Thanksgiving is next week?! ♥

 

Hello Friends! I took this photo from Pinterest.  It's it pretty?  I loved it and thought it was so appropriate in capturing November.  It's moody and dark, but still cozy and whimsical.  I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving.  Normally at this time I would be in a much different mindset, but because of everything that's been going on at home I've decided to take an alternate route. A much easier one.  It was my husband's suggestion and I must admit I had already thought of it but didn't say anything.  I made the decision to order a Thanksgiving dinner - all prepared and ready to go!  Shaw's Supermarket had a great deal.  A fully cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls AND a pie.  I'm picking it up on Wednesday. Sometimes you have to do things to save time and make your life easier.  I'm going for it.  As Rob says "how bad could it be?"  I have faith its going to be great! I may add a veggie or two and I'm planning on making my own apple pie (the dinner is coming with pumpkin pie).  I'm just happy my family will at be home and together on Thanksgiving.  As soon as I made the decision not to cook I felt a wave of peace over me.  Who knows, maybe it will be so good I'll do it again next year?? We'll see.  Fingers crossed! : )

In other news John had a band concert last Sunday.  He did so well.  The school provided them tuxedos.  I have to share a picture because when we were outside taking it all I could think about was how the neighbors must think he's going to a prom! lol 

He looked so handsome! 

He's tucked in the back on drums and you can hardly see him back there (back row, center, left), but we could certainly hear him.  He did an amazing job.  The school music program has been so wonderful over the years.  He loves it.  They are now practicing for the Christmas show in December.  I hear the big number is Sleigh Ride.  I'm looking forward to that! 

And speaking of Christmas.....♥

Just when I said to myself I was going to wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating.....nope.  I went to attic to get one thing and then couldn't stop.  I hung garlands around the windows in the kitchen, hung lights in my office, and put up this little tree on bedside table. Just seeing the little bits and bobs around the house made me happy.  Christmas decorations are such a mood booster, aren't they? And we all need it right now.  

I'm going to do more this week, little by little, until all that's left is the tree...that's my favorite.  

Have you decorated yet? ♥

The weather has been very cold (finally!!).  On our nightly walks I've been wearing a scarf, gloves, and last night I broke out the ear muffs. John gave me an "are you kidding me" eye roll, but I didn't care.  I was nice and toasty.  I love the cold weather and I'm so happy it's here.  One of my neighbors put a Christmas Story "leg lamp" in their front window.  We laughed so hard last night when we saw it.  I'll try to snap a picture of it if I can do it nonchalantly and show you.  I don't know this neighbor but I wish I did.  I think we would be friends : ) 

The ground is covered with frost in the mornings and I've been using my automatic start to warm up the car before the school run.  John and I both have hot coffee to sip on the way.  Yesterday when I got home I noticed this one rose still thriving in the front yard.  She's the lone survivor.  I don't know how long she'll last with these frosty mornings but I'm rooting for her! ♥

And now I'm off to have a favorite snack. An orange and a square of dark chocolate.  They really are lovely together.  I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the beautiful month of November.  The December rush will be here soon! Have you started shopping yet? I'm happy to say I have. 

Thank you for visiting me today.  Have some hot chocolate, get a warm blanket, and watch a Christmas movie.  I want to watch The Holiday this weekend.  It's one of my favorites and always leaves me dreaming of Christmas in the English countryside.   Someday! ♥

Stay cozy friends! And thank you all for your continued well wishes and prayers for my family.  

Love you! Xx

10 Things I Love ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday!  ♥

Before I get into this post I wanted to give you a little update.... My mom came home from the hospital on Wednesday night.  She's being treated with antibiotics and doing much better.  She has a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and visiting nurse that have been coming to the house for checkups and therapy.  So far so good! We have a long road in front of us, but we are heading in the right direction. Thank you for all your blessings.  We have felt them!

With that being said, I am full of gratitude this week.  I was trying to think of something to write about today and it seemed only fitting to do a "10 things I love" post.  I always say it's the little things in life that bring the most comfort and joy.  A really big chocolate chip cookie.  A warm, soft blanket.  Your favorite movie on TV just when you need it most.  Those things are the best things.  What would life be like without them? 

Here are ten VERY random things I currently love:  ♥

Dark chocolate.  I have one square a day.  It's delightful...especially when I dunk it in a cup of tea. I look forward to it every afternoon. Yum. 

Amazon, QVC, or any home delivery service.  It's hard to remember a time when Amazon didn't exist.  I currently have a cart full of Christmas presents ready to be ordered.  What a feeling to know packages will come right to my door and I never have to leave the house.  No crowded stores or waiting in long lines. RELIEF!  I'm even considering ordering a Thanksgiving dinner this year (fully cooked and ready to eat). What a time saver.  Our grandmothers may not approve, but I do : ) 

The Libby App.  Have you heard of this?  I'm sure I've talked about it before.  It's an app that hooks into your local library.  You can get books, magazine, audio books, all for free.  All you need is a library card.  I am obsessed with it!  I am constantly listening to audio books while I work and it's wonderful to be able to get them for free through my library.  I just downloaded a book called Don't Let Her Stay.  I love thrillers and so far this one is really good! 

Hot Cider.  Every fall we make hot cider.  I take store bought apple cider, add orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon.  I heat it on the stove and pour it into my favorite fall mug.  Its the most comforting drink on a chilly October or November afternoon.  It's fall in a cup. And it makes the kitchen smell good too.

Baking Bread.  I've talked a lot of my love of bread making on this blog.  I have a deep love of dough. LOL  This year for Christmas I'm treating myself to a Food Nanny dough hook.  There is nothing like homemade bread. It's better for us and the act of making it is almost as good as eating it.  I find it very therapeutic and it brings me joy.

Panera Bread's Autumn Harvest Soup. Run to Panera and get a bowl ASAP. You're Welcome! 

Words With Friends.  I'm back on this app again.  I do my words throughout the day.  I'm currently in three games.  Let me know if you want to play : ) 

Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid.  I've been using this on my face under my moisturizer for the past few months.  It adds extra hydration to the skin (something I really need!) now that the weather is changing (and my aging skin is changing!).  Don't let the name scare you.  It's very gentle and I've notice my makeup is looking a lot better since I've been using it.  Sharon left a comment on my blog a few weeks ago about doing a fall/winter makeup and fashion post.  Thank you Sharon, it's coming!  ♥

Vintage Jazz on Spotify.  There is something so nice about jazz music.  It creates the perfect background and sets the mood for a fall day.  I've been listening to a Spotify playlist called " Autumn Vintage Jazz" all week.  It's beautiful and brining peace to my days.  There are also some really nice ones on YouTube too.  In a few weeks I'll switch to "vintage Christmas Jazz"....haha

And speaking of Christmas...

Hallmark has started it's Countdown to Christmas.  All Christmas movies all the time.  I know some of you are rolling your eyes.  Yes they are corny and predictable but I like corny and predictable.  We need more if that in our lives.  Better than real life I say.  My favorite movies are the Lacey Chabert ones.  If I had to pick an actress to play me in my life story, she would be the one.  And you best believe it would be set in the cutest Christmas coffee shop or bakery you can imagine.  I love her and I love Hallmark.  IYKYK  ♥

Watching Hallmark Christmas movies is getting me excited for the holidays but I still have a lot of fall left in me to enjoy.  The next few weeks are some of my favorite of the year.  The stillness of early November is something to appreciate before the rush begins. You know what?....my decorations don't have to go up on a specific date.  And I've decided to allow myself to accept help when I need it.  

I am going to try to take it slow this year  ♥

Thank you so much for visiting me today.  I'm off to put a lasagna in the oven for dinner tonight.  I'm so glad the weekend is finally here.  I'm praying for good health and strength for my mom this weekend.  And John has a band concert on Sunday afternoon that Rob and I are looking forward to attending as well.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xoxo 

Update ♥

 

Hello Friends! Happy Halloween and Happy November 1st ♥

September and October looked a lot different to me this year and in some ways are a blur.  I apologize for my absence here these last few weeks.  My poor mother, who is literally the strongest person I know, has really been struggling.  Since I last posted she has been in and out of the hospital twice battling a bad infection that has attacked her immune system.  She is currently in the hospital again and we are awaiting test results on how to treat it.  The last time she came home and was able to get home care.  I am praying we can go that route again.  Its been an emotional roller coast ride and I know I have to be strong for my family, especially my Dad.  I just want her to get well and be comfortable and happy at home. If you are the praying kind, I ask that you keep my mom (and Dad) in your prayers.  They are the best people I know who have given so much to their family. I pray for strength every day to know what to do and how to do it.  I understand this is a natural course of life.  It's just really hard when you are going through it.  

One day last week John and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.  I needed to get out of the house for a few minutes and get some fresh air.  To my surprise I looked up to see that fall had finally arrived.  I'd been so preoccupied I almost missed it.  We walked in the crunchy leaves and I smelled the crispness in the air and someone must have had a fire burning because I smelled that too.  It was really lovely and just what I needed in that moment.  

Last night was Halloween.  John carved his pumpkin and I cooked the seeds (which I've been snacking on all day).  He went to a friends house last night with some buddies to hang out and play video games.  He had a great time and I'm SO glad!  We are trying our best to say positive as well as keep normalcy and traditions.  Our neighborhood was full of trick or treaters.  For the first time in forever I put a bowl of candy outside with a "help yourself" sign.  My Dad was at the hospital with my mom and since I live upstairs I didn't want to be running up and down every time someone was at the door.  I could hear all the chatter and laughter from the the little ones outside which made me smile.  Needless to say at 8:00 when all was quiet I went out to retrieve the bowl and it was completely empty.  

It was a BIG bowl too : ) 

I hope we have a little bit of fall left to enjoy before the snow comes.  I'm hearing my corner of the world is in for a lot this year.  My mind is already drifting to the holidays now.  Food and shopping and all the things. I'm going to do my best to make it as special as I possibly can.  Because I'm grateful. Family and friends are everything to me.  And that includes all of you.  

Sending you virtual hugs ♥ 

Stay cozy my friends! I'll be back soon! 

xoxox