slant2plants Newsletter

December 13, 2024

Hi Reader,

I am glad to share my Friday Fun Newsletter so I can connect with you and share what's new with slant2plants, my health coaching endeavors and some other fun information about healthy living that I hope you will enjoy.

1. Personal Update: December is a month of balancing many things: blessings, abundance, and homecomings are some of the positives. Yet, even in our most sacred times, we can feel our most vulnerable—I know that’s true for me. Woven into the joy and gratitude are threads—and sometimes knotty cords—of grief, loss, and sadness. In the face of celebration and togetherness, there can be an undercurrent of emptiness or even despair. I’m sure “quiet” and “reclusive” are not words most people would use to describe me, but during my most vulnerable moments, when emotions hit intensely, I tend to retreat and communicate less. Sometimes it’s guilt over sharing my sorrow; other times, I’m conserving energy. What helps me most is focusing on physical self-care. I stay consistent with eating healthy food, and I’ve found that increasing exercise has helped ease some recent back pain. My upgraded facial care routine has also been a nourishing ritual. I encourage you to identify a few self-care practices that anchor you during this busy season. The holiday season can feel like a rollercoaster, and these self-care habits act like a seat belt and chest harness—keeping you grounded and safe through the ups and downs.
2. Movie or Book highlight: I’ve been okay with watching more TV series lately because it allows me to keep knitting that baby blanket! This week, we discovered that five more episodes of Emily in Paris dropped, and we happily binged them over two nights. Seeing those Parisian scenes fills me with grande joie! Now, we’re enjoying Bad Monkey with Vince Vaughn. It’s a fun and quirky watch that has kept us entertained.
3. This week's recipe(s): Earlier this week, I had one of those rare “nothing planned for dinner” nights. I found a sweet potato, a head of cauliflower, and a pack of tofu in the fridge. I chopped everything up, made a quick Peanut Sauce in just five minutes, brushed it over the veggies and tofu, and roasted it at 375°F for about 30 minutes. I also boiled up some soba noodles I had in the pantry. Meanwhile, I boiled some soba noodles from the pantry and served a seaweed salad while we waited. (If it weren’t a work night, I might have paired it with a little sake!). Pro Tip: Prepping the peanut sauce and chopping the ingredients in advance can turn this into a 30-minute dinner—perfect for busy families juggling work, school, carpooling, and commutes.
4. Travel Tips: After talking about packing lists in a previous newsletter, I finally created one. Then I tried out a packing app—right now, I’m experimenting with Packr. The free version has a few more ads and pop-ups than I’d like, but I appreciate having a digital checklist. One great use for a packing list? Checking it when you’re packing to return home, so you don’t forget anything!
5. Nutrition Highlight: I have a new guide to share with you: The Ginger Wellness Guide. Do you remember last month's on pumpkin? I'm choosing a seasonal ingredient for each month Please share with anyone you think would enjoy!
6. Restaurant Review: I’d make a solid profit if I got a referral fee for everyone I’ve turned onto Kibi's. This local Vietnamese café is primarily takeout, with a small but well-executed menu. They specialize in Bánh Mì, Phở, fresh summer rolls, and noodle salads, and offer two to three different vegan tofu options per item. I’m known to “Kibi’s and Bubbles” Happy Hours at my house—it’s such a convenient way to entertain! Chances are, you have a similar Vietnamese café nearby, so give it a try!
7. Health Coaching Update: Are you starting to think about your New Year’s Resolutions? I can help you set goals that align with your vision for a vibrant, healthy, and fulfilling life. Message me if you’re interested, or book a Discovery Call with me to learn more.
8. "Some people so poor, all that they've got is money...they can't afford what we've got--not even the King." ―Alicia Keys, Hell's Kitchen

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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I hope you have a great weekend filled with fun and healthy activity, food and connection. Please always feel free to share your feedback, requests and opinions. Do you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Please share with them! And I'd love for you to check out my slant2plants blog, and also share it with anyone you think would enjoy it. I appreciate our connections... Dvora

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