Merry December!
May I be the first to wish you all a very Merry month of December!
Let's enjoy the countdown to "the big show" and finalize this year with joyful hearts and warm memories we will remember for years to come.
As mentioned in the past news letter, I will be off starting December 16th until January 3rd.
Instead of buying more "stuff," my hubby and I book an "adventure"—something we can experience that will be more valuable than material things.
This year, we will be celebrating our holidays in the quaint coastal village of Seabrook. A place where we, including our pup Eloise, can unwind and walk/run for miles on the beach... regardless of the weather.
This being said, I have recently looked at my work calendar, and it looks like I only have a few last-minute openings/cancelations. Make sure you grab an appointment while you can. Reach out if you need to get in sooner than later, and I will try to accommodate as best as I can.
I am also excited (as I always am) about the New Year. I have always been big on goals and trying to be better and do better. This coming year is no different, except I have ramped up my visions of what truly makes me happy and how I can improve our world.
Ever since I took a trip to Roatan a few years back (remember when I ALMOST moved there?!) and witnessed all the plastic washing up on the shores of this beautiful piece of paradise, not only did it break my heart a little, but it also opened my eyes more to the plastic problem we, as citizens on this earth, are creating!
Watching the show Buy Now! confirmed my commitment to change my buying habits. The top three things I will do differently are:
1. Make as many items as I can as far as fashion.
Whether upcycling what I have in my closet or going to the Goodwill Outlet warehouse to buy fabric, I want to combat Fast Fashion. A term and business model that is taking off faster than anything else. Fast Fashion sells trendy clothes at low prices that are produced quickly. Its goal is to encourage consumers to buy more clothes they'll use only briefly... If anything, "Quality over quantity"!!
Let's then imagine where all these clothes will go... Landfill
2. Before buying something I think I need, I pause and give myself at least 12 hours to see if that need will wear off.
Perfect example, while watching a baking show recently, I said to my sweetie, "We don't have a KITCHENAID mixer!" We NEED one! I paused. This morning, while baking, I was reminded that I have plenty of appliances that have always served me well...... It's one less thing that will go into the landfill if it breaks or I grow tired of having it around.
3. Eat everything in my fridge, or don't buy more until I do. Most expiration dates on kitchen goods are "suggestions." I believe it's a trap to get us to throw out goods so we can buy more... and more. If things are about to go bad, I google recipes that contain these things and get creative!
Here is a recipe that helped me use up all that pumpkin puree from last week's baking.. xoxo
My favorite brownie recipe
PUMPKIN BAKED OATMEAL BROWNIES
▢ olive oil or avocado oil , for greasing
▢ 2 cups rolled oats, use certified gluten free if needed
▢ 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
▢ 1 cup pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
▢ 1 1/4 cup milk of choice, this works great with almond milk if dairy-free needed
▢ 2 large eggs, can sub flax eggs to make egg-free
▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla
▢ 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
▢ chocolate chips, nuts, raisins or topping of choice., optional
Preheat the oven to 375℉ degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with oil.
In a medium bowl, combine oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine.
Add pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup/honey to bowl. Stir to combine.
Spread into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Oatmeal is done baking when it is puffed up on the edges, set in the middle and top is golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. It will be soft at first but will firm up as it cools. Enjoy warm topped with yogurt, a splash of milk, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream or simply on its own. Let cool completely and store in fridge for up to 4 days.
OPTIMISTIC NEWS REGARDING THE BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT!
Brazilian Blowout is launching a formaldehyde-free formula! I have been invited to the launch/training on the second Monday in January.
This is all the info I have on it, and I will update any and all that are interested. I will continue to be performing the Original Brazilian Blowout Formula and Cezanne (formaldehyde-free) treatments as of now.
WORD OF THE YEAR!
As always, I pick a word of the year to reflect the change I want to see in myself. I believe last year's word was "less". Less stress, less calories, less sugar etc...
This year... drum roll, please...
MORE!
A perfect marriage from the word "less", this moves easily into my meaning of "MORE".. "MORE" of the things I NEED and ENJOY.
More photography, writing, sewing, and education on all things that grow my mind and spirit. More church! More quiet moments, more runs/miles. More dancing in the kitchen!
Last year's Word Less helped me fixate on this year's MORE including :
Less social media ( I recently deleted my Facebook page and intend to do the same for Instagram), less needing to engage in situations or conversations that don't feed my soul. Less surrounding myself with chaos. MORE coffee with loved ones, MORE appreciation for those still here on this earth that is near and dear to me. MORE love... definitely less dislike! ( I gave up using the word "hate" awhile ago....)
So very thankful for this guy right here!!
I sincerely hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, celebrating with those you are thankful for and reflecting on the things that warm your heart and continue to help you have a grateful spirit.
Regardless of what you celebrate during the holidays, please remember to be kind to those who may need a kind smile... we never know what may be going on in our community, friends, and neighbors' lives. You may just brighten their day simply by waving hello or a quick text telling them you are thinking of them.
MOST OF ALL... be kind to yourself! I find it's so important to slow down and give grace to myself for not being perfect. I am reminded again and again how very blessed I am.
My wish for all my friends, family, and peeps this New Year is to be prosperous, healthy, and most of all, HAPPY...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY JESUS!!
December sunset in Seattle
