L.L. Kirchner's Blog, page 9
December 24, 2018
The holidays may dredge up some crap
This just happened yesterday. Literally.
Our sewage drain was completely clogged and overflowing. But we laughed a lot and had a good day overall, which got me thinking. Back when I was single and struggling—even briefly (but gratefully) getting public assistance—I decided to love Christmas. Not because I could have things I wanted, but because I wanted to call the shots in my life. At first this idea was a disaster, because I would fall into recrimination when triggered, which was all the damn time. But gradually I began to see how I made small decisions all day long that took me places I didn’t want to be. So I started making new choices. If, say, a barista was rude, I noticed how this kind of thing could send me into a tailspin that turned to—no one likes me! I stopped embellishing those thoughts. Instead of being a dick right back, I’d ignore the barista. Maybe think about something else. When I could stay neutral (as opposed to the gritted teeth of ignoring), I saw it wasn’t personal. I got to a point of empathy for whatever was making them unhappy, and I’d try to be a bright spot in their day. Today, years later, I can sometimes make that work with trying family situations, the kind we all face during the holidays. It does help that I get to LIVE with my chosen family. And I’m still a work in progress. But I can honestly say, the coming week is going to be great! Merry Christmas, to you! Give yourself the gift of being your own holiday cheer.
December 22, 2018
It’s officially winter.
Look within, and start deciding NOW what you can do without. NYE 2015/16 I did a powerful ritual to let that shit go. It worked. Way better than I ever would’ve imagined. The best part about this practice was that it didn’t take a lot of time and didn’t require any investment except the willingness to reflect on what I really wanted.
December 21, 2018
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December 20, 2018
There are many reasons for NOT drinking your way through the holidays–don’t want to say something you’ll regret, would rather take those calories in cookies, or, you’re like me and you don’t want to blow your sobriety. Regardless of the reason, here are my
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The post There are many reasons for NOT drinking your way through the holidays–don’t want to say something you’ll regret, would rather take those calories in cookies, or, you’re like me and you don’t want to blow your sobriety. Regardless of the reason, here are my top tips what you can bring with you to avoid alcohol this holiday season. 1. Bring your own drink! Aunt Marge may be the best hostess in the land, but the only thing she’s got that doesn’t come with booze in it is coffee and tap water (and she’ll gladly add it to either). Do yourself a favor and take sparkling cider (or mix up your own concoction, see my blog, link in bio) as a hostess gift. Take more than you think, you’d be surprised how many people will be snatching it up. 2. Carry throat lozenges. We’ve all been marooned at parties, unable to get what we want to drink. Popping in a Ricola (my fave) has saved me on many occasions. 3. Your phone. Yup, use the phone end. Text. Whatever it takes. Reach out to someone for that lifeline. 4. Your car keys. You don’t have to endure anything. Stay until it stops being fun, then leave. And if you’re in someone else’s car, use that phone to call an Uber. #mocktails #christmas2018 #nye2019 appeared first on .
3 Mocktails for the Holidays
There are many reasons for NOT drinking your way through the holidays–don’t want to say something you’ll regret, would rather take those calories in cookies, or, you’re like me and you don’t want to blow your sobriety. The best way to be sure you’ll have exactly what you want to drink? Take your own. You can make your own festive labels if you’re crafty. Or not, you’ve got too much else to do…Create Link
Here are my three faves to take along to a party. Plus a bonus at the end.
1. Cranberry Spritzers
You can mix any juice with seltzer to get a fun drink, or even match–last night we had a combo of cranberry, mango, and lime that was heaven–but this list is built for speed.
2 cups lime seltzer water
2 limes
garnish: fresh cranberries lime wedges
2 cups natural cranberry juice no sugar added
2. Hot Chocolate
Soooo good. It’s a no brainer. Plus you can pop it into a crock pot.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup hot water
1/8 tsp salt
4 cups milk (Dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Get the water boiling and stir in the powders, let it cook for one minute. Stir in the milk, but don’t let it boil. Remove from heat, add vanilla. If you’re feeling super festive, bring a can of whipped cream, too. Yes it’s easy to make, but better to have it than wait for it to be perfect.
3. Mock Champagne
If you’re really trying to avoid alcohol, this might be too close to the real thing. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Likewise, this won’t help you avoid calories any more than the hot chocolate will. But maybe you’re pregnant and jonesing for something. It’s easy and surprisingly tasty. Just mix it all together.
1 liter ginger ale, chilled
1 liter seltzer, chilled
1 can (46 oz.) pineapple juice, chilled
1 bottle (64 oz.) white grape juice, chilled
Bonus!
If all else fails, stop and pick up some Perrier on the way. Your host will have lime or lemon, or not. You can even buy those mini cans if you want to be absolutely sure you’re drinking what you want.
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