by Anna | Oct 31, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
We did it. We’re ready for November, for December. We’re ready to give deep thanks, to prepare for the coming Christ child, to celebrate His birth, to ring in the New Year with joy. Armed with tools like: music recipes (Cran-Apple Casserole, Peppermint...
by Anna | Oct 30, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
I’m a total spreadsheet geek. Since learning the beauty and ease of Google Docs + Drive, I use them for everything and I invite my husband to them too. Why should our Christmas be any different?! Here’s how I lay my spreadsheet out: I create a table form...
by Anna | Oct 29, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season, recipes
I made this dish for the first time three years ago. It’s been a harvest season staple ever since! Something about the sweet apples + the tangy cranberries = perfection. It’s extra delicious in the morning with a cup of coffee, or after dinner with a...
by Anna | Oct 28, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
At 35 weeks pregnant, I’m all about not leaving the house. Or the couch. But my family insists on things like toilet paper, dinner, diapers… I mean. Sheesh. So I’ve enlisted help via automated services. And it occurs to me that these will also be...
by Anna | Oct 27, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
My little boy LOVES the Polar Express. We watch the movie and read the book year round, he sings the songs, and pretends to be ON the Polar Express whenever he’s in a moving vehicle. For Christmas/his birthday this year, I am dying to take him on a...
by Anna | Oct 25, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season, recipes
Salty + sweet = perfection, in my book. Add Christmas sprinkles and mint M&M’s… it’s a done deal, folks. This is one of my favorite treats to make. It literally takes minutes, and makes a sweet gift for a friend or teacher, co-worker or neighbor....
by Anna | Oct 24, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
Big crazy cookie swaps aren’t for everyone; the big crazy ones aren’t for me either. But if they’re low-key and simple, they can actually be great time savers and a lot of fun! Have a cookie swap with friends! Bake two-dozen cookies. Gather around...
by Anna | Oct 23, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season, recipes
I love my slow-cooker. I love my coffee. I love pumpkin. All wonderful things, please meet in my kitchen. This recipe is absolutely perfect for busy, chilly mornings or evenings after dinner. I love the idea of a special post-dinner coffee drink for Thanksgiving and...
by Anna | Oct 22, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
Here it is, friends. The Girl with Blog family’s exhaustive list of all their Advent calendars! Around here we love our countdowns and I can’t seem to quit adding to the collection. We have a few more that aren’t included on this list simply because...
by Anna | Oct 21, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
As we begin the hustle and bustle of the holidays (it just occurred to me that I have to finish my kids’ Halloween costumes + treats this week so they can wear them to school on Monday. Entering the hustle.), prayer can center our hearts. Prayer can deepen our...
by Anna | Oct 20, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
Yesterday we talked about our favorite autumn + holiday books. Today, it’s all about the kids! These are personal favorites in our little family. These regularly make the rounds during the holidays, and I love knowing these are the stories my children will look...
by Anna | Oct 19, 2015 | 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season
I’m a reader. I love books. And what – seriously, tell me what – is better than a book on a chilly night? Add a hot drink and a warm fire… perfection. The fall and winter seasons lend themselves so well to reading, and I’m happy to...