Happy Christmas Eve to those who celebrate! I've kept this edition of Things I'm Loving on the shorter side to account for holiday activities you might have planned.
Something for play
Pressed Flower Luminaria You Can Easily Make at Home
We've just passed the winter solstice, here in the Northern Hemisphere. One practice that I love observing is to light candles daily between now and New Year's Day. Although I haven't made these pressed flower lanterns myself, I have the directions printed out and can't wait to try them next week! The beauty of the flowers with the softness of the light will warm a cold night.
Something for encouragement
Saying holidays are stressful sometimes feels like saying the sun rises every day. If you're looking for a bit of a pick me up, check out this pep talk site, where you can call in and get a pre-recorded pep talk from students at West Side Elementary, a K-6th public school in rural Healdsburg, California. Thanks to Crys Wood for sharing this with me originally!
Something to watch
Okay. This film came out during the strikes in Hollywood, so they didn't get much press. BUT, if you're looking for a future-facing movie that's engaging and thoughtful, don't miss this one. It's way better than Netflix's Leave the World Behind, (which I also saw. I can't get those two hours back, despite the excellent acting.)
The Creator tells the story of a man who's originally a covert ops agent in the near-future, where AI, hybrid AI/human, and humans, are fighting. The cast includes John David Washington (did you know Denzel Washington has a son? I didn't) Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson and Allison Janney.
Something to help you slow down
I found these creators (Two Plaid Aprons) on Instagram during the pandemic, and they quickly became a favorite for Asian recipes that were easy and authentic. The site is easy to navigate and holds a wealth of options. One of my go-to recipes is this garlic bok choy. I love it and can make a bunch at once to eat several days in a row.
Wildcard - Something I love
I've had a love affair with the Great Blue Heron since my early childhood! In 2nd grade, I even dressed up as one for a class project and stayed on top of a wall hanger in my "nest”. Throughout the years the heron has shown up for me on walks in the woods behind my various homes and in gifts given to me by loved ones. My friend Hannah shared this blue heron pin on Instagram and I knew I needed to share it here with all of you. Isn't it so lovely?
And with that, we're at the end of 2023. As always, thank you for being here and letting me share some of the joys I encounter along the way. I'm excited for 2024 and what it will bring!
I hope you find something in here you like. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, love, and nourishment.
˜Monica