The Link Between Movement and Mood

Posted on January 12, 2026January 5, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Image created with Canva AI

Movement Isn’t About Fitness—It’s About Survival

For most of human history, we moved because we had to. We walked, lifted, squatted, carried, climbed. Our bodies and brains evolved expecting regular movement. When movement disappears, mood often follows. This isn’t about chasing a workout aesthetic—it’s about keeping your nervous system regulated.

How Movement Affects the Brain

Movement directly influences brain chemistry. Physical activity increases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—chemicals responsible for motivation, calm, and emotional stability. At the same time, movement helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone that stays elevated when we’re overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out.

Even low-impact movement can create noticeable changes. A short walk, stretching, or light chores can interrupt spirals of anxiety or low mood by shifting the brain out of fight-or-flight mode.

Why Sitting Too Much Messes With Your Mood

Long periods of inactivity slow circulation, stiffen muscles, and reduce oxygen flow to the brain. Over time, this can contribute to fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and even depressive symptoms. The body interprets prolonged stillness as a form of stress—especially when paired with screens and constant mental stimulation.

Anxiety, Depression, and the Role of Movement

Movement gives anxious energy somewhere to go. When the body releases physical tension, the mind often follows. For depression, movement can feel impossible—but it’s one of the most effective tools available. It doesn’t require motivation first; motivation often shows up after movement begins.

This doesn’t mean intense workouts. Gentle, consistent movement is often more effective than forcing high-intensity routines that increase stress.

The Nervous System Connection

Movement helps reset the nervous system. Rhythmic activities like walking, rocking, stretching, or yoga activate the parasympathetic system—the part responsible for calm and recovery. This is why repetitive, steady motion often feels grounding and soothing.

You Don’t Need a Gym to Improve Your Mood

Mood-boosting movement doesn’t have to look like exercise. Cleaning, gardening, dancing in the kitchen, pacing while thinking, or even stretching before bed all count. The goal is regular motion, not perfection.

Consistency Matters More Than Intensity

Five minutes of daily movement is more powerful for mood regulation than an hour-long workout once a week. Consistency teaches the body safety and stability. Over time, movement becomes a form of emotional maintenance rather than a chore.

Listening to Your Body Instead of Punishing It

Movement should support your mental health, not become another source of pressure. Some days call for strength, others for softness. The body communicates what it needs—when we slow down enough to listen.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Appeal of “Digital Detox” Weekends

Posted on January 11, 2026January 12, 2026 by gigis ramblings

For a lot of us, the idea of unplugging for an entire weekend sounds equal parts peaceful and terrifying. Our phones wake us up, guide us through the day, entertain us at night, and somehow still manage to stress us out in between. A “digital detox” weekend isn’t about rejecting technology forever; it’s about stepping away long enough to remember what life feels like without a screen constantly demanding attention.

As burnout, anxiety, and screen fatigue keep rising, more people are intentionally disconnecting for short periods of time. And weekends have become the perfect testing ground.

Why We’re So Drawn to Digital Detoxing

The appeal starts with exhaustion. Between work emails, social media, news alerts, group texts, and endless scrolling, our brains never really shut off. Even when we’re “relaxing,” we’re still processing information nonstop.

A digital detox weekend promises mental quiet. No notifications interrupting conversations. No doomscrolling before bed. No pressure to respond immediately. For many people, that silence alone feels like relief.

The Mental Health Benefits of Unplugging

One of the biggest reasons people try digital detox weekends is for their mental health. Constant connectivity keeps the nervous system in a low-level state of stress. Even positive notifications still trigger a response.

Stepping away can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and make it easier to stay present. Many people report feeling calmer by day two, once the urge to check their phone starts to fade. Without constant comparison on social media, self-esteem often gets a quiet boost as well.

Relearning How to Be Bored (and Why That’s Good)

Boredom has become something we avoid at all costs, but it plays an important role in creativity and problem-solving. When there’s no screen to grab, your mind starts wandering again… in a good way.

During a digital detox weekend, boredom often leads to reading, journaling, cooking, cleaning, or starting projects that have been put off for months. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but that space is where clarity and creativity tend to show up.

Stronger Real-Life Connections

When phones aren’t constantly present, conversations change. Eye contact lasts longer. Listening improves. Meals aren’t interrupted by scrolling or buzzing devices.

Couples, families, and friends often find digital detox weekends help them reconnect in a more meaningful way. Even spending time alone can feel richer when it isn’t fragmented by notifications every few minutes.

Why Weekends Work Best for Detoxing

Weekends are ideal because they already signal a break from routine. Most people don’t need to be reachable for work, and expectations for immediate responses are lower.

A short detox also feels more manageable than an open-ended one. Knowing it’s just a weekend makes it easier to commit and easier to repeat if it goes well.

The Challenges No One Talks About

Digital detoxing isn’t always easy. Many people experience anxiety, restlessness, or the fear of missing out during the first day. There’s also the uncomfortable realization of how often we reach for our phones out of habit, not necessity.

That discomfort is actually part of the process. It highlights how deeply ingrained our digital dependence has become and why stepping away can be so powerful.

Finding Balance Instead of Going Extreme

A digital detox weekend doesn’t have to mean locking your phone in a drawer or disappearing completely. Some people choose to remove social media apps, limit phone use to emergencies, or avoid screens after a certain hour.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness. Even small changes can lead to healthier relationships with technology long-term.

Why Digital Detox Weekends Are Here to Stay

As life becomes more digital, intentional disconnection feels less like a trend and more like self-preservation. Digital detox weekends offer a reset without requiring a lifestyle overhaul.

They remind us that technology should serve our lives, not consume them, and sometimes the best way to reconnect is to log off for a while.

Why Simple Living Works

Posted on January 10, 2026January 4, 2026 by gigis ramblings

It Lowers the Mental Noise

Life gets loud fast. Notifications, opinions, expectations, and constant comparison stack up before breakfast. Simple living works because it cuts that noise down to size. Fewer choices mean fewer decisions. Fewer decisions mean less mental fatigue. When your brain isn’t juggling twenty unnecessary things, it finally has room to breathe.

Simple living doesn’t mean empty. It means intentional. What stays in your life earns its place.

It Brings You Back to What Matters

When you stop chasing everything, you start noticing what’s already good. Simple living pulls your focus back to people, routines, and moments that actually fill you up. Sitting on the couch together. Cooking a real meal. Quiet evenings that don’t need explaining.

You don’t need more memories. You need more presence inside the ones you’re already living.

It Reduces Stress Without Trying

A simpler life naturally lowers stress because there’s less to manage. Less clutter. Less overcommitting. Less pressure to keep up. Your nervous system wasn’t built for constant stimulation. Simple living works because it aligns better with how humans are wired.

Calm becomes a side effect, not a goal.

It Creates Financial Breathing Room

Spending less isn’t about deprivation. It’s about clarity. When you stop buying things to fill gaps, money starts doing what it’s supposed to do: support your life instead of running it.

Simple living works because it replaces impulse with purpose. You stop reacting and start choosing.

It Makes Daily Life Feel Lighter

There’s a quiet freedom in knowing you don’t need much. Fewer possessions mean less cleaning, fixing, storing, and worrying. Less packed schedules mean more room for rest. Simple living gives your days space to stretch out instead of constantly feeling behind.

Life stops feeling like a race you never signed up for.

It Strengthens Your Sense of Self

When you strip away outside noise, your own voice gets louder. Simple living helps you reconnect with what you actually like, value, and believe. Not what’s trending. Not what looks good online. What feels right in your real life.

That confidence is steady. It doesn’t need approval.

It’s Sustainable, Not Performative

Simple living isn’t an aesthetic. It’s a practice. It works because it’s flexible, realistic, and built for the long haul. You can simplify one drawer, one habit, or one boundary at a time. There’s no finish line. Just better days stacking up slowly.

That’s how real change sticks.

The Bottom Line

Simple living works because it gives you your life back. Your time. Your peace. Your attention. It’s not about having less for the sake of it. It’s about making room for what actually matters and letting the rest fall away without guilt.

Sometimes the most powerful move is choosing less.

Why ASMR Became the Internet’s Favorite Relaxation Tool

Posted on January 9, 2026January 4, 2026 by gigis ramblings

I may be the odd man out here, but I cannot tolerate ASMR at all. It doesn’t relax me. It doesn’t soothe me. It doesn’t give me “tingles.” Instead, it gives me anxiety, makes me uncomfortable, and honestly feels like nails on a chalkboard. The whispering, the mouth sounds, the tapping — all of it sends my nervous system straight into fight-or-flight.

And yet, millions of people swear by it.

ASMR videos pull in billions of views. People use them to fall asleep, calm anxiety, cope with loneliness, and decompress after long days. So how did something that feels unbearable to some become the internet’s favorite relaxation tool for so many others?

What ASMR Actually Is

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It describes a physical sensation, often a tingling feeling that starts at the scalp and moves down the neck or spine, triggered by certain sounds or visual cues.

Common ASMR triggers include whispering or soft-spoken voices, tapping or scratching sounds, page turning, slow hand movements, and personal-attention roleplay like haircuts, eye exams, or makeup application.

For people who experience ASMR, these triggers don’t just sound pleasant. They create a genuine sense of calm and safety.

Why So Many People Find ASMR Relaxing

It Slows the Nervous System

ASMR can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for rest and recovery. Heart rate slows, breathing deepens, and the body relaxes. For people dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, this response can feel almost immediate.

It Mimics Care and Attention

A lot of ASMR content is intentionally gentle and personal. Soft voices, slow movements, and focused attention mimic being cared for. For people who feel lonely, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, that sense of calm presence can be deeply comforting.

It Helps With Sleep

Many people rely on ASMR the same way others use white noise or calming music. The repetitive, predictable sounds help quiet racing thoughts and create a mental off-switch at bedtime.

Why ASMR Has the Opposite Effect on Some People

If ASMR makes your skin crawl instead of relax, you’re not broken. Your brain just processes sensory input differently.

Sensory Sensitivity

Certain sounds can trigger irritation or anxiety rather than calm. Whispering, mouth sounds, and repetitive noises can feel invasive or overwhelming instead of soothing.

Misophonia Overlap

There’s a strong overlap between disliking ASMR and misophonia, a condition where specific sounds cause intense emotional reactions like anger, anxiety, or panic. What relaxes one person can genuinely distress another.

Forced Intimacy Can Feel Uncomfortable

ASMR often simulates closeness. For some people that feels safe. For others it feels awkward, unsettling, or even intrusive, especially when it comes from a stranger on a screen.

Why ASMR Exploded Online

It’s Accessible

ASMR doesn’t require expensive setups. A microphone, patience, and consistency are enough. That low barrier helped it spread rapidly across YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms.

It Solves a Modern Problem

We live in a loud, fast, overstimulated world. ASMR offers the opposite: slow, quiet, intentional content. For many people, it’s an antidote to constant noise and digital overload.

Algorithms Push It

ASMR videos keep viewers engaged for long periods, especially at night. That watch time makes platforms push the content even harder, keeping ASMR constantly circulating.

Is ASMR Actually Good for You?

For people who enjoy it, yes. Research suggests ASMR can reduce stress, improve mood, and help with sleep.

For people who hate it, forcing yourself to like it is pointless. Relaxation isn’t universal. If ASMR spikes your anxiety, your brain is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Final Thoughts

ASMR didn’t become the internet’s favorite relaxation tool because everyone loves it. It became popular because for the people it works for, it works incredibly well.

And for the rest of us, there’s comfort in knowing we’re not alone, even if our idea of relaxation sounds nothing like whispering into a microphone in the dark.

The Long-Term Effects of Never Fully Resting

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by gigis ramblings

I’ve always been the type to pack every day full—late nights, early mornings, and hitting the ground running the moment I wake up. Even when I’m asleep, I never feel fully at rest. My mind keeps racing, my body stays tense, and I wake up drained, not refreshed. Over time, I’ve realized that never truly resting isn’t just exhausting—it takes a serious toll on your body and mind.

Sleep That Doesn’t Recharge

It’s easy to think that getting seven or eight hours of sleep is enough. But when you’re never fully relaxed, those hours don’t count. Tossing and turning, waking up multiple times, or just lying there thinking about everything you “have to do” prevents your body from entering deep, restorative sleep. The result? Chronic fatigue that no amount of coffee or energy drinks can fix.

How It Affects Your Mind

When your brain never gets a proper break, it shows. I notice it in memory lapses, poor focus, and a growing sense of anxiety that never seems to leave. Stress hormones stay high, leaving you in a constant state of fight-or-flight—even during moments meant for rest. For me, this mental strain is the hardest part. Even when I try to relax, my mind won’t let me.

Physical Consequences

Chronic lack of rest isn’t just in your head—it affects your body too. Immune function drops, aches and pains worsen, and long-term risks like high blood pressure or heart issues quietly increase. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through fatigue day after day can leave lasting damage, even if it doesn’t feel urgent now.

The Vicious Cycle

The more exhausted you feel, the harder you push. Early mornings, late nights, juggling multiple responsibilities, caffeine—these all feel like survival strategies. But the harder you push, the more impossible true rest becomes. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, and breaking it takes awareness and effort.

Related: How I Start the Year Calm

Finding Real Rest

Rest isn’t just about lying down. For me, it means actively creating space for my mind and body to recover. That could be setting a bedtime routine, unplugging from screens, taking a short nap, or practicing breathing exercises. It’s not laziness—it’s repair.

The Takeaway

Never fully resting doesn’t just make daily life harder—it slowly erodes your mental, emotional, and physical health. I’ve lived it, and I can tell you: prioritizing rest isn’t optional. Small, intentional steps to truly recharge can make a world of difference. You deserve to wake up feeling like yourself again.

Planning a More Self-Sufficient Life Through Gardening and Canning

Posted on January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Becoming more self-sufficient is something we’ve been thinking about seriously, not as a trend but as a long-term goal. Rising food costs, supply issues, and a growing desire to rely less on outside systems have pushed us to start preparing now rather than waiting until it feels urgent.

One of the most important parts of that preparation is food. Learning how to grow and preserve our own food through gardening and canning feels like a practical, achievable place to start. The goal isn’t perfection or doing everything at once. It’s education, planning, and building skills that can grow over time.

Why Gardening and Canning Are the Foundation

Gardening gives you control over what you grow and how it’s produced. Canning ensures that work doesn’t go to waste and allows you to stock a pantry that supports your household year-round. Together, they create food security and reduce dependence on constant grocery store trips.

Starting now gives us time to learn without pressure, make mistakes safely, and build confidence before investing heavily in supplies or expanding production.

Learning Before Doing

Before buying seeds or jars, education comes first. Understanding soil, climate, planting schedules, and food safety makes everything else easier and far less overwhelming.

Books remain one of the most reliable resources, especially for canning where safety matters. Gardening guides specific to Texas and trusted preservation manuals help cut through misinformation and avoid risky shortcuts.

Understanding Our Growing Area

Living in Central Texas means gardening comes with both advantages and challenges. We have a long growing season, mild winters, and intense summer heat. Spring and fall gardens are both possible, but crop selection and timing matter.

Knowing our USDA hardiness zone, average frost dates, and which plants tolerate heat helps shape the entire plan, from seed choices to planting schedules.

Building on Past Gardening Experience

This isn’t our first experience with gardening. In the past, we’ve had consistent success with squash, bell peppers, jalapeños, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and okra. Even without a perfect setup, these crops have done well for us, which gives us a solid foundation to build on.

That experience matters. Instead of starting from scratch, the focus now is on expanding intentionally. We already know what works in our climate, so the goal is to add variety, improve planning, and grow with preservation and storage in mind.

Planning the Garden Before Buying Seeds

A productive garden starts with a plan, not impulse purchases. Knowing how much space is available, how much sun the area gets, and how much time can realistically be committed each week prevents frustration later.

Just as important is growing food we actually use and know how to preserve. Gardening for self-sufficiency means thinking beyond harvest and planning for storage.

Basic Garden Planning Checklist

Measure available growing space
Decide on in-ground beds, raised beds, or containers
Track daily sun exposure
Choose crops with preservation in mind
Plan planting dates and succession crops
Leave room for mistakes and learning

Easy Vegetables to Grow and Can in Central Texas

Some vegetables are simply more forgiving than others, especially for gardeners who want reliable results.

Tomatoes are versatile and ideal for sauces, salsas, and juice. Green beans grow quickly and pressure can well. Peppers thrive in the heat and can be pickled or canned. Cucumbers are productive and perfect for pickling. Okra handles Texas summers effortlessly and preserves well. Squash and zucchini produce heavily and freeze or can easily. Onions store well and are used in nearly every preservation recipe.

These crops will remain staples in the plan because they’re dependable and useful.

Expanding Beyond the Basics

While those reliable vegetables will stay part of the garden, adding new crops increases flexibility and variety.

Additional vegetables worth incorporating include carrots, bush beans, sweet potatoes, beets, Swiss chard, and herbs like basil and oregano. These pair well with existing crops and open the door to more canning, freezing, drying, and everyday cooking options.

Vegetables That Grow Well in Planters and Containers

Not everything needs to be planted in the ground. Container gardening allows for flexibility, better soil control, and easier pest management. It also makes it possible to grow more food without expanding the footprint of the main garden.

Peppers, tomatoes (especially determinate or patio varieties), cucumbers with trellises, bush beans, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, radishes, green onions, and herbs all grow well in planters. Larger containers can also support dwarf squash varieties and even sweet potatoes when given enough space.

Incorporating more container gardening into the plan makes it easier to experiment with new crops while keeping things manageable.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors allows for stronger plants and better control, especially for heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. With the right timing and setup, it’s also more cost-effective than buying transplants.

Basic supplies include seed trays, quality seed-starting mix, proper lighting, and labels. Timing matters, and seedlings need to be hardened off before moving outdoors to avoid shock.

First-Year Canning Goals

The first year of canning isn’t about filling shelves wall to wall. It’s about learning safe techniques and building confidence.

Focusing on a few reliable recipes like tomato sauce, pickles, green beans, and tested salsa recipes keeps the process manageable. Mastering both water bath and pressure canning methods slowly lays the groundwork for expanding later.

Basic Canning Supplies Checklist

Water bath canner
Pressure canner
Mason jars
New lids
Jar lifter
Funnel
Bubble remover

Creating a Realistic First-Year Plan

Trying to do too much at once is the fastest way to burn out. A better approach is to limit the number of crops, take notes throughout the season, and review what worked at the end.

End-of-Season Review Checklist

Which crops produced best
Which struggled and why
What we actually used and preserved
What to repeat next year
What to remove from the plan

Moving Forward With Intention

Self-sufficiency isn’t a destination. It’s a process built through preparation, patience, and consistency. By building on past gardening success, expanding into new crops and container gardening, and learning preservation skills now, we’re creating a foundation that can grow year after year.

This is about progress, not perfection, and about starting before it feels urgent.

A Cozy Soup Roundup

Posted on December 18, 2025December 22, 2025 by gigis ramblings

When the weather turns cold and comfort is calling, soup just makes sense. Nothing fancy here. These are familiar, cozy favorites that don’t require specialty ingredients or advanced kitchen skills. Just good, honest bowls of warmth.

Classic Beef & Vegetable Soup

This is the kind of soup most of us grew up on. Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and a rich broth that tastes even better the next day. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for slow simmering on a chilly evening.

Creamy Potato Soup

Simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Potatoes, onion, broth, and cream come together into a thick, velvety soup that feels like a warm hug. Top it with cheese or green onions if you want, but it stands strong all on its own.

Tomato Basil Soup

A timeless classic that never disappoints. Smooth, rich tomato flavor with a touch of basil makes this one perfect for dipping or sipping straight from the bowl. It’s easy to make and feels cozy without being heavy.

Chicken Noodle Soup

The one and only chicken soup on this list, and for good reason. It’s familiar, soothing, and downright comforting. Tender chicken, egg noodles, and a simple broth make this a go-to when you want something classic and dependable.

Lentil Soup

Don’t overlook this one. Lentil soup is filling, affordable, and surprisingly comforting. With onions, carrots, garlic, and spices, it’s a great meatless option that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Vegetable Soup

Simple doesn’t mean boring. A good vegetable soup uses everyday veggies and a flavorful broth to create something warm and nourishing. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for cleaning out the fridge without sacrificing comfort.

Wrapping It All Up

There’s something comforting about sticking with the classics. These soups don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just a little time and a warm pot on the stove. Whether you’re feeding a family, warming up after a cold day, or simply craving something familiar, these recipes deliver comfort without the stress.

Soup has a way of slowing things down. It invites you to sit, breathe, and enjoy the moment. Keep this roundup handy for those days when you want simple, hearty meals that feel like home.

The Christmas Movie I Never Skip

Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by gigis ramblings

The One Story I Come Back To Every Year

If there’s one Christmas story I never get tired of, it’s A Christmas Carol. I love it in every form. The old ones, the original, Hallmark’s reinvention, the Muppets, Mickey—if it exists, I’ve watched it. And not just once. I watch them multiple times every year because that story never loses its hold on me. I’ve been hooked ever since La Vega Elementary took us on a field trip to see it in the 2nd grade.

A Simple Friday Night That Hit Just Right

Last night we did our usual Friday night Christmas lights and movie night. Nothing fancy. We just rode around, looked at lights, talked, and enjoyed the quiet. As we were driving, Waco Wonderland’s annual firework show kicked off. We weren’t headed there, but we ended up with a perfect view anyway, which honestly made it even better.

Ending the Night With My Favorite Version

When we got home, I made us each a mug of hot cocoa, and we settled in for the Jim Carrey Disney version of A Christmas Carol. This one ranks high for me. It’s dramatic, a little eerie, and still manages to keep the heart of the story. I’ve seen it more times than I can count, but it never feels old.

Why It Sticks With Me

There’s something about this story that always pulls me in. It hits every time—redemption, reflection, and the reminder to pay attention to the people around you. Maybe that’s why it’s the one Christmas story I keep going back to year after year. It feels familiar in the best way.

My Holiday Escape Reading List

Posted on December 1, 2025December 2, 2025 by gigis ramblings

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December always flips a switch in me. The weather drops, the lights go up, and suddenly I’m craving those feel-good holiday stories the way some folks crave hot chocolate. This is the time of year when my reading really kicks into gear. Between my stack of Christmas romances and my never-ending lineup of Hallmark Christmas movies, I get to escape reality for a little while and settle into something warm, sweet, and comforting.

Every December, I like to pick one physical book to start the month with—an actual hold-it-in-my-hands, turn-the-pages kind of book. There’s just something satisfying about the weight of it, the sound of the pages, and the way it instantly sets the tone for the season. After that, my Kindle becomes my best friend as I race the calendar, trying to squeeze in as many holiday reads as I can before New Year’s Eve hits.

This year, I’ve put together a list that’s equal parts cozy, romantic, and downright festive. Here’s what I’ll be diving into.

A Gingerbread Romance

This is my one physical book for the month, and the moment it arrived last week, I knew it was the perfect place to start. A sweet, Hallmark-style romance, A Gingerbread Romance follows architect Taylor Scott and baker Adam Dale as they team up for a life-changing gingerbread house competition. It’s got small-town charm, holiday magic, and enough sugar-sweet moments to make you grin like you’re biting into a fresh cookie. This one feels like the perfect kickoff for December—a slow-down moment before the reading marathon begins.

The Spiced Cocoa Café

Once I finish my gingerbread fix, it’s time to move over to my Kindle, starting with The Spiced Cocoa Café. Everything about this book screams cozy winter escape. The story revolves around warm drinks, sweet friendships, and a little romance stirred in like cinnamon in a mug. Books like this make me want to curl up under a blanket, light a candle, and pretend the world outside doesn’t exist.

Countdown to Christmas

This one feels tailor-made for the Hallmark-lover in me. A sweet, simple, holiday romance that follows characters trying to reconnect with the magic of the season. These kinds of stories are like comfort food—predictable in the best way, heartwarming, and full of those moments that make you smile without even realizing it. December wouldn’t be complete without at least one book that leans allll the way into Christmas magic.

The Christmas Tree Farm

Who can resist a Christmas-tree-farm setting? Snow, lights, pine everywhere—it’s practically illegal to not read a book like this in December. This story brings some TikTok buzz with it and has that perfect small-town vibe. I’m expecting budding romance, a little family drama, and maybe even a save-the-farm moment. Give me that classic holiday formula every time.

The Inn at Evergreen Hollow

This one looks like a perfect finale for the month. A cozy Christmas inn? A small town full of secrets? Winter romance mixed with a bit of personal growth? Yes ma’am, I’m in. The cover alone makes me want to grab a blanket and block off the whole afternoon. I love ending December with something that makes me reflect on the past year, and this book seems to deliver that blend of warmth, hope, and new beginnings.

Will I Finish Them All Before New Year’s Eve?

That’s the goal. Every year I tell myself I can do it, and some years I come close… others, well, let’s just say life has a way of interrupting even the best reading intentions. But there’s something fun about trying. It turns the whole month into a personal challenge—me vs. my TBR pile.

And honestly? Whether I finish them all or not, the joy is in the journey. These books give me that warm, fuzzy feeling I wait all year for. They soften the edges of the world, just like those Hallmark movies I keep running in the background while I read. December doesn’t really feel complete until I’ve gotten lost in these holiday stories.

So here’s to cozy nights, glowing Christmas lights, and a stack of books just begging to be devoured. If all goes well, I’ll be turning that last page sometime before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

If not… well, I’ll be starting January on a festive note.

Sixteen Years Later… We’re Still Here

Posted on November 16, 2025November 17, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Sixteen years. If we’re being honest, I don’t think either of us—or anybody watching from the cheap seats—would’ve guessed we’d make it this far. Not because we didn’t love each other, but because we walked into this thing with more chaos than calm, more questions than answers, and absolutely no blueprint on how to blend two very different worlds.

He had never been in a serious relationship before me. Never lived with anyone but his parents. Never had the kind of structure most folks grow up with. Meanwhile, I came in like a whole tornado of organization, expectations, and routines. It wasn’t exactly a seamless transition.

The Growing Pains That Shaped Us

There were moments where we almost fell apart. Moments where I felt like I was raising another kid—kind of—because he missed a lot of basic life skills growing up while his parents were off in a bar instead of at home. He was used to utter chaos and mess. It took patience, teaching, and a whole lot of deep breaths.

But let’s be real: I’m no picnic either. My dominant personality can be… a lot. I like things done a certain way, and I don’t bend easily. So trust me, the growing pains were on both sides.

Why Our Relationship Works

Some folks would call us co-dependent because we do almost everything together. Outside of work, you’ll rarely find us apart. And you know what? It works. Other people don’t have to understand our rhythm or our routine. We figured out a long time ago who to keep at a distance and who doesn’t need to be anywhere near our relationship.

We’ve changed a lot over sixteen years. We are now in our calm era. All the kids have grown up and started families of their own. He went from never being in a relationship to being a partner, a stepdad, and a PawPaw to fifteen grandkids in record time. And he handled it like a champ, even when life handed us more chaos than calm.

The Quiet Moments Matter Most

This year, our anniversary weekend was exactly the way we like it—quiet, simple, no stress, no circus. Just us enjoying the calm we built together. We’ll probably take a little celebratory road trip before the month’s over, nothing fancy, just one of those easy adventures that always ends up being our favorite kind.

Sixteen Years of Choosing Each Other

Right now, I’m just grateful. Grateful that after all the hard moments, all the learning, all the adjusting, all the storms, I still have someone walking beside me through this wild, ridiculous life. We’ve laughed, fought, rebuilt, raised kids, spoiled grandbabies, and somehow made it through every bit of it without killing each other—and that alone deserves a trophy.

It’s been one helluva ride. But I’d do it all again. Every last minute of it. Here’s to 160 more with my bestie!