{my word for 2019}

For the past few years, I have chosen a word for the year. Last year my word was SAVOR, to be more in the moment and enjoy and soak up all the good things God has blessed me with. I actually found this word coming to my mind many times during 2018 as I spent time with my grandkids or had a little quiet time for myself or with family and friends.

This year, I chose the word LESS. I’m always in a constant struggle with too much stuff, too much on the schedule, even too much worrying. I want to scale back in many areas of life and focus on what’s most important —doing less extra activities, having less stuff to try to keep organized, and having less distractions that keep me from enjoying things and freeing up more time. Time to simplify - less really is more!

#lessismore #less #goal #wordoftheyear#2019 #scaleback #simplify #simple#keeplifesimple #onelittleword#newyearnewyou #enjoy #declutter#minimal #minimalist #enjoythelittlethings#newyear #wordof2019 #2019word

~Christmas Movie Challenge~

Christmas Movie Challenge

Here's what I watched!

- Rudolph

- Frosty the Snowman

- The Polar Express

- elf

- The Family Man

- A Christmas Carol

- Charlie Brown Christmas

- Miracle on 34th Street (old)

- Prancer

- The Santa Clause

- Christmas Vacation

- Grinch (original)

- Grinch (Jim Carey)

- Christmas with the Kranks 

- A Christmas Story

- Love Actually

- The Christmas Shoes 

(and on New Year's Eve ---THE HOLIDAY)

Magnolia Table Cookbook: Potato Gratin Mini Stacks

-Monthly Recipe Challenge-

DECEMBER

Magnolia Table Cookbook

- Joanna Gaines

POTATO GRATIN MINI STACKS

Got a copy of Joanna Gaines “Magnolia Table” cookbook for Christmas and I could hardly wait to try it out and start another cookbook challenge! 

December • Potato Gratin Mini Stacks • 

these were delicious- crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. 

They were super easy to make but so tasty!

Instant Pot Taco Soup

Instant Pot Taco Soup

Instant Pot Taco Soup - serve with tortilla chips or corn bread and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or diced jalapeños DELISH! 

{RECIPE} 

INGREDIENTS

2 T olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion - chopped
1 bag frozen corn
1 can black beans - rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 packet dry ranch mix
2 packets taco seasoning
2-1/2 cups beef broth
(I almost always make my own broth using hot water + bullion cubes)

INSTRUCTIONS

- Set the Instant Pot to saute and add olive oil to the pot.
- Once hot, add the ground beef and onion, cook until meat is browned.
- Turn off pot and drain meat.
- Put the meat back in the pot and add corn, beans, tomatoes, ranch mix,
taco seasoning, broth and stir.
- Place the lid on and set valve to sealed.
- Press the SOUP option and set timer to 20 minutes.
- Once soup is done, turn valve to quick release.

ENJOY!!!

Money Saving Challenge Update 12.27.18

Started the second [$1,000] savings sheet of the 5!

balance =$1,030/$5,000

Personal goal for the year!! 

{Christmas Kitty}

Merry Christmas!!! 

Christmas Eve Boxes

*Christmas Eve Boxes*

Kamry

- reindeer jammies w/tutu

- The Grinch DVD

- Peppa car

_ Shopkins car

- Peeps

- M&M's

- Boom Chicka Pop Popcorn

-gold coins

-frosted animal crackers

- candy necklace

- bible story book

***when you get to wear candy around your neck 

and eat it anytime you want ---way to go Nana! ;O)

--------------------------------------------------

Rowen

-On Santa's Nice List jammies

- The Grinch DVD

- pkg. of socks

- 3 books

- Peeps

- M&M's

- marshmallow Santas

-gold coins

-frosted animal crackers

N & K

L & L

- jammies for the girls

- flannel pj pants for the guys

- socks (all)

- coffee 

- stirrers 

- nuts & nut cracker

- lip balm

- body wash (guys) / bath bombs (girls)

- chocolate

- Boom Chicka Pop popcorn

- white chocolate pretzels

- ornament

{day book - december 2018}

Friday

12.21.18

{outside my window}

rainy day...in the 50's...tide was up....

spoke of wind but missed the forecast today

{on my to-do list}

For Christmas, it's pretty much been done.

A little cleaning and cooking left, but other than that---enjoy the holiday!!

{in the kitchen}

Breakfast for dinner.......

{from the Pinterest board}

Meat & Cheese Boards

(Charcuterie)

MY CALENDAR

December

12/22 - make 1 more batch of cookies + white Chex mix

Rowen ---> sleepover!

12/23 - church 

12/24 - Christmas Eve {dinner for 2}

Candlelight Service

12/25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

12/28 - Derek & Julie {Christmas}

Dinner at Mom & Dad's

12/31 - NEW YEAR'S EVE!

......hello 2019!!!!

{tis the season}

“Mrs. Claus does all the work, but Santa Claus gets all the credit.” - Peter

🤶🏻❤️🎅🏻🎄🙌🏻 🤣 

Seriously though, I do love preparing for Christmas! My favorites are shopping (online), wrapping, and usually the Christmas cards. This year, I was all out of sorts, overwhelmed by getting everything done, and stressing over it not being perfect. Writing cards were a dread (and that was normally one of my favorite things). And while I LOVE to cook- baking is one of my least favorites, but this year I was all about making cookies 🤷🏼‍♀️ (Peter even joined in).....I really have enjoyed the fun stuff though too - get togethers with my family, watching Christmas movies, making gingerbread houses, and all things peppermint mocha! ❤️ But in the midst of all this hustle and bustle, I needed to put things into perspective and remember the real meaning of Christmas - that a SAVIOR was born for me (us) all those years ago and He is the reason for the season!! 

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!!

**little ballerina**

December Chalkboard