Day 24: Simplifying the Holidays {What Really Matters}

Just joining in?  Read the entire series {HERE}.

In today's post I wanted to talk about how we can simplify the holidays.  So many times we don't because we worry what others will think and that we will let people down.

Think about that.  How many times do we keep up a tradition, whether it be using our best China or making 20 different kinds of cookies, just because that is what our family or friends or colleagues expect?  I think that most of us actually love traditions, for they give us those warm, fuzzy feelings that are familiar and loving for all ages, young and old.  But at the expense of our sanity?  Or budget?  Or health?  Now if you love a tradition, and it truly brings you joy, then, by all means, keep it up.  I'm talking about the ones that are a lot of work and you're doing them because you don't want to disappoint, feel guilty, or not meet others' expectations.

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Keeping up the image of a perfectly decorated home, the perfect meal, 20 different kinds of handcrafted and iced cookies, different, unique gifts for each person, IS EXHAUSTING.  Stressed is not how you want to spend your holidays.

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No one ever looks back on a holiday and says, "Boy those matching serving platters she had were amazing." They think about how the holidays made them feel, the sounds of sweet laughter they heard, the smells of food that were made by loving hands, and the coziness that, when spent with loved ones, enveloped them.

This year, I do plan to be more organized and on top of things.  And I do plan on making some cookies, making my house pretty, and buying and making gifts for others.  What I don't plan on doing is  rushing, worrying, procrastinating, and stressing.

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What are your plans to simplify and enjoy the holidays more this year?

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Day 20: Starting to Think About the Holidays

Just joining in?  Read the entire series {HERE}.

Whew!  My Post is l-a-t-e!  Been a busy Saturday.  Fun, but busy.

I actually did a little searching on the www today to start thinking about the holidays.  Christmas in particular.  Anyone else done that yet?

I know, I know, it's only October, but I have said every.single. year. that I am NOT procrastinating, stressing, rushing, or worrying during the holidays.  And every single year I do.  I am still out at the stores on Christmas Eve Day aimlessly gift or grocery shopping.   It totally takes away from the enjoyment, beauty, and reason for the season.  I'm taking a different approach this year, my friends!

I thought I'd share a couple links my sis sent to me that I went crazy for!

Here we go..

For great gift ideas that you can make in mass for neighbors, teachers, and the like...
The Fickle Pickle

There are so many cute ideas on just this one post.  Are are do-able, afforable, and can take care of lots of gifts you need to give.

For great new traditions and ideas you can start with your kids or family...

A sweet blog called Workman Family is behind this cute idea.  Wrap items filled with small toys, movies, family fun ideas that the kids open each of the 25 days before Christmas.  Many of the items in this bucket are ones that they already had.  It just adds to the excitement of the season!  You could adapt this to fit your family or traditions.

These are just a couple of the great sites I saw today.  I plan on doing more posts this month and next about how I am going to prepare for the holidays so my booty can stay home  and enjoy my family on December 24!  

Here is what I am going to tackle ahead of time:

Making a master gift list

Making as many gifts as possible--I always say I am going to do this-this year I am!

Nailing down cookie recipes

Shopping online as much as possible

Making or buying multiples of things I find that are affordable 

Organizing my Christmas decorations--this is a biggie!

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify---less is more--figuring out what that means to me and my family

This researching and thinking about the holidays has really gotten me excited to get organized and feel on-top-of-things this year!  I hope I've inspired you to think ahead no matter what holidays you celebrate.

Back Porch-Best Room in the House

When we went house searching for our current home 5 years ago, we looked at about 50 houses in a week because our other house was in contract.  The last house we looked at was the one we ended up buying.  One thing that really sold us on this house was the existing enclosed back porch.  It was decent in size, had a beamed ceiling, and connected to a small deck that all faced our back yard.  We were sold.   Through the summers we have lived here, we have really enjoyed eating and relaxing out there.

Last summer we decided to put windows in.  This has really transformed not only the look of this outdoor "room" but also has given us the capability to sit out there on colder fall and even winter months when using a space heater to warm it up a bit.  I used the same idea for "curtains" as I did over my kitchen window.  Fabric dinner napkins at $10 for a set of 4.  Works for me!  The large space above the windows is going to have a shelf going across it soon.  We love the ceiling on our porch.

The furniture (2 chairs, loveseat, and sidetable) were also new purchases last summer.  I love the look but do not love the cream color cushions that they came with.   Our black furry friend and muddy paws do not mix with these cushions.  However,  we are currently sticking with them until I find or make the color or pattern that I want.  The rug was a steal last summer at Bed, Bath and Beyond--it doesn't match right now, but I may paint it or switch it out with something else in the future.

The little crock with the patterened top?  It's one of those meaningful pieces I posted about before from my mother-in-law.  It had an ugly country-blue vinyl top on it before and I just recovered it with some cute fabric.

 I am super excited about our lovely little porch.  We already spent tons of time out here, and now I know we will spend even more. Whether you have a front porch, back porch, or just a stoop, make it a happy little place to be.  Porches are underrated.  It is slowly becoming our Best Room in the House.

Happy 4th of July!!!


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Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day marks what most feel is the start of summer.  There's nothing like that feeling.

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Everyone loves a good picnic or gathering to celebrate our shared love for this great country,

to chat with family and friends on a porch or deck in that slow, relaxed way,

and hopefully to remember that we have Memorial Day to remember all those that served or are serving for us so that we can run through sprinklers,  have picnics, and relax on porches.

My twin sister, Claudia (she goes by 'Dia'), is incredibly involved in honoring veterans and those who serve our country.  She was the guest speaker in her town's Memorial Day celebration today.  She has a website called yourmilitarystory.com, where veterans and family members can tell their stories, add pictures, and communicate with others. Most recently, she has written an e-book on the topic of preserving military stories and has created a kit to help veterans preserve their military memories that is being sold on Amazon!   It's so cool.  You can join her website if you are a veteran, a family member of a veteran that has served or a soldier that is currently serving, or if you are just interested in reading soldiers' stories.  I am so proud of her efforts and how she has inspired her students, her community, and thousands that have visited her website to remember veterans and what they have done for us.  She is my hero!

Have a safe, happy Memorial Day!  

Here is my sister's website link again:

http://yourmilitarystory.com/