This song will forever make me teary. I don't know why. I want to say because it's so beautiful. It's definitely been on some of my breakup playlists over the years, just to help induce any sadness. Just love it.
New Year's Eve Checklist
Make sure the following things are done today:
Make sure there are groceries in the house. The new year must not be seen in with bare cupboards, lest that be the way of things for the year.
Go to an ATM or bank and make sure there is cash in your wallet. This guarantees prosperity in the coming year.
If you're celebrating at home, let all the windows and/or doors open at midnight to let the old year out and to let the new year in.
Twelve grapes, for the twelve months. You also should make a wish on each grape. And for each grape's taste - that signifies what that month will be like. For example, if the third grape you eat is very sour, then March will be an unpleasant month for you.
Wear polka-dots, even in some small way. Anything round signifies good fortune.
Pay January's rent TODAY. You don't want any money going out of your home tomorrow.
Settle any debts you owe, if you can afford to.
Back up your laptop onto the external hard drive. Have you done that lately? God, so important. Go do that now.
Wash your hair today, so you don't have to tomorrow. This will be explained later.
Take out the garbage today, so you don't have to tomorrow. Again, explanations are coming soon.
I'm sorry. I have to do these things. And so, I must pass them onto you.
If you actually give a shit about doing ANY of those things, then return tomorrow to see what you should do on New Year's Day for a prosperous year ahead.
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
New Year's Day Recipes
You'll understand in a few days why I'm posting these recipes with these specific ingredients, but for now all I can tell you is that these would be extremely lucky recipes to make on January 1st. (And if you hate the following recipes? Try to eat something with these main ingredients then - if you know what's good for you.)
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili - recipe from How Sweet Eats
Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Cider-Dijon Pork Chops - recipe from Epicurious
Lentil Tacos - recipe from AllRecipes
Lentil Bolognese
Pork and Black Eyed Pea Chili - recipe from Gourmandistan
Three Bean Salad - recipe from eNourishment
Pesto Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms
Spinach, Bacon and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms - recipe from How Sweet Eats
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins - recipe from Or Whatever You Do
Two Actually Good Pinterest New Year's Ideas
I could write an essay on the perils of being on Pinterest. I won't, but I could. I've sifted through an array of New Year's themed pins and these two were my favourites. I'm definitely going to attempt them and I think you should, too.
1. A good way to clean out your closet and see what you're actually wearing throughout the year: Flip all your hangers around on New Year’s Day. After one year, donate any clothes that you haven’t worn, aka the hangers that are still flipped. This only works if you've already listened to my other piece of advice about having one item per one hanger.
2. (I hope you know that with any mention of Pinterest, there are going to be mason jars involved.) Anyway, starting on January 1st, write any good things that happen to you on little pieces of paper and plop them into this jar. Obviously, you can use a jar or a box or whatever to keep the notes in. What types of things would you write on the notes? Surprise gifts, accomplished goals, things that made you laugh, a memory you don't want to forget, lines from books you've loved, etc. And when December 31st arrives, go through the jar and recollect on the best moments of your year. Now, this idea might seem kind of silly to you - but there are so many good things that happen within the span of a year that go unremembered, especially as we age and tend to forget (or more specifically as I age and tend to forget). I just thought this is such a simple way to not let things pass by too quickly. And if I actually follow through with this activity throughout the year, I'll make sure to post what my notes were in a year's time. (UPDATE: I didn’t share them here because it ain’t your business!)
“You don’t need to kill that spider. Trap him with a bowl and then slide a plate underneath the bowl and transport him outside. Everyone wins.”
New Year's Movie To Watch - Radio Days
I wish there were as many New Years movies as there are Christmas movies. This is probably the one I like to watch most (a close second being Dick Tracy) around this time of year. There isn't really one reason I enjoy it so much, it's just a warm kind of movie.
Some people might tell you to watch When Harry Met Sally (meh) or, god forbid, New Year's Eve (shudder) - but thankfully, I am not amongst those "people".
Oh! And one that’s not exactly “warm” - but still a good movie? A Simple Plan. So good! Especially if you’re in the mood for a good drama. Love this movie.
(And speaking of New Years, there will be a few New Year's Eve/New Year's Day specific posts coming up. What will they consist of? Well, how to ensure a prosperous year, of course!)
Dumbbell Alarm Clock
"The wake up work out alarm clock sounds the get in shape alarm by only being able to shut off once you've done 30 bicep reps. Motion sensors inside can tell exactly how many reps you've done and only if you do them right. On the side of the dumbbell shaped alarm clock is a count down timer that counts down the number of reps you've done from 30 to zero as long as your upwards swings are perfect every time."
Umm, this is the best alarm ever. I think it'd be pretty insulting to give as a gift to someone, but I'd love to get one. So great. You can buy one here for $30.
Mom Says
Illustration by Andrew Hamm
Illustration by Andrew Hamm
Gift From Paul
I was lucky enough to get some ridiculously good Christmas gifts this year. Why? Probably 'cause I was a really fucking good girl. Here's one of the top ones from the overly-amazing Paul Fishman.
IT'S A MOM SAYS BOOK!
(click the image to see more)
Inside Cover
Inside Back Cover
Honestly, I was speechless. Just such a thoughtful gift. I've wanted to put out a book of those sayings for awhile now and then sell it on the site. So I can't really express how sweet this was to receive. More details coming soon on when they'll be available.
Also, an obvious thank-you-times-a-million to Paul is in order - but Andrew Hamm? Go to hell, you're amazing for drawing all of these.
“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”