Welcoming Winter

These days I feel like Lorelai Gilmore and can smell the coming of snow. It's the time of year when the days can't seem to make up their mind. For us it's the most wonderful time of the year, two of our favorite seasons back to back and sometimes mixed together. This week especially as the snowflakes fell while signs of fall still remained.

With the change in seasons comes the need to boost the immune system. Apple Cider Vinegar, Raw Honey, Coconut Oil, and Kombucha are our friends. For those of you Kombucha lovers who don't brew your own [I don't either :)], it is on sale at Whole Foods this week and when you purchase a case, you get 10% off.  I still need to make some elderberry syrup to have on hand just in case.

Warm comfort food. That's what I crave these days. One of the new recipes we made this week was White Chicken Chili from the book Bread and Wine. Simple. Easy. Warm. and Oh so flexible.

Ingredients:
1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces (I used a rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods)
16 ounce salsa or green salsa
4 cans white beans (I used pinto beans)
4 cups chicken broth
*can add a can or corn, diced green chilies, black beans, cilantro, wedges of lime, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, chips, sour cream, salsa

Directions:
In a dutch oven or stockpot, cook over medium heat until chicken is almost cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add salsa and beans, including bean liquid, and broth.

Bring to a rolling boil,then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, but the longer the better.

Loved this book by the way. I read it on a flight back in September and couldn't put it down. It's a combination of memoirs around the table and recipes. Shauna Niequist has such a gifting in the way she writes and portrays fellowship around the table. My only advice, don't read it while hungry.

Apart from food, comfort and warmth at home usually results in be being bundled up in flannels and wool socks with a holiday candle burning. Outside of the home, my winter TOMS, Hunter boots, or riding boots have kept my feet warm all day long. [Savings tip - Nordstrom Rack sells TOMS discounted. I actually purchased this pair for half their retail price from Zulily this summer.]

We both recently took Strength Finders and have enjoyed some thoughtful discussions surrounding them. It is interesting that our strengths can also be our weaknesses.

Amanda: Achiever, Discipline, Responsibility, Focus, & Learner
Matt: Ideation, Analytical, Relator, Achiever, & Competition

Watched this video a few times this week [at small group and at UNW]. Humbling. Check it out if you have 5 minutes.

With that, our flight is about to depart, so stay warm!