“Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do” – Sean Covey
First off-HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! You’ve made it through another week of 2020. 🥳
When thinking about what I wanted to talk about this week, it only seemed fitting to talk about the part of my life that has changed-for the better-in the last two weeks.
For the last 6 months, even though I was fortunate enough to go to work every day, I found myself really falling out of the routines that I had finally established right before the pandemic began. Don’t get me wrong, I love spontaneity, and quite frankly relaxing or not having to worry about sticking to a schedule. But it’s not the sticking to the schedule and lack of relaxation that I’m referencing when I say I fell out of my routines. I mean doing the acts, both for myself and others, that I now realize have brought me joy without sometimes realizing it. Things like reading my devotion in the morning before I start my day, doing a few stretches as I get out of bed, actually eating the lunch that I pack instead of snacking all day long, and even things like going to bed around the same time every night. Not to say that I’ve grabbed a hold of things again-because let’s face it, I certainly haven’t-but, I’m aware of what I need to get things rolling again and that’s the first step…right?
Anyways, I guess what I’m trying to say is that amidst the chaos and uncomfortableness of the world right now, I think whatever you’re doing and however you’re doing it is most certainly okay. Heck, some mornings I have 3 cookies for breakfast AND I pour Peppermint Mocha Rumchata in my coffee…and some days I intermittent fast until noon and proceed to fuel differently with a salad and a run to follow. All I’m saying is, it’s been rough, it’s been hard, it’s been gross, and all of us are dealing with things differently and that IS OK.
But, I do think that establishing any type of routine, whether that’s something like an entire morning routine, or something as simple as making your bed everyday-nonetheless a routine can help us ground ourselves. What have you found yourself doing each day as a way of grounding during these times? Maybe you don’t even realize you’ve started new routines?
I’d love to hear things that keep you feeling sane each and everyday. Although I am very in and out of a routine right now, I will tell you that when I consistently do these things a few days in a row I definitely have a greater sense of calm throughout the day. That being said, I need to really truly establish my routine again. But here’s what I have discovered helps in my morning routine:
•having a good stretch in bed/ as I get out of bed
•drinking a glass of lemon infused water before I do anything else
•obvious self care things like brushing/flossing teeth, brushing hair-etc.
•making time to ENJOY a cup of coffee with my devotion/journal BEFORE I have to commit to work/to do’s for the day.
•a morning movement REALLY helps me. BUT IM HORRIBLE and don’t always make time for it. Even a walk around the block makes a huge difference for me. Something about that fresh morning air ☺️.
One of my goals for 2021 is to genuinely establish a true routine for morning and night. Something that I WANT to commit to, and find grounding in. Mark my words.
That’s my two sense for the millions of thoughts I have each week, now on to the fun part!
I want to share a few fun things for you to make your time worth it:)
So, first, as to be expected, is an amazing new recipe I tried and LOVED.
Except it’s not really a recipe because I pretty much combined three different recipes together to make it my own. We’re gonna call it “Creamy Wine Sauce”…cause that’s basically what it is. Actually let’s call is “Dank Creamy Wine Sauce” because it truly is DANK. Some of you will appreciate that descriptor more than others haha.
Here’s how I made it:
- Throw a chunk of butter and some fresh chopped garlic in a saute pan until you get is sizzlin’. (I’d do probs 2 ish Tbls of butter and 1-3 chopped garlic cloves depending on how well you like garlic lol)
- While that’s sizzlin’ get your water boiling for whatever noodles you prefer to use. I made mine with bowtie noodles and definitely won’t not use them for it again :).
- Toss in a carton of sliced mushrooms with the garlic and butter combo. (I used plain old white mushrooms but you could certainly get fancy and use cool mushrooms).
- Let it simmer a few minutes, then add a few stalks of fresh rosemary (make sure you pull it off of it’s stalk haha)
- Let that simmer a few more minutes. Then my favorite part: ADD THE WINE. But, actually, add a cup or so of white wine. I used a sauvignon blanc and it was DE-LISH.
- Let the wine simmer down until it’s reduced to about half of what you started with. Then add a whole container of heavy whipping cream to the mixture. Yes, a whole carton, I mean you wouldn’t have to, but I would!
- After the mixture comes to a boil all together, you can use your judgement on consistency, but I like to add a few handfuls of shredded parmesan cheese for added thickness and flavor!
- By this time you should probably check your noodles again cause they’re likely just about done!
- And then Wallah!! Serve the sauce over the noodles for the best dang pasta ever!! I added a little salt and peppa to step up my game at the end, but you certainly wouldn’t have to.
LMK what you think if you give it a try!! It was super easy for me, and I absolutely loved the flavor!!! SO YUMMY. Only downfall is that I now want to eat pasta every single day so that I can have this dank sauce everyday. Crap!!
One other fun recipe I just made the other day that will for sure stay in my wheelhouse and is something I thought I could share is a mediteranean style salad. Sometimes I get sick of traditional lettuce salads and like to mix things up for my lovely little tastebuds. So here it is:
1.Combine 1 can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained), a heaping handful of cherry or grape tomatoes sliced or halved, one normal sized cucumber diced, a half of a red onion chopped, a few handfuls of feta cheese.
2. Mix it all together and add more of whatever you’re feeling like.
3. Add a few Tbls of olive oil, a few Tbls of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Again, SUPER simple, but SO good and SO refreshing!!
In other news, I’m completely in the Christmas mood…and for those of you who know me well, you know I’m a little obsessed with this time of year. Our apartment is completely decked out in holiday cheer, baked goods are ready to be made, presents are wrapped, and The Grinch has been played many, many times :).
I almost through a few pics in of my apartment with it decked out, but then thought that might be weird…would you want to see some of my favorite holiday decor pieces??
On the holiday note, I wanted to link a shop this week that is offering 25% off all online orders and free shipping up until Christmas. It also happens to be my favorite place and will always hold a piece of my heart. It’s also a small business run by an amazing rockstar woman, mom of two great girls, and just an all-around gem of a human being. So, if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping-or just need to treat yourself, take a look at what they have to offer!
Some of my personal favorites for gifting or self-care are:
- ANY of the hats. I have gifted two and kept one for myself. I love them! They fit perfectly and aren’t too tight on my head lol, they’re also super warm and cute. Here’s one that I love :https://atozinnia.com/shop-all/p/loose-knit-duo-hat-with-yarn-puff
- This super cute and festive zipper pouch for when we can actually gather for Christmas again: https://atozinnia.com/shop-all/p/plaid-zipper-pouch
- I adore these ornaments. They are such a good reminder of what the season is truly about and can stand alone as a piece of home decor if your tree is full. https://atozinnia.com/shop-all/p/shadow-box-ornament
As the journey continues, I’ll try to get back on a regular schedule again-just still getting settled in my new home and getting used to my new job, while trying to get back to a routine but making it NEW and FRESH to sustain the NEW year that is just around the corner!
That’s all the time I’ve given myself to write today, so that’s all for now! Next time I’ll share my running highs and lows of the week…it’s been a collage of really good and really bad days lol. You’re in for a real treat.
Have a great weekend!!!!! 2020 is almost over…just let that sink in for a minute. Wow. AND only 14 more days until Christmas!!!
Peace and blessings.
Xoxo
Jos
Josie's Journey 