January 2025 Goals

Happy Monday! Happy New Year! I can't believe we're almost halfway through January! This month has been a whirlwind; as you can see, I am late sharing my monthly goals. 

December was such a busy and hectic month. We went to our city's annual Christmas tree lighting and some Christmas markets. We celebrated Gabriel's birthday. It was so much fun going to Urban Air to celebrate a little early, and of course, on the day of his birthday, we gave him an ice cream cake and gifts, and he got to choose what he wanted to do for dinner. I still can't believe I now have two teenagers! It's such an honor to see my boys grow. We went to see Santa and got some pictures taken. I finished Christmas shopping a little early, which was one of my goals. We celebrated Christmas at Mami's. It was nice to spend time with my family. I read so many good books in December. Overall, we had a good December. 

There was only really one low point in December. We spent the last few days of December and the first few days of January recovering from being sick. I had to see the doctor on New Year's Eve because I was sick. However, we still watched the ball drop on New Year's Eve. Thankfully, we all started to feel better that same week and just in time for my birthday. 

So now, we are in January, a new month. With that comes new goals, a new word of the year (I'm still working on sharing that), and settling back into a routine. Now that I've mentioned goals, let's quickly recap my December goals and check out my new goals for January. 

Recap of December Goals

• Read 6 books: I read 23 books in December. I was on an Oliver Jeffers kick and read many of his books with Raphael. I also read a few e-arcs I received from NetGalley. My three favorite reads of December: Second Down Scrooge by Lisa Suzanne, Dear Love by Grant Gosch, and Washing my Mother's Body: A Ceremony for Grief by Joy Harjo.

• Try 1 new recipe: I can't even remember if I tried a new recipe, so I will assume I didn't. 

• Work in my sketchbook/art journal: Yikes! This did not happen. Honestly, I just didn't make time for it, and I was feeling stuck. I bought several new art supplies, but when it came time to use them, I didn't know where to begin. 

• Participate in Exhale's December blog hop: I did participate in the blog hop. You can check out my piece here.

• Work on the latest Here e-course series sessions, December Pause: I did work on December Pause, and I actually completed every prompt. I just have to add some ephemera or just leave it as is. It was so much fun working on the prompts. I can't wait for the next class.

January Goals

• Read 5 books

• Read 1 book that I received from NetGalley

• Participate in Exhale's January blog hop

• Work on my One Little Word

• Try 1 new recipe

• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies

What are your goals for January? How did you do in December?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Anastasiia Rozumna on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up. It's been a couple of weeks since my last Happy List, but I finally had some time to share one. I'll be sharing some things that have made me happy and/or grateful over the past few weeks.

1. It's finally January, and it's a new year! 2024 had its good days and bad days. I learned a lot last year and am curious to see how this year goes.

2. After being sick for over a week, we finally feel much better. Thankfully, I started feeling better just in time for my birthday. I'm so grateful for modern medicine.

3. I celebrated my 34th birthday! I had a low-key birthday, and it was glorious. John and I went on a day date to the movies and saw The Damned. I really enjoyed the movie, but I thought the ending was a little abrupt. John and the boys bought me a Cake Batter Confetti Ice Cream Cake from Cold Stone Creamery and some gifts. 

4. A song that's been on repeat: Lost Time by Tiwa Savage. *Random note: I absolutely love finding new-to-me songs at stores. I heard Lost Time at H&M and had to look up the song. Another favorite store that plays great music is Target.

5. I'm currently on a Claire Keegan kick. I recently finished reading So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men. This was such a great short story collection. There were three short stories, and each one was fantastic. However, the short story Antarctica was my absolute favorite. Now, I'm reading Keegan's novella, Foster. I'll have to share my reviews on these books soon.

6. One of the perks of having a birthday in January is to use my birthday rewards from my favorite stores and restaurants. I combine them with gift cards I received over the holidays and my birthday, so I save a lot. I use at least one reward at the end of each week in January for a little pick-me-up. 

7. I bought a pair of cargo pants in khaki green from H&M and absolutely love them. They are just a tiny bit long, but they are so comfy. 

8. I'm behind on sharing a few posts (I haven't shared my monthly goals or my word of the year), but I don't feel as stressed as I usually would. I'm giving myself grace since this new year started a little differently than expected. I'm just now feeling 100% better after being sick, and then I had to readjust to getting back into my regular routine after having time off from work for two weeks.

9. School and work were canceled due to inclement weather. And I'm so happy to say that it has indeed snowed! The absolute joy I felt when I looked out the window this morning and saw all the snow was unreal. I'm so excited to have a long weekend. I plan to read and catch up on some blog posts.

10. I woke up today. "It is a privilege to be alive." 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

December 2024 // A List

1. Oh, December. What a month you were. As usual, you were full of events. Some planned, some unplanned. December, you were a gift. I was glad to see you come, but I am also happy to see you go. 

2. I spent the month of December going through bouts of reflection on the past year. Sometimes, we can get stuck thinking of only the bad days, and for me, reflecting on both the good and the bad was such a good thing. After much reflection, I realized that 2024 was a good year overall. A decent year. Sure, politics is insane and scary right now, but at least there are so many positive things happening outside of that. Yes, I'm still figuring out things in my professional life, but I'm much closer to what I want and have clearer goals. 

3. December was the month of lights. There's just something about holiday lights and decor that makes my heart so happy. We went to our city's Christmas tree lighting, and as usual, I was in awe of the massive tree with its thousands of lights. Speaking of lights, I absolutely loved my new dining room centerpiece. It brought me so much joy when I would turn on the tiny lights in my tiny home decorations. 

4. Gabriel turned 13! I have another teenager now! We had a blast celebrating his birthday. We went to Urban Air for a pre-birthday celebration and then celebrated the day of his birthday with cakes, balloons, and Gabriel's choice for dinner. 

5. Holiday shopping was so much fun this year. My favorite gift I gave was some pictures I printed for Mami. I ordered the prints from Persnickety Prints and got some nice picture frames from Michaels. She loved the photos.

6. We spent Christmas Eve at Mami's house. It was nice catching up with my siblings. I also got to cuddle and spoil my baby niece. I absolutely love the newborn stage. My heart was so full. 

7. Christmas Day was a low-key day. The boys woke John and me up so we could open gifts. I made breakfast, and we all wore our pajamas all day long. Side note: Unfortunately, John and I got sick. Michael had been sick a few weeks before, and Raphael got sick right before our holiday break started. Thankfully, we are all recovering, and it looks like we just had a nasty cold.

8. 2024 was a big year of change. My sons are getting older and becoming more independent. I'm in a new stage of motherhood, and I'm adjusting to it. 

9. We explored new places, and I fell in love with Savannah, Georgia, and Tybee Island. Oh, Savannah is an artist and historian's dream. 

10. I read so many good books in December and realized that I accomplished my yearly reading goal for 2024. I aimed to read 200 books in 2024, and I read 211 books. To be fair, I read many short stories and novellas.

11. I tried many more new recipes than in previous years. I'm also happy I prioritized self-care and healthy lifestyle habits/choices this year. I'm satisfied with my progress in limiting my soda intake. I can already feel the difference, and it's a great feeling.

12. I've taken a few steps in my professional life, and although it's a little scary, I'm proud. I can't wait to see what happens next in 2025. I'm hopeful.

13. I'm looking forward to celebrating my birthday in a couple of days, and I'm also looking forward to 2025. 

14. So long, December. You were a great month. So long, 2024. You were a year full of adventure, lessons, and gifts—a year of good and bad days. 

15. Hello, 2025. I welcome you with open arms. May this new year be even better, even kinder, and full of unexpected but welcomed surprises.

My 12 Favorite Books of 2024

Happy Monday! I was looking back at all the books I read this past year and decided to pick a favorite book from each month to share. I read over 200 books this year, so picking just one favorite book each month was tricky. Please note that some of the books were not published in 2024. Some were published years ago, and some will be published in 2025. Please feel free to share your favorite books in the comments. I'd love to add some new ones to my never-ending TBR list.

Anyway, here are my twelve favorite books of 2024.

That's So New York: Short (and Very Short) Stories about the Greatest City on Earth by Dan Saltzstein

An illustrated book that features short stories by writers, anecdotes from locals, and Q&As with New Yorkers. The illustrations were excellent. If you're looking for a funny, light read, then you should definitely check this book out.

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

A boy accidentally sends an email to a girl he doesn't know, leading to an unexpected relationship. This fun, romance short story is perfect for Valentine's Day. The book's first part is written in email format, so if you enjoy epistolary novellas, you're in for a treat.

A Little Drop of Courage by Hayley Kaye

This little book was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It is filled with encouraging words and great illustrations, perfect for anyone who needs a boost of inspiration and hope.

What's the Point of Art by D.K. Publishing

This children's art history book was great. It included illustrations and stories about famous artists. The book also discussed different eras of art, from cave paintings to modern art. It is perfect for children interested in art and great for people of all ages.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

I'm a fan of Kate DiCamillo and absolutely love fairy tales, so I was excited to read this story. The Puppets of Spelhorst is about five friends: a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl. An old sea captain has stuck them in a trunk, and they wonder what their fate will be and whether they will remain together. 

Going Into Town: A Love Letter to New York by Roz Chast

Yes! Another illustrated book about New York. I love Roz Chast's work and was excited to read this graphic novel about my favorite city. The book combines personal stories and comics and feels like a guide to New York City. While reading it, I experienced a few bouts of nostalgia. 

The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman

The Bookstore Wedding is the second short story in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories series. It takes place five years after the events of the first book, The Bookstore Sisters, and follows the Gibson sisters, Isabel and Sophie. Isabel is still with Johnny Lenox, and they are trying to plan their wedding again for the fourth time. The story touches on themes like family, love, and sisterhood. 

Load in Nine Times: Poems by Frank X. Walker

This was an incredibly powerful collection of poetry. Frank X. Walker reimagined the experiences of Black Civil War soldiers, including his own ancestors. I stopped reading multiple times to research some of the names and events mentioned in the book. The timelines and additional notes at the end of the book were very useful.

Snowed In & Snuggle Weather by Elise Kennedy

This was such a fun best-friends-to-lover romance story. Max and Josie have been best friends for years. Josie has been in love with Max for forever. Max moved back to town after breaking up with his fiancée. One day, they are snowed in overnight, and they both begin to contemplate their feelings for one another. And, of course, they are both too scared to confess their feelings. 

Hero's Prize by Janie Crouch

Hero's Prize is the third book in Janie Crouch's Linear Tactical: Oak Creek series. This series follows the second generation of the Linear Tactical heroes. In Hero's Prize, the story follows extreme sports star Colton Harrison and Ella O'Conner. Colton is back after a deadly accident and wonders what his next steps are for his future. Ella has had a crush on Colton for years but never acted on it. After Colton finds out about Ella's crush, he realizes he wants to be with her. There are a few bumps along the way, and a stalker is added to the mix, which made the story even more interesting.

Atlantic Ghosts: Tales from the Haunted Coast by Bee Stanton

This collection of supernatural folklore is perfect for Halloween (and any day of the year). Some stories involve ghosts, hauntings, and other legends around Atlantic Canada. The stories are accompanied by 24 pen-and-ink illustrations. I loved the stories and did some research on some that interested me. 

Second Down Scrooge by Lisa Suzanne

I love a good Christmas romance story, and Second Down Scrooge did not disappoint. This was a really great second-chance, sports-themed romance. If you are familiar with Lisa's Vegas Aces series, you may remember the incident between Austin and Kelly. Austin betrayed Kelly's best friend and her boyfriend, which caused Kelly to not trust him. Austin also used people and tried to sabotage them to advance his career. Basically, Austin was a very selfish man. However, in this book, Austin wants to change his ways. He wants to be better for his daughter and have a relationship with Kelly. I love a good redemption story, and this novella definitely has that. 

What was your favorite book you read in 2024?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. Celebrating Christmas with my family. On Christmas Eve, we went over to Mami's.  My older brother, little sister, and their significant others were there, too. I held baby Vivi almost the entire time we were there. It was nice seeing the boys play with their little cousin, Amir. We enjoyed great food and music. Then we exchanged gifts. 

2. Christmas Day was low-key, and I loved it. The boys woke John and me up to open their presents. Raphael wasn't feeling well, but you honestly couldn't tell because he was still running around. We stayed in our pajamas all day long, and it was glorious.

3. A new favorite: Copper Cow Coffee Churro Ground Coffee. I got a bag of this coffee in the Festive Feast Breakfast Gift Set, and I'm so glad I decided to buy it. I don't usually drink ground coffee, but this coffee is amazing. I added Chobani Cinnamon Coffee Cake Creamer, and it was perfection. 10/10 recommend this coffee.

4. I'm currently reading Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey and am loving it. This instalove short story is about a single mother named Evie and a farmer named Luke. There's a little misunderstanding that is quickly resolved. This short story is part of the Under the Mistletoe collection, and I can't wait to read the next stories.

5. I'm currently listening to the Love Playlist under Apple Music's Find Your Mood section. I've already found some great new-to-me songs and some old songs I haven't listened to in a while. I'm currently on a Michael Bublé kick and was excited that the first song played was Bublé's cover of My Valentine.

6. I may have found my word for 2025—in fact, I have found two words. However, I'm still undecided whether to choose only one. I also ordered a few things from Ali Edwards' 2025 One Little Word collection and can't wait to set up my album.

7. We have all been sleeping in for the past few days. Most of us have gotten sick, so the extra sleep was much needed. 

8. Comfort food and treats. My diet has consisted of soup and Christmas treats like cookies and hot chocolate for the past few days. I've also been making lots of smoothies and drinking tons of water.

9. I bought a couple of things from the Christmas clearance section at Target and can't wait to use them. I bought two tiny star Christmas garlands in metallic white and metallic silver. I plan to use them in my art journal.

10. This past week, I've been decluttering, donating, and recycling. It felt good to clear out space. I'm always surprised at how much we accumulate throughout the year(s). 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Winter 2024 Bucket List

Happy Monday! Winter is officially here! Fall tried to make a last stand about a week ago or so. It was strange that it was in the 70s, just a week ago. However, I'm actually a little excited about winter this year. Christmas will be here soon, and I can't wait to spend it with my family. It's Capricorn season, and I look forward to celebrating my birthday next month. 

I spent the first day of winter reflecting on fall, thinking about everything I'd like to do during winter, and making my winter bucket list. Although I didn't share my winter bucket list on the first day of winter, it was still fun to make one. Some of the things on my bucket list are the usual things I love to do every year, but there are a few new things on my list. So before I continue to ramble, let's get to the good part and check out my winter 2024 bucket list. 

• Donate clothing and other things we no longer use or need

• Watch a new (or new-to-me) holiday movie

• Work in my sketchbook/journal

• Complete 1 crafty class
• Complete 1 unfinished project from 2024

• Finish my Savannah/Tybee Island mini-album

• Publish a photo essay

• Publish 2 personal essays on the blog

• Pick a new word for 2025

• Make new goals for 2025
• Participate in a blog hop

• Submit a piece to an online publication

• Try a simmer pot recipe
• Make my own simmer pot mix

• Go for a walk on the Silver Comet Trail

• Check out a local holiday lights display

• Participate in a book challenge

• Make a meal using the crockpot

• Try a new recipe in our air fryer

• Go somewhere new with my family

• Bake cookies

• Try a new hot chocolate recipe

• Go on a date night
• Go to a holiday market
• Read 3 winter and/or holiday-themed books
• Read a book from a book club
• Go to a new-to-me coffee shop
• Go to a new-to-me bakery or donut shop

What's on your winter bucket list?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up. It's been a couple of weeks since I shared a happy list, so I'm going to share a few things from those weeks that made me happy. 

1. A new favorite: Frosted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa. Pop them in the fridge or freezer. You're welcome.

2. I'm in a full-blown holiday romance book kick. I'm devouring the novella Second Down Scrooge by Lisa Suzanne. This is a pro football, second chance, single parents holiday romance. 

3. I am done with holiday shopping. Well, I only have one other thing to buy, but I'm considering it to be done.  

4. I have never tried a chocolate orange, but I really wanted to this year. I bought a couple of Terry's Chocolate Oranges and was surprised at the taste. It was good; however, I would only buy this kind of treat during the holidays.

5. Being inspired by Misty Granade and her matchbooks. This matchbook made me want to work on some collages and even try my hand at making an art matchbook

6. New art supplies. I have been taking advantage of the deals at Michaels and buying Liquitex acrylic gouache.

7. We celebrated Gabriel's birthday. Since his birthday was on a weekday, we went to Urban Air over the weekend. Then, on the day of his birthday, we let him choose what he wanted for dinner, cut his cake, and gave him some gifts. I can't believe he's 13! I now have two teenagers! 

8. This Human of New York post. "This marriage is dead. It has to die. But I have no problem building a new marriage with my wife." I admire this man's honesty. 

9. I made gifts for Raphael's teachers and love how they turned out. I bought some glass cups and decorated them with some cold-transfer stickers. They were pretty easy to put on. I added some Ghiradelli mini squares and a card. I may make some more for Teacher Appreciation Week.

10. School break has begun, and I'm so excited to have the next two weeks off work. I'm ready to relax and get some much-needed rest.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...