Tip for a Tuesday....

Very Important Information during this cold snap!!

Source: Facebook post - New Jersey Office of Emergency Management

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

This was an early Christmas present from the Englishman.

I have found that this sentiment is so very true.

Everything we do in our homes matters.

The cooking, the cleaning, the laundry, the decorating. All of it.

( From "Susan Branch Shopping")

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

~ Linus

A Charlie Brown Christmas

So very proud of our oldest granddaughter, who played the part of Mary in her school's Nativity play. She exhibited such poise and reverence.

All the students did a magnificent job in reminding us 

of what this season truly is about: 

Love

Hope 

Faith

Kindness

Giving

Tip for a Tuesday....

Piles of presents waiting to be wrapped?

Save yourself time and aggravation by purchasing this type of tape dispenser.

It is weighted and stays in place - 

making it far easier to hold the paper, snag some tape and press.

(I come from a place of much experience on this!)

And be sure to have plenty of tape refills on hand!

Easy Peasy!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"Wouldn't the real Christmas miracle be if we slowed down long enough to remember the reason for the season, so that our holiday celebrations became authentic and meaningful?

So be of good cheer. Be not frazzled, frustrated, nor frantic, for I bring you tidings of comfort and joy. If you do Christmas at your house, you can choose to do it your way. Whatever that way might be. You can consciously decide to be happy, loving, fulfilled, generous, peaceful, contented, spiritual, joyous, calm, festive, and emotionally connected to the important people in your life for the holidays this year.

Or you can, unconsciously, choose to be a wreck."

Sarah Ban Breathnach  -  Simple Abundance - December 8

I've learned that I actually don't have to do it all! 

I can do just enough so that I am are not overwrought and over tired.

I can actually enjoy the holiday season.

The choice is always mine.

(Don't you just hate that! But it's true.)

I intend to choose wisely - for my sake - 

as well as everyone around me.  

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"The only true moment of Christmas is the one when you hold out your hands-to give. 

It takes so little really, just a little extra time, a little extra effort, almost nothing at all,

when you think about it."

~ Leslie Belleau

"Just a Little Extra"

A Cup of Comfort for Christmas - edited by Colleen Sell

This story recalls the author's experiences of neighbors coming together to help each other, in any way they could.  She reminds me of how many truly good people there are in this world.  I was blessed to grow up in a home where my parents did the same. Our family has always tried to follow their example.

Tip for a Tuesday.....

Jigsaw Puzzles

There have been numerous articles posted recently about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. 

I have been pleasantly surprised to find that while working on a jigsaw puzzle my mind is calm and free of worrisome thoughts -  a feeling similar to those one should feel while meditating.

I highly recommend it!