SOTD: Pumpkin Pie

It's time for Smoothie of the Day! Do I even need to explain this one to you? It's fall. Obviously I'm hitting the pumpkin pretty hard already. Here's some proof:

First attempt at a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.

That's the one I made yesterday. It was pretty good, but not quite good enough. So I made some changes this morning, and that's the recipe we're going to run with. Freezing the banana is always better, and the canned coconut milk adds some nice texture too. I'm not going to say it tastes just like pumpkin pie, because I don't generally drink pie. But it's pretty good and if you're like me and fall = PUMPKIN ALL THE THINGS, then it's probably worth your time. Obviously it's not as sweet since we're trying to be all healthy and crap, but you could always add some honey if you like. Or adding vanilla ice cream would probably turn this into a pretty great milkshake.

Take two, now with more ingredients!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (paleo, vegan)
(I didn't do much measuring other than the spices, so the amounts are -ish.)

1/2 c. pumpkin purée
2 T. canned coconut milk
1 T. almond butter (mine is maple/almond)
1 frozen banana
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. vanilla extract
1/8 t. ground ginger
1/8 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 - 1 c. of your smoothie-thinner of choice (I used boxed coconut milk.)

Put everything into your blending device. The amount of smoothie-thinner is up to you. I maybe ended up using 1/2-3/4 of a cup. You can always add more if needed. All the other ingredients are pretty thick though, so might use more, especially if you prefer you smoothies thinner than I do. Blend away, captain. I also added a couple big chunks of ice to mine afterwards to keep it cold on my way to work. And I am slurping it as we speak.

Let me know in the comments if you try it! I'm also considering adding espresso powder or using cold coffee as thinner next time to PSL this business. I don't know how that will work with the banana, but we'll find out. Happy fall to you!

Food: Paleo Zuppa Toscana

I made soup for dinner last night. I spent the long, holiday weekend helping my parents move my baby brother across a few states for his new big-kid job. By the time I got home Monday afternoon, I was ready to crash, but knew I'd wake up at 3am and not be able to sleep anymore. So, I made soup. I have several easy soup recipes in my brain-storage because most soup is easy and also I love it. Here's one of my favorites, inspired by The Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana with some changes from yours truly. It's paleo if you're alright with dairy, but you could probably sub in coconut milk if you prefer. As long as you make it, because it's delicious. Warm, creamy, savory, a little spicy and a little sweet. So good.

Some soup I made. And Instagram'd.

Paleo Zuppa Toscana
1 lb Italian sausage
1 onion (Mine was white, but any onion will work.)
3 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp of thyme
2 cups diced butternut squash (I got the pre-cut kind in the bag. [Lazy.])
1 bunch of kale
6 cups of broth (I used one carton chicken and one can of beef. It's what I had, don't judge.)
1/2 cup half-and-half (This is a guess; I didn't measure it. I also I usually use heavy cream instead.)

Put your soup pan on the stove. Turn heat to medium. Add your sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. I leave mine in larger pieces that seem like they'll fit on a spoon with some of their friends. (Or you could cook then dice links of sausage if that's what you like. I'm not the boss of you.) While your sausage is cooking, open a beer. (That's just for you, not the recipe.) Also, chop your onion in to similar friendly pieces and mince your garlic. Wash your hands if that smell bothers you, vampire. Check on the sausage. If the sausage is browned, add the onions and garlic. (If not, drink some more beer.) After the aromatics are in, add your seasonings. I guessed at those measurements, but obviously use as much or little as you like, especially of the red pepper flakes. When the onion starts getting transparent, add the squash. Let it cook for a few minutes while you remove the stems from your kale, chop it, wash it thoroughly, and let it drain (I use my salad spinner). When the squash starts to get soft, add the broth. Season it some more if it seems like it needs it. Add the kale. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down and let it cook until you like the texture of the kale. I like mine kind of crunchy still, so I pretty much turned it off after the boil. Stir in your half-and-half and nom away!

ReFashion I: Vintage Wool Coat

You all know I love thrift stores, but part of their nature is that you might find something you like but it doesn't fit you. Or you would like it more if it was slightly different. Well, a while ago, I discovered ReFashionista.net and was majorly inspired. Since I don't own a sewing machine or dress form, I have been slow to start refashioning things (although I do have a small to-do pile in my closet).

Fast forward to one of the many thrift store trolling days I have with my sister, and me finding a lovely red, vintage wool coat that fits me perfectly! However, I am kind of a shorty and this coat was almost floor-length. TOO MUCH RED! Also, shoulder pads = ew. But it was half-price day and I loved it, so $2.50 coat came home with me.

The alterations were pretty easy. The coat has visible stitches anyway, so that made it pretty easy for me to hand-sew, since I just had to keep mine looking about the same, and now having to worry about the thread being seen.

My room was messy and my cell phone was old!

So long story short: I made a long coat short! And ripped out the shoulder pads, obviously. With the length hacked down, it is much more flattering on my short frame. I would call ReFashion I a success! Apologies for the crap pictures; I'll have to remember to haul out the tripod next time!

Makeover May: Days 26-30!

Sunday, May 26
Hours of sleep: 10

B - Bacon, Smoothie (pineapple, banana, orange juice)
L - Snap peas, Blackberries
D - Pulled pork, salad (romaine, bacon, avocado, apple, walnuts)


Activity: Party at Hannah and BJs
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

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Monday, May 27
Hours of sleep: 7

L - Grilled chicken salad
D - Spaghetti squash with meat sauce
S - Snap peas, Iced tea


Activity: Memorial Day parade and lunch with Andrea and Steph
Non-essential money spent on: Coffee shop.

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Tuesday, May 28
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Smoothie (strawberry, banana, coconut milk)
L - Grilled chicken and veggies, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - HBE, Carrot


Activity: Memorial Day parade and lunch with Andrea and Steph
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

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Wednesday, May 29
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Smoothie (apple, banana, coconut milk, almond butter, cinnamon), Iced tea
L - Grilled chicken and veggies, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - Steak w/ mushrooms and onions, Carrots


Activity: Laundry at Mom and Dad's
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

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Thursday, May 30
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Iced tea, Almonds [forgot my smoothie at home :(]
L - Grilled chicken and veggies, Snap peas, 1/2 Orange, Iced green tea
D - Hamburger w. onions and mushrooms, Sweet potato homefries


Activity: Dinner/meeting at Mom and Dad's
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

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THE END! WHEW!

Makeover May: Days 21-25

Tuesday, May 21
Hours of sleep: 4

B - Banana, Almonds, Iced tea
L - Hamburger with mushrooms and onions, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - Chicken, zucchini, Iced green tea
S - HBE

Activity: Laundry, Played with my nephews
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

My new snacking BFFs.

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Wednesday, May 22
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Bacon, Iced green tea
L - Hamburger with mushrooms and onions, Snap peas, Carrots, Blackberries
D - Chicken with zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers
S - Smoothie (coconut butter, banana, pineapple, orange juice)

Activity: Played with my nephews
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.
Wednesday Weigh-In: 146.0 (down 3.5 pounds from last week)

Mmm, pineapple smoothie.

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Thursday, May 23
Hours of sleep: 8

B - Smoothie (apple, banana, coconut milk, almond butter, cinnamon)
L - Hamburger with mushrooms and onions, Snap peas, Kiwi
D - Sausage, Roasted broccoli, Iced green tea
S - Almonds

Activity: Cleaning the house
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

Roasted broccoli is the best vegetable.

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Friday, May 24
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Smoothie (coconut butter, banana, pineapple, orange juice)
L - Sausage, Asparagus, HBE, Carrots, Blackberries
D - Steak w. onions and mushrooms, Mixed veggies
S - Iced green tea, Almonds

Activity: Birthday party for my parents' friend
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

This was one of the best steaks I've ever had!

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Saturday, May 25
Hours of sleep: 7
B - Smoothie (pineapple, raspberry, banana, orange juice)
L - Sausage, Asparagus, Blackberries
D - Cedar plank salmon, Veggie kabobs, Grilled pineapple
S - Sweet potato chips, Coconut milk ice cream

Activity: First grilling out of the season! And it was awesome!
Non-essential money spent on: Some grill accessories I didn't have.

So pretty and SO good!

Makeover May: Days 16-20

Thursday, May 16
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Bacon, Banana
L - Taco salad, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - HBE, Bacon
S - Sweet potato chips

Activity: Drove to Columbus
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing

Here is something I refrained from buying!

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Friday, May 17
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Smoothie (blueberry nectar, banana, almonds, flax seeds)
L - Salad (lettuce, carnitas, salsa, guacamole)
D - Salad (lettuce, cabbage, bacon, apples, avocado, almonds), Iced tea
S - Sweet potato chips, Dried blueberries

Activity: Saw Fall Out Boy in concert!
Non-essential money spent on: Eating out (Chipotle/North Star), Baby shower supplies

This concert was awesome!

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Saturday, May 18
Hours of sleep: 10

L - Taco meat, Roasted broccoli, Raspberries
D - Hamburger with mushrooms and onions, Iced tea
S - Sweet potato chips, Coconut milk ice cream

Activity: Saw Star Trek 2 and went for a bike ride with Justin
Non-essential money spent on: Starbucks, Movie tickets

I wore my VFFs on my first bike ride on my new-to-me bike!

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Sunday, May 19
Hours of sleep: 10

B - Banana, Dried blueberries, Almonds
L - Sausage, Eggs, Iced green tea
D - HBE, Bacon, 1/2 hamburger
S - Iced tea, Coconut milk ice cream

Activity:Worked out with Justin
Non-essential money spent on: Starbucks

I didn't take any pictures of my food, but here's a pretty cloud.

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Monday, May 20
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Smoothie (1/2 banana, peaches, raspberries, iced green tea), Iced tea
L - Salad (lettuce, carnitas, salsa, guacamole)
D - HBE, Bacon, Snap peas
S - Popsicle (banana, coconut milk, cocoa powder)

Activity: Baking for the coffee shop
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

My new favorite iced tea: Market Spice Black.

Makeover May: Days 11-15

Saturday, May 11
Hours of sleep: 8

B - Sausage, Egg, Asparagus
L - HBE, Pork rinds, Iced green tea
D - Spaghetti squash w/ meat sauce, Chicken
S - Carrots, Snap peas

Activity: Worked in the flower shop
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

Making Mother's Day corsages!

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Sunday, May 12
Hours of sleep: 9

B - Eggs, Sausage, Sweet potato homefries
D - Burger w/ mushrooms and onions, Green beans, Applesauce, Iced tea*
S - Popsicle (banana, coconut milk, cocoa powder)

Activity: Shopping with Justin
Non-essential money spent on: *Texas Roadhouse

I have solved the needing-chocolate problem. You're welcome.

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Monday, May 13
Hours of sleep: 5

B - Smoothie (blueberries, raspberries, 1/2 pear, blueberry nectar, lemon juice)
L - Chicken, Asparagus, Carrots, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - Grilled zucchini w/ meat sauce
S - HBE, Coconut ice cream, Pineapple

Activity: Baking for the coffee shop
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

My first smoothie in the Magic Bullet!

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Tuesday, May 14
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Smoothie (apple, 1/2 banana, almond butter, coconut milk, cinnamon)
L - Chicken, Grilled zucchini w/ meat sauce, Snap peas, Pineapple, Iced tea*
D - Tacos! (taco-spiced beef and salsa wrapped in lettuce)
S - HBE, Blackberries

Activity: Played tennis with Andrea!
Non-essential money spent on: *Relax It's Just Coffee, Tennis balls

I don't know who decided "Taco Tuesday" was a thing, but I like it.

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Wednesday, May 15
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Bacon, Banana, Iced green tea
L - Tacos, Snap peas, Blackberries
D - Zucchini with meat sauce, HBE
S - Juice, Almonds

Activity: Lunch in the park, Laundry
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing
Wednesday Weigh-In: 149.5 (down 0.5 pounds from last week)

Tasty lunch AND squirrel-watching.

Makeover May: Days 6-10

Monday, May 6
Hours of sleep: 7

B - 2 Eggs, Sausage, Iced green tea*
L - Chicken fajitas, Pear, Iced green tea
D - Steak, Sautéed kale with bacon, shallots, and vinegar
S - Almonds, Pork rinds, Coconut milk ice cream

Activity: Baking for the coffee shop, blogging ;)
Non-essential money spent on: *Starbucks

Sautéed kale: So good I forgot I made a steak!

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Tuesday, May 7
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Smoothie (blueberries, raspberries, iced green tea, 1/2 pear)
L - Chicken, Carrots, Blackberries, Almonds, Iced green tea
D - Spaghetti squash w/ marinara and mushrooms
S - Pork rinds, Hard-boiled egg

Activity: Laundry at Mom & Dad's
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing

Stack of lunch!

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Wednesday, May 8
Hours of sleep: 6

B - Bacon, Smoothie (1/2 apple, 1/2 banana, almond butter, coconut milk, cinnamon)
L - Fajita chicken w/ onions, peppers, and mushrooms, Carrots, Kiwi, Iced green tea
D - Steak & Egg, Blackberries, Coconut ice cream
S - Pork rinds, Hard-boiled egg, Savory Coconut Flakes

Activity: Wedding talk and PPL with twin
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.
Wednesday Weigh-In: 150.0 (down 4.5 pounds from last week!)

Apple Dumpling smoothie and bacon!

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Thursday, May 9
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Smoothie (1/2 apple, 1/2 banana, almond butter, coconut milk, cinnamon)
L - Chipotle Salad! (lettuce, carnitas, salsa, guacamole)
D - Sausage, Asparagus
S - HBE, Coconut ice cream

Activity: Library, Cooking
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

Mmm, Chipotle. Thanks Dad!

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Friday, May 10
Hours of sleep: 7.5

B - Smoothie (1/2 pear, blueberries, raspberries, iced green tea)
L - Steak w/ onions and mushrooms, Carrots, Blackberries
D - Chicken, Asparagus, Sugar snap peas, Blackberries
S - Grilled pineapple

Activity: Reverse Book Club at Hannah's
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing.

I made grilled pineapple and faux-jitos for Girls' Night!

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Makeover May Running Totals:
Weekly weigh-in: 150
Average hours of sleep: 6.7
Paleo-ness of food: 99.9%
Nights not spent just watching tv: 4/5
Amount of non-essential money spent: $3.50 

Makeover May: Days 1-5

Wednesday, May 1
Hours of sleep: 5

Breakfast - Smoothie (blueberry, pineapple, coconut milk)
Lunch - Salad with steak, Carrot, Strawberries
Dinner - Chicken, Avocado, Sweet potato hash, Iced green tea
Snack - 1/2 Apple, Almond Butter

Activity: Reverse Book Club with Andrea
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing
Wednesday Weigh-In: 154.5

First whole30 dinner and it was good!

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Thursday, May 2
Hours of sleep: 6.5

B - Smoothie (strawberry, spinach, banana, coconut oil, coconut milk)
L - Chicken, Sweet potato hash, 1/2 Orange, Iced green tea
D - Zucchini, Steak w/ onions, mushrooms, and arugula
S - Blackberries, Almonds, Coconut butter

Activity: Clean out car
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing

Blackberries and almonds in my cute containers

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Friday, May 3
Hours of sleep: 7

B - Bacon, Banana
L - Chicken, Sweet potato hash, 1/2 Orange, Iced green tea
D - Spaghetti squash, Meat sauce, Green tea
S - Blackberries, Almonds

Activity: Movie with Justin
Non-essential money spent on: $1 lottery ticket

Made spaghetti squash at the boyfriend's request.

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Saturday, May 4
Hours of sleep: 9

B - Sausage, Egg (over-easy!), Raspberries, Coffee w/ coconut milk
L - Chili, Carrots
D - Salad, Steak, Asparagus
S - Smoothie (mixed berries, 1/2 pear, blueberry juice, lemon juice)

Activity: Walk/workout with Justin, Tyler's fancy dinner
Non-essential money spent on: Nothing

The first time I tried eggs over-easy!

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Sunday, May 5
Hours of sleep: 6ish

B - 2 Eggs, Sausage, Green tea, Mixed fruit (strawberries, pineapple, blueberries)
L - 2 Burger patties (w/ lettuce, grilled onions and mushrooms)*, Carrots, Blackberries/Raspberries
D - Fajita chicken w/ peppers, onions, mushrooms
S - Almonds, Smoothie (strawberry/banana), Coconut milk ice cream

Activity: Tyler's Graduation!
Non-essential money spent on: *Five Guys

Chicken fajitas for Cinco de Mayo

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Makeover May Running Totals:
Weekly weigh-in: 154.5
Average hours of sleep: 6.5
Paleo-ness of food: 100%
Nights not spent just watching tv: 4/5
Amount of non-essential money spent: $8.50

Makeover May 2013

Hey friends! May 2013 starts in a little over a week. Why am I pointing out the obvious, you ask? Because I have big plans for May. I'm calling it Makeover May and here is what I'm making over:

1. My Eating
Why? I went 70/30 paleo for a while about a year ago and it worked well, but then I got mono or something and fell off the wagon. Since then, I've only been around 50/50 paleo or less. And I'm sick of looking in the mirror and thinking "meh" about how I look. I've done quite a bit of reading about being paleo/primal, and have even been attending an on-going lecture series called, My Boyfriend Is A Personal Trainer And Talks About It A Lot.
How? I'm doing a Whole30. Strict paleo, 30 days, no cheating. I've already identified what will be the hardest for me (caffeine and "social eating"), and have started working on ways to avoid the temptation. For example, Justin is doing it with me, because I made him promise not to try to talk me into getting pizza on weekends because I know I'll cave. Who doesn't cave for pizza?

2. My Spending
Why? I've been noticing lately how many bags I carry into my apartment. Maybe it's because they feel heavier when you have to walk up 20 stairs, or maybe it's because I've just accumulated a lot of stuff. Either way, I know I buy more stuff than I actually need. I bought three bottles of nail polish in the last two weeks; obviously not because I needed it.
How? Well, obviously, I'm just not going to buy unnecessary stuff. I'm still going to pay my bills and go to the doctor if I get sick, but I'm definitely not buying clothes or cosmetics. This applies to junk food like chips and alcohol too, but since I'll already be not-eating that stuff on the Whole30, I obviously won't be spending money on it.

3. My Downtime
Why? I do a lot of pointless sitting. I sit all day at work, and it seems like the minute I sit on the couch to eat dinner at home, I am glued there for the rest of the evening. I don't have cable or anything, but I rent a lot of movies from the library and have the TV on pretty much all the time. I love to read, but I think I've only read one book so far this year. Also, I have a hard time getting up early because I stay up too late, but I'm staying up late just to watch movies I literally have memorized. Lame.
How? Well, for starters, I'll have more free time from not aimlessly wandering around Target or Walmart. I've got my "to read" list split based on which library branch has which books, so I know what to look for when I'm there. I'm going to go for more walks, play with my nephews, basically anything that isn't just sitting in front of the TV like a potato every day. And if I do want to watch a movie, I'm going to do something else at the same time, like finish some of those previously-mentioned craft projects!

What does all this have to do with you? Well, technically, nothing. Unless of course, you'd be interested in joining me in this challenge. :) I am a big believer in having other people to help keep you on track, because I know I do better that way. That is why I'm putting this out there; because I know it's not going to be easy for me, so I'd appreciate some help staying accountable. If you want to follow along, I'll be attempting to share at least one aspect of the challenge every day via Twitter, either what I'm cooking, reading, or doing in my free time.

So you have about a week to decide: are you going to join me and Makeover May? If your answer is yes, I definitely want to know what you want to makeover! Your basement? Your bad habits? Your skin-care regimen? Tell me in the comments and follow me on Twitter for my #makeovermay updates, starting bright and early on May 1st!

Food: Cheesecake Dippers

Let's say it's Friday afternoon and your friends are having a party later. Your only instructions were, "bring some food." You don't have time to cook/bake/etc, so what do you do?! Well people, I have your answer: I call them Cheesecake Dippers (as of just now, when I needed something to call them.)

Philadelphia makes this Cheesecake Filling which is actually pretty delicious! Pick up a tub of that at your grocery store and a couple kinds of Graham crackers for dipping. As you can see, I still enjoy Teddy Grahams. I also grabbed a couple kinds of berries to go with them. After I left the store, it occurred to me that I should've gotten some mini chocolate chips too. Nom nom.

My favorite combination was the regular graham sticks and raspberries. But since there are about a million kinds of cheesecake, the possibilities are pretty much endless. Caramel sauce and chopped pecans? Oreos and hot fudge? I have to stop suggesting things now because I'm getting hungry. So there you go: a quick and easy dessert for all your last-minute party needs!

SOTD - 01.24.13

Are you up to the challenge of making today's Smoothie of the Day?!
Fun Fact: it's not really a challenge. I just want to remember how to make this again sometime.

1 small banana
1/2 (ish) c. frozen blueberries
2 kale ice cubes (method found here)
spoonful (virgin) coconut oil
almond milk

You know your smoothie? It's all bluuue.

Aside from being tasty, this smoothie was a success because:
1. Those kale cubes blended in better than straight up, raw kale.
2. It is dairy free, if you like that sort of thing.
3. I bought a giant bucket of frozen blueberries last fall, so anything with blueberries wins.

So there you have it! What are you drinking this snowy Thursday morning? Yes, it's 11 degrees outside, I brushed an inch of snow off my car, and I had a smoothie for breakfast. Don't worry though, I've now moved on to one of my favorite teas.

Things I Like to Smell - Vol. I

Do you have certain scents that trigger memories for you? Or, conversely, when you reflect on some time, place, or person that was special to you, does a smell come with that memory? It does for me. For example, freshly baked bread smells like being home because my mom is the best at making bread. Even though my first boyfriend was over a decade ago, I can still tell when I walk by someone wearing the same cologne. And after my grandma passed away, I considered buying some vintage Avon talc powder at a flea market  because she had it in her bathroom for as long as I can remember.

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Anyone who spends a significant amount of time around me will quickly learn how much I like to smell things. Justin and I almost always spend some time smelling seasonal candles wherever we find them. Teavana and Penzeys both endeared themselves to me from my first visits, simply because you're allowed to smell all the things. And sometimes when I am sad or bored, I will go to a grocery store and stand around smelling the different body washes or fabric softeners. I'm well aware that it's things like this that make me obviously normal and not weird at all.

Without further ado, here are some things I am currently fond of smelling. This volume of Things I Like to Smell was inspired by my friend Kerry's post on beating the winter blues. Even though we had a freakishly nice weekend (high five, global warming!) it is back to feeling wintery here in Ohio and these are the smells that cheer me up despite the weather.

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1. Sea Spray from Lush Cosmetics
My friend Vicky gave me some of this and it has gradually become my new BFF. I like it for all its intended reasons (like making me not look as if I'm trying to cosplay Hermione Granger in my daily life) but the most surprising thing for me was the scent. This product is the perfect reminder of sunny, windy, sea-salty days. I don't know how they do it, but I've found it a pleasant surprise to catch a whiff of summer when it's all of 12 degrees outside.

2. Orange & Cranberry Scones
Whether it's because this is the first flavor I ever made, or just the fact that citrus is such a happy smell, baking off a batch of these scones always smells the best to me. Find a recipe, make yourself some tea, and and eat one while they're still warm from the oven. Trust me on this.

3. Stauf's Market Spice Tea
Speaking of tea, this one is amazing. It tends to get cold before I can finish it because I'm always torn between wanting to keep smelling it and wanting to drink it. If you like orange-y cinnamon teas, this is the best one I've had yet.

4. Woodsmoke
My parents have a wood-burning stove in their house, so this is another smell that always reminds me of home. The combination of clean, cold air and the drifting smoke never fails to take me back to the days of bundling up and going out to play in the snow with my brothers.

5. Homemade Yujacha
I found this post on Pinterest about a Korean concoction of honey and lemons that you add to hot water to make a drink that's good for fighting colds. Since I love honey and lemons, I had to try it. I also added slices of fresh ginger to mine, and sweet merciful heavens it could not possibly smell any better than it does. It also tastes good, which I was concerned about with leaving the pith of the lemon in there. I am almost through my first jar of it, and I haven't even been sick.

So am I the only one who just wanders though life smelling things? Or could I run into you in the laundry aisle the next time I'm lurking in a grocery store? Either way, I hope you get to smell some of your favorite things today too! As for me, I think I'll be making some tea shortly!