Balance...I keep trying and I'm getting better..I think

  

   I have always been a pretty hardworking, nose-to-the-grindstone type person and drove myself ill trying to "do all and be all" to all.
But now I'm all about balance and moderation...a few wake-up calls (in the name of illnesses)are all it takes!
For instance, I love to help the environment and recycle but I also need help with things to make my life easier and I'm not going to apologize for it.  I do what I can, when I can and I wished I would have been that kind to myself all my life but "when you know better you do better" (Maya Angelou).

So, yes, I make my own bread and detergent, hang my clothes out on the line weather permitting and spend extra to try and only buy products that are humane and fair and healthy ie; purchase with my money in one hand and my values in the other. 
But then I had to admit to myself that there were things that would really make my life easier and add joy.  So, this year I took the plunge and bought myself 2 things that I had been looking at and researching and thought would do those very things.  I saved up my money, as they were larger than ordinary purchases, and bought them.  The first one is my Keurig coffeemaker.

  

How do I love thee...let me count the ways!

And even though I live alone I bought the big model so I don't have to put water in every time I want a cup of something.  This appliance has given me so much enjoyment!  I have cider and all types of coffees and teas and hot cocoa.  I also don't have to wash the coffeepot and accessories every day.  It's always there for me ready to offer me a nice hot cup of whatever I want!  And come the warmer weather there are ice drinks too, in a minute!  They say variety is the spice of life and I've got that and more in my Keurig!  

The second item I purchased was a Neato robotic vacuum!  I haven't even used it yet as it came yesterday and I charged it last night.  To say I'm chomping at the bit to finish this post and go "let that pony run" is an understatement!  I can't keep up with the vacuuming and dog hair around here and I have tried and tried but it's a losing battle and one I no longer want to fight! LOL!  I was going to buy a Roomba as a friend of mine liked hers but she lives alone and has no pets.  I wanted reviews from people who had large, shedding machines like mine and although the Roomba had good reviews the Neato's were even better especially on their model 12 version...5 stars from everyone!

I know lots of women who pride themselves on "doing it all" and I used to be that way myself but not any more.  I'll take the help where and when I can get it and I surely do love to hear my machinery doing my work for me!  So....gotta run! I (Neato) have some vacuuming to do! LOL!
P.S.  I'll keep you updated on my review of the Neato and also she needs a name...put your thinking caps on.  I was thinking of Edna, after one of my Aunts who kept an immaculate house and did everything from scratch long before there were many "modern conveniences" but once again..she had no pets....hmmm....coincidence?