• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Blog Home
  • Contact Rae
  • faqs + fyis
  • SHOP ILY by, Rae

RAE ANN KELLY

  • life + family
  • style + outfits
  • menus + recipes
  • freebies + diy
  • kids + crafts
  • outings + travel

6 THINGS DECEMBER EDITION!

Dec 08, 2021life + family

Wow, you guys! I know it’s overly basic and cliche to say this, but how is it (almost) mid-December? And how does my Christmas prep to do list not seem to be getting any shorter? Gah!

Over the weekend Poppy, Johan, and I went on an early morning Target date where we indulged in some Starbucks, picked out our wrapping paper and some toy organizing bins, and were home early enough to surprise the rest of the crew with donuts. Decidedly my new favorite way to start a Saturday.

Here are a few more things going on in life (or head), lately.

  1. MY BEST CHRISTMAS + HOLIDAY HACKS:
    • Assigning secret code or elf names to the kids so they won’t know what presents are theirs under the tree and therefore aren’t asking a million questions about, counting and comparing, or shaking the pretty packages you spent hours planning, budgeting, buying, and then finally wrapping.
    • Store twinkle lights by wrapping them around a hanger. Keep the plug side at the top so you can plug in and make sure they work, before using!
    • Outsource elf on the shelf duties to an older sibling or husband… or, write out a list of ideas before December first so you have something to draw inspiration from when you’ve hit a wall.
    • Teach the kids how to make paper snowflakes – they double as decor and entertainment. Also just picked up this coloring fort kit and a new set of markers — best $25 I’ve ever spent!
    • Keep easy appetizers and drinks stocked… maybe even pick a signature cocktail to offer all season long. You will find yourself saying yes to a lot more happy hours and socializing and it can also double as dinner in a pinch :). Don’t forget the sparkling cider!
    • Add the holiday prep, traditions, acts of kindness, and festivities that you want to do, to your calendar NOW. They’ll be way more likely to happen and anything else that pops up will either be icing on the cake or an easy “no”.
    • Pick-out or purchase your holiday outfit options NOW. Like, this week! You are doing and planning all the things to make this Christmas and Holiday season magical and fun. You deserve to arrive to the festivities feeling put together and cute – not frumpy and like an afterthought. Get creative with everyone else’s holiday fits if this cuts into the budget for the fam. There are probably lots of holiday sweaters and dresses, that were only worn a couple times, that friends and family would be happy to share.
    • Put together a gift wrapping kit that’s just for the kids. That way they are responsible for their gifts and you don’t have to be annoyed that they used up all of your favorite paper, ribbon, or tags. The last few years we’ve done this I’ve also let the kids pick their own wrapping paper designs. Last year Poppy chose Frozen and this year she picked out festive flamingos, lol.
  2. Speaking of buying yourself something, how cute are these waffle knit jammies from madewell!? I personally love sleeping in a cropped cami and the pants look so comfy (or these sweats are the absolute softest). ALL ON SALE!
  3. Did you hear that I’ve started a podcast with my friend Kendra?! We’ll be chatting about parenting (and all the hacks), style (home and wardrobe), wellness, and business. We have a name (THE CLUB) and logo (of course, lol), and a meeting scheduled for Monday that will hopefully help us figure out all the loose ends that need to be tied up. Hoping to launch in January or mid-February! More soon!
  4. Firefighting + Vaccine Mandate, Update: Johan hasn’t been to work at the fire station since October 19th. Two and a half months later and we’re still feeling like life is in limbo as we figure out what our next step is. On one hand, we feel like the world (or at least country) is our oyster (gives me butterflies!). On the other, after structuring our lives around Johan’s career, and our friends, family, and community, it feels weird to adventure very far outside of our established circle. Up until a couple months ago, all of our goals and decisions were pretty easy to make. All of a sudden though, it’s hard to even know what the heck we want and where we see ourselves in 2-5 years. Not a lot more time to figure things out so pray for us! LOL. Oh, and we are involved in a court case regarding mandates that will be heard on or around January 14th, so pray for that too!
  5. Loved this: Stars are born from chaos. They are born only after they fist collapse. So my beautiful friend, when you find yourself collapsing, when you find yourself lost in the midst of chaos and confusion, know that it’s because a new beginning is coming. Know that everything is spinning and turning inside of you in order to form new worlds that you can’t even imagine yet. Everything is quietly working under the surface to bring a new light — and it will shine brighter than ever. – Nikki Banas
  6. WEARING: sweatshirt, leggings (how fun are these green ones?), jacket is old from Everlane (similar or similar), sneakers, purse. Poppy’s jacket and uggs (highly recommend springing for the waterproof ones!).

We are still planning on launching our prayer text in January too! What should our first theme or topic be!? Encouragement is the first word that pops into my head when I look at our world and the new year. Might be a good place to start… What do you think?

xo, Rae

Previous Post: « FRIDAY FAVES: CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS FOR THE FAMILY
Next Post: CHRISTMAS FETTUCCINI RECIPE »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ariane

    Dec 11, 2021 at

    I wish you and your husband and family all the best!!!! I totally agree on your number 5! And I love it!!!! I’m sure things will work out for you!!!
    I live far far away (Belgium), a very different life in many ways (single/divorced with 2 kids and a cat, Catholic but not particularly religious, much more concerned about the planet than about covid, vaccinated but very much uncertain about everything that’s going on and really worried about everything, the world, my kid’s future, etc) but I still feel connected to you, and what you share! And I think that’s pretty cool! It even gives me hope for this whole world! Basically, we are one! โœจ
    Ps:sorry for my English, lack of practice!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

So happy you're here! I'm Rae, style enthusiast, amateur cook, graphic designer, firefighter wife, and mama of 5 (big) kids. We live in the PNW with our 12 chickens and dog, Waffles...

(READ MORE)

WARDROBE FAVES

HOME FAVORITES

WELLNESS FAVORITES

FUN POSTS

SPRING REFRESH: 4 EASY WAYS TO CUT BACK ON PLASTIC

freebies + diy

EASY HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS + FELT FLAGS

Uncategorized

LIFE LATELY + A TRIP TO DISCOVERY PARK

life + family, outings + travel, style + outfits

FAQ: What parenting books do you recommend?

life + family

EASY DIY KIDS ACTIVITY TABLE + A PRINTED WOOD SIGN

freebies + diy, kids + crafts

are we instagram official? you can find me @raeannkelly

SIMPLE (SPRING) THINGS ๐Ÿงข๐Ÿคโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ rounded SIMPLE (SPRING) THINGS ๐Ÿงข๐Ÿคโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ rounded up a bunch of sporty jackets (need them allll), cute tees, and other spring things OTBโ€ฆ link in bio!!
Just a reminder to play the long game ๐Ÿ–ค parent Just a reminder to play the long game ๐Ÿ–ค parent their hearts, enjoy their company, encourage their dreams, be a soft place to fail, and grow along side them. Parenthood is messy and incredibly challenging, but easily the most important and deeply rewarding thing I will ever do ๐Ÿ–ค Feeling thankful (for it alllll) and a little sentimental after a weekend with Ozzie (and a couple friends) home. Nothing better.
BETTER THAN TAKEOUT CHICKEN PAD THAI ๐Ÿœ๐Ÿค made BETTER THAN TAKEOUT CHICKEN PAD THAI ๐Ÿœ๐Ÿค made with healthy ingredients, lots of love, and good mems in the kitchen. (RECIPE BELOW OR USE LINK IN BIO)

YOUโ€™LL NEED:
avocado oil, as needed for cooking
1-1/2 pounds chicken breast or tenders, thinly sliced (like you would for stir fry or fajitas)
1 package dried pad thai rice noodles, cooked to package directions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, sliced
2 eggs, gently whisked
1 cup bean sprouts (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into bite sized pieces (optional IMO)
1/4 cup garlic chives, cut to inch size pieces
1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped (plus more for topping)
2 limes, cut into wedges for serving
ground chilli or cayenne pepper, to taste (for those that want extra stars โ€“ optional)
1/2 cup pad thai sauce* (see note)
HEREโ€™S HOW:
Prep toppings, as desired, setting aside bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime wedges.
Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat and sautรฉ onions and garlic for a few minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add chicken. Cook most of the way through. Move chicken mixture to one side of pan and pour egg into the other. Scramble before mixing everything together (like you would for fried rice). Cover and let sit while you prepare noodles.
Prepare noodles according to package directions. In a large pot, add noodles and avocado oil (to taste) and stir fry for a few minutes. Add bean sprouts, chicken mixture, tofu (if using), and sauce. Toss together until sauce is distributed evenly. Add chives and peanuts and toss gently.
Serve immediately with toppings of choice!
How do we feel about midi denim skirts as a winter How do we feel about midi denim skirts as a winter to spring (and pretty much year round) staple?! ๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿค itโ€™s a yes for me! 

They seem to be popping up everywhere so I rounded up a bunch for you, as well as outfit sources at link in bio or here: https://raeannkelly.com/ootd-the-denim-skirt-you-can-wear-all-year-long/
Mondays are for stocking the pantry! And since our Mondays are for stocking the pantry! And since our bins and labels needed a refresh, I thought Iโ€™d share the process ๐Ÿ˜‹ We organized our pantry about a year and a half ago (with the help of @finding.order ) and have never looked back! I was nervous about my ability to stay on top of things but have found that it makes grocery shopping and cooking so much easier because you can actually see what you have and what needs to be restocked. Anywho, Iโ€™ll link to sources in my bio and stories for anyone interested in details ๐Ÿ–ค let me know if you have any questions!
Small town Friday night ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘€ Small town Friday night ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘€

Copyright © 2023 ⸱ RAE ANN KELLY ⸱ Design by Love & Riot

Copyright © 2023 ยท Dainty on Genesis Framework ยท WordPress ยท Log in