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Beth's avatar

This is your PSA that if the movie theater only has one showing of the thing you want to see, buy the ticket in advance. This brought to you by the one single viewing of Glass Onion at my local Alamo Drafthouse that was sold out after I had planned my whole day around it. Also, what is Netflix even doing with this release? Someone there can't do math.

My family's Christmas plans have changed for the better IMO. Instead of my mom, grandma, and mom's best friend (who I like fine but can't cope with in large doses) being in the area for a whole week, my mom and grandma are coming out by themselves just for a couple of days starting the day after Christmas. I am wrapping up a marathon month at work, so what this means for me is a nice long weekend to myself followed by two days only with people I want to see who will not be here long enough to make me wish they would leave. It's a perfect plan.

The first teaser trailer for Barbie is here and I already love it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDCOeQTxyo4

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Rosemary B. Althoff's avatar

Emily P. Freeman’s mention in the Letter caught my attention because I have been quieted and calmed so much by her NEXT RIGHT THING book. I’ll check into her new App.

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Beth's avatar

I’m worried about AMC recliner guy. Mr Pibb?!

We’re okay over here though that’s at least half because I am living in denial of what is left undone. That’s a problem for Future Beth now. Go with God, Future Beth, and don’t think of Current Beth too poorly.

My daughter’s arm got stepped on during a practice lockdown and ended up with a sling and bone bruise--thankfully no fracture! The actual school wide lockdown ended up during their gingerbread house decorating which parents could come to and y’all. The kids were fine with it. But man, some of us parents struggled. The fact that it was so normal and non-upsetting to them just made it that much more so to us.

Trying to psych myself up for Christmas at my in-laws while dreading the trip and nervous we’ll have to take two cars, which would tax my iffy back even more. I’m a little sad I won’t be at my grandparents’ for Christmas Eve and day but it’s good that I can look forward to celebrating with them a few days later.

My brother and SIL are most likely moving back to our area from PA! I’m so excited at the prospect of having them and their kids nearby.

I hope all of your Decembers are shaping up nicely!

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Sarah Clark's avatar

Eliza! That coat!!! 😍

Also, way to say “no” to something. And such a great reminder that we cannot manage other’s emotions.

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Rachel Vander Ley's avatar

It’s been week after week of swamp trash around here. I’m trying so hard to find the beauty in the season, but it’s hard.

But, our preferred provider had an appt opening for my 8 yr old this afternoon, which honestly, is just the best news I’ve had in a while. Instead of having to deal with a different one, new team and all that.

And also, we got hit with a hard blizzard, but my trucker husband was able to get home before it got too bad and so we were able to spend a snow day together. That doesn’t always happen, so I’ll take that 💜

I’m going to go try to redeem the day and my attitude 😏

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Erin H Moon's avatar

A snow day! I know that is probably not as magical to you, but I hope it's a dreamy day!

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Dawn's avatar

"Buddy." Lol. And that tea guy! I mean: "Creation is not just our environment but our sibling. A co-worshiper of our creator." How simple, but so true. "All creation groans and waits."

Guys. We survived the week before the week before Christmas. High fives all around! (Why is that the week when *all* the things happen? Good night nurse!)

📺 Harry and Meghan - man. Tabloids + Social Media = 😵

📚 _What Cannot be Lost_ and _Little Women_ (in preparation for Little Women Bookclub starting 12/24. Anyone else doing this read along?) Saw your blurb, Erin, in Melissa's book. Which in the first chapter had lines that stopped me cold. This is gonna be a good one.

🦸‍♀️ Saving my life: Frogg Togg rain pants and coats and Sloggers rain boots. It has been pouring, but my dogs still need to go out. Have stayed dry in the biggest downpours with my gear. Testing out the Swedish proverb "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing." So far, the Swedes are correct.

🫖 Also saving my life: 3pm tea. Everything has been so nuts for so long. And the reality is I often can't make a morning "quiet time" happen. I also can't always stop for lunch at noon. I get up at 6 and have to hit the ground running, and I go, go, go until 8:30 and then konk out. But often at 3pm there is a lull. And it took me forever to figure this out, but lately I have been taking a real break at 3. I make some tea. I eat. I read - an actual book of possible. I journal. If I'm lucky I get 30 minutes or an hour (glory!), but even 15 minutes help me to reset for the 2nd shift. And I'm working to make this time set apart. I use fancy plates and teaware. I bought special treats that are only for this time. I light candles. I play a playlist in the background (these days it's Advent music). This has been very very good.

Looking forward to your comments!

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Jules Q's avatar

In retirement, my dad lived by his afternoon “tea time.” He always set up chairs outside their RV, usually facing a lake at his favorite camp (they were full-time volunteers ), and for at least an hour he and my mom just drank their tea with a sweet snack and chilled. It was the separation he needed between working all day and easing into the night. 

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Lori W's avatar

Tell me more about LW bookclub! I missed that info.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

So glad you're doing the LW Book Club. You really can't go wrong with Melissa or Annie.

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Eliza Barger's avatar

Dawn, afternoon tea sounds delightful! I'm glad you've been able to make this time for yourself.

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Jules Q's avatar

Greetings from Week 3 of COVID infection. 🥴 My mom got the all-clear on her test last night, but it’s still positive for me. As a first time sufferer of the virus, I can tell you it’s STILL no fun. Even double-boosted with a body that was pumped full of hospital medications for 2 weeks, this stinking virus still wreaked havoc on me. My head cold symptoms only lasted about a week, and my smell and taste functions have returned, but the lingering fatigue is a killer. I’m sure it doesn’t help that half of my body is mostly useless, but not being able to stand up even long enough to put a dish in the microwave is the weirdest feeling. 😴

Still, we have survived! The only really annoying symptom that lingers are the comments from my sister that I should’ve been over this in two days. “I’ve done the research and it says that you should be just fine after two days. COVID only lasts a few days.” [ahem 🤨] One good thing: I pretty much blocked that sister from reaching me after the first few days back home from the hospital. I just finally decided that her toxicity is too much, and I don’t have to be available to her out of guilt or some sense of duty. If she wants something, she calls Mom. The blessing is that mom doesn’t always answer her phone and never returns messages. She also can’t form short-term memories, so really, Mom can’t tell me very much of what my sister says anyway. A blessing in disguise. 😂

The worst part of having been in bad health since the middle of November is that we never got to have Christmas decorations in our home. I originally planned to have my niece put everything up for us, but with COVID we just couldn’t let anyone in the house. So it’s been very boring this whole season. Now that I have started to see clearly and feel better, I miss the lights terribly. I’m trying to create a mood with music alone, but it’s just not the same. Normally I would try to infuse joy by maybe going through a neighborhood and seeing other people’s lights on their homes, but without being able to drive or walk very far, we just don’t have that option this year. I think I finally understand Blue Christmas in a way I never have. 😞

There have been some treasures and some joy, though. I can’t say thank you enough to all who have comforted me and donated to the funding for my rehab. I just am so blessed to have you guys in my life! Your Christmas cards in the mail have also been such a treat! “Thank you, thank you, thank you” is just not enough! 💗 I’m not really in a position to do much Christmas giving this year, but if I could, I would send every single one of you a handmade card and a special treat. Consider this a virtual card and a virtual casserole or pie (h/t Beth Silvers). 🥧 You make my life better in a way you can probably never know, but I will do my best to keep showing you! Love you guys!

Lastly, if you would say a prayer and keep me in your thoughts on Monday, it would mean the world to me. I have the chance to get some healthcare assistance and maybe even help with my medical bills. It’s an open interview between 1–4 PM, and I will know immediately if I’m approved. It’s going to take a literal Christmas miracle for all of this to come together (I’ve been denied in the past), but I believe in a God of miracles. Whether you believe that or not, sending good wishes and prayers my way would still mean the world. 💗

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Melanie S.'s avatar

Praying for your interview Monday 💕

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

Jules, I’m praying so hard for your interview on Monday 💗 our God still works miracles every day!

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Dawn's avatar

Also praying for the blessing of extra provision for you at that interview!!!! ❤

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Jackie's avatar

Praying for a Christmas miracle for you! 🎄❤️ 🙏🏻

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Jules, praying right now for a hope infusion. I wish we lived close and I'd come hang some Christmas lights up for you! Please please please reach out if there is anything this community can do for you!

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Jules Q's avatar

Thank you so much, Erin. Hope infusion is exactly what you all bring to me.

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Eliza Barger's avatar

Happy Friday! I feel like most of this week was consumed by me being tired, but things are looking up today which is good 'cause I've done nothing to prepare for my trip Monday 🤦‍♀️

Treasures:

🤗Catching up with my friend and her family after her quick trip and before things get busy.

🖥 AUA and Bible Binge Fellowship Hall the same week- I didn't make either live, because I was too busy sleeping. Thankful for replays and for such great internet communities.

✈I'm leaving for Detroit on Monday to get a few days with my brothers. I'm excited to have a little pre-family, family time before the more stressful time.

🧥 I finished my coat! I'm really happy with how it turned out and it kinda blew up when I shared it on a sewing subreddit which is wild. https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/zm7tz6/i_made_a_wool_coat/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

⛪Speaking of stressful, my dad has invited us to church with him Christmas day. That's a hard no from me and I'm proud of myself for actually saying no. Not sure how he'll respond, but I keep reminding myself that it's not my responsibility to manage his emotions.

Enjoy your weekend friends!

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Melanie S.'s avatar

That coat is amazing and so is saying no 💕

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Rachel Vander Ley's avatar

So cute!!! And yes, his emotions are not your responsibility!!

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Beth's avatar

Your coat is amazing! And so is holding to your boundaries!

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Look how cute you are in your coat! Amazing work and just adorable!

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Meagan Ludwig's avatar

I am absolutely delighted by the father daughter missing hamster saga. I was crying tears from laughing so hard. Thanks again for another great week of internet gems!

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Lauren's avatar

Treasure: Watching Klaus with my toddler for the first time! We discovered it when he was a baby and immediately knew it was going to have to be a family tradition! Best Christmas movie ever, or at least in the running for it.

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Amy Van Dyke's avatar

Klaus! My heart swells just thinking of the final scene. I love that movie SO much!

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Erin H Moon's avatar

It's such a great movie. Baby Cy approves!

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Noël Gieringer's avatar

Happy Friday! I just had to share that today I turned in grades as a college instructor for the first time! Y'all let me share this summer about the job hunt, so this is one of those little full circle moments :)

Wishing everyone some peace and rest in this busy holiday season.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Such an incredible accomplishment! Enjoy your winter break!

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Jules Q's avatar

How delightful, Noël! It’s so cool when dreams get fulfilled.

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

We watched the Weird Al movie last night and I have to say, it was pretty good. I had high hopes for it and I wasn’t disappointed.

This weekend we are hosting Sipmas, a cocktail/mocktail sipping party! There will be charcuterie and focaccia and all my vintage glassware. I’m excited!

For the Lil Swipes who don’t have extended family in the area - what are some of your Christmas Day traditions? I usually get extremely sad on the day itself because my husband and I are just alone all day. I am trying to pack it jam full of fun this year!

Tonight I am making HBH spicy baked potato soup. It finally stopped snowing after FOUR DAYS STRAIGHT OF SNOW IN SLC. Don’t get me wrong, we desperately need the snowpack so hopefully our lake can start filling back up. But jeez louise four days was a long time. I saw a post in the SLC subreddit essentially asking if this was our life now, and I can’t blame them for asking because I thought the same thing 😂

Cant wait to see the rest of you in the comments!

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Melanie S.'s avatar

Shelby!!! The Weird Al movie was so good! Also I didn't know it was going to be a parody (should've been obvious), so it was not at all what I expected but I loved it.

Sipmas sounds fantastic and delicious!

Confession: My dream Christmas day is for Zach and I to have it alone, all to ourselves. I always make monkey bread and mimosas for breakfast and we just play games and watch movies. I hope yours is full of your favorite fun Christmas things 💕

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Ronda's avatar

Make a plan for Christmas Day, a puzzle, a walk, baking something special, nap time. I find when planned I enjoy the day more as I did what I wanted.

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Sarah Clark's avatar

Sipmas! What a great idea!

Christmas Day: we open presents, and at some point if it is nice enough we go for a walk/hike somewhere nearby. For Christmas Eve, I am starting the Icelandic tradition of everyone opening a book and reading them by the fire.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Sipmas is briliant

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

I am excited!!

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Jackie's avatar

I will be at Sipmas in spirit. It sounds truly magical! 😍

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

We’ll pull out a chair for you! ♥️

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

TGIF SWIPES!

In Alabama, a pear salad is half of a pear topped with mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, and a maraschino cherry, no I'm not making this up: https://domesticsuperhero.com/pear-salad-southern-classic/

Y'all, I'm looking for a good year-long devotional to get into next year. Something that is longer than just 1 sentence every day, but not multiple pages. Something I can easily digest at 6am. Does anyone have any recs??

I've never seen GBBO, but I watched the Great American Baking Show Celebrity edition this week and it was SO delightful! I loved it! It's on the Roku channel for free!

It's finally getting cold here! It was in the 70s last week and next week it will get into the 30s!!! We will actually have a cold (but not white) Christmas!

Okay, that's it! Can't wait to catch up in the comments <3

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Rosemary B. Althoff's avatar

I read Sarah Young’s JESUS CALLING. It’s a small book of 365 devotions. Each day is one page and has two or three Bible verses to look up. I love it. (Did I already reply this?)

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Rosemary B. Althoff's avatar

JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young is my favorite 365-day devotion book.

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Littlelady66's avatar

Melanie shankle’s every day holy is a great devotional. I even gave out six copies to teachers for Christmas this year!

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Jackie's avatar

I also forgot! If you haven’t done it already, Tara-Leigh Cobble’s 365 day Bible Recap is a devotional plus a podcast! The podcast has some bonus info and links, but the devotional is great and has most of it if you’d rather skip the podcast. Because of her, this is the first year I’ve ever read the Bible all the way through and I’m so thankful!

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Eliza Barger's avatar

I've been listening to Get in the Word with Truth's Table which is a Bible in a year podcast and have really enjoyed that a lot!!

I bought Sacred Questions which Erin has recommended several times and I've really enjoyed what I've read. It's a meditative approach which is new to me, but has been good.

I've also heard great things about New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Thank you for tooting the horn of Sacred Questions!

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Jules Q's avatar

I laughed and laughed at your comment about pear salad. That is also the version I grew up with in Texas! I used to tell my mother: “Oh yes, make that ‘salad’, but no mayonnaise!” 🤢 She always indulged me (the picky eater), but she never quite understood how mayonnaise just doesn’t go together with pears. The cookbook said it, so why wouldn’t you do use it! We do laugh about it now. I still get nostalgic for half of a canned pair with little shreds of cheddar cheese, and a cherry in the center. 😂

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Rosemary B. Althoff's avatar

I grew up with that pear salad … in Alabama.

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Jackie's avatar

It’s a 100 day devotional, but I loved Fighting Words by Ellie Holcomb. You don’t have to be a fan of her music in order to appreciate it, but her stories are so vulnerable and she has amazing discussion questions and prayer prompts that go beyond the surface while still being easy to read. It took me ten months to finish because I wanted to take my time while going through the discussion questions because they’re mostly really deep. It was like talking to a friend. ❤️

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Robin Smith's avatar

I’m love Skye Jethani’s daily devotional “for people who hate devotionals” and I read it every morning with my teenage son. It’s a subscription and I pay $2 a month, but that was started a few years ago. It includes a short devo (today’s is about anticipation and he talks about surfing and then quotes Thomas Aquinas. There is a short scripture reading and a prayer from history. There is also an app and you can listen to the devo there. It’s called With God Daily.

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Jackie's avatar

I just did some research on this, and I am v interested.

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Sarah Clark's avatar

Good morning from Chicago! My husband is here on a work trip and I get to tag along without the kids and I love this city so freaking much. Yesterday I took the El to the Christmas market downtown and while hand painted ornaments are not my thing, really good Belgian hot chocolate in a commemorative mug is and it was a joy. Then I found my new favorite used bookstore (Open Books) and spent an hour there.

Last night I joined my husband’s team for a cooking class at The Wooden Spoon and it was such a blast - way better than a work Christmas dinner. I got to help make dessert and made the best cupcakes I have ever made.

This morning I have a reservation at Beatrix and will be stuffing my face with those lemon pancakes and reading a book. Later I am joining my husband and his team again for an escape room.

Look, I love my kids, but I am living my best no-kids life right now. Chicago, I heart you so much.

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Eliza Barger's avatar

This sounds amazing! So glad you're enjoying your time in Chicago!

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Erin H Moon's avatar

THE LEMON PANCAKES

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Sarah Clark's avatar

I am ruined. No restaurant pancakes will ever compare again.

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Rocky's avatar

I'm not into mascarpone so I was skeptical but yes, they are unbeatable.

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Lauren's avatar

That’s awesome! My hubby has always been a bears fan even though he’s not from there. It’s definitely a bucket list City to visit!

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Sarah Clark's avatar

I’ve been in summer and winter, and while I love both, there is something magical about winter/Christmas Chicago that I highly recommend.

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Jules Q's avatar

Chicago has all of my heart, and I’ve only been there a total of 10 days over two separate weeks ... 20 years ago! It’s a magical place, and I envy you for being there at Christmas time. I think you’ve just given me a huge bucket list item. Forget all the traveling to places I’ve never seen; I think I want to go to Chicago at Christmas. What a fun treat for you this year! 

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Sarah Clark's avatar

It is a delight at Christmas time. I don’t know what it is about big cities at this time of year, but they have a special kind of magic.

Hope you are feeling better, Jules, and recovery is going smoothly!

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

Oh my gosh. That sounds like such a dream!!

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Amanda Soltoff's avatar

Happy Friday friends!

I'm typing this while sipping my coffee from my Sybil mug (the Bluest Willow put out a Family Stone collection and I could NOT resist) and watching the snow fall on the trees behind my house. Next week my baby turns 3 (THREE?!) and time is a mean, mean thief. But also, praise the tiny newborn Jesus, no more diapers.

Treasures:

~ Soup and snow go together so dang well, this one is a favorite https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homestyle-chicken-noodle-soup/

~ Do I imagine the Lil Swipes as happy hobbits, making good food and sharing good stories, yes I definitely do https://www.instagram.com/p/CmAvNIiOUQC/

~ The mood of my children as we approach Christmas has been less than ideal, here's a video of them https://www.instagram.com/p/ClfB8O6v4u5/

~ You know who has ALL the helpful tips (and scripts for tricky family situations?) MARY VAN GEFFEN (thank you forever and ever for suggesting I look her up Erin!) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmJ0an5pnvL/

~ Making these this weekend https://www.instagram.com/p/CmMsV_5g_nu/

~ Or these, omg https://www.instagram.com/p/Cltse_mg6lO/

My weekend plans involve a lot of watching the snow (from the cozy inside space), finishing some Christmas rereads (cannot recommend The Christmas Bookshop more, it's so lovely), and eating all the warm and delicious food. Hugs friends, I wish I could bundle you all onto my couch and watch holiday movies with you and bring you mugs of hot cocoa.

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Melanie S.'s avatar

I made those peppermint mocha cookies last year and they were freaking incredible!

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Hobbitses. I die.

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Lauren's avatar

Ugh snow! We are praying for snow here in NC. 🙏🏼 I’m turning 28 on Christmas Eve and have NEVER witnessed a white Christmas. We even traveled to Buffalo one year for Christmas, the year they got a HUGE blizzard at thanksgiving and nothing on Christmas. 😭

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Jules Q's avatar

I’m going to channel your children (the octopus) for the rest of the year. I believe that’s become my right after this awful awful month. 😊

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

Stay cozy!!! Amanda, order some Ritual hot chocolate, specifically the mid mountain variety. It’s dark and SO GOOD

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Alicia's avatar

Oh I want to read The Christmas Bookshop! I hope it comes available soon for me at the library. I’ve been looking for cozy Christmas reads.

The Bluest Willow’s Family Stone line was so lovely!

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Alicia's avatar

I’m so glad you had an awesome trip, Erin! From the posts I’ve seen, it really did sound amazing!

As for me, I have done the opposite of travel this week because I started feeling sick on Sunday. Because I have quite a few Covid tests sitting at home, decided to take one and lo and behold, my husband and I both tested positive. We had successfully avoided it until now, even when my own children had it this summer. Thankfully, I have not been completely out of commission, except for maybe one day, and have been able to do a little work at home. All my presents may not be bought yet, but my purchased ones are all wrapped.

Also, very thankful that I have older kids so that when both mom and dad are sick, they are still pretty self-sufficient and the oldest (and driver) is very helpful with all the things.

I have watched a lot of mindless Christmas movies this week because that’s what my brain can handle, mostly from Hallmark, but also I really liked Something at Tiffany’s. I love Zoey Deutch.

There was a very well done (IMO) Hallmark one called Ghosts of Christmas Always, good acting, a sort of different plot, very sweet.

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Jules Q's avatar

Alicia, I have been on the first time Covid train with you. Three weeks ago my mom got it for the first time, and I tested positive last week. I tested again last night and still positive on day 11. It is excruciating to not be able to kick the thing. I feel you, and I see you. Praying you feel better soon and fully get rid of the virus. 💙

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Alicia's avatar

Thank you and I hope you feel better soon! I’m definitely on the upswing.

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Dec 16, 2022
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Sarah Amador's avatar

You’re in Nicaragua!! I lived there from 2008-2018, and my husband is Nicaraguan. Oh how we miss it, and your post brought me so much joy and cackles.

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