december favorites

December! It's here!!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone. How was your holiday? I spent Thanksgiving day in the kitchen with my two sisters-in-law and we had so much fun preparing our feast. Did you eat your weight in butter? Me too. I'm spending the rest of the week attached to my juicer......actually, where can I get a juice IV?

I love December, and I've put together this post to share some of my favorites with YOU. And I ask that YOU share your favorites in the comments with me. I love taking a peek at your traditions and seeing how we can add to our own. 

So if you're feeling gross and sluggish and extra buttery like me, here is a festive December juice that I posted a few weeks ago. Cranberries are everywhere right now and so good for you--drink up!

Cranberry juice recipe HERE. 

(be sure to check out my recipe page on the right for more juice recipes)

We are going to dip down below zero this week..........am I ready? probably not. You will find us wrapped in blankets and eating lots and lots of soup. I'll be making this stew this week--it's thick and hearty and perfect when it's freezing outside. 

Lentil and Coconut Curry Stew (HERE)

Well since December has already started and you are probably a good mom, your advent is already started I'm guessing. But if you are like me, it's still in the attic (somewhere) and it will most likely be a few days until you get it out......am I alone here? This advent calendar is super easy and fast to make, and my kids have loved it the past few years. I love that I can fill the envelopes to make them fit into our life--keep it simple like "read a Christmas book" or put in a bigger event "go look at Christmas lights" on evenings we have more time.

Advent Calendar (HERE)

My kids love to paint--last year they had so much fun making their very own 

Christmas Art (HERE)

Here is a little gift to give that is easy and fast and it feels so good on your skin. 

Whip up a batch for friends.....or keep if for yourself. We use it daily around here.

Make your own Coconut Body Butter (HERE)

ok.......here we go. We now have to move on to treats. 

I love December baking and candy making so here are just a few of our favorites. 

Homemade Peppermint Bark (HERE). 

Easy recipe--your kids can even help--and you only need just a few ingredients.

It's hard to beat homemade 

English Toffee (HERE). 

It's intimidating to make the first time, but I took step by step photos and I PROMISE you can do it.

Easiest treat ever--a perfect quick gift. 

Black and White Popcorn (HERE)

My all time favorite Christmas cookies. I'm sure I will blog about them again sometime soon and you will see them covering my Instagram feed. They taste like Christmas to me. 

Snowballs (HERE)

We had this a few years back for our Christmas feast. 

Chocolate Orange Layer Cake (HERE)

I love trying a new dessert recipe each year--what do you make for Christmas dessert?

also: I am working hard on a little gift guide for your holiday shopping. only things that we personally use and absolutely love. I'm hoping to have it done in the next few days. 

also also: I want to know your December Favorites! 

Link me to your favorite recipes and homemade gifts!

Happy December!