Saturday

In my dreams I'd be all -- look at my picture of me being all cozy with my coffee on a Saturday in December.  But, it's unseasonable warm, I ran 4 miles in a misty not-quite-rain with The Housewife this morning and made a trip to the grocery store sans makeup wearing some leggings that definitely could not pass as pants.  Some days you just pray you don't see anyone you know. 

I was super proud of my millionth trip to the grocery store because I swore I would be so happy I already went when Monday came and I didn't have to go anywhere.  Totally forgot a key ingredient to one of my recipes.  So I will definitely be at Publix on Monday.  Fail.  

At least all of the gifts are wrapped and ready to go except for one.  And imma drink a big cup o' coffee to pep up for my girls Christmas party tonight and pray I'm not hungover for Christmas at Grandmother's tomorrow. 

How is your Saturday shaping up? 

~the single gal~

Friday Five

1. I'm really grateful for some unplanned time off this holiday season since we are a bit slow at the office.  I don't have to go back to work until Thursday next week! Hoping to find lots of projects to occupy my time with because seriously I am no good at relaxing.  

2. Trying two new recipes for Sunday Christmas gathering with extended family! I tried to find a jazzed up green bean recipe because I think green beans are the only veggie 3 Putt likes and I'm making a fancy brussels sprouts salad that probably only the females in the fam will even try.  Links below to the pins where I found the recipes!

Green Bean Salad with Walnuts, Fennel, & Goat Cheese

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Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Shallot Dressing

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3.  I saw that PIPM recently reviewed some African Black Soap and I finally found some at Wal-Mart so I can try it! I heard it really helps with bumps and is an effective make-up remover.  The bar was just under $5! I promise to report back. 

4.  I have had such a fun time reflecting on 2013 lately as it is drawing to a close.  Lots of changes.  Lots of surprises.  Lots of potential for 2014.  Got a lot accomplished and looking forward to goal setting for the new year. 

5.  I'm sending up prayers to the sleep Gods for The Housewife.  Her children are not napping and I can't seem to see her and she can't blog.  Y'all join in. I know we all want to hear from her! 

Happy Friday! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

~the single gal~

Christmas Chaos

Well - I feel like I have been completely behind on Christmas this year! I did really well with getting the tree up and I did get some gifts wrapped. But I am lost in recipes for family dinners, stocking stuffers, have failed big time with my Christmas budget and still trying with the plane ticket search for our February trip.  

Soooo many things. The house is also a mess. I have dry cleaning I need to pick up and more to drop. 3 Putt and I found a flight with an extensive layover in Paris and wanted to have breakfast and walk around but now the flight has disappeared. Let's hope I can make use of my Paris Ideas Post-It! 

But this has been a year full of blessings and I am sure my fam won't be sad that I can't afford to buy them all the things I would want. And I also have some surprise vacation days because the office is a bit slow right now. 

How are you all faring with the December 24th cutoff date?! 

Did I use "faring" right? I'm phone blogging. 

-the single gal-

Friday Five

1. So...I got my H&M camel coat in the mail! It fit -- which was obvs step one. BUT I was really sad it didn't have any pockets. Even though I was impressed with the weight/cut/color, etc of the jacket I mailed it back.  I've been trying to only keep things I love and figured with Christmas coming the money was better spent on something else like a gift. I also feel certain I can still get a coat deal after Christmas. 

2. I'm off to SAV this weekend to visit Little A. I happened to look at the calendar and actually had an open weekend. It will be nice to see some warmer temps and have a break from walking the dogs I think. 

3. I'm still feeling super excited for Christmas.  Kind of a new thing for me. 

4. If you need me anytime soon 3 Putt and I will probably be logging copious amounts of time online combing through flights trying to find a decent cost for our trip.  

5. Happy Weekend lovely readers! Thanks so much for stopping by our little blog! We adore you. 

-the single gal- 

Lately <photo dump>

I'm real tired of my hair. Trying th middle part. I know you care. 

Thanksgiving pic with 3 Putt. He's so cute. Even if he does only drink imported beer. 

Holding babies. I do like it sometimes! 

More babies. 

Being festive this year. It's so nice! 

Let's take a real dramatic pause for this incredible dessert bar from my Aunt's amazing Christmas party! Apple pie on a stick? I will have them all. 

Also just one of her beautiful trees! 

Sister selfie. Can you guys tell which shirt is my fave lately? 

Now that it's cold black jeggings and camo loafs are in heavy rotation! 

Happy Thursday! We are almost to the weekend! Yay! 

-the single gal-

Sending Love to My Single Gals During the Holidays

I've been thinking a lot about where I was last year around Thanksgiving/Christmas.  And by "where I was" I really mean where I was emotionally.  Because we all know my broken-hearted self had been spending all my nights on my sofa with Emily making her eat Domino's with me and watching a lot of Downton Abbey on DVR for months.  Or I may have been watching "The Holiday" and "You've Got Mail" on repeat (I mean, do those ever get old? I think not.).  Let's not forget the Great Sinus Infection (and ear infection) over Christmas of 2012.  I wasn't suicidal or anything but good Lord I was tired of the whole damn Universe from Thanksgiving onward.  

What I'm saying is...all my single gal pals {and guys, too I suppose} -- I know how freaking hard it is to be single during the holidays.  It's not that I don't have my wonderful and loving family every year.  I love that and it's awesome.  But at the end of they day they all kind of have their own people, The Housewife is building new traditions with her own family and spending time with her in-laws, etc.  We do a lot of stuff in my family prior to Christmas Day so by that time the last few years I just felt downright glum and sorry for myself by Christmas Day.   And then you get to countdown to the New Year.  You know -- that year that's supposed to be "your year" and "all about you".  But then there is that nagging fear it won't be all that different?  

I have all those fears, too.  This year has been completely different from the past few years so far and I know that I am very lucky to be where I am.  I am very happy this year.  Actually,  I feel like I really earned a damn holiday season of happies.  So I'm taking it all in.  

But all my loves out there -- call if you need a friend, a glass bottle of wine, or anything at all.  I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases.  And I know 2014 will be your year. 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

A Mens Gift Guide. Or Just the Housewife's Husband's Gift List.

 Anyone else have the hardest time buying for their spouse/significant other? I do. Turtle returns practically everything he is given, doesn't like giving a list out or can't think of anything he wants. This may not help many of you but I will try to give you some of the Turtle's Christmas Wish List. 

1. Google Chromecast 

I may not be the best person to tell you what this is, exactly, but put it on the list as similar to apple TV but more easily portable? I can't get Amazon to open up and let me read about it (probably a personal computer problem and less Amazon problem.)

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2. Membership to Dollar Shave Club

Turtle used to complain and complain about the cost of razors all the time and how crummy they were. He joined the Dollar Shave Club earlier this year and loves it. He has the $6 a month blades. You can gift someone a membership. I have no discount code or anything useful except that he loves it and I'm always about a useful gift. 

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3. Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband

I actually think this is pretty cool and you can get these in pink ladies (pink for you not pink for your guys....or whatever floats your boat.) It tracks your activity/calories burned, your sleep and you can set goals for yourself and you can see how you are doing in meeting those goals. Also wakes you with a silent alarm. I always thought me wearing one of these would be interesting, especially when the twins were 0-5 months old. It would have been super interesting to view how much sleep I was actually getting. Now I just want one because I never sit down very much. This version is $99 but they have a different one that does more for $125. These are similar to the Jawbone Up too.

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4. Manzella Men's Vapor Glove in Black/Yellow

For the runner in your life. Turtle picked these out. He said he needs new gloves. Nice gift under $25. 

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5. Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch

For the big spender and non-iPhone user. Turtle may upgrade to the Galaxy Phone and really wants this if he does. That whole new smartphone need smartwatch thing? Men. Why are we the complicated ones again? Or they don't understand needing new shoes to go with that new outfit? 

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Happy Shopping! Did this help anyone? Anyone have any more decent suggestions?

The Housewife