Hey there, First name / Friend! How have you been?

 

Did you accidentally bump the fast‑forward button on the last part of the year? Will you check if you’re still leaning on it, because HOW is it already December? The Solstice is in like 10 days!?!?!?

 

With birthdays packed into December and January plus all the usual goings on, things feel festive over here. I’m trying to build in rest where I can. Some days it works. Some days...naht sah much!

 

But I’ll take the celebration wherever I can get it because DAMN. This year? So many wake‑up calls, but also oddly productive. More prepping the soil for growth rather than harvesting anything, but I'll take it. (Honestly wish my actual garden was this prepared...)

 

Still, somehow, I’m ending the year with a bit of hope. Not a lot - a bit. It's not all sunshine, OBVS, but we’re still here. And that counts. Big time.

 

So if you’re reading this, you made it through, too. Well done, YOU! I hope you get some rest, a treat you genuinely enjoy, and whatever helps you feel steady as the year winds down.

 

And thank you, so much, for being here with me. For reading, for responding, for staying connected. All of it.

 

If you need me before January 5th, I’ll be tucked under many cozy layers with hydration and a bowl of popcorn, searching out a few more…

And here are the Seven Things that have helped me get through the last few weeks - I hope they help you, too, wherever and however you might be:

It’s quite an odd thing to be re-living trends that have fully circled back - but I can’t deny I’m drawn to the comfort of it.  Because it feels right again. Food, interiors (NOT EXTERIORS LOL), fashion, music, all of it. It’s been all over my Pinterest feed and on my mind a LOT. 

In a bit of a food rut lately, so I just filled the freezer with packs of Instant Pot beans and packs of brown rice, then I top them with kale and a veg and whatever seasoning I feel like that day. Tony’s or some Herbes, or some Chili 9000. It’s slightly snazzier than a sad desk salad.

I’m sorry, but the transitions into and out of the bridge?!?! This is 90s AF and also totally new, and it’s JUST SO GOOD. I hope it leads to a full album just like it. More Punk, please. Also, she has a cover of Rihanna’s BBHMM from years ago that is Cuh-RAZY.

Listen, my TBR pile is TALL. So while yes, I've had this since it was originally published, I've just now picked it back up. Captivated by it! Magical and heartbreaking, but wonderful.

Is this show for everyone? It is NOT. Am I loving the hell out of it even though the pacing is something from 10 years ago (complimentary)? Absolutely. One of the best pilot episodes I've ever watched. If you know nothing about this, GOOOD. Going in blind is the move here. We just want you to be happy. 

We have gluten-free eaters in our fam, so I started using King Arthur’s GF recipes a few years back and nobody can tell a difference.  The Snoballs are fantastic.  But the Thumbrints with Orange Marmelade are my fave…

In between consultations, I’ve been writing a long blog post about designing Craftsman Bungalows, which I think are about to become a huge exterior design trend. It’s been refreshing to dive into writing again, and I’m really excited to get it published before the end of the year.

First name / Friend, I'm so glad you're here!

THESE MIGHT BE  AFFILIATE LINKS, AND AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. THIS MEANS THEY MIGHT GIVE ME A FEW PENNIES IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE WITH MY LINK. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!