It is the middle of March, and we’ve almost fully survived the week after daylight savings. It’s funny because when I choose to stay up later and lose an hour of sleep, it doesn’t seem to affect me. But when I don’t have a choice, it’s a whole other story. Oh, well.

As I write this, snow is falling faster and heavier than it has all winter. I have a pot of what will be bone broth, cooking on the stove. And I am fighting the urge to bake just long enough to get some writing done. I am not usually a fan of snow days, but today I am thankful for an excuse to stay inside.

In light of this late winter snow, for our Love Learn Lead today, I am sharing my Paleo Hot Chocolate recipe, a podcast about books, and a quote on leadership. I hope you are enjoying your week, whatever your weather situation may be!

Love

After I went sugar-free, a couple of years ago, I realized that there were a whole bunch of things that I could no longer eat. Cake, candy, most things chocolate—pretty much all of the good “C’s” (except coffee, thank goodness!). And one thing I missed more than I expected was Hot Chocolate. That first winter was pretty sad.

Thankfully though, over the past few years, I have learned how to make some processed sugar-free desserts, using maple syrup or honey. And, last winter I discovered how to make a delicious cup of hot chocolate—one that is processed sugar and dairy free!

Here is Melissa’s Paleo Hot Chocolate:

12 oz. Almond milk (or milk of choice)

1.5 Tbs. Cocoa Powder

1-2 Tbs. Maple Syrup

Heat milk in a sauce pan (or in microwave) to desired temperature. Before adding milk to your mug, add cocoa powder and maple syrup. Using a fork, mix until it forms a similar consistency to brownie batter. Then add warmed milk to mug, stirring well to dissolve cocoa paste.

Grab a book or turn on your favorite show, and enjoy!

Learn

If you’re a bookworm like me, you will definitely want to check out the podcast I am about to share. Every Tuesday, Anne Bogel (of the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog), puts out an episode of her What Should I Read Next podcast. She interviews some interesting guests (including a relative of Jane Austen’s), and asks them to share three books they loved, a book they hated, and a book they’re currently reading. Then, in the last half of the show, Ann gives her guest three book suggestions.

Since listening to this podcast, I have added quite a few books to my reading list, and read one book that had me thinking about it for days. If you are looking for an interesting podcast, and some new book ideas, check it out!

What are you reading these days?

Lead

“If you’re not growing, you’re not going. If you’re not learning, you’re not leading. And while it is great to be interesting, it’s more important to be interested. Stay Curious.”

—Brad Lomenick, H3 Leadership

Where are you growing? And where do you need to grow?

Where do you need to be more curious?

 

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