Holiday countdown.

Like I've said before, I adore the holidays and it's truly on the top of my list of favorites.  I know some people fear them for several reasons from the over-crowded stores to having too many places to go/things to do, the cost, etc. 

As a way to keep things as smooth and stress free as possible, I've followed a basic countdown the past couple of years.  It's been so hopeful so I figured I would blog about it as I countdown to Christmas this year.  Hopefully someone else finds it helpful; at the very least it will keep me on track!  The countdown I use is broken down by weeks so each week I'll share my list of things to do and think about.

Being "greener".

So in an ideal world I would have no waste. I would recycle every single item I could. I would buy only eco-friendly products and revamp my house to have the best of the best in energy efficient everything. In an ideal world...

Well the reality is I'm getting better. No I'm not going to go out and purchase all new appliances; there's nothing wrong with my current ones and while not the highest rated, they are energy star. However, we recycle as much as we can but admit we have room for improvement. I'm trying harder to turn lights off when they're not needed. I'm trying to repurpose items when I can. I try to request electronic versions of everything I can (newspapers, books, etc).

I'm really trying to improve when it comes to cleaning. I still have my tub of Clorox wipes on the counter. I love and adore them. I have been using more vinegar than ever before. I've also decided to use up all the current cleaning products in my cupboard first. It's already purchase and if I don't use it, they'll just go to waste. That alone has been noticeable. I haven't purchased anything other than Clorox wipes and vinegar in probably two months! And yes, I'm still cleaning my house...lol

53 days to go.

Christmas is my favorite holiday by far for so many reasons. It's also the one that I plan and organize the most for and in return enjoy the most!

It starts with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I watch it every year and have been known to set the DVR and watch it again that weekend. :) The day after Thanksgiving marks the official start for me.  I love decorating the Christmas tree, fireplace - heck the entire house and yard. I love the smell of holiday cookies and candles. I love shopping for people and wrapping presents.  Let's not forget all the wonderful music!

I look forward to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony and adore the Radio City Rockettes. The hubby and I take advantage of our local city activities during the season which typically includes a horse drawn carriage ride on a snowy Sunday afternoon, watching classic holiday movies at the old theatre, getting hot chocolate/hot cider/coffee from the local coffee house while window shopping downtown.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… :)

Fall is fabulous!

Happy Halloween!

Fall is such a great season. It decorates itself with such warm colors. The cooler (ok sometimes freakin' COLD) air allows for a warmer coat and a switch to a warmer wardrobe. The hubby and I have enjoyed pumpkin hunting, apple cider and carmel apples. I've enjoyed decorating the house and making Halloween cards for family and friends. The only down fall was the low trick or treater numbers. I think much of it has to do with the number of sick kids. Both of our nieces had temps yesterday. No fun!

Here's a photo of my favorite pumpkins outside:

And some house decor:

Sick of being sick.

I've been sick all week and it's been anything but fun. This is the first time I've missed more than a single day of work other than being on vacation. Here's what my week has looked like:

Monday: I took a much needed vacation day but didn't do anything but lay around, drink hot tea and use an entire box of Kleenex.

Tuesday: Didn't get any sleep the night before - I was too congested to breathe normally and was coughing. Had a slight temp, drank lots of hot tea and used another box of Kleenex.

Wednesday: Still didn't get any sleep but forced myself to go to work and felt miserable the entire time I was there. I left a couple hours early. Still using a lot of Kleenex.

Thursday: Stayed home from work. Finally made it in to the doctors office (slightly annoyed that my regular doctor was booked until the end of the month but happy the other doctor could see me). Prescribed antibiotics and also received a basic panel lab request.... ugh I went in for a COLD and now you want my BLOOD???

Note: Yes doctor, I see that I have not been here for a year, I haven't been sick. Yes I understand you like to have basics done to make sure I'm healthy. Well frankly doctor, I don't like needles, you're not my regular doctor and even though I feel I have nothing to worry about, I will now worry that something is wrong with me until you call me with the results. THANK YOU VERY MUCH :( I think D and I have similar thoughts here: http://allthingsgd.blogspot.com/2009/05/needles-make-me-nauseous.html

Friday: Feeling a little better but not much. Already had the day off - no work missed. Still feeling annoyed with the doctor but I know I'll survive.

I'm hoping next week is a better one.