the cooking before he gets home from the hardware store. It is rare that we put any pots or pans in our dishwasher. Those go straight to the sink for immediate attention.

Hand washing dishes shouldn’t be big deal, right??? Hmmm, I’m “dish-tracted” by the thoughts of using paper plates, cups, and utensils for a while. No, I shall not be “bowled” over by such thoughts! I’m not “throwing the baby out with the dishwater” as they say. Keeping the sweetness of the situation while focusing on what needs to change… the dirty, dingy dish water. A new scenario of being without a dishwasher and how to manage a load of dirty dishes without kitchen chaos.

The ultimate goal… a clean sink and kitchen!!! I thrive in this type of environment.

Management of hand washing dishes without a clear plan could prove disastrous or chaotic, so I’m sharing a few tips and tricks that you could implement whenever you find yourself hand washing dishes. I hope these suggestions are useful to you and your family … not leaving you all wet and soggy! I have definitely used several of these tips myself as I have ventured into back into hand washing dishes in earnest.

Before You Begin….

1. Begin with a clean sink! Reduce the chance of bacteria by beginning with a clean and sanitized sink.

Easy cleaning products for sink cleaning and much more always available at Wilkes County Hardware.

2. Evaluate your needs to be successful… Take a quick inventory of your scrubbing tools. Invest in tools of the trade, scrubber, brushes, detergent, gloves, sponges etc. Purchase good quality cleaning products that you love. This will make hand washing dishes easier and less stressful when you have the right tools! Think about a carpenter or a plumber not having his tools to make a simple repair… it’s the same thing!

Brushes, sponges and more! Making hand washing dishes a little bit easier, all inside your local hardware store at WCH.

Use the dish soap that you love! These Meyers soaps are great selling items at Wilkes County Hardware.

For greasy messes and much more! Sold at Wilkes County Hardware.

3. Set the Mood… that’s right, get your mind on the task at hand and get ready!!!Find your favorite playlist, podcast, or even set a timer be finished (washed/dry) by a specific time (15-20 minutes). Don’t procrastinate, just be vigilant and get it done.

Let kids help pick music or set the timer. Make it a family event/game time on how fast you can get things finished and put away!

4. Consider the Bin/Dishpan Method

A. Presoak in separate bin… allows you to keep those miscellaneous food bits away from your sink drain, and the plumbers away!

My sink is a large one bowl sink. For small handwashing tasks, the dishpan method works well! Bravo Granny!!! She definitely knew what she was doing with that technique.

B. Stash the bin under the cabinet with the dirty dishes if you don’t have time to do the dishes prior to your departure OR use the bin in the sink as a catch all prior to doing the dishes.

C. Wash in the bin or dishpan…save on water/soap instead of filling up sink especially if you just have a small batch of dishes to clean.

For small handwashing tasks, the dishpan method works well!

D. Use a dishpan/bin for a hot rinse soak after hand washing. Using extra hot water helps to sanitize your dishes and remove any excess residue that might be left from the dish soap. Make sure that you use gloves to protect your hands from the hot warm or wait until water cools before drying and putting away.

This large white dishpan is extremely versatile for many uses in your kitchen! Stop by to pick one up at WCH

Doing the Dishes: Washing Up

I’ve totally converted to these!!! These wash up your dishes beautifully and are virtually indestructible! One of our best selling gifts! Hands down one of my favorite things!

1. Clean in order… glasses, silverware, plates, dirtier pots/pans go very last!

2. Presoaking is your friend! Pre-soak dairy and starchy based foods in cold water instead of hot water it should clean up easier.

3. Turn up the heat… I’m talking about your dish water, add gloves if necessary. The hotter the soapy dish water, can help sanitize your dishes effectively.

4. Scrape plates/dishes off prior to hand washing. Remove excess food bits to keep dish water as clean as possible.

5. Be proactive, don’t let the dishes stack up, do the dishes as you cook and prep for your meals.

6. Keep the sink clear… consider using the bin method for dirty dishes. Placing dirty dishes into sink as you go through them… glasses, silverware, plates, etc.

7. Go by the feel of your dishes… One way to tell if a dish is still dirty, it may have a gritty, greasy, or possibly a soapy feel. Keep washing and scrubbing!

The Rinse Cycle

1. Just Eyeball it… a dish is clean if you can see a smooth stream of water across the surface of the plate as you rinse it.

2. Use a dishpan/bin for a hot rinse soak after hand washing. I’m well aware that some people say that the water/steam in a dishwasher is the only way you can properly sanitize your dishes… Hmmm… but I would bet that everyone doesn’t have a dishwasher. People have existed without dishwashers for decades, and germs were kept at bay. So what can you do to properly sanitize??? Using extra hot water helps to sanitize your dishes and remove any excess residue that might be left from the dish soap. And using dry, clean towels as you put your dishes away helps to avoid cross contamination. If you decide to rinse with extra hot water, make sure that you use gloves to protect your hands or wait until water cools before drying and putting away.

Drying Time

These gorgeous handmade towels are perfect for daily use!!! Stop by and pick up seasonal favorites to make your kitchen tasks more enjoyable. Yes, you deserve a few special items in your kitchen!!! These wash up extremely well. Another kitchen staple found! 💕

1. Have plenty of clean, dry towels on hand for drying dishes. Do not reuse a wet towel. A wet towel will slow down your work and definitely take longer. Take all wet kitchen towels to laundry basket for washing. Kitchen towels can harbor bacteria if not properly washed and dried or if reused multiple times before laundering.

I pull at least two or three basic towels out for hand drying and then they go into the laundry basket for cleaning to prevent cross contamination.

Yes, you can use your handmade towels for drying dishes!!! These are meant to be used!!!

2. For air drying your dishes, have a dish drainer ready to go! Make sure air flow is good. Hand dry any pieces that don’t fit onto your drainer.

3. Encourage your family to help clear away the clean dishes. Make it a game, such as… I bet we can do it in so many minutes… or play favorite songs while they help. It’s good character building and life skills for younger kids.

4. Clean your sink again after draining out the spent, old dish water and you are done for the day!

5. Moisturize your hands! The hot water and detergent can do a number on your hands so be kind and do a bit of self care to your hands afterwards.

The best moisturizer lotion.. hands down!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The Physical Science of Hand Washing Dishes may actually speak for itself. Hand washing dishes can be therapeutic, calming, and a stress reliever. The repetitive act of washing dishes can relieve stress by providing a sense of accomplishment of a job well done and task completion. That being said, for some, washing dishes can be a very stressful chore, and overwhelming, especially if the sink is loaded down with stinky, dirty dishes!!! If your mindset is not working towards a positive outcome, then take time to reframe.

Once you are ready to scrub into the warm hand dishwashing water, the constant heat of the water can create a calming effect upon the body and senses, aiding in stress reduction. Muscle tension can be lowered, by hand washing the dishes. Increased circulation and movement are added bonuses.

Lastly, hand washing dishes is an iconic activity of the 5 senses to be performed and enjoyed. Use your body’s physical cues… staying in the moment… Sensing the warmth of water and the feel of the dish in your hands, gripping a soft sponge, the sound of water splashing in the sink. Catching the lingering smell of the scented dish soap, hearing the sound of the squeaky clean dish as you rinse it off. And the sounds of family members clanging the dishes into the cabinets after the muscle motions of drying the dishes after a meal around the table filled with laughter. What more could you ask for… Family togetherness in your kitchen and home. I think I’ll do the dishes for a little bit longer and enjoy my newly found love for hand washing the dishes…. At least for a few more days.

blogging, Creating Cozy in Winter Months, Fighting The Winter Blues, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, Home, January, memories, Natural World, old hardware stores, southern living, winter, Winter Photography

January Photographed

January 31, 2024 hardwarelifewife 4 Comments

January can be a long month… maybe verging on what seems like the month of never ending Mondays. So why not make the best of January???

I have decided to take this year and document and capture memories… from our everyday life activities. Everything isn’t glamorous, we work long hours, 6 days a week, but Richard and I find time to share and unwind. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite collected moments from January 2024 via photography.

It’s been a very cold and wet month to begin 2024. The wood stove has been going strong all month long inside the hardware store.

January Saturday visits at the hardware store are the best! Bandit, and Tella stop by for a visit with Eric and Chelsea.

Early morning frost… crunching underfoot as we take our pups out in the early morning hours.

The frost has been heavy several mornings in the month of January 2024.

The frost was hanging heavy on the trees during this sunrise capture on January 12th.

The bare trees showing their beauty on this cold, foggy morning of January 16th.

A rainbow of colors during this January sunrise

This little frosty friend made his way home in January after weeks of work in pottery class. He’s a cutie pie! And yes, we are still wishing for some snow!

Adding the green… after all the Christmas lights and decorations are gone, the house feels bare. This year I decided to add to my mantle with green garlands and a small lamp to bring some additional light. The sun sets earlier in winter months and lamp lights help keep the homey warmth feeling alive during the coldest months. Learn more about adding greenery, and more in the latest blog post https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/01/13/fighting-the-winter-blues/

This old wooden bowl is usually filled with my cloth napkins that we use each day. I do not think I have bought paper napkins in years! I wash and reuse my cloth napkins all the time… (many have been thrift finds). I decided to use this old bowl as a centerpiece for my mantle this January… bringing warmth and a different feel into our main living space. A nice change after the holiday season. Need a nice new wooden bowl??? Stop by to pick up a locally made one by Keegan Watson!

Things I find in my washer… January edition

Morning Cloud Study: A favorite January capture 💕

**Courage…** I took a chance and enter 5 photos this year in the Blue Ridge Photography Overview … 2 were accepted. This one, which I titled, ***Walking On Water***, won first place in the category of *Everyday Life Photography*. I am Honored and grateful to be included! If y’all remember, I had NEVER printed anything until last year… this was a huge step for me. A special deep thanks to everyone who continues to support and encourage me.

Here’s my other photo that made the cut into the Juried Show… stop by Wilkes Art Gallery to view all the amazing work of local photographers between now and February 15th .

Our son now travels a lot for his work. Little did we know, that the “empty nesters” syndrome would find us quickly. It was unexpected and sudden when he began this job last spring. These two cute pups keep us entertained and the house busy with their playful activities.

Hello Mom… please pet me… love you, Cookie

White Amaryllis – January blooms!!! Always a great blessing to see these bloom during the month of January, and thankful for sweet friends who send these!

Here’s my photo favorite for January y’all

**The Promise**…. January has been a wet, rainy month. Friday January 26th sunrise offered a glimpse of the beautiful day that was on the horizon.

Friday January 26th… the **only day** in January that the front doors were open and at the hardware store… the weather was absolutely perfect. What a beautiful day!

Staying warm in January and indoors, under a blanket… lots of tv 📺 watching this month due to the cold, rainy weather. Netflix: Fool Me Once, Sweet Magnolias, Apple TV: Masters of the Air, Criminal Record Hulu: How I Met Your Father just a few shows we streamed this month.

Baking… I have been on a long extended break but with the arrival of my new cookbook over Christmas, I decided to try a small batch recipe. Marble cake with peanut butter buttercream was a definite hit.

This January… Working a bit on my own doing some studio time… glazing and trying to learn how to make things myself.. I like the rustic look this piece has using red iron oxide. Can’t wait to see it all finished after the kiln.

January 31st… Evidence that Spring will arrive soon! 🌷Who’s ready for February???

blogging, Creating Cozy in Winter Months, Fighting The Winter Blues, Hardware Store Life, Home, January, Resilence, seaonal change, southern living, winter

Fighting the Winter Blues

January 13, 2024 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

Are you muddling through January??? The holidays are over, the Christmas lights and decorations are tucked away for another year. The chill of winter has set in. The blustery winter winds can take your breath away from the sudden surge of Arctic air. Brrr!!!! Many of us may just want to retreat inside our homes for a few months to hibernate like a bear.

The frost was hanging heavy on the trees January 12th

I feel like that in the winter months of January and February. Simply ready for Hibernation…. Often in the winter season, I’m driving to work in the dark each morning and then driving home as sun goes down. Ugh…. Yes, the sun concludes its day even earlier in the winter! At 6:00pm it feels like 10:00pm, my internal clock is askew … ready to hibernate for the entire evening at 7pm, struggling to stay awake. My inner bear is showing its sleepy little self.

If the seasons were reversed, that would be the opposite during the summer. Summer brings a burst of longer daylight and ongoing activity. So, my bear-like self becomes more like a busy little hummingbird …. A stroll into the garden after dinner, doing yard work, the list could go on and on… Yes, darkness can be a stronger force during the winter season.

Winter… less hours of daylight! Stop by to purchase this unique clock ⏰.

Maybe you are always a hummingbird all year long, but I know as I get older, my “bear instincts” are growing stronger as I feel the need to rest more in the winter months. Winter is a perfect time for a respite… Time to rest, reflect, and prepare yourself for another year.

Did y’all know that several years ago, the third January Monday was actually coined “Blue Monday”? I believe it was a travel gimmick to get people motivated to begin thinking about spring and summer travel. The goal of “Blue Monday” was to get folks motivated to plan and book their summer travel… not sure how all that worked out for the travel marketing industry but honestly, less hours of daylight does impact how we think and feel… science proven! Regardless of the original intent of this, it’s worth a discussion about the winter lull after the excitement of the holiday season.

Finding the beauty in January… January can be stark, like the tree without leaves. But the beauty emerges when you stop to view the beauty of the tree itself. Allowing yourself to rest, reset, and reflect in January can be good for your mind, body, and spirit.

So we have already established that it’s hard for me to get energized on those wet, windy, nasty cold days. And this year, so far, without significant snow to bring a glimmer of winter bliss into our midst it has been tough for my inner “bear”.

As adults, we often don’t have the “childlike” mindset of the glorious event of a wonderful snowstorm… watching with wonder and excitement… viewing every snowflake fall by the window, snow days with no school, or gearing up for sledding.

*Ahhh, the beautiful snowfall captured from a few years ago. This is a favorite photo of mine from the Greenway.*

So how do we beat the winter “blues”? I would venture to guess that most of us can’t pack up and take an extended vacation until April. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!!! Yes, that’s not happening for 99 % of us reading this blog post. I also do realize that some folks do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and if that’s the case these simple tips may not be enough to keep your spirit strong… seek out medical professionals.

But, if the “ winter blues” are simply getting you down in the dumps, here’s a few tips from your favorite local hardware store blogger to help make the winter of 2023-2024 a bit cozier and warmer.

**Winter… bring warmth and cozy comfort to your daily routine**

Tips for Fighting the Winter “Blues”

1. Go Green! Yes, that’s right, invest in a few good house plants. We spend the majority of our time inside during the winter, so add some fresh green plants into your home. Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for a fresh bag of potting soil, or a new flower pot. Me, I love plants… so this one is a no brainer for me… But, what if you aren’t great with live plants… substitute in artificial greenery. Hmmm… I’m not an artificial plant or greenery person… buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers to use as a centerpiece for your kitchen table to add a boost of color to your surroundings.

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/10/03/plant-lady/

2. Get outside!!! Take a walk… when the weather allows. Take in some much needed sunshine/ vitamin D on a sunny winter day. Plan a fun family event… Build a fire pit and eat s’mores with family.

Outdoor logs are available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware

3. Eat Cozy … Make your favorite soup and stews. Winter is a time to make the most of the cold weather by enjoying your favorite comfort foods, soups and stews. I know we are enjoying several of our favorites this winter.

Need a new Dutch Oven… this red, Lodge style one is perfect for all of your winter meals!

4. Feed the birds… watch your bird feeders from the warmth of your home and enjoy nature. They need a boost of nutrients too.

The birds need you during the cold winter months to supplement their diet.

5. Be Warm at Home … Yes, home should be a warm place to retreat. So take time to evaluate those cold areas around windows or doors, etc and make minor repairs if needed. Another tip to be warm at home… is to build a fire in your fireplace, or add candles to your non-working fireplace to add a little extra cozy comfort.

6. Bring in the light… Who say that all the Christmas lights must go up! This year leave out a set of twinkling lights after Christmas OR add accent lamps to a dark room, set a timer for them to come on before you arrive home at night. Add night lights to areas where darkness is common like a hallway. Need any of these items… stop by and pick up a new timer, night light, or light bulbs at Wilkes County Hardware.

7. Drink in the warmth … nothing is better than a hot cup of coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate on a cold winter day.

Need a few new mugs to get through the winter ???? Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for handmade mugs.

8. Add ambient light… Head over to Wilkes County Hardware for an oil lamp. Oil lamps offer a fragrance free ambient light that you often can’t get with a candle. The lamp oil that we stock on our shelves is also smokeless.

These are perfect to add a bit of cozy, and warmth into any room during the winter months. Perfect for power outages too!

These strike anywhere matches are perfect for winter fires, candles, oil lamps and more!!!

9. Create Cozy… Rearrange a room to give it a fresh feel after the holidays by moving furniture etc, or do a small DIY to refresh your home.

Paint is an easy way to refresh a room, a well worn piece of furniture, or add a splash of color to cabinets.

10. Get Organized… Are you ready to Clean, and Declutter???? Whether you are doing a deep closet cleaning or just polishing up that old piece of furniture, Wilkes County Hardware can help you find the perfect cleaning products and tools to get it done ✅.

Wilkes County Hardware offers a variety of cleaning supplies! Stop by to view our selection soon.

In closing, fighting the “winter blues” for me, is all about finding the balance of being content and keeping the weather in perspective.

I can make the months of January and February dark, dank, and gloomy in my mindset OR I could immerse myself into the beauty of the season by finding the perfect combination of rest, comfort and coziness to make my winter a peaceful experience. I choose the latter.

I’m choosing to live up my winter this year by making yummy soups, savoring my morning coffee, adding some greenery into my decor, creating a small to do list of DIY projects and yes, cleaning out those closets!!! Ugh, maybe I do need to hibernate 😂. Enjoy the winter season and stop by for some winter warmth when you can!

The perfect spot to be cozy and warm and beat the “ Winter Blues”.

blogging, challenges, change, End of Year Reflection, entrepreneurship, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, loss, memories, nuts and bolts, old hardware stores, plumbing, Resilence, Shop Local, southern living, Supply Chain, work

Reflections and Highlights of 2023

December 27, 2023 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

Who knew what 2023 would bring??? We surely didn’t plan on the unexpected… loss of dear friends… a beloved staff member and friends who shopped with us/visited us weekly. 2023 brought challenges…dealing with continued short-term shortages, a slimmer bottom line, and renewed focus on key product lines that our customers love…our essentials in 2023.

**2023 was the year of the Milwaukee marker… if you have used one… then you just know it’s the best thing ever!**

2023… was all about KEYS!!!! We make keys all day long, here’s a link to a blog from January 2023 which reveals a little bit more about what we do…. https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/01/11/more-than-nuts-and-bolts/

In 2023, we experienced loss and grief multiple times. Losing dear friends like Monty and Tracy is difficult. Tracy was a regular customer, stopping by often for a chat after work or coming by to pick up essentials. Other dear customers losing battles with cancer, or experiencing other serious health issues makes the daily routine a bit different from 2022 without them in our midst. We loved Monty dearly and his loss was hard to bear as 2023 began.

Our staff becomes an integral part of our daily lives. As our younger staff members prepare to leave us and have grown into stronger members of our community, we wish them well, especially as they leave us behind for other opportunities… whether they are heading off to college, or seeking jobs that connect to their future career paths. Richard and I still connect with them as much as we can. They are our family, never forgotten… it’s not bittersweet event as they depart… just sweet souls who are moving forward with their lives, creating beautiful lives and light .

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/02/01/dark-skies-and-beautiful-light/

**Wilkes County Hardware launched a kids scavenger hunt in 2023… have you brought your kids or grandkids in yet to check this out ???**

**In the quiet months of February and March of 2023, we were busy resetting the lawn and garden section and moved it up front and center**

**The locally sourced section also got a major reset this year on the back ladder wall**

**New products are always a welcome addition to our store: in 2023 Blue Door Houses by Kim Reid**

**These beautiful flowers were painted on our store front windows this spring by Andrea Baldwin**

**Another yummy treat we added into our snack line in 2023!!!**

**You can’t beat sunglasses at $3.99!!!**

**Welcome back to North Wilkesboro Speedway!!! We got you back! Thanks for stopping by y’all and shopping locally.**

**New shirt in 2023! Short sleeve and long sleeve**

In case you missed this blog post earlier this year… this one is a must read!!! 8 Things Your Plumber Wish You Knew… link below in picture caption….

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/04/29/8-things-your-plumber-wishes-you-knew/

**Another area of the store that was examined was the home hardware area… a HUGE reset of this area was done in 2023!**

Looks much different now!!!

**The back area has been reset with stove pipe, kerosene replacement wicks, chain, and tubing cut to length.**

**Handmade pottery keeps customers coming back to Wilkes County Hardware find the perfect present!**

**Andrea Baldwin made our dream come true in 2023, a mural on the front side of the building!**

Gorgeous!!! Why the chicken logo??? You can read a bit more of our history in this blog link https://hardwarelifewife.com/2022/11/21/mr-ee-eller-chickens-and-turkeys-nothing-but-clucking-gobbling-and-plucking-out-the-truth/

**Hannah Crow Photography stopped by to do a quick photo shoot. Thanks for the amazing photos and capturing a bit of what we do everyday!**

**Friday mornings.. a gathering of friends and local business leaders – morning coffee**

**In 2023, we welcomed Tim Billings to our staff. His skills as a glass cutter has been invaluable. Stop by to see Tim soon! He can help you with any hardware question you may have.**

**New local artist in 2023… stained glass by Badger Glass**

Keegan has had a fantastic year in 2023!!! Did you see his award winning stool at Wilkes County Hardware on Apple Festival Saturday???? Keegan announced his big win in the Made in NC Awards in October. Looking forward to seeing him in the February edition of Our State Magazine! Congratulations Keegan!!!

**Charcuterie boards or serving boards**

**New in 2023! Rolling pins selling out quickly each time they arrive!!!**

Our bolts, screws, and all sorts of fasteners are frequently visited each and every day inside our hardware store. Yes, you can purchase pieces individually and not have to pay that bulk price like you would at the “box” store 🙄

**Fall arrived and so did Wally!!! He was a huge hit with our customers and made everyone smile a bit wider when they see him on our front door.**

**2023 Fall t-shirts were a huge hit! Thanks for wearing our logo gear y’all**

**New rubs made their debut inside Wilkes County Hardware… have you tried these yet???**

**Ok, let’s talk about this BBQ sauce! It’s a staff favorite hands down!!! Thanks Keegan for making this one happen!!!**

**A new Pepsi cooler arrived keeping everyone on 10th Street caffeine filled and ready to meet the day! Thanks to our neighbors and customers for purchasing drinks all year long!**

**First wood stove fire of the season on October 16, 2023**

**So glad to be a small part of this event! We enjoyed y’all! Thanks for coming out in 2023 and making year 2 of Spooktacular bigger and better than year 1!!! Watch out 2024!!!**

**Toys for Tots drop off site for the second year… a HUGE thank you to all who donated toys this holiday season!!!**

**When a big rig pulls up outside our hardware store… you make them keys that work.. Thanks to Richard!**

**Wally got a winter makeover to bring in the winter weather season in 2023.**

**A huge thanks again to Andrea Baldwin for the winter windows!!!**

**Santa dropped in during Light Up Downtown**

**Holiday cookies, granola bars, gift sets, handmade soaps, almanacs and calendars all sold out during the Christmas shopping season!!!**

Thanks to all who read the blog mini series…A Sprinkling of Christmas Memories… here’s the link to the last one in case you missed it https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/12/18/a-sprinkle-of-christmas-memories-christmas-eve/

**These beautiful trees sold out during Christmas shopping season!!!**

**Watercolor artist Tom Carnes stopped by to do a few Christmas themed drawings a few days before Christmas!!! Thanks Tom!!! These were amazing!**

**New sweatshirt crew to bring in 2024!!!**

**Wishing you a very happy 2024 and a HUGE thank to all who shopped with and supported us in 2023!**

In my closing reflections of 2023 I would like to say that the challenges are ongoing each year… the list might be endless for a local business owner… increased costs of doing business, dealing with shortages, managing and maintaining staff, or even a slight downturn the economy means less money circulating into small businesses in our community. In that case, folks tend to hold back on spending… that is understandable. But the impact of those choices creates a ripple effect for many businesses. I’m encouraging everyone to make a conscious effort to shop locally. Think Local!

With one click, you can shop online and have it delivered to your door. It’s so easy to do!!! Right??? What about the quality??? Will that product last??? What kind of customer service are you going to receive as a result of a product failure??? Worried about price??? Quality products outlives the cheapest product every single time. We need quality businesses in our local community and they will not be there if we don’t make the continued effort to show up and shop there. So that’s my call to action for you in 2024, Shop Local, Eat Local, Play Local. Our community needs you in 2024.

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business