Holiday Greetings and Leaving BC
Hope that you have had a wonderful year in 22; in spite of the craziness going on in the world around us.
I’m convinced now that the best path to real peace and happiness going forward is to “carve out” a good personal space to dwell in and dwell on; not just in the physical sense, but mentally too.
When I get too fixated on “the news” and in particular, some of the very bad decisions being made worldwide by so-called “leaders”, it’s easy to get discouraged and depressed. That will continue to be one of my biggest goals, heading into 23. To dwell on “what I can change” and not nearly so much on “what I can’t”.
There is still joy, goodness, beauty, kindness, integrity….all the good things, in abundance, in this world. And all that still gives me reason to have hope and to feel cautiously optimistic.
Right now, the packing goes ON and ON and on…..as we are preparing to leave BC, after living in this province for about 15 years. It’s time for a big change and BC is not the province that it was, even 10 years ago. Very expensive to live here now and climate change that continues to “rear it’s ugly head” each summer with the wildfires raging for weeks at a time. Also, no incentives or perks from the government to stay here, just more ways to gouge us it seems. I have some fond memories of BC but not enough to want to stay; that’s been the case for too many years now.
We are deciding between Northern Alberta and Mexico to move to. How is that for a range of options? They both have their pluses and minuses. Time will tell. We plan to check them both out thoroughly and take some time to get a “feel” for what seems like a good place to really settle down and be “at home” in the best sense of that term.
I wish all my blog readers, past, present and future a VERY Merry Christmas and much happiness in the New Year. Here’s hoping it’s a memorable one for all of us, for all the right reasons!
Happy Holidays and Blessings in 2022!
It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by.
It’s been such a difficult one for so many people, around the world. We are living in such strange times right now. It’s hard to hold onto hope that things WILL get better but when there is no hope, all is lost.
I’ve been trying to stay as upbeat and hopeful as possible and has been the case during so many difficult times through the years, writing and the creative process have made a big difference for the better.
After a long hiatus from writing for a variety of reasons, I am finally back to the “work” that I enjoy most of all.
I have a new Kindle eBook being released in January:
A book project that I had “percolating” in my mind for many years.
After that, I hope to complete two more Kindle eBooks before the end of 2022.
Got to make up for that long hiatus, right?? 🙂
I hope that my readers/followers here at Veggies (past and present) are staying well, and that the New Year is a much better one for all of us.
I’m trying not to dwell on all the doom and gloom news, it can be SO depressing and serves little purpose. Especially watching some of the misguided and life-changing decisions that so many of the “leaders” continue to make, in response to this pandemic.
We can’t give up now and there is light at the end of this tunnel if we hold on to what really matters, even now. Family, friends, real values, integrity, kindness, health and wellbeing….those things that never change, even when we are stressed to our personal limits.
I will leave you with a couple of holiday “goodies” that I hope will bring a smile to your day.
One of my favorite Christmas CDs continues to be:
I noted that it is once again at the top of the charts over at Amazon Canada again this year. Talk about staying power! Guaranteed to lift your spirits, especially when you sing along. I’m guessing a lot of you already have this one in your collection.
CRANBERRY MANDARIN CHRISTMAS LOAF
Enjoy the recipe and perhaps learn a thing or two about cranberries in my post:
IF I can find some organic fresh cranberries here in BC (supplies have been rather limited with the flooding, weather…) I hope to make a couple of these “beauties” this holiday season.
They make a wonderful hostess guest too. Great for fruitcake haters too!
Have some other news pending but I’ll wait til it’s a “done deal” before I share it here and at my other sites. I read a quote recently that I thought was very wise: “tell me what you have done, not what you are going to do“. That I thought was very good advice. Suffice to say for now, it is a BIG move in the works already and hopefully will be a “done deal” and a “have done” before my birthday in April. It won’t be easy with all the restrictions in place right now, but where there is a will, there IS a way.
Wishing you peace, love, prosperity and all the good things in 2022.
Hugs and All the Best!
PS: My apologies for the less than stellar formatting, I didn’t have time to “fight” with WP any longer today. Blogger is SO much easier to navigate, at least it is for me.
Good Riddance 2020!! Happy 2021!
Hello again,
If anyone is still stopping by here, I send my best wishes and hope that you are remaining well and in good spirits during this oh so difficult time in our history.
When I would think about the year “2020” many years ago, I always thought it had such a nice “ring” to it, such a good connotation of clarity and insight in that number. Instead, it has ended up being such a hard, long and frightening year.
But one that should be a wake-up call in many respects and hopefully will be in terms of keeping up our immunity, being ever vigilant about cleanliness….all common sense measures IMO, but sadly lacking it seems in so many people’s lives. When I see countless Youtube videos about “How to Wash Your Hands” ….that speaks volumes!
On the plus side (and there ARE some) it has been an opportunity for people to reunite with their families in truly meaningful ways, spending more quality time together.
Really thinking about what matters in the big picture and what doesn’t and will eventually pass.
The environment has apparently been doing much better too, with a substantial reduction in pollution levels during the many lockdowns and industry closures.
Joe and I and Mr. Cheddar have all weathered this storm and look forward to a much better year in 2021. We won’t be lining up for any vaccines, but we will continue to do the things that have kept us healthier and more fit that a lot of people over 50, year after year. I still believe that good health is not that hard to maintain for most people, but it does take work and more so, as the years pass by. It is SO worth it though.
I will close by wishing you a Happy, Safe and Memorable Holiday, in spite of the restrictions.
I hope you will also stop by my author’s site , to check out some Amazon Holiday Kindle promotions now in progress and a link to one of my fav Christmas songs too. I love all the holiday classics but some….a must hear, every year, like that one. 🙂
Hugs and Happy New Year!!!
PS: If anyone can enlighten me where to find the option to change the default page text color here at WP now, I would be oh so grateful.
Posting here at WP has become one big hassle. 😦
Blogging Update 2020 :-)
I hope your New Year is off to a great start!
I’ve decided to take a hiatus from all blogging, for the foreseeable future.
May be back, may not. I’ve learned from past experience, never say never, especially when it comes to blogging.
Just too much to do and every day seems to go faster than the one before it.
Trips to plan, including another big move, still working on unpacking and sorting here, numerous projects, writing, crafting….the list goes on and on.
My contact information at all my blogs, remains active, including at My Real Life Reviews, re: review requests.
I wish all of my blog friends, past and present, the best year ever!
🎄Happy Holidays!🎄
Mr. Cheddar and I Wish You the Best Christmas Ever!
We are skating away for a little break, to enjoy some holiday cheer.
🎀 See you in January! 🎀
Snowman Cheddie Returns!
And he’s only got one question….
Have You Been Naughty or Nice?
Santa IS on the way.😊
🎄Happy Holidays!🎄
PS.….On a more serious topic.🌹
I go thru the WP Followers list (who are followers of my two WP blogs ) around this time each year, and I delete the blogs that have not been posting for over a year.
My sincere apologies if I deleted your blog and you planned to return to WP. I hope you’ll stop by and let me know, if you do.😊
I miss a LOT of my old favorite blogs but I understand when there is just not enough time to keep them current.
Six Stocking Stuffer Suggestions!😊
Well, Black Friday has arrived once again.
I thought it was rather low key (based on the Amazon Canada site) after all the sales offered earlier this week. I did place an order this morning though.😉
How is your shopping going? Are you planning to spend more or less, this year?
I’m sharing a few of my favorite items (with reviews) ideal as stocking stuffers or other small gifts.
Hope you enjoy them and find these suggestions helpful.
Andalou Circle of Light Hand Cream, Lavender Scent.
My absolute favorite hand cream!
Rich and creamy, but not greasy.
Good ingredients, reasonable price.
Lovely, natural not overpowering scent.
Available wherever Andalou products are sold.
And this line of their products supports charities that empower women and girls, around the world . 👩🌾 It’s all good!😊
Joe and I both ❤ these pens.
So handy and so nicely made too.
Less than $8 as of today, at Amazon.
Click link above to read my full review.
👣 The only nail polish I use! 👣
Definitely NOT just for kids.
Comes in a wide range of colors.
A lot less “scary” ingredients, compared to regular polish.
With the top coat that they provide it stays on until you soak and peel. No remover required!
Click link above to read my full review.
I can’t imagine NOT doing yoga!
It’s been such an important part of my life, for so many years.
For anyone just starting out with yoga or perhaps, looking for a new regime, this is an excellent series to check out.
Larry Payne focuses on “the Prime of Life” age group, those 45-75. But it is great for people of all ages.
Click link above to read my complete review.
Cat Craves (cat treats)
Not to leave the felines out, this one is Mr. Cheddar approved!😸
His new favorite treat, he just ❤❤s Cat Craves.
I appreciate that they have better than average ingredients and are reasonably priced.
Available at all major pet stores including Pet Smart, Amazon and Chewys.
Jelly Belly Fruit Flavoured Snacks
A fun snack for kids of all ages.😏
Six snack sized portions in each box.
Much better ingredients than most gummie type candies.
I ❤ the colorful packaging too.
Available at many retail and online stores.
Happy Shopping and Happy Week!😊
How Do I ♥ Chocolate?
Some things NEVER change.
I ❤ Chocolate and I Guess I Always Will.
Hope You Enjoy This Reblog Post that Includes Some of My Favorite Ways to Indulge Those Cravings😊
Happy Week and Happy Cooking!
….let me count the ways! 😉
I know there are people who don’t like chocolate but I’m NOT one of them.
I L-O-V-E all things chocolate!!!
How about you? Are you a chocoholic or can you give it a pass?
These days, if at all possible, it’s organic cocoa and chocolate, as my first choice.
You can read more about why choosing organicchocolate/cocoa is the best way to go here and here.
♥♥
And here are some of my fav chocolate treats, with recipe/review links where applicable:
My Fav Zucchini Chocolate Cake aka “Naked” Cake
And a foodie haiku as a bonus!
Quick and Delicious Chocolate Cupcakes
You can make these in no time at all and again, great with or without frosting!
Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Clusters
SUPER EASY to Make and Oh So Good!
Perfect for Valentine’s or any day of the year. 😉
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More “Simple” Pleasures😊
I made a big batch of slow cooker party mix last week.
And today, I’m enjoying a little dish of these yummy morsels, along with a good, long Kindle browse. A simple pleasure.
It got me thinking again about all the simple (but special) pleasures in life we can so easily take for granted.
Here is a short list of some of my:
Simple Pleasures…
-Enjoying the morning outside, with a fresh organic coffee and sunshine on my face.
-Curling up with a good book under a warm, cozy throw.
-Creating something special in the kitchen.
-Watching a new plant sprout and come to life as it breaks through the soil.
-Listening to church bells on Sunday morning.
-Savoring a pleasant memory from long ago.
-A long, brisk walk.
-Rain on my face.
❤❤❤
😊 The list really does go on and on.😊
What is one of your favorite-
Simple Pleasures?
Hope You Have a Wonderful Week!
Chickpeas: What’s Not to ♥ ♥ ♥ !!!
I am a big fan of chickpeas!
What about you?
I have a lot of cooking and baking planned for the next couple of weeks, with chickpeas to use in a couple of the recipes.
Below is a Veggies…post from a few years ago, featuring a couple of my favorite chickpea recipes.
Hope you enjoy them soon and DO let me know if you give them a try.
HAPPY WEEK TO ALL! 🙂
I’m a big fan of chickpeas.
I use them in all kinds of recipes: soups, stews, curries, hummus…
I ♥ their nutty rich flavor and the unique texture they add to dishes too.
And they are sooooooo good for us! 😉
There are many health benefits derived from eating chickpeas, you can read more about that here and here.
On the menu for supper tonight:
Slow Cooker Veggie Curry
And to add to this week’s snacks with crudites, crackers…
Fresh Rosemary Hummus
Both recipes are featured in:
The Groovy Green Kitchen: Weeknight Veggie Slow Cooker
Do you like chickpeas?
What’s your favorite way of using them in recipes?
VEGGIES, YARNS & TAILS 