Currently in December

 It's the first Wednesday of the Month and time for Currently with Jennifer. This month we're sharing what we're currently loving, looking forward to, buying, hoping, and baking. 


Loving: Nights by the fire, family movies, delicious foods and good books.





Looking Forward to: We leave for Hawaii in just a few short weeks and I can not wait!! 

Buying: Nothing much; since we're headed to Hawaii that is the boys' gifts and we won't be home to see/celebrate with any family (and honestly with all tweens and teens in the family we've just been gifting money back and forth the past few years anyway) so we decided to skip Christmas this year. No gifts. I even canceled our Prime account and hope to cut way back on our spending next year too. 

Hoping: For good health, good weather, and easy/on time flights as we travel! I am terrified that something will happen to make us cancel/interfere with our trip and at this point I'm pretty sure we can't get much of our money back at all.. plus I REALLY REALLY want to see Hawaii!! 


Baking: We didn't do much baking this year. Alec made us some delicious homemade bread and I had baked up an apple pie earlier in the fall that I tucked into the freezer for Thanksgiving. We did bake up a few butter braids we had in the freezer from Alec's last selling project in high school since I figured the holiday was a good reason to use some up with all the boys home for breakfast each day. We also tried out a new recipe as part of the new cookbook club I've joined on the blog- some pumpkin pancakes.  But that's it for baking until 2025.

Alec's herb & parmesan fougasse 

This was a raspberry butter braid but I also cooked up a Bavarian cream one over the 4 day weekend

we made pumpkin pancakes using a new recipe (review will be up on the blog on the 16th)

Linking up with:






Comments

  1. Maria RineerDecember 4, 2024 at 5:04 AM

    How neat to do an experience (and WHAT an experience that will be!) instead of buying a bunch of things. I want you to go to Hawaii, too, because that's what you're looking forward to; however, selfishly, I can't wait to see your pictures and read your recaps :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:14 AM

      Aw, thank you so much! BOTH my son and I each plan on bringing our cameras so I should have lots and lots to share.

      Delete
  2. mireilleDecember 4, 2024 at 6:05 AM

    Hawaii: woohoo! So happy for you! Currently loving the quiet in my house, Christmas lights and decor!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:15 AM

      Aw, thank you! We've only set up our village this year but I am loving those twinkling lights.

      Delete
  3. HollyDecember 4, 2024 at 6:15 AM

    Oh my gosh I am so excited for you! You will have an amazing time- what parts are you visiting?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:22 AM

      We are spending 5 days on Maui and 5 days on the big island.

      Delete
  4. Kathrine EldridgeDecember 4, 2024 at 6:49 AM

    Hawaii sounds and looks so amazing!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amy ScottDecember 4, 2024 at 6:57 AM

    I am the same way imagining all the reasons why a trip won't happen. I will send good vibes your way. I have also thought about canceling Prime - it just makes it so easy. I will say though that I use it more and more for necessities that I don't have time to hunt around for in stores when I can't get it through my grocery order.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Memphis BridgesDecember 4, 2024 at 7:08 AM

    Loved reading your answers to each of these questions! This is all incredible, from canceling Prime to Hawaii to nights by the fire with good food!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasDecember 4, 2024 at 8:07 AM

    Joanne,
    Loved this especially cutting back on buying next year...After i updated most of my wardrobe, which was over 25 years old since I just was able to fit back into old clothes after losing weight, I am now trying not to spend much money so that is also my goal for next year...I give mostly money or gift cards for Christmas and have for the last 20 years....Good for you going to Hawaii....Time spent with family is more important than money spent on them....Thanks so much for visiting!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:23 AM

      Aw, thank you! The boys are looking forward to the trip so much and were more than happy to pass on any gifts.

      Delete
  8. Dara @ Not In JerseyDecember 4, 2024 at 8:48 AM

    I want to go back to Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:24 AM

      Everyone tells me that we're going to fall in love and want to go back too... and I can definitely see myself feeling that way!

      Delete
  9. Julie's Creative LifestyleDecember 4, 2024 at 9:11 AM

    I love the gift you are giving your family for Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I hope you enjoy the holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 4, 2024 at 9:24 AM

    I’m excited for you to go to Hawaii!! It’s such a special place. (Sarah @ Toronto SAM)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 11:25 AM

      Aw, thank you! I can't wait; it's one of those places I've always wanted to go.

      Delete
  11. Melynda@Scratch Made Food!December 4, 2024 at 9:36 AM

    December is a great time for Hawaii! Enjoy every moment!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Melissa BakerDecember 4, 2024 at 10:37 AM

    I’m always in awe of your little life over there.. keep shining my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. MissyDecember 4, 2024 at 11:28 AM

    I'm so excited for you to enjoy Hawaii! We went for the first time in 2023, and it was the best trip ever! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kari December 4, 2024 at 11:35 AM

    I love the idea of skipping Christmas. And I can't wait to see your Hawaii pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  15. BriDecember 4, 2024 at 1:26 PM

    I love homemade bread! I hope you have such a fun trip to Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jodie's Touch of StyleDecember 4, 2024 at 5:46 PM

    Canceled your prime account? Now that's a way to curb spending. In the funny thing is, I never used to use amazon for things, but now it's just so convenient.
    Have fun in hawaii
    Xoxo
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne December 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM

      I know! It's going to be tricky since I use them for so much but I am determined to give it a try.

      Delete
  17. Tanya December 4, 2024 at 5:57 PM

    It really does get pretty silly just exchanging money and gift cards every year. You all are going to have such a great time in Hawaii!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Deb's WorldDecember 4, 2024 at 7:02 PM

    Enjoy Hawaii Joanne, sounds like a great trip planned. Thanks for joining us for #WWWhimsy

    Deb from #Teamwwwhimsy

    ReplyDelete

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