Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I’m currently sitting in my warm living room listening to the cold wind blow to and fro just outside the window, and waiting for the festivities to begin.

Thanksgiving itself never really meant much to me, since I’m Canadian and we never really celebrated it the same way growing up. I do, however, like the idea of having time to reflect and be thankful for all God has done for us throughout the year.

This year has been a wild ride, so I decided to reflect right here in front of the whole world what I am thankful for. ;-)

My husband. Who is incredible beyond words and understands my crazy.

Our home. That we didn’t think we were going to be able to get, but God is good!

Transition. That stretches us in ways we didn’t know we could be stretched, and grows us in amazing ways.

Astra. My favorite black cat child.

Friends. Ones I’ve had for longer, and the new ones I’ve been making lately.

Jesus. The ultimate gift and my ultimate friend.

All of you! Thank you readers, for making Maple Alps possible!

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What are you most thankful for this year?

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The Art of Homemade Gifts

I have always been a fan of gifts that were homemade. Cards, pieces of art, even letters in the mail - anything that someone took the time to put together have always been my favourite type of gift to receive. I have a small box full of the special items that loved ones have made me over the years, and I highly doubt I will ever let them go because I enjoy looking through them from time to time.

Of course, not all gifts are given for long-term usage purposes. Maybe you want to give a neighbor gift to let those in your neighborhood know you’re thinking of them or perhaps you want to send a card of encouragement to a friend. Since it was my birthday not too long ago, here are some ideas that will help you cultivate and appreciate the art of homemade gifts.

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Create with the Recipient In Mind

People enjoy simple gifts that they enjoy. If you make a special kind of granola your recipient loves, a mason jar or tin full of it will bring a smile to their face. If you know they love beautiful wall hangings, make one in their favourite colour (or maybe learn how to make one if you don’t know how to). Pick some eggs from your chicken coup or collect a jar of honey from your hive. You get the point. Honestly, a homemade or well picked-out card always brings a smile too!

Be Creative with Packaging

Creative packaging is so fun! Side note, I actually used to follow a blog that posted design ideas for packaging that graphic design students mocked up. They were so creative! Maybe wrap a food item in a kitchen towel, or craft your own gift bag. Paint a plant pot to accompany some green goodness. Maybe you are mailing a card and want to personalize the stamp or the way you write the address. You know your gift and recipient best.

Do Not Overthink It

Don’t overthink gift giving. The purpose of a gift is to show someone you appreciate them and are thinking about them.  It could be a simple handmade or handwritten card or note or even some flowers or herbs from your garden! It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive or hard to put together. What they say really is true: it’s the thought that counts.

Expensive Does Not Mean Meaningful

Speaking of the thought that counts, there is no reason to break the bank to share a gift with someone. Keep things simple. Honestly, you could box up a cupcake or two after you made a batch and it would be appreciated to whoever receives it (be mindful of allergies).

Some More Homemade Gift Ideas:

Homemade Hand Soap in a cute jar (you can buy inexpensive foaming soap lids like these on Amazon!)

Body Wash

Homemade Granola

Biscuit Mix

Handmade Card

Loaf of homemade bread

Something crocheted/knitted

Soup in a jar

Hot chocolate mix

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Do you enjoy giving or receiving handmade gifts? What do you love about it?

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Related: An Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Gifts

Fav Ever Vegan Lasagna

I have had this post in my draft folder for two years now. TWO WHOLE YEARS (ahem, and a few months)! I am so excited to FINALLY be able to share this vegan lasagna with you. I’m leaving the text below as it was because, well, it’s more or less relevant to my life, and the instructions are the same anyway.

School is back in session, and sometimes I'm out of my house for about twelve hours each day. The commute each way is about 45 minutes, I get there an hour early, and depending on the day, I stay pretty long afterward as well to grade and prep so that I can "sleep in" the next morning. My poor husband, though extremely supportive of me, has started missing my homemade food. It was a whirlwind summer with a lot of traveling and guests that left literally zero extra time to prepare my home for the school year. Those first few weeks, I was just waiting for the long weekend so I could get some meal prep done (but hey, at least my classroom stayed organized!). I decided to take some time early one Sunday morning to get some stuff baked for the week, and I defaulted to one of our favourites: vegan lasagna. 

It doesn't take too long to make - the baking part takes the longest. It just requires four main elements: tofu ricotta (which I mix with spinach), cashew cream sauce, tomato sauce and lasagna noodles, of course. 

If you, like me, have had bad experiences with the dairy-free version of this classic comfort food, rest assured that this one is actually pretty darn delicious. The first time I made it, my husband didn't even miss the cheese!

This lasagna freezes well, and you can even assemble and keep it in the fridge for a few days before baking if you need to plan ahead!

I actually pursued this lasagna hard. I remember having a terrible vegan lasagna experience and I never wanted something like that to be recreated in my kitchen. The kicker is that this bad experience was almost 15 years ago and I still remember it vividly. So I am very excited about this one and that it tastes great!

You can use your favorite tomato sauce and noodles for this! I like the kind of noodle that you cook first before baking. The texture is just nicer to me. Plus, your sauce goes a bit further I find and you’ll have a saucier lasagna - which I prefer!

The recipe for the lasagna is for a pan that is smaller than 9x13, but I’ve included some changes for that size in the notes.

Best Ever Vegan Lasagna

What you need:

• 1 recipe of Vegan Tofu Ricotta (possibly 2 for 9x13 pan) 

• 2 cups spinach (4 cups for 9x13 pan if double the ricotta)

• 1 recipe of Cashew Cream Sauce

• 1 package lasagna noodles of your choice

• Your favourite tomato sauce (more for 9x13 pan)

What to do:

1) Preheat oven to 350ºF

2) Prepare the ricotta and cashew cream sauce. 

3) In a large bowl, mix spinach and ricotta well.

4) Begin layering by adding about 1 cup of the tomato sauce to the bottom of your baking dish. Top with noodles.

5) Add layer of ricotta and top with more sauce.

6) Drizzle cashew cream sauce 

7) Repeat layers (steps 4-6) until finished. Add a final layer of noodles and sauce

8) Bake covered for about 30 minutes. Add the rest of your cashew cream sauce to the top and bake, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Then broil, watching carefully, until top is a beautiful brown (Make sure you can broil with the pan you use)!

9) Let the lasagna cool for 15-20 minutes (very important so it doesn't fall apart!)

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Don't you just love a good lasagna? 

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Three Things to Know About Biblical Hospitality

What do you think of when you hear the word, “Hospitality”? I’m sure a few things may cross your thoughts like perfect Pinterest-worthy table settings and the latest mason jar craft. Maybe the South comes to mind with their famous Southern Hospitality, or finally getting to use that fancy wedding set you got years ago. I must admit: I thought the same. Since I was young, I would pour over home magazines, oohing and ahhing over all the pretty things that could house delicious meals (who am I kidding? I still do that from time to time). When I threw a party, I threw a party, going all out with decor and matching dishes and sometimes thematic scapes that would impress even Joanna Gaines (okay, maybe not that great, but you get the picture). 

When the topic of Biblical Hospitality came  up, I had no idea what that was. I had taken one of those spiritual gifts test and had gotten hospitality as one and I did not know what that meant. I decided to dig a little deeper. Here are just a few things I found in the Bible about hospitality (all verses are from the English Standard Version)

• “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

• “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

• "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13

• "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

• “...and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” Acts 2:46

• “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35

It is tempting to get discouraged in times like today when social media shows picture-perfect homes and tablescapes. It’s tempting to just give up and not even bother trying unless your party is Instagram-worthy. 

With the Bible being so clear on the importance of each of us showing hospitality, I felt it important to not only practice it, but help others do so as well. Today, I want to share with you just three things to know about Biblical Hospitality. I hope it is practical for you and will encourage you as you move forward in blessing others!

1) It Is For Everyone and Yields Great Joy

We are to show hospitality to everyone we meet - not just our family and friends. Hospitality requires vulnerability and obedience. Some of the best and most memorable visits are messy and unexpected. Sometimes showing hospitality is even unwanted! I’ve had many a time, especially because I’ve devoted my life to ministry, where people have shown up at the door, or plans have been made very last minute. I’m quite type A and like to have things perfectly in order. When I’m tempted to turn people down or shrink away, I remember Christ’s example of embracing everyone. It is always a blessing when I choose to follow His way.

Although the practice of hospitality asks the sacrifice of our time, our needs and our resources, it is rewarded with great joy. There is not much that is more energizing and fulfilling than serving others. You just need to be willing!

2) Hospitality is Not the same as Entertaining

There is no mention of Pinterest or picture-perfect table spreads in any definitions of hospitality. Of course, there is nothing wrong with making things beautiful for our guests (and we absolutely should create pleasant and warm atmospheres for them), but is your motivation true hospitality, or just showing off? 

Remember: entertaining is to impress, but hospitality is to bless.

The best hospitality I’ve experienced has been with those who encourage me and welcome me without even trying. I’ve left their company refreshed and ready to pass their love to others. Be sure that people leave your company refreshed and invigorated for good, and pray that they have experienced Christ through you.

3) Hospitality Is About More Than Sharing a Meal

Hospitality can be risky, and is asked of all of us (remember those verses above?). While some of us may find it easier to do than others, we are all called to show Christ's love and hospitality - it can be (and should be!) a part of our lives.

Being aware of the needs of others is a huge way to show this. Pray with others. Encourage them. Listen to them! Yes, give them a meal if that is how you are ministering to them. Meeting needs in a practical way is truly hospitable - would we not want the same to be shown to us?

Hospitality is for us to show God's love to others. God calls us to it, and the rewards are eternal. We have been blessed so we can bless others. Withholding hospitality will hinder our joy. 

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How do you show hospitality? What are some things you struggle with when doing so? Does it come easily to you?

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Tips for Leading a More Active Lifestyle

A few years ago, my husband surprised me with a Fitbit for my birthday. While the competitive spirit in our house escalated a tad (all in good fun, mind you!), it definitely made me aware of my movement every day. I don’t wear it now nearly as much as I used to, but the habits it helped me to create have stayed. I realized how active (or how inactive, really) I was and I want to stay healthy. Movement is part of that!

This year I decided to get back into being more active. When I was in school I was always quite active and involved in sports and always absolutely love running (and went faithfully every morning!). Since getting a full-time job, however, my movement decreased quite a bit. Inactivity has been proven to be unhealthy, some people even going as far to say that it’s the new smoking, so I figured I should get back to it.

Since the beginning of this year, I have successfully been more active in my everyday life besides the almost daily exercise I do. Since I have had quite a few people ask me about it, I thought I’d write up a post on some tips for leading a more active lifestyle. 

Just Start

Sometimes it’s best to just start when you feel the motivation in the moment. Oftentimes, when we say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” tomorrow never comes. Even if you don’t completely know what you are doing, start! An easy place to start would be taking a walk, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. 5 minutes even. Something is better than nothing.

Find Something You Love

Once you’ve started, don’t quit just because you might hate it. Sometimes it takes a while to find the exercise or activity you enjoy the most. I enjoy running, so it made it easier for me to want to get up and do it. Explore different mediums of exercise. If I hadn’t tried new things, I would have never known how much I enjoy spin classes or Pilates!

Take Note of How You Feel After Exercising

Do you feel great after exercising? Maybe you feel stronger and fitter just because you made some sweat get wiped off your brow? Do you feel energized after taking a walk? Hang onto these feelings and use them as motivation when you are dreading it. If you know you’re going to feel great afterward, you’ll want to get right to it!

Find Creative Ways to Stay Active

Doing fitness programs can be good for some people, but for others, the first step is to just be active in the first place. Once you start consciously thinking about ways to be active, it will come naturally. Some good ways to keep active aside from a workout routine could be:

• Go for walks

• Park farther away from the entrance

• Take the stairs

• Push the vacuum rather than using a robot vacuum

• Do some yard work

• Scrub the bathtub 

• Do laundry

• Add some treadmill time to your TV time

• Go on a hike

Get In Tune With Your Body

Appreciate your body and what it can do. If you start having a gratitude mindset, you’ll shift your focus on what you “have” to do, to what you are able to do! Be grateful you can walk. Be happy that you are able to see progress. Find small things and celebrate them! Along with being in tune with your body, know when you need to rest. Our bodies are very good at telling us what they want if we would just listen.

Make Goals

Create some goals so that you can CELEBRATE wins once you achieve them. It’s best if your goals can be seen. For example, if you want to exercise 3 times a week, schedule it and cross it out when you’re done. 

Create a Habit

It’s true, feeling motivated is not a reality sometimes. By creating habits, you set yourself up for better success (by the way, you should check out this awesome book on habits!). 

Don’t Forget to Rest

Your body needs rest and recovery as much as it needs movement and exercise! This is much overlooked. Don’t overdo it and your body will thank you!

Grace Over Guilt

Instead of focusing on changing alllllll the habits, start with one and add on as you go. If you mess up, it’s okay! Don’t let that hinder you from getting back up and trying again.

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What kinds of active things do you enjoy doing? I have fallen in love with doing Pilates with Robin Long over at The Balanced Life. If you want to check it out, click here to use my referral code!

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