Monday Morning Love Note #4

Dec 02, 2024

Your Monday Morning Love Note

"December: A month of lights, snow, coziness, and feasts; time to make amends and tie up loose ends; finish what you started and make your wishes come true." — Unknown

December is upon us!

As a quick refresher for those of you who may be new...

In our Monday Morning Love Notes, Our REPORT always includes:

R - What are we reading?

E - What are we eating?

P - What are we playing? What picture is inspiring us?

O - What are we obsessing over?

R - What are we recommending?

T - What are we talking about?

Myself (Karsyn) and my lovely Momma (Shannon) alternate every week to bring you a little something special to kickstart your Monday!

Hard to believe we are in December...

I am counting down the days until I can squeeze my favorite people... I have been gone since early August and spending time with the people I love most is long over-due! Are you traveling or hosting this holiday season!?

Let's get to this week's report...

I hope you are excited for all that is in store for you! 2025 is going to be amazing... I can already feel it! Sending so much love.

READING

Yesterday, marked the first official Sunday in Advent. In honor of this exciting yet busy season, I have decided to really work to be intentional about slowing down in the midst of hustle and bustle. To start or end my day with reflection and really listening on purpose to what God is teaching me.

I love the Bible App's devotionals... They range from a couple days to full-year long programs that are completely free.

I just finished a 5 day series on Gratitude called Gratitude: The Game Changer by Meredith Shafer. I loved it so much that I am going to add it into your December folder if you are a part of our Coaching Membership. All about the power of taking our thoughts captive and it starts with gratitude for all that God has given us.

My newest series is a 25 day plan taking us up to Christmas called Journey to the Manger: 25-Day Advent Guide from InTouch Ministries. If you are interested in joining me in the study yourself, you can click here. It has a devotional, a dedicated verse, and a prayer for each day. It has really filled my soul!

EATING

Alll the cozy, Winter salads. For Thanksgiving - I made one that was a crowd favorite!

Its base was a mix of arugula and spinach. Then, I topped it with craisins, pine nuts, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, and parmesan cheese. Plus, pepper, of course!

Finally, for the dressing I made my own creative concoction of a lemon vinaigrette using ... extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper! Soo yummy!

I sought my inspiration from here.

If you want to make a full meal out of this -- you can easily add in protein like garbanzo beans, avocado (for healthy fat!), or your favorite meat of choice!

PLAYING

I am back on the New York Time's games grind. I love ending the day with some Connections, Wordle, and a Sudoku Puzzle. Call me a nerd, but I love them. Better than mindless scrolling!

I have to piggy-back off of mom's from last week... I am playing Instrumental Christmas often! It's the perfect background music for email writing, cleaning, or cooking! Bound to put you in a good mood.

I am also listening to some of my favorite Country artists that remind me of my roots and feels like a warm embrace in Southern lyrics.

I am re-watching Nobody Wants This (Nadie Quiere Esto) on Netflix but, this time in ESPAÑOL! Vale... I highly suggest if you are trying to learn a new language... Watch something familiar and it's a great way to practice!

OBSESSING

All the Christmas decor!

There is something beyond magical about decorations, Christmas lights, beautiful trees, wreaths, and the Christmas Spirit that fills the air.

There is nothing I love more than sipping a warm drink with the cozy ambience of Christmas lights and a snuggly pup next to me keeping me extra warm!

Walking past flower shops in Spain with fresh garland around their doors has been something so special. Poinsettias. Eucalyptus. Frasier fir. Magnolia leaves. Incredible in every sense!

Enjoy this picture of THE cutest door that my kids at school decorated in honor of the holiday. 'Tis the season!

I may or may not have started How the Grinch Stole Christmas last night ;)

RECOMMENDING

A coffee-date with a new friend or an old one! Patty is a local Madrileña and we had brunch together yesterday. We shared languages, stories, laughs, good food, and enjoyed delicious cappuccinos.

We have a mutual friend and it was our first time meeting... But, you would never have known that!

If you are looking for a sign to call up a girlfriend and go chat over good food... Here it is!

Time like this is never wasted.

TALKING ABOUT

The power of putting fun things on the calendar. December always FLIES - so, when you intentionally plan things into your schedule - just like a dentist appointment, you don't miss it.

And, it doesn't have to cost $$$!

Remember, in the midst of what can sometimes feel like chaos (and, a steep dip into our wallets) -- still program in the fun.

Drive around (or, walk if you're in a big city like me!) to see lights. Make your favorite seasonal dish. Decorate the tree as a family. Have an in-home movie night with homemade popcorn and a snuggly blanket. Plan a fun, outdoor Christmas photo shoot. Host a cookie exchange.

The options are endless! The holidays don't always have to be so heavy - especially when you remind yourself of the simple joys of everyday magic.

That'll do it for this week! Thanks for allowing us to share our favorites with you... We hope they bring you joy and inspiration.

In the wise words of my momma:

Always remember -- be kinder than you have to and make the world a better place to be in!

So much love for you this Holiday Season!

Karsyn

Stay connected with news and updates!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.

We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.