The Edition: No. 300
Nov 24, 2021
+ Did Ben Franklin want the turkey to be the national bird?
+ I will be buying this Halogen raw edge, sleeveless top in every color.
+ Eight steps for the perfect out-of-office message.
+ These long, baguette earrings and nested hoops are perfect for holiday.
+ 20 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
+ This LOFT cowl-neck sweater is a slimmer version of my favorite tunic.
+ Is the four-day work week finally in our grasp?
+ Holiday Outfit: One-shoulder sweater + black jeans + cool earrings
+ Explaining what’s in your multi-vitamin.
+ This $130 Staub Coquette is the ultimate kitchen gift.
+ Six ways to stand out at a new remote job.
+ 25% off Fenty Beauty. I picked up the neutral eye palette.
+ ‘How becoming a runner changed my state of mind.‘
+ This MacBook cover is on my holiday wishlist.
+ Africa is the center of the world’s ‘urban future.’
+ Lavish Alice has the coolest party attire. This red dress is a stunner.
One Feel Good Thing. Meet the former FBI official who’s driving a school bus to help his community. (I can barely park a Jeep, so all of this impresses me.)
For all the things that I love about Instagram, Pinterest, and magazines like Real Simple, one of the things I dislike is the pressure to make every holiday (particularly Christmas) a perfectly decorated wonderland. Festivity is lovely, but spending tons of money on decor to recreate that perfect influencer-inspired look isn’t for everyone. So I created a Pinterest Board of simpler holiday decor ideas, many of which you can make yourself, to keep the cost on the lower side. From orange garlands to easy wreaths, you might find something nice and easy for your home.
This year, we’re doing a tree, our fireplace mantle and a lights on our home, that’s it. Enough to feel festive, but not so much we get overwhelmed by the work. Whatever your comfort level for holiday decor, remember that you get to decide how to decorate in your own home, and this is one area where boundaries are not only reasonable, but encouraged. And if you need help getting all the holiday cheer you want, please ask for the assistance you need and deserve.
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. xo Abra
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“Holiday magic” is really just women working our butts off, then having our thunder stolen with the term “holiday magic.”
I set boundaries and I do what fulfills me, while skipping what leaves me resentful. So fewer decorations, less travel, simpler recipes, but more time for thoughtful gifts and family activities.
Once I started to set limits and communicate, my marriage got better. And my daughter sees an egalitarian, peaceful holiday season, instead of a Martyr Mom in the kitchen.
It’s not for everyone but I have a ‘no decorations’ policy for any and all occasions. Partly because I’m lazy and partly because our tiny apartment can’t even store decorations, but it’s been an awesome way to not spend time, money, energy or emotional bandwidth.
I was really hoping when you said baguette earrings that it would be shaped like little loaves of bread.
Me too!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Abra. Kudos to you for taking the time to rest and take care of you. Holiday magic is just a ton of pressure. I’m not religious,but I get the feeling Jesus would have preferred a simpler celebration.
Cheers to ditching “traditions” that don’t serve you. Every year we decide which cookies to make and focus on the favorites vice making every cookie my Grammy made. As for holiday decor – a DC row house makes keeping it pared down easy – it has to fit somewhere off season!
Happy Thanksgiving! You always do amazing post – thank you! Hope you can enjoy some R&R.