Sarah Morgan, Chavenage, James Lowsley-Williams, and more on Monday Musings.
MONDAY MUSINGS NO. 151
Hello friends, happy Monday Musings to you! I am back! I missed the blog and you but I really needed a break. These past few months of renovations, travel, visitors, life and loss had worn me out.
Since Christmas Eve I have done nothing but relax, read, nap, rest and regroup. Christmas cookies have been on the morning menu along with my hot chocolate, afternoons on the couch with a book or two and a pile of magazines. In the evening armchair traveling to the UK while watching my favorite YouTube videos.
I will be doing the same for another few days as the contractors will not be here until after the 3rd. Hopefully by the end of February EVERYTHING will be finished, including the floors, painting, wallpaper, hardware, lights, curtains, etc.
How was your Christmas? Everything you hoped and more? Were you with family and friends or did you have a quiet celebration?
Ours was not what we planned on, but life is sometimes like that. My parents were unable to come but we still had a lot of fun, food, laughs and family time with my siblings, niece and nephew.
What are your New Years eve plans? Will you have a party or go to one? Stay home and ring in the new year with family?
Ok, enough about me, tell me about your weekend and then let’s move on to 5 things!
1.READ~Snowed In for Christmas
Snowed in for Christmas~I loved this book!
A family gathering
This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal—to avoid their well-meaning family’s endless stream of prying questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention.
Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone and the prospect of losing her job. Unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller, the season promises to be anything but festive. She’ll just deliver her proposal to his family home and then leave. After all, she wouldn’t want to intrude on the Miller family’s perfect Christmas.
When Lucy appears on the Miller family’s snow-covered Highland doorstep, she’s mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. By the time the confusion is cleared up, they’re snowed in—she can’t leave, even if she wants to! But does she want to? As secrets spill out like presents from an overstuffed stocking and the chemistry between her and Ross ignites, this is going to be either Lucy’s worst Christmas ever or the best mistake of her life.
MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
2. WATCHED~Life At The Manor
If you wondered what it would be like to inherit an English manor house, you might enjoy this series. The house is located in the Cotswolds, between Princess Ann’s property and Highgrove, King Charles property.
3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Baked Brie with Raspberry Rosemary Jam, an easy and delicious NY appetizer.
Rosemary and tarragon nut mix, perfect with a cocktail.
3 Ways to Restore the Faith You Once Had in Yourself
7 computer maintenance tasks you should do every month
The rare blue the Maya invented.
Extreme dieting is the latest way for the mega-rich to signal their wealth and status
6 Of The Most Passive-Aggressive Phrases You’re Probably Using (But Shouldn’t Be)
The Ideal Vacation Length for Peak Relaxation, According to Experts
The Stanley water bottle craze, explained
Jimmy Carter’s legacy: A disappointing presidency, a remarkable post-presidency, explained
4. SHOPPING BREAK~OUTFIT OF THE DAY
Going to a New Years Eve party? Truth be told we are having a quiet night at home and might not even make it until the ball drops and the fireworks. But if we were heading out I would be wearing something similar to this outfit.
Black velvet or wool pants go with everything! Pair them with the sweater of your choice, I choose a black sweater. Then add your favorite shoes or boots, you know I love plaid so I thought they were the perfect party shoe.
Black looks sophisticated and chic and is a color that most of us have in our closets so there is no need to run out and buy something new.
You can see all of my holiday outfits on LTK, so be sure to follow me. As for the plaid pieces don’t forget to check out my plaid page.
5. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THIS WEEK
It’s almost 2025, in addition to your word of the year or resolutions why not take the time to answer 25 Reflection Questions for the New Year? It is a great opportunity to see what worked for you this year, what didn’t, what you might want to do this year and what you have on your goal list among other things.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.
You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!
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On My Radar~2025 & Sales
I was saddened by Jimmy Carter’s death. He and his wife were the epitome of good deeds and service throughout their lives. Now is the perfect time to relax, fix a hot beverage, and read a book. Happy New Year, Elizabeth! As always, I will have a quiet holiday.
Brenda
Happy New Year! I am trying to access the post with the Gingerbread cupcakes and it seems like a bad link. Could you please check it? I can’t access the post.
Thank you!
Hello Joan,
Where do you see a bad link? On this post?
Here is a link to the cupcakes. https://pineconesandacorns.com/2024/12/gingerbread-cupcakes-with-buttercream/
HAve a wonderful day.