Erika, the way you introduced your vulnerability is understood and it seems like we could all use some “good” these days. Thank you for sharing. I’ll be checking out most of your recommendations. And I’ve been wondering about The Nutcracker! Sounds like a production I just have to see.
Brittany, it’s so nice to hear from you. If you end up trying those golden berries—let me know what you think! They’re magical on a charcuterie board. 😉 The Nutcracker is a special one, for sure. I’d be curious what studios/companies offer it where you are. Have a gentle holiday season!
I love YNAB too - I enjoy their YT channel and blog. I don't use their system or app but have adopted many of their tips for my own budget, which is loosely based on The Budget Mom's set-up. I didn't start budgeting until I was 46 (I'm now 49) and am so, so much happier about all of that kind of stuff than I'd ever been in my first 45 years.
You know what, you’re totally right, Rebecca! I completely forgot the “cape” makes these gooseberries distinct from those hairy guys! Maybe I should make an edit for clarity’s sake. 😅
I love that you’ve benefited from YNAB’s resources as well. Numbers and money used to make me snore, but now I see it as a kind of game! It really has helped me gain ownership over my finances and move towards freedom/responsibility.
Enjoy all the festivities—and may you experience that perfect amount of whelm! 😉🥳
Megan and I read this together sitting in a cozy coffee shop just now. It was delightful and real and such a cool way to get a picture into your life this past year. Whenever I see a new piece of writing from you, it's like a little surprise gift in my inbox. And to be one of your highlights this year?! What an honor. You, Aaron and Judah have made it through an incredibly difficult year, and we couldn't love you both more and be more honored to call you friends.
Thank you both for reading! 📖 I can't believe we got to see each other a few times in 2023. Let's make that happen again, yeah?! Love you and looking forward to journeying through another year with you. 🤩
Congratulations on getting married! The wife and I just celebrated our first year anniversary in October, so I sympathise. Also, thanks for the board game recs. I used to be a fan, but I stopped when I didn't really have anyone to play with anymore. Now that I have a family, maybe I'll pick the habit up again. Your newsletter is always such a cozy place to be, Erika!
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Andrei! And congrats to you and your wife on your 1st year. 🎉 My husband hardly played games (and owned 0) before we met. It's been fun introducing him to my favorites and discovering new games, too! We had a whole table of games (and LEGOs) at our reception.
Man, I’ve been thinking about the Mantis game you recommended, and I think I’m going to get it. Is it fun to play with just two people, though? Or are 3+ recommended?
Aaron and I mostly play it with just the two of us! If you get it, I'd be happy to provide our "Advantis" instructions. I think it increases the fun-level for two and makes it more challenging. Let me know!
Erika, the way you introduced your vulnerability is understood and it seems like we could all use some “good” these days. Thank you for sharing. I’ll be checking out most of your recommendations. And I’ve been wondering about The Nutcracker! Sounds like a production I just have to see.
Brittany, it’s so nice to hear from you. If you end up trying those golden berries—let me know what you think! They’re magical on a charcuterie board. 😉 The Nutcracker is a special one, for sure. I’d be curious what studios/companies offer it where you are. Have a gentle holiday season!
Same, nice to hear from you. Yes on the berries! and I'm near Atanta 👏🏾
Oh, perfect!! 🤩
Such a gorgeous post, Erika - what a glorious round-up of your year!
Over here gooseberries are green, oval and hairy - I think your beautiful golden gooseberries are what we call 'cape gooseberries' - or 'physalis' - each one grows in its own little papery lantern, which looks really pretty as a garnish. https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/physalis-peruviana-golden-berry-kew-vegetable-seed-collection/WKC9749TM
And these are our green hairy gooseberries - https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/gooseberry-invicta/CWW3195TM
Your wedding picture is stunning!
I love YNAB too - I enjoy their YT channel and blog. I don't use their system or app but have adopted many of their tips for my own budget, which is loosely based on The Budget Mom's set-up. I didn't start budgeting until I was 46 (I'm now 49) and am so, so much happier about all of that kind of stuff than I'd ever been in my first 45 years.
Happy festive season, and see you in 2024! 🎄
You know what, you’re totally right, Rebecca! I completely forgot the “cape” makes these gooseberries distinct from those hairy guys! Maybe I should make an edit for clarity’s sake. 😅
I love that you’ve benefited from YNAB’s resources as well. Numbers and money used to make me snore, but now I see it as a kind of game! It really has helped me gain ownership over my finances and move towards freedom/responsibility.
Enjoy all the festivities—and may you experience that perfect amount of whelm! 😉🥳
'A kind of game' - that's a super way of putting it, Erika!
I find it very liberating to have control at last - it feels like an oxymoron - but working with a budget really, really works for me!
😊
Megan and I read this together sitting in a cozy coffee shop just now. It was delightful and real and such a cool way to get a picture into your life this past year. Whenever I see a new piece of writing from you, it's like a little surprise gift in my inbox. And to be one of your highlights this year?! What an honor. You, Aaron and Judah have made it through an incredibly difficult year, and we couldn't love you both more and be more honored to call you friends.
Thank you both for reading! 📖 I can't believe we got to see each other a few times in 2023. Let's make that happen again, yeah?! Love you and looking forward to journeying through another year with you. 🤩
Congratulations on getting married! The wife and I just celebrated our first year anniversary in October, so I sympathise. Also, thanks for the board game recs. I used to be a fan, but I stopped when I didn't really have anyone to play with anymore. Now that I have a family, maybe I'll pick the habit up again. Your newsletter is always such a cozy place to be, Erika!
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Andrei! And congrats to you and your wife on your 1st year. 🎉 My husband hardly played games (and owned 0) before we met. It's been fun introducing him to my favorites and discovering new games, too! We had a whole table of games (and LEGOs) at our reception.
Have a happy new year!
Man, I’ve been thinking about the Mantis game you recommended, and I think I’m going to get it. Is it fun to play with just two people, though? Or are 3+ recommended?
Aaron and I mostly play it with just the two of us! If you get it, I'd be happy to provide our "Advantis" instructions. I think it increases the fun-level for two and makes it more challenging. Let me know!
Yeah, sure! I’ll let you know if I get it.