The Saturday Six

 

I'm writing this post a bit ahead of schedule, because I have no idea if I will lose power at home this weekend! It's been many years since Indiana was pummeled by a pre-Christmas winter storm! So hopefully at the time you read this, we are hanging in there - regardless of whether or not we have power! Be safe out there, friends!

One.

Earlier this week, I talked about travel dreams, and ours are many. My itineraries that I'd love to see take place would allow us to drive back and forth across the country several times - in north/south AND east/west routes. This route isn't one I had on my list, but it is pretty amazing! Every single national park??? I'm intrigued! (Are any of you on a quest to see all the national parks?)

Two.

This year has been a strange one for us when it comes to Christmas happenings. Between our anniversary trip and trying to make sure one of Love INC's two biggest annual projects went smoothly, our own Christmas traditions took a backseat. One night, we sat to talk about them, and it was so freeing to discuss what we've "always" done. We've been married ten years now, so it's a perfect time to make clean changes on things if necessary. Maybe I'll write more about this another time, but the short story is that we decided to let go of a few things we've done every year - because those things don't fit our lifestyle anymore. I found this post that had some great insights and permissions on changing Christmas traditions. (Wouldn't have to just be Christmas. It could be any tradition!) If you're feeling the pressure to keep things going because you HAVE to, I encourage you to read the article and maybe breathe again!

Three.

When we were in Florida, we were walking the beach near our Airbnb one day and saw a pickup with a truck camper parked alongside the road. It ended up being there most of the afternoon, and I noticed the people had their windows by the over-the-cab bed opened. I mentioned to Ryan that it wasn't a bad gig at all. While overnight parking wasn't allowed where they were, there wasn't any rule against parking there for a period of time. They literally pulled their home up to the beach and parked. Maybe they were at the beach or maybe they were taking a nap on the side of the road, with waves lapping on the shore next to them. Either way - WIN WIN!! I asked Ryan if he thought he could ever travel with a truck camper, and he said he didn't think he could. Out of curiosity, I did a search on them. I know they're fancier than you might think, but this one BLEW MY MIND. 

Four.

It has been a LONG TIME since I've been part of a cookie swap/cookie exchange/whatever you want to call it. I think I did it a time or two with my church in Marion (before I was married) but I have not done one since. But I happened upon THIS idea to do a soup swap, and my jaw dropped straight to the floor! What a great idea! Not only is it (potentially) healthier than a cookie exchange, it helps you have meals - and know whether or not you like a soup before you ask for the recipe and make a big batch! If you're looking for a fun get-together idea for January, check it out! 

Five.

It is TOO COLD (in Indiana, anyway) for outdoor fires right now. But it's not too cold for air fryers! Check out this idea for doing s'mores in an air fryer! (Don't miss the tip for how to keep your marshmallow from blowing from air circulation.) Ryan, we might need to try this!

Six.

Though I have shared this general idea on here before, I'll throw it out there again! This is a great DIY last minute gift if you think of someone who needs a quick little gift. An ice cream kit (because ice cream lovers don't take breaks just because it's cold) that you can assemble yourself!