Month: December 2015

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here…

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

ChristmasGiving

Christmas this year has felt a little different.  Usually I can’t wait to put on Christmas music, decorate the tree and buy new decorations, bake Christmas cookies, and buy gifts.  This year though, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve listened to Christmas music (listening to store music does’t count), I just haven’t been in the mood.  We put our tree up and there is even snow on the ground, but for some reason it still just doesn’t “feel” like Christmas.

It was really bothering me that I’m not in the Christmas spirit.  I felt like something must not be right in my heart, but then I realized that’s not true.  Although I haven’t been excited over the usual Christmas stuff, I have been more excited about giving to others.  This year was the first time we bought Toys for Tots, which was a lot of fun.  This year was the first year I got my family’s gifts in time (the package arrived this weekend!), and this year I was able to find really great stocking stuff for my husband.  These are the things I have been excited over, nothing else really, but thankfully these are the things that matter the most at Christmas.  Not the cookies, or the music, or the decorations. This year has been more about others and giving and spending time with the people I love.  Although this Christmas feels different, I’ve had a lot of joy – I’m very thankful for that.

I wish I had more exciting things to share, but this is what has been on my mind and heart this week.  I hope you have been having a wonderful Holiday season.  Much love to you all!

 

Currently – December Edition

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

tree

So here we are in December.  Usually things are crazy around the holidays, but thankfully things seem to be slowing down a bit…well, sort of.  We are getting settled into our cozy little house and we have been shopping away for Christmas (although, I’m worried our Christmas presents for extended family are going to be late *cringing face*). We also got our Christmas tree and decorations up, and might I add, we are severely lacking in the decoration department.  Definitely need to work on fixing that. ;)

Friday night was also my company’s Christmas party at Northern Quest Resort & Casino.  Let me tell you, our company knows how to throw a party! (even though I’m the one that does half the planning, they provide the funding for it, so it’s awesome).  It was full of fun door prizes, food, cocktails, and lots and lots of dancing.  Definitely the ingredients for a fun night. :)

Anyway, with December in full swing, here are my currently’s.

Currently Watching

Arrow.  We are taking a small break from Bones and trying to catch up on Arrow.  We dropped off somewhere around Season 2, so it’s been fun catching up.  I’m sure our break from Bones won’t last long though.

Also, I’ve been having fun watching all the random Christmas movies that are popping up all over the place on TV, love it! :)

Currently Reading

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J.K. Rowling, and  “A Woman’s Walk with God – Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit” by Elizabeth George.  I’ve been able to spend a little more time reading, but I need to wait on reading “Better than Before” by Gretchen Rubin.  It was taking far too long to read 3 books at the same time.  I seem to be handling 2 books okay, but it’s obviously still taking me longer to read than it would if I would just stick with one.

Currently Making/Baking

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread!  I made this on Monday and it’s pretty yummy!  Thankfully we had friends over to help us eat it.  It’s far too dangerous to leave that whole loaf for just 2 people, haha.  You can find the recipe here.

You would think this is common sense, but make sure you have all the ingredients before you start.  I thought for sure I had baking soda, but aparently not.  There’s nothing more frustrating than having to run to the store in the middle of mixing half the ingredients together…seriously.

Current Obsession

Kathryn Morgan’s YouTube channel. :)  I’m enjoying her Vlogmas series.  It’s kinda fun to watch while I’m making dinner or doing the dishes, even if it’s just watching some of her old videos.  She also has some fun makeup tutorials and I love, love, love her ballet barre workouts and exercises.  You can view both of her channels here and here.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a wonderful December!  Be warm and stay safe out there!  :)

Deep Cleaning for the Holidays – And a Free Printable!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

As I mention in a previous post (here), we just recently moved, so between getting our apartment ready for the inspection and with the  holiday season in full swing, there has been A LOT of cleaning going on!  So, in honor of the holidays and because I love lists and can’t live without them, I wanted to share my deep cleaning list with you.  I’m also including a link to a more detailed deep cleaning list that includes just about everything.

First, my Apartment Deep Cleaning List.  This is my go-to list for every time we have moved out of an apartment. This list has not failed me and I’ve been able to get our deposit back every time.

Apt Deep Cleaning List

You can download and print the Apartment Deep Cleaning List here.

**Side note: one thing that is not on the list is the laundry room.  Basically, I sprayed down the washer/dryer with windex wiped it clean, made sure to wipe out the insides as well, then wiped down the walls and shelving, and cleaned the floor.

For the Home

I haven’t made a full deep cleaning list for the home yet, but if you’re looking for something more detailed and includes just about everything, here is a link to a great website that has a list you can download.

The nice thing about these long lists is that you can cross off items that don’t apply to you and it makes you feel like you’r already accomplishing something before you even start.  :)

Cleaning Products

Here is a small list of cleaning products I like to use.  I don’t have links, but if you really want links, just let me know in the comments below.

  1. Clorox or Lysol Wipes – these are antibacterial and can be used on multiple surfaces.  The best part is that you can just throw them away when you’re done.
  2. Dawn Dish Soap – I use Dawn and water for a multi-purpose cleaner as well, especially for wiping down walls, counters, cupboards, you name it.  It goes a long way!
  3. Windex – I also use this to wipe down our washer and dryer, it makes it look squeeky clean!
  4.  Comet – I use this on the sinks and tub.  Soft Scrub also works.
  5. Lysol Toilet Cleaner – works great
  6. Sponge, rags, toothbrush – the toothbrush really helps you get in the crevices and nooks and cranny’s.

Well, my dears, that all I have for now.  I hope someone can find these lists useful.  Happy Cleaning!