sweet season

I personally think it is so satisfying to make handmade holiday gifts for loved ones vs. purchasing clothing or items that...let's face it, no one really needs.

It's sad to see people making long lists of material items with expectations of 'more, more, more'. Ugh. When I see people do this, I immediately want to hug them and tell them they don't know the true meaning of Christmas (but I would never do that -haha)!

In a season of such gross excess, I wanted to share what I will be gifting my loved ones this year!

I love to bake, create delicious meals or schedule quality time together. So, I typically choose from those three options.

There is absolutely nothing better than hot chocolate by the fire with loved ones, a homemade meal of your loved ones favorite foods or wrapping a big bow around a jar of moist warm chocolate chip cookies.

Here is what I am whipping up this year:

Homemade Cookies + Homemade Almond Milk:
Is there anything better - truly -than homemade cookies & almond milk to wash them down? I think not. My favorite cookie recipes are from Oh She Glows.....particularly Angela's Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Cookies (so crazy good)! And the easiet & delectable homemade almond milk is by Deliciously Ella - a must try!

Munchie Bowl for Mom Friends:
My friends who are mom are like superwomen! They do it all and make it look completely effortless (when I know the level of effort they are putting into raising a child and children)! I am in awe of them!

So I came up with this idea to gift them 'Munche Bowls'! It's a rather simple prepared meal in a bowl - quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes, glazed carrorts, sun dried tomato crackers, kale salad, etc. The whole thought behind a 'Munchie Bowl' is that they often do not have time to cook or eat themselves because they are so busy feeding their families. It's SO wonderful to receive an organic homemade meal prepared for you. It just is. Put a big festive bow around a Munchie Bowl and make someone in your life happy!

Simple Mills Banana Muffins:
It does not get any easier or healthier than a basket full of freshly baked Simple Mills Banana Muffins. And there are so many products to choose from (here). I think Simple Mills products are crowd pleasers because they are all delicious with the added benefits of being gluten free, soy free, paleo/vegan friendly (you can use an egg subsitute) and gum free. You cannot go wrong and the muffins take about 8 minutes to make and 12-15 minutes to bake! Easy peasy & yummy!

Hot Chocolate:
Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows has THE BEST dairy free hot cocoa recipe! Making some over the stove while you & friends or family bundle up in the living room is pure bliss. It also serves a dual purpose of treating them not only to a scrumptious hot coca but also, spending quality time together.

The pace of the holidays is pure madness so, a festive night w/ loved ones, by the fire is the best gift of all.

Indulging in a healthy workout together is yet another idea!
Grab a friend and walk the 606, hit the gym, choose a pilates class (Chi50 Megaformer Chicago in Bucktown is supposed to be incredible). I first heard about the latter from Ashlee Piper of The Lil Foxes. 

Get moving together!

Christmas Lights:
And finally, spend quality time together strolling through the city feeling the magic of the twinkling lights overhead! There are numerous events in the city that do not cost a dollar to attend. I even think watching ice skators at Millineium Park raises the holiday spirit!

December & Christmas are fast paced & the holidays 'could' be such a special season to gather together and love on those you love! Choose peace, choose togetherness, choose less materialism & choose love!