An Easy Trick to Make Salads Feel More Inviting in Winter

I'm a huge fan of green salads, but how to eat them when it's cold. So here I am, sitting in front of my computer with my hands wrapped around a hot cup of coffee and the last thing I want is...

Sweet Childhood Memories + Happy Holidays!

For some reason Christmastime always makes me feel nostalgic. At this time of year I tend to recall Christmases of the past, perhaps those of happier times. December brings back some of the most cherished memories of my childhood with my family.

I loved Christmas morning growing up. Thankfully we were never disappointed on Christmas Day morning. On Christmas Eve, my siblings and I used to put our little stockings under the tree. So, you can bet how excited my siblings and I were when we awoke to find a piece of candy, coins, fruit and nuts in them. Dad would tell us that Santa had left them, and that he was watching to make sure we were being good.

I remember we would all decorate the Christmas tree together and put a yellow star on the top of the tree. I remember driving around looking at twinkling lights, and the big family Christmas meal. My siblings and I continue this tradition to this day.

As an adult, I look back happily on our traditions with a smile. I really miss that last one, since my parents are no longer here on this earth. We all have people we miss during the holidays...parents, grandparents, siblings, friends. In the end, the message of Christmases past is clear; it is the people we celebrate the holidays with that matters most.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas! However you spend this time of year, I hope it's filled with warmth and joy. Let the spirit of Christmas bring happiness in your life always. Thank you so much for your continued support and have a wonderful, restful holiday and a happy New Year!
Lots of love. xx

(Top photo of Alfred Hitchcock.) 

Surprise Yourself + Have an Inspiring Weekend

One thing I have learned from some extremely happy (and healthy aging) people is to keep on learning something new throughout my life. There's big satisfaction to be found in learning things and really mastering a new skill.

Read a book. The morning paper. Attend a seminar, watch a documentary movie, take a course for fun...

Nothing can make me more proud at the moment, than learning something new every day. You see, doing something for the first time gives me the chance to grow, to move my brain and keep it healthy. Research has long shown that new knowledge and learning activities pay off. 

Being creative with my spare time has definitely improved the quality of my life.

Hope you have a great weekend! xx

P.S. Discover your hidden talents! Remember, just because you can't currently play the piano doesn't mean that you'll never be able to.

Coffee-Based Dessert

Turn your coffee into a treat. A wonderful way to enjoy your cup of coffee - if you're not a coffee purist!

Pour a shot of hot espresso coffee into a small glass, and top...

Blueberries!

So what's not to love about blueberries! They're delicious, versatile, low-calorie and pair quite well with many other foods. Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, these tiny gems can also be made in many different ways...