And all through the house, every creature was stirring (and there better not be a mouse)! The stockings were piled in a heap on the floor; in hopes that no one would notice the whole house was a mess. The children were complaining of nothing to do; while visions of them cleaning danced through my head.
Poet, I’m not. Oh, well, it never was on my bucket list.
Did You Get Everything You Wanted?
I did. Since all I truly wanted was a nice quiet Christmas with my family in a clean and orderly house. And to spend the day lounging, watching movies, relaxing and generally doing whatever each of us wanted; all my dreams came true.
On Christmas Eve Eve (aka December 23rd) around 8 pm, we finished our annual “just before we have a party home improvement project.” By 11 pm that night, we had done a considerable amount of cleaning of the mess the rest of the house had fallen into.
Christmas Eve, we finished cleaning up and getting the house ready for company. We were ready BEFORE people arrived! A Christmas miracle.
Then Christmas morning, we had fun with the kids, lounged around in jammies, ate our traditional Chrismas breakfast. And dinner was exactly what the kids requested… on paper plates so no one had to do the dishes!
Unwrapped
I was excited to finally get an instant pot!
For the past few months, I’ve been considering one. At first, I wasn’t sure it was worth it; I love my crock pot and wasn’t sure it was really worth it. I put the food in before work, and it’s ready when I get home. Not seeing how this was going to really “change my life,” I stopped looking into them.
Around the beginning of the month, a few friends got into a discussion about instant pots on Facebook. My interest peaked again. “Just do it,” my friends said. “Try it, you’ll like it,” they said.
Wow, peer pressure sure has changed since being a teenager.
I caved. When I saw a great deal on an 8-quart Power Pressure Cooker XL, I informed Ironfish it was what he was getting me. The biggest selling feature to me was using it for canning. My mom and I enjoy hitting her local farm stands and canning when I visit in the summer. Hopefully, she won’t mind too much when I bring this with me next summer.
Seriously, the peaches we canned in July, are just as good now. I should know, I’m finishing off a jar as I type.
Tasha is my little chef. I’m anxious to try some recipes in my new pressure cooker instant pot. I have a few recipes on my short list.
Surprises
I’m one of those moms who ends up stuffing their own stocking and wrapping their own gifts. Usually, things I’ve picked up while getting things for others. Things I know would be handy or that I like that I might not otherwise buy. So I often have a good idea of what is in every present before it’s unwrapped.
Occasionally, IronFish or my mom or sisters will surprise me. IronFish and I spent the past 2 weeks working on home improvement projects together. He frequently said, “if that’s what you want, then that’s what you’ll get.” Which is more than enough of a Christmas present for me!
I was pleasantly surprised by my youngest sister who got me a beautiful essential oil diffuser necklace from Tin Lizzie Apothecary. JuneBug also received one. I now need to get one for Tasha, she opened mine and until I talked to my sister, we hadn’t realized it was for me and not her! Yep, mean mom moment, I snagged it from her!
I’m new to essential oils, only recently starting to use them. My friend Michelle, has been a bit help in getting me started. We’ve been trying different ones slowly since Tasha is allergic to so many things.
IronFish used to enjoy burning scented candles in his home office when he worked. Unfortunately, that had to go when we realized how they were affecting Tasha. As a replacement she got him LED candles and I got him a diffuser for essential oils. Between the essential oils, the cooking food, and the fireplace, our house smelled wonderful.
Of course, the best surprises we saved for the kids. The girls are going on a trip together with my sister and O-Man finally got an X-Box. We enjoyed tricking him by giving him the empty box with a picture of our elf, Elfis, holding the controllers. At first, he thought it meant he had to wait until next year to get the X-Box!
Day After Christmas Sale
I’m not fond of the craziness at the stores for all the after Chrismas sales. December 26th is another lay low day in my world. But, I did happen to see Etsy has a promotion. Spend $50 on a purchase, get $10 for your next one. (Only valid December 26-27th 2016).
Secret
I’ll be sharing a link to a great bundle offer that includes not only an instant pot e-cookbook, but several others for gluten free, Paleo, whole foods and even canning! I am loving everything in this. Want to sign up here for notification as soon as it’s available?
A bundle of 83 resources to make healthy living easier and more enjoyable. I know it’s something I’m always striving towards. Resolutions aren’t something I usually make, but I do enjoy the feel of a fresh start that the new year brings.
Oh, and those resources will be 98% off!
And if you’re getting into essential oils like we are, there is a second offer for $400 worth of essential oils resources for 92% off.
But, it’s only going to be going on for 2 days… Wednesday the 28th to Thursday the 29th of December, 2016. That’s why I’m giving you the heads up. Sign up for notification or be sure to stop back here and follow me on social media to take advantage of this offer.
Your Turn
Did you get everything you wanted this holiday season? Will you be hitting the stores for the day after Christmas sales? What was your favorite gift, to give or get?
