Categories
Currently

Currently #60

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! Christmas is one week away. How are we feeling? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Ready? I have been enjoying this season all month long. I’ve been truly trying to make the most of it whenever I can. Due to how the holidays fall this year, this month’s Currently is a week earlier.

Next week will be my year in review. Then the following week will be my new year’s resolutions post. Lots of fun things coming your way in the next few weeks. Before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s a look at my life currently. 

What I’m Up To:  So much Christmas cheer and spirit! Since we last caught up, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family and ran in our local Turkey Trot. 

Turkey Trotting Before the Big Meal
Our delicious meal!

After that it was full steam ahead for Christmas spirit plus snow!

My pups enjoyed the snow

We got hit with a major snowstorm with feet of snow. It certainly got us in the Christmas spirit and lots of time indoors in between shoveling.

More snowy scenes

As far as Christmas fun goes; I have been shopping, watching Christmas movies, wrapping, and lots of baking!

A very festive home

Plus, lots of cozy nights in.

Warm drinks, fireplace going, and festive lights!
Getting festive in the kitchen!

What I’m Reading: This has been such a good reading month for me, both with Christmas themed books and some other great reads too!

Lots of warm drinks and reading

All the Colors of the Dark– This book, All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker came out this summer and I heard great things about it, the only downside was the length (I heard it was a long one). A quick story before the review, I put it on hold at the library and it finally was able to check it out. I had a few books I wanted to read first and had planned on renewing All the Colors of the Dark. I went to renew it two days before it was due and couldn’t because there was a wait for it after I finished it. That being said, I made it my job to read the book, I finished it in two days and it was phenomenal. It lived up to the great reviews and its hype. It’s all about a missing child and subsequent murders of teenage girls. It follows the main characters through their lives of children through adulthood. It has hints of mystery and thriller, relationships and drama. It’s in the running for a top book of the year.

Straight Shooter-I went to see Steven A Smith speak in the fall and was interested in learning more about him. I read his memoir, Straight Shooter and learned a lot about the sports journalist. I really loved how he detailed his upbringing and the decisions he made to get to where he is today. An interesting and informative read for sure.

 A Winter in New York– I started my Christmas reads with A Winter in New York by Josie Silver. It checked all my boxes for a holiday read; big city, romance, great description of food and a bit family mixed in too. It’s all about a young woman who goes to New York City in hopes of starting over. She stumbles into a gelato store and learns she has a connection to the shop owner. She learns the importance of family, tradition and good food. A fun read for the winter months.

Bright Lights Big Christmas– I really enjoyed Bright Lights Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews. This Christmas book is about a brother and sister who make the trek to NYC to sell their Christmas trees from the family farm. They rough it by sleeping in a trailer while in the city, but they make it a home while they are in town. Their neighbors become their family and they make the most of their little Christmas tree stand. Such a cute book to read before the holidays.

The Mistletoe Mystery- This novella, The Mistletoe Mystery is part of the Maid series by Nita Prose. It’s all about the holiday season at the hotel where Molly the head maid works. She’s suspicious this time of year because her boyfriend has been acting weird and keeping secrets. But will things get resolved before Christmas? You will have to read to find out. This was a quick and cheesy holiday read, but so fun too!

What I’m Watching:

This month has been all about watching Christmas movies and tv shows. 

Watching the tree lighting in NYC

I’ve watched the cartoons, claymation specials, the rom coms, and comedies.

Even my pup enjoyed the shows

I’ve been watching some solo, some with family, and others with my boyfriend.

I also finished watching the most recent season on The Masked Singer and I have been making my way through the new and final season of Outlander too.

What I’m Wearing: 

I have been wearing all things festive apparel this time of year.

My Thanksgiving Outfit from Draper James

From graphic shirts, to velvet blazers, red and green items, you name, I’m wearing it. I’m trying to make the most of my festive outfits this time of year.

What I’m Cooking:

I have been doing all kinds of holiday baking. My goal has been to make one kind of cookie a week. So far, I have made chocolate chip, Halloween candy cookies, Chocolate Crinkles, Snickerdoodles, M&M cookies, and Gingerbread.

I also made Spritz, Red Velvet, Peanut butter and Peanut butter with Kisses.

I still have more to go, but I have been pleased with my progress so far. 

As far as meals go, I have cooked

Chocolate chip Cookie Dough Pie

Rosemary Cashews

Baked Potato Bar

Tortilla Soup

Peppermint Chocolate Bread

What Inspires Me:

 I have been loving all things Christmas and festive. Here’s some recent quotes that resonated with me as well and maybe they will be some inspiration for you!

I also have been inspired by all the cozy vibes with the fire going, enjoying warm drinks and having Christmas lights on.

My pups getting into the holiday spirit with all the snow.

What I Accomplished:

I have been making my way through my Christmas Bucket List and I have been pleased with my progress so far and we still have time to cross things off my list!

A Christmas Concert got me in the Christmas spirit
Gifts wrapped and ready to be delivered

Lots of holiday light displays.

Goals from Last Month: 

My Christmas Bucket List has been keeping me busy as has spending bonus time with family, making time to visit friends and enjoying the holiday season.

Plus lots of Christmas wrapping and movies
And indulging in tasty treats!
Plus seeing Christmas lights

Goals for Next Month :

New Month, New Year, New Goals! I’m looking forward to the fresh start of the new year and sharing my New Year’s Resolutions with you too.

That’s a look into what I’m Currently up to. SO much holiday cheer! I love this time of year and have been experiencing so much Christmas joy and incorporating it in my every day life. I hope you are enjoying this holiday season too! 

I’ll see you back here for Friday Favorites in just two days!

Have a wonderful week!

Categories
Currently

Currently #48

Hello All! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are in full on Christmas mode as the countdown to the big day is on. I know I have been in the Christmas spirit since Black Friday, this is truly one of my favorite times of year and I have been enjoying it to the fullest.

Hot cocoa and a holiday movie!

I am switching things up this month but doing my Currently a week early, so I can save next week for my end of the year recap. My Year in Review posts are some of my favorite ones that I put together all year long, so I can’t wait to share it with you next week. 

But, we have so much to get to in today’s post, hint, be prepared for a lot of Christmas cheer. Let’s get to it!

What I’m Up To: This past month has been filled with all things Christmas cheer. I have been checking so many things off my Christmas Bucket List and have been trying to make the most out of every single day, whether it’s watching a Christmas movies, baking cookies, or doing my shopping and gift exchanges. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. The best news is that the Christmas season continues after December 25, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the holiday spirit. Here’s a look into some of the things I’ve done so far.

Enjoying holiday traditions.
Christmas wrapping and movies
Ready for the big day!

What I’m wearing: On days off, I have been doing my best to wear all my holiday graphic tee shirts. Most of them are from Old Navy. I love the texture, the durability and all the fun designs. You can dress them up with jeans and boots or dress them down with leggings if you are just lounging around the house.

I also have been getting a lot of use out of my festive flannel from Old Navy, I paired it with jeans and boots and a red coat.

For a more dressed up look, I wore this black and white polka dotted long sleeve blouse from Ann Taylor to work and it was a hit. I wore it with black dress pants, my pearl hoop earring and a red lipstick for a pop of color. 

All bundled up for outdoor fun!

What I’m Reading: I started off the month by reading A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson. It follows the story of a young woman who is aspiring to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a writer, however she has some challenges getting there. When her mother passes away, she finds an old manuscript, but who wrote it and what will our protagonist do with it? This story follows the family through the years and through a web of secrets that slowly unravels through the book.

A great book for the fall

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand. It’s the second book out of a five-book series. It follows the story of a large, interconnected family through Christmas year after year. When I picked up this book from the library, I didn’t realize it was the second book out of five, it took me a moment to get caught up with the characters, but once I did, I really enjoyed it and got immersed in it. It takes place over one weekend in Nantucket for the traditional island Stroll. There’s lots of Nantucket references and so much Christmas and holiday descriptions.

What I’m Watching: All the Christmas movies and programs! I don’t have a list of movies perse, but have I been trying to watch all of my favorite movies this Christmas season? You bet!

I’ve seen the classic cartoons like Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. I watched the childhood favorites like Home Alone and The Polar Express and I have enjoyed the adult movies like Christmas Vacation and Love Actually. 

Polar Express movie night

I also have been making my way through the final season of The Crown. I have been doing my best to savor the last six episodes and not rush the experience. If you have been watching, what are your thoughts so far?

What Inspires Me: I have been inspired by trying new recipes in the kitchen. I tried a few salads in addition to sweets.

Stir fry for the win!

I wanted to try my hand at some new recipes this season in addition to some classics. I have already made chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies and I know I will be doing more baking in the coming days.

Fresh chocolate chip cookies

I also tried my first gingerbread recipe which was a success. I plan to make homemade fudge and red velvet cookies in addition to sugar cookies and some other Christmas treats.

My first gingerbread loaf
Red velvet, peanut butter and peppermint bark ready to go@

What I Accomplished: I have been very productive when it comes to my Christmas Bucket List. One night we had a Christmas movie night with the Polar Express and a popcorn and hot chocolate bar.

We made popcorn and had different seasonings for people to try, from chocolate sea salt to movie theater butter, kettle corn, and classic, everyone could try their favorite.

We also enjoyed hot cocoa with different marshmallows and toppings. This was a fun and affordable way to enjoy a movie night.

 I also enjoyed a Christmas concert to kick off the month of December, which was so fun for a night out

Christmas concert to kick off the season
Christmas in the city at night!

Plus, I’ve been enjoying holiday lights around our town, such a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas skating is a must!

Goals from Last Month: My goals from last month were to enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest and I know I have done that and there’s still more time to enjoy the fun. I’m looking forward to time at home with my family, especially since my siblings will be home from college. It will be great to enjoy the holiday traditions and just spend quality time together. 

Christmas movies and Christmas card stuffing

Goals for this Month: My goals for the upcoming month are to start my New Year’s Resolutions and get back into my routines and habits. This past month has been a flurry of fun and activities and while I’m not ready to say goodbye to the holidays yet, but I’m sure by January 2, I will be. 

That’s a look into life this past month. Lots of holiday cheer and fun and it only gets better from here. Wishing you a festive rest of your week

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas Bucket List 2023

Hi All! Happy Wednesday!

It’s the first full week of December. I hope you are soaking up the Christmas cheer and magic of the holiday season, I know the big day will be here soon, so these next few weeks are all about enjoying the holiday season. To make sure I enjoy it to the fullest, I like to create a seasonal/Christmas Bucket List. A bucket list gives me ideas for things to do and makes sure I accomplish everything I want to do. If you are looking for some ideas this holiday season, I hope this list helps you.

2023 Christmas Bucket List

Decorate for Christmas (Swap Out Scents and Mugs and Cups)

Christmas Shopping

Set Deadline for Picking Out Gifts, Buying and Wrapping (to minimize stress down the line)

Give Back to Others (by donating time, gifts, and baked goods)

Try a New Christmas Recipe

Bake Christmas Cookies

Build A Gingerbread House

Enjoy Hot Chocolate

One Christmas Activity a Week

Go Ice Skating

See Christmas Lights

Read Christmas Books

Listen to Christmas Music

Family Christmas Card

Go to a Christmas Concert

Exchange Gifts with Friends

Spend Time with Family

Light a Fire 

Watch Traditional Christmas movies (Frosty, Rudolph, A Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation)

Watch the Santa Clause Series

Watch Apple TV Christmas Special

Get a Christmas Tree and Decorate it

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s

It may seem like a lot to do in 25 days, but I have already made a dent in my Christmas Bucket List. I hope this gives you some inspiration and ideas for some Christmas cheer over the next few weeks.

 I hope you have a festive week!