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Making Resolutions

Making resolutions is a New Year’s tradition for people everywhere. The new calendar year marks a time for change! New goals are set, and we resolve to do more of some things and less of others. As you set your goals, it can be daunting to try to foresee a ton of change in the upcoming year. With 365 days ahead of you, that’s a lot of opportunity to fail or forget! These might be helpful tips when setting your goals for the year. Remember, it’s not just about reaching your goal, but about trying to be a little better and improving yourself along the way. If you’re just not sure where to start, we have some topics for goals that will get the ball rolling. These come from the Blissful Mind . The site gives some tips for clearing your mind and being able to think clearly and get work done. We think this is a great way to set yourself up for achieving all of your goals. Some ideas are writing in a journal, reading more, meditating, and limiting screen time. She also gives ideas for possible goals to set. These ideas include eating more veggies (maybe plan one or two meals a week to be plant based), drinking more water (set an amount of ounces you want to drink each day), meal prepping, and drinking less coffee or tea. For those who are more visual, we found this useful infographic from Eric Welke. He suggests ten different steps for goal setting. Something he mentions that may be useful is announcing your goals! This is a way to establish a degree of accountability for yourself and your goals. It’s always nice when you have others cheering you on! Good luck setting your goals! Make sure to choose things that will help you in all different areas of your life. Keep track of your progress and give yourself time to fail or make a mistake.

Holiday Service Ideas

Looking for ways to serve others is a great way to make others happy and feel good about what you’re doing. During this time of year, it is easy to get wrapped up in holiday plans, work responsibilities, and goals for the upcoming year. At Willow Hill, we like to take time to think about others and do things that will help them out, no matter what time of year! There are a ton of ways to help others and we’ve compiled a list to help you think of how you can contribute! -Leave a small ziplock bag of quarters on top of washing machine at the laundromat -Tape dollars to vending machines to pay for the snack of the next person! -Pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru line -Offer to help with yard work for neighbors -Bring a meal to a family who may need extra help -Ask a local pastor if there are families in his congregation who may need help -Volunteer at a local soup kitchen -Leave a larger than normal tip for your waiter -Hold doors or carry groceries for someone who may be struggling -Write a card to a friend or family member -If you have roommates or live with family, look for ways around the house that you can help them -Smile and say hello! Look people in the eye when greeting them, this is a great way to make others feel happy instantly! Remember that serving others isn’t about a reward or payback. It’s about helping others have a great day and feel validated and loved! As you incorporate these small acts of kindness into your day, you will certainly feel happy, too. Maybe keep a journal of your experiences! As you do more and more, you might find yourself looking for ways to help others when you don’t even realize it! Have fun serving and helping others! Where are your favorite places to volunteer in Tacoma, WA? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Gift Ideas

With tons of opportunities to purchase gifts this time of year, it is easy to run out of ideas. We’ve compiled a list of items for when you just don’t know what to get your loved ones! Use these ideas throughout the year for birthdays, as well. Our first tip is to save on wrapping! Buy generic colors so you can use them for any age or occasion. Ask stores if they do gift wrapping for free (Nordstrom does!), and you can save money. Buy bulk boxes of bows and tape at this time of year so you will always be prepared. Having a few items on hand like lotions, gift cards or movies is helpful for those when you need a last minute gift. This list from Real Simple is great for any quirky or last minute gifts. The site says, “ They might be the least expensive items on your gift-giving list, and often they’re last-minute picks, but that doesn’t mean that stocking stuffers can’t be just as thoughtful as the other gifts you plan on giving. Spare your loved ones the predictable sock packs (snooze), scarves (boring), and ho-hum candy (trust us, they’re all set in those departments), and instead, check our list (twice!) for modern, unique, and special gift ideas for literally anyone and everyone. ” Some items on the list include copper kitchen items, lip balm, and a pretty terrarium. We loved the items on this list from Poor Little It Girl . Technically these are “stocking stuffers” but those items make great gifts and are usually lower in cost! On this list are earrings, mittens, luggage tags, matches, and socks. Remember to give gifts solely out of appreciation and love for the receiver. It’s less about what the cost of the gift is and more about the thought you put into the gift. They will think of you every time they see that item, and they will love it! Where are your favorite places to shop in Puyallup, WA? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Treat Swap

Hosting a sweet swap is a great way to get friends together and try out a few new desserts. This is a simple event, since your guests will be contributing some of the foods you’ll be enjoying! You pick the date and time, set the space, and invite your favorite people over for an evening of sweets and snacks! Let your friends know ahead of time that they get to contribute a plate to the event. If anyone has allergies, make others aware of those as well. Ask guests to bring copies of their recipe to share with others at the party. Prepare a way for guests to take home their treats. We recommend using a small box or a plate with plastic wrap. Set the mood! Play holiday themed music, turn the lights low and light some candles! This creates a fun atmosphere for a holiday event. Wondering what treat to make? We found these recipes that we think you’ll love. These cookies from Vintage Revivals are a shortbread style cookie with a sweet pink frosting! The recipe makes a ton of cookies, so it’s perfect for sharing. The cookies are best served cold, so making these ahead of time works well. Let them chill while you decorate for the event! The classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie (this one comes from Eating on a Dime) will certainly be a hit at your party. They aren’t very labor intensive, and they are always a crowd-pleaser. To get your guests to really fall in love, make these caramel butter bars from Cookies and Cups. They require a few extra steps, like baking the crust and melting the caramel, but after one bite it will all be worth it. There’s a lot of butter in this recipe which makes it the perfect indulgent dessert for the holidays! We hope you enjoy these recipes! Thanks for reading Willow Hill Blog. We hope you have a great week here in Puyallup, WA!

November New Releases

That fall chill is in the air and we’ve moved our weekend fun indoors. No more weekend BBQ’s or outdoor fun, but that doesn’t have to mean boring! There’s a season for everything, and fall is the season for cozy nights inside under fuzzy blankets! One of our favorite activities is heading to the local theater in Puyallup. There’s nothing better than buttery popcorn and a cold drink in hand while watching a blockbuster. Being released on November 4th is Doctor Strange : “From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place-a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.” Also releasing on November 4th is Trolls : “The film will be a grand scale musical comedy centering around how the Trolls came into their vibrant and colorful hair.” Later in the month, on the 23rd, catch Moana . This is Disney’s newest release that we can’t wait to see: “In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.” Let us know your thoughts as you see these new flicks this month, and thanks for reading the Willow Hill blog!

Holiday Decorating in Small Spaces

At Willow Hill, we love decorating for the holidays. With all the other holiday errands that come with this time of year, decorating can sometimes be an added expense. We’ve found some ideas with decorating tips to save time and money in your space. utm_campaign=managed&utm_medium=social&crlt.pid=camp.ZUAIzVAMLEQA&utm_source=facebook"> This article from Apartment Therapy gives some great centerpiece ideas. The site mentions “The holiday countdown is ticking away at rapid speed. This time of year can definitely get a bit overwhelming, what with holiday parties, shopping, baking, crafting, and all things festive. If you're hosting a holiday meal and want to make your table extra-special for your guests but don't have the time or budget to go all out on an elaborate tablescape, don't fret.” Our favorite idea involves stringing together christmas ornaments to use as a garland for a tablescape, and we always love scattering scented pinecones throughout a room. House Beautiful has more ideas for decorating a small space for the holidays. The site says “Really hurting for space? One thing we've all got: A door. If you've got no room for decorations, don't be afraid to go wild on your front door. You'll feel a burst of holiday cheer whenever you come home, and your guests (and neighbors) will never doubt your dedication to the season.” A DIY project from Style Me Pretty teaches you how to make your own pillow with a festive message. Being able to add these simple touches invites the holiday feel into your home all season long. You’ll be able to learn what works for your space, lifestyle and your own personal style. Switching out pillows or hand towels is a great way to add something festive and functional in a small space. Be aware of others around including your Willow Hill neighbors as you decorate for the season. What is your favorite way to decorate your space? Let us know in the comments below. Happy decorating!