One word (resolution).

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful end to 2012. Looking back, it was a great year for us. We celebrated our 1 year anniversary, enjoyed several lovely vacations to visit family, found out that our family will be growing by one, and we have myriad pleasant memories to remember the past year by. I can't wait to see what 2013 will bring.

In prior years, my New Year's resolutions rarely made it past January. Last year was (as far as I can recall) the first time I ever stuck to a resolution. My goal for 2012 was to start blogging. In just 3 days I will be celebrating my one year blogiversary! Now, I definitely slowed down over the last few months; life caught up with me, and with all the other priorities blogging started to feel like a chore. That is not the attitude I want to bring here, so instead of forcing it, I gave myself a little break. However, it feels good to be back, and I'm going to try to post more regularly again (although it may only be once a week).

This year I wanted to try a different kind of resolution, a one word resolution. I saw a lot of these last year, and I really liked the idea. So maybe I'm a few years behind on this trend... c'est la vie. I think (hope) it's the best way to go considering other plans we have for the year ahead. 

My broad goal for this year is to simplify, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of our everyday lives. With a little one on the way, I think it's important to focus on what's important, and to eliminate or minimize the unnecessary distractions that waste time, energy, and money. I think another aspect of simplifying is organizing, and I want to get as organized as posible before the baby arrives (because realistically, if it's not organized before then I doubt it will happen afterwards). I am going to apply this principle to all aspects of life, but since I am a list person I also feel like I need a few specific and concrete bullet points to focus on.

* Organize our apartment
Reorganize the belongings we use and need, and get rid of the unnecessary detritus that has accumulated over the years in preparation for all of the baby stuff that will soon be flooding our small space.

* Spend less time watching TV
There are a few shows that we really enjoy watching, but too often I find that I'm watching something just because it's the most tolerable choice from the selection of bad shows that are currently on. If I don't care enough about a show to give it my full attention I will turn it off.

* Cut down on multitasking
I know that I am actually less productive when multitasking, and now it's time to actually apply that knowledge. Avoid the temptation to check email, facebook, shop stats, text messages, etc in the middle of doing something (I almost just broke this one, but caught myself in the nick of time). Close the computer when I'm spending time with the hubby (I like to think I can follow the plot of a show or movie while browsing the internet, but time and time again I have been proven wrong. If I can't even do that, how can I expect to have a genuine conversation?).

* Streamline my Etsy business
Figure out and focus on what's really productive for my Etsy shop, and cut down on the activities that  are not moving the business forward.

* Go back to blogging for myself, not for pageviews
Last year, the more I worried about pageviews, the less I enjoyed blogging. Honestly, the posts that get the most hits are never the ones I expect them to be. I might only post once a week, but I'd rather enjoy writing one genuine post than force myself to write 3 just to meet a self-imposed quota.

* Avoid overloading my schedule
I have a hard time saying "no" to people (even myself). I need to be realistic about how many tasks and activities I can actually fit into a day or week. When I stretch myself too thin, my performance everywhere suffers. I'd rather say "no" to a few requests then perform at a subpar level.

* Bonus: Finish reorganizing my Pinterest boards
Over the holidays I resorted all of my food and photography Pinterest boards (no small task - check it out!). There have been so many times when I have pinned something fabulous, and then been unable to find the pin again when I'm finally ready to put it into action. Hopefully by organizing my boards I'll be able to actually find all of those great recipes, tips, pieces of advice, and tutorials when I need them.

What are your resolutions for 2013? What resolutions have you made in the past that have been successful? What ones have failed? I'd love to hear from you.

I link up to these parties.

A big announcement (updates)!

The news is out! I'm growing an itty-bitty-teeny-weeny human being in my belly! It's been so hard to keep the news in, but we finally spread the word to friends and family, and now I get to tell you! This is part of why I haven't been blogging much lately - I have been exhausted at the end of the day. Other than that though, I am feeling great, and we can't wait to meet the newest member of our family next July!

PS: Isn't that shirt just the cutest!? The lovely Linda from Flirty Diva Tees sent it to me. I'm planning on wearing it for all of my monthly belly growth pictures (well, for at least as long as I can squeeze into it!).

Christmas Traditions Around the Globe (Guest post).

Good morning! Today I'd like to introduce you to Izzy, who's going to take us around the globe for a look at Christmas traditions in other countries. Here in San Diego, we're getting ready to put up our tree and bake some Christmas cookies. Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season as much as we are! 
- Monica

Christmas is probably the most celebrated, as well as the favorite, holiday of people all around the globe. Whether it is in Europe, America, Asia or Africa, Christmas is highly anticipated by all members of the family, who get together in order to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time to be merry and there definitely is a special vibe in the air, the so-called Christmas Spirit. Even though people all over the world enjoy Christmas, different nations mark the holiday in a different way, with their own unique traditions and customs. So, here is how folks around the globe celebrate the world's favorite family holiday:

Brazil

The nation of Brazil is a mixture of people from different ethnic groups, and since it is a former Portuguese colony, many of the Christmas customs in Brazil are from the Portuguese heritage. The equivalent of Santa Claus in Brazil is Papai Noel. According to the legend, he comes to Brazil wearing silk clothes because of the heat. People tend to recreate the birth of Christ which they call Presépio. The scene is put on display both at homes and in churches. Christmas festivities continue until January 6th, known as Three Kings Day. It is the day when the Three Wise Men visited Jesus in order to bring him gifts. In Brazil people greet each other by saying 'Feliz Natal'.

vacation homes around the world

Greenland

In Greenland different families tend to visit each other and indulge in drinking coffee and eating cakes. Presents that are given are mostly things that could come in handy – sealskin mitts, a pair of tusks or a sledge. After the cake and coffee, people give to each other Mattak, which is basically a strip of whale skin with blubber. The taste resembles that of a coconut. However, it is too tough to chew, so it’s usually just swallowed. Another famous Christmas food is Kiviak which is pretty much decomposed auk meat. It is the only night when men wait for their wives to come back home, instead of the other way round.


Ireland

Christmas in Ireland lasts eleven days – from Christmas Eve up until January 6th when the Epiphany feast takes place. The last day of Christmas is called Little Christmas. Women in Ireland tend to bake each member of the family a seed cake. Also baked are three puddings – one for each day of Epiphany. A day almost as important as Christmas is the day after it – St Stephen's Day. Plenty of meetings and football matches happen on that day. Leaving a bottle of Guiness beer and a mince pie for Santa is a tradition in Ireland. 'Merry Christmas' in Irish is 'Nollaig Shona Dhuit'.

Czech Republic

Celebrations over there begin on the 6th of December when St. Nicholas visits. In the Czech Republic he is referred to as Svaty Mikalas. He is believed to climb down from heaven on a rope made of gold, along with a whip-carrying devil and an angel. Christmas time over there is peaceful and quiet. The Christmas dinner usually consists of a baked carp. To the good children, St. Nicholas brings presents whereas the bad ones are whipped by the whip-carrying devil. At midnight families go to Pasterka (Holy Mass). The celebrations continue for three days. The Christmas wish in Czech Republic is 'Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok'.

vacation rentals in Japan

Iran

In Iran, Christmas is referred to as Little Feast. There is a fast in the first twenty five days of December during which no animal products (meat, milk, eggs) are consumed. It is a time for humility, a time for church going. The fast ends on the 25th of December and the Christmas dinner consists of plenty of meat. People are granted the permission to break fast when they attend Mass in order to receive Communion. Children in Iran have never heard of Santa Claus and exchange no presents. However, they do receive presents, mostly in the form of new clothes. A traditional Christmas meal in Iran is a type of chicken stew. In Iran, you greet with 'Merry Christmas' by saying 'Kerismas Mobārak'.


Japan

In Japan only 1% of the population believes in Christ. However, most people decorate their homes and stores with evergreens. The other part of Christmas they celebrate is exchanging gifts. The person that acts like Santa Claus is a Buddhist monk; he is called Hotei-osho. Children believe that Hotei-osho has eyes on the back of his head, and therefore they do their best to behave whenever he is around. The little Christian families in Japan spend the day helping those in need, for example, by visiting hospitals. In Japanese, 'Merry Christmas' is 'Shinnen omedeto'.


Christmas is basically celebrated all over the globe. Even in countries where Christianity is not the official religion, people respect the holiday and share it with those who do celebrate it.

A treasury bonanza (treasury Tuesday).

Hello! It's been a while so I wanted to pop in to say "Hi," and to let y'all know I'm still alive and kicking over here. Life's been pretty busy recently, and I just haven't had the time or energy to blog. With the holidays coming up December's guaranteed to be another busy month as well. I'm hoping to get back to blogging regularly in the new year. For now, enjoy these lovely treasuries that I've been featured in this month.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

Literary Second Life

San Diego Red Gold & White Christmas

Geographia

Cute and Quirky Christmas

Het Wilhelmus!

Healthy recipe substitutions (guest post by Bridget Sanderford).

Today I'd like to introduce you to Bridget Sanderford. She is a freelance writer for CulinarySchools.org, which is an excellent resource for anyone who is thinking of attending a culinary art school. She's sharing some of her best tips and tricks to make healthy substitutions in your recipes with us (I added the photos). Take it away Bridget!

Healthy Recipe Substitutions

Cakes and cookies are delicious treats, but they aren't necessarily the best foods for you to eat. Some of our favorite foods are often loaded with too much fat and sugar, making them unhealthy indulgences. However, that doesn't mean we have to avoid these treats completely or only enjoy them once in a blue moon.

Lighten these cuties up!

There are many healthy substitutions you can use to make your recipes healthier so you can enjoy your favorites more often and without guilt. Here are a few common substitutions you can try to make your recipes healthier:

Sugars

Refined sugars plague a number of dishes, especially baked goods. However, you can use natural sweeteners to make these dishes just as sweet while also improving their nutrient profile. Here are a few ideas:

• Unsweetened applesauce. Substitute one-to-one in place of sugar.
• Vanilla. Use half the sugar and add a teaspoon of vanilla to enhance flavor while reducing overall sugar.
• Cacao. Chocolate starts as cacao and then lots of sugar and milk is added. Cacao gives you the flavor without all the extras.

Some other substitutions include:

• Stevia (a natural herb with zero calories)
• Raw honey
• Dates
• Fruit

You will have to experiment with these ingredients to determine the amounts to substitute to make up for the same sweetness as sugar. 

Image source

Fats

Butter, oils, and cream are in so many dishes, both sweet and savory. Fortunately, there are many healthy recipe swaps you can make so that these dishes aren't as fatty. Here are a few ideas:

• Cooking spray. Use this to line your pans or skillets instead of butter or oil.
• Egg whites. Use two egg whites instead of a whole egg.
• Greek yogurt. Use in place of sour cream for less fat and far more nutrients.
• Evaporated skim milk. Use one-to-one in place of cream.

Some other possible substitutions include:

• Broth
• Avocado
• Prunes
• Bananas
• Applesauce

Many of these can be substituted in place of butter or oil. You must experiment with your particular recipe to find out what ratios work best to preserve flavor.

Of course, there are also many fat-free or reduced-fat versions of foods such as meats and dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Opting for lower-fat versions is an easy way to cut the fat without making substitutions or sacrificing flavor.

Image source

You don't have to give up on your favorites dishes because they are loaded with unhealthy ingredients such as fat and sugar. You can try some of these substitutions to make healthier versions of those dishes so  you can enjoy them whenever you want.

What are your favorite recipe substitutions to make your dishes healthier? Share your tips in the comments!

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance writer and researcher for Culinaryschools.org, where recently she’s been researching pastry chef degrees and top culinary art schools. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting, and working on her first cookbook.

I link up to these parties.

Removing jar labels (testing Pinterest).

If you're anything like me, you have about a gazillion things pinned that you want to try out "someday." Well, last week I decided that "someday" had finally come for a few of those pins. The first one I tested was this pin from Don't Waste the Crumbs on removing stubborn jar labels.

Jars make simple and sweet vases when they are all cleaned up.

Fall in red (treasury Tuesday).

This collection makes my heart happy. Red is perfect for this season.

Fall in Red by Yenny Cocq