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Here Are a Few of My Favorite Things About 2021

December 30, 2021

Whether you’re ready to say so long to 2021 or not, it’s headin’ out the door and 2022’s got its engine revving, gunning for its 365-day turn!

Since there’s not one single thing we can do about time passing, let’s just choose to embrace it. No more whining. Let’s put on our party hats and look forward to the new year.

But, before we go… I do have a few great memories and fabulous finds from our old friend 2021. 

Favorites Can’t be Ranked! (at least I can’t rank them)

I’ll admit this to you, even though it’s kinda dumb…I stress out over having to rank things. Ask me what my favorite flavor of ice cream is and I’ll go into a long discourse on the merits of chocolate chip mint versus coffee versus butter pecan versus…You get my point. (I nearly had a meltdown trying to rank my favorite holiday movies.)

And if ice cream weren’t bad enough, what about books? Don’t even go there. I have so many favorite books. I couldn’t bear to rank them.

Friends and memories? I scoff at the thought. I love ALL of them.

So, for the sake of my mental health, I thought I’d just choose a few of the things I really, really loved this year and share them with you…IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

Okay?

Okay.

My Favorite 2021 Books

I read some amazing books this year! Here are a few of my favorites (INPO):

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
The Great Blue Hills of God by Kreis Beall
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

My Favorite Crafts with the Grandkids

I had a great time with everything I made with our grands. The Christmas crafts, Puppets, the 4th of July project, and the Felt Monster Faces were all hits, but I especially liked the Adventure Backpacks. So simple, so fun! Best combo ever!!

Favorite Fashion Finds

Nothing beats comfort in my book. I try to really analyze this particular element when I’m trying the outfit on for the first time, but you can’t always tell. A pair of pants that stretches out so much they sag. A top that requires constant adjustment throughout the day. An accessory that catches on your sweater. All these little details are hard to identify in a dressing room.

And, I’ve found that if I don’t feel completely  comfortable in an outfit, I just won’t wear it. (These days I’m loving all the pants with elastic waistbands so much that I’m forgiving of “creepers!” LOL!)

I found some really comfy outfits this year that got put on my “wear-repeat-wear-repeat” list in a hurry. My favorite trends this year are sweater vests, maxi dresses, and wearing comfy clothes in general. But, I think my favorite was this maxi dress from Anthropologie.

Favorite Recipes

Oh, my! Ranking recipes is harder than ranking books. Fortunately, I am in charge and I say ranking is not necessary. Whew!

I love discovering new recipes. Usually my favorite ones are from friends who can recommend them firsthand! And I really like finding delicious recipes that are easy to make.

My sis-in-love Tonya introduced me to a winner with these double-chocolate, gluten-free cookies. Yummers! And my friend Julie turned me on to this fabulous tomato pie. So so tasty!

Then this fall, my friend Teresa’s mom shared her delicious pumpkin roll recipe with me, and I developed a recipe for homemade apple cider that makes your taste buds sing Glory!

 

My Favorite News

2021 held some hard things…the pandemic struck back with another strain and a historic tornado tore through our region. But it also held some fabulous news for my family.

Number one: We got to meet our newest grandchild, Noah, who was born March 10th. He immediately captured our hearts and has brought us such joy every step of the way.

The second great event was my parents moving in next door to us. I’ll bet you don’t know many 80-year-olds who build a new house, do you? My parents are not the kind to stop living life to the fullest. They had fun building and the result is a beautiful home in the perfect location! You’ll get a peek inside in an upcoming post.

Then, just this month, we got another piece of good news. Our precious Gabby received her prosthetic eye. We always thought she was beautiful, and her new eye enhances her beauty!

The next FABULOUS news was also this month, when we learned we were getting yet another grandchild! Baby girl number three is due May 25, 2022. Cannot wait to meet her!!

What will the next year bring? I have no idea, but I’m betting it will be full of joy.

I hope your new year is packed with God’s sweetest blessings, friend. Thanks for reading my new blog this year. I look forward to sharing much more with you in the days to come.

If you don’t subscribe yet, please do. And, if you know of someone who might like to read it, please forward.

Let me know what you want to read more about in 2022!

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