These Are a Few of my Favourite Things
Christmas Chocolate Hazelnut Gingerbread Biscuits
It’s Christmas time! Can you believe it? It’s honestly my favourite time of year and I’m oh so thankful that I enjoy it so much. I’d been wanting to write a post about how to truely nourish yourself (mind, body and soul) this festive season amongst all of the nutrition confusion and diet talk…you know those annoying articles like ‘how to avoid packing on the kilos this Christmas’ and ‘low fat trifle recipe’. I decided against it though, because a lot of what I want to say I already wrote about in the context of Easter earlier this year - see this post (essentially my message is this - instead of getting caught up in the headlines about staying healthy over Christmas or how your family and friends are celebrating…tune in to your body, your mental health and your emotions…and give yourself what you need). So instead, I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite this holiday season (cue the ‘My Favourite Things’ tune from The Sound of Music). From general recommendations that I think you’ll love, to possible Christmas present ideas and traditions and beyond. Enjoy!
The Shakti Mat
I was given one of these for my birthday in October and I’m in love! It’s a mat that’s based on the Indian bed of nails and acupressure, and I find it to be a beautiful way to relax. I won’t lie, it’s a little painful when you start out but it’s oh so good! I love laying down on it at night, especially after a long day. What I also love is that the company is transparent with their production and ethics, with a strong philosophy on supporting the local women in India who hand make the mats.
Rasasara Skinfood
Ooh if you’ve been searching for a beautiful, handcrafted, enviro friendly skin and hair care company, then this is it! Rasasara are a local company that base their products on Ayurveda. Their cleansing face bars are absolutely divine, and they do a range of other things including scrubs, deodorant, dry shampoo and oils.
Wildfolk Candles
This is the only brand of candles I’ve found that offer scents made from 100% essential oils and nothing else. Note that not all of them are 100% essential oils, but a handful are. Get yourself the Lavender or Rose Geranium...divine!
Picnics
A mix of the outdoors, relaxing with loved ones and yummy food...what more could you want? Some of my favourite picnic spots are Balmoral, the Botanic Gardens and Cabarita Park. As for favourite picnic foods? Try rice paper rolls, silverbeet wraps, salads of all kinds, veggie sticks or crackers and dip, veggie / haloumi / chicken skewers, fruit, etc.
Ginger
Ginger anything…I pretty much love it all. Ginger is a favourite ingredient of mine anytime of year, and it’s especially synonymous with Christmas. One of my favourite ways to enjoy it during the holiday season is baked into biscuits like these Chocolate Hazelnut Gingerbread Biscuits. I’ve also got a recipe coming soon for ginger spiced nuts, keep your eyes peeled!
The Santa Clause Movie
Aka the best Christmas movie ever. My family watches this movie every year during the holiday season, often on Christmas Eve. It’s simply the best. If you’re going watch just one Christmas thing this year, this must be it!
Netflix Christmas Movies
Netflix Christmas movies in general are lots of fun. Super corny and cheesy...but that’s what Christmas movies are all about right?! I think it’s something about them being set in small towns (or New York City), decked out with Christmas decorations and lots of snow that I love so much. Plus it’s perfect for a relaxing night in, teamed up with a hot cacao of course. Some top recommendations are The Christmas Chronicles, The Knight Before Christmas and The Princess Switch.
This Salad
I saw this recipe a month or two ago when I was flipping through a magazine and it was love at first sight…I mean, who can go past roast carrot and pumpkin and hummus? I’m planning on making it for Christmas Day lunch and I’m betting that it’ll be divine!
Homemade Vegemite
Not to toot my own horn, but I’m loving my homemade Vegemite recipe. I enjoy it most on toast or a Kraggs cracker, or strangely enough on roasted zucchini...trust me, it works! Curious to try it out? Here’s the recipe.
Fun Easy Podcasts
I love me a good podcast and a good giggle. For me, there are two that never disappoint . The first is The Hamish and Andy podcast…enough said. The second is The Middle, where two fabulous ladies, Jordanna Levin and Hollie Azzopardi, talk all things from spirituality to pop culture.