Don't Worry, I Didn't Forget You || Friday Finds: The Holiday Edition || 12.19.14

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 || HOUSE-SITTING, HOLIDAY-PLANNING WEEKEND ||

Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Friday Finds. Can you taste, feel, embody the amazingness that is the holiday season? I wish people were like this all year round -- I'm talking about the happy cheerful people, here, not the ones that don't know there way around a thank you or please. Why can't people lend a helping hand and extend their light and love all year round??? I certainly hope that I keep others in mind for the rest of my life. Okay, rant be gone! I love the holidays and this season I get to really enjoy myself and do whatever strikes my fancy which is always a lot of fun. I threw together this holiday guide, because I've always wanted one like this, and why not? Plus, it's winter break, I love you guys, and it is never a bad idea to be inspired.

Clearly, this is how I feel about life lately. Also, I wish this weren't true, but another year and I’m single for the holidays. Here’s a list of my woes and their hopeful solutions. I'm really not upset about this that much. Just a little. And my mom definitely won't be -- more gifts for her!! Love you Mom xx!

Are you single for the holidays? What are your plans for the weekend? I need to get all glam for the holidays. And sleep. Definitely sleep. xx

LINKS & FINDS ||Ho Ho Holiday-Style

|| Holiday Look Essentials ||

[MAKEUP]

Obsessed with this lived-in-eyeliner look – hello holiday essential.

Another great makeup idea – shimmery perfection.

 [HAIR]

Tussled hair and a smoky eye for the holidays? Is there anything else?

Loving this tousled up-do look, too!

My hair is finally long enough to play – here’s 15 inspirational tutorials for your holiday look.

[NAILS]

Shearling Darling: current holiday covet. It looks amazinggg on my nails and toes.

[LOOK]

I wrote about this look last week. Nothing under a blazer. Absolutely, yes.

New Years Outfit Ideas.

Love these looks. But why does the title have to include plus-size. It's a freaking style guide for any size.

|| Holiday Gifts & Guides ||

I would love love love this gift of a gift-giving kit.

Gift guides under $250 with links for under $100 and under $25 at the bottom of its post.

Joanna Goddard’s annual Gift Guide is the best in my world. Here’s the complete 2014 guide.

Last minute gift guide. Refinery29 style.

|| Holiday Decorating & Partying ||

Got a skirt around your tree? Check out this great Moroccan Wedding Inspired DIY Tree Skirt.

Planning a party? Here’s some preparation tips for the big day.

Set your timers. Cookie baking made quicker and simpler this year.

Did you appropriately pluralize your last name this year?

This drinking game for the holidays made me laugh out loud.

Entertainment tips.

|| Holiday Goodies ||

This weekend and next week will be filled with hot chocolate and Christmas movies*.

Fill your home with the smell of the holidays.

*Speaking of Christmas movies, I just watched Love Actually for the first time ever. How did I not know that this was gold? p.s. the link of the title is the cast then and now ; - ).

Have a cheerful, wrapped up and cozy, gleeful kind of weekend. Explore, love, hope, and be yourself. Always.

xx

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A Different Friday || 11.28.14

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Spending time with family, be it a group of friends or blood relatives, is lovely ... so I am doing just the very thing today : - ) .

|| May Have Missed ||

Brush up on ways to stay sane for the next bout of holidays or holiday parties here.

If you'd like to give the gift of yoga this year, head on over to Private Sessions for pricing and contact information.

If you're a business and would like to see happy & healthy employees that work better for you in the long run, head over to Business Sessions for pricing and contact information.

I hope all of you had lovely holidays and are still enjoying yourselves today -- leftovers and snacks and laughter are the best parts, after all.

May your weekend be filled with joy and love.

xx

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Health & Wellness Thursdays || All About Gluten-Free Baking ||11.20.14

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For those of you inviting guests over for the holidays that may have Celiac's Disease or be gluten intolerant or just not into eating gluten, here is a run-down of really really really helpful gluten-free baking basics.

|| The Low-Down on Ingredients ||

there's no need to be intimidated, just take it one step at a time -- contact me if you have any questions or need tips (I've been gluten-free for three years now and am on my way to being a Certified Holistic Health Coach)

  • Xantham Gum

    • Acts as a replacement for the gluten in gluten-free flour
    • Provides structure by interacting with the gluten-free flour, giving it that 'lift & puff'

  • Gluten Free Flour

    • Tends to be a combination of a bunch of different flours (and also some starches)
      • Typically there is combination of rice flours, maybe bean flours, possibly some whole grains such as millet or amaranth, and starches such as potato or tapioca starch
    • In this video, her favorite is Bob's Red Mill
      • Bob's Red Mill has a great mix that was recently recreated to have less of a 'bean' flavor in the raw dough stage -- because we all know we eat cookie dough by the spoonful before baking : - )

  • Flax Seed Meal

    • Ground up flax seed
    • Replaces that 'viscous, gooey, binding' texture that eggs provide
    • Also has a delicious flavor -- slightly nutty, a little sweet

  • Kuzu Powder

    • Great replacement for gelatin
      • Put the powder in a little water until it breaks down
      • Add to whatever you want to stiffen or thicken -- so easy

  • Soy Flour

    • Ground up soybeans
    • Helps achieve a creamy texture for creations like vegan butter-cream (!)

  • Coconut Oil

    • No butter in vegan dishes, but looking for a delicious flavor? Best bet.
    • Doesn't taste 'coconutey' just very rich and comforting (plus so good for you!)
    • High burn temperature -- holds up well no matter how you use it
    • Solid in room temperature -- just takes a little heat to melt

  • Nutritional Yeast

    • Adds a cheesy flavor to dishes
    • Delicious and Savory
    • Texture: flaky and light


[Video by The Kitchy Kitchen -- watch more on her YouTube Channel]