I have this thing in restaurants. I don’t like to start chatting–like really get into the meaty conversations–until everyone has sat down and ordered.
This seems like an odd thing to be stressed about, but until the menus are cleared, I am very distracted. I’m only half paying attention to my fellow diners and only half paying attention to the menu. Basically it is just a muddled mess.
You guys feeling festive? Christmas is somehow only two weeks away. W00t!
Still tackling your shopping list? Check out one of these holiday gift guides:
(I really feel like I need a fourth gift guide to fill that hole. Hmm, I don’t have a pet, and it really seems like all other lifeforms fit in those categories. Gift guide for possible extraterrestrial friend? Your pet rock? Maybe next year.)
I found this after the gift guides were published, but Cup of Jo mentions this absolutely brilliant play tape.
On a recent podcast, Meagan and Sarah share the perfect hostess gift.
And Laura Vanderkam lists some book ideas for your literary Advent calendar. (After I spent 20 minutes wrapping our books, Henry snuck out of his room and unwrapped HALF of ours before I heard the tell tale paper ripping. I was not amused.)
And and for all the fanciest friends in your life, don’t forget the 2015 Hater’s Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog. The language is not for those with delicate constitutions, but I was snort laughing. GET UP AND GET YOUR OWN GIMLET, BRADLEY.
Looking for some German Christmas market-inspired beverages for your holiday party? I’ve gotcha covered. (Curious about the Christmas markets? Click here or here.)
Want to relive last year’s Christmas fun?
Looking for a kickin’ lights display in (or around) DC? Look no further:
For my Roman friends, I’d be super jealous if you visited the live Nativity Scene in Civita di Bagnoregio.
We made it to Bagnoregio last January, but just missed the Nativity Scene. (Click on over here for lovely pics and parking tips.)
Looking to get something for moi? Oh, you shouldn’t have. So thoughtful! You are just the sweetest thing. But I would be delighted if you liked Roman Reboot’s page on the Facebook. Helping you enjoy weirdness and travel-related nonsense since 2014!
Happy weekend everyone!
Yay Christmas lights! Did you guys also spend who knows how much time driving around in your car on the hunt for epic Christmas lights growing up? Just us? You probably just didn’t have the Pelzer Light People.
That’s right. BE jealous.
And so it was with these high standards that I set off in search of epic light displays in DC. We made it a tradition to check out something new each year. Because the lights in DC are so much more than the Christmas trees at the White House and Capitol!
Already hit the zoo and the trains at the Botanic Garden? Don’t feel like shelling out for ICE! at National Harbor? Well, my friend, this list is for you.
Henry says some pretty hilarious things. I’ve been told that I used to say hilarious things once, but my parents didn’t write it down and cannot remember even one witty anecdote. Inspired by YHL’s Clara Conversations, I wanted to share some Henry-isms as I collect a critical mass.
So . . . we went to Malta last month. I promise to talk more about it soon. (Short recap: it was awesome, surprisingly kid friendly, you should totes to it. Oh, and I flew by myself with the chitlins. What???)
Being there made me realize some things though. Just like it is OK to admit things can be hard, I think it is OK to acknowledge that some things are tougher than I realized.
And just in time for cyber Monday, here is your inspiration for the toddlers and preschoolers in your life.
And a happy Black Friday to all of you. You definitely won’t find me getting up early for sales (even if that was a thing here), but I do love the online deals. In case you are seeking some shopping enabling, here is my gift guide for all the dudes in your life.
I’ve had school on the brain lately. See, we’ve been school shopping. By which I do not mean lovingly selecting office supplies (I heart office supplies mucho), but trying on some school situations for size.
This is what we’ve been considering for the 2016-2017 school year for Henry’s fourth year of life.
When I was a kid, my mom says she would stand in the produce section of the grocery store, patiently picking the fruit with the stickers on it. Why? Because apparently little diva me would only eat ones with stickers.
When my youngest sister was a kid, she went through a phase where she would only eat “chicken.” That meant we ate A LOT of chicken at our house. Green chicken. Chicken that tasted suspiciously like beef. No one could contradict her.
She also would screech, “she’s looking at me!!” if someone was not in her good graces. I was indignant that instead of redirecting her behavior, we were told to stop looking at her. We didn’t do anything wrong! Why should we have to be the ones to change?
Even though it was unjust, my mom said it was easier to try to get us to alter our behavior than the two year old tyrant’s. Now, I totally get it. Oh, I get it.
Henry used to be complacent when I cut his juice with water. Then one day he rebelled. NO WATER. JUST JUICE!!
So now what do I do? I sneak around my kitchen, surreptitiously mixing water and juice in the juice bottles. See. Just juice. Henry must never be allowed to see the mixing.
This is total crazy pants behavior that I now accept as completely normal. Because I’ll admit it. It is easier to change my behavior than his.
OK, spill! What crazy things do you do to avoid a fight with your kiddos? Please tell me I’m not the only one!
Peeps, listen up, I know it feels early. Maybe you haven’t even had your first seasonal latte of the season yet. (Guilty) Maybe you still haven’t pulled the trigger on OTK boots because it barely feels like fall. (Yup) But Christmas is right around the corner. Seriously. This is happening.
(That whole first paragraph was mostly a pep talk for myself. YES, family, I’m working on the calendar. Or at least trying to. There will be a twist. Hehehehe.)
But in case you also needed a pep talk, you’re welcome. Without further adieu, let me present my Christmas list. That’s right. I’m calling it a gift guide “for her” in case anything here is inspirational, but this is really just my list.
Roman Reboot 