The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 5 December

And just like that…it’s December.

We’ve had snow (and a snow day!) and it is very much beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Right now, everyone else is in bed and I’m starting this post…

Q & A: Our Family Trip to Europe

I’ve had some questions about our upcoming trip to Europe, so I thought I’d do a post to work through each of those!

In all honesty, I feel like I still have so many…

Life, Parenting, Travel
Dec, 04, 2025
39 Comments

Five Recent Frugal Fails

I love sharing a good thrifted find or money-saving wins. It’s fun! It’s satisfying! It feels like getting a metaphorical gold star.

But in the interest of transparency, here are a few recent frugal losses….

On My Shelf: Books I Read in November 2025

First, I have a free post over on my Patreon channel all about a particular four-letter word. (Yes, this is shameless click baiting). I’d love for you to pop over and weigh in.

In this…

Reading
Dec, 02, 2025
44 Comments

Christmas 2025: Some Gifting Ideas

Here’s the thing: I don’t have affiliate links (read: no financial incentive), and I find the whole linking-and-photo-grabbing process incredibly tedious. Also, several family members read this blog, so I can’t post what I’m…

Happy Things Friday: 28 November

At the tippy top of my list for this week is the fact I’m sitting in the corner of my living room typing this post while my peripheral vision is studded with twinkle lights….

Life
Nov, 28, 2025
42 Comments

Ten Frugal (Christmas) Things Lately

*The header picture is an ornament John found for me at a thrift store last year. For years and years we’ve joked that my childhood Christmases resembled a Norman Rockwell painting (literally singing carols…

Happy Things Friday: 5 December

Q & A: Our Family Trip to Europe

Five Recent Frugal Fails

On My Shelf: Books I Read in November 2025

Christmas 2025: Some Gifting Ideas

Happy Things Friday: 28 November

Ten Frugal (Christmas) Things Lately

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