Later 2012. It's Been Real.

I know, everyoneee is saying this right now, but really, where did the year go? 

Often in years gone by, my favorite end of the year pastime would go something like this: I would reflect on the past year, feel like it was a total mess, and sulk around while frantically awaiting the new year to begin for a fresh start.

But things are different this time around.

Taking It Easy.

Please note: This post is in no way meant to be a "woe is me" or a downing of  cheer for those more festive than me. This post, as is this blog, is simply an outlet and quite possibly, a relief to others that may be feeling the same way. Now back to the regularly scheduled post...

I feel...off. My throat feels like it is getting sore (or is that just the result of being a hypochondriac) and it appears that my last wisdom tooth is coming in. My heart still breaks for the many people affected by the tragedy in Sandy Hook, those rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy, and for my own friends who are dealing with great losses themselves. Ultimately, I just don't feel like being festive.

This time of year can be stressful in more ways than one, and without a doubt, there is a strange pressure to feel endless amounts of merriment. The follow up to LOM (lack of merriment) is usually "Are you sad?" or "Are you depressed?" when actually, I feel neither of those things. More than anything, all I really want to do is just relax at home with my family and take it easy for the next few days.

And that's what I plan will do. The buche de noel will be replaced by my favorite sweets from my favorite bakery and instead of making truffles, Lindt will be my chocolates of choice. There will be no worrying about this, that, or the other. Instead, A Charlie Brown Christmas and Eloise at Christmastime will be on a running loop, (with above treats of course,) as well as some of my favorite holiday songs. Because no matter how I am feeling or what I may or may not be doing, I can't be without my holiday music. (You can listen to my Holiday playlist on Spotify here.)

I hope that what whatever you are doing, that you truly enjoy the holiday season and the time spent with your loved ones. Because in the end, no matter how you spend it, that is all that truly matters.❤

Managing Healthy Goals and the Holidays.

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With the holiday season in full swing, one thing I've been getting asked quite often is not what I want for Christmas, (am I too old for that?) but what it is I eat during the holidays. Based on their reactions, I know the answer I give people shocks them.

Because my answer is everything. I eat everything during the holidays.

The Holiday Sweater.

When and where did the "ugly holiday sweater" originate? I had to Google it, because year after year they never cease to amaze me. In fact, I get more and more fascinated by them each year! While I have not worn such a sweater, I truly enjoy being a spectator to the many combinations of garland, lights, bells, reindeers, cats, and pom poms people come up with to wear on a single sweater. It's amazing.

While flashing lights and reindeer may not be making their way onto my clothes anytime soon (although I do find this sweater cute,) the sweaters I do tend to gravitate to this time of year are of the sparkly variety. Whether it be sequin, metallic, or glitter, the more sparkle, the better. Best of all, they can be worn well after the holidays are over.

1.Mossimo Colorblock Sweater with Sequins,  2.Topshop Necklace Sweater,  3. Topshop Embellished Harness Sweater, 4.Mossimo Sweater Jacket with Gold Foil

What's your holiday sweater style?

Coconut Sugar and a Caramel Sauce Recipe.

I've heard of coconut milk and coconut oil. I've even given coconut aminos a try after discovering it was a gluten free alternative to soy sauce. But coconut sugar? This was new to me and I needed to know more.

A quick Google search lead me to a host of websites and blog posts raving about coconut sugar. As I kept reading, all of the articles I read mentioned two things: that coconut sugar was considered low on the glycemic index and that it was a healthier alternative to sugar. Yes, many will say that “sugar is sugar,” but since I know that all sugars are not created equal, I was intrigued, (and slightly bored of using honey and maple syrup as my sweeteners,) so I decided to pick some up at Whole Foods and give it a try for myself. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I got home and opened the coconut sugar. It does not look, smell, or taste the way one would expect it to. It actually looks, smells, and tastes like brown sugar with the slightest hint of caramel. I was anxious to give it a try, so I used it to make the pumpkin spice syrup recipe I just love so much this time of year and it was a perfect substitution. Actually, it taste better. (Coconut sugar is used 1:1 as regular sugar, by the way.)

The slight hint of caramel in the coconut sugar made it perfect for caramel sauce, something I absolutely crave this time of year (salted caramel hot chocolate anyone?). My previous attempt at caramel was a total bust, but this recipe made it foolproof. It was actually easier than making caramel sauce with regular sugar which can burn and become a mess in an instant. I highly recommend making caramel sauce with coconut sugar even its just for the taste. Because it taste amazing. Straight out of the jar. With a (clean!) spoon. 

DIY Ring Resize

In the past few months, my ring size has gone down a band size, maybe two. As a result, I have been giving away my rings to friends (you're welcome!) and using others as a sort of scarf embellishment (think napkin holder...) However, there were two rings I was just not willing to part with and was determined to find a way to wear them again. I knew there had to be a way to make my favorite rings wearable again, so I googled. Because as they say, where there is a will there is a way.

And I found my way. The best part? All it involved was a candle!

The article above mentions two ways to use this wax method, if you will. I went with the second method since the two rings that needed "resizing" have an open top, perfect for filling with wax. I still have the comfort of the band and it couldn't be easier or cheaper!

What you will need:

• Rings to be resized
• A candle (preferably white)
• Matches/lighter
• Newspaper for work surface
• Optional: a small knife or pin to remove excess wax. (Excess wax can also just be melted off.)