It's 2025! Let's Catch up ♥

Hello Friends! Long time no see! I did not expect to be away so long, but days turned into weeks and now here we are - mid January! Rest assured, all is well.  Life has been hectic and I've been busy, but things are starting to slow down now and I can finally start to breathe again.  The weather has been freezing cold, but isn't it so pretty?

As I type this post Christmas seems like a lifetime ago (and a bit of a blur to be honest with you.) Didn't is seem to go by way too fast? I think it was because Thanksgiving was so late and we had so little time to do all the things before Christmas.  I was at the bank this morning having this same conversation with the teller and she told me that next year Thanksgiving is also late, but this time I'll be prepared for it! And God-willing won't have pneumonia in November like I just did. That did not help my situation at all : )

Anyway, let me give you a quick catch up.  December was nuts. Mainly because Rob and I purchased my Dad's house (the house I currently live in and is my childhood home).  We are the official owners now which is great and a huge relief for my Dad.  We've taken that responsibility off his plate now and he can be happy as can be in his cozy chair and do whatever he pleases.  For us, it meant lots of paperwork and forms and everything else that is involved in buying a house. Thankfully, everything went well, we're up and running, and I'm so happy that part is behind us.  The house needs some updating and we're slowly chipping away at it - room by room - trying to enjoy the process.  Put that on top of Christmas and all that goes with it - decorating, shopping, wrapping, and just trying to enjoy the holiday season, AND working a full-time job.  It was also a constant reminder that it was the first one without my mom and that felt very very different.  December was a rollercoaster of emotions. 

My Dad hadn't been well leading up to Christmas. I was so worried he'd be in the hospital for Christmas.  I just felt something coming (hoping I was going to be wrong). It was a relief he wasn't in on Christmas day, but December 26th I had to take him to the ER.  He was admitted and was in for 5 days.  He needed a blood transfusion for a pre-existing condition, he had a bunch of tests run, and a small procedure that ended up being very beneficial (that he should have had months ago, but I won't go into the healthcare system and my feelings on it...because I'm trying to be positive here :)                    

He came home on New Years Eve day and has been feeling better ever since. Thank you, God! I'm sure many of you have experienced what I'm going through - having a parent or family member who is elderly, and you constantly worry about them - back and forth from the doctors and hospital all the time - it's a lot.  I'm very grateful when we have good days. 

SO that's where I've been.  But now I'm back! As I said earlier, Christmas seems like a lifetime ago, but I can't go without sharing some pictures of a lovely Christmas lunch my mother-in-law hosted the Sunday before Christmas.  It was definitely my favorite day of this holiday season.  It was so cozy and relaxed, and I loved it.  

 

I wish I could go back and relive this day again because it was that nice.  I also wish I could eat the meal again! I'm looking forward to next year! 

The week between Christmas and New Years was the week my Dad was in the hospital. By the time he came home on New Years Eve we were ready to have a cozy night in and a very good sleep! We all needed it.  It's a miracle I made it to midnight, but I did! I'm happy to leave 2024 behind and start fresh in 2025~! 

But before I wrap up Christmas with a bow, I just quickly wanted to share with you the most lovely gift I received from my mother in law.  This perfume is my new favorite thing in the world.

She picked it up in October while vacationing in Capri, Italy (but assured me it's available on Amazon if I run out!).  I'm honestly in love with it! It smells like the most perfect spring day.  I've been wearing it every day since it was gifted to me : ) 

And now on to 2025! 

So normally I'm not one for New Years resolutions, however I do like a good starting point and I always think that Jan 1st is a good time to begin something new.  I made a little list off the top of my head of "goals" for the new year.  I posted this on Instagram on January 1st.

So far (14 days in :) I'm doing pretty good.  I'm trying to get out everyday day and walk, even in the bitter cold.  I don't mind bundling up and the fresh air always makes me feel good.  I'm trying to be better about meal planning and making more things from scratch.  I want to be better and keeping up with friends and writing letters, accepting help when needed, and being more positive in my life.  I'm definitely glass-half-empty girl and that's no good for anyone.  Being more mindful of my spending, shopping small business, and going to thrift shops...something I do really enjoy, I just need to set aside time to do it.  That's just a handful of things I have been thinking about and trying to improve. Did you set any goals for the new year? 

On Sunday I made this bread recipe I found on Pinterest.  It came out delicious and only took 2 hours to rise.  If you want to jump into bread making, I highly suggest this recipe.  I've got another loaf rising right now. 

(recipe here)

I also made my mom's sour cream coffee cake which made the house smell like she was in the kitchen baking, and it was like a great big hug.   

(recipe here)

And now as I ease into the new year, I'm enjoying quiet days at home.  

I've always loved January for that reason.  After all the hustle and bustle of December I feel like we can all recharge our social batteries.

It's been FREEZING cold here and I've been loving being more aware of nature and all its beauty. 

 My walks are helping that.  I'm looking forward to seeing everything come back to life in spring. 

My Christmas cactus is blooming for the first time in years.  Yay! 

And despite the bitter the cold, we have sunshine.  Thank goodness for that!

A little sign spring will be here soon.  

*fun fact I thought this plant was dead so seeing this little flower blooming was very exciting! lol*

I live a very quiet and small life and it's my intention to keep it that way.  I'll do little things each day to be good to myself and I hope you do the same. 

Just like the flowers....we rest and then we bloom.....hopefully....♥

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and New Year (I hope it's not too late to say that!!).  

Happy Tuesday my lovely friends. 

Stay cozy and enjoy the sunshine if you can find it ♥

XOXO

Hello Monday ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

Can you believe we are in the second week of December already? Christmas is quickly creeping up on us. I was looking at my calendar this morning and saw there are only two more weekends until Christmas. Despite how hard I try, it always comes too fast.  I've been enjoying quiet mornings lit only by the Christmas tree (always my favorite part of the season).  It's been very cold here and we've gotten a bit of snow.  It only makes my hot coffee taste even better in the early morning. It feels like winter, and I don't hate it. My Dad loves it when we all watch movies together so most nights after dinner we put on a Christmas movie.  He loves Home Alone.  It's tough for him this time of year so we are doing our best to keep things festive and upbeat : ) 

I had a very nice weekend.  John and I both took Friday off and went Christmas shopping.  At Christmastime we always take a day and go to the mall together.  He treated for coffees on the way, and I treated for lunch.  He's the best shopper because I never know what to get anybody and he always finds the perfect gifts! We had fun.  On Saturday we went to a family birthday party (a surprise 70th for my cousin's husband) which was a delicious brunch at a cozy restaurant I'd never been too.  My side of the family doesn't get together very often anymore so it was great to see some of my extended family.  

On Sunday we had a special year anniversary mass for my mom.  I can't believe it's been a whole year. I miss her so much.  We came home from church, and I made my Dad fried eggs with toast.  We talked about my mom and Christmas and reminisced about the past.  My Dad is 86 and not in the best health. Some days he sleeps all day.  Other days he's up at 6 and calls me down for coffee. He misses my mom and has fought so hard this past year.  When you're young no one ever tells you what it's going to be like when your parents get old. Maybe that's best.  I'm grateful for every day I have with him. 

 Another highlight of my weekend was noticing this....♥

I've had this Christmas cactus plant for two years and not one flower. I've been waiting and waiting, wondering what have I done wrong?...

It's finally happening! I have buds!! I'm so excited.  I guess there's hope for me after all :)

And here I sit, dear friends (well, sort of).  I'm not in a cute scarf like she is or sitting in a cozy cafe, but this picture did remind me of me a little bit. She's gazing out the window in thought, surrounded by books and hot drinks.  That's me in my happy place. Even better if it's snowing outside. 

I'm actually sitting at my kitchen table working.  We just had lunch and Rob went outside to do something in the garage.  I think he's fixing a snowblower or maybe hanging some tools on the wall.  I'm not really sure because I don't go down there very often : ) 

It's time to make a cup of hot chocolate to get me through the afternoon and get back to work.  I've been thinking about dinner and I think tonight it's going to be pasta alfredo. Not the healthiest option, but no better time to eat unhealthily than in December, right?!  We will all be eating salads in January! 

♥

Have a wonderful Monday everyone. Be cozy and I'll see you tomorrow! Xx 

I'm back! ♥ Thanksgiving and getting ready for Christmas!

Hello dear friends! ♥

It's so nice to be back here with you!  I didn't intend to take such a long blogging break, but days turned into weeks and now it's December.  I was sick for the first half of the month and literally could not get out of bed.  I'm so thankful for my family who took care of me (especially Rob who would bring me anything I asked for : ) and for antibiotics!!!  The flu and pneumonia are no joke and I'm just glad that no one else in my house got it.  The good news is that and I was better for Thanksgiving and was able to host and we had a lovely day ♥

I honestly think getting sick was my body's way of telling me it's time to slow down.  We have a lot going on behind the scenes right now which I'll talk about another time (all good things) but I've been running around doing a million things for weeks now and it finally caught up with me.  I also realized that what gets done gets done, and what doesn't, doesn't.  It's not the end of the world if I don't get my tree up before Thanksgiving (which I didn't) or get all my shopping done (which I haven't).  Everything always ends up being ok.  I'm just glad to be healthy again.   

And now it's time for cozy holiday vibes. Hot chocolate by the twinkling tree, frosted window pains, and classic holiday movies on TV.  I'm soaking it all in.  To be honest, I'm struggling to get into the holiday spirit but being surrounded by family and twinkling lights is really helping. 

So, let's see...I'll give you a quick recap.  While I was in my sick bed we decided to host Rob's family for Thanksgiving.  It was still a few weeks away at that point and I was hopeful I'd feel better.  I had mixed feeling about hosting because it's the first Thanksgiving without my mom and that's heavy on my heart.  But I also felt that cooking and baking and doing all the things would keep me busy and I'd feel her with me in the kitchen (our favorite place)...and that's exactly what happened. 

I took the day before off and did so much prep. I have never hosted Thanksgiving before, so all of this was new to me, but I felt excited.  I never made stuffing before!  I used all my mom's China and pretty glasses.  We set up a bar and appetizer station.  I got all my serving pieces nice and shiny.  It was fun.  John and I also watched Charlie Brown Thanksgiving because we do that every year.  

It's a classic! ♥

Out of the entire meal I was most proud of my mashed potatoes!  They usually turn out like wallpaper paste but I used a Martha Stewart recipe that came out so well!!! (they should with all that butter and heavy cream...but hey, it's the holidays!) I made them on Wednesday, and they reheated in the oven beautifully.  My sister-in-law even commented on them.  Whew! 

Cream and butter can do wonders!! ♥

I also tried something new with my butternut squash.  Instead of mashing, I cut into cubes, drizzled with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, S&P, and roasted them in the oven.  Again, the day before and it reheated perfectly in the oven.  They were a hit. Yay! 

I never got a picture of the turkey because I was so busy.  That always happens to me!  I get so caught up I forget to take pictures.  There were 11 of us for dinner (Rob's family, us, and my Dad) and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and the day.  My brother-in-law did the carving, Rob did the cleaning, and the rest of us did the eating.  After dinner we played a few games, and after everyone left, I sat down and was so happy that 1. it went well... 2. it was over and I could rest... and 3. I took Friday off.  That was must : )

On to the weekend, which was dedicated to decorating for Christmas.   John had a youth group retreat and Rob was working in the garage so it was all me.  I put up my Dad's tree and decorated the first floor first.  This is my childhood tree and holds so many memories.  It was bittersweet to decorate without my mom, but I know she must be so happy that I'm carrying on the tradition. 

♥

Took a grilled cheese break.  One for me, one for my Dad.  We were watching Elf while all the decorating was going on by the way : ) 

On to my little tree upstairs.  My favorite ornaments are these vintage glass ones that belonged to my grandmother.  I remember being very little and decorating her tree with her.  Even at 7 years old I loved these ornaments.  My mother gave them to me when I got married.  

I think they could be my most treasured possession ♥

I tend to overdecorate (if that's a word) meaning I cram every ornament in the world on the tree.  I like white and colored lights, and I love tinsel.  

I will not apologize! LOL 

Of course, Lucy is represented on my tree! ♥

This one is a gift from my friend Rosinda:) 

It took me 2 days to do the trees, the decorating, and I did the outside lights too. I was on a roll.  I did not rush.  I enjoyed the process.  

Monday morning was freezing cold.  The river out back was frozen on the edges and the marsh was covered with frost.  Winter is coming.  I lit the trees and all the twinkle lights around the house, gave the heat a kick, and sat quietly for a good few moments feeling thankful, sipping my coffee, cozy, cozy, cozy. 

I still have shop and wrap but I'm not stressing out about it.  I think I'll visit some local shops this weekend and I have a full Amazon cart ready for checkout. 

Things will be simple this year and I'm ok with that ♥

I will be visiting your blogs and catching up with all of you very soon.  Thank you for the well wishes and those who checked in on me while I was away.  

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful December ♥

The holidays are here.  Let's be present and enjoy the most magical time of year 🎄🎅

Where I've been

 

Hello Friends,

I just wanted to pop on real quick and explain where I've been.  What started out as a scratchy throat last Sunday developed into a full blown flu, the worst I've ever had (fever, chills, body aches, headache...tis the season!). I don't think I've ever been that sick in my entire life.  This one really knocked me out.  I have been doing an awful lot lately and I think my body just slammed on the brakes.  

Well, that flu has developed into pneumonia. The good news is that I did see my doctor and I'm now on two antibiotics and a prescription cough pill and am finally (after 9 long days) starting to feel better.  I see light at the end of this tunnel.  I've been in bed most of the time and basically quarantining in my bedroom because I don't want anyone in my family to catch to this beast.  So far so good (knock wood!!).  

The most interesting part of this week is that during my fever haze, I decided it would be a good idea to host Thanksgiving.  It will be an even better idea if I ever get out of this bed.  At least it's giving me something to think about while I'm lying here :)

Thank you, friends.  I'll be back when I'm feeling better.  Hopefully sooner than later. 

xo 

Happy Halloween and weekend plans ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween! John had a fun night with friends while Rob, my Dad, and myself were home giving out candy.  I made a quick pizza for dinner and we took turns going to the door.  The weather here is unseasonably warm right now so I expected more kids. 

We got a good amount, but not as many as past years.  This only means I have a lot of candy left over.

This is both good and bad : ) 

Another Halloween celebration with great friends.  The same ones he's been with since elementary school. 

And just like that it's November.  Here we go....♥

We have a busy weekend ahead.  Tomorrow, we have a tree company coming to take down some trees in our backyard that are dancing dangerously close to the roof. It will be good to get it done and something we won't have to worry about anyone (I'm saying novenas every time there's a storm!).  It's going to be loud and hopefully my neighbors won't be too mad. I'll be so glad when it's over. 

John is working at the theater this weekend, but we do have time to squeeze in a coffee date for 3 tomorrow morning before the tree guy comes and he goes to work. Some families like to go out to dinner, we go out for coffee and pastries.  It's just what we do.  We have our best talks in coffee shops.  I'm not even kidding ♥

I really love the first few weeks of November.  It's still Fall but the excitement of Christmas is coming.  We get the best of both worlds.  I'll start making Christmas lists and mentally planning for the festive season, but I'm not ready to give up my pumpkin spice just yet.  I've waited so long for it.  Where I am we are in peak foliage too.  The leaves are so bright!  And they are falling!  Rob and John will be out raking in a few weeks.  All the stores around me are starting to look Christmassy and I like seeing that. 

I've been thinking a lot about my mom this week.  This will be the first holiday season of my life that she won't be here to celebrate with me.  Last year she was in the hospital, but she was still here. Not this year. No planning meals together or talking about who's getting what gift this year.  We won't shop together or wrap together or anything like that.  That makes me very sad.  However, I know she's still with me.  I feel her presence every day and that brings me comfort.  I know she'll be with us this Christmas.  She wouldn't miss it.  I'll try to make it as special as I can and carry on her traditions.  I am excited to put up her tree and bring out her decorations.  I think she would like that too.  

On Sunday I'm devoting a little time to give my plants some love.  I have a bunch that need to be watered, deadheaded, and one in particular that needs to be repotted.  I've been so busy lately I've neglected them!  Do you ever forget about your plants and then catch one in the corner of your eye one day and it looks like it's been in a dessert for a month?  Hello, that's me! I'd show you a picture but I'm too embarrassed. 

Well friends, I'm off to watch the Martha Stewart documentary on Netflix. Have you watched it?  I've always been team Martha!  I miss her old shows!  I used to love the craft segments.  Would I like to be her best friend? Probably not.  But I'd go to her house for lemon cake and I'm sure it would divine. 

I hope you all have a cozy weekend! See you Monday! ♥

xoxoxo