Mandatory Monday – What I’m Loving Right Now

Mandatory Monday is a weekly blog post that was originally inspired by the release of Just the Essentials.  Every Monday, I’ll share some of the things I’m loving in the current week!

It’s official. I’m ready for spring. Though January is usually my favorite month, it’s just dragging its feet this year. We’ve had cloudy day after snowy day, and the occasional sunny day we get ends up being too cold to do anything outside.

I’m ready for warm, balmy days. I’m ready for birds and flowers and planting vegetables.

Okay, enough of that.

Here’s my Mandatory Monday list, the things I’m lovin’ that are keeping me from going completely crazy:

• Gevalia 2-Step Cappuccino K-Cups – Lately, I’ve been able to drink one caffeinated coffee every day without it making me feel awful, especially if I drink it in the morning. This cappuccino is worth its weight in gold. I love it. The espresso cup comes with a froth packet that actually froths! I’m sure they’re full of artificial ingredients–and they’re definitely more expensive than using my single serve filter–but right now, in the gloom of winter, they make me so very happy.
• The Lunar Chronicles – I read Winter, guys. It’s over; it’s all over. It was a book series that left me staring at the ceiling when I was finished, wishing there were more. Sure, there’s the short story collection coming out, but it’s just not the same. I loved them–really, really loved them. The last book was a bit…gruesome…in spots, but I would still recommend it for older teens. In fact, I’ve been badgering my fifteen-year-old niece to read them.  All in all, it was a great series.
• Elderberry Syrup – Yes, I know. You’re all sick-to-death of hearing about the stuff, but I’m going to tell you again. This is an immune-system-boosting monster. After the move, I hadn’t been diligent about making it, and my daughter got a cold. The morning she started showing symptoms, I made the syrup, and she began taking a teaspoon every 4 – 6 hours. The next day was the worst, but she kept taking the syrup. The day after that, it was almost gone. She was sick with a cold for three days. Three days, people.
• Emeril Lagasse’s Jambalaya Recipe – I’m craving this in a big way. I’ve tried several recipes, and I think this one’s the best. The creole seasoning recipe at the bottom of the page is what makes it fantastic, and it can be used on all kinds of things. I’m really excited to try it on wings in my husband’s smoker.

All right, there you go! That’s all for today. Have a great Monday!