The First Snow!

No. 67 Holiday happenings and the hustle hurries along.

Good morning!

Pepper thrives in snow. And is a stubborn Muppet on her walk.

We woke up this morning to a very light covering of snow. It has begun. Was it even half an inch? A quarter? I don’t think so. It was just enough for Pepper to be excited and for winter to have truly arrived. Yes, it’s been pretty cold for a while, but nothing says “winter is sticking around” like cars needing to be cleaned off, boots having purpose, and my immediate craving of hot chocolate on our walk. I glanced at the weather for this upcoming week and it’s going to be 62 and rainy on Wednesday so I’ll just ignore that for the moment. ;)

How is your December going? The holidays are rushing toward us, I haven’t ordered my cards, I haven’t finished buying gifts, nor have I planned any special holiday outings. Seth traveled for work last week which is a great way for my usual routine to be put on its head.

Pepper is now a ‘daycare dog’ for some of the time when he travels so that I can go to work without worry. She absolutely loves it! She is a dog’s dog and thrives when hanging out with a bunch of pups. However, getting her to daycare and me to my train on time is a feat in and of itself. Yes, I made it happen (pro tip: skip breakfast), but it was a level of stress before 7 in the morning that I would not wish upon anyone.

Pepper and I were exhausted after last week.

I also attended my work’s holiday party (delightful!) with a close friend since Seth was away which made me realize it was the first party I have gone to without him…in more than a decade? Wow. Well, we had a fun time and I eventually got used to saying, “sorry, he’s away on business!” when a handful of folks wondered why he wasn’t my “and guest” for the evening. Never imagined I’d be someone who had to say their husband was away on business, but here we are being the grown ups we seem to have become. Oof. Time.

A few friends were going out after the holiday party ended, asked if I was going to come along, and I immediately, but graciously, said no (thank you). It was like almost 11pm. I am 39. I was amazed we were out past 10pm. Pepper was home waiting for me. I was shocked to be out “so late” on a weeknight. I had mixed feelings of saying no, but I knew it was the right call.

As much as I try to put myself back into those early-to-mid-20s shoes, they just don’t fit anymore. And that is OK. I am an exceptionally nostalgic person and even though I relish in those pre-30s memories, I have come to terms with, and appreciate, how we are living right now. 39. Oof. Still hits like a snow ball you don’t expect. There are 23 days left in the year and 2025 is looming - just like my next decade. But we won’t dive into that angst today. It’s the holiday season!

Holiday cheer on my morning walk. Just don’t check the price of the Cartier Love Bracelet. ;)

Speaking of holidays, what are we buying? Have you ordered your holiday cards? I’m deep in reviewing too many photos to just order one and acknowledging that not many people will necessarily appreciate the time and effort that goes into the planning/ordering/mailing. But I love it. I love receiving mail. I am thrilled to have friends that also love receiving mail. We need to keep the post office in business! I also need to order stamps. Yikes. I should be doing that instead of this, but that’s what this whole season is about.

We all need to do so many things, but there are only so many things we can do in the limited free time available. So we do the best we can! And we do whatever our version of “the most” turns out to be. No one wins for getting it all done or being the best at anything holiday-related. We should do what feels right and good for the season and however that unfolds over the next few weeks is still quite great!

Social media can make everyone feel behind this time of year so I’m doing my best to stay grounded, do the things that matter most to me, and if some of it doesn’t turn out ‘perfect,’ who will even know? Probably no one. Or maybe just you because I’m here writing to you about it. Shhh! Don’t tell them I’m not perfect. ;)

A kind friend who is also a reader of this Substack (hi, thank you!) told me that she was influenced by me (wow!) to purchase a Clare V. Grande Fanny handbag after my recommendations and seeing me wear one (she said that she is actually ordering a second!). Not only was I incredibly flattered, but it was a surprising realization that folks are actually here reading and checking out the items I’m suggesting - and buying them!

I often wonder if this corner of the internet is having a positive impact and apparently it is. My work is done! Kidding. But it is a nice boost of encouragement to keep writing every week, continue to recommend great products, and to share bits and pieces of my life with all of you. If you think others may enjoy it, I would implore you to share this work with them. ‘Tis the season of giving!

Let’s get to another mini “gift guide,” shall we? I’m so glad you are here.

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