December. Did I read that right?
Where did 2023 go?
I feel as we just started having these little monthly chats and now we're closing out the year.
Frankly, it's been a very chilly month, too, and we're only on day three.
That doesn't really bode well for this devoted summer girl.
But as the sign in my kitchen says, it is what it is!
It's given me a reason to stay inside, snuggled up by the fire with my crafty Christmas ideas. I seem to have been bitten by the creative bug lately, and I have to say, I've been having so much fun with my projects, I almost forget to take pictures.
Image that.
I think that some of my Christmas crafts from last month are among my all time favorites, like...
- My cookie sheet Christmas makeover. I love the sheep, you all loved the bow.
- My retro Santa burner cover wreath.
- My two faced gingerbread man.
- And my upcyled thrift store gingerbread houses which were so relaxing to make.
I've also been admiring the new view in kitchen, since my floral chair is back and better than ever!
Since I have too many other projects lined up in December to attempt anything else.
I have angels and ornaments, upcyles, makeovers, more sleds, a few Dollar Tree crafts, a banner...and spoons. I can't wait to share that one.
I'm actually afraid I may overwhelm you with all the posts I have to share. Lots of Exquisitely Unremarkable coming your way...but just for December.
I'll go back to my normal 2 posts a week in January, I promise.
So what else is going on around here?
Well, I've decorated for Christmas. Twice, to be honest.
The first time around was back in November. I put up this brand new flocked tree and my daughter loved it so much, I took it down, boxed it back up and gave it to her, because that's what moms do, right?
Then I put up my old tree...which is ok, because I really do love it.
I didn't use a lot of other decorations though. This year, I've pared things back a bit. Have you ever done that? Leave half the Christmas decorations in the bins? It's a new one for me...
This year, instead, as I said, I'm all about those crafts.
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| Christmas in the family room 2022 |
And less clutter. Less dust. I still think the cottage looks very festive, it's just a cleaner aesthetic...and one that will get fuller as I complete my projects and pepper them around the house.
What else? Hmmm...let's see. I'm way behind in my shopping. As my kids get older, I find it harder and harder to come up with great gifts for them so I put it off until I'm forced to get online and click add to cart.
Instead I've been shopping for fun things.
I've been listening to my Christmas playlist on repeat, too.
Although, I do get a kick out of Elf, The Holiday and a cheesy made for tv farce called Holiday in Handcuffs. Anyone else know that one? It's ridiculous.
Oh, and in the ridiculous column, I'm babysitting my daughter's hamster. Did you know we have a hamster? Or I should say, we had one...a sweet addition to our family during the pandemic, since he was the only furry pet that didn't bother my allergies.
But I must admit, I was a reluctant participant in the acquisition. As my brother said, when he heard the news, MY SISTER let a rodent in the house??
Don't get me wrong, I love animals and over the years I've had everything from cats and dogs, fish, birds, bunnies, frogs, turtles and hermit crabs to sea monkeys.
And he has an eye infection...so he needs drops. Twice a day. Have you ever tried to give a hamster eye drops? Yeah. Not easy.
That Christmas poem about not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse? They lie. He's always moving.
Anyway, between this and the up and down Christmas trees, the past few weeks definitely belong in the "the things we do for our kids" box.
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| I found Santa at a church fair yesterday for $3! |
Other than that, I'm hoping to bake a lot, eat a lot, visit with friends and family, go to more holiday craft fairs and light shows, sit quietly by the fire, in the living room, to enjoy the view.
Watch some of those old movies.
And craft.
🎄
What does your December look like?
Merry Christmas, Friends!
Ha Ha your sweet little grand hamster is adorable. He will love visiting with Grandma!!!! 2023 is flying by for sure. Yep we have had about the same weather. Lots of rain less sun. Ugh! I guess it could be worse and be snow and with how much rain we are getting that would be a lot of snow! Have a great Sunday and wonderful week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! This weather is the worst…except for yesterday. The sun peeked out a bit and it was warm enough to walk and visit Santa in town. I hope I’m on the nice list this year for tending to my little furry friend. That’s got to be worth a little extra something…one would hope! Haha! He really is sweet though. Who knew? Have a happy weekend!
DeleteYour new flocked tree was indeed beautiful!! Your daughter is a lucky girl to have a Mom like you. May I ask where you got it from? Your home is lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour December sounds lovely-except for the eyedrops on the hamster part. I wake hubby up 2 (sometimes 3) times a day and that is almost as bad as the eyedrops, I think. Well, maybe not-at
ReplyDeleteleast I don't have to hold his head to immobilize it and force medication n him (yet)....lol
I love that wrapping paper you found. It is wonderful! Looked at all the links you posted, too.
I can't BELIEVE you gave that gorgeous tree to your daughter...never mind....I can. I have given my kids things, too, that I thought I wouldn't part with ever.
Have a wonderful, blessed Sunday- xo Diana.
My little furry patient reminds me a lot of Scruffy. He’s very mischievous, but he has so much personality and is so cuddly, you can’t help but love him. He makes me forget that I don’t like mice. As far as that tree goes, yeah…I know you’ve been there…and it was new, I wasn’t attached to it yet. Happy December my friend!
DeleteWell it started out as just the closest son and his family coming for dinner. Now it’s 2 more grandchildren and I paid for one of my daughters to be here in NC from TX and my grandsons girlfriend and possibly 2 more. So I’m happy to have them home but for me, I’ve not been in the best health for several years and although things have greatly improved I still find it really hard to do everything by myself. I do have a girl that comes in once a week and helps me for 4-6 hours a week organizing my life and she’s a great help with other things as well, there’s just not enough time to pull it all together. We’re doing the best we can and that’s what counts. My daughter will be in on the 23rd so she will help too but again just a day or two.
ReplyDeleteI’ve decided I’m going to try my hand at cooking again, something I haven’t been able to do for many years and even try my hand at baking their favorite pumpkin rolls. (and mine too)!
We’ve been working on organizing my craft room for the last 2-3 months and that was a big part of organizing that is almost complete but we had to move on for now because of the holidays.
I’m sure we’ll get it done but it sure will be exhausting and fun all at the same time!
Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas!
The holidays are exhausting! There just never seems to be enough time to get everything on the list done, especially when you are hosting the dinner. I used to host for 30+ every year and it was fun, but exhausting, even though I was much younger. Now I'm happy to entertain a smaller crowd! I hope you enjoy your Christmas with your family. It sounds lovely, like they'll all help you out and mmmm....pumpkin rolls. I need a recipe for that!! They sound delicious. Merry Christmas!!
DeleteYou've been one busy gal, Kim. Enjoy the holidays and I can't wait to see all your new crafts!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ann! I have been busy and having fun, too. I hope you're having a lovely December so far!!
DeleteOhhhhh, how sweet!! A hamster!! They are so cute! But bless your heart for having to give him eye drops. I know that can't be easy! Your tree is beautiful! And yes, I'm in my "less is more" phase when it comes to holiday decorating now. I have been enjoying your beautiful crafts so much and can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteHe really is sweet, Mandy! I have to say I didn't expect to fall in love. Less is more has been lovely this year, I'm glad I'm not alone!! I hope your December continues to be "more" and thanks for all the lovely words!!
DeleteThe little rodent is cute. It could've been worse - like a pet snake. - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Briana! I think I would've needed to move out!! Hahaha!!
DeleteYour December sounds like how I want mine to be. I am DONE with Christmas shopping for my four grown peeps, so now its time for me to get my Christmas movies going and do a few fun crafts here and there. Reading time is also planned. Maybe a bit of thrifting, just because. (love your $3 Santa, btw). And a much more relaxed cooking plan. That said, I am SO looking forward to the New Year!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have your December all wrapped up, Gina. I'm so far from ready on the gift front. I have to get a move on...those movies and crafts are much too much fun to break from and shop! I really hope that your 2024 is everything you want it to be!!
DeleteWhat an adorable hamster, I love all the little critters. I love the old classic Christmas movies and even the new 'bad' ones, and a bunch in between. A couple of newer ones that I discovered last year are Christmas For a Dollar and Christmas Oranges. Since I love critters (especially dogs), I also enjoy Christmas with Tucker and A Dog Named Christmas. All 4 of these are sweet and heartwarming, and not the typical Christmas romance movie. One of my new favorite oldies is The Holly and the Ivy. Holiday in Handcuffs is cute, I think it's because the two stars are adorable and cute together. Our Christmas is very quiet - it's just my husband and I and we don't exchange gifts with anyone anymore. I decorate a little bit, but mostly we just enjoy the season. My December is starting off busy, as I am in Las Vegas this first week for the Miss Rodeo America pageant and the beginning of the NFR. I am on the board for Miss Rodeo Arizona, so we are here to support our young lady in the pageant. It's a fun week watching the girls compete in horsemanship, speeches, horse/rodeo/current event questions, and of course modeling gorgeous, glittery, rhinestoned and fringed outfits. I'm here with a number of girlfriends, so it's a fun girls week too :-) I hope everyone has a wonderful December and Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteHa ... a rodent ... oh you are fun. The boys had hamsters when they were little. We use to have them ride in Atticus' Thomas the Train set up. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy December my dear friend.
Love, Carla
Oh Carla, it's been an adventure! He's always reminded me of Runaway Ralph and we did get him a little car, but the Thomas the Train visual is priceless!! xo
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