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

Halloween this or that 👻

 

Hello Friends!  

Since tomorrow is Halloween, I thought it would be fun to do a quick Halloween this or that.

Please leave me your answers down below so I can see how you like to celebrate your Halloween! 

 Trick-or-treating or handing out candy?

Trick-or-treating! It's where all the fun is!  Sadly, our trick or treating days are over. Now I'm the candy-giver-outer, which is dangerous because I have to stay awfully close to the candy bowl! 

Scary movie night or costume party?

Scary movie night for sure! That's my kind of Halloween party...but not too scary of course : ) 

Gory makeup or cute spooky makeup?

Oh, I don't like gory at all. 

Candy apples or caramel apples? 

Caramel! Even better if dipped in chocolate! 

Drink apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte? 

Duh?!  Just kidding! I love hot cider too! But if given the choice I will choose a PSL! 

Scary costumes or pop-culture costumes?

I think the fun costumes are so much better than the scary ones.  There is nothing more terrifying than a scary clown.  No. Just no. 

Haunted house or corn maze?

Corn mazes can be just as scary as haunted houses.  They remind me of those creepy fun house mazes that are all mirrors.  Every turn looks the same and you can't escape. I would rather a haunted house (especially if it's the one in Disney...which isn't scary at all! : )

Bobbin for apples or carving pumpkins?

We carve pumpkins every year! I've never bobbed for apples.  Come to think of it, I don't think I've known anyone who's ever bobbed for apples.  Have you? I just know it from the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin movie (which I watched last night!). I mean, who's dunking their head in a bucket of water to get an apple?  

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?

Well, I've seen Twilight so naturally I'd rather be a vampire! 

Happy Halloween eve, friends! What are your plans for tomorrow? 

xx 

A big thank you and a walk on the beach ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Tuesday! ♥

I want to send a BIG thank you to my friends who commented on my post about John not going to traditional college.  Your kind words and comments made me feel like we aren't alone in this decision.  It happens more than you think these days, but people rarely talk about.  People automatically assume failure if someone doesn't have a college degree and that's just not the case. 

 Thank you for your support.  

As parents we just want what's best for our kids and that's different for everyone. 

♥

In other news...♥

Today was another beautiful fall day.  It was sunny and blustery.  Leaves were flying everywhere!  

It's hard to believe that only 15 minutes down the road from our house is this beautiful beach, where it doesn't look like fall at all.  On Sunday Rob and I took a walk down here.  It's so nice during the off season. The crowds are gone and it's so peaceful.  

I've been coming to this beach my entire life and I've never loved it more than I do now.  

I find it's a perfect spot to escape to and embrace the quiet (especially when the world seems overly loud right now...) 

I hate the heat in July & August.  I hate the crowds. I hate finding parking (and paying through the nose for it!)

But in October there is none of that.  It's cool and you can actually feel the ocean air going into your lungs when you take a deep breath in (I love that in January!). 

 There are people walking, all bundled up with coffees or hot chocolates, and there's always dogs which is nice too.  Also, no crowds and plenty of parking : )

The ocean and sky were like glass on Sunday.  

We walked and talked and then we came home and it was still fall 🍁

That's what I call the best of both worlds.  

Have a cozy evening friends! xx 

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake ♥

Hello Friends!  ♥

Happy Halloween week! Wow, that came fast.  It's hard to believe Halloween is on Thursday, but here we are. 

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  Ours was very good.  The weather was perfect October.  Cool, crisp, and colorful.  

We got some things done around the house, but also took some time for R&R which was very needed and honestly, the best part of the weekend. We ran errands Saturday morning and then Rob suggested a walk on the beach, which was wonderful.  It beat cleaning the bathroom, which was my original plan, so I was in!  

 I'll share pics of that tomorrow : )

All of our Halloween decor is up, and YES I did finally get the Halloween candy! :) 

The bags I got have Charlston Chews in them and it's taken all the willpower I have not to rip a bag open. They are so good!!  Especially frozen!! Am I the only one who freezes candy? It's something I've always done and on any given day you will find some piece or random candy in the back of my freezer. 

Sunday morning, I wanted to do a little baking, so I tried a recipe from Pinterst called Pumpkin spice crumb cake.  It came out delicious. The only change I made was adding a half tsp of cinnamon to the batter because I wanted to punch up the flavor a bit. We had it warm and it was delightful.  I might add chocolate chips next time and maybe a drizzle of icing.  

I added the link below if you want to try it.  I had a piece for breakfast this morning with coffee and I can confirm it's just a good the next day :) 

Pumpkin spice crumb cake 

I hope you had a nice weekend and a lovely Monday.  I have a busy week ahead but will be sure to take some time for myself to enjoy these last few days of October.  Hard to believe another one has come and gone (almost).  And I still have never seen Hocus Pocus! 

Stay cozy and see you tomorrow! xx