Meaningful Ways to be Intentional About Your Relationships this Holiday Season

Relationships and leading an intentional life is a topic that I love discussing. Sadly, it is not a topic that is discussed enough on this blog. With the Holidays quickly approaching and the P(l)andemic taking its toll on everyone, I felt that writing a post about being purposeful with our relationships would would be welcomed. Because, after all, it is very important that we do not forget our loved ones during the 2020 Holiday Season. Whether you are trying to social distance or not during this Holiday Season, I have done my best to include activities that are great for both social distancing or in-person activities. These are some fun ways that I plan on being intentional about all the meaningful relationships in my life this season.


Sending Handwritten Notes

For clarification purposes, I am not talking about going out and buying a Hallmark card then adding a nice little hand written diddy in the me margins. Instead, buy a unique and personalized stationery. A stationery is a personalized paper collection consisting of a blank card, matching envelopes, and (sometimes) writing utensils. If you are looking to buy a stationary, I have included some great resources below. Or if you do not want to buy anything, just use a some of your favorite pens and pencils; in some ways, this is more creative because you can get in-touch with your creative side and draw them a picture. It does not matter what route you choose to go; but when you do write your letter to your friends and relatives, be sure to tell them you have been thinking about them and wanted to know how they were doing.

Dear Lola Letterpress (ETSY)

Idea Chic (ETSY)

Cerulean Press (ETSY)

Foglio Press (ETSY)

Paper Affair Dallas

Cotton Paperie

Bake Them Something From Scratch (just because)

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

this is easily one of my favorite things on the list, simply because I love to cook. Although, I am a little biased as I have been cooking since I was 12 years old. Some of the most meaningful time I have ever spent in my life is spending time in the kitchen cooking food for others. Of course, 2020 has inadvertently turned most people into better cooks with the Covid19 lockdowns. Why not show your family, friends, and neighbors you are thinking about them by with your newly improved baking skills? Your baking options are endless. You could make cookies, a casserole, brownies, or even make them drinks. I have quite a few favorite recipes that I like. Here are some of my favorites:

Banana Cake or Banana Bread (My favorite recipe is from the Forum Feasts Cookbook … no nuts)

Skillet Cookie

Scooter’s Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti

Don’t see anything you like in the above list? Be sure to take a look at my FOOD! Pinterest board where you can find nearly 1,000 fun recipes!

Game Night

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Game night is another personal favorite of mine. Games have a wonderful way of making people laugh. Laughter is key, when it comes to bringing people together. It has an amazing way of making you feel like you have a connection with the people you are sharing your evening with. At the end the night, you will feel like you have a deeper bond with those in you family or in your circle of friends. This is why game night is so important! In a time full of uncertainty, make sure that you set time aside with your family or friends to have a game night. Depending on your group here are some fun game night options:

After Dark (Adults Only)

Cards Against Humanity

Telestrations – After Dark Edition

Madd Libs

Five Crowns

Pandemic (See what I did there 😉 )

Family Games

Madd Libs (Yes, this is great for kids too. So long as everyone keeps it G-Rated)

Uno

Apples to Apples

Dixit

Pie Face! Game

Turn your Family Room into a Cozy Theater

Photo from Pinterest

There are so many fun ways to have a movie night with your loved ones! For those who have a media room, this is a great way to use it. A regular Television is always a great option (especially when it is right next to you fireplace). Another fun option is take a small portable projector point it a blank wall and watch your movie that way! No matter what room you decide to have your movie night in, make sure that you gather all your favorite blankets, favorite snacks, and fluffy pillows. Make it a cozy night, that will be worth reminiscing on in the years to come.

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Airbnb’s Perfect for your Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. This Thanksgiving Holiday, after everyone has been confined to their homes for nearly seven months, we are all in desperate time away. With the Pandemic this year, it has become clear that we all need to spend more time with those we love this Holiday Season. One of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Frisco Metroplex would be by renting a relaxing Airbnb home to retreat to this Thanksgiving holiday. We have specifically chosen great rentals with great views and are perfect for you and your family (or group of friends) to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.


Arrowhead Lodge (Montana)

What better way to escape the insanity of Dallas life than by heading West out to Yellowstone Country, Montana. The Arrowhead Lodge is a perfect location for anyone who wants to escape to the Rocky Mountains for Thanksgiving. This rental property is a great option for any family get together because it has spacious rooms each with landscape windows and amazing views. The kitchen could comfortable fit five adults working to create an amazing Thanksgiving meal. For day trips, Yellowstone National Park is only 1.5 hour drive South. There are also some fun little shops in Downtown Livingston, including: The Obsidian Collection, The Gourmet Cellar, and Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery.

Number of Guests: 16

Cost (for 16 guests): $57.75/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to BZN) + 45 minute drive from airport

Eagle Lake Estate (Idaho)

Who would have thought to vacation to Idaho would be a good idea? But really, Idaho does have one of the prettiest landscapes in the Continental United States. In fact, Idaho was listed among the top 20 most beautiful states in the USA by Thrillist. This stunning Airbnb property in Idaho is definitely no exception! The Eagle Lake Estate is on a beautiful, yet secluded property in the small town of Hailey. Along with five large, wonderfully decorated bedrooms, the property also has a naturally lit living/dining room with floor to ceiling windows and high vaulted ceilings, a very comfortable media room. The kitchen is large enough to allow a few people to work on the Thanksgiving feast. If you would prefer to do other things on Thanksgiving day, a Chef (or two) can be provided to you for an extra cost. For day trips, lodge is only five minutes away from Sawtooth National Forest.

Number of Guests: 12

Cost (for 12 guests): $166.67/night/person

Travel Time: 5 hour flight (DFW to IDA) + 2.5 hour drive from airport

Heartwood Lodge (Wyoming)

Photo Courtesy of Airbnb

The Heartwood Lodge is great for any family who is looking to spend some time in Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. Both of these parks are just a short drive due North. Not only is this six bedroom lodge just outside of the second oldest National Parks in the world; it is also perfect for anyone who is an avid skier, as it is within walking distance to Après Vous. Other fun accommodations include: an outdoor hot tub and fireplace (for the adventurous few in the group), a large media room (perfect for football fans) and a pool table. Other features available for an extra cost include various members of household staff (chef, butler, driver, restaurant concierge, or childcare), Villa pre-stocking, activities and excursions.

Number of Guests: 18

Cost (for 18 guests): $444.45/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to JAC) + 22 minute drive

Movie Star Mansion (Utah)

This is another great option for any group that loves to ski or snowboard, as this rental has a ski-in/ski-out feature. For those who would do not like to ski as much, Historic Park City is just a short drive away and has many fun shops like Atticus Coffee Books & Teahouse, No Name Saloon & Grill, and La Niche. Or if you are looking more for a night in, there are some wonderful activities available at the house to engage in. These activities includes: a pool table, a poker table, fully equipped exercise room, media room, jacuzzi, a sauna, a wet bar, and seven very spacious bedrooms. If you and your group are planning on making your own Thanksgiving dinner; do not fear, as the kitchen in this lodge is large enough to accommodate at least six people. However, if you find that you are in need of some extra hands on Thanksgiving day, some additional services are provided to the group for an extra fee, including: food pre-stocking, household staff (chef, driver, food and beverage services, housekeeping, childcare and a butler), car rental, and restaurant concierge.

Number of Guests: 18

Cost (for 18 guests): $225.95/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to SLC) + 1 hour drive

“Our Place” (Idaho)

Photo Courtesy of Airbnb

This is a great option for a very large family or a family would like to have lots of space during this Thanksgiving season. You are guaranteed extra privacy and quiet as the property has no neighbors. Never fear though, there are plenty of activities while at the lodge including ping pong, pool, a jacuzzi, an outdoor firepit which is perfect for making s’mores. If you are looking to get off the property for the day, both and Idaho Falls and Jackson, Wyoming are only an hour away. For those looking for a quiet night in, the lodge has three fire places, a jetted tub in the master bathroom, and a TV. On Thanksgiving day, do not worry about the size of the kitchen as it can comfortably fit six to seven people.

Number of Guests: 22

Cost (for 22 guests): $54.55/night/person

Travel Time: 5 hour flight (DFW to IDA) + 1.5 hour drive from airport

****All photos (including Cover photo) courtesy of Airbnb.