Posted in Enneagram, Holidays

Monday Memo

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was really good. Did you read my post on Friday? I shared a few gift ideas, but I also mentioned that I was waiting to hear if we’d have a snow day…well, we did! Then, we got more snow over the weekend, and bitterly cold temps followed, so we have yet another snow day today.

My school district is going to use the non-traditional instruction this year again, but they decided not to start that until after winter break! So, we’ve already had three traditional snow days in December. Hopefully, we don’t have to make all of these up in June!

Anyway, we had family in town for an early Christmas. We decorated cookies, opened gifts, and had dinner together.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post, but @mirabellecreations shared this one about prepping for the holidays, and I thought it was pretty accurate for my 5w6 self!

Enneagram 5:

  • Researching the history of every family tradition– I’d say this is pretty true. I love traditions, and appreciate some of the ones we have in our family. Just this weekend, we made our traditional waffle cookies using the waffle iron that my great-great-grandfather brought from Germany.
  • Choosing thoughtful gifts that are exactly right: I do think I do a good job with this. Of course, I end up ordering many things online, but I still think they can be really personal. I ordered my mom this tote from Bauble Bar and she really liked it. I like giving something personal. Recently, I went to a local boutique, and it was fun to shop in person. I got a few things including a cute tea towel and notepad for my Gma. It’s nice when you’re out shopping and you see things that remind you of loved ones.
  • Planning quiet pockets of rest: Uh…yes! Now, sometimes those pockets of quiet time don’t happen until after Christmas, but I do try and factor in time to wrap presents, watch a movie, bake cookies, etc.
  • Staying up late reading by the Christmas tree: Well, is there anything better? Actually, I couldn’t really sleep yesterday morning, and I got up early and decided to finish the book I was reading. It was nice to have the glow of the Christmas tree as I sipped my coffee and read. (I will share December books before the year ends, but I will go ahead and say that I highly recommend Christmas with the Queen. Loved it SO much!)
  • Observing all the chaos with a warm cup of something: Yes! You know I love my cup of coffee, but lately, I’ve been an iced coffee girl. I’m just really enjoying using my new festive glasses.

Enneagram 6:

  • Keeping track of all the traditions being completed: That’s definitely me, but I also don’t think we overdo it which is nice. Typically, we bake cookies one day, go to the Horse Park lights, the kids each get a gift for each other, and a few other things we do. Just last night, I told Trav we need to go see the Horse Park lights this week.
  • Triple check travel plans and weather forecasts: This is definitely me. I’m a worrier about the weather as we’ve definitely had times where we are traveling to KC at the holidays and there’s snow in the forecast. Just this weekend, I worried about family getting to and from Lex safely with our forecasted weather. Obviously, if the weather is bad, we can pivot and probably adjust schedules by a day or two. We’ve always made it work somehow.
  • Brings emergency kit and snacks: Any travel needs snacks, of course!
  • Watching all the classic holiday movies: I tend to watch holiday baking shows in December. That being said, I have many movies I like to watch in the holiday season or on break like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and The Holiday. Some movies aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but ones I tend to watch during this time like You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping.
  • Feeling extra grateful for the people who feel like home: I know the holidays can be stressful, and sometimes they are hectic, but I’m always grateful to spend time with extended family, but I also really enjoy the time at home with my family of four too. When we go to Louisville and KC, we’re able to spend time with family we don’t see as often as we’d like. When we stay home for Christmas, we have a few traditions like hanging with friends after the Christmas Eve church service. I like that our holidays are predictable but vary a bit year to year.

Overall, these were pretty accurate for me.

Today, I hope to spend some time making one final list of the last few things I need to buy (mostly stocking stuffers and a couple of gift cards) and maybe I can get some wrapping accomplished?!

Have a great Monday!

Posted in Enneagram, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Hello and happy Thursday! Wow…this week seems to be flying by.

I haven’t shared a Thursday Thoughts post in a while. I’ve seen the “unfortunately I do love” trend on Instagram, and that idea coupled with my interest of Enneagrams makes for the perfect combo.

On Instagram, I follow @alignedsoulco, and saw the recent Enneagram series. It’s been a few years since I’ve taken the Enneagram test, but I’m a 5w6.

Unfortunately I do love:

Type 5:

  • Watching people from across the room: Why does this one sound so creepy? haha. I definitely love to people watch.
  • Having weird niche knowledge about random topics: It’s the teacher in me, I guess!
  • Disappearing for weeks and then acting like nothing happened: This summer, I had a few friends say they barely saw me at the start of the summer. I swear I become a hermit when I need to decompress after the end of the school year.
  • Observing social dynamics like a nature documentary: Again, I like to people watch!
  • Preferring texts over phone calls: Yes…most of the time.
  • Researching anything before experiencing it: I do like to have all my info and feel prepared.
  • Being an expert on things I’ve never actually done: This one isn’t me…this is actually a pet peeve of mine.
  • Emotional detachment as a lifestyle: Put this way, this doesn’t seem very healthy! I do kind of compartmentalize my feelings a bit.

Type 6:

  • Worst case scenario planning: I always tell Travis I’m a realist…not a pessimist!
  • Asking “what if” about everything: Again, I need to have all my info!
  • Seeing reassurance and then doubting the reassurance: For sure me if I feel uncertain about a decision.
  • Being prepared for apocalypses that never happen: I don’t know about this one, but in general, I do like to be prepared in situations!
  • Loyalty tests nobody knows they are taking: Ok, this sounds devious…but loyalty is important to me.
  • Anxiety as a personality trait: Unfortunately, yes…and something I’m working on.
  • Overthinking overthinking: I don’t overthink as much as I used to…I think letting some of that go has come with age.
  • Being suspicious of good things: Listen, someone has to be suspicious!

On a little lighter note, Shay shared this a few weeks ago…and while we’re just at the halfway point of September, there’s so much to look forward to in the “-ber” months.

  • Pumpkins arrive in the stores: I’ve been tempted, but so far I’ve held off!
  • Apple recipes in the kitchen: I haven’t made it yet this season, but this apple cider donut cake is a fave this time of the year.
  • Football season arrives: Well, the Chiefs are off to a rough start, but I’m hoping they’ll get it together. On the other hand, my Mizzou Tigers are 2-0 to start the season!
  • Oktoberfest is here: I don’t go to Oktoberfest every year, but it is a fun September activity.
  • Seasonal coffee drinks are out: I want to try Starbucks’ pumpkin cold brew.
  • The temps start to decline: Well, we had a “fake fall” a couple of weeks ago, and now the temps are soaring to the upper 80s/low 90s. Just yesterday, Hayden said, “It’s so hot! Isn’t it supposed to be fall?” Of course, he really notices because he’s out there running!
  • The slow cooker comes back out: So true! Of course, with back to school, I need as many slow cooker meals as possible.
  • My house smells warm and cozy: I do love nothing more than switching out seasonal candles. I have an apple/vanilla one burning right now.
  • Seasonal movies on repeat: Who has time to watch a movie? haha! But yes, I have some favorite seasonal ones.
  • The return of boots and booties: As soon as these temps drop, yes!

What’s your favorite thing about September?

Posted in Enneagram, Me

Thursday Thoughts – Goals & Words

Hello and happy Thursday!

I like sharing Enneagram posts, and @the.freckled.home on Instagram had some goal setting and words for the new year posts based on Enneagram types.

It’s hard to believe that we only have one week of January left. So, I’m taking a look at these before this first month of the year is in the rear view mirror!

I’m not a big goal setter for January, but I did have one goal which was to get back to working out. I figure if I have one thing to focus on, I’m more likely to be successful!

In the new year, I’ve completed 17 workouts in 22 days. I have done a really good job of getting workouts in most days which was a main goal, and I’ve enjoyed doing a variety of things: walking, elliptical, Pilates, and weights.

I’m a 5w6 in the Enneagram world, so these posts were fun to look at.

2025 Goal Setting:

Goal Ideas for 5’s:

Screenshot
  • Set reading goals: Yes! I’ve set a goal of reading 40 books this year. While I’ve fell short of that goal the past two years, maybe this will be the year I accomplish that goal again.
  • Monthly home minimalizing: Well, you’re talking to the girl who still has her skinny Christmas tree up in her bedroom! I just love the glow at night! I am going to take it down today. That being said, there’s nothing like putting away the clutter of Christmas. I do love having all my regular decor out.
  • Daily screen free time: I’m sure I’m on my phone the average amount of time, but I also do read my Kindle…that’s a different kind of screen time. One thing I’ve done in January, is do a word search every day. One of my stocking stuffers was a daily calendar with word searches. I love a word search!
  • Hike more: No ma’am.
  • Create a new nightly routine: My nightly routine does vary more than my morning one. That being said, I’m pretty consistent with showering, skincare, reading, and going to bed at a decent time. Of course, some nights I stay up later, or I will watch a show instead of read a book.

Goal Ideas for 6’s:

Screenshot
  • Try new quick workouts: Well, it looks like I’m off to a great start! I’ve been to a few Reformer Pilates classes lately, and I really have been enjoying them.
  • Make it through a whole planner: The only paper planner I use is my lesson plan book, and I always make it through that.
  • Create a morning routine: I think my morning routine is pretty good. As a matter of fact, I’ve done a really good job being on time to school this year. Not that I’ve been really late in the past, but I was always pushing it to be there on time. This year, I’ve started getting up ten minutes earlier, and I’ve also set an alarm on my phone for 6:45, so I quit sipping my coffee and get up and moving to get ready for school. Now, I leave around 7:30 instead of 7:45.
  • Connect with online friends: That’s what I do with you all, my blog fam!
  • Create a water goal: I’ve been pretty good at being consistent at drinking water for quite some time. I’ve had this tumbler for a year and a half, and I don’t leave home without it. I drink at least two tumblers of water a day. It comes in so many colors and patterns. Y’all, look how cute this heart one is!

2025 Words of the Year:

Thanks to our NYE progressive dinner tradition, I start the year with a few words in mind:

Ennegram 5 words for the new year:

Screenshot

Of the words for 5, better, growth, and balanced popped out to me. I’m always trying to do better while growing and finding balance in my life.

Enneagram 6 words for the new year:

Screenshot

For the words for 6, content caught my attention. I do feel very content with my life. We’re in a great phase of life with the kids, they’ve adjusted to high school, and Trav and I both enjoy our work. I want to continue to create, which for me, is writing blog posts. I’m a very driven person, but sometimes I don’t feel that way. I guess we all go through “funks” sometimes. I will say that I’ve really enjoyed having a few classes this year, and I’m very driven when planning lessons for them and adjusting to our new curriculum.

As always, the Enneagram topic is always interesting to me…and I love seeing how it applies to a variety of topics like goals and words of the year!

I hope everyone has a great 2025!

Posted in Enneagram, Holidays, Seasonal

Thursday Thoughts: Enneagram Holiday

Hello!

I can’t believe it’s already Thursday. A couple of weeks into December, and I realized I hadn’t really written a holiday-ish post.

I always stop my Instagram “scroll” when I see Enneagram posts.

I’ve shared @mirabellecreation graphics in previous posts. I haven’t taken the Enneagram assessment in quite some time, but as far as I know, I’m a 5w6.

Here’s a little holiday Enneagram break down:

Enneagram 5:

  • Learning the history behind holiday traditions: I do love to know the history behind traditions. I’m glad to have a few traditions in my family. It makes the holidays even more meaningful.
  • Making Christmas snacks: Oh! I love Christmas snacks…especially homemade Chex mix.
  • Hosting small family events: We don’t host many events these days, but I enjoy going to a few holiday parties.
  • Sitting by a fire: Yes! We haven’t turned our fire place on just yet, but I can’t wait for the first fire of the season.
  • Staying in bed a little longer: Yes, ma’am!
  • Making homemade decor: I’ve made a few things through the years which is fun to do.

Enneagram 6:

  • Watching family open thoughtful personal gifts: I wrapped quite a few gifts yesterday, and there are certain ones I can’t wait for the kids to open.
  • Checking off all the traditions: I love our traditions like going to see the Christmas lights in the Horse Park and baking cookies.
  • Cozy festive clothes or pjs: Yes! I have two favorite pairs of plaid flannel pjs that I keep in the pj rotation.
  • Ice skating with friends: Well, I don’t know about that…I might break a hip! That being said, Hadley and friends usually end up going to the rink downtown at some point in the winter months.
  • Cuddling & watching movies: I can’t wait to have some time to watch some of my favorite movies over break.
  • Crafting with friends: I love to craft, but haven’t really done so in a while.

Probably ten years ago, I made this burlap tree, and I made a few as gifts. It’s one of my favorite decorations to put out. Also, for quite a few years, I had the kids make ornaments at Christmas time, and then we’d give them to family as gifts. Of course, I had them make an extra one for our tree.

More Festive Enneagram Fun:

All of these “favorites” are me! A few thoughts: It means so much to me (more than the kids realize) that we take twenty minutes to decorate the tree with favorite ornaments. This year, when Travis and I hung up our wedding ornament, that’s almost twenty years old, I asked him if he remembered how our first Christmas we hardly had any ornaments for our tree…and now we have three containers full!

I love watching others open gifts, and naps on repeat during the holidays are a must!

A few thoughts: I bake cookies with the kids every year, and the years we go to KC for Christmas, we usually make a few with my mom and Gma. This weekend, we’re baking cookies with my brother’s family, and I’m looking forward to that. As a family, we watch Home Alone at some point, and then on Christmas Day, we always watch A Christmas Story. Hadley turned on the Christmas music November 1st!

These graphics are funny too…

This one is definitely me: haha

This one too!

What are some of your holiday favorites?

Posted in Amazon, Enneagram

Enneagram Travel

Hello!

Wow…I really wish this week would slow down a bit. I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post, but I saw these graphics by @mirabellecreations, earlier in the summer and thought they’d be fun to share since summer seems to be a heavy season of travel for many people.

Also, after sharing the posts about our vacation, it was fun to look at these again as an Enneagram 5w6 and reflect on how I travel.

Type 5 Travel:

  • Wants to learn as much as possible about their destination: This is definitely true for me. I don’t know if it’s the teacher in me or what, but of course, I want to learn a bit about where we are going. I loved our trip to Washington, DC and it was fun prioritizing what we could see while we were there. Also, if I go somewhere I’ve previously been, I like to try new things as well. I like the familiarity of places, but it’s also neat to try to restaurants or see other attractions.
  • Curious and perceptive, enjoys exploring new places: I do like to go somewhere new when we can. We’ve been pretty intentional about taking our kids to a variety of places, but it is nice to repeat locations as well. Like I’ve shared in other travel posts, we kind of have a “rhythm” to our travel in that we repeat locations like Siesta Key and the Destin area of Florida, and we usually go to more nearby locations for spring break. That being said, the kids have seen the Grand Canyon, been to Mexico and California, hiked in North Carolina, been on a tour of downtown Charleston, SC, gone to Smithsonian museums in DC and more. Of course, our recent vacation showcased new areas for all of us. And…to add on to “exploring new places,” it was nice that we were in the car so much for our PNW trip as we were able to pull over on our road trips to some of the scenic viewpoints or stop in little towns we might not have seen otherwise.

This pic is a prime example of pulling over on the side of the road to check out the stunning views of the Oregon coast.

  • Enjoys having their own space and alone time on group or family trips: Well, you know no matter where I am I will carve out some quiet alone time in the morning. On our recent vacation, depending on where we were, that looked different, but I sat in a hotel lobby, in a chair with a lake view, on the sand looking at the ocean and other places too. It’s nice to take in whatever it is we are experiencing but also keep the routine of my quiet time before the day gets away from me.

Type 6 Travel:

  • The absolute best at planning vacations: Well, I am a “type A” planner, so you would think that I love planning vacations, but I don’t. I’ve always said that I feel like I plan most of our days, meals, activities, schedules, etc. in the “real life” days, so I want a break from that on vacation. I feel the same way about going to the grocery store and cooking on vacay too! Thankfully, Travis has always done a great job making plans. That being said, I’m sure there are times he’d appreciate more input from me, but he also knows I’m better with choices…so he will ask if I’d rather do “x” or “y,” and I can usually give a response. haha On the PNW vacation, was nice to have the “bones” of the trip laid out with what towns we were staying in, but it was fun to kind of plan each day accordingly depending on our energy level, time frame, and weather. I planned our Seattle day, so at least I was a little bit of help 🙂
  • May sometimes feel anxious about new places and travel unknowns: I don’t know if this one exactly applies to me either…Oh…I definitely feel anxious…but it’s not really about travel unknowns. I will say that sometimes after I make a decision, I second guess myself…which then can bring anxiety about the unknowns. For example, when we went to Mexico two years ago, we narrowed down to two resorts, and I made the final call…and then wondered if it was the correct one. In the end, it was the best choice! Also, I can feel anxious leading up to leaving…there’s just always so much to do from laundry to errands to packing to picking up the house to cleaning out the fridge to making sure Homer is taken care of and more. Once we’re in the car or on the plane, I feel better.
  • At home in new places where they feel safe and secure: This is definitely true. On our PNW trip, once we were settled in each place, I almost didn’t want to leave. Of course, most vacations we don’t move around as much, but it was nice to feel “at home” in the various places from Air BNB to hotels to a lodge to a beach house.

The “5” criteria seems to hit home a bit more for me than the “6” criteria, but I guess that makes sense.

What are your travel plans this summer? Can you relate to any of these ideas?

Today is the last Amazon Prime Day. Have you made any good purchases? I don’t usually have any major purchases on Prime Days, but I do try to snag a few items that I typically use or smaller items I’ve had my eye on.

Yesterday, I purchased:

  • This desk calendar for school. I always buy one a few weeks before school starts, so I can go ahead and write down the kids’ activities and school related things like meetings.
  • Hadley really wanted these PJs, and I almost bought them on Monday night, but Amazon said they’d be on sale, so I waited, and did get a few bucks off (-25%) by waiting for Prime Day.
  • I desperately need a new makeup bag, and I’ve had this one saved for quite a while. I went ahead and purchased it yesterday. It comes in a lot of colors.
  • I’ve been loving this retinol eye stick, and while $24 isn’t bad the first time I bought it, I really appreciate the $14 Prime Day deal.
  • This “snackle box” is all the rage right now, and it’s currently sitting in my cart. I think I might go ahead and buy it today. I’ve had my eye on it all summer.

Anyway, I will probably share a few more things today on Instagram. I know this time of the year, I feel like all I see are “deals” and I do try to find the balance of what I actually need vs. what I think I want. haha

Have a great summer day!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Posted in Enneagram, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: 5w6 Relaxing

Hello!

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post. I always think it’s interesting to see @Ashton.creates posts on Instagram where she breaks down each Enneagram type for different categories.

Today, I’m breaking down “relaxing” for my 5w6 self.

Summer is definitely the time to relax! Of course, we’ve been pretty busy, but when I do have time to relax, I do! Sometimes when I share these posts, I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5, but this one I think I relate more to the 5.

Enneagram 5:

Sweet silence- Yes! You know I love moment of quiet when I can. I’ve found this summer that I’ve sought silence on my front porch more than ever. Not that I need silence more than ever — just I’ve been embracing the front porch quiet time when I can.

Quiet time-I’ve you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I always start my mornings with quiet time of coffee and blog reading. It’s the best way, for me, to start my day.

Being home- Yes! I’m the very definition of a homebody.

Docuseries-I do enjoy docuseries. We’ve been watching Quarterback, and I love it. of course, I love seeing more about Mahomes, but it’s interesting to learn about the other quarterbacks too. I find myself cheering for them too.

Walks- I enjoy a walk when I can. It’s about the only time I get to listen to a podcast, so I try to walk a few days a week.

Favorite mug-

I’ve been using my new Julep Farms mug this summer ever since our trip there.

A good book – Of course! I’m currently reading Lessons in Chemistry, and I’m loving it.

Sunrise- For being a morning person, I’m more of a sunset person. I have caught a sunrise or two at the beach through the years.

Enneagram 6:

Flowers – I love flowers…whether I pick them up at Trader Joes…

…or Travis and the kids buy me some.

A solid schedule – Yes! I always feel better with a schedule. I like having a plan whenever possible. I’ve realized through the years that I’m better about reading and working out during the school year than when I have time off in the summer. I guess I embrace the downtime and can become lazy.

Sunsets on the beach – Yes! I love nothing more than a beach sunset.

Multiple drinks – Coffee, Diet Coke, Pinot Grigio…& water in my Stanley…lots of different beverages.

Phone calls with a bestie -Admittedly, I’m not a big phone call person, but of course it’s nice to chat and catch up with family and friends.

Movie night – I love a movie night when we are able to do it. I also enjoy watching favorite movies over and over. Some of my favorite movies are: Parent Trap (original), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, Swiss Family Robinson and more are ones I re-watch often.

Documentaries – I like docuseries and documentaries.

Sappy playlist – I’m not much a of a playlist/music person…that’s more Trav’s speed. That being said, there’s nothing better than hearing a favorite song on the radio.

What about you? What’s your favorite way to relax ?

See you tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day Gifts: Enneagram Edition

Happy Wednesday! 

I was scrolling Instagram, and one of my favorite accounts popped up with Mother’s Day guides for Enneagram types. I’ve shared @the.enneagram.mom before, and I love when she shares gift ideas.

I always think these are fun to look at, and I’m a 5w6. Here are the gift ideas for 5’s and 6’s…

Enneagram 5:

Blue blocker glasses – I still occasionally wear a couple of the pairs that I ordered during online learning days.  

Collectors Book Set – Gimme all the books!

Comfy Sweaters –I love a sweater, but will never say no to a comfy sweatshirt – I feel like I need a “Homebody” one. 

Book Marks – I miss the days of homemade bookmarks from the kids. I’ve seen an ad for a cute felt corner bookmark that I’ve been tempted to buy. 

Add to their coffee station –You can never have too many mugs in my opinion. 

Home Thermostat – Cozy vibes! 

Reading chair – Oh I’ve always dreamed of having a reading nook with a comfy chair in our bedroom. There’s no space though…maybe someday.  

Enneagram 6:

Comfy sweaters – Same as above! 

Personalized jewelry – I’ve received some meaningful jewelry through the years, and I always love that idea. 

Cute storage – I can always appreciate storage. We have one of those cute IKEA carts, and it’s in my favorite teal color. 

Water bottle – While we don’t need any more water bottles, I am tempted to get a Stanley cup for the summer. 

New vacuum – haha – No thank you! 

Home security – I feel like this is more of a Father’s Day gift 😉 

Purse organization – How about a new purse? Haha  

A few other ideas:

I shared this post a couple of weeks ago (some Amazon options too) but if you are on a time crunch, here are some additional ideas…(forward this post to your husbands if needed😆)

Travis had these flower planters made, and then planted flowers in them. I was so surprised!

I’ve shared these cute flower pots from Etsy before, but kids could paint ones for their mom and plant some flowers. Travis had the kids paint a flower box for me when they were three or four. I loved it and uses it for a few years.

I LOVE the Birks I bought last summer from Nordstrom. They would be the perfect gift with a gift card for a pedicure.

These Amazon sandals are cute options too:

(FYI: I sized up from my regular 9 to a 10 on both)

So many boutiques (& even Amazon) have these crossbody hobo purses. I love mine that I got a couple of years ago from a local boutique. I change out the straps, and a couple of the straps are from Amazon.

Target pj’s and a gift card for a massage would be perfect too!

*some of these ideas could work for teacher gifts, birthday gifts, or even a “treat yo self” gift.

I’ve always loved just a low-key day whenever possible for Mother’s Day. We usually go to church and then brunch or a late lunch. We typically go pick out hanging ferns for the front porch, and I always appreciate a card and a day with minimal bickering from the kids. 

I know Mother’s Day is difficult for some. Mother’s Day 2013 was a painful one for me. I do think others now do a good job of remembering that Mother’s Day can be a sad day for some. 

This year, Hadley has a dance competition on Sunday, so I’m not sure what all we will do, but I’m sure I’ll feel the love 😉

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Enneagram, Inspiration, Me

Word of the Year – Enneagram Edition

Hello!

Well, yesterday wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Thankfully, I didn’t have to be to school until 9:00, so today will be the first day of my alarm going off at 6:00 again. It was good seeing my colleagues yesterday, and it’s always great to get students back in the building. I know, even for my own family, it will be good to get back on a schedule and a routine.

Anyway, we went to a New Year’s Eve get together, and my friend had us each draw three words and we shared them as our “Word of the Year.”

I’m sure you’ve seen those graphics where they say the first three words you see are your words for the year. That’s where she got this idea.

Anyway, the words I drew were: creativity, reset, and calm.

I like those words. I’m generally pretty creative, and I’ve said that this blog is my main source of creativity. January is a perfect time to reset on all the things. I want to get back to tracking what I eat and working out. I also want to take the time to plan and get organized. My birthday is next weekend, and I’m always pretty reflective this time of the year. I think with turning another year older and the start of a new year, I was meant to have a January birthday. It’s just a natural time to hit the reset button. Lastly, I actually feel like January is a more calm month in general after the holidays, and it’s just what I need.

I will keep these three words in mind this year.

I’ve shared this account before, and am always curious to see what @the.enneagram.mom has to say about 5w6.

Enneagram 5:

Enneagram 6:

I also saw this on Instagram, and it stuck with me as good intentions for this year:

I hope to have a great year…both 2023 and 43. I hope the same can be said for you!

Posted in Amazon, Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Gift Guides (ish)

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We spent some of our weekend in Knoxville because Hayden ran in the AAU National Championship race. Then, we spent Sunday doing all the things like church, grocery pick up, shopped for Angel Tree gifts, chores around the house, and then watched the Chiefs game.

Anyway, I know that many Instagrammers and bloggers share gift guides this time of the year which can be both helpful and and sometimes overwhelming.

In my own little twist on “gift guides,” I’m sharing Enneagram gift guides because I love the ones that @ashton.creates shares on her page.

Again, I don’t live or die by Enneagrams, but I do think it’s interesting. I’m a 5w6 and here are the gift guides for both of those:

5 (Investigator)

  • Camera: Well, I haven’t owned a camera in ages thanks to my iPhone, but I do love taking pictures.
  • Candle: Yes! I love candles. I used to pretty much only buy my candles at Bath and Body Works, but this past year, I’ve ordered quite a few from Antique Candle Co., and I’ve loved them all.
  • New mug: I love coffee mugs. While I switch them up season to season, I pretty much stick with my fave most mornings.

6 (Loyalist)

  • Weighted blanket: I cannot live without my weighted blanket. I’ve had one for a couple of years, and it’s hard to sleep without it!
  • Membership: Memberships are a great idea. We always gift Netflix to my dad every year.
  • Letter board: Crafty things are so fun.
  • Slippers: I have a couple of pairs of favorites slippers, but these are my fave.

Another favorite Instagram account I follow is @the.enneagram.mom. Her gift guides are fun too!

5

  • Blue light blocker glasses: When we were online for school, I snagged a few pairs of glasses; they were fun to wear.
  • Collectors book set: I always ask for a couple of books every year. Since I rarely buy books, I usually keep a list on Amazon that I share with family as gift ideas for me.
  • Comfy sweaters: Yes to a sweater! The best part about winter is sweater weather. This is my favorite Amazon sweater (I have it in three colors), and this one is a recent purchase that I love.
  • Book marks: I love a good book mark!
  • Add to their coffee station: K-cups in my stocking, please.
  • Home thermostat: This is a practical idea.
  • Reading chair: I dream of having a big enough bedroom one day to have a reading corner.

6

  • Comfy sweaters: See above!
  • Personalized jewelry: Etsy always has so many cute options. I’ve gifted and received so many good and thoughtful pieces through the years.
  • Cute storage: Organizing is always a great idea!
  • Water bottle: Besides a water bottle (which we don’t need ANY more!), I love personalized tumblers and skinny can coolers.
  • New vacuum: This I do not need 🙂
  • Home security: Again, practical!
  • Purse organization: see “cute storage” above

What’s on your “wish list” this year? If you know your Enneagram number, you should check out their posts!

Teens (and others!)

Now, these aren’t Earth shattering ideas, but I never shared what I got the kids for their birthday.

I try to do “want, need, wear, read” to keep it a somewhat simple shopping list.

Both:

This book caught my eye and I knew they’d love the Homer socks!

Hayden:

I hope they’ll let me buy them Christmas pjs until they are 18. I don’t buy the cute little kid ones anymore, but bottom line is in the winter months, they need warmer pjs…so why not buy for birthday?

Hayden prefers the jogger style for sweatpants and pajama pants, so I turned to Old Navy to get both of their pjs. Both of my kids now fit in adults sizes (what the what?!), so that’s what they got. Travis ordered this set of football cards for Hayden, and he was excited.

We also got Hayden a Nike UK hooded sweatshirt, jogger sweatpants, and basketball shorts.

Hadley:

I wanted to get Hadley something special for her 13th birthday, and picked out the Elisa pendant necklace at Kendra Scott. I wasn’t sure what stone she’d want, and I ended up choosing her birthstone.

Besides flannel pj bottoms (and t-shirt), I got her a Kentucky sweatshirt, leggings, and this sweater.

Honestly, I feel more behind than ever on my shopping. As the kids have gotten older, they understand that money and gift cards go a long way, but of course, I want to pick up them up other things as well. In some ways it was easier when they loved Legos and Barbies!

I’d love to hear any ideas you have for my teens! Bonus points if I can order on Amazon. haha

I hope you have a great start to your week.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Enneagram, Me

Little Miss + Enneagram

Hello!

I’m not sure why or where these Little Miss sayings started, and I think people either love them or hate them. haha

I follow @the.enneagram.mom (Tess) on Instagram, and loved looking at her recent Enneagram types posts.

I think it’s been two years since I took the Enneagram test, and I’m a 5w6. Sometimes, I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5 when I see different references, but I think it’s fun to analyze.

Here are the Little Miss sayings that most apply to my Type 5w6 self:

Type 5

@the.enneagram.mom
  • Little Miss “All Black Wardrobe”: While I don’t wear all black (mostly because of Homer hair haha!), my winter wardrobe is usually black, gray, and navy!
  • Little Miss “Give Me Space”: I definitely need my “me” time every day.
  • Little Miss “Doesn’t Like the Spotlight”: I definitely don’t like the spotlight. I’m happy to blend in.
  • Little Miss “Probably Overthinking”: All day, err’y day!
  • Little Miss “This Could Have Been an Email”: I like to be as efficient with my time as possible. I hate when I feel like time is being wasted…or a meeting could have been an email!

Type 6

@the.enneagram.mom
  • Little Miss “Needs the Schedule”: How can a person live without a schedule?!?
  • Little Miss “Planner Addict”: The best thing about “back to school” is a new planner and new pens!
  • Little Miss “Online Shopping Addict”: Did you see yesterday’s post? I don’t think I’d call myself an “addict,” but I do prefer to shop online. That being said, I also think that goes with my tendency to want to be efficient…and stay home.
  • Little Miss “Little Miss Overpacked”: I wrote about my over-packing tendencies in this blog post. I’m a work in progress. I’ve also admitted that I’m a “home body,” so I think that’s why I overpack. I just want to feel “at home” wherever I go. Also, I used to overpack a large suitcase. Now, I just overpack a medium one. #babysteps
  • Little Miss “Makes Tons of Lists”: I love a list…or 12. I have lists on my phone, lists in my school planner, lists on sticky notes, grocery lists and more. I also make “to do” lists for my kids for their chores or even schoolwork if they need to stay on top of it. I’ve even added things to lists after I’ve already completed the task just so I can cross that item off. So satisfying! Am I normal? Actually, don’t answer that! 😉

What Enneagram type are you? You should check out Tess’s posts, and let me know which Little Miss you relate to the most.

I hope you are having a great week.