Welcome to the weekend, my friends! Just a few more days and counting until Christmas. I promised my youngest son that we’d find some lights to drive by this weekend and I’m looking forward to that. It’s also time to bake some of our favorite cut out cookies and enjoy some downtime now that school is done until January. YAY!
Just a reminder that I take time off work the weeks before and after Christmas. I do continue to check the blog comments first thing each morning though, so if you have recipe questions leave them on the posts in question and I’ll answer them there.
Today, for the final week of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Giveaways, I’m looking ahead to the new year and giving away (5) $50 Amazon gift cards so that 5 lucky readers can order themselves a new planner, calendar, or whatever else might still be on your wishlist after Santa visits.
To be entered, leave a comment on THIS BLOG POST telling me how many months of the year you actually used in your 2020 calendar or planner. (I’ll go first – mine is pretty much blank after March – and I’m guessing that I’m not alone in that. Here’s to actually making some fun plans in 2021!) The winners will be selected on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at 11:59 pm EST.
Here are the lucky winner’s comments:
ON THE BLOG this week: Sea Salt Pecan Toffee is the answer to your snacking and sweet tooth dreams. The end. Do I exaggerate? Sometimes, yes. But right now? Not really. There aren’t a whole lot of foods that I label as “The Best Ever” or “crazy insane amazingly delicious” but this toffee recipe is exactly that. All of those things.
Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Polvorones, Snowball Cookies …these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are known by many different names around the world. My grandmother called them Sugar Butter Balls.
Creamy chocolate fudge filled with peanuts and marshmallows makes a chewy, crunchy, salty, sweet Rocky Road Fudge that all ages will enjoy. This Rocky Road Fudge has everything I love about Rocky Road ice cream mixed into a rich chocolate fudge.
What I’m CRAVING: Have you heard of kardemummabullar? Neither had I – until my friend Sue shared them on her site. They are Swedish Cardamom Buns and they sound incredible!
What I’m READING: Shepherd’s Abiding by Jan Karon. This is the eighth book in the Mitford series and I continue to enjoy them all. The timing for this book couldn’t have been more perfect as it’s set at Christmastime. And as it turns out, Christmas in Mitford is as heartwarming as it could possibly be.
What I’m WATCHING: Santa Who? This was a great Christmas movie. While we’ve already established that I love a predictably funny and happy Christmas flick, this one was better than most. I’m honestly not a big fan of Leslie Nielsen, but he did a terrific job portraying Santa Claus with a case of amnesia.
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” – Winston Churchill
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
Stephanie Hale says
I actually have worked throughout the entire year, so I actually had filled it out in January, but most of my appointments were cancelled and my cruise, so I had something in every month, but it was crossed out.
Wendy says
I used all 12 months. I still had Doctor, Dentist & Physical Therapy. I kept track of cancelled book club meetings etc.
Vicki Skonieczny says
Mine is always filled and I look forward to unwrapping my new calendar every Christmas!
Pete Rhymes says
Good morning,
Here’s hoping that we all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year and everyone stays well.
Normally my calendar is fairly full with many changes reflected on it. This year it’s fairly empty with almost no changes. There’s a big empty spot between May and September. That’s usually one of my busier times of the year with campouts and preparing for and attending summer camp with my Scout Troop. This year we didn’t do any of that and I feel like we missed something.
Have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Pete
Maggie Yoder says
I think I had something in 9 months of my calendar – not a lot though that’s for sure. April, May, and June were a wash.
Lauren S says
I use my planner almost everyday even during this unusual year of Covid. I like to make a list and then check things off. If I write a task down I’m more likely to complete it, if that makes sense. Thank you Mary for a great blog, yummy recipes and these fun giveaways! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! PS. I grew up in Ohio and I enjoy hearing that you love it there. It’s a great place to raise a family! I have since moved away but still love going home to see family!
Cheryl Garcia says
My planner was actually more full than normal. I live in the country and normally go to town every couple of weeks. This year I have written down everywhere I have gone so I have something memorable to recall where this year has gone. In the beginning of the year we had to go to town more frequently, just hoping to find the things we needed to be able to be prepared for the unknown. This is for sure one of the years we will never forget and will talk about for many more years.
Sharyl W says
Yes, my calendar was pretty bare. Eventually, I started back to work 2 -1/2 days a week. No social activities. Here’s hoping for a much better 2021.
Susan Christy says
My work calendar was full of virtual meeting reminders but my personal planner had no entries after March 12.
Annette says
I used mine most months for online appointment sessions.
Henriette Hall says
I sometimes think I need 13 Months……for a retired little
‘ole lady–I tend to keep this day-timer full and they are NOT
all Doctor appointments !!
Jenny says
The school calendar was all filled out for the year. Filled, but not checked off after March 13! Filled back up for September and October. Not so much these last two months! On the personal side, not much use on the old calendar in 2020…
Lisa says
Hi Mary,
My planner is also bare. However, I’m looking forward to a family reunion my sister and I are planning. Good Lord willing… it is something special to look forward to in July.
Have a Healthy Happy Holiday
Lisa O.
Sue Lamoreux says
I use my calendar every day of each month. Although looking back over the past 4-5 months my schedule is pretty bare due to all the cancelled events because of the pandemic. Still, I will continue to use a daily schedule for my sanity and punctuality.
Dawn Bentley says
I use about 9 months of my planner, but it’s very helpful for those nine months!
Cora Jones says
I used my calendar the most in 2020 to record people’s birthday & anniversary. On their special day, i would send them e-cards or mail them cards.
Janet Reinhart says
I used my planner every week! I record all the things my husband and I do so that I can remember what these days were like. Sometimes he makes fun of me keeping my paper calendar, but when I can see a whole week at a time, it’s just easier than looking at one day at a time on my phone. I’ve kept my planners for years and they’ve been very useful for good memories.
Carolsue says
Mine is full. Not that I do much, but there are a lot of things I need to write down so that I remember to do them — including birthdays, anniversaries, and so on.
Barbara Bailey says
I am really good at using my calendar and every day has an entry. I am self-employed and I keep all my hours and appointments on my calendar as well as notes about my garden and other things I might want info about at a later time. I have not always done this, but since I started I have been more efficient and can find info when I need it. I keep all my old calendars so I can look back when needed.
I really appreciate all you wonderful recipes and enjoy reading your blog. Best Wishes to you and your family.
kesha says
I usually use mine throughout the year for Birthday, Doctor appointments and Special Occasion reminders.