Red’s Roundup: December 2021

It’s the end of the year and my December Roundup is here! 

Wow, what a year it has been. It seems as though we cannot predict much these days, and have to do our best to be grateful for the little things in our day-to-day lives. December is the perfect time to reflect and refocus on our priorities. To slow down, enjoy simple traditions and make memories with our friends and family.

This month, I have done my best to find joy in our days. Whether it is my son’s school music program, my daughter playing Christmas piano music, or the kids eagerly peeking in the daily advent drawer for their treat, it is the simple pleasures that really matter. Seeing the magic of the season through our children is such a joy.

I hope you enjoy my December Roundup of favorites!

1. Pentatonix – After watching the talented acapella group win The Sing-Off over a decade ago, we have enjoyed following along and listening to Pentatonix. Their talent is incredible, and they are fun to watch, too. Over Christmas break, we got on a YouTube streak of Pentatonix videos. Each one is unique and well produced. I highly recommend checking them out.
2. Diffusing Essential Oils – My collection of essential oils is abundant, and while I have continually enjoyed using them on my skin, I found renewed pleasure in diffusing oils this month. There is a little spot at the end of my counter in the kitchen that seems to attract clutter. One thing is set down, then another, and before I know it, we have a collection of “treasures” on the kitchen counter. I decided to reclaim this spot and make it a cozy zone. I found a lamp we already had and weren’t currently using, moved one of our diffusers on a pedestal tray, and set out a little bowl for oils. As a part of my morning routine, I fill the diffuser with water and oils, turn it and the lamp on, and enjoy the peaceful glow and uplifting aroma. My current favorite oils are Doterra’s Holiday Peace and Young Living’s Evergreen Essence. I like to combine either of them with orange for an aroma that reminds me of a Christmas tree farm!

   

3. Relaxed Crewneck Sweater – The perfectly soft, classic sweater everyone needs in their closet. I have this sweater in “Heather Pecan” which is a color I can wear all fall and winter. It is just the right length for a little front tuck if that’s your style! My husband laughs about my front tucks, but I reassure him that it is cute 🙂 Lots of heathered color options to check out.
4. Poinsettias – It is hard for me to admit, but for years and years, I disliked poinsettias. They would sit in the front of the church in their foil wrapping every year, and I always thought they were fairly gaudy. Last year, it dawned on me that maybe I didn’t like poinsettias after all. Maybe I disliked the foil wrapping! I bought a small white poinsettia from Trader Joe’s, placed it in a cute plant pot, and ta-da, it looked great! This year I bought another white variety from Aldi and was fortunate enough to win a gorgeous, large red poinsettia at a silent auction. Placing them in cute plant pots and baskets completely transforms their look (for the better!). Side note…if you keep watering your poinsettia, it might stay alive all year. Mine from last year is still going strong!
   

   Check out my roundup of plant pots here!

   

5. Wooden Bead Garland – This garland has been out in my home for over a year. It really works for all seasons, which I love. Whether strung between hooks or coiled up on top of books (that rhymed!), it looks great. Wooden or natural elements can help a room feel grounded, and balance out bright and shiny decor. The best thing about this wooden garland is it can easily be moved around in my home to create fresh new looks.
6. Aperol Spritz – I kept seeing these beautiful orange drinks online and needed to know more about them. I had never had an Aperol Spritz before, but the color alone drew me in. To be completely honest, I didn’t really like them the first time I tried. I think I was expecting a sweet drink, and they are not super sweet. As it turns out, I have completely come around and now they are one of my top favorite drinks! The recipe is right on the back of the bottle, which is handy. I would recommend using orange sparkling water for a little added flavor.
7. 5,000 Awesome Facts book – We gifted this book to our 9-year-old daughter for Christmas this year, and it lives up to its name! She could not put it down, and let’s just say, we heard about A LOT of random “awesome” facts. This is a nice hardcover book for a really good price. Perfect for a child who loves to learn about a wide variety of topics. Great gift idea, too!
8. Merino Wool Socks – This brand of socks is top-notch. I have several pairs of lightweight calf socks, and they are super comfortable. My husband gifted me a few pairs of Merino Wool socks for Christmas this year, and they might be my new favorite! Warm, soft, and breathable, but also cute enough to stick out above my boots! Additionally, I love that this company gifts a pair of socks to someone in need for every pair purchased.
9. Heeled Boots in Natural – This fall, I bought some wide-leg jeans with a long inseam, so I needed some boots with a heel to wear with them. These boots are perfect. They are cute, comfortable, and just the right height for my jeans. Additionally, they are a style that can be dressed up or down easily!
10. Dip-Dyed Stools – There always seems to be a need for a stool around my home. A place to set a plant, a drink, or take a seat. These dip-dyed stools are cute and can work in every room in my house! This is my favorite type of decor. Since they are made from teak wood, they can even be used in the bathroom. I have had my eye on them for a long time, and snagged one large and one small on sale a while back! If you need a cute, but functional stool, these are winners. Ours have already been used as plant stands, a toddler seat, and hair-cutting chairs.

    

11. Flurry Puffer Jacket – When you live in the midwest, you need a warm winter coat! This puffer jacket is extremely warm and well made. Desirable features include a removable hood, an interior pocket, and ribbed trim on the collar and cuffs. I snagged this coat in black when it was on a major sale. I know it will be a great winter coat for many years to come.
12. Raygun Propagate T-Shirt – My husband gifted me a shirt for Christmas this year, and it is perfect for this self-proclaimed plant lady. Raygun can always be counted on for unique and quirky slogans on their products. They make great gifts, too.

I hope you are able to reflect over this past year and find JOY. It can be difficult when there are so many problems in our world, but if we focus on GRATITUDE, it changes our perspective. We can see the good if we look for it. 

As I wrap up my December Roundup, the last one of the year, I am grateful for this little space on the internet and excited for the future of Red’s Li’l Schoolhouse. Thank you for following along. I am thankful to have you on this journey. 

Happy New Year!