As the years tick by and I get older, I’ve observed in myself and others how emotions can be all over the place when Christmas rolls around. The truth is, Christmas time brings with it moments filled with anticipation, excitement, laughter, and maybe even a yummy platter of perfect Christmas cookies - but other times we can feel a tug at our heartstrings that feels disappointment or sadness - and the Christmas cookies seem dry and tasteless!. No matter what age or stage of life we’re in, Christmas is usually a dance between Christmas joy and the occasional note of disappointment. 

Let's have some fun this Christmas present while strolling down the lane of some Christmases past...

Notes from this podcast transcript here.

Read the Twinkle Lights article written and read by Rita's husband here. 

Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the easiest houseplants to keep alive and yummy ideas like this baked brie that's perfect for parties. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

Join me as we delve into the sparkly world of fine jewelry with special guest Kimberley - a third generation jeweler. We'll touch on topics such as selecting fine jewelry, cleaning & care of diamond rings, and asking the right questions when choosing the perfect engagement ring. Get ready to learn from the wisdom gained from many years of experience.  So, sit back, relax, and let the sparkle of this before-Christmas episode add an extra twinkle to your day.

For Detailed Show Notes from the Transcription of this Podcast, click here

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Find Kimberley, Personal Jeweller here

Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for your everyday life and home. Right now, people are going bonkers for her old fashioned roll sugar cookie recipe , and this time saving tip for how to  to clean a glass shower door will help get your home shipshape for Christmas guests. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

The story behind why this year's Fall Home Decor tour photoshoot was so meaningful to me.

See the Boho Casual Fall Home Decor Tour Post Here>> Harbour Breeze Home Blog

Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she has even more ideas for Fall and your home - like this pumpkin printables art and yummy ideas like this caramel apple crisp. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

If you like to travel (like I do), you may enjoy these travel hacks that will help you save frustration, stress, & even money - so that you can have a wonderful time seeing new sights and making great memories. Here are some little tips and tricks - like packing tips for a carry on bag and other things I've learned over time to help each step go a little easier.

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang pictures and yummy ideas like this crock pot pulled pork recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

While the sky is blue and the sun is shining, I thought today we could talk about Summer camp and some of the life lessons learned there. I was after all, introduced to camping in the woods at the ripe old age of 22! Stick around to hear stories of how we found ourselves leading teenagers at a camp in the woods along with practical things I learned while watching masters in the art of camping.

GET THE FAMOUS BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIE RECIPE HERE

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like this how to hang a picture hack and yummy ideas like old fashioned blackberry jam and potato salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

Today’s podcast topic is gonna take us all to the spa!! So, if you feel like you’re in need of a good relaxing experience with a dose of laughter, stick around for some funny stories and hear about the spa gift experience that was better than therapy for me. 

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this family comfort food meal meatloaf recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

Are you are someone who dances with glee over the thought of dusting shelves and cleaning toilets, or someone who would rather hire someone else to do that? (I'm team housecleaner, personally. Although, I've never had one!;) Today we’re going to talk about some tips and tricks I learned from the pros when it comes to speed cleaning your house - and some tips and tricks to help us check it off our to do lists quick! 

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this crowd pleasing classic broccoli salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

One of the less pleasant facts of life we all face is that at some point it’s inevitable that we’ll experience grief in one form or another. Today I’m sitting down at my podcast desk with my husband as we discuss this topic - not as experts, but as 2 people who’ve experienced some and are learning how to walk alongside others as they grieve.

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the fun and pretty powder room ideas and yummy recipes like potato salad that tastes just like Grandma made it. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

Although it's very helpful to get some practical decluttering tips to help turn chaos into calm, it's good to first address the real life issue of how each of us has a different clutter threshold, and when you put a houseful of people together, it can tend to be a real mess - pun totally intended!

Today's podcast discusses some facts about clutter personalities that may help you be more self aware of what your clutter meter is- and also help you to understand the other members in your household a little better, too.

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang a picture on the wall and yummy recipes like crowd pleasing meatloaf and the best ever homemade hot fudge sauce. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

Come on over to today's podcast and meet Margaret - a lady full of great stories and inspiration!

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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to covert bi-fold closet doors to french doors and yummy recipes like chicken florentine. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.