The week between Christmas and New Year is weird, right? Everything feels off kilter. I stay up too late, sleep too late, am still eating cookies for breakfast and living in my house bra. Husband and the kids are off school and work so there are SO many people around all the time. I’m doing my best to stay off of social media because a) mental health and b) no, I can’t actually think of another reason. It’s entirely for mental health. So I’ll keep this quick so you can get right back into your carb-fueled haze. We can worry about what day of the week it is another time.
Here’s a fun way to idle away some of your leisure time: check out these amazing photos of crown shyness in trees. This is a phenomenon I had never heard of before. Basically, in a densely forested area, trees will not allow their crowns to touch other trees. There are various explanations – to avoid spreading pests or diseases, or to allow sun and precipitation in. But it makes for stunning photographs from the ground. I don’t know how I’ve never noticed this before, but I can’t wait to check it out next time I’m out in nature.
We’ve invited ourselves over to Denise’s for New Year’s Eve and I’m thinking of making these Pineapple Vanilla Bean Margaritas. I’m not saying I’m tired of champagne (Please. I would never say that.) But I want a change of pace and the thought of roasted pineapple combined with tequila sounds like a rather hopeful way to ring out a stupid year.
As for New Year’s Day – I’d love to say I’m hosting a fancy brunch for my friends, but you and I both know that would be a lie, because that will be my last vacation day and I don’t want to. I might make some version of this Christmas Star Bread for the kids because it looks very pretty and easy to make. I think it would be just as easy to use pre-made bread dough if you are not inclined to make your own from scratch.
However you are spending your New Year, friends, I wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday. I’ll catch you in 2018, and we are going to make that one much better.
OXO
JULIE
