There’s something about January that feels like a deep, cleansing breath. Not the kind you take when you’re bracing for something difficult, but the kind that fills your lungs and reminds you that you’re still here, still moving forward, still writing your story one ordinary day at a time. After the blur of the holidays—the…
At Home
Merry Christmas 2025
Merry Christmas, y’all! 🎄✨ I hope your day is filled with the warmth of family, the joy of traditions, and maybe a few new surprises under the tree. Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn opening gifts or taking it slow with a cozy cup of cocoa, may your heart be filled with peace…
What Do You Tell Your Kids About Santa Claus?
What do you tell your children about Santa Claus? I grew up believing in him and my dad always made a point of ensuring he was alive and well in our home. We would leave out cookies and my father would eat them leaving us a note afterwards. Then one Christmas morning I realized that…
Home For the Holidays: A Tradition
One of the things that we do every single year since this particular movie came out is watch it. It takes place on Thanksgiving rather than Christmas which makes it the best movie to watch on Thanksgiving in my opinion. This movie is how families really are during the holidays,let me be honest. While we…
Happy Thanksgiving 2025
Hey y’all, and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Today is all about gratitude, family, and—let’s be real—eating until we swear we’ll never eat again. (Only to go back for “just a little piece” of pie an hour later.) I hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and good food. Whether you’re gathered around a big family…
Friday Conversations: The Unexpected Guests at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as usual, things around Shady Pines have gotten a little more… lively than expected. I had this year’s holiday all planned out—menu finalized, grocery list printed, and roles assigned. Ma was on dessert duty, Uncle R had turkey honors, and I was prepared to glide gracefully through the…
Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday (Hint: It’s the Food)
Every holiday has its charm, but if you ask me which one sits firmly at the top of my list, the answer is easy: Thanksgiving. It’s the one time of year when it’s not only acceptable but expected to plan your entire day around eating. Forget the presents, the fireworks, and the champagne—give me turkey,…
Christmas Movie Bucket List 2025-2026
Since I was doing a Fall Bucket List I thought I would do a Christmas Movie one as well. I am actually starting this one this month (November 2025) and will work through it until the end of the year. Any movies I don’t get watched this year I will pick up again next November….
Fall Bucket List 2025-2026
So I am a little late with this Fall Bucket List because as you all know we have been moving and things have not been going the way we plan. We ended up having to put it off another month because the new house is not ready. The down side to all of that is…
Thanksgiving Prep: The Art of Delegating (and Avoiding the Kitchen)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that Thanksgiving has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s pumpkin spice season and everyone’s still debating how early is too early for Christmas music, and the next—bam!—you’re knee-deep in grocery lists, table settings, and last-minute cranberry sauce emergencies. Now, I love…
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