Happy New Year! ♥

Hello my lovely friends and happy new year!!! ♥

Thank you for bearing with me as I quietly enjoy these early days of January.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are doing the same!  Even though Christmas was less than a month ago, doesn't it seem ages ago?! Not a trace of it remains around here : )  

We had such a nice holiday this year.  So much better than last year.  My Dad was healthy and in good spirits.  We all went to a beautiful Christmas eve mass and then to my brother in laws for dinner and games. On Christmas day we were home.  I cooked a roast beef dinner and apple pie for dessert.  We watched A Christmas Story (a few times!) and I was in my slippers all day! Our last few Christmases were plagued with people being sick or even in the hospital.  I was so relived and grateful not to have had that experience this year. Gratitude was what I felt the entire day. 

 That weekend I cleaned and put almost everything away.  I really do enjoy that process because the house feels so much more open once all the Christmas decor is packed away.  I can breathe again. It's like a whole new house! LOL  

New years eve was quiet, but I like it that way.  And now we are almost 2 weeks into the new year already!  I've had a bit of a cold but thankfully nothing too terrible.  Just a sniffle and an annoying tickle in my throat that won't go away, but if that's the worst thing than I'm ok with it.  Nothing a little hot tea with honey can't solve.  

The weather here has been cold so we've been hunkered down, staying inside watching movies and I've been doing a lot of reading.  This is why I love January.  There is no guilt spending the day on the couch reading a book because what else is there to do?!  At least that's what I tell myself, anyway!  

Like most of us my mind has been racing with a list of things to do in the new year.  Oh, I have so many ideas.  Most of the time, none of them leave the couch!  However, one thing that I'm very excited for is that we decided to paint our kitchen and living room!!!  This is something that's been needed for a very long time.  We were thinking of doing it in the spring, but with all the dust and soot from our woodburning stove building up, we decided not to order any more wood for the season and instead, clean and paint!  I'm so happyyyyyy!  There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a room.  Honestly, between you, me, and the lamp post, I didn't think this was on our "priority list" for a long time so I want to hurry up and get it done before all parties involved change their minds! LOL

We spent last Saturday morning a Lowes picking out colors and getting samples.  The final verdict is going to be a sage green with white trim. I'm thinking of doing yellow accents (think lemons).  The cabinets are oak, and I think those colors will feel warm and inviting. The kitchen is still very 90's but I do love it and don't want to change it too much.  I'm hoping by Valentines Day (which is not that far away!) all this will be done.  As you know, I hate to disrupt my boring routine with any kind of chaos (even good chaos) so hoping this process is quick and painless. 

Fingers crossed! ♥

At with that I enter 2026.  I'm not putting any pressure on myself these days.  Who knows what this year will bring.  I just say my prayers we all stay healthy, safe, happy, and of course, cozy!!!

Have a wonderful day, friends! ♥

I'm grateful to be entering another year of us sharing our lives together on this little online space! 

XO   

Happy New Year ♥

Hello Friends! Is it too late to say "happy new year?"  If not, well....happy new year!  ♥

I just realized this is my first post of the new year. We welcomed the new year very quietly.  We ate a nice meal and played some fun card games with my Dad.  With barely one eye open I did manage to see the ball drop and I made my New Year's wish.  The next day I took my tree down.  Another Christmas packed away until next year. Never could I image when I put up my tree what this holiday season would bring.  I thought about that as I wrapped ornaments in tissue and balled up strings of lights and packed them in bins until next year.  Life can be so unpredictable.

Anyway, since then I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, catching up on work and daily tasks.  I've been cooking again which has made me feel good.  Life goes on as they say.  

Welcome to 2024 ♥

  

It snowed yesterday.  Well actually it rained, then snowed, then rained, then snowed, then froze.  So basically, it was mess.  For certain it was cold and no way was I stepping one toe outside this house.  It was Sunday and a good day to stay warm and cozy.  I cleaned a little, put a pot roast in the crockpot, and baked my mother's favorite apple cake.  It felt good to do those things.  I was feeling ambitious so I decided to try my hand at a Joanna Gains bread recipe that's been on my mind for a while.  You know me and my bread.  It's what I love : ) 

So while the wind howled outside, I started on my dough. 

 ♥

While I set it aside to rise I did more cleaning, drank more coffee, and listened to some music.  

Back to the dough...♥

I had to make a braid.  I drew a blank.  Do you think I could remember how to do it?! And I had no one to ask.  It took me a few minutes until it clicked. I got really worried there for a minute! 

Three pieces, over, under, over, under... now I remember! 

Whew! 

My skills could use some work but at least it resembled a braid.

The recipe called for sesame seeds but I didn't have any so I used Everything Bagel seasoning.  

I had recently seen someone online do that and it sounded good. 

In exactly 28 minutes I got this.  Yay! It actually worked!  ♥

The truth is it was a very easy recipe to follow (aside from the braiding! lol). 

I find that with most all Joanna Gains recipes. 

(this one is from The Magnolia Table Vol 2 cookbook in case you're wondering)

It was astonishing to me that I actually made something that looked this good.  

I guess anything is possible when you have an angel on your shoulder.  And I do : ) 

Maybe this is the year of trying new things.  Maybe it's the year of not being intimated or being afraid something is too hard.  If I mess up and can't make a braid, so be it.  It will still taste good.  And it did.  It sopped up that pot roast like a dream.  

My heart was happy  ♥

So, today it's the start of a new week and back to work.  I miss Christmas vacation and days off with all of us home watching movies and taking naps.  Those are the best days.  The ordinary days that mean so much. 

It's still freezing out but I did see little gleams of sunshine through my office window earlier.  That's a good sign. Still not going out though.  Not today anyway. Maybe tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day friends!  I hope you are staying warm and cozy.  It's mid afternoon now and it's time for tea and a snack. There's still some apple cake left over from last night.  It's so yummy! 

I'll share the recipe this week  ♥

Byeeee! xx 

Happy New Year! 2023 ♥

Hello Friends and Happy 2023! ♥

It's hard to believe the holidays are over and it's the start of a brand new year.  As much as I try to slow it down, time keeps ticking.  I hope you all had a happy and blessed holiday.  Mine was wonderful, filled with family, friends, and many quiet moments at home that I keep going back to in mind. The little ordinary times like sitting by the tree in the morning and lighting Christmas candles every night. Those rituals I'll miss.  When I had my last cup of tea from my advent calendar I almost cried! I'm definitely getting another one of those next year : ) 

We spent a lovely Christmas eve at my in laws.  My mother in law went all out (as usual) with a delicious meal! She has a magic touch when it comes to entertaining and this year was no different.  The next day we spent at home celebrating with my family.  It was one of the best holidays I've had in a long time! We were relaxed, comfy, and cozy all day.   We played records and ate turkey and pie and were happy until we fell asleep. A few days later we packed up the car and went on a road trip to visit our dear friends in Pennsylvania.  We had an amazing weekend with them!!  We ate delicious food, played games, watched movies, talked and told stories until the wee hours of the morning.  I cuddled puppies and drank more coffee than I should have and it was perfection ♥ 

And now here we are. Back to school and work and trying desperately to get back into some sort of routine.  All our Christmas decorations are packed safely away and the house is a clean slate.  I love decorating in winter time. It's all about natural and neutral. By January, the clutter of Christmas (as much I love it!) gets to me and I'm ready to clean and organize. Even though it was earlier than usual, I decided to take down my tree and decorations the day after Christmas because I was not going to be home on New Years.  It turned out to be a good decision because I came home to a clean, clutter free house on Monday.  Yay! That alone kicked the year off to a good start! That and my mother in laws chicken pot pie which she dropped off for us so I didn't have to cook dinner that night. Brilliant ♥

As far as resolutions go, I'm not making any.  Let's face it, I never stick to them.  I could say I'd like to eat healthier and drink more water.  Ok sure. But I should be doing that anyway.  I personally like to look at New Years as a starting point for something I would like to do.  For example, this year I would like to shop more locally and make a point to visit thrift stores.  I want to prioritize sleep and self care.  I want to make sure I say no to things I don't want to do and remember that my happiness matters too.  I have some fun craft projects I'd like to attempt this year (like making a loop blanket!) and I'm going to start journaling again. This is all no pressure (because I don't do well under pressure).  I just want to live a more simple, slow paced, intentional life.  That's my mind set going into this new year.  Let's romanticize everything and make every day special.  

Here's something to consider... ♥

Have a wonderful day friends!  Thank you for sharing another year me here in this little space.  I look forward to many happy days with you going forward! Another year of recipes, crafts, daily life, ending my sentences with hearts, and using too many exclamation points.  I can hardly wait! ♥

Stay cozy! Love you all! 

xoxo 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, friends! 2022 is here!  

How was your New Years? Mine was very nice.  It was cold and rainy.  I stayed in my cozy clothes, made minestrone soup and pizza in a cast iron skillet (which was a first!).  I recently saw a Martha Stewart video on YouTube where Martha made pizza in cast iron and I wanted to try it.  I figured if it's good enough for Martha.... well, it was a success! 

We ate, watched some Seinfeld, and I'll admit to you that we were all asleep by 10!  Party animals we are NOT but it was still a lovely evening.  

The pizza had broccoli and chicken on it, which is a favorite of ours.  I guess I wanted to end the year eating as many veggies as possible! LOL 

I woke up on January 1st feeling renewed.  I love New Years Day and all the hope it brings.  This is my first photo of the year.  It was still raining  and I took my coffee outside to breathe in some fresh air.  The back river was flooded and still is from all the rain.  It was quiet and peaceful and I hope that's an indication of what's to come.  Fingers crossed! I enjoy the stillness of January after all the hustle December brings.  Time to rest and take in the quiet. 

I stuck to my New Years Day tradition and took down my Christmas tree.  Some think it's sad to pack everything away so soon, but I actually love the process.  I think I might love just as much as decorating.  The "undecorating" makes me just as happy.  Everything feels clean and uncluttered.  It's a nice way to start the year.  Now we are all settled in and ready for a cozy winter.  In case we have to go into hibernation mode, I'm ready. 

                       Today is John's last official day of Christmas break, which makes me very very sad.   I like us living in the holiday bubble.   But alas, it's back to school and work tomorrow.  Today my plan is to get myself organized, plan out meals for the week, list some goals in my planner, and make a batch of blueberry muffins.  Something that's been on my mind all week : )    

                      

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022!  

May this year bring you peace, love, and joy! 

xoxo

 

2021: Starting Fresh

Hello! Welcome to my first post of 2021!  : ) 

Can you feel the shift?  It's a time of new beginnings and a fresh start.  I love January for that very reason.  Wiping the slate clean and setting goals for the new year.  

I learned a long time ago not to have unrealistic expectations so I set my bar low.  That way I can only improve.  

This past year was trying on all of us.  My mental health suffered, as I'm sure yours did too.  It was emotional, scary, confusing, and at times....just unbelievable.  One of the things I need to work on this coming year is repairing some of that damage.  The world is coming to terms with last years events.  Not that it makes it any better but we are more equipped and hopeful that better days are ahead.  We are changed people though.  For me, it wasn't just the pandemic, it's the everyday anxieties I suffer from that were exacerbated by the pandemic.  

Taking more time for self care is essential for me to function.  That means doing more things I love to do: reading, crafting, napping, cooking.  All things I do anyway, but I want to me be more intentional with my time.  Not stressing over things and caring for myself the way I care for others .  I don't have to be busy every second of the day.  Breaks are good. And I don't have to worry about something that may or may not happen in a month or two.  Worrying does nothing (this is coming from an expert worrier...).

Being a positive person is not always easy.  Don't let pretty Instagram photos fools you.  We are all struggling.  

 

When I look back on the times when I was most happiest in my life I remember doing things like yoga, mediating, and really taking care of myself.  Dinking lots of water with lemon, eating well, sleeping well, journaling my thoughts, and going outside every night to look at the stars. Over time I've fallen off those things. Sometimes I feel very jaded.  Like caring for myself doesn't matter as long as I have a hot meal on the table every night and the laundry is done.  Life experience has taught me taking care of myself does matter.  No one cares about a hot meal if the person who made it is hot mess.  

I'm trying very hard to change my attitude toward certain things. To be honest, I'm not always happy with certain aspects of my life.  Is anybody?  But looking on the positive side, I'm a very lucky person.  I need to remember that.  So, what does this all mean?  It means for the new year my goals are getting back to certain habits that make me feel good.  Because when I feel good, I'm a happier, less stressed out person. 

I'm not going to say I'm going to do yoga everyday or read 100 books this year, because let's be honest, that's not happening!  But I will say I'm going to make more time for reading.  Maybe one book a month.  That's not an unrealistic expectation.  I'd like to do more crafts.  I pulled out some of my old (and dusty) Martha Stewart books.  Just flipping through them make my heart happy.  I remember being so crafty years ago. It was a nice time in my life.  Being proud of something you made by hand should not be underestimated. Getting outside everyday for some fresh air is essential.  Especially during a pandemic.  I've always known this but it's time to get off the couch.  I really love fresh air in the winter...so more walking is on my list!  

When consciously trying to change my mindset towards certain things it's super important for me to remember to not care about what other people think.  I know it's a cliché but it's so true.  Falling into a comparison trap or wonder if others approve of things I say or do is not healthy.  Sometimes I really need to distance myself from those thoughts.  I think the walks with fresh air will help that situation.  I remember a friend telling my once that it's "ok to say NO".  Meaning you don't have to say "YES" to every request or invitation just to make other people happy.  She also said you don't need an excuse or an explanation either.  Just do you.  I love that.  Also on the list. 

And lastly, I'm in the process of revamping our living space.  Bring more hygge into my home while at the same time purging things I don't need and trying to be more minimalistic.  After I put all my Christmas decor away I only brought back half of the stuff I originally had out. It instantly felt cleaner and less cluttered.  I've been reading that a less cluttered space is good for the mind.  It's a work in progress but so far it's working.  I'm also trying to bring more natural elements into my home.  Like this dried orange and sage garland I made yesterday.  The process was therapeutic and I love the end result.  Doing more projects like this will not only bring me the natural decor feel I'm looking for, but also give me a chance to exercise my craft skills.  It's a win win.  I'm feeling better already.

There's more personal goals that I won't bore you with, but I will say I am setting a schedule for myself and this little blog of mine.  I hope to actively post here three times a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  It could be a recipe, a craft idea, a weekly wrap up,  a random thought, or just a "no words" photo.... but I will be here so check back every week for my musings.  We'll navigating into this new year/new world together.  

I'm also working on revamping my YouTube channel so stay tuned for that.  I have lots of video ideas coming your way soon. 

So what are some of your 2021 goals?  I would love to hear them! :)   

Wishing you all a happy and healthy year ahead! We've got this!! xoxoxo  

Happy New Year! ♥

Hello Friends!  ♥

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!  My day was peaceful and restful and we definitely made the best of the situation we are currently in. 

Christmas eve, which is when we usually have our big celebration was when we felt it the most, but we know we are doing what's best for now so we can have a BIG celebration next year! Thanks to zoom John got to see his cousins and we all got to wish each other a good evening.  

We were up early Christmas morning to open Santa presents (yes, Santa still comes! : ) and then we watched A Christmas Story over cinnamon rolls and eggnog.  

In the afternoon I cooked a cozy pork roast dinner and spent the day in my slippers.  I tried to look for the bright spots and having a leisurely day not rushing around was something I truly enjoyed.  After dinner we played a movie trivia game that John got from Santa and that was really fun!  

Covid Christmas 2020 is done and we made it through!  We did it.  

 

Now on to a new year and better days ahead. 

The week in between Christmas and New Years has always been one of my favorite weeks of the year.  It's a week of rest and recharging after the holiday. 

I use this time to reflect on where I've been and also what I look forward to in the new year.  My list is long!  Longer than usual as I'm sure everyone's is.  

My tree comes down tomorrow and Christmas is being put away.  As sad as it is to pack up the holiday decorations I really love starting the new year off with a clean slate.  I'm anxious to start writing in my planner and get myself organized.  Do you make resolutions?  I do.  I like to call them intentions or goals for the new year.  Maybe it's all in my head but when I decided to do something I like to have a starting a point and what better starting point than January 1st?! I'll share my list next week and I'd love to hear some of your goals as well.  

 So let's celebrate on making it through this emotionally challenging year and say our prayers that the next one will be better!  Cheers!! 

Happy New Year! xoxo  ♥

Happy New Year!

Hello Friends!

Happy New Year!  I hope you all have a magical Christmas.  Ours was wonderful and seemed to go by in the blink of an eye.  We spent time with both our families and had our quiet time too.  It was lovely and just as it should be.  Another Christmas to lock away in our hearts and look back on with smiles.

We all had time off the week between Christmas and New Years.  Our favorite week of the year.  It all seems so calm after the hustle-bustle of Christmas.  We did a lot of couch sitting which felt SO good : )  We did manage to get out to the movies one day to see Mary Poppins Returns.  It was worth it!  I absolutely loved it!!!  Highly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet.  It's got that Disney magic that I love so much.  I was teary several times during the show...I know, I'm so sappy : )  

And now on to the new year! A fresh start. 

The day before new years eve I took my annual winter drive to the beach.  I love seeing the ocean when it's bitterly cold out.  The air is so clean and the water looks crystal clear.  A few deep breaths is all I need....and then I can begin.

Yes it was cold...28 degrees, but I loved it.  The ocean always gives me a sense of balance.  

No hot sun or crowds like in July.  Just me and my thoughts.

And this guy : ) 

We walked and talked, took some photos, and enjoyed the sea air until we couldn't take the cold anymore.  We got a hot chocolate and headed home. 

Goodbye for now, but I'll be back : ) 

New Years Eve we spent some time with friends and made it home just in time to watch the ball drop!  And just like that its 2019!  So much to look forward to this year.  I'm heading into it with a full heart and a positive attitude.

I wish you all the best in the coming year!  I'm excited to share more with you this year. I have recipes and projects I'm looking forward to writing about.  Places to go and people to see, and many cozy days at home.  Thank you for being here with me.  I'm so glad you are!  

Much love from me to YOU! xoxo 

Hello 2018!

Hello Everyone! 

Let me first wish you a very happy new year!

Welcome to 2018!

I hope you all had fun celebrating are off to a great start of the new year.  Since it's been a week since my last post I thought I would catch you up a bit with some random photos....

We celebrated a quiet new year here at home just like I like it.  It was much to cold to even consider leaving the house (at least in my opinion) so we opted for homemade chicken broccoli & ziti with garlic bread, funfetti cake, a few games, and watching the ball drop in Times Square.

I was happy we made it to midnight! For me, that's an accomplishment! ♥

(last picture of 2017) 

We spent New Years Day taking down the Christmas tree and cleaning the house.  I like starting the year feeling organized.  We'll see how long it lasts! #fingerscrossed  ♥

The year also started with this gorgeous super moon! I forgot to look for it before I went to bed but luckily she was still shining when I woke up the next morning.  I took it as sign of good luck and went outside and made wish.  And then I ran back in the house because it was only 3 degrees out! Brrrr!

January has been absolutely freezing so far.  It only bothers me when I have to leave the house.  Otherwise, I'm happy under my blanket watching TV or reading.  I just started this book the other night and it's very good!  One of my resolutions is to make more time for the things I enjoy, like reading!. 

I'm wasting no time : )

Yesterday were all home because we had a blizzard! Our first snow of 2018!

 It was so windy and freezing! It snowed all day and left us with over a foot of snow!  

The cozy spot! 

 I made us grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and we had hot chocolate  ♥

 (both a must on snow days!) 

Two snow days in a row and livin' in a robe! Life is good! 

Also, he got a haircut....yay! 

I'm grateful for husbands who go out in the freezing cold to snowblow and shovel! 

Temperatures have now dropped to single digits with wind chills below zero.  

I'm not surprised that this happened....

My annual post Christmas cold. Ugh....

But as long as I have hot tea, tissues tucked in my sleeve, and a warm blanket I'll survive. 

I sound a little bit like Darth Vader when I talk..  Honey in my tea is really helping that situation, although I'm kind of getting used to it  #welcometothedarkside  

And that's how I started 2018!  Aside from the cold, it's been pretty good so far! 

Hopefully after a weekend of  rest I'll be good as new!

Have a great weekend, my friends! I hope you all had a great first week of January!

Stay warm! xo