Hello! And Happy Friday! Isn't it funny how suddenly it is THAT time of year? Summer is a memory. September is past. And now we are in that cozy time between Halloween and New Year's when the trees are bare, the dark comes earlier, and our thoughts are of turkey, snow, gifts, and family? I love this time of year. I vividly remember bathing a little Madison, putting cozy jammies and a fluffy robe on her, and snuggling in to watch old Christmas movies like Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey and The First Christmas Snow. They were on ABC Family and started around 4:30 when it got dark. The kids and I followed that same routine for many years, slowing down and embracing the darkness, knowing soon the light would last a bit longer each day.
My lovely, amazing Mom is ready for Thanksgiving, and I am so happy she is comfortable in her new home.
I finally did a thing. I had my hair chopped long after it should have been! It was thinning, damaged, and just a hot mess. I am fresh and split-end-free for a bit now! And honestly, I don't usually sit around taking pictures of myself, but I did want to have one after I got home. You know how it never looks the same after you wash it?
I organized my books that were scattered everywhere this week. I have a good stack on my nightstand to snuggle in with on these cozy November evenings.
Speaking of November evenings, I spent one this week eating dinner on the couch and watching TV. Around here, dinner isn't always served at the table, made up of a healthy piece of protein and two side dishes. Sometimes, it is an old favorite in a bowl on the couch. I have loved Velveeta Shells and Cheese since a dear family friend introduced me to it in my Mom's kitchen many years ago. Her name is Wendy, and I always think of her when I have this. Good friends remain in your hearts even if you haven't seen them for years, don't they?
And...it is time! Time to slowly transform this house into a magical, aesthetically pleasing, magazine-worthy Christmas wonderland!!! I'm kidding. Just a little Instagram humor for you there! But it is time. It's time to add some cozy, festive, sentimental touches of Christmas to our home. I did this in the bedroom yesterday and will gradually finish the rest of the house over the weekend. Then, we will sit back and enjoy those wonderful weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's together.
Have a lovely weekend, my friends!
Thanks for visiting!
BillieJo
It is a cozy time of year for sure. I am not ready to give up the outdoors yet though. A few more weeks…please!
ReplyDeleteYes, my favorite time of year is here and I couldn't be happier. Cold, long nights, comfort food, family and friends, game nights and everything else wonderful about this season makes me happy. Fall decorations will be out here until the day after Thanksgiving and then the Christmas decorating starts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this time of year, too. It's that coziness that envelops us as dusk gives way to dark that I so enjoy. I really like your comforter and shams! They are so wintery looking, which I love. I still have my fall decorations out, but the day after Thanksgiving (hopefully) the Christmas decorating will begin. I'm excited to put up our tree this year especially because of having my grandmother's Christmas balls!
ReplyDeleteYour hair looks great! And yes, why does it never look the same after the first day? I struggle with that. I added that Christmas Presents book to my reading list, I know Lisa Unger writes a good thriller. Used to live on that mac and cheese. Your bedding is beautiful. Not allowed to decorate for Christmas around here until the day after Thanksgiving so I'll have to enjoy your transition for a bit. Hope you have a wonderful and cozy weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely time of year for coziness. It's always nice to see your mother happy. You have inspired me to get a haircut--it's been way too long between cuts this year. Happy weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI am doing minimal Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWent from 30 boxes to two boxes. Condo is tiny. I like to enjoy it as long as possible le. No definitive time up or down. Enjoy yours. Looks lovely. Brenda
I love your bedroom!!! And I think the pretty spread is something you can keep out all winter, not just for Christmas. Your hair is gorgeous!! I love everything about it, and the color is so beautiful. I can't wait to see all your Christmas decorations!!
ReplyDeleteSome of the best meals are those that DON'T consist of a protein and two vegetables! Happy cozy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSame here! I started on November 1st and I love to do a bit each night so that it's all done (except for the real tree) by Thanksgiving! Have a cozy night Billie Jo (love the new cut)
ReplyDeleteMy husband gives my hair a trim when needed. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the dark, cozy, winter nights at home too.
Hi Billie Jo. Your hair looks great. I am trying to grow my hair out right now, but I may break down and get a trim before long. Your book stack looks interesting. Snuggling up in your cozy bedroom with a good book sounds just right. The picture of the shells and cheese make me hungry! So glad that your mom is doing well and looking forward to the holidays. Your bedroom looks great! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI like your new hairstyle. It's much like my daughter wears hers. Mine is much, much shorter because I get so hot.I'm hoping Dennis's Mom settles in for the holidays. She's seemed pretty agitated for the past two months. Her altzheimers is definitely getting worse but at least she still knows who we are.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas quilt and pillows looks really nice. I have to wait until at least December. Dennis never says anything but even he requested that! :-) Have a lovely weekend.
Blessings,
Betsy
Cozy indoors for sure!! Your bedroom looks nice and cozy! I did put an older quilt on my bed that my grandma-in-law gave us a year after we got married. Keeps me warm when it's chilly at night since I turn the heat down. I enjoy hearing Christmas music this time of the year. Hugs and blessings, Becky
ReplyDeleteI love your bedroom! I find it hard to get in a Christmas mood. The weather and the need to stay inside more sure play a big part in wanting to cozy up a home. We're in our colder months, but it's still 85 F here (never gets below 75, even at night).
ReplyDeleteLove your hair! And dinner on the couch sounds wonderful! We eat our main meal at lunch and then we each do our own thing at dinner — my husband is a popcorn/cheese/fruit sort of guy and I am a tea and cookies sort of gal. However, I am trying to conquer my sugar addiction and up my nutrients so I am going to go with a dinner of raw/fresh/salad sort of thing. Still in front of the tv! We dont stand on ceremony here!
ReplyDeleteI love your bedspread…have been decorating a little each day since last week end. Today the tree is up tomorrow we decorate it. The puppy is super interested in the fact that there is a tree in the house. Lol, I think we will have interesting days ahead.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the coziness of this time of year, early sunsets and twinkle lights, a fire going and candles. So cozy!
Have a wonderful week end.
Judy
Hi Billie Jo,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to leave a comment to let you know I’ve been reading your blog off and on since ca. 2015 and it always feels so cozy :).
I live in Europe and our lives are very different (as are our viewpoints on many things) but I still come back here because you and your family seem genuinely nice, and because you seem very authentic to me. I appreciate that :). Have a good rest of your weekend!
Nothing nicer than being cosy in your dressing gown, snuggled up with a good book and some nibbles. I always like to see what other people are reading, so have noted some of your books for future reading. Love the bedspread and a lovely idea to start the Christmas period.
ReplyDeleteBillie Jo, I love your hair! That's my favorite style :) I'm in the stage of wanting mine to grow out right now. We'll see how long I can last! Your home always looks so cozy and you have a great attitude about this time of year. I do love the extra light in the mornings, since I'm a morning person. And we never eat at the table unless it's Family Dinner. Otherwise David and I eat on tv trays and watch tv together. We've done that for years, even with our kids. It was a great time to laugh together and talk about shows like American Idol, etc. When you homeschool, you don't have to sit at the table and ask how their day was :) What a blessing :) Oh and sometimes I have mac and cheese for breakfast :) Happy Sunday, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAs I write this comment, the bright, frosty weather has been replaced by wind and rain. We're forecast strong winds all day. Time to cosy in and embrace the warm feeling of home. Xx
ReplyDeleteLove the new haircut! Can't wait for mine to do just that!!:)
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Isn't Velveeta Shells and Cheese the best! I also first had it many years ago, and have loved it every since! Now, I have to get some at the store haha. It really is a filling dinner. I loved hearing your story about little Madison and watching Nestor, the long-eared Donkey. That's a cute haircut on you. And I love those creative leaves hanging at your mom's place. Your bedroom is looking festive for the Christmas season, and that bedspread with the deer, so cute! Yes, it is time to start putting out our special things. I have been decorating here too! So much fun. Enjoy this most wonderful time of year, Billie Jo. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri