One of my favourite lines in the movie Christmas Vacation is, “I don’t know what to say except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.” If you’re feeling a bit like Ellen Griswold as Christmas approaches, you’re in the right place! Today’s post is a roundup of ideas to help you get back to basics and simplify your Christmas celebrations.
The Sunday Spark – We Will Meet Again, a poem
In week 43 of The Sunday Spark, a poem about the loss of a faraway relative. Plus, the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils, ice cream innovation, Thriftmas, and recycled gift exchanges.
Just say “Hi” on World Hello Day
Today is World Hello Day—a day that encourages us to take the time to exchange a smile, wave and simple hello with 10 people we meet throughout the day. The goal of the day is to demonstrate the importance of simple communication in preserving peace.
The Sunday Spark – Visiting faraway loved ones
In week 42 of The Sunday Spark, balancing the environmental cost of air travel with seeing our faraway loved ones. Plus, trivia competition learnings, and a look at carbon offsets for air travel.
The Sunday Spark – The power of an hour
In week 41 of The Sunday Spark, how a focused bonus hour helped me overcome procrastination. Plus, biodegradable poppies, sustainable dye for jeans, skimpflation, and saying no to glitter.
The Sunday Spark – Maybe island life isn’t for me
In week 40 of The Sunday Spark, I ponder the downside of island life after weathering a major storm on the Isle of Wight. Also this week: a look at rainbows, the history of Guy Fawkes Day, the potential of solar panels, and pumpkin disposal.
The Sunday Spark – Celebrating the awesome blogging community
In week 39 of The Sunday Spark, I share some exciting news courtesy of the amazing blogging community. Plus, a look at tree diseases, sponge cities, quinoa intolerance, and sustainable leaf disposal. Happy Sunday!
My 60 before 60 update – How am I doing?
The first quarter of my 60th year is coming to a close this week. Although I’ve shared some progress in my monthly goals posts, it’s time for my first official 60 before 60 update.
The Sunday Spark – Thanksgiving and gratitude in 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers. In week 38 of The Sunday Spark, a reflection on thanksgiving and gratitude. Plus: the environmental impact of rice, eco-friendly hair dye options, expanding the EV charging network, and sustainable Halloween decorations.
September 2023 roundup – Great reads and goals update
Welcome to my September 2023 roundup. In addition to my monthly goals update, I’ve got insightful posts on longevity escape velocity, inaction as the best action, affordable zero waste, the pitfalls of arrogance, and thoughts on celebrity ghostwriters. Happy reading!