A bit of life lately, the holiday edition.
Merry Merry!
Thomas and I just got back from the Homestead resort celebrating his birthday. I’ll have the recap of all the spa things we did later this week! In the meantime, here’s a bit of this and that.
Veritas Illuminated
Veritas Vineyards invited me out to share the Veritas Illuminated Light Show they have again this holiday season. In addition to a beautiful trail of lights, you can enjoy food and wine (including hot cocoa) in the tasting room while you warm up by the roaring fire! I went with a group on a Sunday evening, and we had a grand old time. If you want to read about the details, see the food menu, and/or buy tickets, click here. There are open dates around Christmas still available.
The Brothers
Mazen made Star Wars blue milk for B!
This year, I started what I call our “Giving Program” where each month the boys have money to spend on a cause. After years of having donations auto draft from my credit card, I realized that while that was very convenient, the boys weren’t seeing it happen. So, we started the Giving Program so they could give input into where we donate and help pick out gifts and goods. We went to the grocery store together to buy supplies for hurricane Helene families and dropped them off at ACAC earlier this year. This month sponsored kids from the ACAC angel tree. They each picked out a tag for a child their age, and we went to Alakazam to pick gifts. Super props to Alakazam for their free gift wrap, making it so easy to take the gifts back to the tree at ACAC!
In other news, Mazen has one thing on his Christmas list and made a powerpoint to share it. I think I’m only about 10% willing to get a hedgehog, but if any hedgehog families want to chime in to the comments, please do!
New Finds
My mom gifted this book to Birch last year, and it is so cute! Where’s Waldo, personalized.
Also, PSA for any parents of Star Wars lovers. These Hanna Anderson undies are so cute!
My kitchen is sporting some red and green this year thanks to Geometry!
Meet Olive Rose
Olive Rose has launched! This is Oliveda’s new Skin Tint Serum. As a mix of skincare and makeup, it features the main antioxidant ingredient in all Oliveda products: hydroxytyrosol, plus hyaluronic acid. It is also formulated without any water, so it doesn’t run off with sweat.
I really love this skin tint! It is on the liquid-y side like Ilia and Daybird. It goes on very smoothly and doesn’t settle into lines. The coverage is great. I tend to use a little more than other brands for a more buildable coverage. I love that it has anti-inflammatory properties and is free of fragrance, alcohol, silicone, sulphates, parabens, and EU allergens. I am wearing shade 5. Take the shade finder quiz here!
Mirror Mirror On The Wall
Mazen got a new mirror in his room! You know, to put on his cologne and check his hair 😉
Friendsmas
Our friend Fabi was in a Latin dancing showcase with the UVA Salsa Club in November, and of course we showed up to cheer him on! He was the MC for the evening and also in some of the dances.
The costume changes were impressive!!
Also, one Saturday morning so many people were wearing all black! Had to document the occasion. It was especially cool when we did our moves in sync!
Kath Eats Real Food
Playa Bowls hit differently when it’s 30 degrees outside, but still enjoyed this lunchtime bowl with Ellen!
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- Blue Apron Gnocchi
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- Sunday Brunch
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- Egg with Peanut Noodles
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- Sardines!!!!!
Laura says
We got a short-haired male Syrian hamster in July, and it’s been a great experience for my kids (12 and 6). He was timid at first, and nipped a few times, but now he’ll let us pick him up and he sits in our laps, walks up and down our legs and arms, and is very comfortable being held. My 12-year old is in charge of cleaning his cage every 5 days. He uses a pretty quiet wheel at night, but he’s in our playroom so it doesn’t disturb anyone’s sleep. I got a large furniture-like cupboard with a cage on top that he lives in. It’s spacious and he seems happy. From my end, I pay for his food, bedding, and play with him when I feel like it, and that’s it. Exactly what I can handle right now in the pet department!
Kath Younger says
Thanks for sharing all these details!
Elizabeth Lauren McGrady says
Guinea pigs! We inherited two last year, and they’re super easy to keep, snuggly, and surprisingly cute. We’ve not had any issues with biting or meanness. They need hay and pellets and vitamin c supplements, but they’re low maintenance and as long as they have each other, they don’t need tons of human interaction (although they’re good with that, too). Ours were free (needed rehoming) and came with all their gear … And even lots of food. You can probably find a similar situation in your area. We keep them in our finished basement and my 9 year old cares for them. I help her clean the cage weekly.
Kath Younger says
I had a friend with one growing up – they are so cute! Thanks for sharing.
Katy says
How are your pottery barn stools wearing that you bought for your center island? I am contemplating buying some. But am wondering about the quality. If you didn’t buy those are there some others you like the look of? You have good style. Me not so much. 😉
Kath Younger says
They are great!! My parents might get them too. Very sturdy and no signs of wear. Easy to wipe clean which was a huge priority for me!
Laura says
Hedgehogs are great pets! I had one on two separate occasions as a kid. They are super cute and not particularly smelly (unlike a lot of other small pets). They can even swim a little bit which is adorable! I’d recommend them!