Hello everyone!! I wanted to post one last post before the holiday. I also want to thank everyone who has been linking up with us or just reading our posts! Lisa and I have had so much fun with our Comfy Cozy Christmas event, and I hope that you enjoyed it too.
Yesterday, Wyatt and I spent some time celebrating the Winter Solstice. Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year – and we celebrate the return of the light! I love that this has multiple meanings, the return of the light. Yesterday though my sunshine boy and I focused on the sun. He has endured a lot this year and this smile keeps returning. He is my brave, tough, boy and inspires me everyday to be a better mother.
We spent time making a sun garland to wrap around the little tree, sun bread, and then frosted some pre-made sugar cookies to make them all bright and cheery, like the sun and my boy’s smile.
And I realized that I never shared any of our decorations. We are sort of minimalistic when it comes to holiday decorations, but things still look sort of cute around here!
Our little den and bedroom (and one from the kitchen). They both feel so festive and cozy right now! The white tree is one that was my grandmother’s. I have been trying to revive it this year. It had orange bulbs which was just sort of odd so I ordered clear replacements. It is growing on me, although I am still considering painting it green. It is so mid-century though as it is, so maybe not.
Wyatt created the little area with the owl and silver tinsel tree. I thought it was cute! And I made a little scarf for my dresser snail. He needed one, it is pretty cold for snails right now. And I never do things like buy new bedding for holidays, but this year, I felt like I needed it. I love these trees and the color and every night when I get in bed I feel so happy, so it was a good choice.
I could never get a good photo of our tree though. So, here are a few pictures of our favorite ornaments, and my two favorite guys decorating. And I can’t forget Wyatt’s little wolf that he loves so much!
Just a little reminder: Our holiday linky will be up until Jan. 2 so that you can add any of your after holiday posts as well! Then – Jane Austen January begins!!
Last week, Billy and I continued our trend of watching Hallmark Christmas movies. We have never watched them like this before and we (me) are enjoying the comfort of them. This makes number 4 since November!
The pick last week – Coyote Creek Christmas.
I figured it was time for the woodsy cabin-style Christmas trope, and this one looked perfect. I also wanted to watch since it stars Janel Parrish, who I loved in Pretty Little Liars, where she played the scheming Mona. Not going to lie, I loved that series and Mona’s character was possibly the best on it. So I was excited to see what she would do in a Hallmark movie!
Ryan Paevey plays her love interest, and also the character that is going to cause all the drama in her world For like five minutes Billy and I kept saying to each other “Who is that guy?” “Why does he look so familiar” “We have totally seen him in something else”. Yeah, we did. The very first Hallmark Christmas movie that we watched this year, Hope at Christmas.
Janel Parrish plays Paige, who is back home at her family’s inn in Colorado for the holidays. Her family has owned Coyote Creek for her entire life, and every year the Christmas party for the guests is amazing and a big deal. The inn and the holidays spent there are actually not just important to Paige, but the whole town as well. Paige is very excited to go back home and see what her parents have planned for this holiday season.
However, when she gets there she learns that they haven’t planned anything at all! Well, this is right up Paige’s alley, because that is what she does, naturally – plans events. She comes up with a plan, Christmas Around the World, and begins instituting it and it all seems like it is going to be just perfection. Except.. she doesn’t know that her parents have been working behind the scenes to sell the inn, and Dylan, the cute guy with the cute kid who is staying there, is the potential buyer. Dylan and his brother own a hotel chain and they are looking at the property as an investment.
Dylan is also confused, as the inn is beautiful and thriving and he is usually called in to buy properties that are failing. He mentions this to Paige’s parents, who say they just are ready to retire and didn’t want Paige to feel obligated to take over for them, so they didn’t mention it to her, although of course they are looking for just the right time.
I am sure you can all guess the rest. I will say that the ending was a smidge more realistic.
There was also a cute little tradition in the town of Coyote Creek, where the residents have to find a little statue of Charlotte the Marmot, who is hidden around the town. When you find her, you need to add some sort of clothing to her (scarf, hat, etc) and then rehide her. I thought this was adorable!
Hallmark once again set up an absolutely gorgeous setting. I almost like to watch these movies just for the setting alone! This one was filmed in Canada, not Colorado, and it was absolutely beautiful. The landscape, the upscale resort cabin inn – I would have stayed there in a heartbeat.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Out of the four we have watched now (Hope at Christmas, Navigating Christmas, A Merry Scottish Christmas and now this one) I would list it as my second favorite, just behind Navigating Christmas.
I have another movie review up tomorrow, but be prepared, it is not a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Hello everyone! And phew, how is that for a blog post title?
We had a family emergency with Wyatt last week that we are all still processing, and we took it easy the rest of the week afterwards. Lots of staying in our pajamas and vegging out. Look at that crazy hair!
We did however, get dressed Sunday evening because I had bought tickets to Holiday Lights on the Farm at Wolcott Mills Metropark, and I knew Wyatt would love it. There was going to be lights, farm animals, a wheelchair accessible wagon ride, and best of all, Santa! It was also an hour away from home, but my kid needed something happy. And he never stopped smiling.
The drive wasn’t bad, and we got there about 15 minutes early which I was glad we did, because there were already cars lined up to get in! You needed to buy tickets beforehand, but it was a sold out program. I knew we were probably only going to stay a short time instead of the whole time so I wanted to get in at the start. And first stop, Santa! We were the second people in line so I was happy to have that part checked off my list right at the beginning. (Yes, I am a total nerd and had an order of efficiency in mind – Santa, wagon, then see the lights and then when Wyatt was ready to go, we had to the “big” things already done) I hadn’t told Wyatt about Santa being there so that was a fun surprise for him!
Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the elves were all so kind and helpful!
When I had been looking around for an event for us this year, one of the reasons I picked this one was because it mentioned right on the page that it was all accessible by wheelchair – and they were right! But I was most excited about the wheelchair accessible wagon ride, because I knew my boy would love that. He loves transportation, tractors, trucks, trains, etc and I knew he would dig that. And he absolutely did. The smile never left his face the whole ride!
The employees were fantastic. They had a wheelchair lift to get him up and down which Wyatt of course loved, and then they also strapped his chair down so that we didn’t need to worry about hitting bumps and him rolling around (even though his brakes were on). Again, everyone was so kind and accomodating.
The ride itself was fifteen minutes, and it was so pretty and peaceful to see all the lights of the farm fading away into the distance from the wagon. We went in a loop, looking at different trees made of lights before heading back to the farm area, where the lights welcomed us back. It was a really good time.
Once those two big things were checked off my list, we were free to just explore the animals and the lights!
I loved all the ducks and geese and especially the chicken coop.
Wyatt was not a fan of this fellow..
Billy and I were so excited to see Lil’ Sebastian (not really the name but iykyk) but Wyatt was super weirded out and afraid of him/her. So Wyatt and Billy skipped this next stop, where I met the Percheron Fern.
Then got this moody dramatic cow photo.
Billy said it needs a UFO in the background. I think he is right.
Wyatt cracked up in the dairy barn where he could not get over how “stinky” it was. He wasn’t wrong, but we did get to see little calves!
We stayed about an hour, and it was the perfect length of time for us. We all had a blast, and it was nice to try something new. And for me and Billy, to see Wyatt so happy!
We definitely have it on our list to do again next year!
Who else is cutting it pretty close this year? I feel like Christmas snuck up on me! All I know is that I usually have most of my shopping done and this year, I do not. I am close though, and I do know what I am getting the rest of those on my list so I am halfway there. I just need to order it all!
I do have some ideas too, for those who might be wondering what to get those last few people on their lists.
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Wyatt had that Spin and Sing Toy and I can still hear the song clearly in my mind… he loved it, a lot. I also love that soft toy full of cute little plushies, and this sensory book filled with cute animals and crinkles and things to touch and play with. Finally, I actually bought this stacking and sorting toy for my niece this year. I love how cute it is, while being portable, and easy to clean!
The toy kitchen we got Wyatt when he was little was like one of the best gifts we ever got him. He played with it for years! I like this one because it is understated and not too big, so even if you don’t have a big play space this will work. This company also is very good quality based on the toys we have bought and should last, and this one is very affordable at under $100!
This busy board is another toy Wyatt loved as a little. He always was latching and unlatching, reading the numbers, counting, opening the doors.
The Dino toy is actually a toy I gifted my cousin’s daughter when she was like 1. She is now 14! Anyway, this toy still is around and all the kids have played with it over the years, so it definitely can stand the test of time!
An array of items here! Most of these are items we have honestly, except that Clue Game which is on our list. We are a board game family and that version of Clue looks pretty cool!
The arts and craft vault is invaluable. I can’t even tell you how many times I have pulled that out for Wyatt and his cousin and left them to just create – kids love it, and it is handy for adults too!
The watercolor set is so affordable at around $20 and comes with everything you need. Paper, brushes, paints, refillable brushes, and a pen. It is the perfect kit for a beginner or a child!
Wyatt loves his Yoto Player. There are so many card options you can play on it – stories aimed at the smallest child on up to classics like Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island, stories that involve popular characters from Disney or Peppa Pig, music… just so many. He will often just wander into his room and listen and play. The card system makes it easy for kids who have dexterity issues and small children to work, since you just stick the card in and it doesn’t matter which way it faces or what side goes in first. Just pop it in and it plays. It can also be used for other purposes as well, like a nightlight and also parents, it is safe. No camera, no mics, and no ads. A wonderful alternative to screen time!
Last is the metal detector! This is actually the one we bought Wyatt for Christmas this year. He loves stories of pirates and we thought what a cool thing a metal detector would be – he could go search for treasure, just like a pirate! I liked this one because it looks like it can be used more places than a beach, which is a hard place to visit when you are in a wheelchair! How fun though to explore and look for “treasure!” I am excited to use it with him; who knows what he will find! It also says it is lightweight, another plus if you are a kid.
These two are both kid in my life approved! Wyatt loves taking things apart and putting them back together again, especially with these little kid drills. And you absolutely can’t go wrong with Magnatiles! They come in all sorts of different size sets as well as fun themed ones too, like this forest animal version.
So…that person you have no idea what to get but you still are getting them something. These are my takes on the usual suggestions. Practical things, soft things, cozy things. We own many of these and so they come with our seal of approval!
Billy and I both use the Skullcandy earbuds. They are a great price, are comfortable and work well! The wireless charger is not something we own but it is something that Billy has on his list. Lol. I trust him when it comes to tech, since he works in tech. And it does sound very convenient, besides being a great price!
I have the chenille blanket in the rust color and I love it. Wyatt is actually using it as I type! It is warm and soft and snuggly and I could own a million in all the different colors available. Also very affordable at $26.99!
Billy is a sock nerd. I can’t go wrong buying him socks, but they have to be the right socks. He is a fan of many brands but Darn Tough is one of his favorites. They have a lifetime warranty which is awesome, and he says they are breathable and comfortable!
Journals of all kinds are good gifts I think, but a reading journal for a reader is a fun way to track your reading – without using an app! I made a few and they are available on my Amazon Storefront but I love this cute and cozy one.
Finally, a mug. Can you really go wrong with a mug? I love the cut of this one’s jib. Made in America, with a special pocket of sorts that warms your fingers too! It looks perfect for being all comfy cozy, one of my main goals in life….
Billy and I have been watching a boatload of Hallmark Christmas movies lately! This one was definitely escapist, with little tension, a focus on family, and highland dancing. Oh and an awesome castle! Because who would not want to spend the holidays in a castle? And then… find out that the castle belongs to your family and you could totally live there and be a Lady or a Lord? Because that absolutely happens in this movie. A little far-fetched but who doesn’t dream about something like that sometimes?
This movie stars Scott Wolf as Brad, who I know from the new Nancy Drew series, and Lacey Chabert as Lindsay who is apparently a Hallmark movie queen in her own right but I know her from Mean Girls best – the total opposite of her Hallmark movie persona.
Anyway, they are not the love interests in this movie. Well she is, but not with Scott Wolf, who plays her brother. This is the first time I have seen her in something other than well, Mean Girls, and I found her adorable.
Again, Hallmark kills it with the setting. Billy and I are suckers for a good setting and like I said, a Scottish Castle is like a dream for me. And this castle is a real one, the Duns Castle Estate near the Scottish Borderlands, which has been standing since the 14th Century. And you can really actually stay there!!!
This movie, like I said, was a bit far-fetched and one of our least favorites of the four we have watched. Brad and Lindsay find out that there mom ran away from her titled family and estate to run off with an American musician as a young woman and never looked back. Her brother (their uncle) passes away, and the estate is left to their mom to decide what to do with. And she wants the kids to take it over. And believe it or not, they don’t immediately jump at this chance. I was in disbelief. So there is a lot of hemming and hawing over that, some romance for Lindsay, and my favorite part, the bonfire and highland dancing!
I was a highland dancer for a year of my life a child. I loved it but was too afraid to compete so I didn’t proceed further. My mom and my aunt however were highland dancers most of their lives. My mom always hated it but my aunt loved it. They were both so good at it!
My mom is the dark haired one, my Aunt Barb the blonde. Aren’t they just beautiful in their regalia?
Anyway, the movie had a highland dance off and I was there for it! I would love to visit a pub with a dance off like that!
Overall, this movie was ok. The plot was a little overblown, but the setting was perfection. We enjoyed it even though it was not our favorite!
Hello everyone! I hope your week is off to a good start!
We have been taking it pretty easy around here lately, enjoying Christmas movies and books, and of course, homeschooling.
We started Santa’s Tasty Treats Around the World from The Waldock Way, and while we won’t get to all the cookies or countries, that is ok. Our first visit was to Christmas Island, which is apparently also the first stop that Santa makes. The cookies – coconut macaroons. They are so delicious and dangerously easy to make!! Just four ingredients! I think next we will visit Germany – but I plan on buying the cookies for that one before we hop over to New Zealand and their Anzac Biscuits, which we will make.
Saturday my sister-in-law Chrissy and I visited the Potter’s Market! This is an awesome market full of handmade pottery from local artists, and I love going every year. Over 140 artists place their work on display and they also have daily pottery demonstrations. It is really cool to attend! It’s a great place to find gifts, and I also bought myself a little something – a rabbit ornament. Our tree was sadly lacking my love of rabbits!
Sunday we had a little get together with my cousin, his children, and my brother and his family. It has been months since we have all hung out and it was nice to get together again.
With the first of December, Wyatt got to start his countdown to Christmas paper chain that we created, full of book titles. It has been a fun end to the night. He rips off the link, we get the book, then read it before bed, and it is a very lovely new tradition.
And that is it for today my friends! What is going on in your world these days?
If you feel like it, check out all the posts on our Comfy Cozy Christmas link up! It is up this entire month and is open for any holiday posts! Find it here!
Hello all! Welcome to the corner of the internet where we are going all out for the holidays this year! Today I want to talk about the delightful Hallmark movie Navigating Christmas.
So I know that a lot of people are not into Hallmark movies or shows, considering them too cheesy or corny or whatever. However, I am a huge fan. They are all just so happy and cheery and sometimes I need that. I don’t want a lot of drama; I want feel good. And this movie was a feel good film all the way!
From the Hallmark description:
Recently divorced Melanie and her son Jason visit a remote island for Christmas, only to find themselves running a real working lighthouse where she connects with the curt but cute owner.
Short but to the point!
This movie had a lot of elements that I loved and made me want to watch – a lighthouse vacation at CHRISTMAS (how awesome!!), an island named St. Nicholas Island, and of course, romance.
I was so excited to watch this. My husband thought it was hilarious that I was so geeked out over it, but he is a good sport and watched along.
This movie stars Chelsea Hobbs, a Canadian actress I was unfamiliar with until this movie. I looked over her film and television credits though and she stars in a series of Hallmark movies called The Martha Vineyard’s Mysteries and those are totally going on my to-watch list. It also stars Stephen Huszar, another new to me actor, but I really enjoyed his er…acting. Ok, I really did enjoy his acting, but also he was pretty easy on the eyes as well. He also seems to be in a mystery series, called the Ruby Herring Mysteries, so adding that as well!
So this movie has Melanie scrambling to find a fun way to celebrate the holidays after her ex-husband has to cancel his Christmas plans with their son Jason. She finds this lighthouse and think it looks perfect until she gets there, and learns that not only does she have to decorate the entire place for the holidays, she also has to run it! Thankfully, it is not an active lighthouse in the sense that she has to run the actual lifesaving aspects of it, so there is that. She is pretty peeved at first, then as she connects with the community and their Christmas spirit, she gets into it. Her son is still reluctant until he meets the mayor’s daughter, who totally has mermaid hair and no one mentions this at all, even though she lives on an island and could possibly be a mermaid. (spoiler: she is not) There is also one of those comfy cozy little diners that are full of joie de vivre, and this one seems to serve up some amazing looking pancakes. Like, I wanted pancakes while watching even though it was like 9 pm.
The island is full of Christmas traditions and I would 100% love to visit there, if it were a real place. I don’t want to share them because you will just have to watch and see!
I am a sucker for a good setting, and I think after watching Fisherman’s Friends the other day, I am in the mood for fisherman and boats and the sea. The setting was perfect for this. I feel like I see so many Christmas movies set in a snowy cabin in the woods or the mountains – which I also love – but I loved how this one was a bit different. The lighthouse was beautiful, and was exactly how I would like a vacation lighthouse to look. I had to do a little googling because I wanted to know where this lighthouse is located. What can I say, I am a Michigander and we love our water and lighthouses here. Even my little 8 year old is a fan.
Anyway, the lighthouse used in filming is a real lighthouse, located in Colwood, British Colombia, Canada, according to the website Atlas of Wonders. It is named the Fisgard Lighthouse, and shone its first light on November 16 (my birthday!!), 1860. You can tour the innkeeper’s house part of the lighthouse, which I will do if I ever make it over to that side of the world.
In true Hallmark Christmas movie fashion, this movie is low stakes, with a low level of drama but a high level of joy. I always say there is nothing happier than holiday romance, and this movie left me feeling cozy and cheery.
If you are looking for a Hallmark Christmas movie to watch this year, I highly recommend this one!
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 