The Holiday Marathon

I’m pretty certain you all like the idea of the 22 day Nutrition Bars. Lots of good entries and I LOVED all the “growth” opportunities put out there. So far so good on this time management growth of mine. Lets keep the ball rollin’!
Now, lets talk about the Holiday Bustle. Are you guys sick of all Holiday Shenanigans yet? It’s okay if you are. It comes at you like  there’s no tomorrow. But what I’ve noticed is that you can make it a marathon or a sprint. You can enjoy every long lasting mile day or you can pant your way through each meter hour, gasping for air. I choose to look at it like a marathon. I want to enjoy each day as it comes. Some days might be tough but in the end I will have remembered every moment and you better believe I will celebrating at the end! Is that corny enough for you? I am the queen of metaphors, just ask the hubs.

So how do you draw out this process? How do you it make it “worth your while?!”

A. Take advantage of free events and time with friends.

I met up with a few fabulous Austinites (Caitlin, Alyson, & Sarah- yes that’s me on the end with the worlds worst posture. Try not to judge. ha!).
We drank coffee and chatted at a coffee spot downtown near the tree lighting event. The streets were fully decorated and there were tons of other holiday festivities going on, not to mention the plethora of Santa clause hats being worn!

B.  Spend quality time with your loved ones
This has had to be the highlight of my week. Watching my niece sing in her Christmas pageant and wave at us profusely from the stage totally made my HOLIDAY MARATHON! It was my “holiday high.”

Can you guess which one is her? The ONLY kid in the middle looking at the camera. Too cute!

Bonus Points to anyone that actually guess the song they are singing!

I think she was still on theatrical high from her performance. Just look at that smile!

C. And lastly, spend some time making HOLIDAY treats and SHARE SHARE SHARE! Its not Christmas without baking at least one batch of cookies. Right?! I have to admit, half the reason I bake is for the sweet aroma that lingers in the house. That is part of the HOLIDAY MARATHON I just want to bottle up! 

Bre sent me this recipe the other day and I did my best to COTTERIZE (yes I am making that a word now) it!

 

Sugar & Spice Arrowroot Cookies (GF)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup raw sugar (you can use brown sugar too)
• stevia –1 tsp (add 2 if you want them extra sweet)
• banana
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ARROWROOT flour
• 1 cup all purpose GF flour (or flour of choice)
• 3 tbsp coconut flour- I also used a lot on my hands and on parchment paper to roll the dough into balls then press with fork.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• cinnamon and ground cloves (about 1/2 tsp of each)
• powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. mix applesauce, sugar, and banana together in bowl. Beat in egg and vanilla.
2. Stir remaining ingredients together and add. Mix well or use beater on low. Add a little more applesauce if it get to be too dry.
3. Flour your counter and transfer dough. Make sure to cover your hands in flour as well in order to keep it from getting to gooey.
4. Roll into 1-2 inch balls. Place them on a greased baking sheet and press down with fork. Bake in 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven until golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow a bit more baking time if rolled thicker.
5. Once out of the oven and cooled. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon. This of course is optional but its WORTH IT!

Well, those are my top 3 so far on this marathon journey. I’m sure there will be many others to come. Wine has to fit in there somewhere, right?

Any holiday marathon takers? Is my holiday cheer annoying you yet? Oh good!

Cheers,
LC
P.S.
I’ll announce the 22 days nutrition bars winner on FRIDAY!