The Potluck: December 2014

In October, I started a new feature to share some of my favorite things. I continued the tradition in November, and today, I’m sharing my December loves.

But first… Merriam-Webster defines a potluck as…

the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made… a communal meal to which people bring food to share —usually used attributively <a potluck supper>; whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time.

I’m obviously going for a potluck of the latter definition, though I’ll occasionally share food links and love.

Every month, I’m compiling a list of some of my favorite things. While they might appear to be a traditional “meal,” I want to provide some different and interesting stuff (products/entertainment/links/etc.) I’ve been loving in the hopes that y’all will enjoy them, too.

Here are some things I loved during the month of December:

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    The Potluck: December 2014 // The Speckled Palate

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    1. Crunch Yoga Mama – Prenatal Yoga: There are some parts where it’s, well, a bit crunch-y, but I’ve really enjoyed relaxing and stretching to this DVD on a daily basis. As someone who tried yoga off and on throughout the years, I knew I wanted to try prenatal yoga… but most of the yoga studios around me only offer evening classes, which don’t work with my schedule. After doing some extensive research, I stumbled upon this DVD, and it’s perfect for me. It forces me to slow down, breathe and stretch while concentrating on my body and my growing baby.

    2. Ugg Classic Tall Boots: Yes, I’m talkin’ about the boots with the fur. (With the fur!) My poor feet and hands have been swelling recently, and because of this, my go-to flats don’t fit as well as they once did. Not only that, but my feet have been getting so cold with the chilly weather we’ve been experiencing in Dallas. These boots fit my swollen feet AND are ultra comfy. What’s not to love?

    3. Birchbox: A friend of mine recommended this monthly treat box a year ago, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. And my December box? Out of this world! The Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel smells divine and feels great on my skin. The Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk works perfectly with my hair color and leaves my locks happy for days without needing to be washed. (This is a major feat, y’all!)

    4. Travel and spending time with family and friends: We road tripped to Memphis for Christmas, and I loved the time we spent there. Not only did we get to see many members of my family and spend quality time with them, but we got to hang out with some old friends, too. Now, if we all just lived closer and road trips were a bit easier on a mama-to-be’s body…

    5. Cheesy Christmas Movies: I already spoke about it, but I’ve been loving these all month and have made a point to record some ridiculous new ones straight-from-TV. I’ve also been watching some old classics (like White Christmas, Love Actually and Christmas Vacation, of course), too, and they just make me so happy. ‘Tis the season!

    6. Taylor Swift’s 1989: I’m totally late to jump on this bandwagon, but can we all admit that T.Swift writes super fun and catchy songs? This album just makes me want to dance… and that’s saying something since I’m not a dancer at heart.

    What did you love in the month of December?

    Curious about other things I’ve loved? Check out my other potlucks:

    2014: October | NovemberDecember

    2015: January | February | March | May | June | July | August | September | November | December

    2016: January | February |March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

    2017: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

    2018: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

    2019: January | February/March | April | August

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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    14 Comments

    1. My 4 year old son is obsessed with Taylor Swift’s album – especially Blank Space & Shake it Off.
      There’s nothing funnier than listening to a little boy belt out Taylor Swift on the ride home from school. He puts his whole heart into it!

    2. I will definitely have to check out that prenatal yoga! I love Christmas Vacation. It still remains my favorite Christmas movie.

      1. I’m interested to hear about what you think of the prenatal yoga DVD! I’m a big fan, but I can see how it wouldn’t be for everyone. And Christmas Vacation remains one of my favorites, too. It’s just so darn hilarious.

    3. I like this idea that you’re doing this every month. List of some of your favorite things. I think that’s great. But hey, nothing wrong with cheesy Christmas movies LOL. That’s when stuff is fun LOL.

      1. Glad you’re a fan of this idea. It’s kind of fun to see the things you’ve been digging every month. You should do something like this for yourself if you feel up to it! And seriously… cheesy Christmas movies are the best. So glad you enjoy them, too!

    4. I have been looking for a good prenatal yoga video. I will have to check this one out! I have been all about the Ugg boots lately too. Something about January just makes me want to dress super casual and comfy, and they are perfect for that!

      1. I’m interested to hear what you think of it if you give it a shot! High-five for wearing Uggs and staying super casual and comfy this time of year. You gotta do that!

    5. I’ve been wanting a pair of Uggs forever! I think I am going to break down and get a pair. I was able to spend the holidays with family and that was much needed! I love your spin on potluck! 😉

      1. My husband got mine for me a few years back, and they’re totally worth it and oh-so-comfortable! I’m happy you got to spend the holidays with your family and that you enjoyed my spin on a potluck!

    6. I am late to this party, but can I just say how much I LOVE all these things you’re loving? I am adding yoga back into my life and it seems to be extra-wonderful this time of year. And 1989, omg 1989. I’m kind of obsessed with “Blank Space” and “Style.”

      1. Thanks, friend! No worries on being late to the game… I feel like I’m perpetually late these days. Ha! Hooray for adding yoga back into your life, and it being wonderful this time of year. It really is, and it’s great for when you don’t want to be outside because it’s too cold! (Case in point: TODAY.) Glad you’re obsessing over 1989, too. Love that album!

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