Some of our favorite Christmas blog posts

 This was a fun post to do - I mean really - all we had to do was check out blog posts.  Which some of us do on a daily basis anyways.  In no particular order.......

Life approved simply  has a post dedicated to children's book.  There is a review of each book. There is no better gift than a book for a child.  Reading takes you places.

Head over to inspired by charm for orange-almond mushroom (the shape not the ingredient) sugar cookies.  This is X favorite blog so she had a hard time narrowing it down. These were so different we wanted to include them. When over there check out his Christmas decor.

A Wandafulthing  does a yearly 12 days of Christmas.  This caught our eye honey lavender scrub.

It you want a bit of a laugh the art of doing stuff shows us classic versus Pinterest outdoor decorating. 

Style at home  shows us a few ways to decorate for the holidays.

This is for best year  best Christmas destinations.  This year we can narrow it down to our top three. Research and start planning.

There were so many more.  We'd love to know your favorite Christmas and/or holidays blogs! Always looking to check more sites out.  Happy Holidays. 

Making the most of staying home

 2020 has been hard on everyone.  Even introverts (we have a few here) are finding it hard.  Over a Zoom call we discussed ways we are making isolation easier.  We wanted to share some of our ways:

• On-line paint night.  On of us is addicted to this. There are Facebook groups and YouTube videos galore out there.  Everything from The Grinch, snowmen to winter nights. The supplies are available.  Dollar Stores have canvasses and paint making it pretty reasonable. It is fun when you get the whole family involved as it can take an evening and definitely a change from screen time.
• We are starting our book club again via Zoom. 
• If you won't be home for the holidays we're sure Zoom or Skype is on your list.  A friend is going to Zoom her family members and wear an outfit that relates to them for individual calls. A few shirts were gifts. Maybe dress-up for the parents. It is a way to make your calls more personal and a laugh if everyone remembers the shirt and the reason it was gifted to begin with.
• Baking - we have the time why not?
• Go through pictures on your phone.  Deleted doubles and out of focus shots. File ones you want to print later or send individuals.
• Holiday movies anyone! Get everyone in your house to pick their favoriate. Plan a movie night with popcorn, hot chocolate and other treats.
• Write a letter.  Yes, you read that right. Write a hand written letter to someone who would appreciate it (if not need it). Not two lines in a card, but an actual letter. People are in isolation and receiving mail is special. All you need to do is write about what is going on in family life. Even books or shows you are currently watching. People are interested.
• If in doubt pick up the phone and call someone.  Or better yet schedule it in your calendar to call X many people a week. Make sure people know you are thinking of them. Just because you can't see them face-to-face don't write the holidays off.  This is going to be hard on a lot of people. As a community we have to do our part.

Happy Holidays   

This Christmas will be different - send a card! Yep we said it.

 We were discussing the upcoming holidays and how this year would be different.  Someone said they were not sending cards this year. It didn't feel like Christmas!  Another person chimed in that sending cards and touching base was more important this year than every before!  People will be isolated. Families not travelling home for the holidays so yes to sending cards.

The bigger picture is we have to be creative this year. People won't get home. For some individuals sending a Christmas parcel is too expensive.  So sending cards is the perfect alternative. Maybe you haven't sent cards for years, in that case this is the year to rethink it.

Getting something in the mail I think means more than receiving a fast email.  A card to put out and look at.  That can be part of your holiday decor. This year more than any year touch base with people. Don't make the assumption that people are okay or that someone else is checking on them. Sending a card is one way to say thinking of you.

So dig out those cards or purchase them. Get those stamps and drop a note. Let Christmas 2020 say we care. We're thinking of you. We wish you Merry Christmas. 

Holiday entry ways - few ideas ! !

 

Happy Holidays!  Hope it is okay to say that before December!  We enjoyed our post of holiday front doors we were crushing on so much that we wanted to do it for entry ways.  We limited ourselves to our top two to show each other and then pick the top five from that assortment. It was hard but fun to discuss as a few similar.  Hope you enjoy!

Holiday doors we are crushing over

 The holidays are approaching and they will be different this year. There will be less visiting and for some people family and friends will not get home. We have little to no control over restrictions. Only to make sure we do our part to keep our community safe.

What we can do is decorate and celebrate at home. Here are a few of holiday doors we are crushing over.  It was a fun post to do and hopefully you'll enjoy and make get a few ideas!!

PS we might do this for a few other crushing holiday decor!!

Doing the holidays a little differently

 I'm sure we have all seen the ads on Facebook - support local.  They were there for you when your softball, school fair or whatever fundraiser you were doing wanted an item to raffle off.  Apparently we have no problem asking for free stuff but bulk when local businesses have to charge us more for an item we can order on-line for a soul-less big business.

We appreciate money is tight but maybe people can purchase less stuff - do your kids need ten items from Santa? What about taking the opportunity to create a lesson in giving back as part of a holiday tradition?  Local businesses need our help.  If we don't support and at least do a small part when things get back to normal they won't be around for you to ask for free stuff.  It works both ways.

This is about community.  Amazon and other on-line businesses are not part of our community.  Have they every given you something for a raffle?  Sponsored you? Your child?  Yet we are so fast handing them money because it is a deal.  You are lining big business pockets. Support community. Support local.  Be there for businesses and individuals that were there for you.  Be a good person not a materialistic consumer.

Update on goals for the past 30 days

 Earlier this month we set out goals for the next 30 days.  We thought we'd give an update.  

Summer clothes have been put away and linen closet cleaned out.  Bag ready for goodwill and SPCA.  No didn't have enough pumpkin spice latte.  

Fall decorating (for the ones who do it) has happened. Halloween treats have been picked up by some and not by others. 

 No making a wreathe wasn't in the cards. Maybe will move to winter list. Winter tires are not on but appointments have been made - so that counts. 

YES a new pursue was purchased - very exciting. Different as round and perfect fall color.  Maple or what X consider maple.

 This is the book club selection.  Has anyone read?  Thoughts? 

Have started thinking about soups and chilli but nothing happening in that area yet. If you have any recommendations for slow cookers please pass on.

Gloves sorted and winter boots good for another season.  Yeah!

Over all I think we did pretty well with our goals for the thirty days.  Realistically knew we wouldn't accomplish them all but feel main ones were checked.  

Setting an intention

 We came across this setting our intentions and wanted to share.  Resolutions versus Intention.  The thought of setting a resolution has always been hard.  I usually fail and keep setting the same on year after year.  Eat better. Lose weight.  Exercise routine. Within three months (if not sooner) I'm done. I might try again off and on during the year but it is usually a done deal my resolution failed.

This intention sounds more doable and maybe even fun!  The site says four months is good and even shows us show to set an intention. It doesn't have to be firmly set (and shouldn't be) like a resolution. It is more like something to work on or towards.

I'm going to set an intention to work on for the rest of the year.  Two and half months - so doable. Not sure what yet will go through the progress and keep you posted.

Let me know what you think and if you set an intention what it is!

What apps are you using?

 When we are together some of us are more respectful than others and keep their phones in their pursues.  Others are on the table.  Recently we noticed the number of apps on a phone. It was what! The screen was totally covered as was the next one.  How do you find anything? Or get anything done?

There were the standard ones of Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Messenger and email. Side note not all of us have every social media app on our phone.  The extra ones were Spotify, weather, meditation, CBC, Voxer, podcast, WhatApp, Skype and Zoom.  To start with.

Do you have a favorite app and why? 

Goals for the next 30 days

 We found this challenge and enjoyed the prompts. No we haven't followed it exactly and pulled off the thirty days.  Yes to a few.  Here is one we thought neat.  What are our goals for the next 30 days.  

• More pumpkin spice lattes and treats
• Finish putting away summer clothes
• Purchase a new fall/winter pursue
• Make a fall wreath
• Pick out next book for book club
• Make supper plans with the ladies 
• Clean out linen closet (has been on list for a while)
• Buy local
• Start making soups. Slow cooker out
• Go through mitts and gloves. Toss worn ones and put others in coats
• Make sure winter boots are okay! Was I suppose to buy new ones before now???
• Winter tires on
• To get excited about the season - working on it
• Fall and/or Halloween decorating
• Halloween treats

What are your goals for the next thirty days?

That time of year - get the sweaters out!

Not everyone loves fall.  But for those that do we love our sweaters.  Feeling cozy and getting our jeans out.  Fall is perfect.  The days are still warm and the evenings cool (better for sleeping).  Sweater weather is the best as with the right one you can still sit out and enjoy the sun.  

Here are a few we are crushing on.  

Oversized and comfort.  Looks great with jeans.  We love the colors - that bit of rust is very fallish. This sweater is so Saturday afternoon on a patio with friends.

One of us thinks everyone needs a white fall/winter sweater. This one great with jeans and even dress pants. 

Turtlenecks are a staple in a few closets.  Whether fitted or loose they are a great sweater for fall and winter.  

Falling in love with this loose long sweater. Can see curled up at home with it.  Out with friends. Leggings for sure. It screams cozy to us. 

We are slowly transitioning into warmer clothes.  Whether you like fall or not make the most out of it. Get a cozy sweater, put your jeans on, grab a friend or two and take advantage of these warmer afternoon and sit and enjoy!

5 places we are excited to see!

 We saw this writing challenge and thought yeah we're in.  It is 30 days of prompts.  Full disclosure we haven't been doing the 30 days. Sigh.  Here is one that was exciting to do - future plans maybe? 

Five places you are excited to visit:   Also this list has various opinions. We had to give our top one. It helped that a few of us had the same places on our lists.  

😊  Iceland.  That has been on a list for a few years now.

😍  Paris - I feel I could spend a month there.  Never leaving the city and still not see and experience it all.  I guess what I want is enough time not to rush. To sit at a cafe over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.  

😄  Croatia - every time X sees the pictures of here she is drooling. The walled city, history, the works.

😊  New Zealand - big dream as so far away.  This one definitely isn't a vacation while working.  Paris is doable for one to two weeks.  New Zealand not so much.  But ohhhh it looks so beautiful and has to be on the list.  Retirement?  Sabbatical???

😄  Bali - everyone who goes can't say enough about it.  The ultimate would be to do for a yoga and meditation retreat.  

😄  Tossing in Italy, Portugal, Netherlands - well all of Europe who are we kidding!!

Where are your top five?

Autumn bucket list!

 

We don't always agree.  That said we all agree that A beautiful mess is one of our favorite blogs.  It has something for all of us.  Makeup, crafts and decor.  Elise posted her autumn bucket list and we thought "oh yeah we need one of those".  So here ours:

• pick apples
• bake apple and pumpkin pies
• go through fall/winter clothes
• carve pumpkins
• seasonal decorating (one of us collects pumpkins)
• enjoy pumpkin spice goodies
• drive to check out fall foliage
• find a fall scented candle - start burning
• corn maze
• hikes - best time of year for them

Would love to know what is on your autumn bucket list!  Please share!

New Month New Views

 Well we have turned the calendar and in the mornings can feel it in the air.  It has been a whirlwind of a summer. What will be open, can we travel, if we can where and how? This summer kept everyone closer to home and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Families looking for campers.  Booking cottages and camp grounds. Not traveling and doing home renovations. Realizing that open concept isn't necessarily all that it is cracked up to be.  We have been looking at our homes, situations and future a bit differently in the past six months.

This is not changing anytime soon. Yes we can go out to restaurants and school is starting. We are entering into another season and will have to find ways to deal with it like we did summer. Sticking closer to home and enjoying places in our own local.

We think fall and heading into winter is a great time to start thinking about new projects. Summer allowed us to be outdoors and easier to social distance.  Fall and especially winter not so much. So lets start the conversation of what we can do. Lets have projects and events in mind for when we are home more. Something to look forward.

We have been pretty creativity from Zoom book clubs, paint-nights and more. Let's not wait until winter is upon us. Why not start the conversation now as to things we can do to keep us sane and look forward to.

We're putting our heads together and will report back our ideas for events at home and keeping the winter blues somewhat at bay.

   

Top three pet peeves

 We like this challenge.  It is a variety of questions or blog post ideas and we are going for it.  We already wrote 10 things that make us happy so check that out.  Three top peeves - we had to narrow them down as once we got talking the flood gates opened.  So top three only.  Drum roll please.

1. People that are right in front of your that let the door swing back into your face.
2. Littering - anyone that litters.  We are definitely including cigarettes here.  People! Hello! Dropping your cigarette butt is littering.  We don't want to hear no garbage can is near - maybe option is don't smoke then. 
3. Not recycling. Individuals that are too lazy to walk their recycling to appropriate can. They just toss stuff in the garbage. An extra five steps is out of the question. 

What would be your top peeves?

One pillow so many looks

 The majority of us love to decorate - one of us thinks nothing of painting a room in a weekend. Just because.  The rest of us are not so bold nor have that energy level.  What we all enjoy is easy decorating ideas.  One is cushions.  IKEA has a cushion form 20 x 20 inches and lots of cushion cases.  We thought we'd share our favourites and why.

One of us likes softer colors with some design.  No cushions that are going to jump out at you. Their wall color is that pale blue in the first pillow.

Black and white all the way.  Cushions that are versatile enough to go in any room.  This is also the person that wear a lot of........ you guessed it. Black and white.

 

This is actually a recent make-over.  Person wanted pops of color on a neutral sofa.  She gravitated to the yellow.

There are so many choices and most of the cushion cases are under $10 (some under $5) making it fun and easy to swap up your look.  

Writing challenge and getting to know us

 Saw this writing challenge and decided yeah let's check it out.  First challenge is 10 things that make us happy!  Here goes.  Please add yours in the comments.

1. Beautiful day at the beach
2. Hiking
3. Curling up with a good book
4. Day at home with no agenda
5. Delicious meal at a restaurant
6. Hanging out with family/friends
7. Day shopping with girlfriend
8. Planning a trip
9. Going on a trip - somewhere have never been before
10. A clean house

It was interesting when we were discussing what to put on list that it was experiences that made us happy more than purchasing a specific item.  What about you?

Summer is a happening

 Well the second weekend in August.  Hard to wrap head around but summer is happening. We are taking advantage of places being open.  Have done a winery tour - love.  Sat out on patios, cottage at the lake. All normal summer routines where for a little while we can forget we are still in a pandemic.

Staying close to home is having advantages. We are supporting our local economy and being tourists in our own area.  We plan another winery tour this month. Of course patio season is in full swing. We have been to local farmers' markets.  A few of us are supporting local artists so that of course means shopping!!

The one thing we have alll agreed upon is that we are spending less in others areas. Like clothes and shoes.  The mall is not a destination we frequent. Or even really think about now. Since not shopping for three months we realize we have enough. It is using what we have in our closets and making due.

Reports are saying people have spent less during the pandemic. With the highest debt load every, certain reports are saying, that is a good thing. Hoping people are puting the extra money on high interest debt and making a difference in the long run.

The pandemic has changed priorities. It is no longer about new summer sandals, summer color trends and oh of course new swim suit. Summer this year is staying and spending local. Heading to the local coffee shop not the big chain.  Looking at that pretty pottery by local potter and yeah finally picking up a piece.  Heading to the local craft beer shop.  

This summer is local and we are kinda loving it.  Doing out local thing!  So much to see, do, experience and we still have rest of August.

 

Summer cocktails

We thought we'd bring together in one spot a few summer cocktail ideas.  If you have a favorite please share!!

A beautiful mess  has a whole post on cocktails! Check it out.

Another inspiring blogger Inspired by Charm showcases his summer cocktails.

Have you tried cantaloupe and ginger cocktail? Visit Style at Home.

Apartment Therapy  shows us 13 easy to mix cocktails that could become our signature one!

Hope you found something you'd like to try this summer to sit and enjoy on the patio.  We deserve it.

Summer talks on well everything!!!

With lifting of restrictions we have finally had a few chances of getting together.  Loving it.  We know we were and are fortunate to have access to Skype and other social media platforms to get together, share and make sure we are connecting.  But seriously face-to-face can't be beat.

Our latest discussion resolved around summer trends from clothes to make-up to decor.  With being home for extended length of time home became a focal point.  Reading articles on what COVID-19 has told us, home design wise, we are in agreement (majority of us). Open concept is great but we need more define areas if we are working and living at home for longer periods of time. Maybe not go back to a formal dining room but an alcove or working in a desk in the kitchen or living room.

Outdoor space was also highlighted and much needed.  Part of our self-isolation was still winter but still we need natural light.  Consider adding plants to your home if you are not a plant person. Nothing major but we found having something green to look at during the winter or anytime is nice.

Introverts know they need their own space. So consider reworking your bedroom. If you don't have a large home with living room and family room - everyone needs a place to escape. Rework your (kids) bedroom. What do they really need in there?  If you moved furniture around, did a good purging of old toys, clothes, even furniture could you make space for a small chair for reading? A space for yoga? One of us has a chair and table in the corner of their bedroom and it was much used during pandemic.  A place to curl up with coffee in the mornings. Reading in the evening. Just a space to get away.  Another person moved a bed from the centre of the room to a wall and free up floor space.  Think outside the box. Who uses the room?  How do you want it to function?

Since the stores have opened up we have been shopping for home decor items. Pillows and/or pillow covers.  Pretty summer dishes.  Small rugs for splashes of color.  It has been fun to add new items to our decor.  You don't have to spend big money.  IKEA and other places have pillows forms. Buy a few and then purchase pillow covers for different seasons.  Easy way to switch up your decor. Plus pillow cases are easy to store if they all fit the same pillow form! Win / Win.

Clothes and make-up wise we have been purchasing just fun clothes. Nothing expensive and if they last this summer great. Not an investment. It is about making the most of time and money. This is summer people for some of us it will only last a few months so get out there and enjoy.

Celebrating with the new normal

Canada Day July 1st.   Different places have different celebrations.  They can include parades, breakfast, activities for the kids, concerts and of course fireworks.  This year, well not so much.  People offered virtual concerts and fireworks but not the same feeling.

We miss being with a crowd, Excited and gathering energy from each other.  Sharing an exciting event together. Taking to strangers.  We are trying to adjust to the new normal and in cases embrase it. Working from home making better flex hours of our days. Less travel so less gas emissions.  Connecting more with families and friends away via Zoom, Houseparty and Skype.  All good.

But yesterday so lacked celebration. A few of us discussed it and felt off all day.  We know the reasons behind decisions and support them. It is just maybe we as a family/friends have to get more creative at home.  BBQ? Breakfast? Flags? Activities for the kids.  Yeah we can do this as summer is here.  Take a special day and blow it out of the water. Yes it might take more planning but start early and pick up a few fun things for kids and adults.

If this is the new normal for the forseeable future we have to work with it not against it.

Get out and shop!

If you are reading this June 2020 you know we are in a global pandemic. Some of us are coming through the first wave and things are slowly opening up.  A few weeks ago restaurants here opened up 50% capacity.  Physical distancing in place.  Summer so patios are open which helps with more seating availability.

So many small businesses had to close for almost three months. That is a quarter of the year! Yes to government help but they need more than that. Some of these businesses support schools and local fundraisers now it is payback time.

We have been purchasing groceries and liquor through all this. Liquor sales are up over 20% here! So they are okay - likely more than okay.  We need to head out to small local shops and buy. It doesn't have to be a large purchase and don't buy stuff you don't need. Local shops often sell local products, like candles and soap.

Search local shops in your area. Make a point to visit, purchase and snap a shot when you are there and post. We are part of a community and being part mean supporting. I am purchasing at a minmum one local item a month at a local shop. This does not include coffee shops but retail shops.

Buy local. Support local. Be part of the community and know you can make a difference.

Escape capsule challenge

Over at you can always start now she is having creative leaps. This month it was what would you take if you had 12 hours to pack and leave your home.  Interesting.  We decided to take up the challenge so below are what would be in our capsule. 

Family pictures
Cozy blanket
Eye mask (for sleeping)
Phone & accessories
Clothes of course - comfortable and layers as not sure where we are going!
Water bottle (reusable) 
Medications
Bowl and spoon (this is from backpacker)
Book
Sunscreen, soap, skin care
Can opener
Granola bar, beans - few items you can eat without cooking

what would be on your list?

Common sense - where is it?

Watching the news over COVID-19 and seeing panic.  Yes totally get it. People are dying and no cure or vaccine yet. What I don't get is people losing their common sense.  Stocking up on items for the year and wiping out items like hand sanitizers.  How many do you really need? Do you realize that by purchasing ALL of them off the shelf the next person has nothing? Seriously all those little plastic bottles in your home? Now the person you run into hasn't disinfected their hands because they had nothing to use, because they are all at your house. Common sense? Nope.

Masks! Don't get me started. Let's pay attention to how often we touch our face. A lot. Studies show when you wear a mask you touch your face more often because you are adjusting the mask. Feeling if it is still okay. You hand automatically goes up there. Hence you are touching your face more and what about taking it off incorrectly?  Hmmm..... infected yourself. Well done.  Leave the masks at the hospitals where they belong.

Yes wash your hands. Which you should have been doing BEFORE this. Get a flu shot. Can you imagine if social media reported on people dying who didn't get their flu shot like they are reporting on COVID-19!  Something to think about.

Last Facebook isn't the World Health Organization (WHO). So go to their site not your friends or any post that doesn't come from CDC, your own health department or WHO.  The rest of it is scare tactics to increase someone circulation.  Common sense.  Get your news at reputable sites.

Being on a team is a feeling

Recently we were having a discussion about being on a team.  That it is more than "Team A" or "Team B".  Mouthing or introducing X is on our team.  She/he glues us together is meaningless if you don't proceed to make that person feel part of a team.

Being on a team is a feeling. That you are part of something bigger.  If you proceed to say Sheila is alone this week even if X will be there also, than is X really part of this "team"?  I have heard individuals say oh I meant one of us isn't here.  That means Sheila is the only one on her team here as X doesn't factor into it.  Period. If you don't include X in conversations, as part of a body being present, than don't mouth they are part of your team to outsiders.  What they are is support people. Which is fine but say it like it is.

There is nothing wrong with support people - we need them. They do their job and yeah can be part of the glue to hold a "team" together.  But they are not part of the team is they don't feel it. If they are excluded from writing their names on cards, don't know who is off that day or covering.  Don't be a hypocrite and tell outsiders X is on your team. That says to X is that you want to look inclusive when you're not. That is is all about you looking like a "team player".  Say it like it is X is our support person we couldn't do without.

Being on a team is a feeling.  Don't mouth it and think it makes it so. Don't make introductions that are not true and belittle an individual. Say it like it is. If you can't make someone feel like they are on the team. Fine. But don't "mouth" it to others to look better than you are.

My rant.

The weekly challenge

We have set ourselves a challenge. It is to full a bag for goodwill. We are dividing our challenges into weeks to keep it simple. Week one is our closet. It is a transition time out of winter clothes and into spring. A good time to look at what you have been wearing all winter and decide if it is still in good shape, are you tired of it, no longer your style. One of us, not naming names, keeps clothes because they still fit and are okay.  The clothes are no longer her style or she was worn them for years and yeah they should go. Don't transition your winter clothes until you take each piece and decide if a keeper or not. We didn't put a "bag" size so a grocery bag or a garbage bag both are good. The week time frame was set for a deadline.


After that we are tackling the "junk" drawer in the kitchen, linen closet and outwear or entry way closet. Each will have a week. When we get through COVID-19 it would be nice to have completed some projects. To have something to show for being home just not I watched everything of interest on Netflix and ate. 


Being home more has made me (since I'm writing the post I get to put in some personal stuff here) more aware of my home. Things I like, don't like. I realize I have too much stuff. There always seems to be stuff on the bedroom chair and floors. Not all clothes, but books and paper. One extra thing on my list is to go through paperwork and shred taxes, receipts I no longer need.


If you can think of any other areas of the home that could do with a purging and/or organizing let us know.

Making the most of staying home

The world is in lockdown (or you should be). More time at home and seriously how much housework can you do?  Hmmmm….more apparently looking at the dust on the television stand. That said here are a few things we have been doing to make life more normal and/or keep sane.

• Book club - yep we are still doing book. It is viva Zoom but it works. We are actually thinking this would be a good way to continue during the winter months when it is cold and stormy. To stay curled up at home and Zoom. Beverage of choice.
• We have a standing date for Friday at 9 pm.  Whoever can make the call great. It is just a way to decompress at the end of the week. Also catch up and rant.
• Try and support small local businesses. Purchase gift certificates form restaurants for when this crisis is over.
• YouTube it.  Take a course - we have all seen free classes on Facebook. From Instagram, writing, drawing check them out.
• Challenge yourself #the100day challenge started April 7th but you could start anytime. One of us is connecting with someone via email, phone or snail mail every day for 100 days.
• Connect - this is the perfect time to sit down and write a letter or card. I'm sure we all know people who would love to receive mail. I would.
• Realize this will end and use common sense. To get through this we have to stay home and give our health care workers a fighting chance.  We have to be part of the global community. We have this - staying home with Netflix, social media, books, crafts classes - make the most of it.
• Stay safe and keep everyone else safe. We have this.

Some of us are struggling with so much time at home.  How do we entertain our children? Partner? Ourselves?  Some of us are working from home and trying to maintain a routine.  Here are suggestions. Stay safe everyone. We are all in this together.

1.      If working from home DON’T stay in your pjs.  Make an effort to shower and get dressed. Make sure you are drinking water and staying hydrated. Take a lunch break – which means leaving your laptop and moving.  If you can squeeze time head outside for a walk to break your day. Seriously you will be fresher and more productive because of this.

2.      Purge and organize.  Start your spring cleaning.

3.      Children – get them writing grandparents, aunts, uncle and/or favorite people letters and drawings. 

4.      Plant some seeds and start your gardening now.  Get the kids involved with the planting and what they want to grow.

5.      Do a puzzle the larger the better!

6.      All those pictures you have been taking – head on-line to Walmart or Costo or wherever and do a hardcover book.  Maybe of a trip? The year in the life of.

7.      Free on-line classes – come on they are out there

8.      Call a friend.  Call a parent. Call a grandparent. Call period.

International Woman's Day

On March 8th, 2020 we celebrate International Woman's Day.  Or I hope we celebrate it as women are incredible and not recognized enough.  That it is 2020 and we are still fighting for women's rights in parts of the world blows my mind.

That caregivers, mothers, people that put their children first are often putting themselves and society helps last.  That we still don't recognize the virtues that women have to offer and that they are often discounted as less than "male virtues".

That when women stand up for themselves and others they are often treated as aggressive not assertive, even by other women. I have found that women are often the worse critics of other women! Please there is enough for all of us out there. Don't begrudge anyone making it happen.

So for International Woman's Day my hope is for support, encouragement, compassion and empathy. That not only do women stand with and for other women, we stand up for everyone that needs us and needs a voice.

Valentine's Day Ideas

I realize Valentine's Day isn't for everyone and if you are single it can be hard.  If you don't embrace being single and it hasn't been your choice.  That said here are a few things to do for Valentine's Day regardless of relationship status.

• Chocolate or treats.  Single, couple, whatever - don't wait for anyone to buy you sweets. Get them yourself.  Even a bottle of wine after all the special day falls on a Friday.
• Makes plans ahead of time to go out after work for drinks. If people unavailable maybe go out Thursday night.
• Purchase funny Valentine Day cards for friends and co-workers. Remember when we were kids and gave them out at school? Do it as an adult - most people will get a kick out of it.
• Have a "friend" valentine evening. If you know few singles go out to dinner or have a potluck. Watch a movie and munch out.
• It is one day. If you find it hard take a deep breath and remember it is one day.  Have a bubble bath. Watch a favorite movie, start a new Netflix series or read a book. No plans - this is not a reflective on you.  It is a money making day for businesses. 

Making the most of winter

The holidays are over and we are almost through the first month of the new year.  People are now ready for spring.  At least once a day I hear I can't wait for April to get here.  I'm like WHAT you are willing to wish three or four months of your life away!  Yep. Easily.

For for me is nesting. I read more, clean more and enjoy my home more.  If you are struggling with the colder and shorter days get out whenever you can.  Take a walk at lunch time even around the block. Seriously if you are dressed for it, it usually isn't that cold.  I realize it can be THAT cold but use common sense.

People who ski, skate, curl or do a winter activity seem to have it together. They are enjoying the season and making the most out of it. There are often beginners courses in skating, curling and others. Why not try one? If you don't like it. Don't pursue it, but it would be something different and you never know.

If this isn't appealing treat the colder months as time to nest at home.  To do a good purge, to reflect on what direction you want to head. Take an on-line course? Journal? Read?  Just don't wish your life away it is going quickly enough!
 

New Year New Decade New Deal

Unbelievable.  We started this blog the fall of 2016 and we have rolled into 2020!  It started as a joke. Something we could do together. Share experiences and ideas.  It turned out to be harder then we thought.  It involved more of a commitment than we anticipated.

We never expected to take the blog viral. It has been fun coming up with blog posts. If you have cruised through you will realize we don't come up with many. We've had some months where we haven't posted anything. No excuses just life in general.  Also we have not wanted to post without submitting it to the group. Which can be hard with family, work, exercise, crafts and oh life in general like laundry. 

So new year and new decade. We are still getting together for coffee and wine as that is what we do.  The difference will be a few individual blog posts. We won't be waiting until agreement to post. A few of us have enjoyed writing on the blog and want to continue, so be prepared for more one off posts.  Yeah, coffee cluster will still offer their opinion and rants as we get together monthly.     

So to a new decade. We hope everyone is excited about filling this decade with adventure.

No resolutions. Nope not this year

Happy New Year.  Can you believe it is not just a new year, but a new decade!  We decided this decade to start it off right.  With no resolutions.  Nope nothing.  We are not dieting, going to the gym, learning a new language or how to knit. Nothing. 

This year we will set small achievable goals. To be kinder with ourselves. To do our  best on any given day. To celebrate our wins - which could be getting to the gym that day. Drinking more water than usually that day.  Limiting our social media that day. 

We will not beat ourselves up over what we didn`t do. For one thing we will be busy celebrating our wins of what we did that day.

 So to a new year and decade of celebrating what we achieve not what we don`t,