Sometimes there are things I want to tell you about that don’t fit neatly into a recipe post or otherwise. Things I love, enjoy or make my life easier. Thought provoking or beautiful things. Things that bring me joy. Stuff that simplifies my life. What I made in the kitchen yesterday or what I’m thinking about today.

So I’m writing occasional, informal, quick posts to fill in the gaps called Favorite Things. Taking inspiration from Julie Andrews: “These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things”. Do re me fa so la ti do. Minus the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. (You’re welcome.)

Favorite Things here might include a book I’m reading, a movie we liked, a story that moved me etc. Whatever’s spinning my world at the moment.

Here are a few of my favorite things today …

So many have been sick with the flu. It’s a real concern and it’s been deadly here in NH too. And apparently flu season still hasn’t hit its peak yet. So hard. If the flu has visited your family recently, I’m so sorry. My Hudson and Charlie both had Influenza A last week and it was tough. I was super nervous about getting it. (So far so good.)

Last year my friend Maria who is a pulmonologist told me all the doctors in her practice have their chemo patients on turmeric to build up strong immunities. She said it’s the best thing they know of to build up the immune system. Since the body doesn’t absorb turmeric well on its own, it’s formulated with black pepper extract to boost absorption. Here’s the kind I take: Turmeric.

Thought provoking movie we really enjoyed: Mr. Church. Eddie Murphy will surprise you.

Saw The Darkest Hour at the theater on a date night w/Jon recently. Wow! Loved it. (And just heard it was nominated for six Academy awards.)

Reading: Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner

Got a fun package in the mail this week. My new 2018 Personalized Planner from Plum Paper . Love all the affordable customizations available. If you still don’t have a planner for 2018, build your own on-line, starting with any month. YES!

There are customizable pages available to track fitness, holiday planning, photography, blogging etc. Whoever you are, whatever you do – it’s easy to get organized fast. I hear Plum Paper has big discounts on Black Friday for future, FYI. Check out a review here.

This loopy phone case – so you won’t drop your smart phone anymore like I used to. I got it when I upgraded my Iphone and it’s been a game changer. No more phone drops or cracked screens. Love it and highly recommend.

Here’s what I’m baking this afternoon. Yum.

And here’s a blog I really enjoy. Mary is a sweetheart.

Last but not least… if you have to be home sick, it’s always nice to have company!  – Charlie and Chloe

Have a great weekend and stay healthy!

XOXO,

Allie

The post Favorite Things #1 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

So, a question for you. When does the Christmas season officially start? I mean, for you. Because it all starts at a different point for each of us. Is it an event? A favorite recipe? Getting the Christmas tree? I’m just curious what makes it “officially” Christmas for you.

Thought I’d take a couple minutes to share A Few of My Favorite Things from last week. (I hear you loud and clear Julie Andrews. Pipe down. No raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens. Not today.)

I’ve really enjoyed working on Christmas “projects” this week – Vanilla Bean Maple Syrup especially. If you want to try your hand at it, you’ll have just enough time for it to “cure” before Christmas. (If you don’t dilly-dally.) http://throughherlookingglass.com/?p=1156

Had fun playing with this Christmas tree wax seal for the attached gift cards. Love how this seal turned out. It would make a beautiful seal for Christmas cards too. You’ll find this wax seal and many other beautiful ones on Amazon.com. (You’ll need sealing wax too.)  http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Seal-Stamp-Sealing/dp/B00A3NXBF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418591926&sr=8-1&keywords=christmas+tree+wax+seal

I loaned my beloved An Orange for Frankie book to a friend last week . She returned it to my porch, with the above. Wow! So gorgeous. Love it! Still haven’t heard the story of where it came from. And exactly what it is. Looks like a pear shaped lemorange to me. (Fill us in, Jen. I’m dying to know.)

Went out to the mailbox and found this beautiful box on the porch. (My porch has been an exciting place this week!)

Take a peek inside. What a gorgeous gift from our neighbors! 

Check out the amazing apples. I now have more compassion for Eve. I could never have resisted these either.

And the pears! Aren’t they lovely? If they last, we’ll have them with Christmas breakfast. One for each of us.  (Thank you, generous friends.)

If you’re still looking for a last minute gift to order for someone special, a gift box from Harry & David is such a special treat to receive. (I know.)  http://www.harryanddavid.com Their presentation is always beautiful.

A dear friend I hadn’t connected with for several years came to tea. And brought this Harney & Sons White Christmas Tea with her. We had a cup and caught up. The tea was absolutely wonderful, the company even better.

Each year I participate in a handmade ornament exchange. It’s always the first week in December. There are several ornament exchange circles going on simultaneously. These are the fun ornaments I received. (How ’bout that peacock?)

Here’s the ornament I gave out. Easy instructions here: http://throughherlookingglass.com/?p=1856

The ornament exchange is just one facet of a fundraiser benefit for New Life Home, a local faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for women and their children. A group of us meet together in a local home for appetizers, the ornament exchange and to collect anonymous monetary donations for New Life. Then we caravan a few minutes away to New Life Home and throw a Christmas party (desserts and coffee) for the staff and residents. They in turn share individual stories with us about how their lives are changing for the better. And that’s the moment when my Christmas season officially begins: when I hear the inspiring stories of hope, faith and change from courageous women at New Life Home each year. (So much generous participation, we were able to raise $1250 this year.) What a great evening. http://www.newlifehome.org

After the New Life party, I came home to find a box on the kitchen counter from my cousin. (Someone must have toted it in from that magical porch.) She sent us homemade Christmas treats. Also this box of  junket! Ha! I got such a kick out of this. You know why if you read my Junket Is Nice post.  http://throughherlookingglass.com/?p=543   I talk big, but I still haven’t made or tasted junket. But that’s all about to change, thanks to you, cousin.

So these are just A Few of My Favorite Things so far this Christmas season. How ’bout you? What are your favorite Christmas things? And when does your Christmas season officially start?

Inquiring minds want to know. Please share below!

(I know, a poet.)

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