the Weekender

Greetings on a rainy and gloomy December morning… I’m excited to catch up with you!

festive package wrapped in white paper with a holly branch. A lit tree is blurred in the background

Miscellany:

1. Let’s start with the most challenging part of this past week: saying goodbye to Charger. And while it should have been an easy handoff, it wasn’t. The adopter made a comment that didn’t sit well with me — and within 8 hours of our meet-up, she let our foster rep know that things weren’t going well.

I’ve seen videos and pictures all week, and he doesn’t look happy. One video scared the hell-o out of me; he was so angry and mean to the resident dog. I’m praying that something will give because I need closure, and I want that little stinker to be happy.

I told my husband earlier this week that it figures a good deed would backfire on us. Insert all the rolling eyes. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that this week has been an emotional roller coaster ride. If he were happy and thriving, I would feel so much better.

We miss you sweet boy. 🐾

2. My Christmas shopping is coming along. How about you? I’m proud of myself for staying ahead of it this year. I have to buy a few more things, but I’d like to start wrapping this week. YAY!!

3. Last weekend was the women’s brunch at my mom’s church. It was a lovely time, and I enjoyed seeing familiar faces. Most years, they have a buffet line. It was a lovely mother-daughter time for us.

picture of a mother and her two adult daughters

This year, they had men serve the ladies. My dad was one of them. Aren’t my parents adorable?

senior man in a black and white serving outfit

4. Since my last Weekender, two new posts have gone up with holiday themes—a Holiday Craft Kit for the Kiddos and a delicious Christmas Charcuterie Board. Be sure to check them out!

5. Are you watching any Christmas movies? I thought I’d share a few of my Netflix faves Christmas movies to date — if you haven’t watched them, give them a try: Our Little Secret (2024), Hot Frosty (2024), and Klaus (2019). All very clean and fun. Klaus is animated, and I watch it every year. It’s an all-time favorite.

Plus, all the Hallmark movies. I mean, duh! Haha.

6. My favorite at-home manicure? This Londontown Original Illuminating Concealer. It gives my nails a finished look. Plus, the ingredients moisturize, nourish, and encourage healthy regrowth. I even use it for pedicures during the winter months.

It’s safe to say I’m obsessed with this product.

before and after photo of nails. one with bare nails and the other with a concealer on them

7. Looking for a fun activity on Christmas Day? We’ve been buying these Galison 130-piece puzzles for the past couple of years. One year, we purchased two and split them into teams. I had small prizes for the winning team. They’re fun to add to the tree for the puzzle lover, too.

8. Last night my twinkie and I enjoyed some quality time. Dinner at Big Slice Pizza, Iced Lattes at Starbucks and a little shopping at a church market (Night of Originals @ Hope). I got to see my parents, a few friends and support a few small businesses. I’d say that’s a pretty great night.