Slightly Crazy Around The Kitsch-en

I'm trying like heck to keep up with the blogging and social media, but it's been a challenge lately. We are way too busy for two people but, as much as I'd like to hire help, I really can't unless they'll work for cocktails. An expert once told me that I should be posting on Facebook ten times a day and on Twitter far more than that to even be considered "keeping up" and I've been falling far short of that. I'm only one person and I've got A LOT of work to do in the next ten days. So, if I'm not posting as often on Facebook or Instagram, I'm trying! More cocktail shots coming soon!

Here's a funny example of what I have been doing lately, in preparation for our Tiki Oasis symposium. I've got a green screen and I'm not afraid to use it!

Desserts Spelled Backwards

What do you do when your day takes a turn for the stressful and it's just too early to start in on the lovely libations? Say, for example, that you realized that the meta data on all of the pages of your website was hopelessly out of date and that your site was likely being missed in online searches because of this, so suddenly your carefully planned day suddenly becomes about fixing over 100 pages and re-uploading them, in addition to your other tasks. Let's just say you may not be feeling as perky as you might otherwise. What do you do? Panicking doesn't solve anything. Grumbling and complaining may feel good in the moment, but they don't fix the problem. And throwing things only leads to breakage you probably don't ultimately want.

The solution, of course, is to do what you need to do, but in a way that doesn't further add to your anxiety. This isn't the time to expect yourself to prepare an elaborate dinner or complete tasks that aren't urgent. If possible, take a break and go for a walk (if it's not freezing), listen to some music, read or watch That Girl (my surefire stress reducer). Return to your tasks when you've pulled yourself together and push through, knowing that there is a lovely libation with your name on it at the end of the day! If you need an idea for tonight's menu, click here for this week's happy hour cocktail!

And remember:

Have a slice of cake while you're at it!

Happy Holidays...To YOU!

Our current episode (click here to watch) is all about fighting Christmas craziness by taking good care of yourself and listening to what you truly want out of the holiday season. It seems so simple, but this message has a way of getting lost this time of year, which is why you see so much made of it in the media.  It can feel as though we're bombarded, not only by the expectations of others, by our own expectations of what our season should look like.  Pinterest-perfect parties with gorgeous tablescapes, beautifully wrapped gifts that make recipients universally squeal with delight, lots of glamorous photos of shiny outfits and perfect hair days on Facebook... it's enough to make anyone feel like a failure if even one aspect isn't Instagram-worthy. Who needs it?! Participate in the aspects that make you happy and ignore the rest. They're your holidays and every aspect is optional. If you don't want to go to the party, don't go to the party! If your family is a passive-aggressive nightmare, stay away! You don't like wrapping gifts or making cookies or singing carols? Don't! Remember, peace on earth starts at home, so treat yourself well and enjoy some inner peace this season!

Christmas on the sofa, with cocktails? Yes, please!