10 Random Things: DECEMBER EDITION

It’s a RANDOM TUESDAY!

Today is the FOURTH EDITION of 10 RANDOM THINGS and today the theme is…

There is no real rhyme or reason to this post except this time, it’s all “December” things.  I have random topics below with 10 things about each one.

Here we go…

10 RANDOM THINGS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) ABOUT:

Where we’re finding Christmas fun:

1: Highland Park Village in Dallas.

It is absolutely stunning and THE PLACE to see lights in the DFW area.  Side note: big kids were there, they were just too busy being teens for a photo 🙂 .  We get to this little village within Dallas as often as we possible can.

2: On our historic town square. We can’t stay away!  We think McKinney, TX is pretty special year around, but right now, with the extra lights, decorations, festive shops and displays, we are down there at least twice a week.

3: Listening to holiday music. We are Christmas music listening people.  Of course, we have MY PLAYLIST, but we listen through Pandora at home from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to sleep (we like the station Michael Buble Holiday Radio) and then the presets in my car are lined up with holiday stations from Jolly to Holly, Holiday Traditions, Hallmark and more!

4: Receiving holiday cards. ‘Tis the best time of year to check the mailbox!  We get excited over each and every card received.  We like to tape our holiday cards up in the kitchen and/or butler’s pantry so that we can view all of them all season long.  It’s just an extra little way to remember our friends and family right now.

5: In our neighborhood. We have really been finding the Christmas spirit right here in our neighborhood.  The ladies in our neighborhood now have a monthly meeting where we get together in one of our homes one evening to do something good for the community (this month, we donated children’s books to a local school), sort out neighborhood problems alongside our HOA (sprinklers not working, streetlights out, shrubs that need replaced in common areas…just neighborhood housekeeping), and work on more community events (we have one next week that my family is really excited about).  Not only is this introducing me to more neighbors, it’s really getting our families involved too.  This month in particular, I’ve been extra blessed by my neighbors.

6: At the Star.  This photo is from last year, and we’re already so excited to go back this year too (coming up, it’s on our calendar!).  I know I say this year after year, but this free event in Frisco, TX happens twice a week during the holiday season, and it’s SO STINKIN’ FESTIVE. If you are needing a little holiday pep, head to Jerry’s world and check out The Star in Frisco.  Those Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and “their friends” put on quite the show!

7: At all the school fun! It is holiday week here in our schools.  Between concerts and parties, caroling, a potluck…we are finding the festive fun right inside the schools that my kiddos attend.

8: Jammy Cocoa Christmas.  One of our FAVORITE family traditions.  I might have two teens, but they still very much enjoy lookin’ at lights with their family which makes this mama’s heart oh so happy.

9: In my daily quiet time.  Every morning when I sit down to do my daily quiet time, I’ve been extra blessed by this year’s Advent study.  Starting my day by remembering what Christmas is REALLY ABOUT sure sets the right tone for my day.

10: At our church.  Between the extra festive Sunday morning worship services to Carols at the Creek this last Sunday night, we have been extra blessed by church this season.

Little December gratitudes:

1: So many Christmas lights on homes and buildings around town.

2: Walking into stores and businesses and hearing holiday music.

3: The end caps and special displays at my grocery store make me happy.

4: Chilly weather for a fire in the morning and then later that evening too.

5: Watching the same old Christmas movies on repeat…yet they never get old.

6: Holiday cups at Starbucks.

7: It gets darker earlier which means the Christmas lights and inflatables are more visible earlier.

8: Peppermint everything.

9: The mail is more fun to open.

10: The sense of anticipation and excitement is in the air.

What I’m wearing this month:

#1: FAIR ISLE SWEATER (ALSO IN BLACK) + JEANS + BEANIE = MY DECEMBER UNIFORM.

#2: THIS FLEECE SWEATSHIRT comes in many other colors, looks so cute with MY JEANS and is so soft!!  I wore this on Saturday night at our light parade, and it was oh so comfy!

#3: Because Andrew told me that he was tired of hearing me complain about how uncomfortable I always am in our freezing cold house, I bought the WARMEST SLIPPERS. 

FYI: He keeps our house like a meat locker.

#4: SHERPA SHACKET (on sale!) when I ran errands during the day and then…

#5: I added this SHERPA JACKET in festive red for our night on the town square 🙂 .Agh!!  So cute, right?!  THIS JACKET also comes in a variety of colors, but I loved the holiday red! It’s also on sale!  It wasn’t cold enough for MY BEANIE, but it’s under $10 right now!

I wore this again on Monday…

#6: …with mySILVER UGG MINIS.  🙂

#7: My very favorite color in a FLEECE SWEATSHIRT for only $25!  It comes in 10 different colors too!

#8: My cute HAVEN HALF ZIP HOODIE paired with my HAVEN WIDELEG PANTS.

#9: I have zero good pics of my TARTAN TOP from Stroll, but geez, it’s cute!  I also have it in BLACK, but this holiday version was perfect on Nantucket for Stroll!

#10: My TURTLENECK SWEATER was the perfect red for a festive evening at church (though it does come in many other colors too!).

Our Christmas Eve/Day menu:

I am hosting Christmas Eve with my entire family again this year (it’s something like 24ish people).  We like to do an appetizer party that night for dinner, so here is what I’m *thinking* I’ll make for that plus what I’m going to make on Christmas Eve morning and later that night for dinner for just my family of six.

1: Merry Cherry Mules

2: Pepper Jelly & Bacon Dip

3: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

4: Saucy Cranberry Meatballs 

5: Flourless Peanut Butter Sprinkle Cookies

6: Candy Cane Bundt Cake

7: Three Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

8: Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

9: Brisket Chili

10: Christmas Macaroons

These last three things don’t have TEN, but I just don’t know where else to stick them, so here you go…

Christmas Gift Ideas (should you need more, these categories are my fave!):

#1: Discovery Collection / $150 Value
#2: Bear Butt Hammocks – Camping Hammock for Outdoors, Backpacking & Camping Gear – Double hammock, Portable hammock, 2 Person Hammock for Travel, outdoors – Tree & Hiking Gear – Hammock that Holds 500lbs
#3: Quench & Shine Travel Essentials Set
#4: AMITER Water Bottle with Wide Mouth Straw Lid & Handle Lid (22oz, 32oz, 40oz, 64oz, 128oz), Vacuum 18/8 Insulated Stainless Steel Sport Water Jug Flask Thermos Leakproof BPA Free Travel Mug Jug
#5: Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Makeup Organizer Cosmetic & Toiletry Bag for Travel, Gifts, and Daily Use with a Durable Patented Design, 20 inch, Black
#6: travel inspira Luggage Scale, Portable Digital Hanging Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Weight Scale with Rubber Paint, 110 Pounds, Battery Included – Red
#7: BELLSPIN Toiletry Bag Womens Clear Travel Makeup Bags with Hanging Hook, Travel Makeup Organizer Cosmetic Bag for Travel Toiletries and Shower Accessories(Shell Pink)
#8: Belt Bag Fanny Pack Crossbody Bags for Women Fashion Waist Packs with Adjustable Strap Gifts for Women Men Teen Girls (Icing Blue)
#9: Travel Makeup Mirror with 10X Magnifying Mirror, Vanity Mirror with 80LEDs, 3 Color Lighting, Rechargeable 2000mAh Batteries, Portable Ultra Slim Lighted Makeup Mirror, Travel Essential for Women
#10: KOMALC Genuine Buffalo Leather Unisex Toiletry Bag Travel Dopp Kit (Distressed Tan)
#11: Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh, Ultra-High Capacity Fast Phone Charging with Newest Intelligent Controlling IC, 2 USB Ports External Cell Phone Battery Pack for iPhone,Samsung Android,Table etc
#12: Universal Travel Adapter, Worldwide Travel Power Adapter, International Travel Plug All in One Power Plug Adapter with USB C Port Fast Wall Charging for European, Italy, US, AU & More 170 Countries
#13: Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
#14: TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes 5 Pack, Lime, 2 Small, 2 Medium, 1 Large
#15: YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with MagSlider Lid, Black
#16: POPCHOSE Sandfree Beach Blanket, Large Sandproof Beach Mat for 4-7 Adults, Waterproof Pocket Picnic Blanket with 6 Stakes, Outdoor Blanket for Travel, Camping, Hiking

#1: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 – Instant Camera Cobalt Blue with Carrying Case + Fuji Instax Film Value Pack (40 Sheets) Accessories Bundle, Color Filters, Photo Album, Assorted Frames, Selfie Lens + More
#2: ZESICA Women’s Waffle Knit Long Sleeve Top and Shorts Pullover Nightwear Lounge Pajama Set with Pockets
#3: Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer (4 Liter / 6 Can): AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric System w/ Exclusive On the Go USB Power Bank Option (Pink)
#4: M MOOHAM Dainty Layered Initial Necklaces for Women, 14K Gold Plated Paperclip Chain Necklace Simple Cute Hexagon Letter Pendant Initial Choker Necklace Gold Layered Necklaces for Women
#5: Cricut Joy Machine DIY Card Making Bundle – Sampler Insert Cards, Mat, Gel Pens
#6: SINGER | M3500 Sewing Machine with 110 Stitch Applications, & Built-In Needle Threader – Perfect for Beginners – Sewing Made Easy
#7: Bed Head Wave Affair 3 Barrel Digital Jumbo Hair Waver
#8: FACAXEDRE Retro Smile Face Slippers, Happy Face Slipper for Women, Soft Plush Comfy Preppy Women Slippers, Smile Cushion Slides, Fluffy House Slippers for Men
#9: Amazon.com Gift Card in a Birthday Gift Box (Various Designs)
#10: Knot Pillow Ball-Shaped Decorative Throw Pillows,Coral 20cm Cute Couch Cushion Knotted Plush Pillow Suitable for Living Room Bed Decoration Handmade Braided Throw Pillows
#11: PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Lightweight Chunky Open Hoops | Gold Hoop Earrings for Women
#12: Photo Clip String Lights 33Ft – 100 LED Fairy String Lights with 50 Clear Clips for Hanging Pictures, String Lights with Clips USB Powered with Switch – Perfect Bedroom Decor Wedding Decorations
#13: Pooqla Colorful LED Marquee Letter Lights with Remote – Light Up Marquee Signs – Party Bar Letters with Lights Decorations for The Home – Multicolor K
#14: GEMLORD 3 Pcs Preppy Patch Makeup Bag, Small Chenille Letter Cosmetic Bag, PU Leather Waterproof Zipper Skin Care Toiletry Bags for Girls, Portable Preppy Gift for Women(White, Blue, Pink)
#15: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Pink Rose

#1: EBODA Bluetooth Shower Speaker, Portable Bluetooth Speakers, IP67 Waterproof Wireless Speaker with LED Light, Floating, 2000mAh, True Wireless Stereo for Kayak, Beach, Gifts for unisex -Black
#2: Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs
#3: Hey Dude Men’s Wally Funk Carbon Blue Size 11 | Men’s Shoes | Men’s Lace Up Loafers | Comfortable & Light-Weight
#4: Under Armour Boys’ Tech Big Logo Short Sleeve T-Shirt
#5: SANKILL Unisex 3D Novelty Hoodies Graphic Print Galaxy Hoodies Pullover Sweatshirt Pockets
#6: LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection 21044 Paris Skyline Building Kit With Eiffel Tower Model and other Paris City Architecture for build and display (649 Pieces)
#7: TOSY 36 and 360 LEDs Flying Disc – Extremely Bright, Smart Modes, Auto Light Up, Rechargeable, Perfect Birthday & Outdoor Camping Gift, Easter Basket Stuffers for Men/Boys/Teens/Kids, 175g frisbees
#8: DEERC D20 Mini Drone with Camera for Kids, Remote Control Toys Gifts for Boys Girls with Voice Control, Gestures Selfie, Altitude Hold, Gravity Control, One Key Start, 3D Flips 2 Batteries, Blue
#9: 3D Galaxy Moon Lamp by Mind-glowing – Cool Kids Galaxy Moon Night Light (Standard, 4.7in) with 16 LED Colors, Touch & Remote Control, Wooden Stand – Unique Gift for 3 4 5 6 7 Year Old Girls & Boys
#10: Nike Dri-FIT Stride Men’s 7″ Brief-Lined Running Shorts
#11: Bounce Battle Wood Edition Game Set – an Addictive Game of Strategy, Skill & Chance
#12: Jetson All Terrain Hoverboard with LED Lights, LED Light-up Wheels, Self-Balancing Hoverboard with Active Balance Technology, Ages 12+
#13: Light Up Basketball-Uses Two High Bright LED’s (Official Size and Weight)
#14: Spikeball Game Set – Played Outdoors, Indoors, Lawn, Yard, Beach, Tailgate, Park – Includes 1 Ball, Drawstring Bag, and Rule Book – Game for Boys, Girls, Teens, Adults, Family
#15: Himal Collapsible Portable Corn Hole Boards With 8 Cornhole Bean Bags (3 x 2-feet)

#1: 50PCS Singer Taylor Stickers for Kids Teen Swift All Music Album Stickers,Vinyl Waterproof Stickers for Laptop Guitar Car Scrapbook Skateboard Motorcycle, Gift for Music Party Decorations Gifts (TY)
#2: Swiftie Makeup Bag, Singer Fans Gift Cosmetic Bag, TS Fans Gift Music Lover Merchandise, Portable Makeup Storage Organizer for Travel (THE ERAS TOUR)
#3: Taylor Christmas Ornament Swiftie Albums As Books Ornament Decoration Music Gifts for Him for Her for Swifties On Christmas Birthday TS Christmas Ornament Swiftie Ornament Xmas 2023 Tree Decoration
#4: MYHALF It’s Me Hi I’m The Problem It’s Me Shirt for Women Country Music Shirt Concert Tshirts Short Sleeve Fans Gift Tee Top
#5: AIMADE Taylor Album Inspired Bracelet Lover Fearless Reputation 1989 Bohemian Layering Bracelets Set Friendship Bracelets Jewelry Gifts for Women Girls
#6: Singer Album Coffee Mug for Singer Fans,Singer Tea Cup Merch for Womens and Girls,Gifts for Singer Fans Merchandise(11oz,White)
#7: YooThink Love Heart Shaped Sunglasses for Women ,Vintage Cat Eye Mod Style Retro Glasses
#8: SFHFY Karma is Cat Shirts for Women Cat Lover Shirt Vintage Letters Concert Summer Country Music Fans Gift Tee Top
#9: Cool tide Limited Edition Men Women Gifts Phone Case, Fashion Design TPU Tstaylor Slim Shockproof Team Collage Case for iPhone XR
#10: Women’s taytay Sweatshirt Casual Long Sleeved Round Neck Taylor Printing Loose Plush Pullover
#11: Taylor 1989 Crew Neck Shirts for Women – Oversized Crewneck 1989 Sweatshirt Long Sleeve Concert Outfit 2023 trendy
#12: ETSKOM Singer Throw Blanket Taylo 2024 Flannel Blanket Taylo Party Bedroom Decorations Warm Throw Purple Blanket 50×60inch
#13: Taylor 2024 Flag 3×5 ft Pink Musician Flags for Room College Dorm Bedroom Wall Tapestry Decor – Indoor and Outdoor Funny Party Banner
#14: Bracelet Kit Taylor’s Friendship Bracelets 20 Bracelets ERAS Tour Bracelets Swiftie Album Debut Fearless Speak Now Red 1989 Reputation Lover Folklore Friendship Bracelets Swift (ALBUMS VERSION)
#15: Qubuwalk Meet Me at Midnight Merch Lavender Haze Slippers for Swiftee Warm Fuzzy Slippers Cozy House Slippers for Women Slip-on Slippers

#1: Rechargeable Laser Tag Set + Innovative LCDs and Sync – Pack of 4 Infrared Guns & Vests – Gifts for Teens and Adults Boys & Girls – Cool Outdoor Group Family Fun Laser Tag Gift for Kids Ages 8+
#2: Nostalgia Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S’mores Maker with 4 Compartment Trays for Graham Crackers, Chocolate, Marshmallows and 2 Roasting Forks, Brown
#3: WoneNice Camping Hammock – Portable Lightweight Double Nylon Hammock, Best Parachute Hammock with 2 x Hanging Straps for Backpacking, Camping, Travel, Beach, Yard and Garden
#4: GCI Outdoor Roadtrip Rocker
#5: Durecopow Solar Charger, 20000mAh Portable Outdoor Waterproof Solar Power Bank, Camping External Backup Battery Pack Dual 5V USB Ports Output, 2 Led Light Flashlight with Compass (Orange)
#6: Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump
#7: TOSY 36 & 360 LED Flying Disc – Extremely Bright, Auto Light Up, 175g Frisbee, for Men/Boys/Teens/Kids Birthday, Camping & Graduation, Father’s Day for Dad/Him/Husband from Daughter/Son/Wife
#8: Pickleball-Set of 2 Paddles and 4 Balls with Paddle Bag, USAPA Compliant Pickle-Ball-Paddle-Set-of-2 for Adults Kids Beginners Intermediates | JoncAye Pickleball Racket Set and Accessories
#9: Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower – Active Outdoor Fun for Kids Ages 3 to 8 Years Old, Green/Blue
#10: Sport Squad Endzone Challenge – 2-in-1 Football Toss and Flying Disc Toss – Backyard and Lawn Game for Indoor and Outdoor Use – Practice your Throwing Skills with this Football Target Carnival Game
#11: Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer – Inflatable Jumper Bounce House Plus Heavy Duty Blower With GFCI, Stakes, Repair Patches, And Storage Bag 106.2 Inch x 137.7 Inch x 65.7 Inch Ages 3-8 Years
#12: Lifetime Portable Basketball System
#13: Amazon Basics Dome Camping Tent With Rainfly and Carry Bag, 4/8 Person
#14: Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock-Portable,Water Proof& Anti-Air Leaking Design-Ideal Couch for Backyard Lakeside Beach Traveling Camping Picnics & Music Festivals Camping Compression Sacks

#1: UpBlend Outdoors Wind Chimes for People WHO Like Their Neighbors – Soothing Melodic Tones. Bamboo and Copper-Red Aluminum Chime, Great as a Gift or for Your Own Patio, Porch, Garden, and Backyard.
#2: AJ’s Collection My Four Treasures Personalized Necklace with 4 Customizable Discs in Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Plate and Rose Gold Plate with a 925 Heart Charm
#3: Digital Photo Frame with IPS Screen – Digital Picture Frame with 1080P Video, Music, Photo, Auto Rotate, Slide Show, Remote Control, Calendar, Time,1280×800 16:9,Support USB and SD Card (7 Inch Black)
#4: White Mountain Puzzles Great Old Ads – 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
#5: Droll Yankees Onyx Clever Clean and Fill Mixed Seed Bird Feeder, 18 Inches, 4 Ports, Black
#6: Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-Supported
#7: How to Babysit a Grandpa
#8: La Chatelaine 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio Tin Gift Set, 3 x 1 oz. (Coconut Milk, Shea, Sweet Almond)
#9: Mueller Premium 1500W Electric Kettle with SpeedBoil Tech, 1.8 Liter Cordless with LED Light, Borosilicate Glass, Auto Shut-Off and Boil-Dry Protection
#10: Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. (New Grandma Gifts, New Grandparent Gifts, Grandparent Memory Book)
#11: AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 4.3-Quart, Blue
#12: VEVOR Folding Garden Kneeler and Seat Heavy Duty, Widened 8″ EVA Foam Pad, Portable Garden Stool with Tool Bags, Gardening Bench to Relieve Knee & Back Pain, Great Gifts for Seniors, Women, Parents
#13: Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera | Glacier White
#14: Capri Blue Volcano Scented Candle with Tin Candle Holder – Luxury Aromatherapy Candle (8.5 oz)…
#15: Window Bird Feeder with Strong Suction Cups and Seed Tray, Outdoor Birdfeeders for Wild Birds, Finch, Cardinal, and Bluebird. Large Outside Hanging Birdhouse Kits, Drain Holes, 3 Extra Suction Cups 

PLUS…

My annual recipe exchange:

I shared a bit about this year’s ANNUAL RECIPE EXCHANGE HERE (so make sure you read that post too!), but so many of you have asked for a list of items that everyone brought for the gift exchange.  We all did a poor job of taking pics, so I apologize.  I am going to list the items but not link many them as I typically do not know where people purchase my gifts (unless it’s pretty obvious), so hopefully these will give you *a general idea* of what everyone brought should you want to do the same (again, read my post HERE for more details!!).

I have loved wearing my personalized bracelet, so that is what I gifted each of my friends.  We were also gifted a really soft almost Barefoot Dreams-like robe, an amber scented oil that smells amazing!  She said it’s from Ulta.  We received the cutest linen cocktail napkins, a Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set pack, a cute pair of pjs, a holiday gift set of face masks, an acrylic phone stand, and Christmas tree earrings.

And finally…

December fun at Cowboys Stadium:

As much as Andrew Shull LOVES his Dallas Cowboys, he prefers to watch the games from home, buuuut Miss Ashby told us at the beginning of the year that on her bucket list was to “see the Northern Lights and go to an NFL game”, so her daddy was happy to check at least one of those things off the list.

On Sunday, these three had the BEST time watching the Cowboys crush those Eagles.  This was only Smith’s second time to see the Cowboys play here, so he was just as excited as his little sister.

Here’s a little random fact for you.  I’ve only been to see the Cowboys play at this stadium one time and coincidentally, it was also against the Eagles…

…15 days prior to giving birth to Smith.  😉

That wraps up another 10 RANDOM THINGS post.

Have the best, best, best, best day, friends!  I’ll see you tomorrow! xx