Brrr, baby!
It’s a cold morning in Ocala today! And no, it’s not just Florida-cold. It’s legitimately cold. We have frost on the ground and temperatures are in the 30s.
It’s so cold that someone has yet to emerge from bed.
Cough, Sadie, cough.
Cold mornings must begin with coffee!
I brewed myself a hot cup of Marylou’s eggnog coffee that Tina sent to me all the way from Boston last week. I loved the last Marylou’s blend that she sent my way (peanut butter wonderful) and the new eggnog flavor is fantastic as well. I’m a sucker for flavored coffee!
While my coffee brewed, I whipped up a batch of pancakes for breakfast for me and Ryan.
Topped with a bit of syrup!
New Year’s Eve Plans
When I was hanging out with my girlfriends in New York City earlier this month, we started talking about New Year’s Eve plans and came to the conclusion that New Year’s Eve is way too hyped.
Nothing that spectacular ever seems to occur on New Year’s Eve, yet every year there seems to be something in the air that makes everyone feel like they should have something fabulous on their agenda for New Year’s Eve.
My all-time favorite New Year’s Eve was a house party at my friend Merri’s house that included lots of good food, champagne and a small group of our close friends.
It was perfect! Simple, small and lots of fun.
Merri’s birthday is January 1, so at midnight the party shifted from a New Year’s Eve party to a birthday party for Merri and her twin sister Liz. It was a blast! Low key and perfect.
Another memorable New Year’s Eve took place in Chicago when Ryan and I flew in town to celebrate with my best friends from high school. Unfortunately the memory of a severe hangover on the plane ride home the next day taints the memory of that New Year’s Eve. Bleh.
This year Ryan and I are considering throwing in the towel and having a “just us” New Year’s Eve date night. Dinner and a movie out sounds perfect to me! No matter what we do, our New Year’s Eve will surely be better than last year’s!
Questions of the Morning
- What is your take on New Year’s Eve? Do you love it or think it’s a bit overhyped?
- What are your New Year’s Eve plans this year?
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I used to think there was some sort of magic about NYE. Thankfully I out grew that thought. This year my boyfriend and I are taking my niece and nephew (ages 9 and 11) out for a day of fun. Disney Quest, putt-putt, maybe a movie, and a whole lot of fun. We will return home to watch the ball drop from the comfort of my couch. I’ve never been more excited about my plans.
For the last 3 years I’ve had set plans for NYE, so I’m not quite sure what to do this year since it’s Friday and I still have NO clue what I am doing. I went to Las Vegas with my whole family one year, then I went to NYC 2 years ago and last year I had a wedding! This year I think I will probably end up going out for some sushi then back home<—party animal! But yes it is hyped up–I think its really fun to go on vacation for New Years if you can–I loved NYC and Vegas!
My hubby and I are also planning to do a dinner/movie date night. We have tried to “force” plans in the past–but not this year!
I think it’s fun to look back and review the past year! I don’t know about all the crazy partying etc. but it’s fun to reminisce. This NYE we are going to spend time with some close friends we don’t see often so I’m looking forward to that 🙂
Happy New Year!
Last year, my husband (then fiance) and I had a “just us” dinner date night out before going to a big party, and honestly, I would’ve been fine with going home after the date night with just the two of us. Big New Year’s parties are kind of overrated!
My hubby and I aren’t the party-type, so as long as we’ve been together, New Year’s Eve has always been spent just the two of us. They have been the best NYE’s ever. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, New Year’s eve is wayyy too hyped!! We have plans to get takeout, watch movies, play some games and just be together and I cannot wait!
game night!!! i <3 games.
I totally agree that NYE is overrated. I would much rather have a quiet night in with the boyfriend or a small house party with close friends than go out, spend so much money on a night people use to just drink more. Unfortunately none of my friends have caught on to the overrated-ness of new years.
I think itz totally overhyped!! The prices just to get IN to bars are ridiculous!! Luckily, Jonny and I are WAAAAY more low key type of people than to deal with all that, so we’re going to a hibachi style dinner with my bro and his girlfriend and my sister and her hubs! Perfect!
Completely agree, New Year’s Eve is over hyped. I never do anything crazy for it because I don’t like dealing with crowds and spending lots of money, haha. One of my good friends comes up every year from South Carolina, and so her and I spend the night in together along with our two other good friends. Snacks, wine, couches, stretchy pants, and girl talk are the best kinds of nights for me nowadays!
Overhyped!! I’d rather keep it low key and be home before midnight (aka before the drunks get on the road). 🙂 Plus, how can one pass up a night on the couch in their jammies, drinking champagne and watching movies??
For the past 4 years my boyfriend has performed with his improv comedy group at the First Night Knoxville festivities, but this year they aren’t having First Night. I’m really not sure what we’ll do. I know we are supposed to be going to dinner with some friends, and I heard something about a small party at another friend’s house. I’d be just as happy to do the dinner/movie thing.
improv comedy is so much fun!!! that’s so cool. hope you have a good time with your new plans this year – whatever they may be!
I always see Tina drinking that coffee and I want to try it! Of course I live nowhere near there 🙁 I love pancakes, yum.. And of course no plans yet for new years, but a date night sounds fantastic!!
What kind of pancakes did you make?
Julie, I have a question. I moved to an area where it is freezing and I’ve no money for a gym. I also live with retired, older people and so doing “circuits” or videos at home is impossible. This bodes badly. It is incredibly ferocious weather outside, so walks are short and slow. And I can’t do “cardio” inside that is quiet. Even a simple march in place is way too noisy and not good. Squats, pushups (only bodyweight I have, no equipment) are fine I guess, but they don’t get the “cardio” burst that I NEED from jumping jacks or skaters or something..
What do I do? I am losing my mind and rather worried as this is long term.
We usually have some “big” NYE plans, but this year all of my friends were kind of just over it. We’re headed to a friend’s house for a small gathering with munchies and champagne and we can even bring our pooch! Kind of makes me feel old, but then again I’m not sad about it 🙂
I agree — totally overhyped. However, there’s something so fun about getting dressed up and drinking champagne with your closest friends!! This year, Jordan and I are having another couple over for good food, champagne and to have our puppies play. Now that we’re new pup owners, we can’t really leave him for long! PLUS there’s nothing better than pj’s and a nice night at home with those you love.
Cheers to 2013!! 🙂
yay for a new puppy!!! what did you name your new little guy?
Bentley! 🙂 Check him out in his Santa suit – he stole the show for sure! He’s a 5 pound peanut and 14 weeks old today!
http://kaylyngelhar.blogspot.com/2012/12/holidays-2012.html
New Years Eve is absolutely overhyped…it never ends up being nearly as exciting as people expect it to be. Last year the boyfriend and I threw a small house party, which was fun. But I usually avoid going downtown or to bars…too crazy for me! I think the boy and I are just going to have a low-key night this year.
I’m so with you on that on. I hate all the hype that comes with NYE and to be honest I think it’s just a day where you are simply forced to do something because if you don’t, you’ll be viewed as a friendless person or party-popper. One of my best NYE’s was spent with my best friend and her family eating good food and having a lot of fun and my worst ones were always the bigger parties. This year I don’t know what i’m doing yet but it’ll probably be a good meal and some fun with my best friend and it suits me perfectly!
My Fiance and I usually head out of town (3+ hour drive) for new years, but this year we are also thinking of staying in, making a great meal and watching a movie. Hey, I may even be in bed before the clock strikes 2013! The night just never seems to be *that* good!
Ah…the dreaded hangovers, that what the holidays are all about, no? Jk 🙂
oh man, it was bad. thank goodness i had a window seat and could position myself toward the window with the airsick bag. it was AWFUL.
It’s overhyped. I hate the resolutions (though I always seem to make and break them), the “requirement” that you kiss someone at midnight, that you have to have a date, you have to go to a party, etc etc. This year, I asked a friend of mine over for dinner, possibly margaritas (I got a new “Party Machine” blender for Christmas! 🙂 ), and chick flicks. We’ll see if she doesn’t flake out on me.
I definitely agree… New Year’s Eve is a little too hyped up for my taste. This year we’re getting back in town on Sunday after being away for over a week, so I have a feeling this New Year’s Eve will be a pretty chill one. I like your idea of a low key date night!
I totally agree! In my opinion, going out and getting crazy on New Year’s Eve usually leads to something bad happening – whether it’s you or someone you know. I love being home with my family and close friends. We usually do some type of intimate house party with great company, food and drinks 🙂
I 100% agree! I have been doing the low-key date night New Years Eve for a couple of years now and have never once regretted it. It can be kind of a good night to cook something a little fancier than you usually would, but honestly, last year my boyfriend and I made chili and I fell asleep at like 10:30. It was glorious!
New Year’s Eve is totally overhyped. I never feel like the actual night lives up to the anticipation. I think my husband and I are throwing in the towel too and having dinner/movie night as well.
I totally agree! My husband and I almost always have a low-key “us” New Year’s Eve. We were even trying to figure out last night when the last time we were actually awake at midnight on New Year’s Eve was!
I’m with you, Julie..I think NYE is a little too over-hyped. I think it can be a fun night and it’s exciting to ring in a brand new year, but there is too much pressure to do something extravagant! My husband and I are going to head to one of our town’s little bars early in the night, and then celebrate midnight at home on the couch in our pajamas..which sounds pretty darn nice to me 🙂
Last year I got engaged right after the new year was rung in so I don’t think anything could top that-BUT NYE will also now be very special & fun for me!
I was actually writing up my post recapping my past 4 New Year’s Eve’s and they’ve ALL been bad. I always seem to hype up the night so much that in the end it always ends up being a disappointment. Last year I made the mistake of going out the night BEFORE New Years and was so tired the next day I didn’t even want to get out of bed!
Maybe it’s just me getting “older” but a simple date night like you have planned sounds more appealing to me each year! I love getting dressed up and hanging out with friends, but I am always so tired by the time midnight rolls around…oh well! This year, we are going to a friend’s house. Her parent’s love to throw huge parties…so it should be fun!
I totally agree that NYE is too hyped! It’s a lot of pressure to have the “perfect” night, but going out is expensive and usually not really that fun. This year, I’m hosting a small gathering of friends at my house. I’m going all out with the decorations, luxe appetizers, champagne bar with all the mixers you could want — but it’s just going to be a small group of people. I think it will be a lot of fun.
If I go out on New Year’s, I like to stay at or near the party. No driving home later!
I haven’t decided if I am going out this year or not. I have work a couple hours the morning of New Year’s Day.
I agree that NYE is over hyped though I’ll take any excuse to have a good time 🙂
It’s super hyped! We always end up feeling stressed like we’re SUPPOSED to be doing something super cool, but we’re really not that super cool haha. We’re hosting a small house party with 12 close friends. I’m really looking forward to it!
I like NYE. The celebration is different for us every year. Two years ago we were in Mexico, last year we hung with my parents. This year is my first NYE as a married woman and my husband and I are headed for a long ski weekend with our two best friends. Looking forward to it!
I definitely agree. There’s always all this pressure to have a “fabulous” New Year’s…and most of the time, I don’t even feel like going out! This year my roommate and I decided to avoid the last minute scramble to find a party, and throw one of our own. A simple house party is always the best way to go, we’ll provide some champagne and New Year’s swag, and everyone will BYOB. Can’t wait!
For me, there is no better way to spend any evening, especially New Year’s, than at home cuddled up by the fire with dinner and a movie with my two loves. It’s always so busy, rushed, crowded, and the restaurant wait times are never less than two hours. Now if I can just manage to stay awake for the ball to drop. 😉
I think New Year’s Eve is a bit overhyped! I have been to all kinds of parties starting from celebrating with my bff at home or joining a house party at a friend’s house to celebrating at a club – and I have to say at the end of the day I always felt a bit disappointed because it never turned out as I had imagined. Either the crowd is not as “fun” as it usually is or the organizing and planning takes up so much time in advance that when New Year’s Eve has finally arrived one is already stressed out or you end up in a fight with a friend or somebody is already completely drunk BEFORE 12 o’clock that everybody ends up taking care of that particular person…etc. A friend of mine has once said to me when I told her that I am not a big “fan” of New Year’s Eve that maybe I just haven’t been to the “right” party yet. Well, maybe. Or maybe my expectations are just too high.
I think it’s great that you guys are spending NYE together just the two of you. I think that’s what I would do if I had a boyfriend (although I have to admit the one time I did spend NYE with my boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, we ended up in a HUGE fight and didn’t speak for 2 days and I can’t even remember what the fight was about).
Well, this year I am spending NYE with my mother (it’s not as pathetic as it sounds) – we originally had planned to go out for dinner and drinks but since I failed to book a table at our favourite restaurant in time we have to stay at home.
In New England it’s tradition to eat chinese food on NYE (not sure if its just New England but my fiancé is from Ohio and he had never heard of that tradition) so we are staying in. I’m making some homemade chinese food, we are popping a few bottles of champagne and watching Dexter! We just started season 1 and there are 6 seasons to watch so we will have plenty of entertainment! I don’t like being on the roadways on NYE, I don’t trust the other drivers so staying home is perfect!
NYE is overhyped. I would rather just get takeout and stay in. Which is probably what we will do. I am volunteering all day at a race so going back out won’t be high on my list of things to do.
The Kidless Kronicles
I definitely prefer more low key NYE’s celebrations over getting all gussied up! Every year we head over to a friends house and eat lots of good food, drink wine and just hang out all evening Normally we even stay the night to avoid getting out on the roads with all the crazy drunk people.
I definitely prefer more low-key house party type New Years, they ware WAY less expensive than going out in the city and usually more fun! This year mine will be pretty lame… Haha I’ll be going to a big party my parents’ friends throw every year and then back to my friend’s house because I’m taking care of her dog while her parents are out of town (She’s gone too).
Oh, I so agree! Even when you had “big” plans, it was always a let-down because the night had been so over-hyped-up! I’m all for hanging with my family and playing games now. Maybe that comes with age too…as I crept into my later 20s, big parties or nights out at the bar quickly lost their appeal.
Hey quick question: do you always keep your table set or just for photos? I like that idea! Now if only I had two dining tables… 🙂
Mmm your pancakes looked yummy!
This year we are having a small group of friends over. Our besties from Wisconsin are driving through IN on thier way home, so we will be enjoying time with them and thier two little ones. It’s going to be a low-key and enjoyable night!
I compleeeeeeetely agree that NYE is always over-hyped!
I’m quite a mellow person so honestly, a night in sounds like a great idea :D… I might be doing that this year too!
My husband works near a Marylous so when he works the overnight he brings home a cup for me in the morning before I head to work. It’s the best coffee ever!
I completely agree about New Years. This year we also decided to do a just us low key year – we’re going to cook dinner, watch a movie and that’s it! I am actually really looking forward to next year’s NYE because we have close friends getting married (he’s in the wedding) that night so we’ll be at the best kind of party there is!
Oh man, I have to agree… NYE is always, always over-hyped and everyone feels this invisible pressure to do something spectacular and “make it count.” I can honestly say I’ve only had one NYE that was absolutely amazing.. the rest have generally followed the trend of uneventful and/or hot messes. 😉 This year I’m doing nothing at all because I’m having minor toe surgery in the morning… I was sort of bummed about that at first, but all that really counts is making the next day (Jan. 1) and on great for the new year, right?
NYE parties out are definitely overhyped. It’s dangerous to be on the road with all the drinkers+drivers anyway. A married couple friends of ours always throws a simple get together that I’ve gone to for the past 3 years. Casual and fun way to ring in with our good friends. 🙂
Totally agree with you Julie!! NYE is so hyped, over-expensive to do the same things, and just an excuse to get pulled over for drinking a couple of glasses of champagne!!
Last year we had people over (they stayed overnight), and this year we might go to a friend’s party (will stay over). I refuse to go “out” out.
I was JUST thinking about this as well. I feel like NYE is hyped up and every year I feel like I need to go over the top and having an amazing time, when I would rather just have a smaller party with close friends.