- In the garden it’s time to plant carrots, beets, turnips, mustard, onion, radishes, collards and spinach. Keep the plants and seedlings moist and away from critters as they are doing their best to forage as we go into the cooler days.
- This year I am collecting items for The Little House of Tiny Tots again which cares for the early education, clothing and feeding of Houston homeless children. If you would like to donate to them they are very much in need of basic items and for the littles of course toys.
- As you are putting up decorations for the holidays it’s always a great time to create a new pile of gently used items and drop off to the Goodwill now. Many families go there regularly to find ways to also decorate their homes that are in need.
4. It may seem difficult to carve out a few days for yourself during the busiest time of the year, however you’ll find yourself being better for having done it. De-stress by booking yourself a spa day and mani-pedi before the party season begins.
5. Beauty trends are always fun to try but the holidays gives all of us an excuse to really step out of our box. This year a few to try are a BOLD emerald eye with a neutral lip, or a fantastic plum matte lip or for the most daring, a sprinkle of glitter straight across the lids!
6. On my nightside table now are two fantastic books that would be both good for enjoying and also for gifting. “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. and “With All Due Respect: Defending America with Grit and Grace” by Nikki R. Haley.
7. Make a batch of delicious cookies and drop off to your neighbors. Last year I made my cranberry and orange jam and they are still talking about it! LOL This year I’m making a collection of three no bake recipes from my childhood. These are well loved and a great memory maker for the children in the kitchen as well!
8. Plan a little cozy time for you and your spouse. Take off for an afternoon to watch a movie or go out for a walk or prepare a picnic for just the two of you in your backyard. A little bottle of chilled wine, some special cheese and fruits is really all you need.
9. Plan a fun art project with the children that can be taken to our local nursing home and tuck in a candy cane. All of our elderly enjoy visits from children at any age and during the holidays and they children will remember having given of themselves during the season.
10. While everyone is gathered doing festive family things it would be a good time to have an open discussion with the children as to their goals for the upcoming year. Ask them to define what they would like to accomplish over the next 12 months and help them map out a plan for doing so.
