We’ve reached the point in winter where many of us are starting to feel like spring will never arrive. The cold and snow no longer feel festive and the gray sky is inviting even grayer moods. It can be tempting to hide under the covers until the first crocuses emerge from the ground. But before you resign yourself to weeks of suffering, consider the gifts that winter still has to offer. With a few intentional tweaks, you may be able to lift your spirits, increase your energy, and restore your body before the busyness of the warmer season takes hold. As we stroll through the winter woods, let the slowness of this season serve as a reminder that growth can only occur after periods of dormancy. This is your time to rest and replenish.

What am I reading?

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pulling-the-thread-with-elise-loehnen/id1585015034?i=1000689571155

The Lost Art of Doing Nothing: How the Dutch Unwind with Niksen by Maartje Willems and Lona Aalders (illustrator) 

What’s playing on repeat?

Let’s Stay Together by Al Green

What’s for dinner?

Salmon Chowder

Ingredients:

• 3 yellow potatoes or sweet potatoes  (diced)
• 3-4 diced carrots
• 1/2 red onion 
• 1 jalapeño deseeded and minced 
• 1 bell pepper 
• 1 cup frozen corn 
• Minced garlic (as much as you like!)
• 1 can coconut milk 
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 lb salmon fillet
• 1 Tsp salt
• ½ Tsp black pepper 
• 2 Tsp lemon juice
• Garnish with green onions 

Instructions:

• Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Dice jalapeño, carrots, and red pepper. Mince garlic.
• In Instant Pot add red onion, corn, garlic, jalapeno, carrots, red bell pepper, potatoes, salmon, coconut milk and vegetable stock.
• Cook on manual high for 6 minutes.
• Quick Release. Remove the lid and break up the salmon.
• Add in lemon juice and salt and pepper.
• Serve and garnish with chopped green onions.

Strawberry Matcha Latte

Ingredients: 

• 2–3 tablespoons strawberry jam or fresh strawberries
• 3/4 cup milk of choice 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
• 1/4 cup hot, but not boiling, water 
• 2 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder
• ice cubes  (unless you prefer it hot) 

Instructions:

• Add the strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries), milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a blender. Blend on high until smooth. 
• Whisk together matcha powder and hot water until the matcha is fully dissolved. 
• If iced- Add ice cubes to a glass. Pour the strawberry milk over the ice and then pour in the matcha. 
• If hot- Warm the strawberry milk, pour into a mug, top with matcha. Enjoy! 

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