monthly recap | november 2016
Thanksgiving is over and tomorrow is the first day of December. How did that happen?! I feel like as soon as Halloween is over, it's already the new year. And I KNOW I'm not alone in my next year struggle: trying to remember to write or type the proper year the first time around. However, November has been a busy and productive month, though I've been able to spend a good chunk of it at home.
hpotm (hot post of the month)
Considering November (aka Pie Month), it's no surprised that this month's big post was my old fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe. If you want to make it a little more festive for December, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of the vanilla to the pie and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
travels
Unfortunately, this section is pretty boring this month. I chose to stay closer to home, though I did visit Forth Worth twice to see my dad and stepmom. We were lucky enough to get to spend Thanksgiving with pretty much everyone this year (except my sweet mama-in-law...we miss you!). However, check out my blog on travel apps and how they make your trips a breeze.
food
Uggggh, so much food this month. I've really had to bust it in the gym to make up for everything I've put in my mouth for the last 30 days. Make a batch of classic Louisiana comfort food with Creole jambalaya. I also shared one of my favorite weeknight dishes, Italian wedding soup. Serve it with fresh bread for a deliciously filling cold weather meal. If you're in the mood for a little libation or two, my grab-and-go Thanksgiving drink picks are sure to please...even though Turkey Day has passed.
books
With the addition of audiobooks into my daily repertoire, I've been able to breeze through more literature than I have been all year. While I know it's not "reading" reading, I feel much more smug and accomplished than when I listen to Top 40 radio. This month, I completed Isaac's Storm, a nonfiction book about the 1900 Galveston hurricane. I also devoured the Preston and Child Pendergast novel, Crimson Shore, as a bathtub read. I use taking a bubble bath as an excuse to read...and reading as an excuse to take a bubble bath. Win-win.
upcoming events
Christmas, duh. We only have one long week trip planned. We're headed back to Houston to go to my mama-in-law's annual crazy Christmas party. There's always plenty of food, wine, and laughter. The Man Friend and I always look forward to heading back to his hometown of Houston...because they have one of the best restaurant and booze scenes in the country.
I'll be sharing lots of Christmas memories, including my favorite holiday recipes. Don't miss out!
big news...
In case you missed it, I have an online store now! I'm selling super sassy coffee mugs that totally reflect the personality and voice of Wine, Books, & Wanderlust...and me. Additionally, the folks from Mello Coffee Roasters are also selling freshly roasted, small-batch coffee. It's delicious and you're supporting an amazing small business.
...and a big thanks!
On Thanksgiving Day, I hit 1,000 Facebook followers. While it may not seem like a big deal to some, I genuinely is to me. Thank you for your support and for liking what I do as much I like doing it. Thanks for giving me a voice, y'all!
