Saturday, December 7, 2013

It Smells Like Holiday Spirit

It's that time of the year again when the holiday spirit is among us. I admit it's been hard to get into since my brother revealed to me during the age of 7 that Santa Claus is just one of our family members dressed all old, jolly, and plump. But since then, I've definitely learned that the holiday spirit isn't just about the idea of Santa Claus spreading the holiday cheer. It's just whether or not you have the desire and motivation to maintain this energy and keep the holiday spirit about you. 

Also, we often reflect about occurrences that impacted us during the past year around this time, and by New Year's, most people try making resolutions for improvement. Aside from thinking of things you want to change though, I hope you all have at least one thing you can reflect upon when you look back on the past year where you can say to yourself, "Hey, that was pretty awesome." And by doing that, you may just be taking a microstep towards having a bit of holiday spirit in you. 

The Ginger Bread House

Ever baked and built a ginger bread house? I never had, but the holiday spirit around me brought one my way, and hey, that's pretty awesome.


New house and new perspectives, but still all in all maintaining a true sense of the self... The Ginger Bread House tastes as sweet as ever. Though I know it won't last forever, like most if not all things, at least it can be embraced now, in this moment, and that must count for something.

The Holiday Tree

Among the new perspectives I've gained over the past year is the idea of having a Holiday Tree. 

I grew up in a family and household that only invested in a fake holiday tree. Over time, I became the only family member with enough holiday spirit to place effort and time into setting up and decorating the tree. After this and the fact that my brother revealed the truth of Santa Claus to me, I thought, "Okay then, why bother?" #scrooge

It's been many years since then, each holiday season lacking a physical holiday spirit, but I've since then focused on the psychosocial aspect of the holiday spirit, stemming from enjoying good food and company of friends and family. Not a bad thing, in my opinion. But then a fresh (not fake) Douglas Fir tree appeared in my house, and all of a sudden, it smells like holiday spirit.


I found myself enjoying the effort of decorating the tree once more. I certainly wouldn't have felt this from doing it alone, though I'm quite happy being lazy with regards to this recreational effort, but it was a nice refreshing feeling. And hey, that's pretty awesome.

Happy holidays to you all, and may you find at least one thing in the past year that you thought was pretty awesome.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

A Taste of Romanesco Broccoli

If you were to look at Romanesco broccoli, what thoughts come to mind?


This exquisite vegetable provides a slightly sweeter palate versus the common broccoli and by far is much tastier than the common cauliflower.

As an example healthy recipe, you can cut it into smaller pieces and stir-fry it in olive oil, add some sweet carrots and fresh cranberries (though I advise adding a bit if sugar; I used one pack of Sweet & Low for a sugar substitute to reduce the bitterness of the cranberries), and see if you like it with your turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving.

Available at a local Northern California (United States) Farmer's Market (advertised recently for $2/lb). 

Give it a try and enjoy the taste of the Romanesco - รจ deliziosa!