It's been nearly three weeks since the birthday dinner my mum threw for Shelley-- just the three of us and Pip, having dinner and cherry pie. Three weeks since I've left the house. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about things we're all missing out on: birthdays, trips, weddings, face-to-face connections.
Today, I felt my little temper get the best of me (between both grandmothers and my mother, I was doomed) as I heard people out in the neighborhood acting like it's block party time, and my car is making a thumping noise, and people are being laid off, and this is still happening for another month because people who are able to stay home can't just stay home...
Then I decided to focus on the small joys in my life. In times of uncertainty, I feel like it's better to look on the bright side. I could let my anxiety overwhelm me-- and honestly, that's happened a few times over the last couple of weeks. I am choosing joy though. I choose to look at this time with gratitude.
I am safe at home. I still have the ability to do my job (perks of already working from home).
I still get to sing in the shower and dance around the kitchen with Shelley while we make dinner.
I've been looking for ways to romanticize my life-- to enjoy the little things, like sunny days and plants and mugs of tea, chocolate, face masks, and meditation/prayer.
I have enough food and a place to be safe.
I have time to CREATE: to work on my blog, to write my book, to paint, to do yoga or Pilates.
I get to be home with Shelley. She makes me laugh and makes me feel safe. Even though things are scary, this closeness and togetherness reminds me of when we go on vacations and have unlimited time to cultivate inside jokes and love. I suppose I chose well, because after three weeks of constant companionship, I am still happy to be around her.
I like getting to snuggle Zorro and read while he nudges me, demanding head rubs.
I enjoy the time I get to create a space we love; rearranging and adjusting our cozy little home or reworking my studio space.
I have learned to love myself, even if it's me without mascara, wearing second day sweatpants and a French braid I slept in.
It's the art of slowing down, taking a breath, and exhaling.
We are HERE. Take this time to be present in each moment and focus on the gratitude. Let yourself luxuriate in some sort of indulgence. Light a candle. Eat chocolate. Pray. Create. Love. Romanticize your life instead of browsing around a store because you are bored. Yes, I miss everyone. Yes, I want to enjoy the springtime. But truly, this time could be a gift, if we all slowed down enough to appreciate it.
"Count it all joy."
~ James 1:2
Friday, April 3, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Music Soothes My Soul
For as long as I can remember, and probably even before, music has been a huge part of my life. It's been the thing that soothed me when nothing else could. Whether I was an angsty teen listening to classic rock under a haze of incense and twinkle lights or driving around in the sunshine listening to Mraz, or crying through loss to a Coldplay album, it has been a constant comfort in my life.
When I got my iPod WAY back when that was a thing, I had an 80GB one that was filled with more music than one soul could listen to, so I made playlists of the favorites. One playlist was called Sunshine and filled my soul with happiness-- it's been tweaked through the years and delivered me safely along multiple road trips. I've listened to it on sunny days and on days where I needed a little warmth and joy in my life. I've sung into my hairbrush more than once to these songs.
I also have a Chill playlist, which is exactly what it sounds like-- the kind of ambient music that lulls you to sleep or calms you down in the midst of anxiety.
Throughout this whole quarantine experience, I've been listening to the Waitress soundtrack or random French cafe music. Shelley has been favoring Dr. Dre's Chronic album. But when I want music to dance to, cook to, get me into the right mindset, I've been leaning on these two playlists.
I am sharing my top ten picks from each playlist here!
Sunshine:
1) "The Woods" by Hollow Coves
2) "&Run" by Sir Sly
3) "No Going Back" by Yuno
4) "Dreams" by Beck
5) "My Go Away Dream" by Not the King
6) "Superposition" by Young the Giant
7) "Arlandria" by Foo Fighters
8) "The Emotion" by BORNS
9) "True to Myself" by Ziggy Marley
10) "Calico Skies" by Paul McCartney
Chill:
1) "The River" by Groove Armada
2) "Somersault" by Zero 7
3) "Pocket Change" by One Less Reason
4) "Show Me Where I Belong" by Extreme Music
5) "Cherry Blossom Girl" by Air
6) "Cold Hearts" by Club 8
7) "Draw Your Swords" by Angus & Julia Stone
8) "Telescope" by Boom Forest
9) "Woman" by City & Colour
10) "Someone Who Loves Me" by Sara Bareilles
Let me know if you check any of the songs out-- I hope it helps soothe you through these crazy times. If you have any recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments!
When I got my iPod WAY back when that was a thing, I had an 80GB one that was filled with more music than one soul could listen to, so I made playlists of the favorites. One playlist was called Sunshine and filled my soul with happiness-- it's been tweaked through the years and delivered me safely along multiple road trips. I've listened to it on sunny days and on days where I needed a little warmth and joy in my life. I've sung into my hairbrush more than once to these songs.
I also have a Chill playlist, which is exactly what it sounds like-- the kind of ambient music that lulls you to sleep or calms you down in the midst of anxiety.
Throughout this whole quarantine experience, I've been listening to the Waitress soundtrack or random French cafe music. Shelley has been favoring Dr. Dre's Chronic album. But when I want music to dance to, cook to, get me into the right mindset, I've been leaning on these two playlists.
 |
| Chilling in the Sunshine |
I am sharing my top ten picks from each playlist here!
Sunshine:
1) "The Woods" by Hollow Coves
2) "&Run" by Sir Sly
3) "No Going Back" by Yuno
4) "Dreams" by Beck
5) "My Go Away Dream" by Not the King
6) "Superposition" by Young the Giant
7) "Arlandria" by Foo Fighters
8) "The Emotion" by BORNS
9) "True to Myself" by Ziggy Marley
10) "Calico Skies" by Paul McCartney
Chill:
1) "The River" by Groove Armada
2) "Somersault" by Zero 7
3) "Pocket Change" by One Less Reason
4) "Show Me Where I Belong" by Extreme Music
5) "Cherry Blossom Girl" by Air
6) "Cold Hearts" by Club 8
7) "Draw Your Swords" by Angus & Julia Stone
8) "Telescope" by Boom Forest
9) "Woman" by City & Colour
10) "Someone Who Loves Me" by Sara Bareilles
Let me know if you check any of the songs out-- I hope it helps soothe you through these crazy times. If you have any recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments!
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Pantry Potluck
When I was a child, we were in the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" category as far as finances go. This wasn't something I truly processed until later, partially because we were raised to be appreciative for what we had and not ask for more, and partly because my mum is a wiz in the kitchen. She could take a box of penne, a single chicken breast, and a can of black olives and somehow create a delicious, filling meal with leftovers.
I come from a long line of comfort cooks, and am fortunate enough to have a partner who creates dishes with plate presentation to rival a five-star restaurant even though we're just sitting in our little living/dining room.
I did not inherit this gene.
I can take any of the sort of one-pot meals-- chili, spaghetti sauce, and I make one hell of a pot roast-- but anything that involves timing evades me. If you, also, find yourself lacking Hello Fresh-level meal prep as you rake the back of your pantry for some random can of garbanzo beans or a lone bag of mixed vegetables, I am sharing some recipes cultivated from a few of my nearest and dearest to give you some inspiration. Remember, if you don't have a certain ingredient, improvise! Cooking is a lot more forgiving than baking.
Mum's Meat Pie "I made it up!"
1) Take 3/4 pound ground meat, finely chopped onion, and sautee until browned.
2) Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder.
3) Pour in some beef broth for flavor.
4) Shred 1/2 cup baby carrots and add that plus baby portobello mushrooms in butter and sautee. Mix with meat.
5) Pour into pie crust and cover with layer of dough. Add ventilation holes.
6) Bake like you'd bake a pie-- 350* for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Liz's Gnocchi Chowder "real cozy & chowdery"
1) Sautee vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, peas, green beans, corn-- whatever you have on hand) for six minutes; add garlic and sautee 2 minutes longer
2) Add broth, rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
3) add chicken (raw, and optional), bring soup to a boil, reduce to medium low, and then simmer for 8-12 minutes.
4) Make a roux-- melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add flour, stir constantly one minute.
5) Make bechamel sauce-- while whisking vigorously, pour in milk and continue to whisk to smooth any lumps. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until mixture thickens, add in cream, remove from heat.
6) Once chicken reaches 165*, remove chicken from soup and allow it to rest for five minutes before dicing into pieces.
7) Add gnocchi, cook for about 7 minutes.
8) Reduce soup mixture to low heat, stir in milk mixture.
9) Add in cooked chicken and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
10) Serve with warm Romano cheese if desired.
Paige Taylor's Brussels Sprouts "I don't measure shit"
1) Cut Brussels sprouts into quarters.
2) Sautee on stove with olive oil.
3) Add gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice to taste.
4) Cook until dark.
Ben's Crockpot Nachos "A 735 Potluck Favorite"
1) In a crockpot, combine 2 cans of beans, 1 can of corn, 1 jar of salsa, 1 chicken breast, and Red Hot (to taste) for four hours.
2) Shred the chicken.
3) Toss in a bar of cream cheese and cheddar. Melt for 15-20 minutes.
4) Serve with chips.
Jen's Amazing Skinny Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice "It's pretty good and healthy"
1) Combine 1 egg and 2 egg whites in a small bowl. Beat with fork, set aside.
2) Coat a large non-stick pan with coconut oil and heat over medium high heat. Stir in cauliflower rice and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir fry for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3) Add 1 cooked, diced chicken breast. Stir fry 1 minute. Add in 1/2 cup scallions, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 3 tablespoons coconut aminos.
4) Cook about 3 minutes until heated through.
5) Push mixture to sides of pan, coat pan with oil, and add egg mixture. Cook about 1 minute. Add sesame oil, pepper, and stir fry all ingredients together.
X's Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup "Freeze without the orzo and add that when heating up"
1) Heat olive oil in a pan and add 1/2 chopped onion and garlic. Sautee until onion softens.
2) Roughly break Italian sausages into small chunks; sautee 6 minutes.
3) Deglaze pot by adding stocks. Scrape pan to remove any brown bits and stir in tomatoes.
4) When stock comes to a boil, stir in Orzo pasta, oregano, basil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
5) Cover and let cook for 10-12 minutes over medium heat, until Orzo is almost cooked.
6) Stir in 2 cups of spinach and let it cook for two minutes. Remove from heat.
7) Stir in 1/4 cup of half-and-half and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Quarantine PB Cookies "for your blog"
1) Combine 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl.
2) Bake at 325* for 10-12 minutes.
Mum's Quarantine Banana Bread "Eggs are scarce!"
1) Take one beaten egg, 3 very ripe bananas (mashed), 1 tsp. of vanilla, 5 & 1/3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 & 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp. baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Combine in large bowl.
2) Pour into floured loaf pan.
3) Bake at 375* for 40 minutes or so.
 |
| Found a box of poppyseed muffin mix in the pantry! |
I did not inherit this gene.
I can take any of the sort of one-pot meals-- chili, spaghetti sauce, and I make one hell of a pot roast-- but anything that involves timing evades me. If you, also, find yourself lacking Hello Fresh-level meal prep as you rake the back of your pantry for some random can of garbanzo beans or a lone bag of mixed vegetables, I am sharing some recipes cultivated from a few of my nearest and dearest to give you some inspiration. Remember, if you don't have a certain ingredient, improvise! Cooking is a lot more forgiving than baking.
Mum's Meat Pie "I made it up!"
1) Take 3/4 pound ground meat, finely chopped onion, and sautee until browned.
2) Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder.
3) Pour in some beef broth for flavor.
4) Shred 1/2 cup baby carrots and add that plus baby portobello mushrooms in butter and sautee. Mix with meat.
5) Pour into pie crust and cover with layer of dough. Add ventilation holes.
6) Bake like you'd bake a pie-- 350* for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Liz's Gnocchi Chowder "real cozy & chowdery"
1) Sautee vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, peas, green beans, corn-- whatever you have on hand) for six minutes; add garlic and sautee 2 minutes longer
2) Add broth, rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
3) add chicken (raw, and optional), bring soup to a boil, reduce to medium low, and then simmer for 8-12 minutes.
4) Make a roux-- melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add flour, stir constantly one minute.
5) Make bechamel sauce-- while whisking vigorously, pour in milk and continue to whisk to smooth any lumps. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until mixture thickens, add in cream, remove from heat.
6) Once chicken reaches 165*, remove chicken from soup and allow it to rest for five minutes before dicing into pieces.
7) Add gnocchi, cook for about 7 minutes.
8) Reduce soup mixture to low heat, stir in milk mixture.
9) Add in cooked chicken and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
10) Serve with warm Romano cheese if desired.
Paige Taylor's Brussels Sprouts "I don't measure shit"
1) Cut Brussels sprouts into quarters.
2) Sautee on stove with olive oil.
3) Add gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice to taste.
4) Cook until dark.
Ben's Crockpot Nachos "A 735 Potluck Favorite"
1) In a crockpot, combine 2 cans of beans, 1 can of corn, 1 jar of salsa, 1 chicken breast, and Red Hot (to taste) for four hours.
2) Shred the chicken.
3) Toss in a bar of cream cheese and cheddar. Melt for 15-20 minutes.
4) Serve with chips.
Jen's Amazing Skinny Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice "It's pretty good and healthy"
1) Combine 1 egg and 2 egg whites in a small bowl. Beat with fork, set aside.
2) Coat a large non-stick pan with coconut oil and heat over medium high heat. Stir in cauliflower rice and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir fry for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3) Add 1 cooked, diced chicken breast. Stir fry 1 minute. Add in 1/2 cup scallions, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 3 tablespoons coconut aminos.
4) Cook about 3 minutes until heated through.
5) Push mixture to sides of pan, coat pan with oil, and add egg mixture. Cook about 1 minute. Add sesame oil, pepper, and stir fry all ingredients together.
X's Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup "Freeze without the orzo and add that when heating up"
1) Heat olive oil in a pan and add 1/2 chopped onion and garlic. Sautee until onion softens.
2) Roughly break Italian sausages into small chunks; sautee 6 minutes.
3) Deglaze pot by adding stocks. Scrape pan to remove any brown bits and stir in tomatoes.
4) When stock comes to a boil, stir in Orzo pasta, oregano, basil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
5) Cover and let cook for 10-12 minutes over medium heat, until Orzo is almost cooked.
6) Stir in 2 cups of spinach and let it cook for two minutes. Remove from heat.
7) Stir in 1/4 cup of half-and-half and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Quarantine PB Cookies "for your blog"
1) Combine 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl.
2) Bake at 325* for 10-12 minutes.
Mum's Quarantine Banana Bread "Eggs are scarce!"
1) Take one beaten egg, 3 very ripe bananas (mashed), 1 tsp. of vanilla, 5 & 1/3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 & 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp. baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Combine in large bowl.
2) Pour into floured loaf pan.
3) Bake at 375* for 40 minutes or so.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Blanket Forts and a Cardboard Projector
One of my favorite stores to visit when I want to go kick around is the Home Goods store. I rarely buy anything, but I like to go look at the various knickknacks and window shop with Shelley. It's fun to imagine where we would put certain things in the modern A-frame cabin with the glass wall that we don't actually have but categorize as "someday".
On one of our trips there during Christmas time, I found this cardboard movie projector on one of those shelves of impulse stocking stuffer buys, and since it was only $12 I impulsively grabbed it. It's been sitting around waiting for a camping trip or another beach journey to be broken out, but now is the time.
Tonight we are going to have a movie night. We gathered a bunch of our pillows and blankets together and pushed the couch aside so that we could lay on the floor. I am going for a drive-in vibe, and of course added popcorn and a strand of twinkle lights. Our goal is to project it over the railing onto the wall.
If you want to create your own movie projector instead of buying one, it would be a fun way to stay entertained. Obviously, this is not a high-quality image here (Shelley was quick to point out we have a perfectly good television) but it's more for the nostalgic aspect and that it's something different. Plus, if you have kids, it could be a good activity with payoff-- a movie.
The first thing you'll need to do is cut a hole in the side of a shoebox, and then fit a lens in the hole (I saw people online using magnifying glass lenses without the handle, although mine came with a lens that I had to fit into this sort of toilet paper roll-looking thing). Then insert your phone, with the brightness and volume all the way up, and start projecting your movie of choice!
It needs to be DARK in order for this to show up well, so I'm looking forward to something either black & white or spooky-- maybe a classic horror film?
Let me know if you try it out!
On one of our trips there during Christmas time, I found this cardboard movie projector on one of those shelves of impulse stocking stuffer buys, and since it was only $12 I impulsively grabbed it. It's been sitting around waiting for a camping trip or another beach journey to be broken out, but now is the time.
Tonight we are going to have a movie night. We gathered a bunch of our pillows and blankets together and pushed the couch aside so that we could lay on the floor. I am going for a drive-in vibe, and of course added popcorn and a strand of twinkle lights. Our goal is to project it over the railing onto the wall.
 |
| Pillows, blankets, popcorn: ✔ |
If you want to create your own movie projector instead of buying one, it would be a fun way to stay entertained. Obviously, this is not a high-quality image here (Shelley was quick to point out we have a perfectly good television) but it's more for the nostalgic aspect and that it's something different. Plus, if you have kids, it could be a good activity with payoff-- a movie.
 |
| Of course we ate the popcorn already! |
The first thing you'll need to do is cut a hole in the side of a shoebox, and then fit a lens in the hole (I saw people online using magnifying glass lenses without the handle, although mine came with a lens that I had to fit into this sort of toilet paper roll-looking thing). Then insert your phone, with the brightness and volume all the way up, and start projecting your movie of choice!
It needs to be DARK in order for this to show up well, so I'm looking forward to something either black & white or spooky-- maybe a classic horror film?
Let me know if you try it out!
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Love in a Time of Quarantine
Hi friends! I am sure that, like me, you are also going a little stir-crazy with the idea of being cooped up. I am blessed to already work from home, but I am used to going out in the evenings and spending time with family and friends.
I haven't left the house in seven days. SEVEN DAYS!
I am going to share some fun things here over the next week or so, because we could all use a bright side in a time like this.
In case you didn't catch the pun in my post title, this is going to be about books. One thing about having a suddenly clear social calendar is a lot of time to read the TBR pile that has been judging me as it grows. I figured I could share some of the ones at the top of the list, and if you'd like to read along with me, we could have a social distance book club. Maybe I'll do a live and we can chat about them, if anyone wants to.
Books on my list:
1) Naturally Tan by Tan France: I am currently reading this. If you've seen Queer Eye, you understand. Bonus points if, like me, you hear his fantastic voice reading it in your head.
2) The Truth About Magic by Atticus: If you don't follow him on Instagram already, do yourself a favor. If you don't have an Instagram, make one just so you can follow his page. He makes poetry cool again.
3) This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen: Sometimes I just want a good YA love story. This has long been one of my favorites, and I am going to re-read it because I want something light and fun. (Recently read Starry Eyes and that is a solid choice too.)
4) Silence: in the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge: This one is a reminder to slow down, practice gratitude, create, and allow ourselves to just be. Self-explanatory.
5) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: This was recommended to me by several friends over the years, and has been patiently sitting on my Kindle waiting.
6) Essentials: Essays by The Minimalists: The Minimalists have a pretty inspirational podcast/email they share about ensuring any "stuff" you have only adds value to your life. I got this book excited to begin a great purge but haven't read it yet. I have considerably more time to declutter now, so this makes the list.
If you'd like to follow along, all of the books are linked. I'm going to start with these, but if you have any suggestions, leave a comment-- I could always add more!
Stay calm and happy reading!
I haven't left the house in seven days. SEVEN DAYS!
I am going to share some fun things here over the next week or so, because we could all use a bright side in a time like this.
In case you didn't catch the pun in my post title, this is going to be about books. One thing about having a suddenly clear social calendar is a lot of time to read the TBR pile that has been judging me as it grows. I figured I could share some of the ones at the top of the list, and if you'd like to read along with me, we could have a social distance book club. Maybe I'll do a live and we can chat about them, if anyone wants to.
Books on my list:
1) Naturally Tan by Tan France: I am currently reading this. If you've seen Queer Eye, you understand. Bonus points if, like me, you hear his fantastic voice reading it in your head.
2) The Truth About Magic by Atticus: If you don't follow him on Instagram already, do yourself a favor. If you don't have an Instagram, make one just so you can follow his page. He makes poetry cool again.
3) This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen: Sometimes I just want a good YA love story. This has long been one of my favorites, and I am going to re-read it because I want something light and fun. (Recently read Starry Eyes and that is a solid choice too.)
4) Silence: in the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge: This one is a reminder to slow down, practice gratitude, create, and allow ourselves to just be. Self-explanatory.
5) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: This was recommended to me by several friends over the years, and has been patiently sitting on my Kindle waiting.
6) Essentials: Essays by The Minimalists: The Minimalists have a pretty inspirational podcast/email they share about ensuring any "stuff" you have only adds value to your life. I got this book excited to begin a great purge but haven't read it yet. I have considerably more time to declutter now, so this makes the list.
If you'd like to follow along, all of the books are linked. I'm going to start with these, but if you have any suggestions, leave a comment-- I could always add more!
Stay calm and happy reading!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas
When I was younger, I always procrastinated my gift shopping. It was sort of a tradition, borrowing my mum's car and going out on the 23rd or 24th of December while she was at home baking cookies. I'd listen to Christmas carols through my headphones, zip through the stores, and pick up items off of my list (and sometimes from my mum's or sister's). I often worked multiple jobs, so this was my only time to do this (I'm sure anyone who knows me is shocked I waited until the last moment).
As I've gotten older and learned about the magic of online shopping, I've done this more and more often. The crowds have become more intense, the shopping season has basically moved into the middle of July, and I feel that I can contain my "calm and bright" attitude better when I'm not being elbowed out of the way over the last whatchamacallit on the shelf.
I also have focused more on giving meaningful gifts. If you have any children in your life, they've probably given you a million ideas about what they want from Santa. The adults, who can usually buy whatever they want or need, are more difficult to shop for. Gifting experiences is wonderful, but can quickly become too expensive to afford. I am more interested in small tokens of love that truly represent the recipient and don't pull away the focus of the season, which is Jesus, but instead enhance that idea of hope and goodwill.
I've compiled a list of ideas for all of the hard-to-buy-for people on your list, based on sentiment and practicality.
Because we have a whole cupboard full of mugs (a source of eye rolls from Shelley, who insists we don't need more than 4, max), I am going to dissuade anyone from gifting a mug, regardless of how cute they are. Instead, a Yeti or a Contigo travel mug are functional and sleek. My Contigo travel mug is one of my favorite purchases, and it has a lock button so I can throw it in my bag without it spilling and pull it out for a beverage that's still steaming hot four hours later.
On the book end of things (see what I did there?), Shells got me a book light as a stocking stuffer four years ago and it is still one of my all-time favorite gifts because it was practical and sentimental. I love the classic novels at Barnes and Noble-- they are so pretty and look nice on display but are still readable, and I'm a sucker for ribbon bookmarks. I also recommend New Morning Mercies if anyone you know is searching for a devotional; it is the best I've found.
For the outdoorsy types, there are some fun things that can be useful to have as well. It's nice to have games to play, so something like UNO is always classic. We always bring battery-powered fairy lights (we saw people string them along the top of the tent once and it's a game changer). We like to pack a portable speaker, and the retro mini speakers that hook up to Bluetooth add a bit of pizazz. HomeGoods has portable phone projectors, which would be nice for playing a movie against the tent wall. I also love my multitool. I got one on sale a few years ago from Eddie Bauer, and I've heard LeatherMan makes a nice one as well.
For guys/minimalists, anything that is considered "clutter" is a definite no, so it has to be useful or something they would never buy for themselves. Something like a craft beer or a nice bottle of liquor and some rocks glasses would not go to waste and not take up space beyond the time it takes to consume it. Not all men fall under the Black & Decker category, although TV commercials make it seem like a power tool is at the top of every guy's list (sexist much?), but the Flannel candle from Bath & Body Works is a real crowd pleaser for both men AND women.
If you have someone a bit more feminine on your list, Bip & Bop and The Giving Keys both offer dainty, delicate jewelry that you can personalize to fit the receiver. ColourPop cosmetics offers quality, affordable makeup, and you can even design your own custom palette including blush, highlight, and eyeshadow to match skin tone. I also love Headbands of Hope, which is possibly my favorite company-- the headbands are gorgeous, each one you buy also sends one to a child with cancer, and if you use my code "FerraroHope" you can save some money as well!
I always like Christmas-themed gifts. My sister and I had Matryoshka dolls that looked like Santa Claus growing up, and mine is currently on my fireplace. We used to get ornaments every year from my mum and from my grandfather, so that is a special tradition and even makes a nice accent to tie to the outside of another gift.
Finally, some practical gifts for anyone: a portable phone charger is a good stocking stuffer that someone could carry around in a bag for just-in-case moments. A Chromecast, Firestick, or Roku would be useful. I love beanies, and since they are functional and fashionable I think they're a great gift. Bluetooth headphones are wonderful, especially for long trips. I don't particularly care for the wholly wireless ones, but Sudio has some great ones I've linked. I have had mine for three years now! I love a good watch, and MVMT and Daniel Wellington both offer pay-in-installments options now (so dangerous!) for their classy, minimalist timepieces. If you want to spend a bit more, the Fujifilm instant cameras and film are fun and a great way to capture memories!
When you're five, if someone gives you socks or slippers or pajamas, they may as well have given you coal. Fast forward 20 years and a good pair of lodge socks becomes an ideal gift. Lounge clothes like Cuddle Duds or fleece/sherpa pullovers are fantastic as well-- the bigger the better definitely applies to sweatpants.
Hopefully you were able to find some ideas in this post for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life! If you have any other ideas, feel free to comment and let me know!
As I've gotten older and learned about the magic of online shopping, I've done this more and more often. The crowds have become more intense, the shopping season has basically moved into the middle of July, and I feel that I can contain my "calm and bright" attitude better when I'm not being elbowed out of the way over the last whatchamacallit on the shelf.
I also have focused more on giving meaningful gifts. If you have any children in your life, they've probably given you a million ideas about what they want from Santa. The adults, who can usually buy whatever they want or need, are more difficult to shop for. Gifting experiences is wonderful, but can quickly become too expensive to afford. I am more interested in small tokens of love that truly represent the recipient and don't pull away the focus of the season, which is Jesus, but instead enhance that idea of hope and goodwill.I've compiled a list of ideas for all of the hard-to-buy-for people on your list, based on sentiment and practicality.
Because we have a whole cupboard full of mugs (a source of eye rolls from Shelley, who insists we don't need more than 4, max), I am going to dissuade anyone from gifting a mug, regardless of how cute they are. Instead, a Yeti or a Contigo travel mug are functional and sleek. My Contigo travel mug is one of my favorite purchases, and it has a lock button so I can throw it in my bag without it spilling and pull it out for a beverage that's still steaming hot four hours later.
On the book end of things (see what I did there?), Shells got me a book light as a stocking stuffer four years ago and it is still one of my all-time favorite gifts because it was practical and sentimental. I love the classic novels at Barnes and Noble-- they are so pretty and look nice on display but are still readable, and I'm a sucker for ribbon bookmarks. I also recommend New Morning Mercies if anyone you know is searching for a devotional; it is the best I've found.
For the outdoorsy types, there are some fun things that can be useful to have as well. It's nice to have games to play, so something like UNO is always classic. We always bring battery-powered fairy lights (we saw people string them along the top of the tent once and it's a game changer). We like to pack a portable speaker, and the retro mini speakers that hook up to Bluetooth add a bit of pizazz. HomeGoods has portable phone projectors, which would be nice for playing a movie against the tent wall. I also love my multitool. I got one on sale a few years ago from Eddie Bauer, and I've heard LeatherMan makes a nice one as well.
For guys/minimalists, anything that is considered "clutter" is a definite no, so it has to be useful or something they would never buy for themselves. Something like a craft beer or a nice bottle of liquor and some rocks glasses would not go to waste and not take up space beyond the time it takes to consume it. Not all men fall under the Black & Decker category, although TV commercials make it seem like a power tool is at the top of every guy's list (sexist much?), but the Flannel candle from Bath & Body Works is a real crowd pleaser for both men AND women.
If you have someone a bit more feminine on your list, Bip & Bop and The Giving Keys both offer dainty, delicate jewelry that you can personalize to fit the receiver. ColourPop cosmetics offers quality, affordable makeup, and you can even design your own custom palette including blush, highlight, and eyeshadow to match skin tone. I also love Headbands of Hope, which is possibly my favorite company-- the headbands are gorgeous, each one you buy also sends one to a child with cancer, and if you use my code "FerraroHope" you can save some money as well!
Finally, some practical gifts for anyone: a portable phone charger is a good stocking stuffer that someone could carry around in a bag for just-in-case moments. A Chromecast, Firestick, or Roku would be useful. I love beanies, and since they are functional and fashionable I think they're a great gift. Bluetooth headphones are wonderful, especially for long trips. I don't particularly care for the wholly wireless ones, but Sudio has some great ones I've linked. I have had mine for three years now! I love a good watch, and MVMT and Daniel Wellington both offer pay-in-installments options now (so dangerous!) for their classy, minimalist timepieces. If you want to spend a bit more, the Fujifilm instant cameras and film are fun and a great way to capture memories!
When you're five, if someone gives you socks or slippers or pajamas, they may as well have given you coal. Fast forward 20 years and a good pair of lodge socks becomes an ideal gift. Lounge clothes like Cuddle Duds or fleece/sherpa pullovers are fantastic as well-- the bigger the better definitely applies to sweatpants.
Hopefully you were able to find some ideas in this post for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life! If you have any other ideas, feel free to comment and let me know!
Friday, December 13, 2019
Holiday Beverage Ideas & A Hot Cocoa Party
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| Cocoa by the fire :) |
I had this urge to throw a hot chocolate party-- people come over, drink cocoa, consume decadent desserts, play games, and enjoy one another's company. Shelley was understandably concerned about the idea of having too many people crammed into our tiny home, but I was convinced it would be fine (this is how much of our life goes-- she's practical, I'm a dreamer; we balance each other out).
We had some of our nearest and dearest over and it was everything I imagined it would be. We had cinnamon sticks, peppermint sticks, Christmas sprinkles, marshmallows, and whipped cream (and one friend brought peppermint Kahlua), plus myriad desserts. This was our second year doing this, and thankfully someone brought chips & dip to balance out all that sugar!
There was something so perfect about the people I love most in the same place, passing around a plain peach candle hot potato style to a game I made up (watch this for some insight) and hoping not to be stuck with this $1 candle at the end, or using oven mitts to unwrap a bunch of junk food from a cellophane ball, and voting on best mugs and sweaters. It made me truly connect to all of those Christmas songs about friends singing and gathering around the tree, cast in the warm glow of the twinkle lights we have everywhere.For the cocoa, Shelley made up her own recipe-- use a crock pot and melt chocolate morsels into a gallon of whole milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
We perused a few more modern recipes and played around with combinations until we came up with one that is perfect!
Using a crock pot on high, combine 20 whole cloves, 6 cinnamon sticks, a gallon of apple cider, a handful of cranberries, and a half cup of brown sugar. Leave it in there for about two hours, then add a container of orange juice concentrate. Let that go for another hour or so, stirring occasionally.
When you serve it, pour in a finger or two of cognac, toss in about 6 cranberries, and a cinnamon stick or orange peel for garnish (obviously the family friendly version is to do the same thing sans-cognac). We also tried it out with half red wine, half wassail, which created a nice winter sangria effect."Mulled wine, heavy on the cinnamon, light on the cloves!" If you try any of these, let me know what you think! I'm definitely making wassail all season long!
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| Merry Christmas! |
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