Monthly Slice: Embracing the Festive Season with Heartfelt Updates, Holiday Eats, and Joyful Living

Hey there, wonderful readers! It truly feels like ages, doesn’t it? After a hiatus from our beloved “Weekly Slice” series – a segment I honestly missed creating, and I hear many of you missed reading too – I’m thrilled to announce its return in a new, more manageable format: the “Monthly Slice”! Life has been wonderfully chaotic, especially with a little one in the house, making a weekly commitment a bit of a juggling act. But I’m determined to reconnect, share the latest happenings, and bring you a curated dose of inspiration, delicious food finds, and festive cheer once a month until things settle into a more predictable rhythm. Consider this our much-anticipated reunion, a warm digital hug after too long apart!

So, let’s dive right into a quick life update. It’s been about six eventful months since I last dropped in purely to chat, without a recipe tempting your taste buds. A lot has changed, and I can’t wait to share it all with you, right?

• **Babycakes is almost ONE YEAR OLD!** Can you believe how quickly time flies? It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming him into the world, and now he’s a vibrant, curious little person on the cusp of walking. He’s full of boundless energy, pointing to everything around him, eager to learn the names of new objects and animals. We’re celebrating tiny victories every day, like hearing him utter a few more words, “light” and “dog” being among his latest favorites. This Christmas marks his very first, and my heart is simply overflowing with excitement. Witnessing the magic of the holidays through his innocent eyes is going to be an absolutely enchanting experience!
• **Work has been absolutely wild!** Balancing the demands of a growing business with a growing family has been an exhilarating challenge, and I’m honestly just trying to keep all the plates spinning at this point. However, amidst the hustle, I’m bursting with excitement to reveal a HUGE surprise coming your way in January! 2022 is shaping up to be a truly transformative and monumental year for Cake ‘n Knife, and I cannot wait to share all the exciting developments with you.
• Speaking of big years, my personal word for the upcoming year is **”intentional.”** As Babycakes grows and my business continues to evolve, I’m increasingly recognizing the critical importance of being deliberate and thoughtful in my decisions. More than anything, this applies to how I choose to spend my time. This year, my focus will be on making conscious choices that align with my values and goals, rather than simply coasting through the same old routines. It’s about living with purpose and making every moment count. What’s your word of the year? I’d love to hear it in the comments below – let’s inspire each other!
• And for those of you always wondering about our furry family members, the **dogs are doing wonderfully** – as crazy, loud, and full of personality as ever! Their playful antics continue to bring so much joy (and occasional chaos) to our home.

Absolutely captivated by the fresh, new aesthetic of our space? Dive into all the delightful details and see the full transformation on the reimagined Cake ‘n Knife website!

Song of the Month: A Festive Duet

With the holiday season in full swing, you all know how much I adore a good Christmas tune! My pick for this month, a song I’ve had on repeat, is none other than Santa, Can’t You Hear Me by the incredible Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande. What happens when two powerhouse vocalists unite for a festive collaboration? Pure magic! Their voices blend seamlessly, delivering a track that’s both powerful and brimming with holiday spirit. It’s the perfect soundtrack for baking cookies, decorating the tree, or simply enjoying a cozy evening. This song has truly set the mood for our holiday celebrations, and I bet it will for yours too!

Foodie Finds: Delicious Delights for the Season

The holidays are synonymous with delicious food, comforting flavors, and a bit of indulgence. Here’s a roundup of some truly irresistible foodie finds that have caught my eye and are inspiring my kitchen adventures this month. From festive breakfasts to cozy dinners and decadent desserts, prepare to be tempted!

• These gingerbread scones sound like the absolute ideal breakfast to wake up to on Christmas morning. Imagine the warm, spicy aroma filling your home as you enjoy a freshly baked treat with your coffee.
• I’m not ashamed to admit I want at least two generous slices of this stunning eggnog cake right now. It’s the quintessential holiday dessert, rich with seasonal flavors and beautifully presented.
• A hearty bowl of spicy lasagna soup has officially made its way onto our menu for the day after Christmas. It’s the perfect comforting and flavorful dish to warm up with after the holiday festivities.
• My drink of choice for a cozy Christmas Eve is undoubtedly this inviting Christmas old fashioned. A classic with a festive twist, it promises to be both elegant and spirited.
• Need a fantastic last-minute baking idea? These Florentine cookie bars look like such an exquisite and delightful treat, perfect for gifting or sharing at any holiday gathering.
• These frosted cranberry drop cookies are simply magical, bursting with tart cranberry flavor and topped with a sweet glaze. They’re a festive addition to any cookie platter.
• Who else is dreaming of sipping on one of these vibrant pomegranate margaritas? It’s a beautifully colored and refreshingly tart cocktail, ideal for brightening any winter evening.
• Short rib onion soup… just the thought of it has me craving it immediately. This sounds like an incredibly rich, savory, and deeply satisfying dish for a chilly winter night.

Random Discoveries & Festive Diversions

Beyond the kitchen and family updates, I always love to share a few random gems that have brought a smile to my face or offered a moment of reflection this month. From fun quizzes to thought-provoking articles, here’s what caught my attention:

• **QUIZ TIME!** Let’s kick things off with a little holiday fun: how well do you know How the Grinch Stole Christmas? I gave it my best shot and scored 50%… eek! It seems I need to brush up on my Whoville knowledge before next year.
• Okay, one more festive quiz to test your holiday spirit: which fictional character are you? I took it and got Santa Claus! This felt remarkably accurate, haha. Even though, in my heart, he’s obviously real, so it’s less “fictional” and more “destiny.”
• For those who appreciate a bit of dark humor, this piece titled “It’s beginning to look a lot like March 2020” offers a wry, relatable chuckle. Sorry, not sorry – sometimes a bit of dark humor is just what we need!
• Looking to expand your collection of children’s books, perhaps for gifts or cozy read-alouds? Here are the best of 2021, a wonderful curated list to inspire young minds and fill your shelves with beautiful stories.
• Finally, a thoughtful read on how life’s daily challenges can actually be gifts in disguise. This article offers a refreshing perspective, reminding us that obstacles, when viewed through a different lens, can become opportunities for growth and resilience. It’s a powerful message as we navigate the end of one year and look forward to the next.

Easy Holiday Cocktail Recipes: Toasting to the Season

As the holiday festivities draw near, finding the perfect signature cocktail can truly elevate your celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or looking for a special drink to enjoy by the fire, these holiday-themed cocktails are sure to impress and delight. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, allowing you more time to savor the joy of the season!

**Cranberry Spice Sparkler** – Do you adore a bit of bubbly? This effortlessly elegant cocktail combines tart cranberries with a hint of spice, all finished with delightful fizz. It’s a bright, refreshing, and beautifully festive drink that’s perfect for welcoming guests or toasting to special moments.

**Cranberry Spice Manhattan** – For those who appreciate the sophistication of a classic cocktail, this holiday-inspired Manhattan adds a wonderfully festive spin. The infused cranberry and spice whiskey elevates this traditional drink, making it a truly memorable sip for your holiday happy hour.

**Festive Mule Bar Cart** – If you prefer to mingle rather than mix drinks all evening, set up a festive mule bar cart! This interactive approach allows everyone to customize their own Moscow Mule with various flavored syrups and garnishes, turning cocktail making into a fun and engaging activity for all your guests.

**The Best Homemade Eggnog** – What are the holidays without a rich, creamy glass of eggnog? This recipe delivers the quintessential festive experience. While it’s crafted to be perfectly boozy for adults, the alcohol can be easily omitted, making it a delicious and family-friendly treat for everyone to enjoy.

**Christmas Sangria** – Year after year, this remains the most popular recipe on my site, and for good reason! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, vibrant, and bursting with festive flavors. This beautiful sangria is the perfect make-ahead pitcher drink for any holiday party, guaranteeing smiles all around.

Thank you for joining me for this much-awaited “Monthly Slice”! It’s been wonderful catching you up on life, sharing some festive delights, and reflecting on the importance of intentionality as we approach a new year. I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support and look forward to more moments of connection, inspiration, and deliciousness in the months to come. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable memories!

Craving more? Don’t miss out on what’s next! Check out my next Monthly Slice here!