It is Sunday my friends, a day for us to find rest and connection: connection with each other, connection with nature, and connection with ourselves. I know this has been a hard week for many, and before we continue, I want to pause and acknowledge the grief and fear you may be feeling. Your emotions are real and valid, and I also want you to know that you are safe here. This is a space for everyone; all that is required is kindness.
As we take a collective breath and move forward, I am looking for ways to bring light into our home. Of course, in our house, light = LED lights; and I found myself on Friday tuning into our local radio station that is already playing Christmas tunes. I tend to get excited about celebrations that allow my fussiness to flourish, so I generally make an effort not to rush the seasons. But this year, the gloves are off, and I am ready to deck the halls, trim the tree, and celebrate this holiday season with all of you.
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Here are a few things I am fussing over this week:
Glimmers
Have you heard about glimmers?
I love (and deeply need right now) looking for glimmers as I move through my day. The sound of rain on my windows as I sit by a fire, a hot cup of tea on a cool morning, the weight of my sons curled up against me as we watch a movie; there are so many glimmers when I take time to stop and notice.
What glimmers have you seen lately? I would love to have you share in the comments below.
A Calm Christmas
There is so much energy (good and bad) this time of year, that sometimes I forget to slow down and just enjoy the season at hand. Beth Kempton’s The Calm Christmas Podcast, is the perfect antidote to the holiday hustle. Season 4 begins this Thursday, November 14 (tune in wherever you get your podcasts!).
The trailer dropped this past week, and I am so excited for what she has in store for this year. Also, for all the fussy folks out there, if you subscribe to her Substack, calmchristmas.substack.com, you get a free Christmas planner with lots of inspiration, writing prompts, and reflection tools to guide you through the holiday season.
The Perfect Platter
If you are in the market for some new serving pieces for your Thanksgiving table, I just purchased this beautiful Turkey Platter from Made In and I could not be happier! It is more beautiful than I could have hoped, and the perfect size for not only turkey, but any main dish you want to display with a flourish. I am also eyeing Made In’s Glassware Set and Pie Serving Set (I could spend hours on their website!).
Stuffing for All!
Last week, I started sharing my own tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes in case anyone is looking for inspiration (my mouth is already watering thinking about the cranberry relish I will be making in a few weeks). I personally vouch that these recipes have gone through a rigorous test panel approval process (my family does not hold back!).
Perhaps the most divisive dish on our table is the stuffing (technically it is dressing, as we do not cook it inside the turkey). Some people want cornbread, some want sausage, but I finally landed on a recipe that only causes arguments over leftovers (I now make a double or triple batch, depending on our guest list).
Bon Appetite’s Simple-is-Best recipe has been my go-to for over 10 years. From Stovetop lovers to the most adventurous palates, everyone is satisfied. And since going gluten free, I have adapted with gluten-free bread with no sacrifice in texture or taste. If you are in the market for a new stuffing recipe, give this one a try!
This Wednesday we are continuing making appetizers from Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy, Snackable Bakes by Jessie Sheehan (available at Bookshop.org, or Amazon). Have I mentioned that appetizers + wine (always) = my favorite meal?