Have you ever struggled to find the perfect gift, only to feel unsure whether the recipient will truly love it? I used to think I wasn't good at gift-giving, but over time I’ve realized that thoughtful gift-giving is less about perfection and more about paying attention to what truly matters. People have told me over the years, I am good at gift giving. I have told them I’m not, as soon as the compliment was given.  I have never thought I was good at it!  Recently, I have taken the time to think about the compliment and if I truly was a good gift giver?!  And the conclusion that I have arrived at was I am a good listener and remember-er which can lead to good gift giving.

One thing I’ve always relied on is my memory—not for schoolwork, but for the little details in life: movies lines, things that happened with friends and family, what I was wearing when something happened, and even special dates… you know, the fun stuff! This has become my secret weapon for thoughtful gift-giving.

The secret to giving meaningful gifts isn’t about the cost or size—it’s about listening. When someone casually mentions a favorite item or a need, it’s like they’re giving you a window into their world. And when you remember and act on that, it shows that you care about what matters to them. Around birthdays and Christmas, I take special note of things people mention.  I even start early in the year for people I see less.  And so I don’t forget it, I jot it down in a note on my phone and refer back to it when I need to find the perfect gift for that person.  This has become a very helpful and honestly, efficient way to gift give.  It keeps me from wasting time and money.

Small gestures, like surprising a coworker with their favorite Starbucks order or remembering a friend’s go-to treat, can brighten someone’s day. Keeping a note of their preferences allows you to show kindness in simple, everyday ways. This is another list I keep on my phone, that way I have it with me at all times. Imagine how special a friend feels when they get exactly what they love, and you remembered without having to ask!

Beyond just listening, another great way to make gift-giving personal is through homemade gifts. When you create something with your own hands, it adds a personal touch that store-bought gifts can’t match. However, it’s important to make sure the gift is useful as well as thoughtful.

 If you find yourself struggling to come up with ideas, digital gift lists can be a lifesaver. In our family, we’ve used apps like Elfster, where each person can list what they’d like. This way, we’re still able to keep gift-giving a surprise while making sure everyone gets something they will use.  Each person who makes a list can digitally “wish” for items and then the items can be marked purchased anonymously and without the wisher knowing. Anyone who is “your friend” on the site will get updates to your lists automatically.  We’ve done this for a few years for birthdays and Christmas and it’s been very easy.

As you gear up for the Christmas season, remember the best gifts come from the heart. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing love and thoughtfulness in the way you give. By being attentive to the little things and remembering what makes each person unique, you can find gifts that the people you love will truly enjoy. 

Failure is never the goal but sometimes it is the next best thing.  I usually describe myself as a perfectionist in certain areas of my life.  While I realize I am far from perfect it is often what I aim for when cooking, cleaning, organizing, gift wrapping, gift buying, decorating, and crafting.  I love to do things well and I love to find “hacks” to do things fun and creativly.  When I reorganize an area in my home better than it was before, I am often annoyed with myself that I didn’t think of that way in the first place!  However, I have to stop myself often, from going down a dangerous rabbit hole.  Most people will not even notice the little details.  In fact, they might not even notice the mistake you’ve made!  I’ve found this to be true over the years. And I can’t help but confess my mistakes and tell how I wished the project had gone instead of just letting others enjoy the alternate ending.  I’m working on that part!

I always treat hosting like an event in my home. Whether it’s super close friends or people that are coming for the first time.  I love to make them feel special.

Here are some of my go to moves to make people feel welcome and treated like they are special guests in my home.

When Planning the event, even if it’s just a small quiet dinner party of four, I love to go over the top.  Fresh flowers, special napkins (I am partial to paper napkins-more variety and easy clean up), place cards, and sometimes menus at each plate. If it is near a holiday, I will use that as the theme for the evening.  when communicating with the guests that are coming, I like to ask if they have any allergies or strong dislikes. There is nothing worse than showing up to someone’s home and they are serving something you don’t like to eat! But out of politeness you choke it down or even worse you don’t eat it and they worked so hard on it! I believe it is perfectly fine to say, “actually we don’t love fruit and Nichole doesn’t eat sea food.” Your host might be surprised at your candor, but I am always happy and thankful to make something they would prefer to eat!

If they have children, I like to run the menu by then and make sure there is something for them to eat. Having kids of my own I keep Mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets on hand for picky eaters. Especially if we are eating more sophisticated foods. Again, nothing worse than having cranky hungry complaining children at your house!

If we are hosting a large event I will check for allergies and share the menu with everyone. I will always have a child option too.  These events are usually holiday related and make decorating simple.

When hosting a very large party I have liked doing a “potluck” style dining. I will make a list of food and ask people to sign up for certain types of items so not to have repeats and to have enough of each type of food. For these types of gatherings, I stick to table decorations. They have the most impact.

Important things to keep stocked or to have on hand:

-Always have napkins! And have them out. 

I’ve been to plenty of lunches and dinners where I’ve had to ask for napkins and sometimes there are none in the house.

-Check your condiments before people come. You never know what people like when they eat!

-Stock your bathroom! Make sure there is a spare toilet paper roll accessible. Also have a clean hand towel.  It’s also nice to have a toilet spray or air freshener.

Hosting is different for everyone and should look a little different for who you’re hosting.  You’re not a restaurant you’re a home! Treat your guests with love and kindness! Going the extra mile is always appreciated. Happy hosting!

Here are some quick do’s and don'ts

Do - Tell your guests everyone who is attending. 

Don’t—Invite people without letting guests know who will be there when they show up. It’s awkward and can ruin the evening for your guests if they thought they were going to have your undivided attention.

Do - Allow your guests to bring something if they offer.  Even if it’s something small like some butter for the bread! 

Don’t - Ask them to bring something if they don’t offer.

Do - Make something your good at making or have practiced.

Don’t - Make something you’ve never made before! It’s never fun to test out something and be upset with what you’ve made.

Do - Start cooking earlier than you think you should! You can always heat it up!

Don’t - Wait until the last minute to cook and be away from your guests when they arrive. 

Do - Play music! Maybe make a play list!

Don’t - Make the music to loud.

Do - Put salt and pepper out!

Don’t - Over season your food.

Do - Clean up before you go to bed! You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Don’t - Let your guests help. 

When I was a little girl, I longed to play an instrument.  Any instrument really, but I wanted to be a musician.  I begged my grandmother to let me have a violin that hung on her wall.  I remember listening outside my grandparents’ door while they discussed it.  It was a no.  We did get a flute and I taught myself how to play with the help of my mother as she had played when she was younger.  I enjoyed the flute and played all the way into high school.  I took fife lessons with some friends in middle school.  That was fun at times, but the hot summer parades and oversized colonial costumes eventually became too much to bare!  So eventually around seventh grade I started taking piano lessons.  I loved it.  I was way behind for my age, but I caught up decently.  We had a keyboard for the first few years that was actually kept in my room, but we eventually got a second hand piano from a family in our church.  It wasn’t anything special, but it was a real piano!  I stopped taking lessons at the end of my senior year of high school.  I still play sometimes for fun, but I’m rusty.

So when I had my own kids I decided that I get to live vicariously through them (it’s a perk of having kids… Am I right parents?!)   I would have them take piano lessons at a young age and we would have a piano in our house!  We ended up with my husband’s family piano.  It was not in the best shape when it came into our home.  I decided I wanted to paint it to fit in with our home’s decor.  I researched how to do it and watched some videos.  Eventually I got the guts to do it.  I purchased the supplies and got to work.  It took me about a day to do it, but I was so happy with the transformation. As well as new paint I changed the key cover pull knobs.   It stayed this way for about 3 years.

 And then, I got even more gutsy and decided I would paint it blush pink.  And I LOVED IT EVEN MORE!!  It is just enough color to make it stand out but not so much that it is something I will tire of quickly.  It has been pink for about 3 years now and I have no plans to change it.

Finding old pieces and making them new is an amazing way to keep some charm in your space and sometimes save some money.  Also, a nice way to keep family furniture around but make it fit your space better.  Go find some fabulous furniture pieces and reclaim their beauty. 

Children take up a lot of space in your home! They need a lot and like to have a lot of things! Making sure their spaces are visually engaging and organized can be a good way to have them help maintain and take responsibility for their stuff.  Here are a few spaces in my home that I have tried to make kid friendly to make our home function more smoothly.

Entryway

Shortly after we moved in I removed the builder’s grade wire shelf and installed hooks at the children’s level.  Now, they can easily hang coats and bags.  We also have a few baskets for outdoor cold weather accessories such as hats and gloves so they can easily access them.  

Also, in this space I have hung weekly school schedules as needed and we have a large calendar so we always know what day it is.

Kitchen

Designating one cabinet for children’s items is a great way to have your children gain a little independence.  Being able to get their own water or help get a dish for snacks or a meal is a nice way for children to assist when your hands are full.  Selecting a lower cabinet for their stuff is ideal for safety.  I use the corner carousel cabinet that is tricky to store things in anyway.  I bought a few divided containers that fit that type of cabinet and they know exactly where their items are in the kitchen. Most importantly, they know where to put them away!

Playroom

We are blessed with the space to have a room that is just for toys. Unfortunately, this does not mean the toys stay in that room! But all the toys have a place there.  Having an organized toy area is so nice. Start with labeled bins to help the toys get back to where they belong.  If your children are too young to read, try putting a picture of what type of toy goes in that bin, it is a good way to label as well.  When it comes to toys LESS IS MORE. Don’t take hand-me-down toys unless you truly love them. Having a lot of toys is not necessary or always a good thing. It creates clutter and children become bored with items they have at home. 

When holidays or birthdays roll around, I love to do a purge of toys with my children so I look for opportunities to thin them out. AND I also purge without them! I encourage them to make room for new things and to consider what is not being used and what we could give away to friends or donate to others in need.  The process is not always easy and it might take a few days for them to get use to the idea, but they usually come around after some time of consideration.  If they don’t want to part with many items but I know they no longer play with them or have outgrown them, I will put them in our basement for a few weeks and if they do not ask for it then I know they are ready to actually get rid of those. 

Organize in engaging way

Arranging by color makes children’s spaces very fun.  Rainbow order is an easy way to arrange, and children know how to put things away. You can put any things in rainbow order.

Recognize that children love structure. Designate some spaces today to engage them and make them appealing for your children! See how it goes!

I love color! Although, my home and attire are not super evident of it, I am becoming more embolden with the idea of color. I’m mostly a neutral color girl with some color here and there. I love a neutral home with a pop of color in a throw pillow or even a chair that is easily changed when I grow tired of it.  Even adding just a little new paint can give you the feel of a new beginning in your  new surroundings.

However, I do love color. I also sort by color. I love to decide the color of items. I love to guess the color of things. I even have a game about color.

So when it comes to paint, I love a good accent wall!  It is easy to change and so fun to pick. If the thought of paint or even adding a splash of color scares you, here are a few tips to take that anxiety away. Also it’s just paint! It is easily covered with a few coats.

1. Take the time to really think what you want the room to feel like or say.  Do you want a calm retreat, a loud energetic room, or a room that is neutral and blends with the surrounding.  Did you know there has been research on how color effects your brain? How it makes you feel? Check out the chart to learn more.

2. Get paper samples from the store, once you narrowed it down to one color family, and hang them in the space you will be painting.  I know some people think green is green but there are greens with a little bit of blue tone and greens with more of a brown tone and a lot of other greens with other tones! Look at them in various lighting, also. Natural light, with the lamps and overhead lighting in the area.  It makes a difference.

 3. Once you narrow it down to a few, get small samples of actual paint and paint it on the actual wall. This step is scary to a lot of people. But if you do it correctly, by keeping the edges thin when applying, it’s no big deal! Promise!  BUT this step is vital! It really seals the deal. It helps you pick the perfect color and allows you to see exactly what it will look like on the wall and in the lighting in the room.  Don’t be afraid to do a decent size swatch, so you can see the color.  But don’t go to crazy, since you will have to cover it when you paint.

4. Follow up to step three.  Sand the edges of the sample areas painted. You can prime over them as well if they are dark colors.

5. Finally purchase the paint.  Don’t forget the sheen. Eggshell is my go to. Not to much shine. 

In the short, picking paint is simple.  But the process is necessary and helpful. Especially if you are unsure about taking the plunge into a bold color.  New paint for your home could be the new beginning you are looking for this year.

This issue I will be talking about phone organization and also preparing for the holidays. Specifically, for Christmas cards! The holiday seasons will be here before you know it, now is the time to start organizing to be prepared.

•Phone

How often have you needed an address while you are out and about? Or your sister has asked you for Aunt Mary’s address for holiday cards? Wouldn’t it be so nice to have them right at your fingertips? For years now I have been about to do just that. By keeping an address with each contact you have, you can too. Let’s get your phone contacts organized!

For years I have had my phone contacts organized and let me tell you it’s AMAZING. Also, so simple. This is the best time of year to do it with the holidays coming up. Here are some ways to beef up your contacts and make your life more convenient right at your fingertips.

1. Add address to contacts

2. Add Email address

3. Add Birthday (multiple if you desire. i.e. children)

4. Add any other important information you want/need to remember i.e. anniversary, favorite coffee drink, favorite place to shop

5. Even add social media names

•Compiling mailing list

I love sending Christmas cards. I start planning my card design a few months ahead of time as well as how I want the envelop to be addressed. I especially love when the stamps coordinate! I enjoy receiving Christmas cards too and especially when people add little details. I recognize all the effort and the thought that went into it. I do appreciate all the cards I get!

The best way to compile a mailing list for Christmas cards is by working from the cards you receive. However, I know that is not possible unless you saved every card from last year. Give yourself a grace year and start new this year. Make a list of people who are in your life on a regular basis, family members close and distant ones you know would enjoy hearing from you, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, church members… whoever you want to add. I save mine in a word document and update it each year. Throughout the year if I receive a letter with an address, I would like to send someone a Christmas card to. I save it to my contacts in my phone and refer to it while updating my list. This way I don’t have to ask them for it again.

•Compiling hand delivery list

I prefer to mail all of my Christmas cards. However, I know that is foolish sometimes. For example, why would I mail my neighbors cards when I can walk or drive them to their boxes? Also, my church, and I’m sure many others, have mailboxes for just such purposes. Since I do put thought into designing an envelope, I will address the ones that I hand deliver, too. Just for that special touch.

Take joy in your card! Whether it has a family photo on it or is a store-bought card, make it beautiful with presentation.

Be sure to mail in a timely manner. I like to send them out the 1st of December. I prefer the cards arrive in December. Also, early enough for everyone to enjoy! But I know November and December are VERY busy for most people and everyone has different priorities. So, if your card is getting pushed to the later weeks of December or even after Christmas, consider a New Year’s greeting card! No shame in that! Be unique! I promise you the time and effort of inputting your contacts address and even email address will be well worth it. Take this life changing step today and start those Christmas card lists today to make your holiday season fun and efficient!

 Creating a beautiful holiday surrounding doesn’t mean you have to fill your home with tons of things or buy a lot of stuff to have an amazing time.  Instead, focus on a few areas in your home and make them look amazing and, furthermore, focus on time and traditions with your family.

Thanksgiving

Let’s start with the forgotten holiday… Thanksgiving.  *Cue Soapbox Rant* It’s very discouraging to me that Thanksgiving has been so overlooked and turned so commercial. As a Christian, I believe it should be a time to think about all our blessings and thank God for them. *End rant* In our home, we have a “thankful poster” that we make and put up each year.  It is just a blank poster with the word “Thankful” at the top.  We each have a different color pen and starting November 1st through Thanksgiving Day we all write down one thing we are thankful for.  It can be something simple like a nice day or it can be more serious like your health.  Being thankful in the small things is when you start to realize just how blessed you truly are!  We usually take time to do this before or after dinner and it is not time consuming at all. 

Christmas

Keep it simple!  Christmas is where “less is more” is key.  I think a simple thought-out Christmas is a well-done Christmas. 

Decorations

Choose a few areas you want to focus on, decorating wise, and make them amazing.  Rather than doing everything halfway.  If having a lot of decorations is important to you, start slow and building up your collection over time.

Traditions

Every family has traditions and making them beautiful is a nice way to incorporate decorations into your home as well (if/when possible).  Our family has an advent calendar that has changed forms over the years, but the tradition has stayed the same.  Our children look forward to it each year.  Here are a few more traditions that can be made beautiful and are simple:

· Making cookies (fun to deliver to friends and neighbors as well so you don’t eat them all yourself!),

· Making gingerbread houses (many places sell kits for ease of assemble and enjoyment),

· Writing Christmas cards (don’t feel like you must send cards to every person you have ever met. Simplify your list), and

· Hosting family & friend dinners (having a beautiful table and meal while spending time with your loved ones is so simple and beautiful in and of itself).

 New Year’s Eve

Saying so long to the past year and looking forward to the year ahead, while not entirely necessary, is a great way to spend time celebrating with loved ones. Keeping it simple with a small group of close friends or family is a guaranteed way to have a good night. 

Keeping the Night Simple

· A beautiful table setting and a few simple decorations.

· A delicious dinner and dessert.  It can be homemade, potluck, or ordered in.

· Games are a fun way lead up to the big moment!

The key to the holidays is to keep it simple and connect with family.  Don’t go overboard with stuff and things.  It is great to make your home look nice but remember that it is okay to be different.  There are plenty of ways to stress during these times, so be sure to step back and remember what is important during these holidays.

Thanksgiving

Remember how God has continually blessed us above and beyond what we need

Christmas

Remember that Jesus was born to save us from our sins—for eternity!

New Year’s Eve

Remember to start off the new year with hope and celebrate with the ones you love

 I love to entertain, in fact a weekend without some form of it at our home is rare.  Hosting, birthday parties, baby showers, sporting events, award shows, outdoor gatherings in the summer, and a nice dinner followed by games are a few ways that we frequently host! With social distancing winding down and people starting to gather more often, I’d like to offer some advice to hosting a beautiful and thoughtful dinner party.

These steps are some of my go to’s

The menu

Whether you’re having a sit-down formal dinner, cookout, or snacks with games it’s important to get the food correct.  Food can be the driving force behind your event.  It might be what someone remembers the most from your event!  So, it deserves proper time and effort.

· My number one rule is to check with your guests for allergies and dislikes. I started adding dislikes in this category because I have been put in some tricky situations with food I will not eat. So, I decided it is better to ask this question and find out ahead of time then after you’ve put in the hard work of deciding what to make, shopping for the food, preparing the food, and presenting the food, only to learn they don’t like said food.

· Next, going with something in season is always a safe and easy option. With the warmer weather coming, the grill is a great way to go.

· Appetizers are not always required but are appreciated if you’re having a late dinner.

· Choose sides that complement your main dish.

· Followed by dessert. Dessert is also a great way to go seasonal. Fresh berries and cream or even s’mores if you’re having an outdoor dinner.

· If your guest offers to bring something a side dish or some bread are nice options for them to bring. Remember no one likes to come empty handed so it is nice to let guest help with part of the meal.

The setting

An aesthetically pleasing setting is everything to me.  I love to be in beautiful surroundings and to go above and beyond to make a setting beautiful and memorable.

Fresh flowers are a super simple way to improve the appearance of your table.

Napkins are one of my favorite ways to tie in a theme. And if you want to take it to the next level place cards with your guest’s name on them are certainly impressive. Or if you’re having a more intimate dinner candles are perfect.

· Be sure to think about food placement when you use a centerpiece or decorate the table. If you wish to keep it in place during the whole meal, leave space for the food and think about the height of the items on the table. You don’t want to block people’s faces.

· If you have an elaborate set up and wish to keep it in place the whole time, then a buffet set up in the kitchen or on a side table is a good way to keep your masterpiece in place.

The entertainment 

No one likes a boring party! Be creative and have fun!

· Conversation is key at a dinner party. Usually, you have invited people you know well or people you want to get to know so conversation flows easily.

· However, if you are having guests that you don’t know well or are obligated to have, I suggest going over topics with your spouse in advance in case the conversation lags.

· If you are with close friends, games are a great way to have some post dinner fun! Games can be played with new acquaintances just be aware of the type of game and be gracious. Some fun group games are guestures, fishbowl, charades, and Pictionary.

· If you’re feeling ambitions, you could kick it up a notch and have a karaoke night, or even a murder mystery party.

Children

Children deserve their own category in my opinion. They are very dear to their parents and should be given special treatment when they are brought to occasions. Having had children of my own, I have held on to some important items to be accommodating to guest when they come.

· A highchair is usually helpful (just a strap onto the seat kind. Also, easy storage)

· Plastic cups and plates, and a pack n play for those who wish to stay later than bedtime or for afternoons.

· Even a few toys can come in handy for active little ones who are interested in your home decor!

Comfort

Going into a new environment is not always a comfortable experience for everyone.  Even being social is not enjoyable for all.  So, making every guest as comfortable as possible, is the best way to be hospitable.

· Make your guest feel welcome.

· Make sure they know where their personal items can be kept if they need to be stored away from the main area.

· Show them where the bathroom is, which should be stocked with extra rolls of toilet paper and an air freshener of some kind is always thoughtful.

· Offer them a drink shortly after arriving and appetizers if they’re available.

· Be sure to make introductions to all who do not know each other.

· No matter how many times someone has been to your home, continuing to welcome and serve them is a class move.

How to play FISHBOWL

· Supplies

· 3-4 Pens

· Slips of Papers

· A Container to hold Paper

· A Timer

Each person playing the game writes names on the slips of paper. It an eb historical, famous, or even people in the room! Just be sure most people will know who it is. Put all the sips in the bowl. Then you will split into two teams and play 3 rounds.

Round one

Taboo.  Describe the person without saying any part of the name

You will remove any duplicate names and put all the slips back in the container to start round two.

Round two

Password.  Use only one word to get your team to say the name. BUT the first guess is your team’s guess!  So don’t just blurt out a name.

Put all the names back in the container for round three.

Round three

Charades. Using no words or sounds, act out the name on the slip of paper.

Each round you will set a timer for 1 Minuet. Be sure to keep track of how many each team gets correct; this will be how score is kept. Have Fun!