Well, we made it through Christmas, and now it’s that weird lull between the holidays where no one knows what day it is, but we’re all too full to care. This week was a blur of wrapping paper, leftovers, and the occasional nap. Let’s chat about the holiday aftermath and how I’m gearing up for the new year (spoiler: I’m not, but let’s pretend!).

This Week in the wilderness

Ah, the post-Christmas haze! It’s that magical time when the only thing on my agenda is to figure out how to use up the leftovers without completely losing my mind. Seriously, my fridge looks like a Tetris game. I’m pretty sure I could feed an army with the amount of stuff I’ve got left, and I’ve resorted to creative meal combinations that would make any chef cringe. “Leftover” has become my new specialty, and if I throw in some questionable spices, I might just convince myself it’s a gourmet dish. Honestly, if anyone asks, I’ll just tell them it’s a “fusion” recipe. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in the culinary adventures of post-holiday creativity?

And let’s not forget the great holiday clean-up. I thought I’d tackle the mess right away, but I quickly found myself procrastinating like a pro. Instead, I’ve made a cozy nest on the couch surrounded by holiday decorations that are going to have to fend for themselves for just a little while longer. Every time I glance at the tree, I’m reminded of all the ornaments that somehow got tangled in the lights. It’s like a holiday version of a horror movie where you wonder if you’ll ever escape the horror of untangling the mess. As I gear up for the new year, my only resolution is to somehow emerge from this post-holiday haze alive and ready for whatever chaos 2024 has in store. Cheers to that!

Life at Shady Pines free range seniors

Well, the post-Christmas cleanup at Shady Pines has been interesting. Uncle R decided that instead of taking down the tree, he’s going to keep it up all year and just change the decorations for each season. Ma thinks it’s brilliant, so now we’re planning for ‘Valentine’s Day tree,’ complete with heart-shaped ornaments and candy canes. I’m not sure how long this idea is going to last, but if anyone can pull off a year-round Christmas tree, it’s those two!

Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife

The funniest part of midlife at 48? Realizing that “this” is the prime of my life, and honestly, I’m kind of okay with it. Sure, I can’t bend over without making noises, and my hairdresser is now my best friend, but I’m wiser, more patient (with myself, anyway), and unapologetically me. If midlife is about embracing the chaos, then bring it on—I’ve got snacks and comfy socks ready!

What’s Cooking for dinner tonight

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: Shrimp Étouffée with Rice and Hush Puppies
3. Wednesday: Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder, Collard Greens (for wealth), Black-Eyed Peas (for luck), Cornbread (for gold), and Rice, Peach Cobbler
4. Thursday: Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya with a side salad
5. Friday: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Parsnips
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

A Moment of peace and quiet

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.

• Plan 10 things you’re grateful for from the past year.
• Unplug and enjoy a solo walk outside.
• Do a 10-minute yoga or stretching routine to close out the week.

Storied Conversation a little book chat

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.

FYI… Don’t Forget to head over and enter The Monthly Chapter Giveaway!

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