I just couldn’t let this day that only comes around once every four years, pass by without saying something. So, happy Leap Year day! It is really a fun kind of day–one I have always enjoyed.
Before we get into the actual post, I wanted to share something very fun and EXCITING with you. The blog newsletter, Coffee With Lorelai, is hosting an EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY! The giveaway runs from today (February 29th) through March 8th. You must be a subscriber to enter. So, Sign-Up Today, and place your vote for your chance to win a Starbucks Gift Card.
Leap Year Day
It Only Comes Once Every 4 Years!
I have always loved this day. There is just something special and a little mysterious about a day that is not there year-after-year. One fun fact of this day is the Irish tradition that allows a woman to propose to a man. The proposal can only happen on Leap Year Day, February 29th, and that tradition led to a favorite movie of mine and Rory.
Have you ever watched Leap Year with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode? If you haven’t seen this movie, put it on your must-see list. You will love it.
Leap Year is witty and charming, hilarious and romantic, and the scenery is stunning. Let your heart laugh and love. Here’s the classic trailer to this wonderful movie…
Rory and I will definitely watch this movie today! How about you?
Here are some fun vintage images for Leap Year Day:
I had to include this image, since Luke builds and restores classic cars and hot rods. LOL
How do you like to celebrate Leap Year Day? Hope it’s happy!
Don’t forget to sign-up for Coffee With Lorelai and get in on the Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway!
We’ve all heard that getting a good night’s sleep is important, and it is true. There is a long list of benefits associated with a proper and restful routine for sleeping. So, why not put Sleep on your New Year’s Resolution List? Sleeping well helps you stay healthy, just take a look.
Benefits to a Proper Night’s Sleep:
Better Health and Immunity
Decreased Risk of Injury
Better Focus and Memory
Clearer Thinking
Increased Energy
Better Sex Life
Better Metabolism and Weight Control
Be Happier and in a better Mood
So, when Alyse, from Casper, wanted to share this awesome Infographic on how to get the sleep you’ve always dreamed of, I was thrilled to accept. Below, you will find some common reasons you may not be getting the rest you need, and solutions to solve the problems. I hope you will find these tips helpful.
I know that I sometimes have trouble turning off my brain at night. Making sure I have things organized and under control helps keep stress away so my brain can get some rest. Doing a little reading before bed is always a help.
Tossing and turning is something else that plagues me at night. Magnesium–who knew? A handful of almonds may become my new best friend before bed.
Thank you, Alyse, for sharing the tips and solutions for getting a healthy night’s rest.
Before I unveil the Top 10 List of posts written during 2015, I want to give you just a brief update to close out the year. 2015 brought a lot of changes not only to my life, but to the blog as well. Surviving the struggles has made Rory and I even stronger and happier. In these difficult times, we found courage, tenacity, and a new family that embraced us with open hearts and arms. Luke is a rock and a Godsend, and we are enjoying building our new life together as a family.
As for the blog, Life With Lorelai grew by leaps and bounds. Here are a few of the highlights:
LWL is now earning money. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking on sponsored posts, and working with different brands and networks to bring you fabulous recipes, DIY projects, and more. I look forward to continuing those relationships in the New Year, and engaging new alliances along the way.
We’ve connected with other bloggers in the form of Regular Contributors and Guest Posters. This has been especially fun to share with you.
The Home Matters Linky Party is thriving! The weekly link-up grew from a high of 82 links to a record high of 699 links. If you haven’t had the chance to stop by and check it out, please do–the Door Opens every Friday. You will find a wide variety of fun and inspiration concerning all things Home Matters. Will we break the illusive 700 link mark in 2016?
Ok, I have a confession to make. I was a Salt-aholic! I love salt. You know those people who salt things before they even taste them? Well, that was me. Not healthy.
After I turned… ach-’em… 50, I decided it was past time to cut down on my salt intake. Although I knew it was the right and healthy choice, it was going to be hard. So, I set my goal to a No-Salt September.
What exactly is a No-Salt September? Since it was my own invention, I made my own rules. I cut way back on the salt I added to any of my cooking, and I added zero salt to anything I ate–at home, at restaurants, or with friends. That meant no salt on my salads, salsa, veggies, or sandwiches–not even on my beloved steak or prime rib. I was determined to add no extra salt at all.
And I am super proud to say that one year and four months later, I am still not adding salt to anything! The only exception is my occasional soft boiled or poached eggs, where I very lightly dust them with salt. No-Salt September was a success! And, I am healthier for it.
After, I jumped out of the salt pool, I decided to make healthier food choices, and get a little more exercise too. So, I started walking. There is nothing like a fresh morning walking through the park or along the beach, while listening to an audiobook.
Yes my friends, the audiobook is the perfect walking companion! Not only does it keep you from being bored, it motivates you to go on your next walk, and the next, and the next. Some days I find myself walking morning and afternoon just because I don’t want to put down my book! LOL I even do housework, water my plants, and sometimes cook with my audiobooks.
Last August, shortly after I made my return to blogging, I put together a Walking With Audiobooks Challenge. I have decided to re-vamp this idea for the new year. Instead of doing a month-long challenge, I put together the new…
The Audio-Walkers Page has two places for you to join in the fun.
The first is the Audiobooks–Audio-Walkers – What We’re Reading. Add the link to the book you are listening to or reading. If you need help finding a summary and cover photo try Goodreads or Shelfari. What a great way to find new books! Leave a review or encouragement in the comments.
If you need an audiobook, check out your local library, or OverDrive, which brings your library right to your computer. You can also purchase them through Audible or Tantor Audio, bookstores, and online.
The second is the Blog List–Blogging Audio-Walkers. If you have a blog, and are participating in Audio-Walkers by listening, reading, or walking, add a link to your Blogs Home Page. We can grow as a community of book loving bloggers, and help our blogs grow along the way.
Share the fun and invite your friends! Let Audio-Walkers help you attain your goal of getting healthy in the New Year. Be sure to use our Registered Hashtag!
Don’t forget to add your links!
You can also join the Audio-Walkers Facebook Group for more friendship, book discussions, motivation, and encouragement.
You can add your links here, or on the Audio-Walkers Page. Please remember this is a family friendly blog.
Today, I have another long-time family favorite recipe to share with you, Chinese New Year Cookies. If you thought the Mexican Wedding Cakes was an easy recipe, this one is even quicker and easier.
Before I get to the recipe, I want to share a picture of a special something I received from Luke…
November Roses aren’t they gorgeous? They smell heavenly! It’s a very nice perk of living in Southern California, and Luke having 20 roses bushes. These blooms put a big smile on my face. Luke is amazing, thanks, honey.
Now, onto our recipe for the day…
Chinese New Year Cookies
This recipe has only four ingredients: Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Chinese Noodles, and Peanuts (Spanish or Cocktail).
Melt chips, pour over noodles and peanuts, mix well, then drop by spoonful onto wax paper to set. Chill and store in an airtight container.
A crunchy chocolatey cookie perfect for the holidays or anytime.
from: Life With Lorelai
Type: Dessert
Serves: 3 dozen
Ingredients:
6-Ounces - Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
6-Ounces - Butterscotch Chips
3-Ounces - Chinese Noodles (Chow Mein Noodles)
7-1/2 Ounces - Spanish or Cocktail Peanuts
Directions:
Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips together in the top of a double boiler
Place Chinese Noodles and Peanuts into a mixing bowl
Pour melted chocolate over the nuts and noodles
Mix well
Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper, allow to set
Chill
Store in airtight container
Notes
Recipe easily Doubles or Triples. Freezes well.
This recipe is part of The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Party & Giveaway, found at https://lifewithlorelai.com/2014/11/09/ultimate-cookie-party-giveaway/ #UltimateCookieParty
A Life With Lorelai Recipe 2014 https://lifewithlorelai.com/
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Have you ever tried Chinese New Year Cookies?
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Do you have a deliciously chocolate cookie that you make?
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These posts were featured at these lovely parties:
We had a wonderful and joyful Christmas, and I hope you did too. It sure was a busy time of year. Along with all of the normal Christmas hectic, we had to go through everything Christopher had stashed around our home and property for him to get it moved out… finally. This was accomplished on the 17th, and it was such a relief.
December 18th brought Rory’s Christmas concert. What fun! Here is a video shot by one of Rory’s friends of her singing solo parts in Silver Bells. Enjoy…
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Silver Bells, solos by Rory
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We hosted Christmas gatherings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas too. It was one big party around here filled with family and friends. What a blessing this Christmas season has been. Luke was wonderful as usual. My dishwasher went out just before Thanksgiving… guess what I got as an early Christmas present? That’s right, Luke bought me a brand new dishwasher and installed it for me too. It was the most amazing gift ever. It sure was nice to have for Thanksgiving and all of our Christmas celebrations. I decorated it with a giant red bow with a tag To: Lorelai From: Luke. What a sweetie I have. Thanks, honey!
Now it’s time for tearing down Christmas. I sure had a lot of fun decorating my home, but now I have to get everything organized to be put away. If you have any suggestions or tricks you could share, I would greatly appreciate it.
Rory and I actually had a fun time taking down the tree. She plopped herself on the floor where the tree had been, and I just couldn’t help myself… This was the result…
Oh, I’m the happiest Christmas Tree, Ho Ho Ho, Hee Hee Hee…
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Well, here’s to a new year filled with blessings and happiness! I hope we have lots of fun together blogging in this New Year 2014.
