It’s full fledged winter over here!
I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but we are cold and snowy. I’m already starting to feel a little bit of cabin fever as far as staying home and not getting much exercise/outside time. It’s way too early for that, so I’m really going to have to figure out what to do about it. I’ve been trying to go to the gym but that is it’s own special misery, as well as bundling up for outdoor walks which also still makes me crabby because of the cold. Basically I need to be on a mountain in Hawaii for four months out of the year, is that too much to ask?
We had a lovely Thanksgiving a few weeks ago where we got to see lots of family. Our Christmas plans are almost always the same, which makes things easy and predictable. We don’t have to travel far to be with our families and we spend Christmas day at home, spending time together, and making an elaborate feast.
We went and got our Christmas tree pretty early this year. I’ve always wondered why some people get more than one tree, but now I get it. We give our kids each one new ornament every year, and so does my mother in law. With four kids that’s really starting to add up! Our tree is filled to the brim with special ornaments, which makes it so fun to set up.
I’m planning to take the week of Christmas off from posting to the blog since I’m sure you’ll all be busy having fun anyways. I’ll definitely be ready to hit it hard with healthy New Year’s recipes, and I’m hoping to get a few new fun things going around here in 2019! If you’re not already on my mailing list be sure to sign up here. You’ll get notified every time there’s a new post, and you’ll receive a list of 100 vegetarian dinner ideas just for signing up. It’s a great way to get you ready for the new year!
1. Holiday recipes I’m loving right now
Christmas Cut-Out Cookies
My friends have been making these and sending me Marco Polo videos of the finished product. I also made them with my kids and a few of their cousins a couple weeks ago. They are seriously the best Christmas cookie!
Gingerbread Energy Balls
Can’t stop, won’t stop. These are my new seasonal favorite. Although we might have to make gingerbread in July a thing because I don’t think I’ll be able to stop making them all year long.
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cups
I’m definitely making these AGAIN this year. I just can’t do Christmas without them. I’m trying to decide if I should try and jazz a few up with interesting flavors, or just stick with the classic!
Taco Dip
This dip comes out every time we have people over around the holidays. It is a major crowd pleaser!
Stuffed Mushrooms
I think these are going to be my contribution to a family gathering this year. I’ll probably double or triple the recipe because I’m going to want to eat so many of them myself!
2. Cozy sweaters
I’ve been trying to load up on sweaters to fend off my cold crabbiness. Here are a few of my favorites.
3. Do something nice for someone
I’ve been trying to go out of my way to something nice for the people in my life. It doesn’t have to be huge, just a kind text, listening to someone, or helping out with a tangible task can really make someone’s day. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think of something that would surprise and delight them.
4. Purse hunt
I’ve needed a new purse for a long time. I actually really hate purses in general, so it’s been hard for me. I’m looking for something I can wear cross body, that isn’t too bulky. I kind of like this one but am afraid I’m too old for it? I’m wide open for suggestions.
5. Christmas craft decor
I am SO not crafty. But my kids love decorating for Christmas and crafting in general, so I’m considering letting them make some of these decorations. That translates to, maybe next year I will have worked up the energy to let them do it.
6. On my menu lately
Orecchiette with Spinach and Butter Beans
Black Bean and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Quesadillas
Pesto Linguini with Balsamic Chickpeas
Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
7. Girl’s trip
My friends and I are talking about taking an adventurous trip together. We just finished reading To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins, and now I want to go all the places! Hit me with your favorite getaway that maybe also involves a little bit of nature adventure (but probably not hardcore camping).
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