Tuesday Things.
1. Last year’s table has me feeling all the feels!
2. OMG I am dying over this skillet creamed corn.
3. Guys! I am weirdly envious of people who seem to be living their lives without a care in the world and traveling like it’s nothing! We still aren’t going anywhere or doing much of anything, but we also don’t have to travel to see our immediate family. How are you guys feeling about things?
4. On that same note, over the weekend I looked at my christmas break post from last year and it was so sad and depressing, since this year won’t be anything like that! I’ve never been so happy that we live minutes away from immediate family, but this list on how to get through the holiday loneliness when you can’t see your family is helpful.
5. The benefits of writing by hand! Oh how I love this. I love writing by hand!
6. TV things!! Okay, so I have never been able to get into The Crown. It is just too slow and boring for me (sorry!!). But now, of course I am DYING to watch this season given what it’s about. Do we think I can just watch this season alone?! And not have to watch the seasons before? Please advise.
7. Officially got most of our Christmas decor up and it feels amazing! Usually I spend the entire weekend after Thanksgiving decorating, but now I feel like I can enjoy it more? Best decision ever.
8. Eddie got new tires on his car this weekend and for the last few days, we thought something died in the garage. The smell is unreal! We have never had that happen before. It’s like burning rubber without the burning.
36 Comments on “Tuesday Things.”
I watched the first season of the crown and gave up because it was so boring. I started this season anyways and it seems fine so far!
okay i’m doing it!!
I have watched all three previous seasons of The Crown (season 3 was soooooo boring, ugh), but I heard from someone who has done the same and has already watched season 4 who said you can definitely watch season 4 as a stand alone and not miss anything. So go for it!!!
Also, I totally get being envious of others living their lives as if we are NOT in the midst of a global pandemic, but the reality is those are the people who are out there spreading the virus and putting others in danger! It is SO hard to do the right thing (especially when, as is the case for me, you have family members who think it’s a hoax, blown out of proportion, etc.), but it’s such an act of empathy and generosity to stay home and stay safe. My husband and I host Thanksgiving every year, but this year we canceled. I am focusing on health and safety for all and the promise of gathering next year (provided my family members who think it’s a hoax are still around!!! ugh).
Exactly to your second thought. I’m shocked at how self-centered some people can be. Living miles upon hours away from my family- I’m staying put this holiday season. Grateful for FaceTime/Zoom so I can pretend we’re in the same room
I’m disappointed but if 2020 has taught us anything it should be the value in waiting and patience
Yes exactly! And can’t we also learn a little more compassion? People are so sick and dying and so many think it’s “no big deal.” Anyone who foregoes the holiday gatherings is a hero in my book!!!
I work in HR in a co-op grocery store and have employees crying in my office every day, scared that they’re risking their lives while people will not stay 6′ away from them as they rush to finish their shopping. Thank goodness we live in a state which has had a mask mandate since April, at least.
I am not amused by people who are traveling and behaving as though life is normal. That behavior endangers the physical and mental health of us all. I understand the desire for this to be over and the way our brains work against us to manage risk, but we need to grow up, mask up, and stay home.
You may be envious of people traveling like there was no pandemic but for those of us who live in Florida it is a cause of concern. This week in our little community I’ve seen so many tourists, families that have come to visit Grandma for Thanksgiving. People from Canada flying in since they can’t drive across the border. These people don’t quarantine and Re in the local pool, restaurants and playing sports. I guess the COVID-19 crisis is over!
no no – i mean i am envious (in a mind blowing way) that they just seem to not care at all. it’s extremely concerning to me!
Thank you for staying put and not traveling or having tons of guests over. I have to critique your wording, however. It’s not really about how “you’re feeling” about the situation we’re all in together. The data shows that cases are exploding from small indoor gatherings– like holiday dinners– so feelings and emotions aren’t in play here. Science says, stay home. Just think about how amazing Thanksgiving will be next year when everyone you love is still alive to celebrate!
Yes it’s not about our “feelings” when it comes to staying home but I don’t agree with your critique. This is her personal blog and she is writing about how she is feeling, which is refreshing. While other influencers travel.
I don’t think that’s what she meant about feelings either. I believe in science and wouldn’t travel right now based on how I’m feeling, but I do want to talk about my feelings on this subject and seeing social media because my mental health has suffered so much this year.
I totally feel you. My immediate family lives close to me and I am still spending the holiday with just my husband and 15-month-old. Portland, OR issued a mandate over the holidays that you can’t have more than 6 people from two households together at a time, so my sister’s family, who has older kids, is getting together with my parents and we are going it alone. I get super frustrated watching others flouting doing the responsible, compassionate thing and instead acting like it doesn’t matter. Sigh.
Thank you!!! Watching other influencers travel just to go on trips with their families or “escape” right now has me feeling crazy too. How are they not scared and how do they think it’s okay to do this? You’re the BFF that lives inside my head!
Oh my god!! Yes!! A person on Instagram that I’ve always really liked and related to is on a trip with her husband right now so she can “get away.” What??! I think it can be said that we all need to get away!!! I would do anything to “get away” right now! But it’s not safe and not fair to others!
Thank you for being honest and putting that out there! I feel the same way, “weirdly envious” but also furious with those who are going about life as normal. That is why we are in this dire situation! We aren’t seeing any family for Thanksgiving. It’ll be just us, and while it is sad and it will not be the same, it is the right thing to do. Thank you for being one of the few bloggers who isn’t high tailing it to the airport and relating to the rest of us doing our part! Your table looks beautiful, btw. :) I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving!
I also tried to get into The Crown but found it boring. Maybe I’ll give it another shot. I also want to see the current season everyone is talking about! Also, yes to writing by hand. Pen and paper all the way.
Yes!!! I also wonder how these people are not scared – at the very least WHY are they posting this on social media?!
It’s one thing to get together with your immediate family who live nearby (we are still seeing both sets of parents who live minutes away from us) but to go to a resort because you need a break? Get real!!
Omg. I am also so jealous of the people who don’t seem to be scared. What’s it like being able to live your life right now without constant worry??? Help!
Yes! You can definitely watch Season 4 of The Crown without watching the other seasons. It is such a great season with only 1 episode that was slow. Have a great Thanksgiving!
I’ve also found previous seasons of The Crown too slow moving but I just finished season four and LOVED it. Definitely watch it, the actress who plays Diana did an incredible job.
So I respectfully disagree. Her looks and mannerisms were spot-on but I didn’t LOVE her actual acting. (totally nit picking here, overall I loved everything).
People are crazy right now. Everyone’s emotions are high, judgement is running rampant. I thinks what we do right now is very dependent on where we live, our comfort and risk level, along with keeping others safe. That being said, the people on social showing nonessential travel (not even to see family, just to take a trip) is crazy.
Aahaha, I feel like every.other.person on the internet has been asking “Can I watch this season without the others??” for the past week. As someone who’s been a die-hard Crown fan since season 1 (Claire Foy forever!), I love that Diana’s season is pulling in so many people who previously didn’t watch!
I say go for it…Emma Corrin does such a stunning job. You’ll be googling tons, but it’s okay!
1. You can totally watch this season of The Crown and you should to see the actress playing Diana!
2. I, too, wonder what it must be like to be living in a state that is more ‘open’ and/ or just living semi normal lives without thought. I live in Portland, OR and Oregon has been fairly strict the entire pandemic – and even we are hitting capacity in our hospitals. it’s shocking to me what other people are choosing right now as we hit second surge of cases, but I can’t lie.. my brain thinks ‘oh… that seems nice …’. We usually host holidays (and this year we aren’t as it includes grandparents and parents in high risk groups)It’s so hard to not want to be normal through.
3. I’ve never decorated early, ever. 2020. There are no rules anymore. Lol. We decorated Sunday and we’ve never been happier to have THREE trees up and twinkling.
Happy thanksgiving!!
You could start with Season 4 of the Crown and would not have issues following along. However, I think there is something important to keep in mind with the Crown- all of the storylines in the show are directly related to the Queen. This is something that has been stated by the creator of the show. All of Diana’s storylines are ultimately told because of how they impact the Queen and her bloodline. Diana does feature prominently in some of the episodes, but there are plenty of episodes where she barely appears or does not appear at all.
I think you can just jump into this season of the Crown. I will warn you though that it’s pretty slow. I think they could have made it more dramatic, but it almost felt kinda anti-climactic. Or maybe it feels that way because we already know the outcome. So, watch and see what you think. :)
PS cooking my first turkey and using your dry brining plus wine and butter basting method. Wish me luck!
I have watched every season of the Crown, and I love the Refinery29 episode recaps! They’re pretty short, but a great refresher and summary.
Also, stay strong! We are having just us and our kids this year, and ordering from a local joint, instead of joining our big family and cooking all day. I’ve actually let myself get really excited to make it a different, special year with just us 4. What will we do all day without having to cook???
It’s just one Thanksgiving! Make it special, and there will be many more to come.
Happy and healthy blessed Thanksgiving Jessica! Agree, people who are traveling to “get away” is extremely selfish. We are all tired but each individual needs to do their part! There is always people who feel entitled and better than others. I have family members working the front lines and no joke a horrific ordeal.
Stay safe and blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas too.
Tangentially related to The Crown…if you need a Princess Diana fix, there’s a podcast called You’re Wrong About (thank you Joy the Baker for the rec!) where they do lesser-known deep dives into various women in history and they just did a multi-episode pod on Diana and it was soooo good. They’ve also covered OJ Simpson/Marcia Clark, Jessica Simpson, Tonya Harding, so many good people topics!
You’re right about You’re Wrong About! Love it.
I agree about You’re Wrong About. I totally loved the Princess Di eps and the Tonya Harding ones. It fills me with dread to see the photos of the swarms of people flying this year. I just wonder what they’re thinking. I’m staying home with our little family and my youngest daughter is staying put at her university. I’m disappointed that I won’t be seeing my family but it’s absolutely the right thing to do. Jessica, I’m making the Pumpkin White Chocolate Mouse Pie! It looks amazing.
Oh my gosh!! I have posed the same question regarding watching this season of The Crown! What’s the verdict??
I really enjoyed The Crown up until this season! I was underwhelmed from the very first episode but you can watch it for sure and fill in any blanks you may have with google search recaps lol!
We were going to spend Thanksgiving with my husband’s brother who lives in our neighborhood, but now it’s going to just be our little family. I received separate calls from my kids school last week saying they had to quarantine because they were in direct contact with probable cases. Things are getting bad and their school has fully closed now and probably will be until at least the end of the year. Scary to think about! We had planned to fly across country to visit my family for Christmas this year because we only go every few years and we are canceling that as well:( Plus there is that little factor that we have to get tested or quarantine to come back to Pennsylvania now! There is still part of me that has this little hope that things will be different next month, but know it will probably be much worse. It’s hard to cancel, but hoping we can make a trip next summer if things have improved. With having to now make Thanksgiving dinner I am making your mashed potato and stuffing recipes:) Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!
Going to pick up my Whole Foods Thanksgiving meal for 4 this morning. I am a household of one with a cat who loves turkey (I am veg). Often I go on fun trips over Thanksgiving- last year Stockholm, previously Paris, and see my parents for Christmas- they live out of state. I won’t see them at all this year though we considered traveling via car to one another, but I don’t feel confident in us not inadvertently infecting one another – though we don’t do anything risky like leaving our homes for much for anything. Wish everyone else would stay home with their immediate families.
You do not need to watch season 1 and 2 of The Crown to enjoy season 3 with Diana. However, there are a lot of family dynamics that you won’t understand. So, you will probably enjoy the story, but you won’t get the whole experience.
I watched The Crown seasons 1,2,and 3. Also watched Outlander .
The husband in Outlander and the Prince Season 3 are played by the same guy……oh boy. What a difference in characters he played.