Monthly Musings
1. I try to keep a stash of gift cards on hand. I buy multi-packs of Amazon and Starbucks gift cards. In a crunch, I can give a gift card as a gift.
2. Hmm, I can't think of any last minute ones. I usually plan dishes out ahead of time, prep side dishes prior to the day, etc. I tend to always have bricks of cheese in the house and crackers. If I were planning on get together and felt like I didn't have enough food, I would cut up some cheese and offer cheese and crackers.
3. On a deep level, my favorite part has been having the girls home.
On a superficial front, seeing all the lights in our house when it's dark out brings me joy.
4. Items from Bath and Body Works make nice stocking stuffers. It's nice because there's a men's line, too. (Though I think women tend to appreciate gifts from B&BWs more than guys do!)
5. I like sweet treats with caramel in them- from caramel brownies to treats made with Rolos to caramel popcorn.
6. I don't plan on making any New Years Resolutions.
7. I don't use a planner.
8. I stay up until midnight! I think there's been one or two years as adult that I've not stayed up until midnight. But it's most common for me to stay up until midnight.
9. We usually do not have plans. It's one of the few days off the year that my husband takes that is just a chill day- ie we don't host any meals or invite people over. We tend to hunker down at home and do something low key fun at home- watch a movie, play games, etc.
10.Yes, today (Wednesday) is the last sub job of the year for me. Our district's school year goes through the 20th but I will not be subbing on the 19th or 20th. It was kinda funny- as one group of students were leaving the room when the bell rang I told them to have a good weekend. "Uh, it's Wednesday," one of the students reminded me. Oops, yeah. Sorry. It seemed Friday to me because I was aware all day that it was my last day subbing of the week...
I love the look of the lights at night! And that is so smart to keep gift cards at hand.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dara! I need to pick up some at the store. I think that I am all out.
DeleteI've never needed a last minute gift or recipe but what a great idea to keep extra gift cards on hand! I don't think we've stayed up until midnight since I was in college... I have such a hard time staying up; though I could if we had people around or went somewhere to do something special.
ReplyDeleteYeah, a few years that we've been home by ourselves on NYE felt very much like, what's the point of staying up until midnight? Most of the time I still did, but not always :).
DeleteOh I love your decorations. Thanks for joining us again this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you and thanks for the link up!
DeleteYour lights and decor are so so pretty-they would bring me joy too! I am sure having your girls home is just the greatest! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly! It has been so nice!
DeleteOh my all the lights are beautiful. I really should add more lights!! I have twinkle lights here and there but - with indoor Christmas lights, more definitely is better. At least, oh so pretty!:) Your girls look pretty in front of the tree!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer! One of my friends has her house really decked out in lights and I love how it looks. That inspired me to add more to our house!
DeleteThose lights would make me happy too! Beautiful. It is the best having the girls home. How nice to be done subbing for the year. I used to love volunteering in the school library . It's fun to be with the kiddos. That is smart to keep some gift cards for last minute gifts. I like to hunker down on NYE and New year's Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! I really enjoy spending some days with students (working at a school five days a week does not sound that great but two or three days a week is good for me!).
DeleteYour lights are so pretty. I can see why that's been one of your favourite parts of the season thus far. One of the upsides about subbing is being able to choose your own schedule and being on holidays already sounds like a GREAT perk!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natasha! Hopefully your break has started... I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing break!
DeleteYour lights and decorations are beautiful!! Those are the things that bring me joy as well - the lights and having my house decorated, and more importantly, being together with my people. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Kym! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with your family.
DeleteChristmas lights bring me so much joy! Yours are just beautiful! I hope you have the most blessed Christmas with your adorable family my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andrea! You as well :). Loved seeing pictures of your beautiful home, festive outfits and yummy food.
DeleteCheese and crackers is a great go-to snack. The lights and your daughters home are both great things! I love all of your trees. Bath and Body Works is a great last minute gift. I have always loved their products. Have you tried caramel M&M's? They are my favorite variety because they seem to be a little more filling for me. I agreed and loved reading all of your answers! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn! I don't think I have tried caramel M&M's but they sure sound good. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your girls and loved ones if I don't "talk" to you before then :).
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