Phenomenal Woman

Let’s shout out Florence Harris and celebrate her birthday with glee!!

Shining in retirement, this former director of Michigan State University continues to be a beacon of light, perseverance, and inspiration. As President of the Mid Michigan Idlewilders, she continues to use her skills and wonderful energy to bring people together!!

Enjoy your cruise,

We love you!!

Happy Thanksgiving

As the world is constantly in turmoil and uncertainty, let us please take take the time to also acknowledge all that is good and pure in this beautiful universe of ours. Let us be grateful for the many blessings that we have been given and cherish those whom we hold dear.

May your bellies be full, your minds sharp with wit, and your hearts full of Love.

Happy Thanksgiving

XOXO Holiday Rising

Zesty Orange, Lemon, Avocado,Ginger Smoothie

Looking for a quick fix pick me up in the morning instead of a huge breakfast, that will leave you light on your feet? Well look no further than this delicious Vitamin C fortified smoothie recipe. Just throw the following ingredients below in your blender and kickstart your day of to a delicious and energetic start!

We used to love picking lemons, mangos and avocados straight from the trees on the farm in Honaunau, Hawai’i. I swear things just taste better, when you know exactly where it came from. Fresh is best!!

  • • 1 tbsp Ginger
  • .1/2 cup oranges (lil cuties are the juiciest)
  • • 1 Lemon, juice of whole large
  • • 1/2 tbsp Lemon, zest
  • • 1/2 cup Mango, frozen
  • • 1/2 cup Avocados
  • • 1/2 cup Pineapple, frozen
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup of ice
  • • 3/4 cup Coconut milk, unsweetened
  • • 2 vanilla protein powder

The Perfect Winter Immune Boosting Smoothie

Blueberry Boost!

We have been smoothie fanatics here at Holiday Rising for years. Fortunately our youngest Kingston has also inherited a love for the blender! Because of this we are constantly looking for ways to spice up and change up our recipes. We did a bit of research and mashed a couple of our favorite recipes together and added a couple of new ingredients to make a super smoothie perfect for boosting your immune system during the chilly months.

A delicious way to fight off cold and flu symptoms! Blueberry Boost Smoothie From the Loft Kitchen!

All you need is

1 bannana

1 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup Kale

1 cup Orange Juice

1/4 cup shredded carrots

2 tablespoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons Turmeric

1 cup frozen blueberries

2 cups of ice

Delicious blueberry Boost only takes 5 minutes to prepare!
If looking for other foods and ingredients that are super healthy check out our previous post on superfoods!

Magical and Mystical Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i

Ever had the feeling, that you have been transported to another world? I have a few times, and one of the most memorable places for me is visiting Volcanoes National Park. We have been many times, and every time seems to offer a brand new and invigorating experience. Every family member from grandparents to children learns and connects with the beautiful unique ambiance from the lava tubes, huge crater viewing and mesmerizing lava spills into the ocean.

We have set up tents and camped at times, and visited the expansive visitor centers for detailed movies and facts about the lure, legends, and creation of the park. Our kids have slept in the bunks and used the bowling alley with classmates on class trips, and we have explored the beautiful forest vegetation, and had meals overlooking the awe-inspiring crater at Volcano House! So many different travel and vacation aspirations checked off in one location!! Make sure to add this destination to your to-do list when visiting the Beautiful Big Island!!

The following is factual information on the park from Wikipedia and The National Park Service:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an American national park located in the U.S. state of Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano. The park provides scientists with insight into the development of the Hawaiian Islands and access to studies of volcanism.

For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, glimpses of rare flora and fauna, and a view of the traditional Hawaiian culture connected to these landscapes. The park was originally established on August 1, 1916, as Hawaii National Park, which was then split into this park and Haleakalā National Park. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2012, the park was depicted in the 14th quarter of the America the Beautiful Quarters series.

Young Ace & Kingston exploring Volcanoes National Park

Easy Disney Pepperoni Spring Rolls

Inspired by our time visiting Disney World

Walking around Disney World really builds up an appetite. Especially, if you have little kids…they seem to be constantly hungry and are always asking if they can get one of those when you’re at Disney. If you are looking for just a little snack in between your “Character Lunches,” try to find the Spring Roll Cart. These little bites of goodness are exactly what you need when you’re walking from one ride to another.

Both filling, and portable, these rolls are the perfect snack. They come in Pepperoni Pizza Roll, Cheeseburger, and even Buffalo Chicken. Take your pick, or try them all. Easy, small, affordable, convenient and most of all tasty!!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 6 mozzarella sticks (cut in half)
  • 1 bag sliced pepperoni
  • Spring roll wrappers or Won Ton sheets
  • 2 Tablespoons flour mixed with water to form your glue
  • 1-2 cups vegetable oil
  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:

  1. Place 5-10 pepperoni in each wrapper & cover with 1/2 mozzarella stick
  2. To assemble, place the shell in a diamond shape. You will be putting the filling right in the corner of this diamond.
  3. Begin rolling the shell. Tuck the everything in as you go along.
  4. When you meet the middle of the diamond, using your finger or a brush, put the “glue” on the exposed edges. You don’t need very much, just enough to make it stick.
  5. Fold in the sides to tuck in, and continue rolling. If you are using won ton shells, you will need to roll it in a second shell, because if not, the cheese slice will melt right through. To do this, take a new shell & cover it lightly in glue, and repeat the rolling process.
  6. Get a frying pan and warm up your oil, make sure it’s good and hot.
  7. Dip your spring rolls in a few at a time – fry until golden brown – rotating to make sure all sides are covered.
  8. Serve them on a paper toweled plate paired with your marinara sauce. It makes a delicious dipping sauce for your pizza roll!

When Feeling Blocked….How Do You Proceed?

Have you ever felt stifled, numb, or completely incapable of making a move one way or the other?

Yes, I’ve Been There…

Stuck in a malaise of indecision and nothingness? It’s not often but when this happens to us, we have found that either talking things through with someone, be it a professional, friend or even stranger can be a lifeline and well-welcomed release.

Yes, even just saying it aloud (or on a blog to the world) is a freeing gesture giving way to resolution!

Keeping feelings of angst, indecision, sadness, paranoia, or anger is not healthy in any case, and the pandemic has been a monster for many who already battle with anxiety or pre-existing mental struggles or insecurities.

There are ways to combat these feelings, for those who don’t know how to do it on their own, but it takes courage.

Courage to say, “Hey, I don’t like feeling this way and I need help.” That is the biggest and most important step. In taking this huge leap forward, you begin to exorcise those demons at once.

Letting go of the negative energy that is pent up inside allows positive energy and wonderful thoughts to flow in, but first, you must be willing to say, “Hey I don’t like feeling this way,” and then take the necessary steps to change it.

We’re Not Saying You Have To Go This Far…

We’re not doctors or health professionals in any way shape or form, so if your problems are beyond the casual blues, please go and seek a professional immediately!

There is absolutely no shame in helping yourself and most likely those close to you! Be of service by saving yourself, it’s the most important act you will EVER do!

Unfortunately, there is a stigma in many communities that brand those who seek help as weak when the exact opposite is true. Seeking help be it professional, or with sharing with friends, family, or even strangers at times, is the ultimate sign of a true warrior who is capable and willing to do the absolute MOST to be their best self and self-preserve the best version of themselves.

This not only is courageous but a sign of a true superhero with the power to fight the ultimate fight, which is the battle within ourselves.

Don’t forget, that you are not alone. There is a universe out there that is designed to help you succeed. So lean on it and someone when you are feeling down. You are loved and worthy, so remember that when you are feeling blue, there is someone out there who would love to ease your burden by listening.

Remember Sharing is Caring.

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