Drying fruit is another ancient holiday tradition that is easy, economical, and enjoyable. The end result is almost as beautiful, festive, and aromatic as the process itself. The dried fruit can be used in so many different ways during the holidays and beyond. Our ancestors included it in their holiday decor and gave it as gifts in an effort to invite good fortune, abundance, prosperity, and longevity into their lives and the lives of their loved ones in the coming year. Your first step is to choose which fruit you want to dry. I’m doing mandarin oranges and apples but…
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If you’re anything like me, there is a bit of regret and disappointment in the air if you don’t take the time to create special things for your home and those you love during the holiday season. Sometimes the hustle and bustle win out and those “little” things start feeling like extra things that you can’t spare the time for, maybe don’t have the money for, and can’t possibly manage to get done. But making and taking the time to create special things with special people during the holiday season should, in reality, be at the top of all of…
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For me…this really is the most wonderful time of the year. There is a magical quality about Christmas that really speaks to my romantic nature. The lights, the love, the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, the warmth of a fire, and promises of gatherings with family and friends really help light the darkest of days. Many of the customs and traditions that we still adhere to today are rooted in ancient winter festivals that were centered around the winter solstice. Neolithic henges in Northern Europe that are aligned to the winter solstice have produced archeological evidence of…
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I was trapped in a vortex when my sister’s book report landed in my inbox. Her first line is “How is it Thanksgiving” and just like that…it’s Christmas. I feel so bad. I had the thought that perhaps there is a lesson here. Maybe…we should take a little extra time to be Thankful this year. And just maybe…before diving headlong into the holiday season we should give ourselves one last slow, cozy, Fall day…snuggled up with one of these books, a blanket, a warm beverage, and perhaps a candle or twenty. Here are Julie’s suggestions for just such a day.…