It’s back to it today after some really good time away. This is the first year where we haven’t traveled at all during the kids’ Christmas vacation–and it was kind of wonderful. Of course, my schedule is totally out of whack thanks to late-night binging of 90 Day Fiance and no-alarm-clock-mornings. I didn’t do anything monumental or extra productive but sometimes, those are the best kind of breaks.
- With no carpools to run, I had time to actually piddle around my house so I did my favorite thing: I moved furniture around. Nothing was especially bothering me with the way things were, but it just makes me happy to change it up and find new ways to use old things. One of the changes I made was to swap out the two chests in our living and dining rooms. I’m liking the green against the black walls and the fun colors in these vintage lamps when it’s all together. (Mirror is discontinued from Ballard Designs. Jute rug is from here.)
- We finally cleaned out a large portion of our attic. This has been on our to-do list for several years but we finally took a day to haul tons of stuff to our garage and a local thrift store picked it up. I got rid of rugs and mirrors and furniture and old Christmas decorations. I was tired of hanging on to “stuff” that I probably/almost certainly would never use again. And it was 100% easier than having a garage sale. Done and done.
- I made a favorite dessert that I haven’t had in years. My mom used to make “grasshopper pie” when I was a kid and I loved it. I also always felt slightly scandalous when I ate it because it has a bit of creme de menthe liqueur in it. . . We pulled out the recipe when they were visiting and made one. It was so good that I ended up making more for our neighbors, too. (My 13-year-old refused to eat it because of the alcohol. I appreciate her convictions. 😊) I’ll post the recipe to my Instagram stories today.
- I watched Steel Magnolias with my two older girls. I have, of course, seen this movie lots of times but I don’t think I’ve watched it since I became a mom. And I can tell you, that’s a completely different experience. Before, I always thought the saddest thing that happened was Shelby’s unfortunate haircut. This time–and to the delight of my girls–I ugly cried through the whole hospital scene. (I also had completely forgotten about the locker room scene when I agreed to let my 10-year-old watch it. #embarrassing)
- I read–and not just before bed. I finally finished a long book I’d been working on for a while and read two more that I loved. (I owe you a book post soon but I highly recommend both The Kennedy Debutante and The Dutch House if you need something now.)
- I bought organize-y things but didn’t actually do any organizing. (Do you do that?) I bought these for my fridge and these for my closet. But mostly, I just walked around and thought about the projects I should do sometime this year. . .
- I celebrated New Year’s with my family who made fun of me as I lamented about the changes the next decade will bring for my kids. I don’t know if my heart is ready for all of this. . .
How’s the start of 2020 been for you?
Sounds restful! I am in love with the green dresser.
Sounds like you had a great break! My soul feels so refreshed after being able to take some time off!
PAIGE
http://THEHAPPYFLAMMILY.COM
I cried on and off allnew years day thinking about where my children would be at the end of thE new decade. And i realized how quickly this decade flew by!
I WATCH sTEEL mAGNOLIAS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. iT’S GOOD FOR THE SOUL TO HAVE A GOOD CRY.
Happy NeW yEar
That sounds a lot like our vacation this year and it was the best! This year my twins will be graduating from high school and even though I’m so excited for the new adventures that await them, I also think my heart might break in two when they move out. I’m trying to keep it positive though so I don’t crumble. Here’s to a great year and decade!
Hi Emily,
I’m glad you had a relaxing staycation. Sometimes those are the best.
I finally caved & gave into my husband’s love of tinsel on our Christmas tree. It sure does sparkle. No changes are happening at my house this upcoming year & I’m ok with that.
Our holiday was similar. Though we traveled a bit, I carved out the entire second week to reset the house after a busy fall with five kids. It was delightful. like your attic clean out, we finally set aside time to reclaim spaces in our home. i’m trying to hold ONTO that excellent energy as we move back into fuller days.
AMONG a dozen other podcasts. I’ve been binging on lisa woodruff’s ORGANIZE 365 , and finally, corralled all the miscellany paper from our home into the guest bedroom. I found treasures, and special anniversary CARDS from my husband, and a host of other “good intentions”. Sorting through these pieces. over January has already cleared much-needed mental space.
WE also made time for each of my kids to have play dates with friends that school across town. It felt quite different to say “Yes, let’s do this!” rather than, “Well, We’ve got to…”
I watched Steel Magnolias also for the first after becoming a mom and totally ugly cried during the hospital scene Too! My husband thought something had happened when he came in the bedroom and found me sobbing in bed.
I recently watched Steel Magnolias with my Daughter and I ugly cried during the scene right after the funeral. Sally Field was just so good in that movie! Now I’m itching to watch Beaches with my girl.
Oh yes, Beaches! That one would also give me kids a good laugh if they watched me watch it. :)
I love your green dresser. I am hemming and hawing anout a jute rug for my living room. Ive had A bound carpet remnaNt for yEars. Do you love yours? Scratchy to Walk on? Sorry for the all caps. My ipad is acting up and i cant change it!