Annual Dark Days Challenge, 63 Degrees- In December! My New Fave Things

Annual Dark Days Challenge-

 I read about this in 2012 from a now defunct blog, the Urbanhennery. I do it every year, as best I can. Starting late this year , ah well! Here's how it goes~~~  

Dates:

The challenge runs from December 1st – April 15.

What’s the Challenge?

Try to cook four meals each month (1 per week) focused on sustainable, organic, and local ingredients. Whatever you can find is fine! Write about it on your blog (if you have one) or here in the comments section. Feel free to link back to me on your blog!

What does local mean?

Traditionally local food challenges call for a 100 mile radius, but winter is more difficult in many climates. If you’re new to eating locally try 150 miles. Typical exceptions are oils, coffee, chocolate and spices (unless you grow your own). 

What if I can’t find every ingredient locally?

If you can’t find every ingredient, or even most ingredients, still try to do what you can. This is just as much about what we learn, the obstacles we find and the decisions we make as it is about cooking with mostly local ingredients. Do what you can, where you can.

What if I don’t have a blog or photos?

You are still welcome to participate! I'll try to post each week. Just you come by each week and add your meal/experiences as a comment. Take photos of what you’ve got, just do your best. No worries, keep it simple...

Dinner tonight- our own fresh eggs (french baked), local bread, spinach-

Yum, yum and so easy!

Last month, 8" of snow, then 4 degrees

63 Degrees- In December!

Yesterday was 61! This morning at 7:00 it was 61! Record high for this month, record snow last month and 4 degrees. What the heck month is this??? Freaky weather, the California "pineapple express" blew thru the last 2 days, windy and way too warm. Now the rain has finally started and temps are dropping, it's 41 right now. Back into the 40's for the high tomorrow and 30's at night. Pick a season already...

My New Fave Things-

Every year I get rid of more decorative things. Some go to our grown girls, the rest to charities. Then I buy a couple new items for something new. In the long haul I'm getting my stuff to much less items overall, and where I want it to be looks-wise. I'm going more and more for natural. I also get a lot of thrifted items, of course :) I like to put out mostly winter things this time of year, that way once the holiday tree is down I'm still good. I LOVE snow and winter! Take the bird above (and one below) new, about $2.00 at Michael's, nice heavy ceramic. I love birds for winter! I got several small things there 1/2 off...

Bird #2

  

North woods Santa, how cute! Ditto 50% off, $7.00 I think...

North woods table

More birds (Target) and jar lamp ($4.00) from Michael's

Anya posing with my table runner I got last Jan., 80% off online

And last, but SO not least- I found this guy (about 12" high) in a thrift store last night, 1/2 off, for $2.50!!! Like new, what's not to love? I had been looking for something wintry lamp-wise for the top of a barn wood bookcase we have. It's on a timer and comes on at dark. And he has a little bird on his arm :) Love it!!!!