Yesterday was particularly frantic around here. Finley wouldn’t eat her food in the morning or the afternoon, and got sick all over the driveway (though it was after a car trip, so in hindsight it very well could have been car sickness). Still, my new puppy mom nerves shot through the roof and I left the vet a message asking for advice.

I got Finley to nap and when she woke up… she was fine. Gobbled up her food, bounced around the yard, completely fine. When the vet called me back, I had to explain that I might have prematurely panicked. I know I found the right vet though because both he and the receptionist that followed up with me as well, were so kind, helpful, and understanding.

I started reading The Forever Dog yesterday, as Karen Becker’s work has been recommended to me multiple times. I knew this was the book I needed to read, as five years after losing Koda I finally switched from conclusion one to conclusion two: If I do this again, I will be wiser, I will know more, and I won’t let that happen again, at least not in the same way.

I’m several chapters in and I am finding it all very helpful. It reads like a modern health book for humans with focusing on healthspan over lifespan and proven ways to extend it. It’s very science-based and I’m finding myself nodding along, as many of the principles match my beliefs and understandings about optimal human health (what we eat, how we move, chemicals we are exposed to, the importance of community and relationships, etc).

I think my desire to do things differently this time around has added the extra craziness I feel during this puppy stage. I feel like the unsure new mom in many ways, but I’m figuring it out. Owning a pup sure has changed from the days when my Nannie and Pawpaw built a simple doghouse for their outside dog and she feasted on scraps.

OK, back to… it’s Friday! On the agenda we have a TKD belt test, a progressive dinner, and hopefully a lot of down time. We want to drive around and look at lights, make cookie dough to decorate with family, and rest up for the main event. Speaking of the main event, I wanted to share a couple things that are helping me feel ready for Christmas.

Get good coffee.

Or tea. Get a quality beverage of your choice! And if coffee is your jam, I have a brand you must try! (This is a sponsored shoutout, but the coffee is legit). has a warm aroma, flavorful taste and is from one of the greatest towns on earth… Charleston! Charleston Coffee Roasters is crafted by dedicated artisans to deliver the world’s finest coffees, and it shows… or should I say tastes? It’s truly delicious.

But don’t take my word for it, give them a try. Use the discount code “brittany” now through 1/8/22 for 20% off any order! I have also bought their coffee from our Costco, so be sure to check there, too.

Clear things out.

If you have a few moments, clean our the toy room or the kids’ bedrooms. You can box things up to donate and trash what needs to be trashed, but having some space to add things that Santa might bring will help that transition feel a little less overwhelming.

Also, clear out the pantry. It’s a great time to donate to the local food kitchen. It’s also a great time to eat the freezer and pantry to open up some space for Christmas foods if you’re hosting or cleaning out the fridge if you’re traveling.

Simmer some seasonal smell goods.

I received such a thoughtful gift from a child at our co-op. A bag filled with an orange, cranberries, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and pine sprigs. My mom would simmer this all the time at the holidays when I was growing up, so while it’s nothing new, having it all packaged up nicely made it easy for me to implement, and now I’m hooked. It makes the entire house smell amazing and makes it feel like home. Scent is so powerful, isn’t it?

Watch a Christmas movie.

I know movies aren’t everyone’s thing, but if you do enjoy a movie, force yourself to make it happen. And here’s what I’ve found is the important part: don’t multitask (present wrapping might be ok); just sit your butt down and watch it.

We’ve done this over the past week or two as a family and I’m so glad that when there is a funny part and the kids look at me to see if I saw it too, that I am looking back and laughing with them. It makes it feel like a connecting moment more than when I’m typically making a list or chopping something in the kitchen where I’m there but not really present.

Do something for you.

Not the kids. Not your spouse. For you.

I know this is a stretch because we all think, yeah, that’d be really nice but I have these bajillion things that actually have to get done. But we’re so busy making things magical for everyone, that we forget that we deserve enjoy this time, too.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate (though a massage would be fabulous if you can swing it). For me, it’s been making simple dinners from the freezer so there is more time for me to go on longer walks and contemplate what I want ’22 to bring. I’m craving a clear vision and some concrete goals.

How about you? How is the month going? What does this weekend bring for you?

Days Until Christmas: 8

Christmas Movies Watched: Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Home Alone 3, The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3, Just Friends (just me), The Polar Express, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Deck the Halls, Christmas Chronicles, Christmas Chronicles 2, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Christmas Vacation, Holidate (it was terrible and we turned it off after about 15 minutes), 8-Bit Christmas