My Favorite Things: A Holiday Gift & Recipe Guide
Christmas is just around the corner…And in this blog post and podcast episode, my goal is to help you gear up for the season, by sharing some of my favorite things and offering some gift ideas for the ladies on your list. As well as offering some of my favorite recipe ideas that you can add to your holiday menu. So here are my 10 top favorite things!
This is hand made, minimalist, gold jewelry, that is perfect for any woman on your gift list. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, hand cut and stamped, and then beautifully packaged, all with the knowledge that they are helping you tell and live your beautiful story. Many pieces can be custom made with whatever word, phrase, or initial that you would like. And better yet, this company was founded by a young mother who was battling postpartum depression, fatigue, and confusion in regards to her purpose. She was drawn to the idea of creating jewelry to represent the pivotal moments in the lives of women – from the triumphant to the tragic. SO she started this company. And her passion is to empower her customers through the simple yet impactful pieces that she sells.
2. Really Incredible Books!
– Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankyl
– Living Sacrifice by Dr. Helen Rosevere
– Freefall To Fly by Rebekah Lyons
– Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning
– The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
– Present Over Perfect by Shauna Neigquist
– High Performance Habits by Brenden Berchard
– Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
3. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is absolutely making my list of favorite things! This is essentially a pressure cooker that makes the absolute best meals in a fraction of the time. This pot has been a lifesaver for my hubby and I and our busy schedules. AND there are so many tasty recipes that you can make in the instant pot. Including the short ribs and Polenta recipe that is listed below.
4. Matcha Kari Organic Matcha with Bamboo Whisk
I am obsessed with matcha tea and walk you through all of the steps to make the tastiest matcha tea latte from home in this blog post. Or you can listen to the audio/episode accompanying this blog post at minute 19 to hear how I do it.
I love this bible! The She Reads Truth Bible includes almost 200 devotionals, 66 artist-designed key verses, 35 full-color timelines, 20 full-color maps, 11 full-color charts, reading plans for every book of the Bible, one-year Bible reading plan, detailed book introductions, and wide margins for journaling and writing. This is a great gift idea for any woman in your life who is looking for a new bible.
These candles are the only ones I have been using for the past 4 years. They smell incredible, they are all vegan, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free. And all of their candles are made with 100% domestically-grown soy wax. Furthermore, their Terra line of candles is made 100% of all natural plant-derived fragrance oils, in case you are like me and aim to have a completely toxic free home. This is the perfect stocking stuffer!
7. Large Stoneware Bar Pan – Pampered Chef
My husband and I are obsessed with this bar pan!! It heats evenly and then retains that heat, so it produces exceptionally crisp crusts or veggies and promotes even baking and browning. We love it so much that this year for Christmas we’re asking for a second one! This is a great gift idea for anyone in your life who loves cooking!
8. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Devotional – by Peter Scazzero
I can’t sing the praises of this devotional enough! I have gone through it 3 times and can’t get enough. Every devotional includes: 2 minutes of silence, a scripture reading for the day, a devotional which usually includes an inspiration quote, a question to consider, and then space at the end for prayer and meditation.
9. Simply Real Health cookbook
This is a great cookbook for anyone who is looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and made with all healthy, whole ingredients. I love that this cookbook just focuses on eating real, whole foods and doesn’t promote any fad diets. It’s all about simplifying and eating real foods. Which I am ALL about 🙂
10. Primally Pure
Primally Pure is an all natural, toxic-free skincare line whose mission is to provide their customers with truly safe skincare products that offer real, recognizable results. Their products are made with certified organic ingredients that are sourced with the utmost attention and care, from family-owned farms whenever possible. I talk more about Primally Pure AND why I made the switch to toxic free living in this blog post. AND I share my top 5 favorites here. Use code SOH10 at checkout for 10% off of your entire order
NOW ONTO SOME RECIPE FAVS…
Here are some recipes that I absolutely love, that you can use for one of your holiday meals or that you can simply add to your weekly menu. I spoke about all of these in more depth in the podcast episode accompanying this blog post.
Instant Pot Short Rib Braise with Parmesan Polenta
Roasted Cauliflower Lentil Curry – vegan*
