Warm Treats

Winter is here, but our very cold days have been numbered!
We are fully enjoying the most beautiful mild weather, but a part of me is waiting for snow:)
On very cold days, the children are searching for warmth all day long..
They warm their hands in front of the fire, they huddle together outside, they ask for warm liquids upon returning inside from the cold.
A popular request has been hot chocolate, but I chose not to serve foods or beverages containing refined sugars to the children.
Our equally tasty alternative has been warm milk with cinnamon and honey...or, as the children are calling it, "white cocoa".

Once a week, we grate our own cinnamon to use in the milk (using the very fine side of a cheese grater), which is enjoyable for everyone...
Upon coming inside, the children remove their snow pants (which we wear on very cold days) and jackets and place them on a coat rack in our mudroom.
Their hats, gloves, and scarves all make their way to their personal belonging baskets...
During this time, I have begun heating a pot of whole milk on the stove at medium heat.
The children sit by the (gas) fireplace and wait for their turn to go upstairs with Monica to wash their hands. This is our quiet time.
I mix the milk with a tablespoon of honey and a sprinkling of cinnamon....the children enjoy this treat and look forward to it each morning!

 

cheers! (clink!)

Speaking of treats, my new favorite breakfast to share with W is steel cut oats with apples and cinnamon. A friend passed the recipe on, and I've been hooked ever since. The oats are cooked overnight on a low setting in the crockpot, so you have a hot, delicious breakfast just waiting for you when you come downstairs in the morning. Does it get any better?

I hope you are staying warm this Winter with the ones you love...they are the best recipe for warmth:)

In unrelated news, I have some "news"...

After 4 years, Jay and I are finally getting married this Spring (or early Summer)!

Oldie, but goodie:)

 

The time is right and we are excited.

The whole affair will be very small and nothing fancy, just how I am wanting it.
...I am very excited and starting to make preparations as far as, um, accessories for myself...

such as a hairpiece like this one my good friend recommended to me...

I am "working on" growing my hair out by the date (31 inches by June?), which means no heat styling, no excessive brushing, and a lot of  argan oil and avocado treatments.

 

The happy day is nearing and I can't wait!

...but I suppose I will have to:)