We have a week and a half left until
Christmas. Our cards just arrived, so I am scribbling addresses like a
fool to try to get them mail-ready. We finally did most of our shopping, but
some of it remains. And I’m not even entirely sure what we’re doing for
Christmas gatherings. It’s been a strange year – and I’ve heard that from many
people. Seems like the late Thanksgiving threw off everyone’s timelines. So
maybe you don’t even have time to hang out with links today, but if you do,
here are some treasures for you!
ONE.
I have always tried to use every single scrap of wrapping
paper I can possibly piece together when wrapping Christmas gifts. (I know…most
people use bags exclusively, but if you do still use traditional wrapping
paper, you might have a similar goal!) This post from Thistlewood Farm has some great ideas for how to use
the little scraps that are truly too small to cover any kind of box. But what I
love most about the post is the part at the beginning, where she talks about
how she stores her gift-wrapping supplies in pretty boxes under the tree so
when things are delivered, she can pause and wrap right then. Brilliant!
TWO.
I saw this tutorial for dried flower ornaments and they reminded me of the
sweet gifts someone made us for both Allen and Nita’s funerals. She took some
(unclaimed) flowers from the funerals and dried them and then printed and cut
strips from the obituaries – and curled them for the inside of the ornaments.
We appreciate having them on our tree each year. I’m sharing this with you in
case you want to keep this in mind for the future in your own family and
friendships!
THREE.
I never tire of Christmas home tours, and this one is lovely and vintage and thrifty and cozy – all the good
things. If you prefer a video version, here is the YouTube video
of the same tour.
FOUR.
Yvonne at Stone Gable has this beautiful post with all kinds of ideas for feeding (and seating!) a crowd
at Christmas. If you need fresh ideas for recipes or how to handle all the
family coming over to your house, check out her thoughts and advice.
FIVE.
I’ve blogged about our travel map before, but if you missed
it on a previous story or just have lost track of the link, I’ll mention it
again today! Our map comes from Thunder
Bunny Labs and is created to
hold a photo from each state in the US. (They also make a Canadian, European,
Caribbean, and world map, and collages for other places, like national parks, stadiums
and ballparks, if you have aspirations to visit each of those.) You can choose
the frame and mat color, and you can have personalization put on the mat if you
wish, though we did not. You can use your map to upload your photo from each
state, and they’ll print to Walgreens with the outline of the state included,
so you know exactly how to cut it. I gifted ours to Ryan for our 10th
anniversary, and we love filling it in. Along the way, we may update a state
photo or two if we have a cooler experience than, you know, a New Jersey
parking lot. 😊
SIX.
You have probably heard me say I have some lofty
someday-dreams for travel. One of them is to drive the Great River Road, which
follows the Mississippi River all the way from where it starts as a tiny stream
in Minnesota down to where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. I think it will
be SUCH FUN. Here is an article that explains why it’s such a unique trip! (If you ever do
it before we get to it, tell me what you love most!)
Rounding
out the post today are this week’s capsule photos. Next week I plan to talk
about what I have learned from this adventure this year. It’s been wonderful!
Saturday, December 07, 2024
Sunday, December 08, 2024
Monday, December 09, 2024
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024
3 comments:
The Mississippi River trip sounds so unique!
the gift wrap organizer in thistle farms is very similar to what I have and i love it!
That 4th outfit picture is good. That gives me inspiration for something i will keep an eye out for. Thanks!
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