Bring the Sunshine

Surround yourself with those who bring the sunshine with them. 🌟⁠
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We soak up the energy of the people we are around. ⁠
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Of course this doesn't mean to avoid people who are sad. No. ⁠
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It just means to seek out those who bring out your light and who make you want to be a better person. ⁠
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I've been reading a great book entitled, 'Habits of a Happy Brain,' by Loretta Graziano Breuning, Phd. She talks about how we can design joy and wire it into our neurons based on the habits we form. ⁠
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Five tips to make this winter amazing versus. . . not:⁠
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❄️Play in the snow. NO EXCUSES. In Seattle, there is a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing preparation. Truth my friends. Hike in it, ski! or learn to ski, go for pretty drives in the canyon and pack a thermos and a plaid blanket picnic. . . you get the idea.⁠
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❄️Not a skier? Create a girls snowday in and instead ride the gondola, then get lunch together in the ski lodge. Enjoy these beautiful mountains we have access to. ⁠
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❄️Make a 'Cozy Evening Plan' which involves a fireplace, next level hot cocoa (recipes at the bottom of this post) and your significant other. Play chess or whatever else you enjoy together. 💋 (Do this one often.)⁠
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❄️Winter book club anyone? 🙋🏼 Form a winter only book club and host at your home to make things easy on everyone. Potluck and cozy jammies and books and girlfriends sounds like the perfect recipe of 'amazing' to me. ⁠
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❄️Write old-fashioned letters each week to anyone who comes to mind that might need some love. This one will take a little more prayerful insight, but you'll be surprised how much light it can give. Remind others, "You are loved. You are wanted. You are not alone."⁠
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Surround yourself with those who bring the sunshine with them. 🌟⁠
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And when possible, be the bringer of the sunshine. ⁠

Hot Cocoa Inspirations:

Base recipe (Yes, I make cocoa from scratch. Always.)

• 3 cups milk (I prefer 2%)
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/4 cup sugar (I prefer less sweet and more chocolate)
• 1 Tablespoon high quality vanilla
• pinch of salt

Heat in thick bottomed sauce pan until steamy, stirring with wire whisk.

Mix and match the following Mix-ins of your choosing:

• 1 Tablespoon nutella
• Pinch of chili pepper (or two)
• Drop of peppermint essential oil
• Drop of orange essential oil

Always have a can of Land o' Lakes Spray bottle whipped cream. Top your creation with a generous swirl. Land o' Lakes is the best. It is a kitchen staple, like running water. No, I don't get paid to say that.

Enjoy my friends!

xoxo

Danielle