Tag Archives: Tanya H. Franklin

On the Seventh Day of Christmas: There’s No Shelving the Elf

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The Elf on the Shelf’s been a part of my daughter’s life since she was two and a half. I remember how she initially thought the elf was Santa or Mrs. Claus and how I had to explain who she is and why she visits.

Quinn eventually named her Lola, and while I thought Quinn had outgrown her visits at ten and a half years old, she still seeks her out each morning and loves that her wardrobe continues to expand with each year.

This year, she was joined by a new friend, Snoop on the Stoop, which we both got a kick out of!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Sixth Day of Christmas 2023 Feeling Festive at Feeney’s

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The Sixth Day of Christmas: There’s a store my family loves to go to during this time of the year just for the environment: Feeney’s! It’s just so festive and whimsical, putting us in a happy mood and even giving us some inspiration for our own Christmas decorations. Sometimes, it’s not about spending money but just spending time together getting in the Christmas spirit.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Fifth Day of Christmas 2023 Merry for Family

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The Fifth Day of Christmas: Since before my daughter was born, we’ve been having holiday parties to bring our extended family together for some food, fun and fantastic memories. As the hosts, my husband, daughter and I will wear “festive” clothes for the occasion , which we all enjoy. But this year, it took Quinn and me some time to figure out what we wanted to wear. So we used my husband’s T-shirt as an inspiration.

Last year, I got a Cricut for Christmas, so I couldn’t resist designing ones for Quinn and me. My husband suggested “busy bod” for her to match his “Santa Bod” shirt, but she felt it was negative making it seem that she gets into trouble, so she went with “cute bod” and was too adorable. As the fitness enthusiast of the household, I went with “fit bod.” Quinn thought it was perfect. I think we all looked great in our shirt and think we may have a new tradition on our hands. 🤗🎄

All the best,

Tanya

On the Fourth Day of Christmas 2023 The Magic of Santa Claus

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The Fourth Day of Christmas: For the first time, when I asked my daughter if she wanted to take a picture with Santa at the mall where we usually go, she said no thanks. Maybe it’s because she’s in double digits, is maturing or didn’t want to seem like a “baby.” But low and behold, when we went to the Luminature event at the Philadelphia Zoo and had an opportunity to see and chat with Santa.

To my surprise, Quinn eagerly walked towards Santa and happily chatted with him and took a picture. Of course, I’m always eager and happy to see Santa, so I took a picture with him too. 🤗🥰

All the best,

Tanya

On the First Day of Christmas 2023 Starting off with Wellness

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Though my ten year old is not into toys like she used to be, she does love many of our Christmas traditions. One of them is receiving a 12 days of Christmas treat.

Since Quinn is now into smell goods and spa stuff, I had to get her a 12 days of wellness calendar. Though the first day is something she wants to give to me, collagen peptides, 😅, I hope she’ll enjoy the rest.

All the best,

Tanya

Luminature Lights Up the Night While Family Lights Up My Life

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Lumuminature Love

For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But there’s something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.

Light Up the Night

My mom (Quinn’s nana), my sister-in-law and nieces, my cousin, her daughter and mom (my aunt), have been joining us too. Since Quinn is an only child, I’m so grateful that she has such a close bond with her cousins and that they got to see each other and enjoy the lights together. This most certainly lights up my life.

Cousins

All the best,

Tanya

I’m Trippin’ My Fifth Grader Still Wants Me to Chaperone!

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I’m so excited for the field trip that I woke up at 2:30am,” my ten year old told me. She then asked me if I was excited too. While I didn’t tell her directly, I was probably a little more excited than her because she actually didn’t mind me volunteering as a chaperone. 🤗

We toured historic Philadelphia and learned some great facts through our animated, lovely and fun tour guides. Her homeroom seemed to all have a nice time. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for Quinn and for her to want me to be there. 🥰

All the best,

Tanya