Monday, 20 July 2026

Happy Homemaker 2026-07-20

Goodmorning 

Regular telework week with Tuesday in town.  so now I'm on vacation and only go back August 5th woohoo.  Nothing planned, will take the days as they come.  

Friday grandkids arrived before lunch (parents went on a trek and restaurant).  After lunch they went to the park with granpa all afternoon while I worked.  After supper some of their friends came to play with them for awhile until we left for the music festival in next town.  Xavier fell asleep on me.  Had a retired cw who showed up at festival and came to sit an chat with us.  They came by our house for a few minutes afterwards so she at least knows where I live.  Grandkids slept over.

Saturday was Xavier's baseball and that took up most of the morning.  Afterwards grandkids left with their parents.  DH made some potato pie in the afternoon but I didn't do much

Sunday was a quiet day.  DH put up track for big frame and bil came to hang up the frame in the evening.  Went to a small market in the afternoon, got some bread.  There was a place I thought was a thrift store but no it was a kind of barter shop.  you bring stuff and you leave with stuff without paying... you don't even need to bring anything you just take what you want.  Got Xavier a bicycle hat and a sweatshirt.  will bring stuff there next time instead of thrift shop.

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 





Weather this week



Looking around the house

Big frame is up in LR but now I feel like there is too much stuff in there, will have to put some decor items away.  Lots to be done everywhere,

Thinking and pondering

Meeting with sis next weekend for a few days together.  hoping brothers will be there too.

TV this week
  • Vivre en forêt
  • Construire demain
  • Christmas movies
  • 2 Tapons au Japon
  • Big brother
  • Rewatching the old Dexter series
Interesting blog I saw this week
Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 2 - Lucinda Riley


On my to-do list

Over the weekend
  • Laundry

Monday
  • Post here - DONE
  • Wash main bathroom
  • Reserve parkings for August
  • Going out to have a picnic at the Pier at noon.
Decluttering
  • 1 sudoku book (finished)
  • 2 kick scooters (grandchildren brought them to their house)

Simple pleasure
Simple days with no work pressure, traffic, parking.


Upcoming this week

Nothing planned - go with the flow


From the camera

Nothing


Web picture of the week




Christmas in July 2026 - day 20

 

WEEK 4 — Traditions & Meaning

Christmas in July day 20 — Thinking About Traditions



Not every tradition needs to continue forever.

Sometimes it helps to think about which traditions still feel meaningful and which ones just create stress.

You can keep what matters and let the rest go.

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - day 19

 

Christmas in July day 19 — Keeping Christmas Simple



By this point in the series, you might already notice that simpler ideas tend to feel more manageable.

Christmas doesn’t need to be packed with activities to feel meaningful.

Sometimes reducing the pressure creates a better season overall.

Saturday, 18 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - day 18

 

Christmas in July day 18 — Preparing Christmas Cards Early



Writing cards early feels much more enjoyable than trying to do them all at once in December.

You can slowly collect addresses, stamps, and ideas now.

Even writing a few ahead of time helps.

I think even Christmas cards with money in it would be great to do ahead as the budget isn't all taken at the same time.

Friday, 17 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - day 17

 

Christmas in July day 17 — Movie Night #3

The Christmas Chronicles – 2018






This movie is a little more playful than the others but still cozy.

It’s about two kids who accidentally end up on an adventure with Santa.

It’s easy to watch and feels fun without being over the top.

Appetizer idea: Mini grilled cheese bites.

Mocktail: Sparkling apple cider.

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - day 16

 

Christmas in July day 16 — Wrapping Inspiration



Today could simply be about deciding how you want gifts to look this year.

Traditional wrapping never really goes out of style.

Brown paper, red ribbon, greenery, and simple tags always feel warm and timeless.

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 15

 

Christmas in July day 15 — Starting a Gift List Early


Making a gift list now makes Christmas shopping much calmer later.

You don’t need to decide on everything yet.

Just writing names and a few ideas is enough.

It also helps avoid overbuying.

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 14

 

Christmas in July day 14 — Easy DIY Christmas Decorations



Homemade decorations don’t need to be complicated.

Simple things often feel the most personal.

Dried oranges, paper garlands, greenery bundles, and handmade ornaments all work beautifully.