My Birthday Month WooHoo
SEASONAL LIVING
Heart of the Off-Season
Often Very Surprising
Fresh Over Fake Plastic
WINTER
CHICKEN CARE
Much Simpler Than Expected
WINTER RECIPE TIME
Orange Coconut Snowballs TRADITIONS THAT
HELLO DECEMBER my birthday month
December is here which also means it is my birthday month, so this time of year always carries a little extra excitement for me. Between the holidays, cooler weather, and the rhythm shift this month naturally brings, there is something magical about the way the world slows down and lights up at the same time. Last year my daughter was only a few months old, but even then seeing her watch the Christmas lights was just so special. It gave a new meaning to this season and brought out my inner kid. This year, she is running around and playing in the lights! She just makes this season so much more special, seeing it through the eyes of your own sweet baby! Another thing I love about December is hosting! This month is the perfect excuse to open the doors and fill the house with people I care about. The whole month of December just feels merry to me and I take full advantage of that to have more friends and family over.
SEASONAL LIVING heart of the off season
THIS IS THE HEART OF THE OFF-SEASON AT THE BEACH WHICH IS SECRETLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE TIMES TO BE DOWN IN THE LOWCOUNTRY WHERE IT’S CALLED “THE LOCALS’ SUMMER”. THE BEACH IS WIDE OPEN, PEACEFUL, AND FULL OF ROOM TO BREATHE. WHEN WE ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE DOWN THERE, OUR PUPS COULD SPEND EVERY DAY RUNNING DOWN THE SHORELINE WITH ZERO COMPETITION FOR SPACE. THEY CANNOT STAY OUT OF THE WATER EVEN WHEN IT IS CHILLY.
DECEMBER PRODUCE IS RICH AND VIBRANT.
THINK CITRUS, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SWEET POTATOES, CRANBERRIES, WINTER SQUASH, POMEGRANATES, AND HEARTY GREENS. IT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO COOK MEALS THAT FEEL WARM AND NOURISHING WITHOUT FEELING HEAVY. YUM!!
REAL ESTATE in december
This time of year often surprises people. Many assume it is quiet, but in reality, people who move during the holidays are usually power buyers and power sellers. They are doing it because they need to and that creates momentum. Negotiation can end up feeling even more competitive because everyone involved is serious and decisive.
If you are selling this month, you can absolutely decorate but keep it simple and clean so the home feels inviting without feeling personalized. Warm lighting, greenery, and neutral touches photograph beautifully and elevate showings. Keep scents mild and avoid anything heavily themed.
Showings during the holidays require a bit more coordination, but flexibility goes a long way. Remember that buyers who show up in December are motivated in a way that is rare.
FRESH GARLAND over fake plastic
Plastic garland might seem convenient, but it offers none of the richness or beauty that real greenery brings into a home. Fresh garland smells better, looks fuller, and instantly creates a softer feeling. It is also far more resourceful, and fun!
One of the best ways to source fresh garland is to go foraging in the woods or in your own backyard if you have the right trees. Look for long branches of pine, cedar, or magnolia. You can even cut sprigs of holly or nandina with their bright red berries to add natural accents throughout your garland.
Once you have your cuttings, tie them together with twine, zip ties, fishing line, or simple floral wire or whatever else you have in the garage that works! Layer the branches so the stems overlap and the greenery flows in one direction. Keep building until it reaches the length you want. Hang it on a mantel, staircase, doorway, or around your porch for a beautiful, natural holiday touch.
WINTER CHICKEN CARE homemade intentional giving
Winter chicken care down here is much simpler than people expect. A lot of new chicken owners think they need to heat the coop but in reality, heat lamps are the number one cause of coop fires and chickens are far more hardy than we give them credit for. They do not need to be toasty, they just need to stay dry and out of open drafts. As long as they can tuck their feet under their bodies while roosting and cuddle together, they stay warm naturally.
We also do not deal with long periods of below freezing temps or heavy snow which means frostbite is not a major concern in our region. So no heat lamps, no extra fuss. Just dry bedding, proper roosts, good ventilation without direct wind, and you are set for the season.
WINTER RECIPE orange coconut snowballs
They store well and make the sweetest little gift in a tin.
INGREDIENTS:
1 12OZ BOX VANILLA WAFER COOKIES (SEE NOTES)
1 ¼ CUP PECANS
2 CUPS COCONUT FLAKES (SWEETENED OR UNSWEETENED DEPENDING ON YOUR PREFERENCE)
2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR
¾ CUP ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE, MOSTLY THAWED (ABOUT 6 OZ)
½ TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
1 STICK UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. IN A FOOD PROCESSOR, PULSE THE VANILLA WAFERS INTO A VERY FINE CRUMB. TRANSFER TO A MIXING BOWL. PULSE THE PECANS INTO A FINE CRUMB AND ADD TO THE BOWL WITH THE WAFERS. FINALLY, PULSE THE COCONUT UNTIL COARSELY CHOPPED AND TRANSFER TO A SEPARATE SHALLOW DISH.
2. ADD THE POWDERED SUGAR, ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE, VANILLA EXTRACT, AND BUTTER TO THE PECAN AND WAFER CRUMBS. USING A HAND MIXER, MIX UNTIL COMBINED.
3. USE A SMALL COOKIE SCOOP TO SCOOP DOUGH AND USE YOUR HANDS TO FORM BALLS. ROLL EACH BALL IN THE CHOPPED COCONUT AND THEN PLACE ONTO A COOKIE SHEET. CHILL UNTIL FIRM AND THEN TRANSFER TO A CONTAINER. STORE LEFTOVERS IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
TRADITIONS THAT MATTER december brings out all the traditions
December brings out all the traditions. I personally love a nostalgic Christmas, nothing trendy, just the good oldfashioned C9 bulbs glowing on the house and a little tinsel on the tree. Driving through neighborhoods with lights, baking something together as a family, and taking in some refreshing breaths of cool air. Whether you go big or keep it simple this year, what matters is the way it feels right to you.
Wishing you a peaceful and bright December. If you need help navigating buying or selling during the holiday season, I am here and happy to guide you!
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
Courtney Houston
