Links and Love #11

I can’t quite remember what day of the week it is because I swore the day after Thanksgiving was Monday. The leftovers are nearly gone, the house is fully decorated for Christmas and I’m over 50% of the way done with Christmas shopping with high hopes of finishing most everything tomorrow (wishful thinking I’m afraid). And our first family Elf has officially arrived.

Before I crawl into bed so I can wake up and enjoy the last day of November, I wanted to share a few quick thoughts.

1. Cyber Monday is tomorrow. I’ve updated my Holiday Guide with a few new finds and some rollovers from Black Friday. If you’re in the market for a coat, a vacuum or shoes you’re in luck.
2. Today was the first Sunday of Advent. I grew up in the Methodist church and have the sweetest memories of making our family advent wreath every year during the annual Christmas festival. This gold candle holder (that would fit in the advent wreath) would be so pretty on a table or sideboard (purple and pink candles not included). I don’t have the best track record with daily advent readings but have a strong tug to try to do one this year. This one is the one I think I’m going to grab tomorrow.
3. I’m happy to do a quick Elf Recap post this week if you’re interested, but if not, at least be interested in this mini waffle maker. We got the snowflake one for festive purposes but the OG one will do just fine. I’m here to report you can take pop-can cinnamon rolls and cook them individually in the machine for 3-4 minutes and make ‘cinnamon roll waffles’. It’s magic and clean up was a dream.
4. The weather report is 70 degrees and 100% chance of rain tomorrow and then the high on Tuesday is 47. Safe to say that I will be making soup tomorrow to enjoy on Tuesday. I’m gonna try this recipe or maybe this one?
5. The holidays are magical but can also be a lot. At least for me, “she who tries to manage everyone else’s feelings in addition to her own”. I have recommended it before, but I don’t think I have ever done it formally. I can’t say enough great things about the Peloton App. This isn’t a post about the bike (although add that to a list of posts I’d be happy to write). This is specifically bout the app and all the great classes you can access directly from your phone. Beyond strength, stretching and yoga, let’s chat quickly and specifically about the sleep meditations. I love multiple instructors and have found the 10-minute classes, as I’m trying to fall asleep, the best way to turn off my brain. I think it will be exceptionally handing during the holidays. (The app is free for 30 days if you want to try it out.)

It’s already raining and it’s so peaceful outside the windows. I’m going to take my own advice and pick out a sleep meditation and crash into bed. Let me know if you have soup recipes or favorite sleep meditations for me to bookmark.

xo,

KNW

PS: His story is fairly well-documented, a handful of media outlets have run pieces on him and his relationship with the Baltimore teams.  But it’s sad/uplifting/important reminder, which hits a little extra close to home since Kiwi (KNW’s sister) is working up in Baltimore as we speak, taking care of kiddos just like Mo. – KPW