No. 011 Finding Joy in the Receipts and the Second Gift Guide.
Oh hey, it's Saturday. Hooray!
Hello!
It was a beautiful, crisp December Friday and it set just the right tone for this busy, pre-holiday weekend. My intention was for this to be delivered yesterday, but things happen! And then we had a delightful dinner with friends. And now it’s Saturday. Let’s get on with the letter, shall we?
I still need to complete my gift shopping (you, too?) as I’ve decided I really do prefer to browse in stores when it comes to shopping for everyone else. It’s much more fun! And it is not easy (or relaxing) to scroll endless pages online when you’re a somewhat picky gift-giver.
I love shopping for holiday gifts, but the in-store aspect makes it much more enjoyable. Plus, there’s the added bonus (potentially) of the store offering gift wrap. Gift-buying is the best part; gift-wrapping is the most difficult. I’m much more of a ribbon person, which is why Seth and I tend to tag team the presents: he does the wrap, I do the ribbon. Everything looks nice and no one is angry. ;)
How is your December going so far? Busy, not busy, busy enough? I’d say ours is humming along well with the busiest elements just around the bend. We’re seeing friends on the weekends and filling the weeks with work, holiday shopping, and all of the other miscellaneous to-dos that only seem to appear during December.
One key element of keeping cool, calm, and unflustered this time of year (as much as one is able) is to make sure I take time for myself. It feels a bit selfish to say that, but the “practice of self care” (I hate that phrase) is extremely important when everything around us is swirling at lightning speed.
No matter how hectic the work day can become, I push myself to go walking twice a day for fresh air and add in a Peloton workout (either a ride, strength, or combo session) late in the afternoon to keep my mind and body in check (read: I am horrible at sitting still and need a lot of movement throughout the day).
Self-care can look like any number of activities (another of my favorites is making a burning-hot cup of coffee each morning), so my recommendation is to do whatever it is that allows you to enjoy this time of year as much as possible. :) For me, I know that by getting out for walks and workouts, I am able to focus more easily and enjoy everything else that makes this season so special and unique. And while it can feel like I shouldn’t be taking the time to do those activities, I still make it happen and I feel much better because of it.
On another note, something I find joyful this time of year is finding receipts - yes, literal receipts - in my various bags and coat pockets. Not only does it make me laugh (why did I keep it?), but it is also a reminder of past moments and (fun) experiences.
Earlier this week, I grabbed a bag to run an errand, and low and behold I found a few receipts shoved inside from a variety of activities: a UPS tracking slip for an item I sent back, a restaurant receipt from a random weekend outing, a receipt from a local bakery, and an expired discount code for GAP. Quite the assortment! Again, why did I keep all of them? We may never know.
Now, I’m not saying it’s a good idea to horde receipts from all aspects of daily living (oops), but on the occasion I don’t bother to immediately get rid of them, I find it amusing and a nice little jolt to one’s memory of the fun that has happened. For a more extreme example, I used a bag recently that I hadn’t used since the summer and found a receipt from one of our day-trips to Maine. I laughed because I had kept the tiny piece of paper and paused as it immediately brought me back to that fun summer day.
As much as I love to live in the now and not dwell on the past, I find it extremely comforting to acknowledge the joy that took place due to the existence of those receipts. Yes, a shipping label is another category, but in general, finding receipts in my bags and pockets has brought little moments of joy to my day. Using ApplePay has definitely changed the game a bit; although there are still plenty of spots to go that rely on that paper receipt to prove your visit and payment. ;)
Things continue to be ultra-quiet around here without Athens, but we’re getting more comfortable talking about all of the joy and fun she brought to our lives (I have even scrolled through my photos app to see her during her healthier years). I find myself reminiscing on her funnier moments almost daily, which can also be sad, but I know she would want us to be happy, joyful, and enjoying the season. So that’s what we’re going to do! :)
And now, without further ado…*cue the holiday playlist*
[Gluten Free] Mollie D: Holiday Gift Guide #2
Home & Decor: Our Favorites to Turn a House into a Home.
ChappyWrap Blanket - The coziest blankets to wrap up in this winter. Or anytime really - plenty of sizes and colors offered! Best enjoyed on the couch while watching your favorite show(s).
Sferra Celine Throw - I keep one of these at the end of our bed and on the couch. A light, cotton blanket that’s just the right fit for the warmer months. Several colors available makes choosing just one nearly impossible. ;)
Jenni Kayne Sheepskin Rugs - Soft on your feet and adds a touch of cozy to any space. I layered one over our primary rug in the bedroom and I love how it adds warmth without taking up space.
Crate & Barrel Pillows - Every few seasons I like to change the pillow-scheme on the couch (I know, I know) and Crate and Barrel tends to have a great selection. I like the seasonal colors, go-with-everything patterns, and general ease in which I know it will all go together.
New England Loom - One of my favorite local shops for vintage rugs! Visit the website or make an appointment for the shop in Wenham; the selection is always terrific and I love supporting a small, local business. New (vintage) rugs go live online every Sunday night!
Skandinavisk SKOG Candle - A personal favorite from this Scandinavian brand; I love that the containers are minimalist and chic.
Diptyque Candle - A great gift due to the variety of scents and sizes, Diptyque candles (or any of their home products) are always an excellent gift.
Pottery Barn Multi-Mat Wood Gallery Frames - I love these frames! Finally framing photos I’ve taken feels so satisfying and these wooden frames (with a variety of mat options) are just perfect. Various sizes and wood tones available.
MPIX - I discovered this app last year and cannot recommend it enough. Easy to upload photos, edit, and order, the shipping is extremely quick and I love the quality of the prints. Prints, photo books, and all sorts of gifts available; I am a big fan of this site.
John Derian Decoupage - Anything from this designer is incredibly unique, but I love the decoupage plates/platters/everything because their is a design to suit everyone! Such a cool gift that will always stand out and be special forever.
Winco French Style Fry Pan - Seth’s go-to cookware for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These carbon steel pans are lightweight, easy to clean, and very non-stick if handled like cast-iron. Plus, it looks very cool on the stovetop. ;)
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven 5.5 Qt. - Our most-used pot for weeknight cooking! You cannot go wrong with anything from Le Creuset, but this pot specifically is one that we use consistently for several dinners each week.
Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Tea Kettle - A gift we received last year that has changed my morning routine for the better! The water heats up in no time and makes the process of a morning cup of coffee that much simpler. I love the variety of colors available as well.
Nespresso Aeroccino Frother - A fun item for those who like to jazz-up for their morning cup. Hot milk and a little foam turn an at-home coffee into a work of art. ;)
Nest Hub Max - I’d be lying if I didn’t include this gadget on the list. We use this device constantly to listen to music, the radio, or watch TV (using YouTube TV). It has a sleek design and the home screen always has the time and weather which I find incredibly convenient!
Stay tuned for next week and the final guide of the season…Gift Guide #3: A Holiday Hodgepodge!
And of course, let’s get to the Buffet, right this way…
‘The White Lotus’ finale is tomorrow night…what’s going to happen?! I cannot wait.
Best Cookbooks of the fall - plenty of gift ideas here!
Ellen Pompeo’s Mailbu home is covered in teak panels and it looks incredibly serene.
The Half-Baked Harvest Gift Guide is actually really good - many great ideas over there (and plenty of awesome recipes).
Reasons to Love New York 2022 is one of my favorite yearly pieces. Makes me smile and chuckle every time.
Just for fun (holiday) luxury: I think everyone deserves this Tom Ford Fabulous Candle this holiday season. ;)
Sneaks of the Week: Vince Warren Platform Slip-On Sneaker. I love this extremely comfortable, go-with-everything sneaker that comes in a variety of colors and fabrics. A simple design that has become a default for when I just can’t decide what to put on my feet.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
You’re watching The White Lotus finale on Sunday night, right?
