(My mum blooming this fall.)
This week was all about getting ready for Christmas. Rhys had his music program and is officially on break from school, and James has one more week to go. It still feels like we are as busy as ever, but we’ll soon have a few weeks to enjoy long, relaxing mornings and late evenings, too. I’m really looking forward to slowing things down and enjoying the holidays together. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
I admit to following William and Kate’s adventures in New York this week. And, of course, fashion always plays a key role when the Duchess makes an appearance. This article about the dress code for reporters is hilarious. LeBron James’ sweaty armpits broke with royal protocol. And how William and Kate “try to seem normal.”
“Why are women still responsible for the holiday joy?” (With a picture of Kate wrapping a present.)
A time-lapse of 100 years of beauty in one minute.
This viral video of a tiny girl dancing on a New York subway platform is heartwarming.
9 Kisses: actors pair up in a set of really sweet scenes.
The best open house ever? Maybe if you like roller coasters.
And pocket-sized books that kept soldiers entertained during World War II. I was surprised to learn that one of their very favorites is also one of mine, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
Have a wonderful weekend!
(My reading nook.)
I’ve always loved Christmas, and since having a family, December has become one of our busiest times. In addition to the holiday, we also celebrate three family birthdays, which basically amounts to one party a week all month long. If you add in school parties and programs, addressing cards, shopping, finding teacher gifts, wrapping presents, and baking, it’s one busy, busy month. Last year, I felt especially stressed and decided to slow down by decorating a smaller tree and skipping the Christmas cards. This year, we brought out the tiny tree again but I’m back to addressing cards (gotta get on that!).
This fall was truly busy as we adjusted to a new school schedule, and next year will bring more of the same. Two boys in two different schools with different schedules and activities means a lot of driving for me, and by evening, I’m much more exhausted than I was when both boys were in preschool two days a week. This change means I struggle a bit to find quiet time for myself, though I’m still good at carving out minutes here and there. My goal for the new year is to stick to a three day a week posting schedule, which works well with my routine, and to continue the hunt for outside writing opportunities.
I’m planning to take off the last two weeks of December, since Christmas and New Year’s fall right in the middle of the week, so next week will bring my last posts for the year. I plan to spend the extra time in the evenings catching up on shows and movies with Ryan, reading a few good books, and working on the Alabama Chanin kits I bought. They arrived before Thanksgiving and I haven’t had time to open them at all. Blogging is fun and fulfilling, but it’s true that you have to unplug sometimes to find things to write about. I plan to do just that.
We don’t have a lot of plans over the holiday break, but the boys’ school vacation is over two weeks long, so I’m sure we’ll have some adventures and take a day trip or two. I plan to catch up on sleep and my favorite shows, and hopefully find a lot of new inspiration for next year. I have a few fun posts coming up soon, as well as a new opportunity in the works, and they will be a wonderful way to start the new year. I’m looking forward to the break, and I’m excited to come back in 2015, refreshed and inspired.
What are you doing over the holidays? Are you planning a blogging break?
I was perusing a catalog from Victorian Trading Company recently, and stumbled across this gorgeous tank top by Carousel Ink. Intrigued, I visited their site and discovered an entire line of steampunk and fantasy-inspired clothing and accessories, all made in the United States. Each piece from Carousel Ink is designed and then hand drawn to create modern interpretations of antique clothing. The corset top is my very favorite look, but the company also creates leggings and thigh highs decorated with intricate patterns.
These pieces are so accessible and can be added to your regular wardrobe. The corset tops work perfectly with a cardigan and jeans, and the leggings add an extra touch of glamour under a simple dress. I think it’s so much fun to experience a little bit of historic fashion without the discomfort of an actual corset, and Carousel Ink’s line is really beautiful and unique.
