Nov 27

Nov 27 The Joy of Presence

Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

This guest post, by Joy Marker, challenges us to set realistic expectations as we head into the holidays to keep disappointment from stealing our joy.

Part of the Special Holiday Series: Repeat the Sounding Joy

Nov 20

Distractions and busyness can be barriers to experiencing joy. And the holidays are full of both distractions and busy schedules. In this week’s post, Julie Lefebure encourages us to live joyfully and less distracted lives during the holidays, offering some proactive tips on how to achieve the joy of being present in the holiday moment.

Guest post by Julie Lefebure, author and host of the Encouragement for Real Life podcast.

Part of the Special Holiday Series: Repeat the Sounding Joy.

Nov 13

Nov 13 The Joy of Mystery

Gwen Smith

Mindful Kitchen, Thanksgiving, Christmas

In this guest post, Alyssa Stadtlander encourages us to reflect on the magic and mystery of the holiday season and challenges us to not lose our childlike wonder of the holidays.

Part of the Special Holiday Series: Repeat the Sounding Joy.

Nov 6

Nov 6 Repeat the Sounding Joy

Gwen Smith

Mindful Kitchen, Thanksgiving, Christmas

This week we’re kicking of the holiday season with a series about joy. Not to be confused with happiness, joy is a deep and true state of being. It contains so much and we expect the holidays to be full of joy. In this series, I and the guests I’ve gathered to the Hearthside will explore this concept and what it means for us the holiday season.

Part of the Special Holiday Series: Repeat the Sounding Joy.

Nov 27

Nov 27 Mindful At the Table

Gwen Smith

Mindful Kitchen, Thanksgiving, Christmas

Guest post by Brooke Turbyfill challenges us to take a beat and offers strategies to be mindful during the whirlwind of the holidays. Part of the Special Holiday Series: At The Table.

Nov 21

Nov 21 Grieving At the Table

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

Guest post by Rachel Schelb, author and host of the Love Well on Purpose podcast, shares strategies to help you navigate the holidays when you are grieving. Part of the Special Holiday Series: At The Table.

Nov 16

Nov 16 Reunited At the Table

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

Guest post by Pamela Henkelman

Part of the Special Holiday Series: At The Table.

Nov 11

Nov 11 Traditions At the Table

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

Guest post by Karna Haugen highlights the traditions in the kitchen that bind us as families and the power that can hold over generations. Part of the Special Holiday Series: At The Table.

Nov 6

Nov 6 Gathering At the Table

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

In the next post in our holiday series, guest blogger Joy Marker challenges us to consider the value of gathering together at the table. And while we naturally tend towards it during the holidays, how we may remember it is important year round. Be sure to give Joy’s gluten-free Apple Crumble recipe that accompanies this post a try, it is absolutely delicious!

Nov 1

Nov 1 At the Holiday Table

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Mindful Kitchen

Welcome to holiday season of 2021! This holiday season, join us at The Hearthside Blog for a time of reflection on how to thrive through the holidays. Enough with “surviving” them, let us do better. Let us reflect, reaffirm, and rejoice throughout the next two months. For peace on earth and goodwill to men is worth slowing down for year after year. Pull up a chair hearthside, we’re glad you’re here.

Nov 25

Nov 25 7 Organizations Fighting Hunger

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving, Fighting Hunger

People are hungry and you can help. In this post, I offer advice on how to plan to share abundantly with those who are hungry this holiday season and all year long. There’s a list of 7 reputable organizations fighting hunger and three from the Philadelphia region. Don’t underestimate how you can help.

Nov 22

Nov 22 Simply Honoring Thanksgiving Traditions

Gwen Smith

Thanksgiving

Tradition is such an integral part of the Thanksgiving holiday. In this guest post, Clair Palmer of Simply Me by Clair shares her thoughts on the simple things in life and how to honor tradition. She also shares her simple, rustic sweet potato pie recipe.