No, that is not me with some Abercrombie model.
That’s my wickedly handsome brother, Nate (one of four brothers).
{And Salem just a few months old, is sleeping happily in the sling I’m wearing.}
I just happened to come across this picture recently & as a continuation of my thoughts in Thursday’s post (awesome thoughts by the way, especially loved Ashley’s comment about pregnancy being like growing old in fast motion), I was struck with the thought–this is why kids are worth it. It’s not for me, it’s not for Joseph, it’s for my kids. I’m choosing to have a bigger family, for my kids. So they can learn & grow from each other.
I love my siblings, especially my little bro. My upbringing would have been entirely different without that little punk.
♥♥
With Nelson Mandela’s passing last week, I think it’s fitting during this Christmas season, to ponder the works of Mandela, & remember:
pinned to my life board, via freshly picked
These words bring me a lot of hope.
♥♥
More good stuff…
♥ Shelly’s thoughts on being vegetarian
♥ the real deal vanilla from Ashlae at Oh Lady Cakes : should have been on my bring joy holiday gift guide (check it out if you missed it!)–nothing quite so fine as using REAL vanilla in cooking (especially in chocolate chip cookies)
♥ this easy DIY felt Christmas wreath from Joy
♥ It’s easy to eat healthy.
Check out Gena’s lunch–so fresh, colorful, & simple–love it, &
Ashley’s tips for automatic healthy eating–super helpful
♥ I laughed so hard: why texting has ruined dating
♥ Currently obssessed with: Roald Dahl & anything mint/peppermint
Our kids are getting a new Roald Dahl book (as part of this boxed set) nearly every other day as part of our 24 days of books tradition. One of the books they received is Going Solo, an autobiography/memoir of his years in Africa & in the war. I’m halfway through (want to finish it right NOW!). I love his voice & style–he has some spectacular stories to tell. Once I finish this I’m determined to go on Roald Dahl binge & read all of his non-fiction & short stories. Wish he’d written more in those genres.
Regarding the peppermint obsession–see the recipes to pin, below (Angela’s peppermint patties & Somer’s thin mint patties–absolutely drool worthy). I shared my candy cane milkshake last week & I have a peppermint brownie with candy cane frosting coming up on Wednesday, which are currently sitting in my fridge. I’m resisting the urge to finish off the whole pan. And, I swear this isn’t turning into a dessert blog. (Promise.)
♥ words to use more often (especially hullaballo, dandy, skedaddle, & fetching)
♥ Thank you for your comments on this post from last week–I feel the same way as many of you–this blog is a space to connect, to remember that we’re not alone & that there are others out there just like you. Your words mean so much to me.
♥ Awesome deal: Flirty Aprons (I featured them in my holiday gift guide) are having a sale on their holiday aprons–50% off + FREE shipping through Wednesday, 12/11.
to pin:
(all recipes vegan + gluten-free)
creamy polenta & mushrooms
kabocha, spinach, & brown rice in miso broth
mushroom kale risotto
(+ some gorgeous pics of Italy)
peppermint patties
gingerbread ice cream
thin mint cookies
Want more festive food inspiration? follow my festive foods board.
Also, check out my friend Wendy’s 2013 edition of her
Holiday Quinoa cookbook (I’m also one of the contributors)
& Leann’s Christmas Dessert Freedom ebook—
both sure to give you plenty of
DELICIOUS, healthy, vegan & gluten-free eats
for the holiday season.
Happy Monday.
Thanks for coming to bring joy today!
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