In yoga class this afternoon my teacher brought up a really great point about the holiday season, and not one you hear often. I think of the holidays as a time to give—it’s a time to be charitable, to shop and buy presents for our loved ones. We focus so much on giving that we forget to receive. Knowing how to receive is just as important as giving. I know that I often have a hard time taking a compliment, or accepting gratitude for something that I did or how I made someone feel. Sometimes I focus so much on not knowing how to act that I am not present enough to accept the thanks. It’s not only about us, it’s about the other person too. If someone takes the time to do something nice for you, or give you a tip or a present—instead of saying “oh no you shouldn’t have.” or “Now I don’t need you to do/give/say X, Y, Z for me…” say thank you. Accept that gift. Let the person know that you are being present and accepting what they had done for you.
The same goes for receiving gifts you give yourself. Yoga practice for instance. Practicing yoga and taking time in each asana is a gift you are giving to your body. Be there and focus on your body receiving it.
Tonight, I focused on this little gift. The gift of fudgy, melt in your mouth chocolate. I had a really hard time getting a photo to show how scrumptious these were, but unfortunately they were not too photogenic. That and I need some food photog lessons. This recipe actually came about because I have NO grocery’s in the house, and barely had dinner. It was a late work night and it was rainy, Ella was with me after work and I really didn’t feel like stopping. I ended up eating some of her leftover chicken, a few ounces of raw cheddar and some veggies. All small portions so I needed something else!I threw all of these ingredients in a bowl, and it worked! If you are doing this as a small snack or dessert you can call it a serving for 2, but I ate all of it tonight….Grocery shopping is on the agenda tomorrow for sure.
Fudgy Protein Brownies
serves: 2
ingredients:
- 1 scoop Jay Robb Whey Protein (best tasting and rBGH free!)
- 1 Tablespoon raw cacao (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon coconut butter
- 1 Tablespoon raw honey
- 1 Tablespoon 70% or more cacao chocolate chips
- a pinch of sea salt
directions:
Melt coconut butter, coconut oil and honey together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until thick and combined. Line a small square dish with wax paper and pour batter in evenly. Place in freezer or fridge to set. Slice up and enjoy!
Optional: Top with chopped up candy your husband brings home from his office holiday luncheon
Over the weekend we did a lot of Christmas-y stuff. Friday night we had Michael’s office holiday parry, which was fun. Saturday afternoon we took Ella to Storybook Land in New Jersey. Michael always went there as a kid, and had nothing but fond memories.
We got there around 3:30 and went on a couple of rides. Ella was almost as excited as her Daddy and I.
We stayed to see Santa wave his magic wand to light the park. Miraculously at that same moment it started to snow 
I waited in line at 4:30 for the 5pm arrival of Santa. Mike took Ella around for a half hour while I held our place in line. He offered to wait, but I knew just how excited he was to share the place from his childhood memories with E.
We were able to walk through Santa’s house after the lights went on. Mrs. Clause was there too. I hate to say is but homegirl was a meanie. I expected her to be warm and sweet, but she was very rude and a nag. Not cool. Santa was alright though.
Ella was perfectly content. I am so surprised that she was not afraid. She was great for mall Santa too!
Her favorite part though was the penguin. She LOVES penguins!
And the Santa ring that she got. She really is fond of him. Every time she sees his picture anywhere she points and talks to him! I think it’s because we really prepped her this year with books and photos of him.
Storybook Land was like a winter wonderland. So magical. I can see this becoming a new tradition for our little family for years to come. I have been really focusing on just being present with my family. They are the ultimate gift that life has given me. Putting down the phone, computer, TV. Being present for each moment. They go by too fast.
Did you have any holiday traditions like seeing light shows or going to a winter park? I’d love to hear about them!
I also want to try and get to the Macy’s light show in Philly this week! I can’t believe I’ve lived here my whole life and never went in town for it before!
Goodnight,
-L
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
that is such a cute place ! looks like she had so much fun !
Love this recipe! These look delicious! I love anything with chocolate in it.
My mouth is watering, I’m not kidding. Dang! Awww, I love penguins too. They’re the best. You guys are adorable.
I want to go to the Storybook land!! I just stalked ur pictures on fb!
Great pics! Looks like fun for Ella…. and cold too!
I don’t have any traditions in CA yet…but they do have a parking lot blocked off for ice skating in Santa Monica–people are skating with hat, gloves, and then shorts on! I think I might do that just for the pics…
The fudge looks amazing, and obviously full of ingredients I love! I will definitely try it!
Ha! That’s great!
i am not a big white choc fan but i love peppermint bark! these really do look fudgy–wonder if i could use a dairy free protein powder?vanilla hemp maybe? i think sunwarrior and most rice proteins taste like chalk bleh.
growing up we had a tradition of going to candlelight service on xmas eve and then coming home to open 1 small gift before bed. then christmas morning, we would open gifts and eat ‘poor man’s casserole’ which was like a kitchen sink type casserole with corn chips on top lol.
I am not a fan of white choc either…it’s not real chocolate! But when attached to dark chocolate and peppermint, I will let it slide
Ella’s face is priceless!!! SOOOO cute
fudgy protein brownies yes please!!!
Wow that message of receiving is so true! I love that that was including in your yoga practice, what a great point! Penguins are my favorite animal, those are too cute ha. Ella is so sweet! She is so cute all bundled up! That’s great she wasn’t afraid of the Santa either;) Mmm…those fudgy brownies look incredible! Definitely on my to make list!
You and E have that in common then–she LOVES them!
Thanks so much for these wonderful grain-free recipes….the ones incorporating ground chia, hemp, etc. are hard to find! Please keep them coming
You’re welcome! I use those ingredients a lot so I will be sure to keep sharing
Love all the pictures! It looks like Ella had a blast. I can’t wait to take Roberto to do things like this next Christmas when he’s older!
I love the recipe too!! I’ve been on a chocolate kick lately. Or always actually!
always here too
Ooo looks tasty! I completely agree about the whole concept of receiving. It is easy to forget ourselves this time of year!
We always went downtown to see the lights when I was little. Unfortunately, they don’t do as many anymore and it’s not particularly a safe area anymore but I have VERY fond memories growing up. Hopefully I will find something similar to share when Hannah gets a little older!
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