Woman in Real Life

We went for a mid-winter hike with our friend/cousin Rose the other day. Afterwards Rose put out a plate of delicious and healthy brownie bites. These tasty goodies just happen to be raw, vegan and gluten-free. First and foremost though, they are delicious. I ate a few that day and I was eager to make them again myself.

I asked Rose to share the recipe asap. I made one small change, adding vanilla extract for a bit of vanilla-tasting goodness. These Coconut Date Brownie Bites have lots to boast about - they offer great protein from pecans, as well as an abundance of nutrients in the form of delicious, plump and moist Medjool dates.

Inevitably as one year ends and the next begins, we look back on the year that has passed and reflect on what we would like to do differently in the upcoming year. I did more reading towards the end of 2015 and I found that brought me a lot of satisfaction. For 2016, I want to read even more and also focus on increasing my exposure to the arts in general - more plays, museum visits and performances.

As I said in part one of A Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide, books make the best of gifts. And there's a book that's right for absolutely everyone you know! You simply have to give some thought to their interests, passions and preferences. And don't forget to consider an e-book for those who prefer them. I know my mom has trouble holding books now with the arthritis in her hands. She prefers e-books.

I don't know about you, but I still have a bit of everything to do in preparation for Christmas - a bit of shopping, a bit of cleaning, a bit (okay more than a bit) of baking. I don't think I'll ever be organized enough to have all my tasks done long before Christmas.

You know what helps? Christmas music. Especially old Christmas music. While I was putting together my Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide, I pushed myself onward by listening to vintage albums - in particular Elvis' Christmas Album and Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas. The uneasy feelings that come from being way behind on your to-do list are reduced by listening to these classic Christmas songs.

Do you have classic Christmas albums? I'm afraid to ask, but are you all ready for Christmas?

Vintage Bliss Tuesdays - Join The Party!

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I always love to get a book as a gift. There are so many wonderful things about books as gifts. You can find a book to please pretty much everyone on your list. The right choice of book can speak to how you feel about someone. It can bring your gift recipient pleasure, new knowledge and possibly some laughs. And books are affordable - you can get a great book for under 20 bucks.

These Vegan Peanut Butter Squares With Caramel Icing are most definitely special occasion squares - perfect for Christmas! They are chewy and delicious, thanks to the winning combo of cereals and peanut butter. They are definitely on the sweet side - ideal for the person with a solid sweet tooth (and good dental habits!). If you don't like your squares so sweet, omit the caramel icing and drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top - just enough to pretty up your cereal squares.

A handbag is always a great option if you have a mom, sister, bff or really any woman at all on your Christmas list. This is not dependent on how many handbags she already owns either - because really if she has lots that means she wants even more. It's an addiction. But a safe one.

I recently received two bags from Beside-U. These lightweight, nylon bags are practical and pretty. They are durable for everyday use and ideal for travel. Beside-U bags are made to accommodate all the stuff we travel with daily - including technology. There are plenty of zippers and pockets - the larger bags even have slots for tablets! Here's something else that I think you're going to find really cool - many Beside-U bags have a full zippered pocket inside that is RFID blocking. Don't have a clue what this means? I didn't either, but it turns out it could be important to know!