And here we are- my final blog post of 2024! As this year begins to wrap up and I find myself looking forward to family time and some rest, I am also thinking of you. I’m humbled by how many of you have been reading here for years upon years.
I started this blog in 2010 and somehow I’m still here writing almost 15 years later. Some of you have known me longer than many of my in-person friends and have continued to support and care for my family through ups, downs, and life changes. That is incredible to me, especially in today’s world of social media, algorithms, growing family demands, and distractions. I know how precious your time is and the fact that you still swing by and spend time with me means so much.
Have you been busy this week? We’ve been tying up loose ends around here as we prepare for family to arrive today. The girls helped bake cookies and make soups and chilis. I’ve been to the store a couple times. I’ve stocked the guest baths and double checked the menu and I think we are as ready as we’re going to be. C’mon Christmas, we are excited for you!
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Last night David and I sneaked in a date night. We’ve done this for a few years and when we can make it happen, we really enjoy the time for just us to chat and connect before the whirlwind of Christmas.
This year we went to Topsoil, a farm to fork restaurant in Travelers Rest that I’ve heard good things about, and it blew us away! It had delicious craft cocktails and creative mini plates with most ingredients being sourced from local farms. I need to go back when there is better natural light to capture all the goodness! The chef is a James Beard semi-finalist and it shines through his dishes. Highly recommend.
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As we settle into this time of year of reflection and gratitude, I am also thinking a lot about this space going into the new year. 2024 was a big year for transitions, many that I had to keep under wraps as we figured out things with David’s job, selling, building, etc. I am now, for the first time in a year, beginning to feel clearheaded and settled.
This is opening up mental space for things like planning and I have a lot of aspirations and hopes for 2025, many of them centered in my home. I want to make this house a cozy home. I want to start my garden. I want to get chickens. I want to be a fully present wife and mom. I want to reach for new health goals. I want to use my big camera more and write more. I want to test the waters and see if old school blogging can still be a thing in today’s world of instant social sharing. I’ll be noodling that over more in the next couple weeks.
But for now, I’m wishing you peace and joy. I hope this next week or two is filled with people you love, pets you cherish, moments you relish in, and maybe a few great nights of sleep as you recharge and reset for a wonderful 2025. I can’t wait to catch up with you in the new year! Merry Christmas <3
