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The Mellow Kitchn

vegetarian, no-fuss recipes for the whole family

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12th December 2018 Leave a Comment

7 tips for a mindful Christmas

Simple Coconut & Pumpkin Granola #vegan #gf #refinedsugarfree

It’s this time of year again. Cookies are baking in the oven, big and small are opening their advent calendars, the smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts is gently floating through the air. A season were we aim to make time and room for the important things, let life quiet down a bit, spend our precious hours with family and friends. But in the end of the day we’re left stressed out. Running from one Christmas party to the other. Trying to get everything done in no time. Hustling and bustling to buy and wrap gifts, cleaning and decorating the house to spotless perfection, baking fancy cookie recipes, and so on and on. We try to do it all and in the end we forget the one thing that is actually important about this season. Being mindful. We forget to enjoy, to soak it in, to quiet down and be present in this magical time.

This year I want to help you do it differently. With this little practical guide I want to encourage you to actually step out of the hamster wheel we call “life” and make choices that guide you to a more peaceful, a more mindful, way of celebrating the Christmas season. So without further ado (yep, I know your time is especially precious these days ;)), here are my…

 

7 tips for a more mindful Christmas time

1. Write a to-do list

I know what you’re thinking: really? A to-do list? Yes! Write down everything you’re planning to do, every event or gathering you’re thinking to attend, simply everything you’re trying to get done up until and on Christmas. And then, and this is important,  go through your list and think about each item. Is this task, this commitment, really necessary? Will it give you joy or is it just going to leave you feeling exhausted, burnt out and stressed? And then, simply cross them off your list! Don’t shy away Fromm saying no to an invitation – it’s perfectly fine to not do it all. Because what’s more important? Feeling at ease, able to share your love with the people around you or the spotless living room or perfectly decorated Christmas tree?

2. Schedule some you time

Whether it is an hour every day, a mindful 5-minute coffee break or an entire afternoon, it is important to designate some time for yourself! Often, especially when we have a lot on our plate, the first activities we cancel are the ones we actually need most to keep ourselves centered and at peace. Don’t make this mistake. We can only share and spread love if we’re giving from a full cup. So make sure you set aside some time for yourself, to recharge and fill your own cup.

It can be as simple as a mindful tea or coffee break throughout your day, a guided meditation like this one, or attending your favorite a yoga class. What’s important about it though is to be fully present and mindful about your you-time. Don’t keep running through your schedule or pondering about what needs to be done or what should have been done already. Our time is the most precious resource, make the most of it and give it to yourself wholeheartedly.

5-minute journaling

3. Include your family and friends into your Christmas preparations

Being together, a sense of community and sharing, that is actually what Christmas is about, isn’t it? So why don’t you use the pre-christmas time to do just that? Instead of rushing from one office party and occasion to the other, gather your friends and family in a pre-Christmas decorating party? Together is not only more fun, it’s also more efficient and practical. Imagine how fast you’ve decorated the tree if there is 10 helping hands instead of just 2.

And if you feel like it, why don’t you make some decorations yourself? Here’s a lovely idea. You can even use the opportunity to upcycle some items which would otherwise end up in landfill.

4. Plan a sustainable Christmas meal

Sustainability is not only a matter of cooking with regional and organic ingredients, to me it also means to plan a meal that will not leave you standing in the kitchen for hours over hours and leaving you stressed and exhausted. It’s important to stay mindful of your skills, your time and what will truely give you pleasure. No need to go with the fancy 5 course menus.

Go for the easy things. Make a dish that you’ve made before at least twice and that will not leave you fretting over a difficult recipe. Maybe something that you can leave cooking on the stove like a stew or a bake that you put in the oven. Also, why don’t you prep ahead? A creamy soup like this can be made ahead easily. And as for dessert, why don’t you serve the cookies you’ve been baking or ask a family member to bring something along?

5. Mindful gift giving

It is a custom, at least in most parts of the world, to give gifts at Christmas. It’s our way of showing how important the people around us are to us. We want to show our love through presents. But over time gift giving has often become a competition or mindless act of consumption. What about doing things differently this year? How about giving time instead of things? This way you show the other person that you’re willing to not only spend your money for them but actually give them your precious time. If you need some inspiration take a look at this gift guide. Or you can make some edible gifts for your loved ones like these.

6. Cut away the excess

Often around Christmas we tend to go overboard with decoration, presents, food, etc. But there’s no need to. Christmas will be just as special or even more if we concentrate on spending our time doing the important things and cut the excess. My grandfather lately told me that we still needs to buy a wreath for the door and I asked him why, as he had never had one on the door. He told me he wanted one because the neighbors had put up lights and decorations in their front yard. And while I love pretty decorations and glistening lights as they get me into a celebratory mood, I urge you to not fall into the trap of decorating more than you enjoy, going overboard with shopping just because you think you need to. Christmas is not about excess. It’s about cherishing what you have .

7. Let go of your expectations

We want Christmas to be perfect. But sometimes we forget that perfect doesn’t exist. Take away the pressure and relax into it. Simply enjoy what is happening. And if you’re having a hard time when things are not going the way you had planned simply take a deep breath. And another. And a third one… and last but not least, let go of your expectations!

 

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a wonderful mindful time leading up to Christmas and a joyful Christmas!

Yours truely,

Anna

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Hi, I'm Anna!
Welcome to The Mellow Kitchn - a heart's project of mine! In this space you find wholesome vegetarian recipes for the whole family. With my recipes I'd love to show you how easy it is to care for you and the planet's health and wellness while cooking delicious, no-fuss recipes. I love to hear from you, so if you like leave me a comment in the comment section or find me on Instagram!

Lots of love, Anna

Keep on searching…

@themellowkitchn on IG

// Erdbeer Schnecken // 🇬🇧 below 👇 Die E // Erdbeer Schnecken //
🇬🇧 below 👇 
Die Erdbeerzeit ist in vollem Gange & das heißt die kleinen süßen Früchtchen finden sich bei uns zurzeit in fast jedem Essen - ob im Salat oder in diesen fluffig ein Germteigschnecken 😋
…

These past days a lot of PINK has been popping up in my feed & maybe in yours too. That’s because there’s another Color themed challenge is going on & this time the hero of the show is, you guessed it, 💗My sons favourite color. I, for one, have only started inviting pink into my life these past years. In my youth I’ve made it a religion to destain pink. Maybe because it was my mom’s color & I wanted to set myself apart. 
Nowadays the emotions pink awakes in me are a lot different. I love the coziness & playfulness it has to it & that’s what I wanted to show in this picture. 
And I gotta say, I adore how this months judge Maja from @veggie_intervention uses pinks in her photography & there couldn’t be a better person choosing the challenge winners ☺️ so, my love goes out to her & our wonderful host Mridul from @thesouthasiankitchen & of course to all the talented participants - you really set the bar high & push me to become a better photographer each time 💪
@fodory.com_ @foodartproject 
#foodartmajaproject
#foodartproject
…
#erdbeerzeit #erdbeerschnecken #backenmiterdbeeren #erdbeerliebe #erdbeerrezepte #strawberries #strawberryrecipes #mitliebegebacken #natürlichsüß #refinedsugarfree #healthydelicioussweets @deliciouslyhealthysweets #deliciouslyhealthysweets #feedfeedbaking @thefeedfeed.baking @thefeedfeed #thefeedfeed @foodartblogs @foodblogfeed
// Alfarroba Schokolade Donuts // Seit einiger Ze // Alfarroba Schokolade Donuts // 
Seit einiger Zeit beschäftige ich mich nun schon mit dem Klima Fußabdruck der Lebensmittel, die ich verwende. Und leider schneidet Schokolade da gar nicht toll ab - weitläufiger Einsatz von Pestiziden, großer Energieaufwand bei der Verarbeitung, weite Transportwege. Mal ganz abgesehen von den sozio-ökonomischen Faktoren 😳 einzige Lösung ist daher: Verzicht. Deshalb freunde ich mich gerade mit Alfarroba an - das Pulver der Johannisbrotbaum Schoten gilt nämlich als DER Ersatz für das schwarze Gold. Heimisch, anspruchslos und auch viel günstiger. Im Teig dieser Donuts hab ich mit dem Pulver experimentiert. Meinen 3-jährigen konnte ich zwar irgendwie überzeugen, aber mich selbst noch nicht ganz. Deshalb gab’s ne faire Dosis Schoko oben drüber. Ich werd’ aber auf jeden Fall dran bleiben. Und sobald ich ein Rezept hab’, dass auch wirklich schmeckt seid ihr die ersten dies erfährt 💪
…
🇬🇧 /// Carob Chocolate Donuts ///
Ever heard of carob? It’s a climate friendly cacao alternative. I used it in the batter for these baked donuts. Not 💯% convinced yet but I’ll keep going. What are you doing to reduce the impact your food choices make? 
…
This is for the #foodartproject February challenge with @twiggstudios - Aimee is a master of #chiaroscuro and her play with shadows is incredible. So it didn’t come as a surprise that the hosts of @foodartproject @thesouthasiankitchen asked us to create an image highlighting the color black. And for today specifically what emotion it evokes. For me that’s sensuality and I hope you can see that in my picture 🖤 @fifbackgrounds @organized.ceramics #foodartaimeeproject 
…
For #foodphotobiteswithritu @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judged by @ferraronierica 
#chiaroscuroinspired #black #playingwithshadows #playingwithfood #sensuality #sensualfood #carob #climatefriendly #klimafreundlich #klimapositiv #climatefriendlyfood #klimafreundlichesessen #bakeddonuts @9vaga_food9 #9vaga_food9 #beautifulcuisines @hautescuisines #hautescuisines #foodblogfeed
// Salad in the making // Jeder richtig gute Salat // Salad in the making //
Jeder richtig gute Salat braucht die perfekte Mischung 👌

1. Base Layer: Chicorée 
2. Main Act: Fenchel/Fennel
3. Supporting Act: Orangen & Grapefruit
4. Add on: Granatapfel/Pomegranate
5: Crunch: Pistazien/Pistachios 
6. Flavor boost: Minze/Mint

Noch ein süß-saures Olivenöl-Zitrus Dressing drüber & fertig is der neue Lieblingssalat 😘

#salatliebe #perfectsalad #chiccoree #fennelsalad #veganessen #eatseasonal #wintersalat #eatfresh #foodblogger #recipe #foodphotography #eathealthy #healthyrecipes #detoxfood #mymellowkitchnstories #citrus
// Rote Linsen Suppe mit Orangen // Heute bläst e // Rote Linsen Suppe mit Orangen //
Heute bläst ein eisig kalter Wind, der in Mark und Bein fährt, hier am Atlantik. Da hilft nur Suppentopf rausholen und von innen wärmen. Diesmal mit einer cremigen Linsensuppe, die Dank Ingwer und Kurkuma gleich doppelt einheizt 🙏
…
Was ist dein Hilfsmittel gegen eisige Kälte? 
…
🇬🇧 Red Lentil Soup with Oranges //
A bitter cold wind is blowing at the Atlantic today and it creeps straight into my bones. There’s only one remedy. Get out the soup pot and cook up a batch of this red lentil soup. Thanks to ginger and turmeric it’s the perfect heater from the inside 🙏
…
What do you do to tackle the cold?  Let me know in the comments👇
…
Another one for @throughherkitchenwindow & @miss_blackbirdy #oursharedfoodtales theme “warm me up” 🧡
…
And for #monochromaticbliss hosted by @andreakoever #ediblecaptures judged by @eli_and_co and @blueberrybackdrops 
…
#redlentilsoup #rotelinsensuppe #veganessen #vegankochen #suppenkasper #hautecuisines  @hautescuisines @foodartclick_ #foodartclick_ @foodartblog #foodartblog #rawvegan #rawfood @raw_community @raw_.flatlays #rawkitchen #foodblogger #foodphotography #foodphotographer #foodstyling #mymellowkitchnstories
🎉 Porridge findest du zwar super weil gesund un 🎉 Porridge findest du zwar super weil gesund und so, aber bei dir wird er immer schleimig, langweilig oder zu fest? Ich verrate dir DAS Porridge Geheimnis 🤫 
…
Richtig guter Porridge braucht Zeit und damit einhergehend ein bisschen Geduld. Zu Beginn meiner Porridge Reise hab ich alle Zutaten einfach in einen Topf gekippt und zack, rauf auf den Herd. Heute geh’ ich’s beim Frühstück machen lieber entschleunigt an. Die Haferflocken lasse ich dafür erstmal mindestens 10 Minuten mit doppelter Menge Wasser und einer Prise Salz stehen. So lange, bis die Flocken die ganze Flüssigkeit aufgenommen haben und so richtig schön fluffig geworden sind. Das beschert mir nicht nur extra cremigen Brei, sondern ich finde es macht die Flocken auch noch bekömmlicher. 💪Erst dann geht’s auf den Herd und das mit Geduld auf niedriger Flamme und nochmal bis zu doppelter Menge Flüssigkeit. Dabei starte ich gern nochmal mit Wasser und wenn ich Lust drauf hab ersetze ich einen Teil mit Hafermilch oder ich rühr einfach einen Löffel Nussbutter hinein für extra cremigen Genuss 😋
Dann natürlich noch etwas Obst drauf - diesmal waren’s mit Honig karamellisierte Birnen - und Granatapfelkerne und Walnüsse für ein wenig Biss zwischendurch. Voilá - schon ist der Porridge keine fade Pampe mehr sondern eine himmlische Frühstücksnascherei. 😋 Probier’s doch morgen gleich mal aus
…
🇬🇧 in comments 👇
…
My entry to #oursharedfoodtales “warm me up” theme hosted by @throughherkitchenwindow & @miss_blackbirdy
… 
Sharing with @vaimomatskuu for @texthursdays #texthursday 
…
#mymoodymonday “with love” hosted by @slow.food.studio & @mine.table and judged by @twosisterslivinglife 
…
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @foodphotoaward @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus 
…
#porridge #haferbrei #gesundesfrühstück #porridgeliebe  #küchengeheimnis #kochenwieeinprofi #porrige #porridgebowl #vegan #glutenfree #foodphotography #foodblogger
// Apfeltaschen // Es is schon ein bisschen her, d // Apfeltaschen //
Es is schon ein bisschen her, dass ich diese Fotos geschoßen hab. Aber selbst gebackene Apfeltaschen gehen doch irgendwie immer, oder!? 😋
…
🇬🇧 I actually shot these a while back. But these homemade apple hand pies are just too good to be kept a secret 😋
…
#applepie #apfeltaschen #selbstgebacken #homemadebakes #littletreats #bakedtheblog #bakersgonnabake #bakersofinstagram #foodphotography #foodblogger #foodartblog @foodartblog #foodartclick_ @foodartclick_ #winterbaking #winter #backenimwinter #selbstgebacken #naturallysweetened #ohnezucker 
#texthursday @texthursdays #themellowkitchnathome
Ich kann nicht malen. Ehrlich gesagt hatte ich auc Ich kann nicht malen. Ehrlich gesagt hatte ich auch nie viel Spaß daran. Nicht als Kind und nicht als Erwachsener. Mein Großvater meinte immer “Malen kann man lernen”. Er war überzeugt davon, dass jeder malen kann und als leidenschaftlicher Lehrer wollte er auch mich davon überzeugen. Vergebens 😅
…
Durch’s fotografieren hab ich einen neuen Zugang zur Malerei und zu Farben bekommen. Hier gibt es tatsächlich viel, das ich bereit bin zu lernen. Mit Obst und Gemüse zu “malen” macht mir richtig viel Spaß & ist deshalb für mich das perfekte Bild, um mich hier auf IG zurück zu melden ✌️
…
🇬🇧 I’m not good at drawing & frankly, I never liked to. Not when I was a kid & not today. But making pictures out of fruit & veggies is a whole other story. Here’s where I can be playful & creative 🧡 and that’s exactly what I wanna be right now. Nourishing my inner child & bringing that lightness & ease into my 2023 🤸‍♂️
…
This is my entry to @thelittleplantation  #eatcaptureshare challenge theme “tutti frutti” which the lovely Kimberly is hosting atm. Guest judged by @twinsinmykitchen & @chickpea_mag 🥳 #ecsgrowth 
…
And for @foodartproject January challenge hosted by @thesouthasiankitchen & guest judged by the wonderful @evakosmasflores ❤️
…
#foodphotography #fruitlove #foodphotographyandstyling #playingwithfood #red #redfruits #eattherainbow #seasonaleating #kleinesfrüchtchen #leichtigkeit
// What are you thankful for? // Es gibt viele Din // What are you thankful for? //
Es gibt viele Dinge für die ich dankbar bin - meine Kinder, meine Familie, meine Freiheit im Job. Trotzdem vergesse ich ab und an wie gut ich’s eigentlich habe. Geht’s dir da ähnlich?
Umso wichtiger finde ich es (vor allem an schlechten Tagen), dass ich mich immer wieder an die Kleinigkeiten erinnere die mir das Leben versüßen und für die ich dankbar bin ☺️
...
Jetzt gerade zum Beispiel für die frisch gebackenen Kürbismuffins, für die ich gerade das Rezept teste, das Engelslächeln auf dem Gesicht meines Sohnes im Schlaf, und die freien 2 Stunden weil Groß M mit Klein M beim Schwimmkurs ist 😅
...
🇬🇧There’s a lot I’m grateful for - my kids, my family, the freedom I have in my job. Despite that there are times when I tend to forget how good I’ve actually got it. Can you relate? That’s why I find it so important to actively remind me of the small things I’m thankful for ☺️
...
Right now it’s the smell of freshly baked pumpkin muffins I’m currently recipe testing, the angel-smile of my sleeping baby boy & the two free hours I’ve got to myself while Mr. M is at swim practice with little M 😅
...
#grateful #givingthanks #odetojoy #feelinggrateful #dankbarkeit #danke #porridgeliebe #beerenporridge #veganesfrühstück #veganbreakfast #porridgebowl #breakfastideas #healthybreakfast #oatsmeal #oatsforbreakfast #foodartclick_ @foodartclick_ #foodartblog @foodartblog #foodartblogs @foodartblogs #foodphotography #foodblogger #foodblog #foodstyling #hautescuisines @hautescuisines @stilllife_perfection @still_life_gallery_ #stilllife_gallery #stilllifeperfection #mymellowkitchnmoments #themellowkitchnathome
// Warming Pumpkin Soup // Kürbis, Apfel & Kurkum // Warming Pumpkin Soup //
Kürbis, Apfel & Kurkuma - Herbstlicher kann’s in einer Suppenschüssel einfach nicht aussehen! Das Rezept für diesen Klassiker mit einem besonderen Twist findest du auf meinem Blog 👇
...

http://themellowkitchn.com/recipe/2022/herbstliche-apfel-kurbissuppe-mit-kurkuma/
...
🇬🇧 Pumpkin, Apple & Turmeric - that‘s autumn in a bowl 🍁 a warming new version of a fall classic. The recipe is up on the blog 👉 Link in Profile!
...
For #autumninfoodphotochallenge hosted by @evelynmpi judged by @vegansugarspoon for @fodory.com_ 🍁
...
And for @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judged by @allaboutthatpalate #foodphotobiteswithritu 🧡
...
#foodphotography #foodphotographyandstyling @foodartblog @foodartclick_ @foodartblogs #foodartblog #foodartclick_ #foodblogger #newrecipe #fallrecipe #pumpkinsouprecipe #kürbiscremesuppe #veganekürbiscremesuppe #veganesuppe #veganessen #veganfoodshare #veganfood #vegankochen #saisonaleküche #klimafreundlicheküche #herbstküche #autumnfood #seasonaleating #seasonalfood #gloobyfood #foodanditsseasons #themellowkitchnathome #mymellowkitchnstories
// Baked Figs with Camembert // Auch im Herbst ge // Baked Figs with Camembert // 
Auch im Herbst gehören Salate für mich einfach auf den Speiseplan. Nur dann am liebsten getoppt mit einer warmen Komponente - so wie dieser nussige Vogerlsalat mit gebackenen Camembert Feigen. Das Rezept dafür findest du ein paar Posts zurück 🤗
...
🇬🇧 Even in autumn I cannot resist to put salads on my meal plan. Just nowadays I love to add a warm component to them - like these baked camembert figs on nutty lamb lettuce. You can find the recipe a few posts back 👉
...
For #foodphotobiteswithritu hosted by @happytummybyritumbhara & judged by @allaboutthatpalate 🍁
...
#camembert #fallsalad #herbstsalat #feigen #figs #eatseasonally #seasonaleats #foodlover #healthymeals #mealplan #foodphotography #foodblogger #newrecipe #foodphotographer #hautescuisines
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