November - 2022

Nov 30, 2022
1 min

The Christmas Stocking that Changed My Life

It was a very special moment, and I often think back to that Christmas with great fondness. Robert's proposal that Christmas Eve, was simple, and beautiful. And while I wasn't surprised that he asked me to marry him, because I knew that we were on that path, I was surprised at how he proposed, on Christmas Eve, in such an elegant and moving way. I am sure that I cried, but I can't remember anything except pure joy. The juxtaposition of the items he included in the stocking --

Nov 29, 2022
1 min

Tree Trimming!

Our Tree Trimming is a big production! And I wouldn't have it any other way -- but it takes a lot of organization! As long as we are able to do it, though, I am happy and grateful to be able to continue this lovely tradition. And thanks to my buddy, for being all in on the production as well! For the past two years, trimming the tree has been mostly a solo endeavor -- me trimming the tree by myself, or with very few family members in attendance. The pandemic really put a crim

Nov 28, 2022
1 min

Underwood Christmas Farm!

This was such a fun activity for our granddaughter Cora, and for us! I had heard a lot about Underwood Farms from friends, all of whom gave it rave reviews. So, I had high expectations - and I think they were met! It reminded me little of the parish carnivals that Robert and I grew up with - lots of fun activity booths where you could win prizes, and then some big ticket items as well -- slides, tractor rides, and panning for gold! I can tell that Cora and Abby will enjoy thi

Nov 27, 2022
1 min

Mini-Recap: Feasting in Style!

This is one of those times when I was so busy that I forgot to take appropriate pictures of our lovely day! We had so many delicious dishes, and the granddaughters were so adorable. They both have a sweet tooth - so dessert was their favorite part of the meal. We also had two special guests, a previous doctoral student of mine and her partner - and it was lovely to host them and hear stories from their lives. It felt like a normal holiday for the first time since the pandemic

Nov 23, 2022
1 min

Happy Thanksgiving!

So grateful for you. Sincerely, Jill & Robert

Nov 22, 2022
1 min

Tree Arrival!

Zzzzzz...heading to bed early tonight! Can't keep my peepers open! Tired but happy girl!

Nov 21, 2022
1 min

Winter Garden Ready!

Yikes! I 'm really feeling my garden adventures today! But I think it is worth it. I will have green veggies come January and February...and by then I will be thinking of my spring garden...so I won't miss a beat! I'm really excited about the Daikon radishes. Let me know if you have ever grown them! Tonight...I continue my Christmas stocking panic -- I've made great progress! Tomorrow...Thanksgiving shopping!

Nov 20, 2022
1 min

Unexpected Christmas!

Sometimes it's the surprises in life that being the joy. I meant to zip in and out of the nursery and just get one tool. But...I ran head first into a spectacular Christmas display, so I decided to take a little time and enjoy. A mini-vacay! I loved all the sparkle, and all the unique ornaments. And the Christmas Village! I love Christmas Villages, and I do have a very small one. But I can only do so much detail -- and I save most of my energy for the Christmas tree. I told y

Nov 18, 2022
1 min

A Wrexham Weekend!

Sorry about yesterday! I couldn't upload a video because Amazon Photos was down all day...but it's still the weekend! I spent the whole day Friday in the garden, and now I can barely move! I will have to show you my progress nest week! Hard won!

Nov 16, 2022
1 min

Christmas Stocking Panic!

In the video, I say that I work on the stocking about 3 - 4 hours a day. When do I find the time? Well. I stay up pretty late! My husband writes a daily newsletter, and is generally up until 11:00 or 12:00 each evening. So, if I start working on the stocking at 8:00 or 9:00 after dinner and dishes, then I can get in 3 - 4 hours...but by the end I'm feeling a little bleary eyed. If I work on the stocking in the morning (rare) I can tell that being fresher helps me to move more

Nov 15, 2022
2 min

Tar Pits with Toddlers !

Well. This is a pretty disappointing video. It certainly does not accurately represent how fabulous the La Brea Tar Pit museum really is. There is so much to see and do -- and this is just a tiny fraction. However, to be honest, it's the fraction that most interested the toddlers. Big things are in their wheelhouse. Most of the interactive displays are too sophisticated for them right now. And the Tar Pits themselves are way beyond them. So we just look at what the the little

Nov 14, 2022
1 min

Fall Joy from Readers' Homes!

So much creativity. Just make a cup of tea, & sip while you view! It will definitely put you in the mood for Thanksgiving celebrations!

Nov 13, 2022
1 min

Estate Sale Weekend!

Such busy days...that I snuck out for a few minutes on Thursday and Friday to "hit" some Estate Sales! Like a super mini-vacay! I got quite philosophical about it in the video -- but really it was just a fun time browsing for bargains! And the news over the weekend lifted our spirits here at the Bickett Hubbell's so we're ready to step into the fray once more!

Nov 10, 2022
1 min

Thanksgiving Yard Display!

Looking forward to the weekend! No more decorating for me...it's time to get into the garden!

Nov 9, 2022
1 min

Send Pictures of Fall Decor!

In the last 24 hours I've watched 4 episodes of "Murder She Wrote," the rom-com "You've Got Mail," and the movie "Pride and Prejudice" with Kiera Knightley. AND I've put up two more fall displays in my house. AND I've watched almost zero election coverage. I'm happy with my choices, because I'm feeling some calm, and my house is fun to look at! Join me in decorating for fall or Thanksgiving! Here's what to do: 1) Find a space that can show off your creativity. Any flat space

Nov 8, 2022
1 min

Election Stress Reliever...Decorating!

I have definitely been stressing in the last hour. I'm sure glad I decorated earlier today...it made me feel better for a little while. But as the election results come in...I'm stressing AND swearing. Not a good combination. And my poor husband is trying to write the newsletter. I suggest you decorate tomorrow...it will make you feel better...even if it's only for a little while!

Nov 7, 2022
1 min

Christmas Tree Shopping At Aldik Home

I want to go back to Aldik Home! And buy more ornaments!!! Big trees require lots of large ornaments to cover so much real estate. Now, I do have lots of ornaments ( over 1200 +) BUT most of my large ornaments are art projects from when the girls were little. I do love them, and I will continue to put them on the tree -- but it definitely doesn't have the decorator tree look to it. That's fine by me -- BUT I want to add some decorator touches this year. Let's see if I can con

Nov 6, 2022
2 min

First Solo Granddaughter Outing at the Gene Autry Museum!

We've been lots of fun places with the granddaughter ... but rarely alone! And never for an extended excursion like a museum visit! We always took our daughters to museums when they were young, mostly because we enjoyed them, and so did they! During the summer when we were all off for summer vacation, we would have Field Trip Fridays where we would explore Los Angeles, and more often than not we ended up at museums! I can now report that our granddaughters got the museum gene

Nov 3, 2022
1 min

Recommendations for Binge Watching!

If you follow my recommendation -- you'll have a great weekend! You're welcome!

Nov 2, 2022
1 min

Christmas Dresses OR the Target Vortex!!!

Isn't Target the best! It's just fun to wander around. I love the Home Goods section (though I really love HomeGoods too) and they do such a good job of holidays. My favorite thing. Right now holiday family pajama sets are very big at Target. There were so many to choose from! It gave me ideas for Christmas!! Yet, despite my best efforts, I'm still not completely ready for my Thanksgiving display. If I win the lottery, though, my holiday displays will be out of this world!!!

BLOG

ABOUT

CONTACT

Subscribe to receive updates to your email inbox!