Monday, December 1, 2025
Can you believe it’s December? Wow! How was your Thanksgiving weekend?
I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share mine, although I posted on Friday and already talked about part of it. I participated in Share 4 Somethings on Saturday and I made it all holiday themed, so go back and check that out. I shared some things I am doing that might also help you?
I had a couple of hard days this past week – I actually think the anticipation of them was harder than the actual days. Are you like that, too? Wednesday was the closing of my mom’s house with my sister Molly. Read about that here if you care to. I actually did post all last week after all, so you could have some catching up to do if you so desire! I also was dreading Thanksgiving because I didn’t get to see my side of the family and it would be the first without my mom. And, my sisters and I had decided to not do anything this year, sadly. Maybe we should have?
I did my nails Tuesday in this dark red, kind of cat eye:
I really like it! I have a big Black Friday order from Impress nails coming in soon. I think I got 40% off and it had been a long time since I had ordered. Here is my tutorial on my press ons. I’m just giving you all kinds of reading assignments!
We got home Thursday night from Natural Bridge State Park around 7:30. Tom’s parents live close to this park, so we decided to try this – come to them instead of them coming to us. We had Tom’s sister’s family of four plus a boyfriend of one of my nieces, plus Tom’s sister’s mother-in-law, and then my family – so we had a group of 12. We arrived about an hour and a half before the reservation for the buffet and the lobby/seating area was tiny and it wasn’t very conducive to visiting, but it was fine. Our table was ready, and we ate from the buffet. It gave my sister-in-law a break from hosting, so that was good.
Friday morning, I woke up pretty early and had a couple of cups of coffee and had done my morning routine when I heard a pop! The power went out! Tom was still in bed, but he had heard it, too, and had seen a flash. Eddie was with me, and he had heard it, too. His little ears were on high alert. Tom called the power company, and I was grateful that our water heater is run on gas because I took a shower and put on my new track pants, my new Santa shirt, and my Dad’s old green Old Navy vest. I should show you the label – I don’t ever remember Old Navy having this type of label it’s so old.
I went up to Heine Brothers coffee shop with my phone charger and my book, and I had a lovely little morning, and it reminded me I need to do this more often.
I got a sugar cookie latte. I really am on a sugar cookie kick. Their cups are so cute!
Tom texted me before I even started eating my breakfast sandwich that the power had been restored. It was so cold out, so I felt really lucky that we didn’t have to be without for too long.
Since I was out, I went to Kroger for a few things.
I was looking for brioche, but they were out. I had heard of this croissant bread and wanted to try it and it is really good. Wouldn’t this be great for a breakfast casserole, too?
I also decided to get red and green sprinkles to make my own coffee shop style lattes for the season and to sprinkle on anything and everything this month! Who doesn’t like sprinkles?
Leaving the house early Friday threw me off with the chores I had planned to do before going out so when I got home from the store, I did a few things, but I was just not motivated. I think I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from the week of hard things.
I talked to both sisters on the phone and read my book and napped a little. Tom and Mason were both here and they went to the gym together and I was going to order take out food but I decided to be the mom who says “we have food at home”. I guess this is a bit of a “girl dinner” because it was delicious to me. I poured a decent glass of wine (not like the wine from the tasting that tasted like feet), made a simple salad with my new favorite lettuce (still laughing that I have a favorite lettuce), made blackened chicken on the stovetop, roasted broccoli in the oven, and made frozen French fries with garlic aioli. There’s a little baguette action there, too.
This was really sweet – Tom said he loved the meal and was so glad I didn’t order anything.
Since the pumpkin pie left a lot to be desired at the state park, I picked up a two pack at Kroger – two pieces of pumpkin pie. Lol.
Did you do any Black Friday shopping? I ordered Revant eyeliner and some Amazon things for myself.
I was out of witch hazel so I ordered that, Lumi glotion (I accidentally ordered two), Korean skin care dark spot corrector, and another set of the nails I am wearing for my niece Brooke. She wants a lesson and is coming over!
I received an order I had placed before Black Friday – Molly has been using electrolytes for years before they were cool. She told me she likes these so I ordered them. I loved the apple – the only one I have tried so far.
And, my beloved Donna Karan. I decided this will be my winter scent (unless I find a perfume I like and that works with this) and I put it on and realized how much I missed it! I love you, Donna!
Today is the day to give your people their advent calendars. I bought the chocolate for Jack and his roommate just to be fun and silly. Jack loves candy.
Mason is getting his tea advent calendar today!
Saturday I had a Target pick up order of just a few things and then I decided to get wings for the noon University of Kentucky/University of Louisville game. Basically, if you were born and raised in Louisville you are a Lou fan. If you are from another place in Kentucky, you are a UK fan. It’s a big rivalry and it’s a great day to go shopping in Louisville since everyone is watching the game. Lol. Wingstop had these little fried corn things and Tom really liked them.
The game was great for U of L fans and horrible for UK fans. Tom had to turn it off since he is a UK fan.
I enjoyed this cider.
Tom put up my white pencil tree in our bedroom.
And, for dinner we did a Thanksgiving meal! I did ham and chicken schnitzel instead of turkey. Chicken is a yummier schnitzel than the pork I did last time. The pork just isn’t as moist.
Sunday, we awoke to some snow/sleet.
Festive coffee!
We’ve/I’ve watched some tv this weekend. Tom and I area watching Man on the Inside Season 2 on Netflix. It’s so cute! I think I like Season 2 better.
I watched Champagne Problems on Netflix. I really like Minka Kelly. She was in Ransom Canyon.
I watched Crazy Rich Asians on my Echo Show while cooking. I hadn’t turned it on in months but it’s great for background entertainment when I’m in the kitchen.
Let me know what else I should watch!
I am going to use my own Meal List to come up with some easy meals for this week. Is your calendar full this month? Take it one week at a time or even one day at a time! I always took one personal day in December to do shopping or errands. It was a big help!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I´m sorry you had a couple of hard days but I think that is totally normal. This whole year has been an emotional doozy for you but the calendar is gonna flip soon and hopefully next year will contain less… shock and grief. Your meals all look and sound good. I like that your SIL got a break but I find that restaurants tend to be very not conducive to conversing with anyone not sitting right next to you. But we´ve done lots of family dinners at restaurants. Sometimes they make the most sense. Have a great Monday!
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I’m better now. Thank you! Yeah, she enjoyed parts of having a break but not other parts. Trying something one year is never a bad idea. You never know.
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Shoot – I can’t sign in to your blog again! It’s something with my Google. I remember reading Lindsay’s Sweet World blog that she was so terrified of the road in and out of her Gatlinburg rental that she had anxiety the whole stay. I think I remember that correctly. The traffic in and out of G’burg is insane.
Maybe Brown County, Indiana or Hueston Woods area would be a place to check out. I think you had a great idea going to Abby and doing the cozy cabin.
I was like you and cooked on Saturday since I missed getting to do that!
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Aw, what a bummer to lose power but how great that you can still shower– we have a well so without power we don’t have water of any kind. It definitely sounds like you made the best of it with your relaxing morning at the coffee shop. We just finished up season 2 of Man on the Inside last night and thought it was really adorable too.
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Yes, we are lucky! That would be hard. I think I did! It’s such a great show.
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I’m glad the closing went well and I think it’s very normal to have tender feelings, especially at the holiday. Friday marks 33 years since my dad died and on Sunday we sang a hymn we sang at his funeral all those years ago, and I was so weepy. Grief is a tricky thing and you navigate as best you can. I like Thanksgiving at home, but maybe your sister-in-law needed a change and hopefully the family time was still nice. Have a great day!
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I can relate – you never know what will make you weepy, but I look at it as a sign that this person made an impact on me and that they are never forgotten.
Thank you!
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Thinking of you Mama- the holidays can be so tough! Glad you had some good festive time and you time especially with the chance to read 🙂
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I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that the anticipation of a certain day was always far worse than the actual day. I lived all of that last year and remember the feeling so well. I’m glad you’ve made it past that now and that you can get ready for December. Maybe now that you know how you may feel again, you can plan accordingly? I think you need to see your sisters this month…is a one night getaway possible for y’all to meet up somewhere? It’s just a thought.
I love your dark red nails! They look beautiful, as did your morning in the cafe with no power. That book looks cute! I’m still not reading, even though I have some books to read. Ugh. Maybe it’s just that I’m not prioritizing time to do this anymore. I want to, but I have other things to fill my time, you know? I’m determined to not quit trying! Happy Monday, my friend. Have a great day!
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Both my mom and dad passed away in 2021 just a month prior to Thanksgiving. My mom was the one who had hosted every holiday, so we found ourselves at Golden Corral. The first year ever to eat at a restaurant for a holiday. The first year is always the hardest after losing loved ones. On another note, I plan to buy an advent calendar this year. Loved your idea of a milk chocolate calendar. My first year ever, thought it would be fun to do. Glad your power was restored, nothing more inconvenient to work around than loss of power. Have a great day!
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Oh, how hard that must have been. I guess lots of people do eat in restaurants but it was new to me. I think you should! Bring some child-like wonder to the holiday for you!
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Okay, first, I would love to know the name of the Korean skincare for dark spots. I am always buying serums for this and I love the Korean products! I agree…your nails look so good with that color! I ordered a lot over the weekend and one thing was a new brand of nail press ons, Sassy Saints. I will let you know what I think. Also, I finally ordered some Halaras! Regarding your week, I am so glad you took time to rest after the emotional stress of the closing and the holiday. I am glad the holiday itself went alright. It is a new day, new week and new month!
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I don’t know if it works yet but I will send to you!
Yay for the Halaras! I am such an Impress loyalist that I don’t know about Sassy Saints! Lol! I forgot to tell you that your dark nails looked good in all Jenn’s photos.
It went ok but I am glad I passed that hurdle. I know you can relate.
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I am going to have to catch up on your blogs! My college daughter came home (law school daughter stayed to study). I hosted Thanksgiving and then spent the weekend putting up the Christmas tree and decor. I do alot of twinkle lights in my house. It’s so pretty at night!
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Can you believe I did ZERO shopping on Friday? Well, I did subscribe to the Hallmark Channel for a month so there’s that!
I ate zero turkey on Thanksgiving too – I am not really a fan. I’d be all for making something else but I think my mother would lose her mind!
This week is slow for me and then next week I have a few things on the calendar. I am looking forward to doing some festive things this weekend!
xo,
Kellyann
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I bought those same advent calendars for my kids! I’m so happy they’re still impressed by the $2 ones. May they never know any different 🙂
For many years, my dad’s side of the family (who we always did Thanksgiving with) went to a local buffet for dinner. It was fine and a fun tradition. Then we’d have dessert at a family member’s house (seriously, like 30 of us).
That’s the same pedialyte I keep on hand for kids! Mostly, Wells used to drink it when he was sick but they’ve lost interest. It’s not a bad thing to have around. I did try Liquid IV once and got horribly sick from it (like stomach pain?). It happened twice, so I feel like it wasn’t a fluke.
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I loved reading this recap! I’m sorry you Jada a hard few days. I know what you mean though about the lead up sometimes being the hardest part. Your Thanksgiving sounds like a nice break from the norm. You had me at buffet! Haha
My mom randomly lost power at her house in kc on Tuesday at bedtime. Thankfully, it restored around 3am. Your coffee shop time looks perfect. I’ll be thinking of you all this holiday season!
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I meant to say that I love the pup coffee mugs too cute. We were driving back from kc during football game. Hayden wasn’t happy haha
We just had a convo about the number of people in Louisville who are UK fans. None of Trav’s family members cheer for U of L…& a few of of his friends who went U of L now have kids in college at UK. What a rivalry. Haha
Of course, it sounds like we are getting a new coach in town now.
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The coffee shop sounds like it was a great diversion – something “good” to come out of a frustrating start to the day for sure. Ha! Sprinkles on coffee – what a GREAT idea!!
Good for you, splurging on your Donna Karan. Today at lunch I asked the question, “what are you willing to scrimp on so you can splurge on what?” Most people mentioned that they will save and/or splurge for experiences. The only one I said I was the opposite of is when my closest coworker said she would rather spend $75 on a dinner out with drinks than a good pair of shoes – I would choose the shoes! I remember when my husband and I would have to make a choice like, spend the money on a deck or a vacation – we always chose the home improvement because it was something we enjoyed every day instead of just one week. Choices are choices, right? And I think season of life makes a difference too.
Looks like you’ve moved full-on into the Christmas season! Week by week or day by day is good 🙂
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Sending love and hugs. Missing family over holidays is the worst.
Your nails are so pretty, I love the colour!
It sounds like a lovely weekend, especially that time at the coffee shop.
The advent calendars look fab and your festive coffee looks great!
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