"Stop resisting life. Embrace the light."
— Matt West
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ON A POSITIVE NOTE, 2020 IS ALMOST OVER
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Can you believe December is here? I simply cannot. There is something about that long weekend over Thanksgiving of basically eating too much that, when combined with the quarantine, almost lends itself to a feeling of sort of giving up for the rest of the year. Can you relate? (Asking for a friend.)
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I LOVE BEING IN MY BUSY KITCHEN WITH THE TEAM
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Things feel a bit like they’re stuck in slow motion. For me, the day after Thanksgiving seemed like it lasted three days. The team had planned to work together at the nocrumbsleft kitchen in December with plenty to do before year end, but it turns out that we need to work remotely instead. Without the kitchen camaraderie, I feel like I’m spinning my own wheels. So I thought it would be helpful to look at how to create a December that leaves us feeling refreshed, motivated, and like we’re living our best lives. I do love a challenge!
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LAST DECEMBER IN CALIFORNIA
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There can be a temptation during December to completely throw in the towel. One of my coping mechanisms in life is to know that I have events to look forward to. There is a sense of ritual and traditions that bookmark my life, including going to California, seeing my kids, and having time to refresh, unplug and immerse in family and cooking and walks in nature.
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CALIFORNIA TREES ON OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DAY WALK
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Normally at this time of year, I’m counting on the days until I get on the plane. This year, flying simply seems like a bad idea. And while the change in plans is heartbreaking and uncentering, it also gives birth to spending those two weeks in a new way. Roy and I will be together Christmas morning for the first time in 12 years, and I’m certain that it will have its own set of joys.
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OUTSIDE MY COZY CABIN WITH ROY (HOW CUTE IS HE?)
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I love the idea of creating small inspirations. I spoke with Devi Brown, who’s featured on the podcast today, about tiny joys and how we open ourselves up to them and let the light in, to care for ourselves and those around us. She really encourages us to breathe deeply, be present, and avail ourselves to all the good that is still around us. It’s a must-listen!
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ONE OF THE MANY SIDE TABLES FROM ROOM & BOARD
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What else can we commit to, or do for ourselves on a small scale, that will help us feel our very best at a time when even feeling good at all is a bit of a challenge? I asked a wonderful handful of experts below. I hope you’ll find their answers as helpful as I do!
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In this episode, I talk with the ever-inspiring Devi Brown, Chief Impact Officer at Chopra Global and master wellbeing educator, about all the good stuff: love, joy, gratitude, savoring the moment, and so much more. |
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This episode is in partnership with:
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It’s not too late to shop! I know everyone's running around for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza, and if you missed the gift cut off, don't even worry. I'm happy to do a personalized story for your gift recipient, and by the way people absolutely love them! Make your purchase, DM me with details, and I’ll create a custom story for you.
Click here to see how much fun they are.
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UNIFORM BINS TO ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE
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We’ve been spending more time than ever inside our homes, so it’s critical to make sure our living spaces feel good and support our lives. Here are some quick tips to get started.
Tip 1: Instead of adding to your home, consider what you can subtract to elevate the aesthetic and create some breathing room.
Tip 2: Use uniform bins and baskets to store your household utility items to create a look that’s easy on the eyes.
Tip 3: Practice a five-minute tidy-up before bed. Clear surfaces and reset your space so you can start the next day feeling good. Happy organizing!
Shira Gill, Author and Home Organizing Expert
@shiragill
shiragill.com
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I believe that the anti-diet and “health at every size” message is critical, because we live in a society saturated with diet culture and mentality. Most children know what a diet is by the time they are five. We have been programmed to think our bodies need repairing, and one of the methods of repairing is to be thinner, which can lead to body dysmorphia and eating disorders. I make people more aware of that messaging and dismantle that way of thinking. All foods can fit into a person’s diet, and they will still be able to meet their goals no matter what they are.
Shana Spence, Registered Dietitian
@thenutritiontea
thenutritiontea.com/ |
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The beauty of hitting a quick refresh is that you don’t have to wait for a new week, new month, or New Year. Start small with one healthful, colorful meal or micro-habit now, and you’ll find yourself invigorated to integrate more. December is a time when people bypass healthful habits, because the calendar shows 1/1/2021 is coming. Truth is, starting small and staying consistent during the holiday season will make you feel proud and accomplished. My January Whole30 Experience is an 8-week program that prioritizes accountability and support, community and camaraderie. You’ll receive a whole new skill set to thrive every day.
Stephanie Vanlochem
@cookbycolor |
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RESETTING WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES
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ONE OF GIORA'S BEAUTIFUL CHEESE PLATTERS
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After losing my job in March, I was excited to start my own creative content agency to do what I love. I had a great start styling and photographing for a client, and a few more jobs here and there, but without consistent work and income, I struggled to stay motivated and inspired to create. I decided to turn my love and expertise for creating stunning grazing boards into an immediate source of income. It had always been right under my nose, but now I’ve finally set up an online shop, and I'm also offering Zoom classes with great success!
Giora Stuchiner, Food Stylist and Photographer
@thenonchalantcook
thenonchalantcook.com |
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My work is about reconnecting you to peace and pleasure. This year has been full of intense emotions. Wherever you are on the stress-scale, I want you to know that your pleasure matters. Unlike what many of us were taught, pleasure is a ritual, not a reward for when our work is done and everyone else is taken care of. Pleasure is necessary for health; wellness means that we feel good. Instead of a dramatic reset, make a habit of pursuing small pleasures: a hug, a yummy meal, an orgasm if you’re up for it. You deserve to feel good today.
Shadeen Francis, Licensed Sex and Relationship Therapist,
Author, Wellness Expert on Mine'd
@shadeenfrancislmft
shadeenfrancis.com |
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MY SWEET FRIENDS AMY, CAROL DISHELL, AND MICHELLE
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As we enter this final month of what feels like an impossible year, take a moment to reflect on the challenges you have faced, sacrifices you have made, and emotions that have surfaced. Take inventory of your strengths, find gratitude in the lessons learned, and notice the gifts that were revealed. Enter into this holiday season asking for, and giving to others, love and support. Know that we are all in this together. You are not alone. Take pride in your resiliency and find comfort in the promise of better days ahead. Wishing you health and comfort in the coming new year.
Carol Dishell, LCSW
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My idea of a reset is to get back to the elimination phase of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). The AIP is a powerful healing diet developed for people with autoimmune disease. It pares you down to a specific, safe set of foods that reduce inflammation while increasing nutrients to repair the gut. Reintroductions are then made in a set order, which help determine food sensitivities. After my 30-day reset, I always feel amazing--no more cravings, improved digestion and sleep, and any sneaky symptoms that might have crept back in are crushed.
Kate Jay, FNTP, Author of The Autoimmune Protocol Reintroduction Cookbook (releasing April 6, 2021) @healing_family_eats
healingfamilyeats.com |
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So, you need a fitness reset or a new fitness journey? Great-- WRITE IT DOWN! Putting your thoughts on paper will bring your goals and desires to life. First, list your top three fitness goals. Make sure they are not just physical goals, but mental as well, because ultimately, we want to feel good. Next, decide which days of the week you’ll work out, and prioritize it like you would a meeting. Don’t make working out a chore; rather, consider it a necessity for your well-being and happiness. Lastly, enlist an accountability partner to join you on your journey!
Danielle Burrell, Pre/Postnatal Performance Specialist and Founding Trainer at Rumble Boxing
@dani.burrell
daniburrell.com |
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Take out your phone (right now!) and set an alert to breathe, every day in December, at 3pm. Aren’t we already breathing all day? Indeed we are, but the 3pm breath is ten conscious breaths. Fill yourself up with a deep inhale that stretches you internally, and, engaging your imagination, let your exhale cascade down your spine, through your legs, and out your feet. After ten breaths, notice how you feel. It takes less than a minute. You know how, before making a speech, or embarking on an undesirable task, we inhale deeply and sigh? This breathing break is just like that, but ten times better.
Rachel Fiske, Yoga Instructor
ugoddessyoga.com/
Join me for a FREE @nocrumbsleft community yoga class
Sunday at 9:30am Central Time. Click to get the Zoom link: ugoddessyoga.com/
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We are loving our new Sapphire glaze. It's absolutely gorgeous! This week we are giving away a Large Pitcher in Sapphire! Click the button below to enter. Good Luck!
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I've been cooking different recipes from my No Crumbs Left cookbook since I got it last year. Every recipe I've tried has been delicious, but I particularly love the Magic Elixirs! Pistachio Pesto is my favorite! I love that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to have something healthy and satisfying!
Sarah Donley, Director of System Sales and Crumble
Dallas, Texas
@charlita12
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If you want to be featured here with the cookbook, DM Teri and let her know.
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I've tucked away a little money in a Santa Fund to gift fellow Crumbles pottery who otherwise couldn't afford it. In past years, some of you have wanted to add in a little something. If you would like to chip in any amount, please do so here.
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We are looking for an exceptional part-time team member who is passionate about food and a creative thinker with a real understanding of social media. This Chicago-based team member must have a superpower in note taking, tracking time, and keeping a schedule. If this is you, please email Teri here.
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