Another Monday is upon us. Sometimes I feel like the previous Monday was a year ago and then days like today, I think WTF where did last week go? This Monday Musings – Vol 12 is going to be a bit scatterbrained. So continue on with caution 😉 But I do hope you’ll continue on!

Sweater Dress (XS) / Boots / Hat / Sunglassses

What I’m hoping becomes a habit…

Meditation. My sleep has been pathetic the last month or so. Extra frustrating because I use to be a great sleeper. The last few months have been blah to say the least. I’ve tried meditation before but it was a little too hippy-dippy {no hate, no shade LOL} for me. I decided to give the Peloton app meditations a shot and I think I’m hooked. Every night before bed last week I did a quick, 5 minute sleep/calming meditation. This morning I immediately started my day with a meditation for performance. Honestly, my mind goes 1000mph almost constantly so forcing myself to SLOW DOWN for just a few minutes to begin and end my day may be just what I need. Also, this is totally different than praying for me. I pray all the time throughout the day. This meditative state is something I’m hoping chills my mind a little. We’ll see how it goes!

What intention I’m setting for Christmas shopping…

To do as much of my shopping as possible from small businesses. The shutdowns were devastating to so many this Spring and Summer, and I don’t know about you but my love for small {and local} businesses is strong. My goal for Christmas gifts is to make sure 75% or more of my purchases are from small shops. Here are a few of my go-to places to shop for both myself and for gifts: Little Movements, Little Mango (code KRISTIN20 for 20% off), Statement Boutique (code KRISTIN20 for 20% off), Thirteen West, Darling Daylight (amidwesternmix for 15% off), Blond Genius, Boathouse Apparel (mwmix15 for 15% off), Kylie & Bryn, Doe A Deer & Forged Woodworks (Peyton did all the shiplap in our house!).

Sherpa Pullover from Little Movements!

**Side note: I will be posting my Gift Guides (2016 was my first real ‘blogger’ year and the archives are FAB for gift guide roundups LOL) over the next few days/weeks and I will be mostly sharing items from larger retailers. The reason for that is purely because I too, as a blogger, am a small business. I do make a very small commission when you buy from my links. So with the time and effort it takes to make and share the guides, that commission is my small payment to support my small business. Just wanted to be completely transparent as to why–and don’t worry, I’ll continue to highlight my favorite small/local shops on here and over on Instagram.

What I’m quite over…

Anyone that isn’t my mother, father or husband ‘telling’ me how I should spent my Thanksgiving and/or Christmas this year. No Brenda, I don’t need YOUR INPUT. This bossing others around shit has GOT TO STOP. Do I personally think having a Friendsgiving with 92 people who have been running around their towns frivolously is a great idea? No. Duh. But do I think gathering with your close family (or friends) to celebrate the holidays is wrong? HELLLLL NO. As always, I’ll do me and you do you. No judgment is coming from me if you choose to stay home with your immediate family. Honestly, no judgment is coming from me if you have that 92 person Friendsgiving either. Here’s my hot take: we don’t know when our time is up. So if my {or any of my family’s} time is up soon, then you bet your ass I’m seeing them every single chance I get. Don’t like it? No worries. You weren’t invited to our matching pjs/sister sleepover on Christmas Eve anyway, Barb 😉

Random Ramblings…

Started watching The Undoing on HBO last night. Uhmmm 2 things: Nicole Kidman is gorgeous and I need it to be like 7pm so we can start our next episode. Slightly creepy, thriller vibes with a legit cast.
Do I need more coffee mugs? No. Can I help myself from buying any cute mug I see? Also no. Got THIS ONE on Saturday and had my mama snag me this Merry one & this tree one at her store because Texas options > Iowa options always.

I’ve been hearing RAVE reviews about Caraway Cookware so I’ve asked both my parents and Kyle’s parents for the fry pan, sauté pan & sauce pan in the Perracotta color for my birthday. I know the set is a better deal but I already have a super nice Dutch Oven…
Going to talk Lizzie into making her Kanakuk Gucci bars for us next week. This time we won’t be sharing with as many people, so WINNING! I swear if you make these once, you’ll be addicted.
Have pets? Thinking buying dog food sucks? Same. Beckett & Cabo switched over to Vetdiet a little over a month ago and both seem super happy. Beckett has been getting the hip & joint treats daily and both boys get 3 dental treats a day as well. Beck does the Senior Chicken dog food and Cabo gets the Adult Chicken. Code kristinvetdiet20dog gets you 20% + FREE SHIPPING if you order through THIS LINK.