Merry Christmas to you, wonderful friend. How fortuitous Scrolls turned out to be on Christmas Day so we could spend a few moments celebrating with you! This Sunday’s lineup is particularly sweet with a (nourishing) hot toddy, intense & inspired family challenge, motivation for the last week of the year, and a bevy of links to spread some peace, joy and lots of love your way!

Meals

This has been my version of a hot toddy all season, and if you’re feeling inflamed from all of the holiday festivities – you’re in the right place. This warm delight is nourishing, rich in antioxidants, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and a super immunity booster! Here’s how to make it:

• Warm a mug of milk 3/4 full. For this one, I used coconut milk.
• 1/2 t. amla powder (high concentration of vitamin C, plus phytonutrients and antioxidants to fight against free radicals)
• 1/2 t. ground ginger (rich in antioxidants, and cuts down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas)
• 1 heaping t. of turmeric (according to the NIH turmeric helps treat arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others!) *I swear by this to reduce inflammation, and in general for optimal health. I add it to everything!
• a twist or two of black pepper to activate the curcumin of the turmeric (it gives it a zing!)
• swirl of maple syrup if you like a little sweet (plus it’s high in antioxidants, and every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium).

I use this little gadget to make sure it all blends beautifully, and it turns out foamy and delicious!

Movement

It was over 100 degrees for a lot of the summer here in Texas. And I’m not complaining, but every single day was a sunshiney scorcher and I longed to be cold 😅. So while it was still hot, we planned a winter trip to Colorado to freeze our bums off. The moment we started researching Rocky Mountain adventures, we stumbled upon this documentary on The Manitou Incline. Have you seen it? I instantly knew I wanted to take on the challenge. What I didn’t anticipate, was our six year old up for the 2,768 mega-steep steps to the summit, and maybe even more surprising, Jon, only 2-months post-op from a full hip replacement.

It was such a spiritual experience for our little triangle; each of us taking turns cheering the others on along the way. It was chest-pounding, and heart opening; exhausting and exhilarating, and it taught all of us that we can do hard things, especially when we have each other. I know not all of us have the means to make it to Colorado and climb mountains, but I hope this inspires you to take on a challenge, big or small, in your own way. There is nothing that makes you feel more alive, capable, and whole; than doing something that lights you up – widening your perspective, and connecting you with your people, and your best self.

Mindset

The second golden nugget in the slideshow has made the biggest difference for me this year, and is something I will bring into 2023. Some days I make the same tiny promise, sometimes I add a new one. It works.

More

This book was s0 unputdownable, I stayed up late to finish.

I love this perspective of teaching New Year intentions to kids.

Dry winter skin? These are luscious, hydrating, and leave you glowing.

One of my favorite children’s books of all time. Pro tip: buy it on amazon, ship to your home, inscribe the inside cover with a beautiful sentiment, then ship to the recipient with media mail. It makes it so much more special!

The 10 Friendliest Cities in the World. Which one is on your travel wish list?

The vitamins we have been using for the past year are all 25% off with code WINTER25 – we stocked up on magnesium, vitamin C, and NMN. I love that this brand is small batch, organic, and clean!

I’m sure this would be a Pinterest fail for me, but I will cheer you on to make it!

Bad breath can be cured by eating these three things.

How fun (and relatable) to take a peek at real life work-from-home offices.

A Christmas Eve tradition I would love to start!

This essay about how holidays evolve with family really got me. You too?

10 Fruits To Support Your Daily Needs.

5 travel trends we’ll see more of in 2023. I’m always on the hunt for the last one!

Adding these tacos to the rotation this week 🌮.

Another reason to care about gut health – these 5 conditions are linked to Alzheimer’s.

11 Pieces of Wisdom on How to Age Well—From Trailblazing Women (And a Guy!)