Well, hello!
I’m sauntering into 2023 a bit late, finally hitting “send” on a newsletter that’s been half-written for weeks. January has made it loud and clear that this year is going to be more about rest and re-grouping rather than resolutions and change.
It has felt as if 2020, 2021 and 2022 were following a little too closely and simultaneously slammed into the new year, causing a collision that has released all sorts of pent-up emotions.
The kids are having a hard time transitioning back to school. I’m having a hard time transitioning back into a regular work schedule. I don’t have the energy or desire to focus on self-improvement or resolutions right now, so I’m leaning hard into “Gentle January” and I’m giving you permission to do the same.
This newsletter is going to be short and sweet, but next week I’ll be back with my regular newsletter. I’m planning lots of good things for this year and I’m excited about sharing them with you all.
But first…a few things that are bringing me Gentle January joy:
Flannel sheets. Thank you, dear husband, for buying flannel sheets even when I insisted they were going to be too hot for our climate. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. There is nothing better then sliding into warm flannel sheets at night.
Hazelnut coffee. I have officially aged out of seasonal coffee drinks. I couldn’t even make it through one eggnog latte last year, the sweetness just about killed me. Here’s my new thing: when I crave a coffee treat, I drizzle FlavorOrganics Hazelnut Extract into my morning coffee with half & half. The extract isn’t sweet and it has an amazing hazelnut aroma and subtle nutty flavor. You can buy the hazelnut extract online or in the baking aisle of some grocery stores.
Book podcasts: I’ve been listening to lots of podcasts about books and reading, which has been fun and relaxing. The book club I belonged to before the pandemic never re-grouped, and I’ve realized how much I miss discussions about books. The two podcasts I’ve been enjoying the most are Sarah’s Book Shelves and Currently Reading.
And one more thing…I’ve included a few recipes below for homemade drinks that are both nourishing and invigorating.
See you next week!
Jenny
Winter Elixir
This elixir can nurse a cold or just perk you up during a late afternoon slump. It’s made from ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, honey, apple cider vinegar & lemon juice, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I like to keep a jar of this magical elixir in the fridge during the winter months.
Garlic, Ginger & Lemon Broth
This is a savory broth made from garlic, ginger and lemon. You can sip the flavorful broth from a mug (like tea) or turn it into a comforting bowl of soup.
If you’re craving a warm bowl of savory, nourishing broth then you should also try easy Instant Pot pho broth or Instant Pot lemon ginger broth with farro and spinach.
Cinnamon Tea
My kids went through a phase when they loved warm mugs of this simple & aromatic tea made from just cinnamon sticks and water. You can also add honey, lemon, orange juice, drops echinacea, grated ginger or apple cider vinegar to cinnamon tea.