the Weekender

Happy hellos from a sunny and cold day here in the Ozarks. Ready for some random and miscellany thoughts?

Before we get started, and with only FOUR days to go, I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you’re able to celebrate with those you love. Hug necks, take pictures, and love hard.

Miscellany:

1. My Mom, Kristine, and I did our annual baking on Thursday. This year, we only made sugar cookies and Cream Wafer Cookies. We doubled both batches, so it was a wee bit time-consuming. My mom made holiday cakes, and I hope to make Snowball Cookies.

2. This past week included a date night at Silver Dollar City. Steve and I had such a lovely time strolling through the park — the sights, smells, and sounds were just what this Christmas-loving girl needed. It was 37º F when we left, and I loved every glorious moment.

Big Red Bells on display at Silver Dollar City

3. Honestly, It’s been a weird couple of months. The only Christmas decor I have up is my tree and a poinsettia. I’ve concluded that is all that will happen at this point. And you know what? It’s ok. I don’t need to do anything more. Grace, Kelly!

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unprepared, it’s ok. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You can still celebrate the season with dirty floors, dusty furniture, and little to no decor. The memories will last me a lifetime — not the other details.

I’m the most excited about time with my family — the least of my worries is how clean my mom’s house will be or how much decor she has. (For the record, my mom goes all out. Her home gives off all the warm and cozy vibes).

If you’re a list maker, this Christmas To-Do List makes things more “colorful.”

4. Looking for some last-minute cute gift tags? Earlier this week, I shared Bow Gift Tags for your Christmas wrapping. Yay!

package with a green gingham bow and bow gift tags laid out below it

5. Charger. Our first Havaheart foster dog has finally started to adapt to his forever home. Praise the Lord. I saw another video of him playing with the resident dog, which my heart needed. The adopter also said, “I adore him.”

The Lord knew I needed this closure. Wishing you a happily ever after, sweet boy.

6. Dasher. Yep, we picked up another Havaheart dog to foster. Steve and I met a Havaheart Rep in Rolla, MO, to pick him up. His name is Dasher, and we are fostering to (potentially) adopt this little stinker.

We’ll be naming him Bentley. Ummm, how cute is that? (insert all the hearts)

He’s a Maltipoo who lived his first six months of life in a puppy mill. Poor boy! He’s been neutered, so we’ll be working on potty training and seeing how he and Nash get along. Upon their first meet and greet, it’s safe to say that things will be just fine.

He’ll get a groom on Monday. Stay tuned for a cute pic!

7. I’m a huge fan of the Carpenters. If you don’t know who they are, Google them. Haha. I’ve listened to their music for years and always enjoyed their Christmas Portrait music. That vinyl is vintage and a wee bit expensive to get your hands on.

However, I found that a remake called Christmas Once More. It was release this past November, and it can be purchased for under $30. Of course, we bought it and have enjoyed listening to it on our record player. I love listening to music on vinyl.

8. A week or so ago, I was browsing Pinterest and went down a rabbit hole when looking at die cuts to use with my Big Shot by Sizzix machine. I stumbled upon a site called The Stamp Market. OMG! I am not an affiliate or being paid to say this either. The inspiration was AMAZING, and I probably spent a little too much money. Haha.

Stay tuned for lots of paper projects in the New Year. Eeeks. So excited!

9. I’m 100% obsessed with this Dibs Blush and Contour Stick in Retrograde Rose. It goes on like BUTTER and blends out so beautifully. If you’re more of a pink girl, you might want to try Starlit, which is trending.

10. Have you heard the story about Pud Johnston, the 99-year-old Ontario tree farmer? It’s so sweet and inspiring. He’s been at it for 72 years. Learn more…