Happy December!
It’s officially December, which means Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s is on the horizon. The days of 2020 have truly flown by, and I know it’s been a very difficult year for all of us around the world, with many heavy burdens to bear emotionally and mentally.
It can be hard to think about celebrating the holidays when so much has happened this year, and so much will possibly continue to happen. But, as I always say, we must remember to make sure we look at the things we are grateful for, no matter how small! This year has taught me a lot about life and its true value, reminding me to cherish every moment and lesson. Having the right perspective can help us appreciate even the difficult times and see growth in our challenges.
Sending much love and warmth to you all today and every day.
As we move into the holiday season, don’t forget to take time to rest and recharge—you deserve it.
Now, on to my Weekend Musings…
Holiday Season Intention Meditation
With the holiday season, it can be very tough to keep sane and emotionally balanced. Practicing meditation can help you live more intentionally during this busy time, allowing you to approach each day with greater mindfulness and learn to watch your thoughts or emotions as they arise during meditation. This little 11-minute meditation will help calm your mind, bring focus, and keep yourself grounded. Find a safe and quiet place, and let this young lady’s voice lead you to peace, calm, and allow yourself to set some great intentions for this season and beyond. This meditation can also help you process your feelings and find emotional balance as you navigate the holidays. For those seeking spiritual or emotional growth, this meditation is also highly informative, offering meaningful insights and guidance.
DIY Hanukkah Decorations!
Last week, I shared some great DIY Christmas decorations from the Dollar Tree and Target for you to try. This week I thought I’d share DIY Hanukkah decorations. If you read my blogs, you know that I am Jewish, and I love to celebrate Hanukkah with my loved ones. Hanukkah is a long-standing tradition, and making decorations can be a special activity for parents and children to enjoy together. Taking the time to create and display these decorations helps make long-lasting memories and will help your house feel festive and homey. Even decorating a small corner of your home can bring joy and a sense of celebration. Have fun and enjoy!
Celebrating with Kids: Family-Friendly Hanukkah Fun
One of the best parts of Hanukkah is how it brings families together for a weekend—or even a whole week—of fun and meaningful traditions. Kids get especially excited for Hanukkah traditions, eagerly anticipating lighting the menorah and opening gifts. If you have kids at home, this is the perfect time to create special memories that will last a lifetime. On Friday evening, gather your family for a festive Hanukkah dinner, light the menorah together, and share stories about the history and hope behind the holiday. Kids love getting involved, whether it’s helping to prepare delicious latkes using a special family recipe, spinning the dreidel, or singing Hanukkah songs with friends and loved ones. Many times, families repeat these traditions year after year, making them even more meaningful. Teaching children to be kind during the holiday is an important value, and there is so much they can learn from participating in Hanukkah traditions. Last year, we decided to host a Hanukkah event at our home, and everyone could agree on the importance of togetherness. There was even a funny moment when the dog tried to eat a sufganiyah! Talking with family members during the holiday always brings us closer. Someone once wrote a beautiful story about Hanukkah that we read aloud, and we make a point of writing down our family memories and reflections each year. Preaching the message of Hanukkah and the role of God in our celebrations helps us remember the deeper meaning of the holiday. If Hanukkah falls on a Wednesday, it makes for a special midweek celebration and a nice break from the usual routine.
Throughout the week, you can keep the excitement going with creative activities like making homemade menorahs or crafting Hanukkah decorations. If there are still decorations left to put up, let the kids help finish the job before the celebration begins. On Sunday, why not attend a Hanukkah party at your local synagogue or community center? It’s a wonderful way for kids to meet new friends, enjoy fun games, and feel the light and love of the season. Ultimately, Hanukkah is about spending quality time with family, laughing together, and enjoying every moment. So, this weekend, focus on what matters most—being with the people you love and making the holiday truly special for your kids.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Nighttime Skincare Routine
I love skincare, as I’m sure you all know! While it can feel like work to maintain healthy skin, the effort is worth it. Nighttime skincare routines are very important because at the end of the day, our skin has faced the elements and gone through a lot. Taking the time for self-care not only benefits your skin but also improves your overall well-being. Gwyneth Paltrow shared her nighttime routine with Bazaar and gave some great tips and tricks. Maybe this will inspire your very own routine!
This Week’s Roundup of Blog Posts Include:
You Have a Relationship with Everything in Your Wardrobe
Overcoming Financial Difficulty During the Pandemic
Winter Sunglass Styles That Will Help You Feel & Look Younger
How to Become a London Expat
You’ve Gotta Have Hope in Elsewhere!
Best Eyeshadow Brands for Older Women
Weekend Planning and Organization: Setting Yourself Up for a Joyful Holiday
As the weekend draws near, there’s always a special feeling in the air—a sense of possibility, excitement, and the hope of making new memories with family and friends. The holiday season brings even more opportunities to enjoy life, but it can also get busy fast! That’s why a little planning and organization can make all the difference in turning your weekends into joyful, relaxing, and truly memorable times.
Start your weekend off right by taking a few moments on Friday evening or Saturday morning to map out your plans. Whether you’re looking forward to a fun party, a delicious family dinner, or simply some much-needed rest, jotting down your ideas can help you focus on what matters most. Use a planner, your favorite app, or even a sticky note on the fridge—whatever works for you! The key is to save time for the things and people you love.
Don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best weekend memories come from unplanned walks, impromptu movie nights, or just laughing together at home. Try not to overschedule—balance is everything. Make sure there’s time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the little moments that make life so special.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, start organizing early. Create a guest list, plan your menu, and look for creative inspiration on YouTube or Instagram. You’ll find lots of delicious recipes, fun decorating ideas, and even tips for making your event extra special. And if you’re attending a church service or community event, mark it on your calendar so you don’t miss out on the joy of connecting with others.
Weekends are also a wonderful time to focus on your family. Plan activities that everyone will enjoy—maybe a walk in the park, a board game marathon, or a cozy evening reading books together. Kids especially love when you turn ordinary days into something fun and memorable. Use these moments to teach kindness, care, and the importance of spending time with loved ones.
Remember, weekends aren’t just about getting things done—they’re about living fully, loving deeply, and creating stories you’ll cherish for years to come. In the past, weekends might have been all about rest, but now they can be a blend of relaxation, fun, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re planning a symposium, attending a church service, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, make sure your weekend reflects what you value most.
Ultimately, the best weekends are the ones where you feel refreshed, inspired, and ready to take on a new week. So, as you plan your next weekend, focus on what brings you joy, include the people you care about, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Here’s to making every weekend count—one delicious moment at a time!
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Hi Honey, I always enjoy your blog and views of your beautiful home. Noticed in one of the pics today that America is in his crate. Is he kept in there even when you’re at home? He’s so beautiful and loving I would want him with me every chance I got.
Violet
Thank you for enjoying my blog and the views of our home. America is only in his crate when we go out for dinner. We play concert music for him. I think he would be lonely if we were gone and he had the rome of the house because he would be looking for us. During the entire day and all night and the nights we are at home he is with us!