Sunday Ramblings #64 (New Year’s Resolutions & More)

So… how was your Christmas? Did you have a wonderful time? Our weather was so cold! Super cold, snowed each night, cold wind… thank goodness we did not have to go anywhere.

As always, the dinner was fantastic. We had leftovers for a few days, and now… now, I look at breads, cheeses, and cookies, and just think ‘ugh’, lol. Give me some veggies, please.

What do you eat between Christmas and New Year’s Eve? We are going to a fondue night on the 31st so the cheese eating is not over yet. Thank goodness for the broth and veggie course!

What do your days look like between Christmas and New Year? Do you take a break from it all? Or are you back at your regular schedule?

My son and dil just left, back for home, so I am taking down Christmas today. Packing everything away. Freshening up the water for the roses. Tossing out the poinsettia sometime this week. I really don’t like them much, hahaha, so it baffles me as to why I get one each year.

Can you believe that we are just 3 days away from the start of a brand new year? We had a year of ups and downs in 2025. I am looking forward to a great year in 2026. A new hip, new motivation, feeling like it’s going to be a good year.

Are you setting any resolutions? Intentions? Affirmations?

In 2024 I lost 12 lbs and kept it off for 1.5 years (my goal was 17), so I was pretty chuffed with myself. However, with all the physical ups and downs of 2025, I have gained some of that weight back again.

Therefore, it is time to jump back on that healthy eating track to lose those pounds. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet for the arthritis and get more exercise now that I am getting more mobile. I lost the weight the first time by following ‘The Plan Diet’ and felt so healthy! No pain, no bloating, no cravings. It was awesome. The author has come out with a new book just this month, for those of us over 50 with sluggish metabolisms. So, that is where I am starting. I also love the recipes and 3 week menus in this anti-inflammatory diet book. Just in case you are dealing with arthritis pain, too. Or other pain.

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions: 77 Fun, Creative Ideas | Quicken – a tonne of great ideas here if you are interested in learning new things, making changes, etc…

*Disclaimer. As an Amazon affiliate, if you were to purchase any items from one of my links, I earn a wee small commission to support my blog. Rest assured, it does not cost you any extra to purchase through my link than if you went to that item on your own.

Three fabric tote bags hanging on a wooden hook rack, with a wooden cutting board placed on a surface nearby. — *DIY Tote Bag With Linen – Farmhouse on Boone*

My list of things to start on this week….

Organise the craft room. Over the past year, it has become a total disaster. As I was waiting for that new hip, I did not often venture down to the basement. I am excited to get it organised and see what kind of crafting I can start on.
Start crafting. I have no ideas as to what I want to make, but have several Pinterest boards with ideas to go through. That will get my creative juices flowing.
I love tote bags so am thinking I may start by making some totes. One can never have too many! They are great for gifting, too. Pop the gift inside so it is a gift within a gift.
I received a 3D puzzle of a greenhouse that I am looking forward to building. I will share the picture of it once I get it finished.
Are you ready to start thinking about gardening again? This is when I am most motivated to make my plans, think about colour schemes, etc..
Peruse garden catalogues, make wish lists, get in orders for things that get started in January and February (artichokes, celery, onions, peppers, eggplants).

A vibrant garden filled with a variety of colorful flowers including orange, purple, and pink blooms, with lush green grass in the foreground.

Never Heard of Cramscaping? Check Out Tatton’s Bold, Joyful Show Garden

Garden Plants We Have Learned to Love | Episode 186 🌼 Keep an Open Mind to Find New Faves! #podcast

Willie Nelson & sons suggest we “Turn off the news and build a garden.” What does that mean? – this is actually his son’s song, but it sure is good. If you are a Willie fan, listen to this song and I think you will enjoy the article, as well.

Planting Plans with Inspired Designs for a Front Yard Garden – this has photos of the plants growing in the gardens, plus their garden zones. So helpful in picking out perennials to add to your borders and garden beds.

Bas Designs a Front Yard Garden in Ottawa – check out the before and after!