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,

What we are crushing on right now! Psst gifts!!!

It is so easy to shop for yourself!  I mean really we are sooooo easy to buy for.  Here are a few things we are crushing on right now!!

how cute are these socks

yummy and cute

this rug would be perfect anywhere

like plants and cats! You'll like this

oh yeah. Laptop bag. Needed

boots you can't have too many

like I said you can't have too many boots

need this print for my office

The list could go on.  What would you like under the tree?

Favorite blogs for Christmas

There is something magical about the holidays.  The lights, snow and the decorations. Some people know how to pull it together better than other but I still think any tree with lights on it is beautiful.  The green and sparkle you can't beat.  So here are a few of our favorite blogs that we think do Christmas well!!

Sugar and Cloth  check out her living room decorated for the holidays!

A Wandafulthing  did 12 days of Christmas crafts and DIY Pinterest inspired.

Inspired by charm  this link is for a vintage ornament wall tree.  You have to check out the whole blog as he has lots going on for the holidays.  This is your intro!!

Miss Mustard Seed  decorated living room.  Plus few other holiday posts.

Esme Salon if you are a foodie check this blog out

Happy Holidays.

Staying sane while shopping - it starts the night before

We thought we'd share our idea on how to stay sane while shopping for the holidays.  Especially now that December has rolled around.

First it starts the night before. You purchase a bottle of your favorite wine on the way home.  After supper you open said wine and gather pen/paper or phone and head to where you keep "already bought" gifts.  We realize you might have to start rooting as they might be in a few places. Deep breaths and remember to sip your wine while looking.

Note all the gifts you have purchased already and who they were for.  Head to a room where you can enjoy your wine and make your list in quiet. This is another reason why all master bedrooms need a comfy chair and side table.

Next sit down, after you top up your wine glass, and note who is left to buy for and any ideas for gifts that come to mind. If you are drinking red just bring bottle to room/table you are working from.

Suggestion if you have a few people why not purchase on bulk (so to speak) like PJs. Who doesn't love cozy PJs - especially pajama bottoms. After you have poured another glass of wine and are having some cheese & crackers sit back and think where is the best place to  shop to get the biggest bang. What we mean is somewhere you can park your vehicle once and shop. Likely a mall.

Also consider purchasing local or donating to an organization. Examples Feed the Children, Me to We or Oxfam.  For this option just open you phone and find an organization in need and gift away.  

The biggest thing is be prepared for crowds and waiting in line when you head out.  Stop for a latte as a treat and review your list after you've shopped for a bit.  Listen to Christmas songs in the car on the way there. Get in the mood. Treat it as a positive experience with treats and breaks.  We so don't need one more item to stress about.  Enjoy.

PS the majority of people have everything they need or would rather purchase what they want so seriously donating in their name or purchasing something local is the best option.

Happy Holidays

  

A different holiday gift

We are coming up to the holiday season – well for some people it has already started.  Hint one of us has her tree and home decorated already.  Over happy hour at our new favorite place the topic of experiences came up.  The majority of us have what we need or can purchase it.  A few of us are trying to scale down so new knick-knack no matter how lovely are not wanted nor appreciated.  We decided to do what we would appreciate for Christmas and hope it gives you a few ideas.

• Your favorite bottle of wine – give it to a friend
• Arrange meeting for brunch earlier on a Saturday so that people have time for errands afterwards
• Take in a holiday event or fundraiser.  Note Facebook has events posted check them out.
• Purchase movie passes or better yet open day passes to local Art Gallery or Historic place in your city
• A basket of goodies (cookies, loaf, napkins, hummus) you get the idea
• Volunteer as a group at the food bank or wrapping Christmas presents at the mall for a fundraiser (you might have to do a little research but that could be part of the fun)
• If an organization is looking for gifts for children in need pick a name and go for it. Get the family involved in shopping for that special gift
• Have your children make Christmas cards or art for their special people
• Have a cookie exchange
• Bring unused winter items (mitts, jackets, scarves) to goodwill
• What about having an extra pair of gloves in your bag to give to the homeless
• Go to a carol sing or any place having Christmas music or music period during the holiday season
• Have friends over to watch holiday movies
• Make a Christmas and/or everyday playlist for friends
• Put your thinking cap on and be creative!!!