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Hi Reader,

I received a number of emails from last week's letter about dealing with long winter days - it's good to be a part of a community that's encouraging and helps you know you're not alone.😀 A big thing I was reminded of was the power of music to lift our spirits and I need to make more time for music in my life!

And a number of people join me in focusing on the good - like the sunshine and couple of 60 degree days this last week, plus this other huge thing I'm grateful for:

A friend came over and helped Brian install the metal roof on my long-dreamed-of side porch!😍 It now is a close match to the front porch, although the slope didn't allow me to take a photo that shows it well.

There's obviously still a lot to do, but we're that much closer. I can't wait to have this space to cook, eat, and relax on - and to be able to finally use the kitchen door, lol.

December Dinner Ideas

Here's a week of easy dinner menus from December's Menu Ideas (a full 4 weeks), especially chosen to be quick and healthy to provide a bit of balance this month. 😀

1. ​Fast & Easy Curried Red Lentil Soup, green salad with homemade vinaigrette, Easy Artisan Bread​
2. Rotisserie or Slow Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken, Simple Corn, Pepper & Onion Saute (using frozen corn & peppers), Baked Tasty Rice​
3. ​Greek Style Shrimp & Orzo, green salad with balsamic vinaigrette​
4. ​Sausage, Bean & Greens Gratin, Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese salad (using frozen beets)
5. Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce, green salad with homemade vinaigrette​
6. ​Homemade pesto pizza or make-your-own-pizza bar for a fun meal if you have guests.

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Easy Christmas Candy & Goodies

These are the things that are super popular with people, but don't fit in the cookie category. Most of them also use only a few ingredients and take minimal time to make, so are great for last minute parties or gifts (just pack in a jar or dollar store bowl).

• ​Easy Caramel Corn Recipe + Moose Munch Variation (No Corn Syrup, No Thermometer) and the peppermint version: Easy Peppermint Caramel Corn Recipe Without Corn Syrup​
• ​Quick Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles Recipe​
• ​Easy Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Balls (Honey Sweetened, Dairy Free)​
• ​Classic Cream Cheese Mints with Dark Chocolate​
• ​Easy Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters – Low Sugar, 3 Ingredients​

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Your Holiday Checklist Week 8

​The Holiday Planner (click for immediate download) can help anytime you start. Here is week eight's checklist to help keep us on track.😀

This is when you really notice the benefits of planning a little ahead - only a few things to do!👏

From The Blog

​25 Sweet & Savory Christmas Breads​ 25 of the best sweet and savory Christmas bread recipes for simple, seasonal holiday loaves for brunch, dinner, appetizers, and homemade gifts. ​ RECIPES HERE! ​

​Lentil Curry Soup In A Jar​ Easy soup in a jar gift with a hearty lentil curry soup mix. A budget-friendly, homemade recipe that’s simple to assemble and cook. ​ HOW TO & RECIPE HERE! ​

​Favorite Grated Baked Carrots with Lemon & Garlic​ Simple yet amazing baked carrots made with grated carrots, lemon, and garlic is a quick, healthy side full of flavor and nutrition. (And by amazing, I mean my daughter has asked for this for her birthday dinner!) ​ RECIPE HERE! ​

A Few More Things

I'm listening to this cute, lighthearted story about a lonely woman who finds a place to belong in a small English village. No stress, no worry, just a nice listen where you pretty much know how it will turn out which is just about perfect right now.😀

​This inexpensive faux-leather notebook was recommended by an author I follow and I'm super impressed! It feels so great and has an index and areas to number pages with a back-cover envelope, not to mention the thick, nice pages. I'm giving some as gifts, they are so nice.

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I'm so grateful to have this space to share with you - thanks so much for reading and here's to a great week! 💜

Know someone who'd appreciate this? Forward it along!

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