• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Follow Passion and Poppies on Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Passion and Poppies

Passion and Poppies

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Entrees
    • Sides
    • Snacks
  • Travel & Destinations
  • About
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Entrees
    • Sides
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Snacks
    • Breakfast
  • Travel & Destinations
  • About Passion and Poppies
  • Contact

Holiday Blues

November 30, 2018 // By: Jeanne
Posted In: Musings // Leave a comment... Be the first!

Tis’ the season for Joy and Merriment! But, to be honest, tis’ also the season for sadness and heartache.

So many emotions and feeling get all tangled up like a ball of christmas lights. First, you plug them in and are SO excited they work! Then the little tingles of excitement you get, from just how pretty and magical, these lights are! The house, the tree, the mantle!! It’s ALL going to be wonderment! To then, you sit back and see what a mess of entanglement you have ahead of you. Who put these lights up last year anyways!! And to make it worse, as you untangle said mess,  the lights flicker on and off…What,  UGH!! WTF!?! Ya, kind of sums up life. You really can’t have one, without the other.

In my experience, the Holidays bring up all of that. It is hands down, my favorite time of year! But man, do my emotions FLY!! ———–> (there they go) I know loss, a lot of it. I found the blessing in my dysfunctional family. I have 4 parents, none of whom are together. So lets consider them 4 sets of parents (not going to get into my family forest) With each set, they have parents. So in return… I was blessed with SO many grandparents (8)  It. Was. Awesome!! I loved them as all my grandparents, they loved me as their grandchild! Throughout the years, I’ve lost all of them. Then mix in other family and a few friends, sadness can set in. They holidays remind me the most, of the times we had together. It also reminds me of my last Christmas I had with my dad. He hung on, until January 4th. So I have that. We had him for Christmas! But the struggle we went through that December rushes back every holiday season. I miss him terribly this time of year.

Then after a terrible fight with breast cancer, my cousin lost her life January 13, 2014. She too fought to hang on through the holidays. So again, there is that! Which I am beyond thankful for. We LOVED the holidays. Life got crazy and that was the one time a year, if all else failed, we came together to enjoy it with our families. But the holidays are forever changed when your favorites aren’t around.

I really could go on… we all could. Tis the Season! It is time for families and friends to come together and enjoy and reflect on the year(s) past. And with reflection we realize, we all are missing something and a lot of “someones” and what do we do with all those emotions? Nothing brings back our loved ones or past decisions and regrets. Lord knows we all have those! And again, the holidays are a reminder of all things “feelings” good and not so good. It’s reality, right?!

Are you wondering “why” am I writing this post? What a Debbie downer! Haha. That’s not my intention. As we are on the last day of November, I was thinking about all of the things I want to do in December and how I want to transition into the new year, 2019!! How is it going to be 2019?? I naturally think about my dad, cousin, grannie… so on. Then I think about current family and friends and how relationships change throughout the years. I really do focus more on the positive and how great life is. But sometimes, focusing on the latter, gets the best of me. And I am okay with that. I have a pretty good balance of emotions. Hasn’t always been that way. But over all, it’s me. And 2018 has been a transition into who I am. And I can’t wait for 2019 to really embrace what that means. (its a surprise for me too, haha) I am a firm believer you DO have to look and reflect back on your past in order to move forward. As hard or ugly as it is, that where you find yourself. Your “why”?! Why did I make that choice/decision? So much of it comes down to that simple question. Whether or not you initiated the the first choice/decision or responded to someone else’s. I find that is what it comes down to. And for some reason, my timing of reflection on past decisions, relationships, choices, whatever, is now. Right smack in the middle of the holidays. Go me!

As I am looking back, at all of the decisions that have brought me to this point in my life. I realize, I really am thankful for all good and bad decisions and events that have happened in my life. I have very minimal regrets, if any. Having that outlook didn’t come easy. And it cost me, a lot. Cost me a lot personally, and it came at the cost of others. Which, I am remorseful for, but try not to regret. You can grow and expand your heart from remorse, but you have to forgive yourself and be able to move on.  I feel, that remorse is the starting point, then pick yourself up and move on from it. (easier said then done, I know) Otherwise, it’s hindering and debilitating. I have seen regret, stop people from living, and cost them happiness. And regret and guilt travel pretty close together. And guilt is a plague, that spreads out to the people you care for the most, and tears you apart. Accepting mistakes or unplanned paths is part of your life’s journey. And it’s beautiful. Scars can be beautiful, if you just change a little perspective. They are the roadmap to the core and center of your person. What is more beautiful than that! And what is more beautiful than letting other people in on your struggles to help them feel a little more normal. Life these days are seen through “rose colored glasses” called Instagram/Facebook or whatever other social platform there is. It’s all a filter. I find most connected to the ones that show bits of their true self and life. That inspires me and I feel inspired to maybe do that for someone. Even if it is just one person. Because I realize as great of a life as I do have, it’s not all roses. I struggle, quite a bit at times.

This is my way of finding center. I come from a family of dysfunction but that doesn’t mean I set out to live my life in dysfunction. I was getting married once and staying with the man that I had children with. Come hell or high water! Well, the hell and the highest of water came and went and came and went…. So ya, never tell life it isn’t going to be a certain way. Your challenges, will always be your challenges until you actually stop and face them. It is in that moment they will dissipate. (insert divorce here)  And let me tell you how freeing and liberating that moment is. The cloudy skies part, the sun beams through and it all makes perfect sense. It hurts like a son of bitch!! But WOW! It is GLORIOUS! And it starts a chain reaction, if you let it (choices) and it becomes contagious. And then you (re)find the man of your dreams!! Whoop Whoop! Haha

So if you’re struggling with the Holiday Blues or just any blues. You’re not alone. Even though, that is most likely, exactly how you feel. (say that 5x) Chin up buttercup. This moment, is always the best moment, to forgive yourself and start down a new path. So while we are all (most) in full holiday mode, and life is, or can be, more emotional. I hope we all turn to the happier side of emotions and enjoy this wonderful time of year. Look around and be thankful for all your little blessings. This season comes once, but it is over in a heartbeat. All the time and money and attention to detail and time and MONEY that goes into, what, a month and a half period of time! Make sure you slow down to do all of the things that make you happy. And thoroughly enjoy them and the family and friends around you. Make it as perfect or imperfect as you want. Just spread Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheer… or just spread Cheer if you don’t celebrate anything. Someone is deeply struggling for their, very personal to them, reasons. So let’s spread holiday cheer!!

Tomorrow is December 1st. Let the festivities begin. I’m kicking off my December with a “Winter Wine Walk” in downtown Ventura! Then a tree lighting on Sunday at Church! What are you doing to enjoy the most of your December? I would LOVE to hear about it!!

About Jeanne

I’m Jeanne – cook, photographer, momma of 3, and lover of all things homemade, especially tacos! I started Passion & Poppies because I wanted a way to catalog my kitchen and life endeavors.
I love to stay connected to my readers! You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Blackberry Lemon Crêpes with fresh Blackberry Sauce
  • Banana Bread | Muffins
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Southwest Seasoning
  • Southwest Beefy Pasta

Recent Comments

  • Jeanne on Orange Blossom Simple Syrup
  • Cam on Orange Blossom Simple Syrup
  • Candipie on The Best Sushi Rice Recipe
  • Jeanne on The Best Sushi Rice Recipe
  • Jim Stecher on The Best Sushi Rice Recipe

Archives

  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • March 2022
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018

Categories

  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Bullet Journal
  • Dessert
  • Drinks
  • Entertaining
  • Entrees
  • Homemade
  • Musings
  • Printables
  • Recipes
  • Salad
  • Seasonings
  • Sides
  • Snacks
  • Travel & Destinations
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Follow @passionandpoppies on Instagram

Happy Friday!!! Blackberry Lemon Drop 🍋 I onl Happy Friday!!! Blackberry Lemon Drop 🍋 

I only had a handful of blackberries left because @scoobzthebulldog keeps helping himself to my berries! So I opted to add them to a beverage. 

This will definitely be made again soon, it was super delicious! 

Recipe: 
In a cocktail shaker
5-6 blackberries- muddled
1.5 oz. Vodka
.75 oz Orange liqueur 
.75 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 
.5 oz simple syrup
Add ice 
Shake•Shake•Shake
Strain into a frozen coupe glass
~ Enjoy 
.
.
.
#beverage #drinks #lemon #cocktails #homemade #vodka #fresh #foodie #easyrecipes #forkyeah #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #lemondrop #friday #weekend #california #reelsinstagram #reels
Whelp, this me! Mom of 3, bathroom beverage, harsh Whelp, this me! Mom of 3, bathroom beverage, harsh lighting and still trying to embrace the dark circles under my eyes and still contemplating Botox for my very expressive face. 

As grandma Hanson would say, “oh well, so what, who cares!” (In her cute little Wisconsin accent) 

Blackberry Lemon Drop recipe, coming soon. It’s super yum! 
.
.
.
#lemondrop #blackberry #vodka #freshsqueezed #homegrown #lemon #beverage #drinks #foodie #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #botox #slefcare #forkyeahfoodies #cocktail #thursday #selfie
I love making sushi rolls, but I also appreciate n I love making sushi rolls, but I also appreciate not rolling sushi and making bowls the next day. Either way, always a favorite meal around our house. 

There is definitely some prep work, but all easy stuff, and totally worth it! 

I have an easy and delicious sushi rice recipe on my blog. I hope you check it out and make some yourself. 

On my blog. Search “sushi rice” Link in bio or
www.passionandpoppies.com/sushi-rice 

And I super appreciate my people that go fishing and bring me fresh fish!! 🫶🏼
.
.
.
#sushi #sushilovers #california #poke #recipes #foodie #food #forkyeah #forkyeahfoodies #dinner #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #fish #fresh
Jar Salad!! Great way to meal prep!! Forgot how Jar Salad!! Great way to meal prep!! 

Forgot how much I loved making these, and this dressing is a favorite in my house. 

Measure with your ❤️ or get recipe details on my blog:
www.passionandpoppies.com search “dressing” or
Link in bio. 

Ingredients 💚
olive oil
red wine vinegar 
garlic
lemon juice
oregano
Dijon mustard 
kosher salt
black pepper
.
.
.
#salad #greek #italian #homemade #dressing #food
#mealprep #healthy #recipie #forkyeahfoodies #foodie #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #dinner #lunch #easyrecipes
Nothing says Summertime BBQ like smoked ribs! I Nothing says Summertime BBQ like smoked ribs! 

I like my ribs to fall of the bone. So smoking them for a few hours, then wrapping them up for a few more seems to do the trick. Man, these were delicious!! 

Plus seasoning them with our buddies @wood.iron.works_bydean mixture, always ends in perfection! 

I was intimidated to do these for some reason, (probably because my hubby always kills it with the smoking and BBQing) but these were super easy and simple. 

What’s your favorite thing to smoke?
.
.
.
#ribs #babybackribs #smokedmeat #smoked #bbq #summer #summertime #weekend #food #foodie #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #forkyeah #forkyeahfoodies #greenmountaingrills #smoker
Goodbye July!! You’ve been so good to me! It’s Goodbye July!! You’ve been so good to me! It’s time to move along…

What was your favorite thing you did in July?
.
.
.
#goodbye #july #santabarbara #ojai #4thofjuly #cavaletti #wine #summer #birthday #sushi #foodie #losolivos #malibu #paradisecove #drinks #winelover
Breakfast Sammy! Happy Saturday! Here’s to mak Breakfast Sammy! 

Happy Saturday! Here’s to making sandwiches that don’t fit in our mouth! 

And cooking bacon on the BBQ! 🙌🏼

Bagel 🥯 
Eggs 🍳 
Cream cheese 
Tomato 🍅 
Avocado 🥑 
Bacon 🥓 
.
.
.
#bacon #breakfast #bagel #avocado #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #forkyeahfoodies #food #foodiesinternationalchat #globaleats #bbq #weekend
Pineapple Coconut Margarita!! 🍍🥥 Oh man, t Pineapple Coconut Margarita!! 🍍🥥 

Oh man, this was delicious! Will be making these again this weekend! Let me know if you’re stopping by 😘🤣

I got a lot of request for this recipe. Link is in my highlights. Or on the blog: 
www.passionandpoppies.com/pineapple-coconut-margarita 

And let me me know if you make it!! 🧉

~Salute 
.
.
.
#margarita #pineapple #coconut #tequila #drinks #beverage #drinks #summer #friday #friyay #weekendvibes #globaleats #foodie #forkyeahfoodies #puertobackyarda #tgif
I’ve been back from vacation for a few days, and I’ve been back from vacation for a few days, and am already dreaming of getting away again. 

@brendo234 let’s go back to wine country!! 

Where’s your next vacation? 
.
.
.
#wine #winetasting #winecountry #pasorobles #vacation #california #cali #reels #reelsinstagram #schittscreek #summertime #summer
We celebrated the fact that we FINALLY got to “t We celebrated the fact that we FINALLY got to “turn on” our solar panels, (we’ve had them for a month) by cranking the A/C, and making it cold enough to have soup! 🙌🏼

Roasting the tomatoes made this amazing! If you like tomato soup, you’re going to LOVE this! 

Recipe up on the blog soon! 
.
.
.
#soup #soupweather #solarpanels #foodie #tomatoes #dinner #forkyeahfoodies #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #italianfood #italian #easyrecipes
I appreciate going out, or when someone else cooks I appreciate going out, or when someone else cooks for me. But my favorite, is home cooked meals after being on vacation! 

I tried a new enchilada recipe, and it was amazing! A little more work than my usual enchilada recipe, but 100% worth it! 

Let me know if you want the recipe!
.
.
.
#kitchen #homecooking #foodie #forkyeahfoodies #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #dinner #enchiladas #recipes #reels
Summer Sunday’s are for soaking up the sun, pool Summer Sunday’s are for soaking up the sun, pool time and sipping a blueberry mojito. 

What are your Sunday plans?

Mojito:
Muddle 5-6 mint leaves, 10 blueberries and 3 lime wedges in a 1-2 teaspoon (depending on sweetness) of mint simple syrup. 
2 oz white rum
Add ice
Top off with coconut sparkling water
Enjoy! 🍹☀️

And yes, I do like to chew my drinks!! 
.
.
.
#summer #summertime #sunday #sundayfunday #drinks #beverage #mojito #coconut #foodie #forkyeah #forkyeahfoodies #foodie #globaleats
Happy July! ❤️🤍💙 Better late than never Happy July! ❤️🤍💙

Better late than never! I finally got around to finishing up my July calendar. Whatcha think?
.
.
.
#bulletjournal #journal #bujo #scrapjournal #write #moderncalligraphy #starsandstripes #july #summer
Seafood Boil! 🦀 🦞 🦐 🥔 🌽 All you n Seafood Boil! 🦀 🦞 🦐 🥔 🌽 

All you need is an afternoon, a gigantic pot of water, outdoor stove and an insane amount of seafood! Oh, and a wonderful friend named Hami!! And… maybe a few other key ingredients. 

This was amazing! Shared with some great people, telling fond memories of an old friend gone too soon. 
RIP JR ❤️

Who’s cooked a seafood boil? 
.
.
.
#seafoodboil #seafood #crab #lobster #shrimp #scallops #crawfish #clams #zatarains #neworleans #california #socal
Where are my candle lovers at?? 🙋🏼‍♀️ Where are my candle lovers at?? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Curious, do you burn candles in the summer time? Or just fall and winter? 

I burn year around. And right now tropical scents and citronella is my go to scent! 
.
.
.
#candles #candlemaking #maker #shopsmall #smallbusiness #soycandles #crafty #giftideas #gift #handpoured #pourwithpurpose
Caprese Salad with Burrata 🍅 🌿 🥖 One of Caprese Salad with Burrata 🍅 🌿 🥖 

One of my favorite appetizers, but today it was a mid day snack. 

Have you had burrata? It’s light, creamy and super delicious. 

Ingredients:
Burrata
Tomatoes
Basil
Balsamic Glaze
Bread or toast crackers 
.
.
.
#appetizers #snacks #tomatoes #caprese #foodie #foodiesinternationalchat #globaleats #forkyeahfoodies #easyrecipes #cheese
Chicken Salad! My new favorite! You’re gonna wan Chicken Salad! My new favorite! You’re gonna wanna save this! 

Not only is this quick and easy. It has super simple ingredients. And a plus is my home grown lettuce. (toot-toot, beep-beep) 🥬 

Ingredients:
Lettuce
Top Ramen noodles
Bragg’s Ginger Sesame Dressing
Toasted Slivered Almonds

Let me know if you make it!
.
.
.
#dinner #lunch #easyrecipes #chicken #foodie #forkyeahfoodies #foodiesinternationalchat #globaleats #salad #summertime #bragg
These two photos capture the reality of my life ri These two photos capture the reality of my life right now. 

I started off my week with absolutely nothing on my calendar. No day, dates, nothing. As if it’s summertime and I don’t have anything to do! 

When the reality is, I’ve been so busy with life. 18th birthday celebrations, engagement celebrations, graduation celebrations, end of school year celebrations, a memorial for the loss of a friend, and holidays. With all that going on, who has time to update their life?! 😅 It’s been a long 2 months. 

Whelp, I’ve updated my life, put some stuff on the calendar (for this week), and wouldn’t you know it… I have more celebrations to tend to!! 

Pshh..Responsibility shmonsibility! 

And yes, I still love bullet journaling!
.
.
.
#bulletjournal #bujo #write #calendar #scrapjournal #memories #chaoscoordinator #journaling #journal #celebration #celebrate
My small town has been celebrating July 3rd for as My small town has been celebrating July 3rd for as long as I can remember! 

Happy 3rd of July to all of my Moorparkians!! 
❤️
🤍
💙
#moorparkians #3rdofjuly #4thofjuly #july4th #america #merica #beverage #drinks #foodie #forkyeahfoodies
How cute are these Citronella Mason Jar candles?! How cute are these Citronella Mason Jar candles?! I loved how they turn out! I’m obsessed!! 

Heading to The Craft House this weekend. 
.
.
.
#soycandles #citronella #candles #supportsmallbusiness #maker #shopsmall #thecrafthouse #succulents
When your mother-in-law gives you limoncello, you When your mother-in-law gives you limoncello, you make a spritz. 

Well, somehow or some reason, hers and our, homemade limoncello, froze!? So we opened our @redsoleswinery limoncello to save my evening. 

I know what I will be drinking this summer, by the pool or on hot days! This is super refreshing. 🍋 🌿 

1.5 oz Limoncello 
2.5 oz. Coconut Sparkling Water
2.5 oz. Bubbles of choice

Shout out to Kaitlyn from @likeablecocktails for the recipe!! It’s a keeper! 
.
.
.
#limoncello #bubbles #champagne #spritzer #summernights #foodie #beverage #drinks #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #forkyeahfoodies #summer
Quinoa Summer Salad! I’ve gotten so many people Quinoa Summer Salad! I’ve gotten so many people tell me how much they love this salad. So, save this post, you won’t regret it. 

If you’re looking for something light that you add to your summer dinners, this is it. Or any meal really. I make a big batch and we eat it throughout the week. 

Basic ingredients- measure to your liking
Quinoa 
Garbanzo beans 
Feta
Parsley 
Mint
Cucumber
Red onion
Lemon juice
Olive oil 
Salt 
Pepper
.
.
.
#summer #salad #easyrecipes  #summertime #foodie #forkyeahfoodies #globaleats #foodies #foodieinternationalchat
Nutella Iced Coffee 🤎 Yum! Dessert and energy Nutella Iced Coffee 🤎 Yum! 

Dessert and energy in a glass. 

1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp Nutella 
2 shots of espresso 
Almond milk 
Ice
.
.
.
#coffee #java #coffeetime #icedcoffee #nutella #chocolate #drinks #humpday #summer #foodie #forkyeahfoodies #foodiesinternationalchat #globaleats #bloglife
Poached Egg, Whirlpool Style! 🌪 This is my fav Poached Egg, Whirlpool Style! 🌪

This is my favorite way to make eggs! My perfect egg is cooked at 3 minutes. You can go more or less depending on how you like your yolk. 

Have you tried this way? 
.
.
.
#eggs #poachedegg #forkyeahfoodies #foodie #globaleats #foodiesinternationalchat #food #breakfast #brunch
  • Follow Passion u0026 Poppies on Instagram
  • Follow Passion u0026 Poppies on Facebook
  • Follow Passion u0026 Poppies on Twitter
  • Follow Passion u0026 Poppies on Pinterest

Copyright 2018-© 2023 · Passion and Poppies · All Rights Reserved