Everyday Joy YYC

  Attempt at pumpkin growing. Halloween will look different this year! I will buy my candy as usual and eat it all with the family! In my 💛  I know we will return to our halloweening activities in 2021! In my 💛  I feel grateful we can still dress up and celebrate in spirit! In my 💛  I wish I could hear trick or treating! What brings you joy on Halloween? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday

Nothing says autumn like the changing color of leaves. The reds, yellows, and orange hues bring brightness to any yard. At the same time, seeing the leaves fall the trees feel empty and lost of their purpose! Every season brings a transition to signify the passing of time. This year has been challenging and finding purpose and joy in lockdown brought time to a halt. I discovered photography and capturing moments to fulfill my days with joy. What brought you joy in lockdown?  Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy !  Tuesday

  Visited the Bulk Barn to gather my ingredients to make these delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with sea salt caramel chips (the secret to the yumminess)!  Ingredients: In a medium bowl combine 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp pink himalayan salt, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg (whisk together) With an electric mixer cream 1.5 cups unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated and 1 cup brown sugar together (until soft and fluffy); add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla. Slowly add the flour mixture. Wipe down the sides and add 3 cups oats and 1.5 cups raisins. To top off the cookie mixture add about 1/2 cup sea salt caramel chips! In my 💛  I know baking cookies brings me joy! In my 💛  I feel calm and courageous for trying new cookie recipes! In my 💛  I wish I could bake and deliver cookies like in the Pre-COVID-19 days! What homemade baking brings you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Sunday

Blood donation is a way for most individuals to give back to the community. I started donating blood about seven years ago when I heard there was a need for more donors in our city. I was definitely a bit apprehensive about the process but took it in stride. I am always amazed by the caring staff and all the volunteers to make blood donation a pleasant experience. The snacks are a bonus! On my last donation, I was given a red cloth mask to wear and it is probably one of my favorite masks to wear. When was the last time you volunteered your time and it brought you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday

This summer I got a chance to work on my photography skills. Sunflowers were the best subject as I could capture their slow growth in action. This is my favorite photograph of our last sunflower to blossom. It started blooming in early September with the warm weather. What skill do you work on that brings you joy?  Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy !  Tuesday

COVID-19 delayed or postponed many couples in getting married! However, some couples braved the circumstances and had the courage to have their wedding in a park. Reduced guests, changed the decor, and adhered to the physical and social distancing rules to share their love with family and friends. I was able to walk by a few vow exchanges and appreciated that love was in the air! Baker Park (across from Bowness Park) can be a hot spot for weddings - keep an eye out!  In my 💛  I know love conquers all (even COVID-19)! In my 💛  I feel grateful for being an uninvited "witness" to love and marriage! In my 💛  I wish all individuals find their person! When was the last time you witnessed a wedding and it brought you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Sunday

  Growing tomatoes was a success this year and the warm weather was the biggest supporter! Tomatoes on the vine were juicy and sweet. My favorite thing to make is an open sandwich with a light spread of mayo with sliced tomatoes topped with salt and pepper. Tasty! What can you make that is simple and delicious that brings you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday

Olive! Probably the best character I have met in 2020! She speaks her mind and will take you by surprise. I am usually not a fan of book series as I think an author should be able to tell a story in one book and not continue book after book. However, these two books are lovable! The chapters are written like short-stories that could be read on their own but connect with each other to move us forward in this town.  When was the last time you read a book and the character stayed with you days after the last word? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy !  Tuesday

Happy Sunday! Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to take a moment to express gratitude and joy for what you have especially after the year we have had! Who knew we would be mask-wearing and hosting limited family gatherings to celebrate and make memories (and eat turkey of course!). In my 💛  I know we will return to our jam-packed family suppers!  In my 💛  I feel grateful for my family and our traditions. In my 💛  I wish we could put away COVID-19 in a box in our basements! What brings you joy during Thanksgiving weekend? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Sunday

  Watermelon is my favorite fruit regardless of what season we are in. It is sweet and delicious and can be consumed in smoothies, salads, and on its own. What fruit brings you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday

The last time I was on a road trip we listened to "The Couple Next Door". I love audiobooks that hook you in on the first sentence and hold your attention to the last word. This book was perfect! The narrator was able to describe the characters, actions, and plotline and made you want to keep listening even though you had to stop for a break. I love reading books and audiobooks are a bonus for long drives and plane rides.    When was the last time you listened to an audiobook that brought you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy !  Tuesday

Nothing says joy like the smell of bacon on a Fall day. I love making this turkey bacon soup as you toss in the ingredients and you have a yummy soup. Ingredients include: -Onion, carrot, celery  -Package of bacon -Package of turkey -Toss in precooked veggies: sweet potato, butternut squash, granny smith apples - Can of tomatoes plus can of water - Can of coconut milk plus can of water - Finish with kale and parsley In my 💛  I know I need to make soup for a family meal. In my 💛  I feel my cooking skills are improving with each new recipe. In my 💛  I wish I could toss in ingredients to make a meal versus following a recipe. What homemade soup brings you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Sunday  

Homemade chocolate chip cookies with milk will bring me joy any day! I thought I would experiment using white chocolate chips with the recipe on the package. Once the cookies were done baking, I added a few chips on the top for extra deliciousness! The cookies turned out well and the recipe was easy to follow! I usually use my kitchen aid to help with mixing as it is a big bowl, will hold all ingredients, and does the mixing for you! What new recipe have you tried that brought you joy? Grab a jar and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy !  Tuesday