And Just Like That, 114 Days Have Passed...

Still Alive and Showing Off
My Birthday Hummingbird Ring!

And it's 252 days till Christmas! And where have I been? Well, not blogging about Christmas, obviously! Did you miss me? I may not have been blogging about Christmas, but I was still thinking about it. (How could I not? Every time I go in the basement, I see the few Christmas decorations that haven't been tucked back into the holiday closet yet...)


 Here in the northern hemisphere, spring has sprung—and pollen has exploded all over the place. You may be outdoors, frolicking through fields of dandelions and chickweed and wondering, as you realize your lawn is overdue for a good mowing, why you were so anxious for warm weather. 


If you are stuck inside, trying to avoid breaking out in a rash, hives, or puffy, red eyes, you might spare a few moments to think about our favorite holiday season. Easter has passed (and with it, the last Easter birthday I will have in my lifetime), and you could snag some clearance-priced Easter grass to use in place of tissue paper inside gift bags or boxes or to use in clear ornament crafting. Tissue paper gets crumpled and torn. Easter grass will last for years. Try it!


You might be able to buy out the remaining chocolate-covered peeps. If you do, save them (maybe even freeze them) to use for microwave s'mores! All they need is a graham cracker and 15 seconds (or less) in a microwave. It's an unexpected winter treat—although I wouldn't blame you if you gave in to temptation and ate them sooner. After all, Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy time with your children or grandchildren than with an ooey-gooey, sticky treat? 


Remember that it's never too soon to start stocking your gift closet/cupboard/box with items you've made or bought. If you want to give homemade jar gifts or home-filled gift baskets, now is the time to start collecting jars and baskets. Check your craft stores for sales, but don't forget your local thrift stores as well. The last thing you want to do is arrive at the end of November and panic because you didn't prepare in advance and don't have time to find good deals on the items you need so that you can do Christmas the way you want!