37 weeks until Christmas

I now have 8 of the inexpensive items for 3 sets of Advent Calendars.  For those who do this, do you include Christmas Day?  Or just December 1-24th?  I think I am going to do the traditional 24 days.

These are photos from different stores/shops/boutiques we came across over the last two/three months.  There were so many Christmas shopping options available.

I bought myself this absolutely cute "crochet" Christmas tree ornament. I love it! Even my husband thought it was cute.

I purchased this cutie at a thrift store. It's actually a cookie jar, but I'll be using it for decoration most likely. I just love the bright blue color on it. Yes, my husband loves it too, and he rarely gets excited about Christmas. I take that back. The first year after Mom passed, he was all fired up on Christmas spirit, and that particular year I wanted nothing to do with it.

I had to laugh at the fact it was carrying a suitcase, and I never noticed it until we got home. A sign to "skip" Christmas? Ha ha ha! Traveling in December is iffy with the iffy weather too. Anyway, the snowman was inexpensive, and my husband even approved. We don't have a lot of Christmas decor, and we do like it that way, but I did buy the guy.

Books borrowed from the library. No new recipes saved yet. I may have one recipe, but we'll see what I decide later.

(source: Google)

I have discovered I need gift boxes (possibly a 4 x 4 by 2 inch high size) for many of the advent gifts, and I have no idea where to look for them (besides online). I'll have to check Hobby Lobby or Michael's stores maybe? Not sure if Walmart or Meijer craft sections would have them either. Any suggestions?

37 Weeks until Christmas ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

Here is a photo of the vintage tablecloth I bought while on the island last weekend.  I love it!  I need more of the longer ones too.

Overnight breakfast casserole has been made and baked.  We love this one.  It's spicy but good!  I don't make it often, as it's loaded with sausage.  I'll be playing around with homemade sausage to see if I can whip up a better flavor and much healthier.

I finally got a few bunches of swiss chard in the freezer.  I lso froze the stems for saute's with the leaves, or to mix in with celery and onion as well this winter.  I blanched the leaves for 2 minutes and the stems for 3 minutes (bagged separately).

We finally got our Kelley's Island Christmas ornament in the mail.  She only made 200 and I ordered it during our July trip there.  It's our first island ornament to go on our Christmas tree this winter.

Well, we are going through another rough patch with family and health.  Hubby's sister  "P" was in the hospital twice, and then moved to a bigger hospital one hour away.  Emergency surgery was scheduled for Wednesday.  My husband went to the hospital very early to see his sister prior to surgery (which is now delayed until they drain her infection).  I had to stay home because it takes me took long to re-bandage my leg and get ready.  Honestly, I was afraid to go, so I'm glad I was home.  I can't risk catching any germs with my leg procedure coming up.  By the way, I'm just waiting on the insurance to approve one of two possible procedures.  One is a quick in-and-out where the veins stay in, and the other is invasive, I'm put under and the veins removed.

While he was up at the hospital, I had plenty to keep myself busy, along with the puppy (who is doing great by the way).  I had one mess of a kitchen.  I got the tables completely cleaned off (they sure can pile up when the wifey is not able to do it).  I had boxes, dry teas, the griddle, my mixer, blender, food processor, and a lot more that needed to be put away.  It was nice at the end of the day to have vintage tablecloths donning the clean tables (we have two, for large gatherings).

I'm glad I had time to do some de-cluttering and tidy up time.  I uncovered my pre-pay form for propane, which saves us almost $100 on our next fill up.  The deal was expiring 9-30, so I am so glad I found that and got that done.

We also had a birth in the family.  We have another grandnephew now.  

Merry Christmas!

I made myself one last handmade Christmas ornament. . .

From Garden to Tree - Frugal Okra Ornaments

From:

Treasures for the Christmas Tree

101 Festive Ornaments to Make and Enjoy

by Carol Taylor

I had to share this.  We grew okra one year, and no one really liked the slime it produced when sliced.  It's great fried, but if you have any you have dried up, and are looking for frugal ornament options, this is a fun one.