Christmas Q and A

 Christmas Favorites Q&A

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I love using wrapping paper, but lately I find myself reaching for gift bags more often. That said, paper is a must for the kids—what’s Christmas without a little mess?

2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial for sure! I used to always get a real wreath, though, just so we could enjoy that wonderful holiday aroma.

3. When do you put up the tree?
The day after Thanksgiving—always. No exceptions.

4. When do you take the tree down?
If my folks aren’t coming over, the day after Christmas. One of my kid's birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I like to have it down before then. (Usually the day after Christmas)

5. Favorite Christmas gift ever received?
A beautiful diamond tennis bracelet. Gorgeous—but I’m too scared to wear it! No engagement ring yet, but I have this amazing piece sitting there sparkling at me.

6. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
I plead the Fifth on this one…

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Classic.

8. When do you start shopping?
As early as I can! I actually collect gifts throughout the year and hide them in my “special spots” until Christmas.

9. Favorite Christmas treat?
Derby Pie takes first place, with Sweet Potato Soufflé coming in a close second. Wassail close in line.

10. Christmas lights: clear or colored?
Warm white!

11. Favorite Christmas song?
Hip Hop Noel from the Disney Christmas Sing-Along. It never fails to get me in the mood.

12. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Angel, absolutely. No contest.

13. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning is the tradition in my house.

Merry Christmas!!!

Fears and Healing

Update: 

I have finally been healed from this. At times the thought still crosses my mind, but instead of fear, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come in healing from past trauma.

Original Post: 

Glass doors. Screens. ATMs. Tape. Glue. Phones. Windows.
For years, all of them triggered the same response: fear.

One of my strangest struggles was using tape at work. You can’t use it without leaving fingerprints—and that used to send my anxiety into overdrive. Not because I’d done anything wrong, but because trauma has a way of quietly rewiring the brain.

I wasn’t always like this.

After my divorce, my ex stalked me. One incidence that I can share: He broke into my home repeatedly, watched through windows, tampered with the house, and followed me everywhere. One afternoon, I walked into my kitchen and found him inside. He fled wearing surgical gloves. The officer who arrested him told me plainly, “That man would eventually kill you.”

That kind of fear doesn’t disappear overnight. It burrows in and resurfaces later in unexpected ways—like fingerprints on tape.

But understanding the why changed everything.

Once I connected the dots, I realized the fear no longer served a purpose. It was born out of survival—but I’m no longer surviving. I’m healing. I’m safe. And I’m in control.

Fear doesn’t get to dictate my life anymore. I choose power, clarity, and peace. Every day

Funnel Cakes

 I Adore Funnel Cake

Nothing beats a homemade funnel cake—crispy, golden, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. Bonus points for cinnamon!

Ingredients:

• 

• 4 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 1/2 cups milk

• 3 large eggs

• 3 cups vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• Powdered sugar to finish

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350–375ºF. Test with a drop of batter—it should bubble.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla—mix until smooth.

3. Pour batter into a gallon-size Ziploc, snip a 1/4-inch corner, and drizzle into hot oil in a swirling web.

4. Fry 2 minutes until golden, flip, fry 1 more minute. Drain on paper towels.

5. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot.