I love honey. I think I enjoy it in some way every day, particularly in my tea. But such a simple thing takes a phenomenal amount of work for bees to make, even though they have been doing it for thousands of years. For instance, honey bees must tap two million flowers and travel over 55,000 miles to make just one pound of honey. Further, the average worker honey bee only produces about 1/12 teaspoon in its lifetime.
I think being a mom can feel a lot like a honey bee. Sometimes, we can put in a full day’s work, but don’t feel we have much to show for it. But, thanks to the patron saint of honey, Winnie the Pooh, we have so many reasons to feel hopeful, keep going, and take care of ourselves along the way. And since September is National Honey Month, it is the perfect time to channel our inner Pooh. 😉
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.” – Pooh
Here’s a tasty way to start your morning – most important meal of the day!
[threecol_one]
- 2 pieces of bread of choice
- 1/2 avocado
- 2-3 tsp honey
- 1/4 c raw shelled pistachios
- sea salt
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Spread avocado over toasted bread, add a dash of sea salt if desired.
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In a small plastic bag, add all pistachios and pound with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
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Spread pistachios evenly over two pieces of toast
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Drizzle the honey over each piece.
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“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” – Piglet
Everyone has something special about them. What is unique about you? What makes you tick? Have you shined that light lately? It’s never too late to follow your bliss. Make “Honey Month” the one where you are sweet to yourself. Stop thinking and start doing – join that class, sign up for that race, or apply for that job. And give up the things that don’t feed your soul.
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin
Life isn’t always a treat. If you are having a tough time with self-love and the inner pep talks, why not let technology take the reins? There are some highly-rated affirmation apps you can download and program to send you good thoughts every day, including Happify, Shine Text, and Think Up. If those don’t do the trick, seek out a loved one or a professional with whom you can have a good heart-to-heart.
“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” – Eeyore
The sweetest month of the year is the perfect time to give back. Maybe you have a friend that needs a pick-me-up, or you’ve been meaning to check out a local charity that speaks to your gifts and interests. You can also get the kids involved and make cookies for a neighbor or favorite teacher – here’s one recipe idea:
[twocol_one]
- 7 Tbsp (1/4 cup + 2 1/2 Tbsp; 150 g) honey
- 3/4 cup (150 ml) oil
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp gingerbread spice
- GLAZE:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp milk
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Preheat oven to 392 F (200 C).
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Mix honey, oil, egg, and sugar.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour with baking soda, cinnamon, and spices. Add to the honey mixture and blend together to make a dough.
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Take 1 teaspoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place honey cookie on a cookie sheet lined with baking paper. Repeat until all dough is used.
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Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the bottom of honey cookies becomes lightly brown. Take out of the oven and let cool completely.
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GLAZE: Combine powdered sugar with milk to get a thick mixture. Drizzle over some of the cookies. Let harden in the air (for several hours) then store in an airtight container.
[/twocol_one_last]“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” – Pooh
Girl, you gotta get out of the house! Friends are such an important part of a mom’s life. Send a text to someone you’ve been thinking about, or whom you haven’t talked to in a while. Better yet, set up a lunch or dinner with people from your tribe, and keep those important connections going.
“How do you spell love?” asked Piglet.
“You don’t spell it, you feel it,” said Pooh
Love is what being a mom is all about. Your assignment for September is to find and feel and share as much of it as you can!
