The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Top Five/Bottom Five: Fruit

This is another Top Five/Bottom Five I must have done on my old blog? I was sure I’d done it here, but can’t find it.

Time to fix that!

In general, I like most types…

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
40 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

Top Five/Bottom Five: Fruit

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

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Happy Things Friday: 2 October

Highlights From Our Extended European Trip (And a Few Lowlights)

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