Monday Musings No. 41

Monday Musings No. 41, what I read, watched, and found this weekend. 

Good Monday Morning musings friends. How was your weekend? We started out strong and ended with a whimper. Friday we had cocktails with a friend, Saturday we went to a “happy hour” party and came home at 11:30. By Sunday we were worn out so we spent the day doing chores and catching up on things.

Monday Musings  + 5 Things

October is the New December

I received an email this week and the title was “October is the new December” and that is so true. Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier each year, the Christmas ‘spirit” arrives in the stores in August and honestly by September I am getting antsy for the holidays.

I start making Christmas wreaths and diy gifts as early as possible, not only so that I can use them in my decor, but also so that I can ship my packages in late November.

Lately my inbox has been flooded with sales for Christmas, Target has daily deals from now until Back Friday. Amazon announced another set of Prime Days, you can shop the early deals today. I saw my first Christmas commercial last week.

Commercialism and money have a lot to do with it, that is obvious. But I think there is more to it than that. Maybe people need the boost and happiness that Christmas brings because the world is so depressing?

Let’s face it, the last few years have been pretty tough on the world, if a few Christmas baubles or putting up your tree lifts your mood and makes you happy, I say bring on the lights and tinsel!

You can read more about the effects of Christmas on mood, here and here.

What are your thoughts?

Now, onto 5 things.

 5 Things

Read

Luncheon of the Boating Party

With her richly textured novels, Susan Vreeland has offered pioneering portraits of artists’ lives. As she did in Girl in Hyacinth Blue, Vreeland focuses on a single painting, Auguste Renoir’s instantly recognizable masterpiece, which depicts a gathering of Renoir’s real friends enjoying a summer Sunday on a café terrace along the Seine. Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models, the novel illuminates the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era. With a gorgeous palette of vibrant, captivating characters, Vreeland paints their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs so vividly that “the painting literally comes alive” (The Boston Globe).

You can find all of my book recommendations here, in my Amazon shop. 

Watched

Murder on the Orient Express

Are you an Agatha Christie fan? Me too! This weekend I rewatched Murder on the Orient Express and enjoyed it just as much as the first time I watched. It is free on Prime Video if you have Amazon Prime.

Remember if you have Amazon Prime that there are many more benefits than shipping, you can watch Prime Video, listen to Prime Music(misic and podcasts) and have access to books and magazines on Prime Reading, among other benefits.

Finds

I am trying so hard not to add everything plaid to my shopping cart this Christmas, I did not succeed when it came to these adorable mugs. 

At my house hot chocolate is served daily, this is one of my favorites that I stock up on to have all year long.

Love this hands free waist bag, perfect for phones and money and nothing else.

It is National Handbag Day, who knew? I have my eye on this cross body bag. 

How cute is the baguette ornament? Add the glass of wine and the wedge of cheese ornaments to a box and gift them to a friend or family member or add them to your own tree.

Need a cute, affordable doormat? This gingerbread house is $14.99!

Links

Coffee lovers, tell me, are these 8 things that you add to your coffee?

From Bone Broth to Fire Cider, Sip Your Way to A Healthier Immune System

Are Vegetarians Twice As Depressed As Meat Eaters?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About How the NY Times Book Review Works

How Millenials Killed the Guest Room

Generation Amazing!!! How We’re Draining Language of Its Power

Last Minute Halloween Decorating Ideas

Don’t forget to order your Elizabeth Floyd  2023 calendars. 

How to make the best cinnamon rolls. 

Love the 12 scents of christmas. 

I love classic styles in the Fall and winter, and this skirt and coat are stylish pieces you will wear again and again, not only this year but next year and the year after.

Signature Style? What are you wearing this season?

Are you shopping Target Deals? I bought this throw, 

5. Just in case you missed Weekend Meanderings

Saturday I joined Juliet and Kim for our weekly series, weekend meanderings. I shared Morris & Co. wallpaper, My Tiny Estate and Saving the Manor, as well as, scarves, advent calendars and more.

It is never too early to start checking things of of your holiday list, many of the popular ones sell out early, including this one.

If you want to DIY a calendar, I’ve included some easy examples including, 24 books wrapped to read with your children or grandchildren in the days leading up to Christmas.

I made one for my mom this year with 24 wrapped books, some Christmas and the others, books she will enjoy, they are waiting patiently to be shipped to arrive on December 1st.

If you missed any of the weekend meanderings posts, you can find them here.

UNTIL TOMORROW

I hope that you had a lovely weekend and that you found something on Monday Musings that piqued your interest. If you have the day off for Columbus Day enjoy.

Take care and thank you for spending part of your day with me. You can also follow me on  Instagram and Facebook to see daily stories and life at home with my pups who make frequent appearances.

Or subscribe to the blog so that you do not miss a thing!

This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a commission.

Related Posts:

• 

  15 Easy Tips to Live and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• 

  15 Great Books to Give for Any Occassion

• 

  David Harbour and Lily Allen's Town House, Plain…