My Personal December Reminders!

Things I need to remind myself of daily in December:

IN THE CAR

• Traffic is going to get a little nutty.  Just expect it.  Be prepared for it's inevitability, and aim to leave 15 minutes earlier than normal so that you're not stressed about time.  (If you live in L.A., add 30+ minutes!!! *sob*)
• If you find yourself in mind-numbing traffic or long commutes, be sure to have your ipod or favorite cds.  I like listening to my 2 favorite podcasts, "This American Life" and "Radio Lab". 

PARKING LOTS

• They are going to be more congested!  I spent 20 minutes on the roof of a parking structure looking for a space (and it wasn't even December yet!).  When that anxious, claustrophobic feeling starts to come on, try to take long, slow, deep breaths. 
• If possible, avoid the parking lots altogether!  Find a space on the street and enjoy the extra exercise.  

AT THE POST OFFICE

• Everyone's trying to mail packages and gifts out to people this month, so lines are going to be longer.  Be prepared!  
• Waiting in line is the perfect time to catch up on Instagram, Facebook, or blogs.  
• Try to mail presents and cards early if you can.

ONLINE SHOPPING

• I've decided to do most of my Holiday shopping online this year.  For one, I was sick for 2 weeks and had nothing better to do.  And secondly, I just didn't have the time to drive around searching for the perfect gifts this year.  (Some of my fave online gifts will be in my next blog post!)
• But don't do what I do, and buy gifts for someone...then forget that I ordered it and it's on it's way in the mail, and then buy them another gift.  
• Also, the earlier you place your order the better, so you don't have to pay extra shipping costs to get things delivered faster.  
• Personally, I'm on the lookout for gifts all year round.  If I see something that makes me think of a friend, I snatch it up and stash it away for when Holidays or Birthdays come around.  (Just don't forget that the gift is ready and waiting!)

HOLIDAY PARTIES

• Tis the season...  If you know you're going to throw a party, find a day the week before to do a big clean of your place, so you're not up til 2am the night before mopping and scrubbing.  If the majority of the bulk work is done, there won't be much to tidy up last minute.
• Prepare the menu in advance and buy food, drinks and decorations (I love fresh flowers around the house) the day before, so you're not running around the day of the party.  
• I found the last goop newsletter to have some useful tips for entertaining.  You can read it here. 

MY MANTRA FOR DECEMBER

Breathe...and avoid The Grove*.  ;)

Love,

p • a

* For those of you who don't know what The Grove is... it's an outdoor promenade in Los Angeles with lots of stores... sort of like an outdoor mall.  A lot of tourists, families with little kids, and young people on dates like to come here to have fun and shop.  

Many holidays ago... I decided to quick drop by a few days before Christmas to buy a few last minute gifts.  On this particular night, they had a stage set up in the middle of the Grove for a band that was about to perform.  I could care less about seeing a show that night.  I wanted to get in and get out.  But the security guards practically herded us together in front of this stage, and wouldn't let anyone leave!  I was smothered on all sides with other peoples' bodies and their bags of purchases.  In a moment of panic, I stepped up onto a wall and looked for a way out.  A security guard told me to get down.  I yelled, "You can't keep me here!" and I leapt off the wall and ran away.  

me + Grove + December = no thank you