It's hard to believe that the holiday season has come and gone. It seems like just yesterday that I was planning my Halloween costume, defrosting my Thanksgiving turkey and wrapping Christmas presents. Time flies when you are having fun and Brian and I certainly had a lot of fun in 2018.
The last 11 days in Seattle were wonderful, but not without a bit of drama. We had a sewer line break on Christmas Eve which was not a whole lot of fun. Thankfully, it was repaired and we limped into the New Year with even more gratitude for what life can bring you when you least expect it and how to handle the chaos when it happens (something I am not good at, but trying to improve on. Thank God for Brian's resilience).
No resolutions for me this year. Just more lists, which I enjoy making. More wants and less needs. More hugs and less tears. Time to travel to see friends and family or places that we have never been too (or places we have seen millions of times). Time to listen before speaking. Time each day to ask yourself the question, "what did I do today that made today special". Remembering gratitude, just like you remember to take the garbage out on Wednesdays. It shouldn't be something that you have to search for. Live like you just have today, because we all know how quickly things can change.
Breathe, stretch, pause and reflect. Move forward (but just move). Don't give into anger or fear. Don't take things personally, and make your word impeccable. It's okay to be wrong, everyday is a chance to learn something new. Read more books (my goal is 25 this year) and listen to more music. Dance alone. Wear sunscreen! Face your face with good soap and wear comfortable shoes. Smile and say hello. Remember that you have no idea what someone is going through so try and always be kind. Practice the art of being silent and remember to have patience.
Be yourself and honor your feelings and above all else be happy and love.
Much Love,
Stacy
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Saturday, December 22, 2018
On Christmas Vacation!
Thank you for taking the time all throughout the year to stop by and read our blog.It gives me tremendous joy to share part of our lives with you. From recipes and menu planning to old family photos and stories, the weeks are made memorable through the gift of sharing.
I'll be taking some time off from the blog until after the first of the year, but I promise to post a full wrap up of our Christmas week and activities.
Please follow me on Instagram for pictures throughout the holidays.
sdarebrady
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Much Love,
Stacy
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
50/52: Enchant(ed)
After a terrible storm hits the North Pole, Santa wakes up to find all of his reindeer are lost inside Enchant, a hidden pocket of invisible magic. Inside the world's largest Christmas light maze, Enchant invites you to explore and help Santa find his nice missing reindeer in time to save Christmas.
We found them all, thus saving Christmas. Thanks!
Enjoy!
Stacy
We found them all, thus saving Christmas. Thanks!
Enjoy!
Stacy
Pulled Pork Sliders
Friday, December 14, 2018
Old Photo Friday: Crowe Family Christmas 1980
WHO: Lowell Crowe, Evan Crowe and Nick Manley
WHERE: E. 27th Street in Eugene, OR
WHEN: Christmas Eve, 1980 (best guess)
Bittersweet memories. Lowell and Evan have both been gone for many years as is the family matriarch, Wilma who passed away at the age of 100 a few months ago. Little Nick is married with two daughters of his own.
No Christmas Eve was complete without a visit to Evan and Wilma's (my father's second family). I get goose bumps when I think of the year that our good friend Sten, dressed up like Santa Claus and in the middle of the Christmas Eve celebrations...threw open the front door, let out a loud, "ho ho ho", handed Nick a Christmas presents and disappeared.
You see.... in the end, all we are left with are the memories of love, joy, family and friendships. These are closest to our hearts at Christmas Time.
Enjoy!
Stacy
Labels:
Christmas,
Family,
Old Photo Friday
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
49/52: All things Merry and Bright in Seattle
Friday Night date night at Katie Downs in Tacoma. Cheers to the weekend and a yummy Hawaiian Burger!
Festive decorations fill our home, which make me very Merry!
Saturday evening in Seattle spent with friends spreading holiday cheer. I always love seeing the space needle all lit up.
Enjoy!
Stacy
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
48/52: It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
The holidays are in full swing.
Celebrations and decorations!
I went to Brew Lights at the Oregon Zoo last Wednesday and had a blast! Beautiful lights and a dry evening made sipping wine/ciders and brews in the zoo a memorable evening. A must do Christmas activity for anyone who loves lights! The highlight of the evening was my 8 minutes zoo train ride. The last time I was on the zoo train I was three year's old.
Brian and I started off welcoming December officially, last Friday night at 13 coins. We had a lot to be thankful for as we reached a milestone in our business that deserved a cheers and a nice glass of sparkling wine.
Saturday we picked out our Christmas tree, but I struggled with a neck and back issue which kept me immobile and in some pain most of the rest of the weekend.
We managed to find the most perfect Fraiser Fir at Home Depot and decorate most of the house on Saturday evening.
Luckily, I flew home from Seattle on Sunday afternoon which cut my normal travel time in half. I treated myself to a 10 minute chair massage which made my neck/back feel 100 times better.
We flew over a sun capped Mt. St. Helens on route to Portland, which was stunning.
Our weather turns clear and cold this week. More holiday happens on the way!
Enjoy!
Stacy
Celebrations and decorations!
I went to Brew Lights at the Oregon Zoo last Wednesday and had a blast! Beautiful lights and a dry evening made sipping wine/ciders and brews in the zoo a memorable evening. A must do Christmas activity for anyone who loves lights! The highlight of the evening was my 8 minutes zoo train ride. The last time I was on the zoo train I was three year's old.
Brian and I started off welcoming December officially, last Friday night at 13 coins. We had a lot to be thankful for as we reached a milestone in our business that deserved a cheers and a nice glass of sparkling wine.
Saturday we picked out our Christmas tree, but I struggled with a neck and back issue which kept me immobile and in some pain most of the rest of the weekend.
We managed to find the most perfect Fraiser Fir at Home Depot and decorate most of the house on Saturday evening.
Luckily, I flew home from Seattle on Sunday afternoon which cut my normal travel time in half. I treated myself to a 10 minute chair massage which made my neck/back feel 100 times better.
We flew over a sun capped Mt. St. Helens on route to Portland, which was stunning.
Our weather turns clear and cold this week. More holiday happens on the way!
Enjoy!
Stacy
Labels:
Brian,
Celebration,
Christmas,
Decorating,
Decorations,
Stacy,
Travel,
Wine
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Christmas Day!
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is Christmas Day!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is Christmas Day!
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Christmas Eve
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day Christmas Eve!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day Christmas Eve!
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Day Twenty-Three
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day twenty three and today's question/topic is:
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day twenty three and today's question/topic is:
A season of cheer with dear friends far and near
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Day Twenty-One
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day Twenty-One and today's question/topic is:
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day Twenty-One and today's question/topic is:
Favorite Christmas Poem, Story or Reading
Wrapped was the world in slumber deep,
By seaward valley and cedarn steep,
And bright and blest were the dreams of its sleep;
All the hours of that wonderful night-tide through
The stars outblossomed in fields of blue,
A heavenly chaplet, to diadem
The King in the manger of Bethlehem.
Out on the hills the shepherds lay,
Wakeful, that never a lamb might stray,
Humble and clean of heart were they;
Thus it was given them to hear
Marvellous harpings strange and clear,
Thus it was given them to see
The heralds of the nativity.
In the dim-lit stable the mother mild
Looked with holy eyes on her child,
Cradled him close to her heart and smiled;
Kingly purple nor crown had he,
Never a trapping of royalty;
But Mary saw that the baby's head
With a slender nimbus was garlanded.
Speechless her joy as she watched him there,
Forgetful of pain and grief and care,
And every thought in her soul was a prayer;
While under the dome of the desert sky
The Kings of the East from afar drew nigh,
And the great white star that was guide to them
Kept ward o'er the manger of Bethlehem.
By seaward valley and cedarn steep,
And bright and blest were the dreams of its sleep;
All the hours of that wonderful night-tide through
The stars outblossomed in fields of blue,
A heavenly chaplet, to diadem
The King in the manger of Bethlehem.
Out on the hills the shepherds lay,
Wakeful, that never a lamb might stray,
Humble and clean of heart were they;
Thus it was given them to hear
Marvellous harpings strange and clear,
Thus it was given them to see
The heralds of the nativity.
In the dim-lit stable the mother mild
Looked with holy eyes on her child,
Cradled him close to her heart and smiled;
Kingly purple nor crown had he,
Never a trapping of royalty;
But Mary saw that the baby's head
With a slender nimbus was garlanded.
Speechless her joy as she watched him there,
Forgetful of pain and grief and care,
And every thought in her soul was a prayer;
While under the dome of the desert sky
The Kings of the East from afar drew nigh,
And the great white star that was guide to them
Kept ward o'er the manger of Bethlehem.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Day Twenty
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day twenty and today's question/topic is:
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day twenty and today's question/topic is:
What is your favorite local Christmas play, musical performance or activity?
This year we got to see two great holiday performances.
The first was in Tigard, OR at the Broadway Rose Theater. The ensemble cast performed the Holiday Hit Parade. In an old forgotten hotel, ghosts of Christmas music past materialized to perform anew the classics of the 40's, 50's and 60's.
The second was at the Greenlake Theater in Seattle. The Flight before Christmas tells the tale of spending Christmas Eve stranded at the airport. It was a heartwarming new holiday show about finding your way home and the family we discover in ourselves.
Then a yummy dinner at the Greenlake Alehouse!
Then a yummy dinner at the Greenlake Alehouse!
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Blogmas 2017 - 25 Days of Christmas/Day Nineteen
Welcome to BLOGMAS 2017 an added bonus to the weekly VLOGMAS on my YouTube channel!
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day nineteen and today's question is:
These December posts are going to be all about Christmas. I'll answer a questions, post a picture and discuss something "Christmasy". Please feel free to leave your answer in the comments below.
Today is day nineteen and today's question is:
Do you have a favorite Christmas Cocktail?
I just made this up a few days ago as I am a complete nut regarding Egg Nog. Did you know you can freeze an unopened half gallon of egg nog in your freezer to have next summer?
Here you go.....
Egg Nog Martini
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon sugar
1 candy cane, smashed in a plastic bag until very fine
ice
1 cup egg nog
1 jigger vodka or rum
small candy canes, garnish
Directions:
On a small oval dish, mix together the sugar and the candy cane. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (I like one whole ice cube and 1 ice cube smashed with the back of a spoon so you have shards of ice in your shaker), egg nog, rum.
Shake well!
Wet the rim of your martini glass with water, turn upside down and set in the sugar candy cane mix until your entire rim is lined with sugar and candy cane.
Turn your glass right side up and fill it up to the top with the egg nog mix.
Garnish with candy canes and BOTTOMS UP!
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