January hibernation in full swing over here.

January in Chicago is the pits. There is not much daylight. Sunshine is scarce. The snow starts coming. It’s cold. The wind. And of course we are living with the pressure of a new year and a new us. (But I’m aware that’s everyone!)

Having some extra space to not have to worry about work pressures right now, I’ve developed some really lovely hibernation habits this year that I think I need to incorporate into every January/February in my life going forward, even when I’m back to work.

1. Tea time and reading. I have always been a reader. (As me about how I used to get in trouble for reading under my desk during other classes as a kid!) Unfortunately life has gotten in the way and I often lose touch with that part of myself. I’m not sure if it’s modern life, but I go through long stretches where I cannot focus on a book. I’m back into the groove, and have been reading incessantly, finding a comfort in an afternoon hour or two with a cup of tea in my bedroom and a good book.
2. Movement. This is not a new year resolution (I do not do those), but getting older makes me reprioritize the goals behind movement. It’s not losing weight, it’s gaining strength and the ability to feel strong as I age. Lifting weights, walking, and light stretching are filling my cup now, and incorporating that into my routine has been so good for me.
3. Sleep. I am in my sleep era. For years, I was an early riser, first as a runner, and then as a mom of younger kids. My kids were early risers, so was I. But guess what? At some point, your kids can fend for themselves and you can sleep past 7 a.m. And I have been. What an absolute luxury to be able to lounge in bed til 9 a.m. and feel good about it. I used to feel guilty for wasting the day by sleeping, but truly, I don’t any more. Sleep makes me feel good, so I take it when I can get it!
4. Food. Again, I don’t make new year resolutions, and the past year, I have started to fight back against the diet culture that has waged war in my brain. As is probably evident to you, I love eating, and I love cooking. It brings me joy, and nothing makes me happier than the ritual of cooking and then enjoying with my family or good friends. So I am keeping that constant this year, and continuing to plan when it works, and enjoy every bite that crosses my mouth.

And to touch on that food one, I promised last week that I would share noteworthy recipes. I have two! The Z family loves pho, and I’ve tried multiple recipes in the past few years. You already know that we love the Mark Bittman vegetarian pho, but as simple as that one is, I have one that is in the slow-cooker. Yes, this one packs all of that delicious pho flavor and comes together in less than 20 minutes. Please make this Slow-Cooker Chicken Pho.

I’ve made this one countless times, mostly with the chicken. (Hot tip if you’re making the chicken version–you can throw your chicken breasts right in there as you’re slow cooking the broth. Pull them out and shred when you’re ready to strain for serving. You’re welcome!) This was the first time I’ve made this recipe since one-fourth of my household went vegetarian, so I tried it with vegetable broth and it turned out great! (She OKed the fish sauce in it for flavor, so please don’t think I’m sneaking animal product on her unbeknownst!) I pan-fried some tofu for her and it went over really well.

We also had a fun Saturday night dinner of cheese fondue with all the fun dippables. I am a big fan of Swiss fondue with Emmentaler, Gruyère and white wine, which my family has eaten with minimal complaints, but those complains all center around the stinky cheese smell. (As you can imagine, walking by any market with a Raclette stand is torture for them too. As for me, the stinkier the better!) I tried this dupe for Melting Pot which has cheddar and beer, and it was very well received! We dipped vegetarian meatballs, little smokies, steamed broccoli, green apples, bell peppers, and a sliced baguette in this one. Seven out of eight thumbs up! (The littlest Z doesn’t love cheese, so she was kind of meh on it.)

I’ve incorporated a bit more flexibility in my planning the past month or so, mostly due to the fact that my break from work allows me that ability. I can run back to the store if I need, and in an extra effort to be frugal and avoid waste, I prioritize eating those leftovers over making a new meal if it works.

Still here, still planning…sometimes.

What a holiday season! The time flew by, and truly, I enjoyed it so much more than I have in the past. I’m not sure if it was not having work to distract me from spending time with my family, or just the phase of life I’m in now, but I really enjoyed all of the celebrations and family time.

I also had a two week “strike” from cooking and meal planning! We ate leftovers, ordered in, made random meals, but really, didn’t cook very much at all, aside from breakfast. (I got back to making my favorite homemade hash browns which are an absolute must if you love them crispy!)

We spent last week (the kids’ first week back at school) making their favorites that I’ve already talked about so much–broccoli cheese soup, enchilada casserole, fried rice, and I also had the opportunity to make Ina Garten’s Company Pot Roast again (I made it maybe a year ago and have been thinking about it since.) Served with mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect meal to accompany Chicago’s current sub-zero temperatures!

While last week, I was back to planning, this week with the holiday and the cold temperatures (and bonus days off school), I’m winging it. I’ll keep you posted if I make anything note-worthy.

‘Til next week, my friends. (Maybe. Trying to get back into a routine and keep some variety in the meals over here!)