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Happy Birthday to me, 10 lessons learned this year, Scandinavian Christmas Decor, and more on Weekend Meanderings.
Good Saturday morning friends!
Today I am joining Kim and Juliet for weekend meanderings, our weekly series of things that caught our eye, piqued our interest, adventures, style, life and so much more.
It is another gray, rainy day. We have had so many storms this week looking out the window it is a wonderland of pine needles. They are falling from the trees like snow and giving me the thatched cottage that I always wanted!
Last night we had friends for dinner and today we are having a quiet birthday celebration.
Let’s get to it and meander!
Weekend Meanderings
Happy Birthday to Me
Today I am 56, it feels strange writing that because I always feel as if I am 28. This year has been busy, and slow and in limbo and moving fast all at the same time. We have stopped and started and finished home projects and just this week hung our first piece of art since we moved in.
My life has felt as if it was under construction this year as well. After 13 years in VA, we moved to NC and started over with a new house, town, doctors, dentist, and friends. I don’t know about you but change gets to be more and more of a challenge the older I get.
Every year I like to sit and reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and this one is no different. You can read all of the birthday posts from the last 10 years here.
Here are 10 lessons that I learned this year.
1. Ask for what you want. If you don’t, how will anyone know?
2. I’ve learned that it is much easier to stay in shape than to get back into shape.
3. You can’t please everyone.
4. Listen to your gut, it is always right.
5. Be kind to your body and soul.
6. The thing that scares you the most is probably exactly what you need.
7. Make time for your aging parents and in-laws, overnight they change into someone you don’t even know.
8. Health is wealth, and this includes mental health.
9. Learning is journey, not a destination.
10. “Moving doesn’t change who you are. It only changes the view outside your window.” ~Rachel Hollis
Vibeke Design & Scandinavian Christmas Style
Do you follow Vibeke Design on Instagram? Before instagram Vibeke had a blog which is where I discovered her storybook house in Norway and her Scandinavian style. Each and every photo is magical but my all time favorites are her Christmas photos.
The gingerbread houses and cookies, the candles that make the house and orangery cozy on winter days and nights. Everything is homey, comfy and welcoming.
Don’t you just love the style and simplicity of a Scandinavian Christmas? The whimsical gnomes, the red and white stars, the candles and natural elements and of course the snow!
You can add a touch of Scandinavia to your own home this Christmas.
Make your own Nordic Christmas Ornaments.
How to make Scandinavian Gingerbread.
Tips and tricks to bring Scandinavian Christmas decorations into your own home.
Image Obbhultsgård
How to Decorate with Traditional Scandinavian Decorations
Deck the Halls in Scandinavian Style
Image Elizabeth Aasen
14 Cosy Nordic Christmas Traditions
Celebrate Christmas Like the Scandinavians
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
pajamas//slippers//mug//hot chocolate//marshmallows// candle//book // throw
In case you missed it
This week on the blog was a busy one. On Monday Musings I shared a book and a movie that I think you will love, as well as links for holiday gifts, outfits and more.
Tuesday it was all about Christmas Gifts for Anglophiles, Bibliophiles, and Francophiles.
Wednesday, 25 Christmas Books for Kids and Grandkids. So many great books to start or to add to your holiday library.
Thursday I joined 11 friends for a charcuterie blog hop(Juliet was included too) and I shared a No-bake Christmas Candy and cookie Board. You can find the links to the other 11 boards on the post.
And Friday, it was all about books, links, food and finds on Friday Favorites!
In other news
10 Great Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving
Here Are All Of Netflix’s New 2022 Holiday Movies & TV Shows
The Velveteen Rabbit Was More Than a Book
Dior Has Transformed Harrod’s Into a Giant Gingerbread House
A FairyTale Cottage In Shropshire
When Will We Stop Reducing Women’s Body Types To Trends?
THAT’S IT
I hope that you enjoyed meandering today and that when you leave here you pop over to see all of the things that Kim and Juliet have discovered this week.
If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here
Subscribe to the blog and you will get the latest recipes and post to your inbox! You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Have a wonderful and safe weekend!
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a commission at no cost to you.
Countdown to Christmas: Advent Calendars
English Country Cottage Inspired Christmas Decor
Cozy Christmas Finds From Anthropologie
Louise Condon a ceramic botanist, Trovelore brooches, Tahilla Farm and more on weekend meanderings 
Happy Birthday!!
Mine was Wednesday.
Thank you Rebecca! Happy Birthday to you as well. I hope that you had a wonderful day!
Happy birthday. I love your blog, thank you for all the inspiration.
Mary, thank you! That is very kind of you to say.
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! There is a lot of wisdom in your list of 10 lessons learned. I enjoy your blog tremendously.
Thank you Debbie! I appreciate you letting me know!
Happy birthday, Elizabeth! I love the list of lessons you shared. All things we need to be reminded of. And believe, me I totally get where you are coming from with starting over. I did that when we moved to Maine. It was hard, and I often questioned what I had done, but 4 1/2 years in, I definitely feel I made the right decision. Lastly, those Scandanavian decorating ideas are just what I need to see! Most of the time I find the Christmas decor scene on IG to be overwhelming. I hope you enjoy your birthday weekend!
Molly,
Thank you for the birthday wishes and encouragement. Moving is a challenge and although I am happy to be here it is so frustrating sometimes because EVERYTHING takes so long. As for the Scandinavia decor, I am all over it this year. When I scroll Instagram I see so much over the top stuff that does not fit my life, astetic or my desire for a homey, comfy Christmas.
Have a wonderful week!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elizabeth!!! I hope you are having a fun time today and getting spoiled a little! Good advice too. You are young, I just turned 57..But that said, each year, I do more of what I want and I think I’m getting wiser..I hope. I adore Scandinavian holiday decor and a Swedish pal, Catrin had us for a holiday party and I featured her on the blog a few years back. It is was simple with touches of red and evergreen and lots of candles. Love it. Enjoy the weekend! xoxo Kim
Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Your blog brings so much pleasure to so many, I hope your special day is also full of pleasures, small and big.
I like #6 The thing that scares you is the thing you should probably do, That has been my motto since I retired and move part time to Chicago!
Happy Birthday! My 65th is coming up and I just go my Medicare card in the mail, my first birthday card, ha ha. I totally agree with you on the “lessons.”
56?? You’re just getting started! Wishing you a happy and blessed birthday filled with all good things
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! You don’t look a day over 28 but you have the wisdom well earned over 56 years. I love the Scandinavian aesthetic, especially at Christmas. So many beautiful images. Congrats on hanging your first piece of art. You’re ahead of the game. It’s been nearly three years and I’m still not all the way there. Sigh. Enjoy your celebrations this weekend! xo
Happy birthday!!!…56… I am 57…like your post as always…love that Nr 10 quote it looks like it is write for me ..happy party today and enjoy this special day darling…love love love from me and Leaf
Happy Birthday month!
Thank you Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
A very happy belated birthday to you. I so admire what you have accomplished this year in your new home. Getting your support system in place is huge as well. Give yourself a big Pat on the back. You rock!
Elizabeth, I hope you had a lovely birthday! Your advice is spot on! If you don’t ask for what you want, how will they know? LOVE that!
I adore Scandinavian Christmas…and anytime of the year!
xx
Thank you Annie! Congratulations on your BHG feature! So excited for you!