Happy Holidays friends!
The season is officially in full swing! Hanukkah started a couple of days ago and Christmas is only 21 days away (yes I’m counting down). Everywhere you go stores are playing holiday music and Salvation Army Santas are ringing their bells.
No matter what you celebrate, this time of year is fun, but also a bit stressful. I know I look forward to it every year, but also end up feeling frazzled at some point.
So to help you feel inspired and calm this holiday season - whether you’re looking for a pick me up or a gift idea - I’ve pulled together a list of things I’ve been loving lately.
Each item on the list is something I’ve personally been using for inspiration, stress management, or just for fun.
Please note: No asked me to include them in this list, nor will I get paid or credit if you decide to purchase or listen to any of the below items. I'm just obsessing over them right now and think you will find some inspiration too!
What I’m loving lately:
1. Mindful in minutes podcast
This week I’m running my 5 Days To Holiday Stress Relief email mini course, so needless to say self-care and mindfulness are top of mind for me right now! I thought they might be for you too, so thought I’d start with a podcast to help you get centered.
My sister introduced me to the Mindful In Minutes podcast and I’m obsessed!
My days are pretty hectic lately (okay, always…) and as much as I’d like to say that I can meditate for 30+ minutes a day, that would be a total lie. BUT this podcast is a game changer!
All of the episodes are 20 minutes or less (many of them 10-15 minutes), so I’m way less likely to make an excuse to skip my meditation in the morning. Plus there are lots of different topics - allowing you to choose whatever episode most speaks to you on a given day.
The holidays can be stressful - give yourself time to slow down and regroup!
2. Trader Joe’s Flowers
Trader Joe’s might not be the first place you’d think of to go buy a nice bouquet of flowers, but I’d highly recommend it!
The prices are fantastic - I recently bought a 5-stem bouquet of sunflowers for $4.99 - and the flowers are always super fresh.
If you’re looking for a holiday hostess gift that won’t break the bank (or simply want a holiday treat for yourself), definitely check out the flower section of your local Trader Joe’s
3. The Four Tendencies by gretchen rubin
You might remember Gretchen Rubin as the author of The Happiness Project (which is also a fantastic book), but my new favorite book of hers is The Four Tendencies.
The Four Tendencies is all about how we each respond to expectations, which influence our motivation and habit forming styles. Throughout her research, Gretchen found that each of us falls into one of four categories (tendencies): Obligers, Upholders, Rebels, and Questioners.
The book explores each of these tendencies, how to understand which tendency you fall under, and with that understanding, how to best set yourself up for success.
If you’re thinking about those 2019 New Year’s goals, this would be a great book to read!
Bonus: Gretchen’s website has a free quiz you can take to find out which tendency you fall under.
4. chocolate peppermint blossoms recipe
These are hands down my favorite holiday cookies! They’re a festive take on everyone’s favorite thumbprint peanut butter cookies with Hershey’s kisses.
I’m a total sucker for the chocolate-peppermint flavor combo and I make them every year for the holiday brunch one of my besties and I co-host.
There are lots of versions of this recipe out there, but this one is the best and easiest (in my opinion).
If you’ve got a cookie swap coming up, these are sure to be a hit!
5. clarity on fire podcast
My coach friends, Rachel and Kristen, over at Clarity on Fire came out with a fantastic podcast this year. They have lots of different types of episodes - from guest interviews to short blog posts to side chates to a write-in segment called “Dear Krachel” - so there is something for everyone.
These ladies dish awesome advice - they’re no bullshit and tell it how it is.
I was fortunate enough to be their first expert guest interview back in April and it was one of the most fun episodes I’ve ever recorded! We talked all about finding your tribe as an adult and networking.
Some of my other favorite episodes include: How To Work Like A Woman, How To Get Through Life’s Big Transitions, and Dear Krachel: I Love My Job But Hate My Team. Should I Quit?
This podcast will be a great travel companion as you head home for the holidays!
6. educated by tara westover
Over Thanksgiving, my mom finished the last page, closed the book, and literally handed it over to me saying “You have to read this!” Wow was she right - THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!
Educated is a memoir about the author’s life growing up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents. It’s a window into what her life was like in her parents’ household, as well as the story of how she got into college with no formal schooling and went on to get her PhD. It’s beautifully written and fascinating.
I haven’t finished the book, but I can tell you that I haven’t been this engrossed in a book in a while!
If you’re looking for a great read over the holidays or a gift for the book lover in your life, this is a fantastic option!
Now it’s your turn! Got any good books, podcasts, recipes, or general things you’ve been loving lately? Let me know in the comments below - I’m always looking for recommendations!
Wishing you a festive and cheery holiday season!
Be well,
Carolyn