It’s Friday the 13th, in December, no less—so naturally, this week had its share of unlucky Maents. Between holiday shopping mishaps and more cookie dough disasters than I care to admit, it’s been… interesting. But here we are, still standing and still searching for that holiday spirit. Let’s chat about this week’s misadventures and what’s next on the holiday to-do list!

This week has felt like a game of holiday roulette, where every turn brings a new mishap. Let’s start with the holiday shopping: I braved the crowds and thought I was making progress until I realized I’d left my shopping list at home. Cue the panic! I wandered aimlessly through stores, clutching a random assortment of items like a gift bag, a decorative snowman, and a candle that smelled like Christmas cheer (whatever that is). Spoiler alert: I ended up buying two gifts for myself instead of anyone else. Who can blame a gal for needing a little holiday pick-me-up, right?

And then there were the cookie dough disasters. I had high hopes of baking up a storm this week, envisioning a spread of perfectly decorated cookies to impress family and friends. Instead, I somehow managed to turn cookie dough into a sticky, floury mess that required an entire roll of paper towels and a minor panic attack. I think my oven might be haunted because every batch I baked came out looking more like abstract art than Christmas cookies. But hey, as I look at my cookie creations that resemble something straight out of a holiday horror movie, I can’t help but laugh. There’s something to be said for embracing the chaos, especially when it comes to holiday baking. Here’s to surviving the week and getting back in the holiday spirit—one cookie mishap at a time!

This week at Shady Pines, Ma decided she wanted to start a new holiday tradition: caroling. The catch? She couldn’t remember the words to half the songs. Uncle R, not one to be outdone, made up his own lyrics to ‘Silent Night’ that somehow involved a fishing trip. By the end of it, I’m pretty sure the neighbors thought we were performing some avant-garde holiday play. But hey, at least we were festive

Midlife is realizing that all the grown-ups I looked up to when I was younger were just as clueless as I am now. At 48, I thought I’d have it all figured out by now—finances, career, family stuff. Nope! Turns out, we’re all just winging it, pretending we know what we’re doing. The good news? At least I’ve got a few more decades to practice.

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: Roasted Winter Squash Soup with a Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
2. Tuesday: Spaghetti Carbonara with a side Caesar Salad
3. Wednesday: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Parsnips
4. Thursday: Chicken Marsala with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5. Friday: Baked Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
6. Saturday: Beef and Barley Soup with Cheddar Biscuits
7. Sunday (Family Style): Roast Leg of Lamb, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, and Chocolate Bread Pudding

I thought I take the time to share three things that you can do or read for a little self care, a moment of peace and quiet or more.

• Do a 15-minute meditation focusing on calm and balance.
• Reflect on your week by journaling.
• Treat yourself to a slow, mindful cup of coffee or tea.

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

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