Number 12!
By the time you read this, Christmas and Boxing Day will be over. I have some things to return but hesitate to venture into the malls yet. The weather was quite disappointing. We had a high on Christmas Day in the 60s (15.6C) and rain. love snow and will always want a white Christmas. I fear those days are over. Nigel and I are slowly working our way through the decorations and packing them away for next year. It’s honestly hard to believe Christmas has already come and gone. If you’re new to the blog, this is my monthly recap with a few opinions thrown in. Those opinions are the “for what it’s worth” part of this! I’m also throwing a link party so please link up your favorite posts. Don’t have a blog? Don’t worry! You might find a new blog or two!
What I’ve been reading…
Well, I made up for last month! I was shocked to see how many books I read given how busy this month was. If you’ve been with me for any time, you know I love the Armand Gamache novels by Louise Penny. I don’t read them in order as there is such a backlog for these books. Sometimes, I get a little confused by the story lines as far as the characters. Both of these were just as good as the others. If you like murder mysteries, you’ll enjoy this series. But, I have to tell you I wouldn’t ever visit Three Pines! Someone is always getting murdered there!
A little more…
Bad Summer People is another murder mystery, but it’s really more a study of relationships. The murder is just the backdrop for the story. The Last Devil to Die is another murder mystery from the Thursday Murder Club series. I hope Richard Osman continues this series. It’s lots of fun even if it is about murder. The Guest is just plain weird. It’s almost like a stream of consciousness novel. The two books by Taylor Jenkins Reid were good. They weren’t as intriguing as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones & the Six. One True Loves is a little on the thought provoking side. Maybe in Another Life wasn’t my cup of tea. Please let me know what you think of any of these books.
What I’ve been watching…
We watched a variety of shows this month. We continued “The Gilded Age.” I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this show. I love the fashion, but, sometimes, the overacting is a bit much. If you are a history buff, I highly recommend “Kennedy,” a documentary on the History Channel. I vaguely remember JFK’s death, and I always wondered if his assassination created an aura around his presidency. After watching this, I’m convinced he was what the country needed at that time. It doesn’t skip over his womanizing, either. But, it also doesn’t make that front and center. Now, again, if you’re a history buff, just go ahead and skip “Napoleon.” That was 2.5 hours of my life I lost. Luckily, I knew quite a bit of the history so I wasn’t totally lost. But, the movie moved so quickly from year to year. It starts with him as a lowly something or other, and before you know it, he’s saving France! And, don’t even get me started on the storyline with Josephine! But, of course, this all means you will love it, and it will be up for all kinds of awards!
A little more…
Another stinker was “May December.” This re-telling of the Mary Kay Letourneau story was confusing, gratuitous, and just plain boring. It isn’t even the Letourneau story as such. It’s just marketed that way. I was shocked to see it’s up for several awards, including Cannes and the Golden Globes. Watch it; then come back and tell me how wrong I was. My goodness, we really did watch some bad movies this month. I count “A Haunting in Venice” among them, too. I usually like Kenneth Branagh, but this one just droned on and on. I happened to find the original “Fargo” movie hilarious (I know, I know), and I really do like the series based very loosely on the movie. We are watching the current season, and I’m having a hard time liking Jon Hamm, pierced nipples and all. But, it’s exactly what you’d expect from the Coen brothers! I’m also enjoying Helen Mirren in “Elizabeth I.” This is not the young Elizabeth but a more seasoned version.
What I’ve been working on…
I did spend several days decorating the house (see the house tour here). I had to make decisions about what to include and what not to include. I thought I’d donate what I hadn’t used, but Nigel convinced me to just put them in the tubs in the “basement.” I am actually going to make a spreadsheet of what’s in each tub and where it is (basement or attic). I finished two of my scrapghans and gave them to my hairstylist. I’m working on another corner to corner afghan. It’s in greys, navy, and a spring green. I hope to have it finished in a week or so. And, no, there hasn’t been any progress on any of my sweaters! I baked several dozen cookies, peanut butter blossoms and sugar cookies (Nigel’s favorite).
Christmas…
I played handbells on Christmas Eve and only got lost once! Jordan, my youngest, has made it a tradition to go with me. I have gotten out of the habit of going to church since Covid, and I really miss it. I think I’ll start up again with the New Year. I did almost all my baking and cooking prior to Christmas Day so I only had to heat it up. We did a taco bar, but I’m not sure it was a home run. I’ll have to see what everyone wants to do next year. Gifts were opened, and everyone seemed to be happy with their presents.
A little oops…
I have the best bonus daughter! I had bought her a beautiful cardigan with cardinals on it. I knew she’d love it, and she did. The only problem was it appeared on a “Saturday Night Live” skit! I saw the video (linked below) Friday or Saturday and couldn’t believe it! After Steph opened the gift, I told her about the skit. My son immediately pulled it up on his phone and snickered away (BTW, I love Kate McKinnon). I told Steph it wouldn’t bother me one bit if she returned it. I knew, even if she liked it, someone would surely make a comment about it. Actually, I give my kids the receipts and leave tags on items so they can easily return them. I want my people to be happy with their gifts. BTW…she returned it, and I don’t blame her one bit!
What I’ve been buying…
I used to do most of my Christmas shopping in October and November, but retailers have shortened return times. Now, I wait until November. But, I have bought quite a few things for myself this month. I bought both of the April Cornell dresses appearing in the gallery below. I also bought the black sparkly sweater as well as a merino wool sweater. Gudrun Sjödén has a sale going on so I picked up a few more jersey dresses. J Jill continues to draw me in with their beautiful things. I hope to show most of these things on the blog soon. I also bought and returned six pairs of jeans from Old Navy. I’m still on the search for the perfect jeans.
Where I’m going…
I have been researching how to renew our passports because I’m determined to go somewhere in 2024. I’ve been looking at Globus tours, and there’s one that’s really spiked my interest. Now, I just need to convince Nigel! We will be taking a trip to Kentucky sometime next month to see his brother again. I also hope to take a longer trip in the coming weeks.
What I’ve been wearing…
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I know many bloggers do a yearly review. I can’t imagine doing that! These monthly reviews take more time than I’d imagined! And, yet, it’s good to see what I’ve accomplished, read, and bought. Amy at Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa does a monthly spend post. I don’t think I’ll do posts about it, but I think it could be a good exercise for me to understand where I’m spending money, and, possibly, where I should cut some out. So, can we talk? How was your Christmas? Have you watched any good shows, or read any good books? Are you finished with celebrations? Did your people enjoy their gifts? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing during 2023! Please feel free to share my blog with friends if you think they’d enjoy it. If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links and such:
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda and Lisa. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Featured favorites from last month…
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Loved this post. Your comment about Three Pines made me laugh. I haven’t read the books but we watched the drama series, I think it was on Prime.
I was kind of looking forward to Napoleon (I like Joaquin) but the reviews have put me off.
Over here stores increased the return times, to encourage people to buy Black Friday goods for Christmas.
We had no chance of a white Christmas, it was so mild (12 degrees – 53).
Thanks for the feature! Made my day.
Thanks, Gail! I haven’t watched the series yet, but I don’t think the town is very big. I’d be looking over my shoulder all the time…hahaha!!!
As soon as I saw the previews on TV, I wanted to see the movie because Napoleon has always fascinated me. But, the story was so choppy, and it skipped over so many things. I did hear it will be released on Apple TV+ next year…with an added hour of film. That may explain some of the choppiness. But, I wouldn’t be able to sit for 3.5 hours of it.
Stores here usually increase the return windows starting Nov 1, but I used to start earlier than that. Oh, well, you can’t really blame them because they don’t want stock purchased in October returned in January at full price.
You are so welcome for the feature! That dress and coat were marvelous!
I really need to read a Richard Osman book! And are you a already taking all the decorations down? I thought we were quick with that, 2nd January. Thanks for hosting Marsha!
Yes, you do need to read one. I’d definitely start with the first one, but I don’t remember the name of it. There are only four so it wouldn’t be hard to figure it out. They’re fun reads! Yes, I’ve started taking them down because the garage where all the bins are is a mess. I’m doing it little by little!
Thanks, Nancy!!!
This was a fun final Friday post! That story about the cardinal cardigan is so funny! What are the chances??? I absolutely love your red floral Christmas dress! I am doing a taco/burrito bar tonight for dinner! It is always a hit here. Ralph recently had a 10 day long binge of burritos. He ate them for breakfast and dinner every single day. The kids want a chicken and hot sauce bar for NYE! And I am planning on dismantling the Christmas decorations this weekend as well. I want it all gone by January 2! Wishing you a blessed new year, my friend!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I just happened to see that video, and I’m so glad I did. I just know someone would have said something snarky to her. 10 days of burritos? I don’t think I could handle even a few days of both breakfast and dinner. I get tired of the same food after a bit. But, kids are different…they like what they like, right? I’ve been concentrating on one area at a time in taking down the Christmas decorations. And, I’m creating a spreadsheet with labels and contents…won’t Sally be proud of me?
Have a wonderful new year, Shelbee!
I never ready Maybe in Another Life and while I do enjoy TJR’s books I can’t say that any of them have been my favorite yet. They are certainly enjoyable enough but I don’t find them gripping. I did think the 7 Husbands would make a great movie though. I find I so rarely enjoy any of the movies that are up for awards… expect perhaps for some of the people’s choice awards. We used to try watching the Oscar nominees each year and after hating (or just plain not understanding) so any of them we gave up and I actually find myself avoiding those now! I guess I’m just not a deep enough person. LOL
I read the 7 Husbands first and really liked it. I seem to be going downhill with every other book. I couldn’t even finish Carrie Soto is back…just wasn’t my thing at all. They are making a movie of 7 Husbands…who would you cast? I must not be deep, either. I rarely like the winners and most of the nominees! And, if I do like them, it’s the kiss of death! They rarely win!
Thanks, Joanne! Have a wonderful New Year!
Wait, I didn’t see any knitting in the post. I’m sure you’ve been working on something watching those shows.
I have that Santa mug, and we’ve been using it for our hot cocoa at nights.
Happy New Year Marsha,
XOOX
Jodie
Hahaha!!! The only knitting I’ve done, and it’s only halfway complete, is a dishrag! I’ve just been busily crocheting trying to use up as much yarn as I can (so I can buy some really good stuff). One of those Santa mugs is really old, but I can’t tell which one it is!
Have a wonderful New Year, Jodie!
Hi Marsha, a wonderful recap of December. We have been sweltering in a heatwave and many lost power on or before Christmas day. It still hasn’t been restored and I feel for those who had to throw away food and are struggling with cleaning up from the storm especially in this heat. Go for it with your trip! I’m sure you can find a suitable trip for both of you. I have to start putting away my decorations and I don’t want to as the house looks so festive and happy. It has been lovely to connect with you and perhaps you might like to pop over to my blog and link up this post to our What’s Been On Your Calendar? link up? I’d love to see you there. xx
Thank you, Sue! I feel as if we are neighbors! I have linked my December wrap up (thanks for the party). I have been slowly doing a room or space at a time with the undecorating. I’m leaving the living room for last as it’s the one I see most often.
I do hope power has been restored to most if not all by now. I know the anguish of having to throw things out when they’ve spoiled. Things are so expensive now; you don’t want to waste anything.
Have a wonderful weekend and first week of the New Year!
What a great recap of your month! I loved the mini home tour included here of your Christmas decorating. I did a little more this year than last year, indicating that I feel more at home here than I did last year – understandable! Happy New Year!!
Thank you, Kym! I’m so glad you’re feeling better this year. It’s tough moving to a completely new place.
I really liked both of those Taylor Jenkins Reid books! They are the only ones from your list I’ve read actually, but I always enjoy her books. I find I always slow with my reading towards the end of the year, as life is just so busy, so it’s good you were able to fit in more reading than usual. You need to share your secrets! 🙂
Hope you have a lovely start to the new year Marsha 🙂
Hahaha!!! I have no idea how I happened to read that many books. Did you kinda think the two books were written close to the same time period? They weren’t exactly the same, but they kind of were. Anyway, I read recently, they’re making a movie from Seven Husbands. That will be interesting to see who they cast. Who would you choose?
Thanks, Mica! I hope you have a wonderful New Year!