Allo!
Happy last Friday of 2012! I can’t believe this year is over–it all went by so quickly. Heck, I can’t even believe that it has been a week since I last posted anything on ye olde blog. What can I say about the last week except that it was wonderful to see so many friends and family and eat waaay too much delicious food. In fact, I don’t even want to step on a scale right now so I’m not. lol. I also was able to sneak in a spa day and a few movies with friends (Django Unchained and Les Mis).
My gingerbread (sugar cookie) house project with my friend L and her daughter B was a huge success as were my maple bourbon pecan pies w/ maple bourbon whipped cream and my sugar cookies that I decorated based on a card I found on Pinterest totally worked out. I felt like a million dollars when those cookies were finished.
Santa was also very good to me this year. The best gift that I had received, however, a second bowl for my kitchen aid. It’s going to make my life much easier when I am doing multiple recipes like I tend to do. Plus this new bowl is slightly bigger than the original steel one that came with my kitchen aid so I’ll also have a bit more room, too.
Since it’s the last Friday…I was feeling a wee bit reflective…as probably most people are…and well, I thought my Fab Friday list should show that.
Therefore, here are the Five Fab things I have learned this year.
1. When making macarons there are two real key things to pay attention to. The first is to whip the egg whites until they are quite stiff and form a ball in the whisk attachment of your mixer…and then mix it for another minute. The next is to mix them until they will eventually sink back into each other after about 5-10 seconds. I just drop a spoonful on a plate. If it gets all flat and round in a few seconds and doesn’t spread like crazy, it’s good to go. If there is still a tip, like a Hershey’s kiss, it needs a few more folds with the spatula. If it spreads and resembles pancake batter, just toss it as it’s not going to work.
2. Not washing my hair is the bomb. It has now been just a smidge more than a full year that I committed to not washing my hair every day…and my hair has never been more amazing and healthy…even as I’m growing it out. If you opt to try this, get yourself some lovely dry shampoo–my new favourite is Batiste (i think)…and it’s only $6 a bottle at the local supermarket.
3. Carbs might just be the enemy. In June I decided to try a paleo challenge along with my first venture into the cross fit world. Though I found the diet restrictive, I did enjoy the lack of crashing in the afternoons when my carbs were lower. That being said, I know I am a carb lover and strict paleo isn’t possible for me, over the long term….but a modified paleo is definitely something I am currently living and digging. (Though honestly the last few weeks, with all the Christmas treats, have been a delicious carb disaster).
4. Oil Cleansing Method for washing your face. I have yet to notice a major change in terms of the little bit of acne I suffer with from time to time, but I do notice a massive difference in the dryness, or well, lack there of, in my skin. Usually my make up and skin would start to flake after 2 hours of my last bit of moisturizer being put on my face…now it takes much, much longer, if it flakes at all. Also, my eyelashes seem thicker and healthier. Not sure if I’m imagining it or not, but I have observed a change. Def. give this a try…especially if you have drier skin. All you need is a mix of Jojoba oil, castor oil…though you can mix in some other oils if you are feeling daring of have different skin issues…just Google Oil Cleansing method for recipes.
5. Take the time to smell the roses. My grandma always reminds me that you make this trip in life only once, so make it good. A few years ago I lived a life that was over scheduled and rushed. Rushing to the gym, to work, to drinks with friends, to brunch, to the airport, etc. It served me then as it kept me from thinking and feeling my sadness about my single status and seeing all my friends shack up with their partners. Eventually it stopped…or well, I stopped…and I guess that kind of pace had to. Now that rushed life, that pace, doesn’t work for me. It leaves me feeling frazzled and leaves my energy levels on empty for a week after. I now take time to chat, to meander and enjoy the scenery and the journey, not over scheduling and rushing for every moment of the day.
On that note, I would like to know–what have you learned this year? Share it in the comments!
Much luv and happy holidays!
Leesah
