Freeing Myself

The refrigerator is stocked and yes, it contains a ham. But this year I’m not making the ham until New Year’s. I have decided to drastically change things up. What you will find stocked in my refrigerator and cabinets are taco fixin’s. This Christmas we are going the non-traditional route and having a huge taco bar. My husband is going to make his delicious Spanish rice and I will also be making homemade pico de gallo and a tres leches cake (a white cake made with 3 different kinds of milk—my version is 2% milk, whipped cream and coconut cream). … Continue reading

Waiting to Take the Christmas Decorations Down

I have been accused of being a “bah humbug” when it comes to Christmas decorations. That’s because I am usually counting down the days until all of them come down, including the tree. While the first couple of weeks I really do enjoy the festive look of Christmas throughout my house, it begins to die out. Suddenly all I can think about is getting my house back to where it was. I miss my family pictures, currently being replaced by angels and snowmen. I miss seeing out the window, currently blocked by the Christmas tree. Actually, I just prefer the … Continue reading

Making This a Stress-Less Christmas

We are just a few days away from Christmas. If you were to ask me if I feel ready, I would have to honestly say no. But at the same time, I’m not sweating it. Gift shopping-wise, I am fine. In fact, this is the easiest I have ever had it. No adults are exchanging and the only other children in the family are my nephews. But my sister and I agreed to not buy for each other’s kids this year. My children want money, so I don’t even have to pick their gifts out. So in this department, I … Continue reading

Preventing Injuries as You Prepare Your House for the Holidays

Whoever thought that decorating your home could be dangerous? Well according to the “U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,” injuries from holiday decorating and decorations are on the rise. I read that many people are cut from shattered glass ornaments and falling from ladders while trying to put up lights or other holiday decorations. Burn injuries and deaths are also issues when it comes to fires caused by candles or Christmas trees. No one likes to think it could happen to them but we really do need to keep safety in the back of our minds as we prepare our homes … Continue reading