Currently in December

 It's the first Wednesday of the Month and time for Currently with Jennifer. This month we're sharing what we're currently loving, looking forward to, buying, hoping, and baking. 


Loving: Nights by the fire, family movies, delicious foods and good books.





Looking Forward to: We leave for Hawaii in just a few short weeks and I can not wait!! 

Buying: Nothing much; since we're headed to Hawaii that is the boys' gifts and we won't be home to see/celebrate with any family (and honestly with all tweens and teens in the family we've just been gifting money back and forth the past few years anyway) so we decided to skip Christmas this year. No gifts. I even canceled our Prime account and hope to cut way back on our spending next year too. 

Hoping: For good health, good weather, and easy/on time flights as we travel! I am terrified that something will happen to make us cancel/interfere with our trip and at this point I'm pretty sure we can't get much of our money back at all.. plus I REALLY REALLY want to see Hawaii!! 


Baking: We didn't do much baking this year. Alec made us some delicious homemade bread and I had baked up an apple pie earlier in the fall that I tucked into the freezer for Thanksgiving. We did bake up a few butter braids we had in the freezer from Alec's last selling project in high school since I figured the holiday was a good reason to use some up with all the boys home for breakfast each day. We also tried out a new recipe as part of the new cookbook club I've joined on the blog- some pumpkin pancakes.  But that's it for baking until 2025.

Alec's herb & parmesan fougasse 

This was a raspberry butter braid but I also cooked up a Bavarian cream one over the 4 day weekend

we made pumpkin pancakes using a new recipe (review will be up on the blog on the 16th)

Linking up with:






Comments

  1. Maria RineerDecember 4, 2024 at 5:04 AM

    How neat to do an experience (and WHAT an experience that will be!) instead of buying a bunch of things. I want you to go to Hawaii, too, because that's what you're looking forward to; however, selfishly, I can't wait to see your pictures and read your recaps :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:14 AM

      Aw, thank you so much! BOTH my son and I each plan on bringing our cameras so I should have lots and lots to share.

      Delete
  2. mireilleDecember 4, 2024 at 6:05 AM

    Hawaii: woohoo! So happy for you! Currently loving the quiet in my house, Christmas lights and decor!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:15 AM

      Aw, thank you! We've only set up our village this year but I am loving those twinkling lights.

      Delete
  3. HollyDecember 4, 2024 at 6:15 AM

    Oh my gosh I am so excited for you! You will have an amazing time- what parts are you visiting?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:22 AM

      We are spending 5 days on Maui and 5 days on the big island.

      Delete
  4. Kathrine EldridgeDecember 4, 2024 at 6:49 AM

    Hawaii sounds and looks so amazing!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amy ScottDecember 4, 2024 at 6:57 AM

    I am the same way imagining all the reasons why a trip won't happen. I will send good vibes your way. I have also thought about canceling Prime - it just makes it so easy. I will say though that I use it more and more for necessities that I don't have time to hunt around for in stores when I can't get it through my grocery order.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Memphis BridgesDecember 4, 2024 at 7:08 AM

    Loved reading your answers to each of these questions! This is all incredible, from canceling Prime to Hawaii to nights by the fire with good food!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasDecember 4, 2024 at 8:07 AM

    Joanne,
    Loved this especially cutting back on buying next year...After i updated most of my wardrobe, which was over 25 years old since I just was able to fit back into old clothes after losing weight, I am now trying not to spend much money so that is also my goal for next year...I give mostly money or gift cards for Christmas and have for the last 20 years....Good for you going to Hawaii....Time spent with family is more important than money spent on them....Thanks so much for visiting!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:23 AM

      Aw, thank you! The boys are looking forward to the trip so much and were more than happy to pass on any gifts.

      Delete
  8. Dara @ Not In JerseyDecember 4, 2024 at 8:48 AM

    I want to go back to Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:24 AM

      Everyone tells me that we're going to fall in love and want to go back too... and I can definitely see myself feeling that way!

      Delete
  9. Julie's Creative LifestyleDecember 4, 2024 at 9:11 AM

    I love the gift you are giving your family for Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I hope you enjoy the holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 4, 2024 at 9:24 AM

    I’m excited for you to go to Hawaii!! It’s such a special place. (Sarah @ Toronto SAM)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:25 AM

      Aw, thank you! I can't wait; it's one of those places I've always wanted to go.

      Delete
  11. Melynda@Scratch Made Food!December 4, 2024 at 9:36 AM

    December is a great time for Hawaii! Enjoy every moment!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Melissa BakerDecember 4, 2024 at 10:37 AM

    I’m always in awe of your little life over there.. keep shining my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. MissyDecember 4, 2024 at 11:28 AM

    I'm so excited for you to enjoy Hawaii! We went for the first time in 2023, and it was the best trip ever! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kari December 4, 2024 at 11:35 AM

    I love the idea of skipping Christmas. And I can't wait to see your Hawaii pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  15. BriDecember 4, 2024 at 1:26 PM

    I love homemade bread! I hope you have such a fun trip to Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jodie's Touch of StyleDecember 4, 2024 at 5:46 PM

    Canceled your prime account? Now that's a way to curb spending. In the funny thing is, I never used to use amazon for things, but now it's just so convenient.
    Have fun in hawaii
    Xoxo
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM

      I know! It's going to be tricky since I use them for so much but I am determined to give it a try.

      Delete
  17. Tanya December 4, 2024 at 5:57 PM

    It really does get pretty silly just exchanging money and gift cards every year. You all are going to have such a great time in Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Deb's WorldDecember 4, 2024 at 7:02 PM

    Enjoy Hawaii Joanne, sounds like a great trip planned. Thanks for joining us for #WWWhimsy

    Deb from #Teamwwwhimsy

    ReplyDelete
  19. StephanieDecember 4, 2024 at 11:28 PM

    Have a fabulous time in Hawaii! --It's beautiful. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 5, 2024 at 5:16 AM

      Thank you! It sure looks beautiful in all the photos.

      Delete
  20. Women Living Well After 50December 5, 2024 at 12:11 AM

    the fire is the perfect place to enjoy Jo's new book, Joanne. Thanks for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy and stay warm. Have a fab time in Hawaii where you certainly won't need a fire. Sue L #TeamWWWhimsy x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tamar SBDecember 5, 2024 at 12:51 PM

    Hawaii! So fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. MarshaDecember 5, 2024 at 2:31 PM

    Hawaii sounds like a lovely place to go right about now. My brother-in-law lived there for a few years, and we never visited. Now, he lives in Kentucky, and we visit quite frequently...not quite the same, though!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 5, 2024 at 7:52 PM

      Ha! No, I'd definitely have to agree that those two are not quite the same.

      Delete
  23. Lydia C. LeeDecember 5, 2024 at 3:52 PM

    Die Hard by an open fire, as Christmassy as it gets (Not an open fire here, we'd melt)...Hope you get to Hawaii, it's beautiful. We have a similar sitch, watching South Korea carefully as we are going to Japan via Seoul....who would have thought?? #WWWhimsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 5, 2024 at 7:58 PM

      Aw, thank you! Yes, that is definitely a situation to watch. I sure hope it settles down and that your Japan trip won't be in jeopardy!

      Delete
  24. Lindsay's Sweet WorldDecember 6, 2024 at 1:23 PM

    I can't wait to hear about your trip to Hawaii! I'm always so jealous of everyone's Hawaii trips because Brian and I went for our honeymoon in December 2007 and it was a disaster. Haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 6, 2024 at 3:51 PM

      I remember that! I am really hoping our trip goes better. 🤣

      Delete
  25. JayneDecember 6, 2024 at 2:10 PM

    Oh wow! Your trip to Hawaii sounds so exciting! I hope you both have the best time and can't wait to read all about it when you get back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Laura @ Our Grand LivesDecember 7, 2024 at 6:57 AM

    I'm so excited for you and your upcoming trip to Hawaii! Time with your family in a beautiful locale sounds like the perfect gift for everyone and a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays! We, too, are looking at doing more experience based gifts (except for the Littles) and I can't believe how much pressure that has erased! Have a great weekend, Joanne!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Laura BambrickDecember 7, 2024 at 10:30 PM

    I love having Butter Braids in the freezer for when company is over for breakfast in the morning! I hope everything in Hawaii goes smoothly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 8, 2024 at 9:46 AM

      Thank you so much for your well wishes! Those butter braids sure do come in handy.

      Delete
  28. NatashaDecember 8, 2024 at 3:51 PM

    Hawaii is a bucket list item for me! I hope you have an AMAZING trip and I can see why there are no presents happening this year :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kym December 12, 2024 at 11:55 PM

    A trip to Hawaii is an amazing Christmas gift for the family! What a treat! I hope you have perfect weather and that everything goes smoothly so you can see and do everything on your list. The baking looks delicious!! Hope you're having a great holiday season! Visiting from Currently . . . a little late! ;-)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Favorite TV Shows Growing Up in the 80's and early 90's

Image
Do you remember the TGIF lineups on Friday nights? I can remember planning sleepovers and time with friends around TV Show lineups of our favorite shows... or else trying to set the VCR to record our favorite shows if we weren't going to be home. And through the years I had SO MANY favorites! Growing pains aired in 1985 which put me around age 8 and it stayed on the air until I was 15 or so; I'm pretty sure most people in my age group watched mostly for Kirk Cameron and all his antics.  I still have a soft spot for family sit-coms!  The Facts of Life aired when I was just 2  and stayed on the air until I was 11 so I'm sure the episodes I remember so fondly were either some of the later ones and then reruns shown later on when I was old enough to watch from the beginning. I think everyone would have loved an Edna Garret in their lives.   Benson another sitcom that began airing when I was just 2 and was done by the time I was 9 (another one I must have watched mai...
Read more

Things That Make Me Laugh

Image
I loved the challenge of this week's list for our 26 lists link up.  I don't know about you but I really need to laugh more lately.  It's such a great stress reliever. 1.  Books-- I love a good funny book that makes me laugh out loud.  I haven't read one in a while but if you have any recommendations I'm all ears.  The last book I can remember making me laugh was the Un-Honeymooners. 2  The boys being silly. 3.  Watching shows like America's Funniest Videos or Family Feud. 4. My husband.  Most people don't realize it but he's actually pretty funny and often makes me laugh. 5.  Whenever my sisters/ family get together and we get to reminiscing (particularly if my Aunt Elaine is around) we end up laughing so hard at all the old family stories that we are all in tears by the end of the night.  It's fabulous. 6. Movies like Mom's Night Out, Christmas Vacation, and Grown Ups make me laugh out loud. 7.  When my ...
Read more

Maui Day #5: Kula Botanical Gardens

Image
 Our last full day in Maui, we decided to visit the Kula Botanical Gardens-- the one that we closing when we tried to stop on our first full day in Maui. We slept in a bit and enjoyed a lazy breakfast at/around the condo before heading out.  It was another beautiful, clear day!  We arrived at the botanical gardens around 9:30 and spent nearly 2 hours exploring. Evan and I took a crazy amount of photos and Alec brought along his sketchpad and pencil.  My photos are in no particular order and I threw in some of Evan's as well... enjoy the roundup! notice the flowers growing OUT of the pink fronds! I was obsessed with these hanging flowers The green balls are macadamia nuts; this was a macadamia tree There were a couple of gazebos  we saw ducks, cats, koi, geese, and more.  This tree had the neatest bark! There were statues and benches and mosaics walkways We got to see painted eucalyptus!  Pinks, greens, purples, so many colors you don't expect to see on...
Read more

Share Our Lives: 15 Ways I Save Time on Chores

Image
 I'm taking a break from recapping our Hawaii trip this week but will be back on Monday with daily posts from our time on the big island. Welcome to the first Share Our Lives link up of 2025! This month we're talking about how we're saving time on chores.  Over the years I have tried so many different ways to streamline the household chores/cleaning.  Now I'm not always 100% convinced that they save time but they definitely make cleaning the house seems like a more manageable job.  Some things we've tried over the years:  First and foremost stop dirt in it's tracks. We ask that people leave their shoes at the door! That cuts down on a lot of dirt coming into the house.  Ask for help!  I assigned tasks to each of the boys and rotate who had what chore monthly (something that no longer works with Ian working full time and Alec away at school but it was so nice while it lasted). Make  it easy on yourself and others.  I put stickers on our washe...
Read more

Maui Day #3: Road to Hana

Image
Every time I Googled things to do in Maui, the Road to Hana popped up as a "must see." Though every sight warned it was a LONG journey and a tough ride with lots of switchbacks and 59 bridges; 46 of which are one lane. The speed limit for most of the road is only 15-20 MPH and you have to stop to let others pass. So we headed out early and made sure we had a full tank of gas (since there is none on the road!).  We left our condo by 7 and didn't get home until 8 pm-- stopping for dinner this actually made it a fairly typical Road to Hana day (especially since we were staying on the other side of the island).   waves near Ho' okipa lookout-- they were HUGE on the way back. I see how they nickname the big waves surf-break "jaws" Our first official stop on the road to Hana was at twin sisters falls: Only one twin was flowing; you can see the spot off to the left where the other fall should be a cool cavern off to the right with lots of roots hanging down There i...
Read more