Criss-Cross Christmas

For anyone, there are so many things to do and places to be, during the holidays.  People have lots of contenders vying for their time.

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Those of us with “blended families” have extra scheduling difficulties in this season, as people have to multiply the visits and celebrations.  It can be stressful, especially to kids, even after they’ve become adults.

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In the past two years, I’ve tried a different approach.  We combine Thanksgiving and Christmas into one get-together, and we celebrate in mid-December or early January.

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The thought was to aim for less stress directly on the holidays, when so many other duties call.  It has worked quite well … except … this year.

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So, for the first time – in a long time, even the single celebration has to be split, as schedules just can’t come together.

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This year, grandchildren are older, and teenagers have jobs and sports activities and everything included.  So even if we’re not trying to use the exact holiday for our gathering, there are still conflicts.

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Solution:  One family is coming here to our home, and we’re having a brunch instead of a turkey dinner w/fixings.  I’m really looking forward to it, as the kids AND grandkids are doing all the cooking.  Sounds like fun, don’t you think?  Can’t wait!

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The other kids who are local, have been remodeling their home and wanted us to visit their place for a get-together.  We headed over there last weekend, and had a blast.  My daughter-in-law is a marvelous cook and this time, she even made a big vegan dish for my husband.  And it was fun to see the new looks in their house.

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So, Readers … how will you be spending your time over the holidays?  I love when you share in the comments.

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And if you’re looking for last minute decorating ideas, you can do a search in the menu bar up-top.  Just type Christmas and you’ll find all of the projects and ideas I’ve posted previously, lots of stuff there.

OR, visit Artzzle’s Facebook page.   Lots more fun projects there and many are “kid” friendly too.

In closing, I’ll just say that

Whatever your Beliefs or Reasons for the Season,

be Happy, stay Safe and Best Wishes to all!

Later – Cheryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Features

It’s Friday. Yep, it rolls around every week about now.

Friday is (usually) my “go to town” day. I’m trying to become a “scheduler” type. You know … organize my time, supposedly to control it and maximize use.

This is the day I schedule for away trips … get groceries, run errands, and do a little side shopping when the budget permits. Aby over at SIMPLIFY 101 has lots of sensible tips for organizing. Her info has concise, to-the-point suggestions that can be read quickly and applied easily to your home routines. Best of all, she allows for flexibility with schedules and rules. Aby knows, as do we all, that everyday, things just happen that weren’t on the schedule, and we have to adapt … go with the flow.

Today’s Friday for me, is flowing more towards staying home. It’s a gorgeous, sunny day and I’m in the mood for … well, I’m not exactly sure what I’m in the mood for, but it isn’t going to town and dealing with “places packed with people”.

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My Newfie/Lab mix Fozzie is keeping me company this morning. Our Gracie is very much a “girly girl”. She’s sleeping in.
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I started my Friday morning out at my computer, in my “new-to-me” desk chair. Isn’t it bootyful? And it fits my booty so comfortably.
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Mr. Chair and Miss Mirror were found at a favorite area store, DISCOVERY THRIFT My local readers love Discovery, but it’s also proof positive for everyone else, that you should investigate any/all thrift stores in your own area because there are big deals that don’t need big budgets. Okay, so I have to share what I paid (and make everyone jealous). The mirror was … wait for it … $15 … YES, just fifteen dollars! It is heavy glass with solid wood framing. If you’ve ever searched for mirrors of this quality, used or otherwise, you know what a bargain this is.

And the super comfortable, clean and adjustable desk chair (in excellent repair) … are you ready? My chair was only $35 and worth every penny. I’m at my desk, enjoying it right now.

I’m thinking of putting my mirror on top of this piece. Will probably do some sort of paint treatment on both to bring them together.
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Everyone is budget concious now days, even bloggers and DIYers. That’s why I wanted to share another online find today, for you artistic types. Karen, THE GRAPHICS FAIRY is one of my featured favorites today. We seem to have quite a bit in common; blended families, graphics design; dog lovers. and Karen shares oodles well tons, let’s just say LOTS of wonderful graphics images for just about any project a person can think of … and they’re FREE. Plus there are DIY projects, tutorials and all kinds of fun stuff.

Do you notice how most blogs are about more than just one thing? They are a wonderful way for us to share, care and learn about many interests. That’s why I began Artzzle, because I’ve always truly felt that Life is a “Giant Puzzle of Art and Design”.

Hope I’ve added a few pieces to your puzzle today! Visit these features and let me know what you think. And tell them Cheryl at Artzzle sent you over. Be sure to share your favorite posts with friends so they can join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

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