* 3 Ways to Lower Children’s Christmas Present Expectations by Frugal Girl

* It’s an old post, but I keep getting comments about how good Jamie’s breadsticks are!

* it’s gone viral but a big, fat amen to Seth Adam Smith: Marriage Isn’t For You

* 37 Builder Upgrades You Should Do when building or remodeling from Burlap & Denim.

* Sherwin Williams 40% off paint sale is going on this weekend! Did you know you can buy the paint now and tint it later? Check with your store, but it’s an awesome deal for quality paint.

In the manner of simplifying for the holidays, we have really looked over our traditions to decide which are worth keeping~ the ones that have meaning to our family, add to the purpose of the season, and are worth the time and effort. And which ones really just add to the stress. 

Honestly, I have battled with Christmas cards. The whole ordeal of the pictures, the stamps, the addresses, a little family update without sounding too braggy. But then I get pictures and cards from my dear family and friends in my frozen mailbox in December and how I love to put their smiling faces on our pantry door where we can see them every day. And how I cherish the beautiful notes from my Grandmas who still write out a full card every year in their beautiful penmanship~that is becoming a lost art.

  I read an article in Real Simple years ago, and was so touched by it that I cut it out and put it in my inspiration binder.