This time last year I noticed many of my friends picking “a word for 2014”, something they would live by or strive for. I didn’t join in but it all worked out. As it turned out my word, “Travel”, found its way to me. While thinking about what kind of 2014 wrap-up post I wanted to write, what stuck out the most was how much travel I did this year. In fact, without even looking at my calendar to count days properly I figured out off the top of my head that I was away from my home for between six and eight weeks. That’s a lot of time living…
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It’s Just A Table…Or Is It?
Something happened last week that made me realize that I’ve spent a whole lot of time reflecting on the changes Jim and I (and this house) have gone through since J left for college (when we officially became empty nesters), but next to no time (okay, no time at all) reflecting on any changes the boys have gone through in regards to the two of us and this house. Let me try and make some sense. In my parental mind, I naively assumed that once the boys were settled in at college—or in an apartment, or whatever—that was it; their adjustment was made. That’s not necessarily true, as I just…
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And The Winners Are…
I just posted a video of J doing the drawing for the year of Netflix and the $75 Target gift card, which were won by Kizz R. and Ruth, respectively. You can check out the video on Facebook HERE. Thanks to everyone who entered; I wish I could send you all something, other than hugs…which are on the way for sure. Happy Friday!
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Just A Traditional Christmas Around Here…
December 25th already? Wow! This year has flown! Today, in honor of it being Christmas and all, the Wells family is planning to—as tradition indicates—see a movie (“Unbroken”) and then, of course, enjoy the Chinese food that Jim will make for dinner. Same fun stuff, different fun year. Besides that? Well, you know: Merry Christmas to all of you who are celebrating!
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Passing My Gifts On To The Next Generation
Presenting the special people in my life with gifts is one of my very favorite things to do in the entire world. I mean, you have no idea. Last year I wrote about the method behind my gift-giving madness: “I’m the type of person that will remember something you casually mention you like for ten full months until your birthday so I can get it, wrap it in pretty paper, and present it to you as if I bought it on a whim. I have bookmarked things online that family and friends share because they think they’re cool, pretty, awesome, or whatever, for later gift consideration. I will buy something…
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Keepers
This past weekend I spent a few hours filing approximately 1300 emails that were just sitting in my inbox, driving me insane. A cluttered inbox equals a cluttered mind, and I’ve been all cluttery since about April. Many of the 1300 emails were LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER-related, of course, in ALL! THE! CATEGORIES! My extensive collection of not-really-used-since-April email file folders includes a LTYM folder as well as sub-folders for the Chicago show, the national team, and all twelve of the new cities I’m working with this season. And that’s just LTYM; don’t get me started on all of the other folders. It’s quite a system. When I use it,…
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Holiday Homestretch
I’m not sure about you, but this week has been absolutely insane for me. It’s unusual in my case: I typically slide into Christmas week nearly stress-free with very little on my plate. This year, for some reason, I’m swamped. (I’m sure it has nothing to do with working and having a few major projects in the hopper at the same time.) We’re in the middle of Hanukkah, which is a minor holiday and isn’t causing any issues for me, so at least that part is normal. I will likely feel much better at the end of today. It’s Friday, and after today my work just goes into maintenance mode…
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Celebrating Holiday Traditions With Target
I was thrilled when the folks at Target asked me to write a post about one of my favorite Chicago area holiday traditions. After they provided me with a gift card to purchase items that I thought could enhance the fun, they just turned me loose and let me do my thang. (Thanks, Target! This was fun!) All words and opinions are mine, as usual! Oh, and stick around for the end: I’m giving away a $75 Target gift card to one of you lucky readers!
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Yankee Swap!
Today I’m over on my ad-free page telling you what movies and shows we love to stream over the holidays. My list includes this iconic episode of “The Office”, which my family has watched approximately five hundred thousand and sixty-seven times. It’s still hilarious. YANKEE SWAP!! Oh, did I mention I’m also giving away a free year of Netflix? (and if you win, you don’t even have to worry that someone’s going to steal it from you!) Read more and enter HERE.
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Netflix #StreamTeam Celebrates The Holidays!
I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team and will be happily sharing monthly tips and stories about how my family uses Netflix on a regular basis. (Okay, that’s an understatement. I should say CONSTANTLY. We use Netflix CONSTANTLY.) As a member of the Stream Team I was provided a voucher to apply towards my Netflix account. Naturally we on the Netflix Stream Team are celebrating this month: it’s December after all! I have a gift for one lucky reader, too: a year of Netflix! More on that in a minute. Netflix has lots and lots of holiday viewing options for families, and it’s a good thing since the…