Sunday Mornings at Home
Happy Sunday! Come join me for a cup of tea and Sunday mornings at home!
I have so much goodness for you in Sunday mornings at home today….a fabulous recipe, encouragement to overcome fears, and hopefully a touch of joy!
So, grab your own cup of tea or warm beverage and lets begin todays discussion in Sunday mornings at home.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – PEPPERMINT COOKIES
One of my goals this past week was to begin freezing cookie dough for Christmas with our family.
Making batches of dough and freezing it can really relieve stress during a very busy week prior to Christmas.
This year I wanted to branch out and try some different cookies.
During our most recent trip to Fredericksburg, TX, I picked up this jar of Peppermint Dust Sprinkles knowing my grandchildren love peppermint.
This little jar sent me on a quest to read several peppermint cookies recipes and I am so glad the one I decided on is perfect in every way….and I highly recommend it.
Cannot wait to make it for my family!
Full disclosure, this is a butter cookie! Four of the sticks are for the cookies and one for the icing.
But, seriously, it is holiday time and I think a great time to pull out the butter.
The recipe is from the blog My Country Table and is called simply Peppermint Butter Cookies.
I did not change a thing on this recipe…which I often do…but this one I followed exactly and it is so good.
The only difference is that I had the dust sprinkles with no need to pulverize candy canes.
The dough is very easy to work with and would actually be a great dough for cut-out cookies….I may do that with what I froze.
I wanted to bake just a few for you…I cannot say it enough…it is a great cookie.
Also, they are excellent with my favorite tea for this time of year….of course, Comfort and Joy Tea Holiday Spice Blend.
The tea blends so nicely with all of the holiday aromas ….peppermint and spices. I love the aromas of this season.
The best deal for this tea online is at World Market. It is also at Walmart.
It is a delicious black tea and so good with the cookie!
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – OVERCOMING FEAR
Yesterday was a huge milestone for me.
Until I was followed home and attacked last May, I had developed quite a walking regiment in the neighborhood.
Each time I walked it was between 3-5 miles a walk.
But when a man chases you into your home waving a lawn mower blade over your head, it can be a little jarring.
After the incident, fear set in. The first milestone was when I finally began to walk Tux, but that is just a short walk when I do it.
Yesterday, I finally faced my fears and went out to walk the neighborhood alone after I walked the dog.
I do carry pepper spray and a phone now…before I did not. Here is what motivated me….
Mr. B’s recovery has been much better than mine. We believe because he dove right back into his running…my lungs have not been challenged like that in a while.
So, I was motivated to get back to where I was at the beginning of last year….breathed deep…and got back on the saddle. It was nice. I hope to keep it going.
And, hope that my coughing will subside as I do it.
NOTE ADDED: I DID COUGH LESS LAST NIGHT AND WILL WALK AGAIN TODAY!
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?
I guess they are Christmas decorations for the fashionista.
I am pretty traditional with my Christmas decor, but would any of you decorate with these?
Would love to hear.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – GIFT IDEA
Kids are hit with so much negativity this days from just about every where, so remember the young people in your life with Gratitude Journals.
It helps all of us…no matter our ages…to write down our daily blessings and be aware of them.
This year, I am gifting the older grandchildren with their First Gratitude Journal.
Amazon is full of different versions of gratitude journals if you like the idea.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: ONE MORE SMILE
Since I am constantly looking for reasons to smile and share joy, I had to share this with you one more time.
These are the roses I showed you last Sunday that Mr. B brought home for our anniversary….but the roses are not the story here.
The lilies are! They are huge and glorious and have taken over this conversation…just had to show you.
If you have any questions or comments on today’s Sunday Mornings at home…we, of course, would love to hear!
Now, I hope you have a wonderful Sunday and always………………………………………………………………
KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
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MMMMM Yum cookies with lots of butter. Glad to hear that you are getting a bit better as the days go by.
Those little dress trees are so adorable, I have seen full size ones as displays, but not the little ones. I would have one for fun.
These cookies are a big YUM!
Good morning Pam! I’m pleased to hear you’re recovering from Covid -that cough sounds painful ( or, it did). Glad its diminishing! I’ve always walked with my phone, and other ways to protect myself too.
I’m glad you’re practicing that too.
And your tea! It looks so good! Holiday Spice? . I’m drinking delicious Orange spice but will look for yours!
I love this tea, Paulette! Highly recommend!
I have been doing a form of Tai Chi specially adapted for seniors that includes so many wonderful deep breathing exercises. There is a class that I attend for the friendship and support, but the exercises can be done at home if you can’t get out. Especially as we age we need to keep those lungs clear and working to max potential. This is not the kind of Tai Chi that is dance-like, but is specifically developed to exercise and keep conditioned all vulnerable areas of our bodies……wrists, ankles, knees, hips, etc. And, of course, lungs.
Thank you for sharing! So glad this is something you love!
I love Republic of Tea teas and will look for this tea. Like Paulette, I love orange spice. Thanks for the heads up! I do a gratitude program on my phone. I used to journal and may go back to it b/c it’s great to re-read later, but kids might also like apps. I love roses and lilies — not a fan of those trees.
Congratulations on getting back to your walk routine. Pushing past fear is hard and I applaud your positive attitude and resolve to return to doing something you enjoy. Your blog is always an inspiration to me to live with JOY and be BOLD!
Merry Christmas.
Wow, good for you, going for a walk again! I know how hard it is to face something with so many traumatic memories attached. May I suggest also wearing a whistle? Faster than a phone if u have to make a lot of noise. On another note, lilies are my favorite flower, and as soon as I saw that bouquet last week, I thought the lilies would not disappoint. In a bouquet, each and every bud eventually opens.
Another good Sunday post. I look forward to seeing these. The tea sounds good I’m going to have to find some.
Glad your feeling better. Have a great day!!
Thank you for trying and sharing the cookie recipe. It sounds so good! I’ve never tried freezing cookie dough before, but what a timesaver it will be to leisurely make it now for use the days before Christmas. I’m glad to hear you are walking with your phone and pepper spray. Such a horrible experience. You are a strong, incredible woman. Glad you coughed less last night and hopefully slept better too.
I love orange spice as well…love the aroma and the taste. In fact, lately, I have been eating and desiring more oranges. I just added fresh orange juice back into my day.
Thanks for sharing on the apps…I personally want to give my grandchildren reasons to NOT be on electronics. But if an app works best….do it.
Thanks Cindy. Just got in from walking for the second day. The sun felt so good. I just need to take it one day at a time.
Great idea! I love the idea of a whistle…I am going to get one this week. Thanks Linda.
The lilies surprised me in a good way with their beauty.
You as well Paula. Have a wonderful one!
I love to freeze cookie dough. Deanna. I even think it cooks up better…but you must have self control to not dip into the dough!
Hurray for you getting out to conquer your residual fears, and good going on taking precautions. I love the idea of a whistle, which would be quick and probably a great deterrent. I had not seen those ‘fashion’ trees. Perhaps a boutique could set one up as a holiday display and then adorn it with pins and earring sets for sale? 🤷♀️
Would love to see one adorned in pins! How fun!
I downloaded the cookie recipe, and know my folks will like it. I do understand your concerns about your long walks after your attack. You had such a fright, but are bound to feel better after you walk. I may have shared before that I walk in a cemetery behind my house because it is flat, quiet (😜), no dogs or live people. But about two months ago a body was found there near some woods, and then my Mr. B did not want me walking there. I started walking in the neighborhood but the dogs and cars were bothersome so I’ve gone back to the cemetery now. However, I’ve always carried my phone, and listen to books on audio or podcasts. Yesterday Mr. B suggested I get some pepper spray so I need to do that. Walking, especially during this more stressful time of year, is so relaxing though energizing and good for my arthritic knees and hips.
I have great respect for you, Celia…I don’t think I could do the cemetery!
I second the recommendation for a whistle.
I’d keep the pepper spray in my fanny pack for security, but I suspect if you actually tried to spray anyone you’d end up getting sprayed with as much of it as the bad person.
Better to walk in the daylight, stay on trails/paths that aren’t isolated, be on the watch for trouble, and have that whistle ready to make a big noise.
Moving more air through your lungs should help you clear out the crud that’s left.
I am going to get a whistle! Great idea! When I was attacked it was 7:20 AM…daylight…with neighbors up the street walking and jogging! But I am not going out in the dark!
Pamela, I love catching up on your Sunday musings! I was tickled to hear that you felt up to making cookies this week. I am stuck at home during this busy time with both the flu and pneumonia, so your positive outlook really brightened my Sunday. How did I not know about you being chased home by a lunatic last year??? That had to be absolutely terrifying, and you deserve a medal for leaving the house at all. I applaud you for not letting fear make you a captive in your own home, but please continue to use caution. I stopped walking in my neighborhood after a nearby friend and her dog were attacked by a loose dog in the early days of COVID. Now that my lungs are seriously being challenged I sure wish I had kept up with the cardio, but you have inspired me to get back out there when I am able. My tailor has those mannequins in her shop window and adds a new one every year. I wouldn’t use them at home, but love seeing them! Blessings to you and yours as you continue to work your way back to fully restored health.
Please take care of your lungs…it is so important that we do it! Just two days of walking in the fresh air has helped!
We are not a family that embraces peppermint but there are always candy canes on one of our three trees for those who do. Because our heritage is Swedish, we have lots of ginger, cardamom with an addition of hazelnuts in lots of our holiday baking. Love the aroma, always reminds me of childhood Christmases. Pam, your traumatic experience can’t be easy to get past, certainly without talk therapy I would think. I admire your courage 💪
I am doing well, Lois…thank you so much. My talk therapy has been with God in prayer and He has guided me through it. Walking in the neighborhood again is a big victory!
Glad you are walking again. That was a horrid experience.
Like you I agree Christmas is not the time to drop butter etc😁 the year I did I got MANY complaints lol.
Covid is no fun. I have had it twice despite vaccines and masking.
Hugs