We are over halfway through January and I’m finally reporting back on my word of the year, as promised. I think I’m going with TACKLE. It seems fitting that we just tackled COVID in our house — what a way to start the New Year. Anyway, I love a word that is both a verb and a noun.

verb
make determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task)
noun
the equipment required for a task or sport

My focus is to TACKLE goals and tasks both big and small this year. Big, like find our next home. Small, like clear clutter daily and avoid leaving miscellaneous administrative tasks lingering. If I’m feeling tired or lazy, just reminding myself to TACKLE the thing at hand may kick me into gear. 

The other aspect is to build my TACKLE box. I want to continue curating and building up our household resources and our network of support, while ridding ourselves of items that are getting in our way. This last idea plays into Michael’s word for the year, LESS. He is focused on working on what is in front of him and what he wants to be doing, instead of seeking out or agreeing to sidetracking responsibilities.

I’m trying to adopt yet another Gretchen Rubin-ism that ties nicely into my word for the year, the “one minute rule.” Children make this hard, but it is more often that I get in my own way; so, I’m trying to improve. Essentially, if a task in front of me takes truly only a minute, I need to do it right then. One thing I can think of that I failed at this morning — we ran out of wipes in JJ’s diaper drawer. It is going to be annoying when they aren’t there when I need them later, so I really should have followed the rule and re-filled them immediately — TACKLE. 

I’d love to hear if you have a set an intentional word for the year <3 

A few weeks ago, I detailed my underwhelming completion rate of my 21 for 2021 list. But, that’s not stopping me from trying again with a brand new 22 for 2022 challenge. I am still certainly pushing it this year, but have included a few items that I should be able to tackle quickly and check off without inducing too much anxiety. I hope you will continue to join me in creating your own list and the template is live and available for you to fill in now. Here’s my list: 

​I haven’t landed on a word of the year yet. Previously, my words have been FLEX and HELP. I’m going to give myself some time to think about my overarching aim for 2022 and will report back.

On another self-reflection front — Michael likes to tease me about trying to be a momfluencer and in some ways I guess I am. But the truth is, I’m not trying very hard and I’ve never worked to make my website an income-generating side hustle. I post to my blog sparingly and I do it mostly as a hobby for myself. I have been trying to post more to social media with quick ideas because those are the posts I find most helpful from others on a daily basis. I’ve been thinking more deeply about what my goals are for keeping the site live and I figured I would share my thoughts and see if you, my readers, have ideas for me.

I publish to the site for myself because I like: 

• Having a space for creative dumps and getting some outside validation for my ideas.
• Creating a documented history of what our homelife and my thought processes for organizing our little world look like.
• Thinking I’ve still got the ability to work the internet in the hopes of being able to rejoin the workforce at some point.

I publish to the site and social media for others because I hope to be:

• Providing intermittent ideas or reminders to make life easier, different, and/or more efficient.

Long story, short, I plan to keep going without a schedule or an end goal. If you want to collaborate on anything that evenly remotely touches the content I’ve been producing since 2012, just reach out. 

We squeezed a lot into 2021, but somehow I had my worst year yet for checking things off my annual list. The great thing is, that’s ok! I’m starting to put together my 22 for 2022 and feel fine about rolling some missed items over and kicking some to the curb. If you made a 21 for 2021 list, I hope you have some time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you recognize you just don’t have space for in your life. Seriously, I’m posting this list with so many unchecked boxes to remind myself that it’s ok to not do it all, all the time.

In addition to ticking things off my list, I am especially glad/proud that I did a few other things this year, namely:

• Planning a vacation with rotating cast of family and friends throughout our trip (the kids really loved that)
• Taking my first big road trip solo with the kids
• Organizing several meet ups / play dates with local moms for the kids (and me)

My word of the year was HELP — hoping to look for ways to ask for help and provide help to those in need. I truly think I’ve improved on my stubbornness when it comes to asking for help, but certainly want to seek out more opportunities to provide help to others.

I am so looking forward to the mental clean slate of a new year and hope to hear from you with ideas for 22 for 2022 list items. 

It’s hard to shop for grown ups. I give every parent out there so much credit. Once I’m done shopping for my kiddos, I feel like I deserve to be done thinking up presents. But, I really do love giving presents too. Let’s work together to find great gifts for everyone in our lives who deserves a present this year 🙂

Menus-A Book for Your Meals and Memories
For the host with the most on your list, for the friend who has been in dinner party withdrawal for the last two years, this beautiful books helps us to make even the simplest of occasions. We were gifted this book a few years ago (thanks @tina_tina_bina and @ack_k) and I try to use it any time we have a special event (or more than 6 adults) in our home. Linked here direct from and signed by the artist, but cheaper on Amazon and Target. 

Custom Reels
For the old-schooler on your list, create a custom view finder reel with pictures of great memories and a viewer to go with it. We started doing this for my FIL; hopefully, he can enjoy throughout the years to come. Add some extra fun by finding nostalgic reels on eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy. 

PHENOMENAL Shirt (BIPOC-Founded)
For the phenomenal human on your list, select the perfect t-shirt or sweatshirt to celebrate your phenomenal voter, mother, pro-vaxxer, girl dad, and so much more. I’m also loving the BIPOC-Founded Truth & Gold mantra t-shirts. 

Loftie Alarm Clock
For the sleep zealot on your list, tech them up with a fancy alarm clock. Although pricey, this clock promises to help you wind down and wake up without your smartphone distracting you from proper sleep. 

Summersalt Loungewear (BIPOC + Women Founded)
For the will always be working from home friend on your list, find them some luxurious loungewear. Summersalt is widely successful in the swimsuit world, but I am eager to try some of their comfy loungewear. 

City Bonfires / Solo Stove
For the campfire lover on your list, help them keep the fires burning all year long and anywhere they may go with these small/large indoor/outdoor fire pits. 

Who-Ville or Bust Shirt
For the Grinch lover on your list, keep them cozy and festive in Life is Good Grinch-wear. 

Woven Basket Bowl (BIPOC-Founded)
Michael doesn’t understand the bowl decor idea, but I’m into it — hence the woven bowl that hangs over our kitchen sink. I think these bowls are absolutely beautiful and would make great gifts empty or as gift baskets. Plus, the Made Trade Holiday Shop has lots of amazing items that are sustainably made, including by small and BIPOC businesses.  

Sticker by Number Activity Books
For the puzzle lover on your list, let them take puzzles on the road easily or make them a more lap-ready activity. These sticker by number activity books have been great gifts for grandparents who enjoy puzzles, but have limited mobility to work on a large tabletop puzzle. 

Penzeys Spices
For the best home cook on your list, spice up their life with Penzeys. I love Penzeys' spices and their email newsletters (always full of liberal fun). Penzeys has ready to go gift sets or you can pick out your own items to bundle for the perfect present. 

Pantone Mug
For the coolest hot beverage drinker on your list, class up their cabinet with a simple Pantone Mug to match their favorite color or personality. I received one of these mugs years ago (thanks @evlit) and if I wasn’t so cheap, I would overhaul our mug shelf with a full set of these beauts. 

Elizabeth Wade Studio Map (Women-founded)
For the literature (or Star Wars or Disney or lots of other things) lover on your list, bring their favorite worlds to their home decor with Elizabeth Wade’s beautiful map prints, stickers, and more. 

Pigeon
I set and failed to meet a letter-writing goal this year, but not for lack of beautiful stationery. I received a Pigeon letter from a friend (thanks @kimberleemo) last year and it inspired me to order for their stationery for friends, family, and myself last year. It’s so fun to write and fold a letter to send without an envelope. These affordable gifts would be perfect for including in holiday gift baskets. These are shipped from the UK; so, order early! 

Tegu Magnetic Blocks
For the fiddler on your list, we are trying Tegu Magnetic Blocks this year. They are marketed for ages 1-99, so we are hoping that the great-grandparents are going to join in the fun. You can find these at kids’ shops, toy stores, and on Amazon. This set comes with a great little pouch. We were lucky enough to find a new secondhand set for a great price, so don’t forget to check your local consignment stores or Facebook Marketplace. 

HearHere App
For the road tripper on your list, this app narrates your ride based on your location with famous voices along the way. 

ThredUp Gift Card
“Give the Gift of Thrift” to the secondhand shopper on your list.  

Uncommon Goods Experiences
Choose from a variety of classes for your loved one to experience virtually. 

​It’s my Third Annual Very Practical Gift Guide, woot woot! Unfortunately, I’m in a similar headspace as last year, still struggling finding places to be creative, but working through it day by day. We are really trying to focus on fall festivities with back to back farm trips, pumpkin patches, and autumn crafts. At the same time, as always, I’m ready to gear up for the holidays. If you’re in the same spot, I hope that finding great holiday gifts keeps you amped up.

Essentials Clutch (BIPOC Women Founded)
A beautiful clutch wallet that holds a few key items and can be adapted into a crossbody, sign me up. Dagne Dover's looks even more functional than the one included on the 2019 list. 

Don’t Break the Chain Habit Tracker (Woman Founded)
I’m obsessed with Gretchin Rubin. And for this holiday season, she’s launched a beautiful line of merchandise featuring journals and habit trackers. This one is on my list for sure! 

Charging Station
We all have a million devices and a million charging cords around the house. Help out a friend to look and feel more organized with a classy charging station. This is perfect for the person in your life who is actually listening to the experts and keeping their devices off their bedside table and out of the bedroom overnight. 

Billboard Tote (BIPOC)
I love a tote. I love a tote that is wipeable, reversible, and made of recycled materials even more.  

Glass Spoon Rest (Family Founded Small Business)
Camp Copeland has upped their catalog of beautiful glass and felt wares over the past few years. Their spoon rests and sponge dishes make for beautiful practical presents. These home goods are things your friends see every day in their kitchens; so, you’re really doing them a favor by brightening up their spaces. 

Car Cup Holder Expander
Huge water bottles are very hot right now. But, I cannot get on board with any water bottle that doesn’t fit in my car cup holder. Problem solved! 

Comfortable Clothes Disguised as Work Clothes
For that friend who again, will be working from home forever and always now, help them up their cozy at home game with Sweater Blazers, Sweatshirts, Dress Pant Yoga Pants, and Tech Chinos. 

Desk Chair Mat
For your friend who will be working from home indefinitely and is rolling around on carpet or a sad clear plastic mat, a cute desk chair mat will spruce up their space. 

Really Nice Bed Sheets: Sijo Eucalyptus Tencel Sheet Set (BIPOC Woman Founded)
I keep buying cheap sheet sets at Homegoods thinking that they are going to be better than the last. I should be willing to invest in sheets because we use them to sleep every night and that’s super important, right!? I’m hoping I’m not alone in admitting that really nice bed sheets are on my Christmas list this year. I’m also into this classic print and monogram. 

Really Nice Pajamas: Sijo Eucalyptus Classic Lounge Pants (BIPOC Woman Founded)
Seeing a theme here? Bedclothes for your bed and yourself should reflect how important sleep is. 2020 really opened up the door for loungewear companies to hit it big, why not take advantage? 

Beatles Cooler
The classic Igloo Cooler is here with lots of pop culture and sports collaborations. These awesome coolers should only be gifted to friends and family with places to store these practical, but massive, helpers. 

Stocking Stuffer: Vaccination Card Holder
It wouldn’t be 2021 if I didn’t include a vaccination card holder on the list. There are more options than you can imagine, think: pretty, travel ready, personalized, Schitts Creek, Baby Yoda, Hamilton. Whatever you want, just get vaccinated and then give your friends and family card holders. Pair the holders with some mesh washing bags to help keep masks fresh. 

Stocking Stuffer: Command Broom Holder
This is like the ultimate practical gift, up there with a vacuum cleaner. I love these handy holders and they are particularly great for your friend who’s renting and has a pile of brooms/mops/swiffers awkwardly stuff in the side of their coat closet. 

Stocking Stuffer: Xpand Laces
Shoe tying is extremely overrated especially when you have multiple people to get out the door, a dog to take in and out, or a general case of impatience. These elastic laces allow you to slip on your shoes and I look forward to testing them for running sneakers. 

Stocking Stuffer: On the Go Toiletry Palette (Woman Founded)
2020 was the year to come up with a healthy skin routine. 2021-2022 is the time to get back on the travel game and take your skin routine on the road. These handy containers allow you to take just the amounts you need instead of a million little bottles and are especially useful for getting through airport security. I’m also into these little guys from Cadence (also Woman Founded) that could be used for medications as well. 

Stocking Stuffer: Bird Seed Ornament (Woman Founded Small Business)
These were a hit with my grandmother last year and they are making the practical list because they are consumable. Gift these to your nature loving minimalist friend who isn’t looking for more stuff. 

Happy practical shopping! And please keep your eyes out for upcoming giveaways of some of these products, plus, let me know what practical items you're filling your carts with this holiday season.