Before we start, I want you to know that as I wrote Scrolls this week, I thought of you, and sent healthy, warm, hopeful thoughts your way. I pray this New Year brings all of us exactly what we need, and an abundance of love to boot. I didn’t do a big resolution list like I usually do, which if I’m being honest, felt a little odd at first. Instead, I set a few new intentions that I’m grateful to share with you inside, along with incredible inspiration for making small shifts with big impact, a scrumptious new recipe, and a ton of fun finds from the week! Come on in:
Making.
Ginger Dressing
Start chopping each of these ingredients and throw them in the food processor:
- 1 sweet onion
- 4 fingers of fresh ginger (peeled)
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 cup carrots
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic
- Then add: 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (if you can get Tamari that is a better option with less sodium! And I love coconut aminos, too)
- 1/4 cup honey, or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
- Double blend and store in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge! You can use it as a vegetable dip, serve it on top of a salad – or enjoy by the spoonful like I did :).
Watching.
It’s a tough time to be a comedian. The material is there, but as Jerry Seinfeld said, the fear of cancel culture has made it a near impossibility to have a good laugh at any of it. With that said, Jim Gaffigan manages to walk the balance beam without being too polarizing, political, or vulgar, and elicited some big belly laughs on our part. We were lucky enough to see him in person in Chicago back in his “hot pocket” days, and though we have always been fans, his material feels like it’s only gotten better with this Netflix special. Something we can all relate to, and enjoy watching together!
Reading.
If you read one “self help” or growth mindset book for 2022, please let it be this one. The way Dr. Dyer unpacks the Tao Te Ching, and gives his perspective (and most importantly, how we can put it into practice) is so easy to digest, and just a joy to process and cycle through the emotions of it. There are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom, and a shift in the way we look at the why’s of the world. 10 ⭐️
PS – For the past year, I’ve re-read the copy of Jesus Calling that my Gram gifted to me in 2017. Until this year, I wasn’t diligent about reading daily, only when I remembered. However, making it a priority to read the next day’s message before bed every night has given me such a sense of peace (and purpose) as I prepare for the day ahead. In 2022, I plan to do the same with Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life, and read a passage a day to continue working on my internal goals and spiritual practice.
Listening.
I know I share Jay often, but he has so many WOW-worthy guests and I leave every podcast with a brand new lesson in my pocket. This round-up is well worth a listen, even if you’re like me and have devoured his content throughout the year.
Feeling.
I am a list-maker by nature, but one didn't come to me this year. 2021 was such a year of growth for our triangle: individually, as a couple, as parents. We worked on our mental health as much as our physical. We made massive shifts to our lifestyle to be better for ourselves, and each other, which has paid off in ways I couldn't even fathom 🙏🏼. So more of the same in that department, but also, more grace, more patience, and more action is what I'd like to work toward this new year. A slight pause to make the right choice between response, and reaction. And on a completely different note, but one I know you will definitely understand - I am manifesting a little ranch for our family. One with magical Texas sunsets, and a wrought iron Nixon Pack gate to welcome you in for some tea 😍. A girl can dream - and work hard to make it reality!
Trying.
This is the cart we bring to the market, and if you’ve been looking for one – this is it! It is super sturdy, can hold 176 pounds, pulls beautifully, and packs up easily. We did the research so you don’t have to! 5⭐️ and fabulous.
I’m guilty of this WFH “sin”. You too?
10 goals for travel in the New Year.
If you have a love for magnolia trees, we bought these wreaths for the front doors and my goodness did they exceed expectations.
I put my ankle weights by the door so I remember to put them on when we leave for a walk – but lately, I have been adding them under my jeans when I run errands. You wouldn’t think 2 pounds make a big difference, but they DO 💪🏼!
Do you have a teen in your life? Try this fantastic advice for dealing with conflict.
This makeup setting spray is 🤩 – no touch ups needed and it gives the prettiest all-day glow!
Trader Joe’s holiday items ranked.
Here are the best 9 pieces of relationship advice from the experts (loved this unexpected round-up!)
Being stranded overnight in Ikea does not sound like my idea of fun, but after watching this, I’m willing it to happen 😆.
My friend Deanna was just telling me that Thanksgiving to Easter is known as the “death season”, with seniors lonelier than ever with pandemic restrictions. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note to tell someone you’re thinking of them! I want to do more of this in 2022.
6 science-backed ways to improve your mental health.
If you have a word, or intention for 2022, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Imagine if we looked at the start of each day the same as we anticipate the start of each year – we would be unstoppable.
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