Happy very cold, snowed in January!
What are you doing to pass your days with no traveling and maybe even a few days break with no workplace and home with your family?
Some of my favorite pastimes are coloring books, journals, puzzles, and cooking comfort food.
First, I love creating something from nothing. Know what I mean? Seeing black and white turn into vivid colors is rewarding, and seeing the full picture gives a sense of success and completion.
Puzzles and word games are similar in their process. You see the puzzle on the cover of the box. Then you search for all end pieces and make a picture frame. What satisfaction to see it. All done! But wait, now you have to fill in the WHOLE center.
Can be overwhelming but lots of fun. Be sure to include as many family members and friends to get the puzzle started.
Going to the beach? Home for snow? Set a puzzle out on the dining room table and leave it. Everyone walking by will be tempted to stop by and just put a piece or two of puzzle together. That piece or two could end up being hours of fun and focus.
Second, I love to cook comfort food. Snow days? Pack on the food. I hear it keeps you warm and somebody told me comfort food has no calories. 😊
With that in mind I want to share my Mom's Potato Pancake recipe. It is quick and easy and if you are like me, have a bunch of potatoes in the pantry that need to start a new life, what better way for them to go than pancakes!
A quick reminder to use your safe substitutes for gluten and dairy allergies.
Potato Pancakes Recipe
4 large potatoes (peeled)
1 small onion (optional)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
Flour to thicken-2-3 tbsp.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grate potatoes and onion in milk blend (flour, egg, and salt).
Put shortening or spray substitute in skillet, drop potatoes by the spoon
Fry until golden brown. Serve hot.
Can be used as a side with all the toppings you can think of or a main course use. Enjoy!
Another easy, quick dish is my Mom's baked apples. If you have extras around try this:
Baked Apples Recipe
6 apples (cored)
1 cup sweet potato
3 tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup raisins
1 tbsp. margarine or butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
Beat 1 cup sweet potatoes and add sugar, margarine, and raisins. Put in apple cores.
Cook in oven 350 for one hour or until done. Put marshmallows on top of the stuffing and lightly brown. Add sprinkles of cinnamon sugar as a light, sweet topping.
I smell dessert cooking! Yummy!
Now on to my third like for this time of year is after a warm meal of potato pancakes, baked apples and hot chocolate, I like to relax, color, and do educational activities. Did you know that Heartstring Productions has a long list of them? There are children's activities and color, calm relaxing coloring, cancer support color and writing/doodle spot journals, as well as their books with heart and art.
I would like to invite you to sit down to some Heartstring Productions coloring and activity books this winter. Check them out on our website and Amazon. Here are a couple of my favs.
CHILDRENS COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK-FUN AND EDUCATIONAL
Trudy Matoody Coloring and Activity book! Themes of the book include colors, friendship, talking animals, and a happy little girl named Trudy.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Coloring and Activity Book!
Verified Purchase
Lots of different activities for kids to do. There are 34 coloring pages among the activities.
There's counting, mazes, to counting the dots. Each character from the book, 'Trudy Matoody' sing in different colors for that page. Neat idea!
Perfect for teaching your child at home or in a classroom setting. Definitely worth the purchase and great as a gift to give any boy or girl.
ADULT COLORING BOOK
On SALE! More than just a exotic, beautiful coloring: This is an inspirational coloring book with beautiful drawings inside and quotes from the Bible, poetry, and more, that uplift and provide confidence and positivity. The illustrations are all different themes and beautifully drawn.
5.0 out of 5 stars! So soothing and uplifting
This is a wonderful wonderful gift for yourself or a friend who needs stress relief or enjoys being creative or both.
The positive affirmations and quotes are fantastic and thoughtful, the artwork is beautiful and so enjoyable to color, and the variety of art is wonderful too. You really can "lose yourself" in the coloring process and escape the challenges of the day. Such great therapy and a healthy activity for mind and soul alike.
https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Beauty-Marcia-McGee-Ashford/dp/B088JKDKDQ?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uVCzjFDLWqsgZjmIuUFVqe_bnRMmVjL-jb0qMhTpgGdsUKCHaKFhLtIRXjHyF4nV5HwhD5nMHTUd0dbSeBPLmw_HM6C4enbxci3j5gwgMrvZw0dudg2W0lTnNCv7mqnUr3eJjbIL1mM-37L_k47dqaaN7C71Al8VrN9oIIa_uM058rVuXV3IDawxINlK4XxRqf7q0ronOaW25j3QmrakAF0hqeeRfntnuTXgP9apo98.UgoQwYwg0W7rzxj0edKiMwskfmKqH9y3XHCojNSAIG8&dib_tag=AUTHOR
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I hope you enjoy your winter time cold or warm! Blessings to you and yours! Stay safe! Marcia
AMAZON-JUST A CLICK AWAYhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Marcia-McGee-Ashford/author/B07MXRJ63S?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true