Christmas Post #35 Second Assessment

         Okay, assessment post #2. Really quick, the purpose of the assessment posts is to give you a bare bones, Christmas exclusive version of this blog series. It can also be a great reminder of things you let fall through the cracks. Here is this months list:

          *Gather Your movies, music and Books
          *Get your Christmas Card List REady
          *Have another Look at your Grocery List
          *Plan Your Parties
          * Decorate
          *Clean Your Appliances
          *Try to finish up your gift shopping

         That's the second Assessment, the final one will be just before Christmas

         K, Luv Ya, Bye!

         Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #30, Round up the Recipes

   

     Food plays an enormous role in your holiday season. It could be something special you make for a meal, the cookies you HAVE to make, or your grandmother's special dessert. Now is the time to get them all together and figure out what you plan to do this year, omit, and what you need.

        Now some of these recipes may be included in your master menu, if that's the case, make sure everything you need is on your grocery list. I don't include these in the groceries early on because typically when I get to this part, it's the recipes I do before Christmas, cookies and treats and stuff. Adding these to the grocery list could get confusing because they can be more time sensitive, while the rest is more we have a set deadline.

       I also enjoy this project because I have some special Christmas Cook books and usually try and do at least one thing from them to try something new.

       K, Luv Ya, Bye!

       Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #34, Stock Up on Freezer Meals

     

 I usually like to have a couple of these on hand anyway, but your assignment is to stock up on freezer meals. We're about to embark on the month of celebration, there are going to be nights where you need to throw something in the oven and not think about it. It could be because you have to get ready to go to an event, or because you legit do NOT have the energy to even think of dinner.

         You can use flipp to help you find these on for a good price, already made, you can also double recipes that freeze well and make your own.

         You can thank me later.

         Next Post is an Assessment post!

         K, Luv Ya, Bye!

         Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

My baby girl

   

    I don't think I've done a post on our wonderful girl in a while, and over the last 8 months that's exactly what she's been. Alice was a rescue, and she came with some serious social issues. I'm not sure what happened to her before us, but something must've. She doesn't like most other dogs ( we've seen a couple of exceptions) and she is scared of new people. She tends to warm up quicker to women, she's terrified of new men, and kids. So we weren't sure how she was going to handle Jake. I could sum it up in one word, beautifully.

     Alice seemed to understand Jake needed space, and we needed her to understand that we were very busy, and she did. She would go and lay down when one of us was holding him, and try and sneak in some lovin when we weren't. Now that Jake is getting bigger, I tend to be more concerned about him with her over her with him. She is incredibly gentle with him, and gives him kisses when she can, and he absolutely loves it. He has shared his ball with her, and she's not rough with it like she is with her own. If she gets to him first when he's upset he stops crying and smiles at her, and she wags her tail.

      My fur baby is my human baby's best friend. We're teaching Jake to he gentle when he touches her, and he seems to be getting it. She is cautious to step back if he gets too excited though.

     I just needed to gush about my girl

     K, luv ya, bye!
   
     Nancy

Christmas Post #32 Black Friday

   

 I work in retail, so this is a SUPER weird Black Friday for me, because I'm on Mat leave and not going to ANY stores. Such a weird feeling. I can honestly say where I work, we try and make black Friday fun. But I have zero desire to be a shopper today.

      So if you're like me and spending the day at home away from the mayham, make a day of it. Jake and I are cuddling and having some special drinks and watching Christmas movies. I might have a look at some stuff to get done around the house but for the most part today is about relaxing.

      I plan to get cozy, and when Cale gets home from work (who also works retail btw) I will have some hot chocolate and treats waiting for him.

     One other thing that might be a good idea to look at today is your progress with your gift buying. How close to done are you? Part of this series is about spreading out the cost and the stress of he holidays, this very much includes the gifts you're buying. If the kids haven't solidified their wish list, get after them.

   

     K, Luv Ya, Bye

     Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #31, Black Friday Prep

         

         Black Friday is a VERY different experience for me this year. I work retail, and Canada has adopted Black Friday in a BIG way. Black Friday at work is something I both look forward to, and dread. It can be overwhelming, this is the dread. If you walk in with the right attitude though it can be a great day, and strengthen the bonds you have with your co-workers. This year however, I am on Maternity leave, but I plan to do something to brighten the day of my co-workers.

        If you plan to go out to the black friday mayhem I have some tips for you.

        #1, Go early. So here is the thing, you spotted the flyer with the fantastic price on that item you covet. Guess what, a LOT of people got that flyer. If you don't go until the afternoon, don't be surprised if the item is gone. The early bird gets the worm, or the massive discount.

       #2, Don't be in a rush. On Black Friday, it is VERY possible for employees to be outnumbered 10 to 1. Be prepared to wait. Make sure the associate knows you're waiting for them so someone doesn't jump in front of you, but wait politely, they'll be MUCH happier to help you.

       #3, Be Comfy. I have seen people stand in line for a LONG time on Black Friday, depending on what you're getting, you might be a while. I have seen people wear heels...um..ouch. Seriously if I were headed out, I would sport the yoga pants and running shoes...no joke.

      #4, Be prepared. I'm talking snacks, and water. You could be in one place or a while, or take a while going to all of your stops, you don't want to get hangry. Not to mention think of the lines to just get food or hydration, yeah, no thanks.

      #5, Have a plan, but be flexible. If you know what you're after specifically, it can make things much easier for you, believe it or not, an in and out trip IS possible on Black Friday. That being said, keep your eyes peeled. Maybe you're picking up a SMOKIN deal on a video game system for your kid, but spot an awesome deal on the fitbit you wanted to get your sister.

       Black Friday can be great if you know what you're doing. Now I will have 2 posts for Black Friday, this is your game plan one, the next one...well, you'll have to wait and see.

       K, Luv Ya, Bye!

       Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #33, The Very WORST Post

     

  The title is 100% serious, in my opinion anyway. I hate this job but here it is, and it needs to be done. It's time to clean the Appliances. You are about to use them a LOT more in the next month, and so having them all sparkling is actually SUPER nice, it's the process that sucks.

         Okay, the microwave isn't SO bad, it's generally about a 10- 15 min job. There are so many hacks out there to get the dishwasher clean, that doesn't take long. I never like cleaning the fridge, ever. But I would, and will tackle all of these to avoid the oven. Cleaning the oven is my all time least favorite household chore on the planet. Last year, I had the get out of jail free card, I couldn't physically do it, and Cale HAD to. Here is the thing, Cale did a great job, and didn't have a fit doing it, so guess who gets the oven this year again. Y'know how they say if you do a good job at a chore, it becomes yours?

        I put this out there though because take note of my promise, I will take the fridge, dishwasher, and microwave to get out of the oven. It's here it's a real in print promise...now...show it to Cale. Fair trade I think...

       K, Luv Ya, Bye!

       Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #29, Start Shopping

     

   Up Until this point, I have simply suggested in passing you start your shopping for Christmas, Today it becomes your assignment. If you are one of those people who does ALL of your shopping Christmas eve, and me saying this makes you cringe, know the feeling is very much mutual.

         So here is why NOW is a fantastic time to get started. For starters, next week is the OFFICAL start to the Holiday shopping season, so you can incorporate these deals into your shopping. Some of these sales start early too, or they have pre Black Friday sales. If you are shopping for kids, you want those hot ticket items at home and safe. I remember last year, everyone wanted fingerlings, and EVERYWHERE was sold out, beat the rush early bird, and get your worm. The main goal of this blog series is to cut out the stress of the holidays, personally, I find shopping can be the biggest stresser for me because I'm not a big fan of crowds. When I'm working, I kind of love it, because it keeps me busy, but as the consumer...not so much. I try and set the deadline of December 1st for myself, and I typically have to psyche myself our after that if I have to hit the stores.

      So there you have it, the newest assignment


      K, Luv Ya, Bye!

      Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas post #28, Pick your Events

        Now is a really good time to figure out all your local events you would like to hit up this year. In the last week or so the signs or events on facebook have basically exploded. I know we have our big Christmas sale this weekend, and our local Santa Claus parade. Next week our local big lights display will start up, there are craft fairs, tree lightings, concerts, plays, TONS of local events for everyone, and no mere mortal could go to them all.

        So today's assignment is to pick and choose the ones that appeal to you and your family, and what's more, have a battle plan. I'm taking an 8 month old to his first parade, so I have this WELL thought out on how to handle him if he doesn't handle it well. I also have something up my sleeve to try and settle him down if we need to. This is probably WAY over preparing, because Jake is typically pretty chill and if you have something cool for him to loo at (or just different), he's all in. But y'know, just in case.

        K, Luv Ya, Bye!

        Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #27, Christmas Lights

Last Year's Lights 

       

        Can I be totally honest with you? Decorating has begun in my house. Once Remembrance day is all wrapped up, I decorate, and I decorate, and I decorate until my house is Christmas ready. I love doing this and while my method does not fit everyone, it's something I enjoy. While I'm decorating, feel free to have fun and do the same, but if you would rather wait, I would still recommend doing one part now. The lights.


        Okay, hear me out. I know in my neighborhood, the lights begin to appear the day after Remembrance day, lit up and all. Now even I MIGHT wait a couple days before turning the lights on (maybe), but I DEFINITELY want to get them up. Why? Winter. It's getting colder and colder, and Cale gets up on the roof. This guy rarely wears a jacket, even in the winter, so for him to come off the roof complaining about the cold, it's cold up there. So yes, we get the lights up as early as possible. I also have hot chocolate and soup going in my slow cookers for when he comes down. So while you might want to hold off on the tree and the trimmings, the lights, that's a good job for asap.

       There is your assignment!

       K, Luv Ya, Bye!

       Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas post #26, Remembrance Day

       

          In the beginning of this series, I promised to recognize, and show respect to the holidays leading up to Christmas. Today is actually the last one, so I post today about Remembrance day. Remembrance Day originated after World War 1, it is celebrated on the 11th day, of the 11th month, on the 11th hour, when hostilities ceased. Since then it has grown, including those who have fought and been injured, and those we were lucky enough to see come home.

         Growing up, it was taught that Remembrance Day was sacred, and we should consider ourselves lucky to live in the country we do, with the freedoms we have. Though as a child, I didn't actually wrap my head around these teachings, it was a moment a year I HAD to be quiet (which if you know me now, you can imagine how hard that would have been for me as a child).

        It's in the last few years I have actually come to appreciate the holiday itself, and have found myself searching around 10 am every year for our local broadcaster to show the local ceremonies. In a few years when Jake is older, I'd like to attend them, but for now, we have our private moment of silence as a family.

        I encourage you to do the same at 11 o'clock this morning.

        Lest We Forget

        Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #25, Plan parties

       

Last New year's eve, I was rather pregnant 

          If you'll be a host or a guest, it's time to plan for Holiday parties, this includes New Years Eve.

          You might need to take into consideration child care, and for New Years Eve you'll want to get on it early, because sitters book up. If the kids are coming along, you need to prepare for yourself and for them to be comfortable and happy through the events you plan to attend. Also consider if there is something you might need to bring, or a host gift.

         If you are hosting, I'm not a party planner, but now would be the time to plan it all out. Figure out the things you might need to buy, like paper products, or linens, or something specific to your party. You know what your goal is, but doing it all rushed and at the last minute, just sucks.

         Before I sign off, I would like to mention we're two days away from Remembrance Day and encourage you to take part. There are events near you that are open to the public, or if you're like me, I like to watch the local events on TV. This is something I started doing in probably the last 5 years, and it can be a moving experience.

        K, Luv Ya, Bye!

        Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #24, Groceries, Again!

           About a month ago, I asked you to start on your groceries for Christmas. When we made the list we broke it up into 3 parts, and your assignment was to start knocking the non-perishables off the list. By now, you probably have a decent sized dent in those, time to add a little more, we're going to get started on Frozen.

          With the non-perishables I told you to keep them separate from your everyday groceries so you knew they were specifically for Christmas. You may not have the option with the freezer items. Last year was my first Christmas having a chest freezer, and we actually have a small one. Prior to that I had been using fridge freezers and once upon a time, apartment fridge freezers. Christmas co-mingles the day to day food. For that reason I just keep a sharpie marker handy, if it's for Christmas, it gets a big C on it.

        Just a couple things to add. I'm still trying to wipe out my non perishable list first, if I have nothing left on it at all ( unlikely) it feels like a win to me. Another thing when it comes to frozen, I tend to pick up fewer items on that list per week than I did the previous list. I do this because the frozen list, is typically a more expensive list. With the non perishables I got 4 different things one week, and didn't break $10. This is the list with meat, and pricier appetizers. Now if bumping the budget up a little more doesn't bug you, awesome, but this is generally what I do.

         Before I close I want to mention in four days is Remembrance Day. While I know there are times where the world is seeming like a rather dark place, I still truly believe we're lucky to live where we are, and how we do. So please remember to wear your poppy with pride and take those few moments of silence on the 11th.

        K, Luv Ya, Bye!

        Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post # 23, Christmas Card List

     

         Can you believe we're roughly  at the halfway point of this series? A lot of our earlier posts were more setting the stage, preparing the home, or organizing. While you'll still get that in many posts, there will be a lot more of actually getting ready for Christmas itself in this half of the series, so lets jump into it.
I feel like the Christmas card is a dying tradition, and it sucks that it is. I enjoy sending and receiving the cards, and I include the ones we get in my decorating. It's not something I'm ready to give up on quite yet though. It's a little early to start sending so that's not today's assignment. Your assignment is to get your list together and update your addresses.
          Well really, that's part 1, part 2, decide on your cards. If you're some one who gets a card printed, you'll want to get on that like now. If you're some one who makes them...NOW. If you're some one like me who picks some pretty ones, I'm still placing it as part of the assignment. I was really bad last year, and was NOT prepared for when it came time to send our cards. As a result the night we sat down to do them Cale had to drive to the store and send me pics of the selection they had...it was annoying and stressful. That's why this year, I'm getting the cards early too.
         One last thing. In less than a week, we will be celebrating a frequently overlooked Holiday, which is seriously a shame. Remembrance day is our chance, and only for a moment each year to show the gratitude to people who fought, and in several cases gave their lives so we could live the lives we live. I'm not going to lie, sometimes times are tough, but at the end of the day if I look around, I know how truly blessed I am to have the life I have, and it didn't come for free. If you haven't gotten your poppy yet, please do, and don't forget to remember on the 11th.
         K, Luv ya, Bye!

         Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice

Christmas Post #22, But FIRST!

     

       

      So there is without a doubt a Christmas related assignment today, but before I dive into it, let me start off by saying there is one more Holiday before Christmas. It doesn't take much effort or time, but is without a doubt a day we should ALL recognize, I mean of course Remembrance Day. It's only 9 days away, so while your out and about, pick yourself up a poppy, it is the very least you can do.

         Now when it comes to your Christmas assignment, it's a pretty fun assignment today, you need to gather your movies, music and books. I have a ridiculous amount of Christmas movies, so I need to get started on them early if I plan on seeing them all, and there are several I want to introduce Jake to. Music, I know I might have a cd or two (yes I use a cd player and everything), but I also need to decide if I want another play list, or maybe a kids specific one for Jake. I added books this year too because we read to Jake each night, so I would like to have Christmas themed books for him as well. Jake technically got his first Christmas gift last year, my uncle gave us a cd I had as a kid (yup cd), and a book of like 9 Christmas stories. I also have 2 myself. I know a lot of people also like doing a "Christmas story a day" if that is something you might be interested in. I might do it in a year or two I don't know, but I don't feel like Jake is old enough for it to be a big deal. I may even just get a new one each year, I'm totally okay with repeating some of them...or in my case all of them. The other thing too is you may want to schedule out certain stories. I know Twas the night before Christmas is a staple for Christmas eve, but I also recall my mom reading the nativity story to me. Whatever you feel fits best for your family, figure it out for you.

         K, Luv Ya, Bye!
         Nancy, Cale, Jake and Alice