Well, here we are again . . . the last days of December. If you’ve been following along for awhile, you know that I always take this time to share some personal wins, updates and plans for the year ahead. It was kind of a big year, so let’s dive right in:
A few months ago, I graduated to become a Board Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), so pretty soon I’ll get to do something that’s been a long-time desire – work individually with some of you to identify healing opportunities through in-depth functional lab work.
Everything will be 100% virtual, so whether you’re down the street or a thousand miles away, I can welcome you into my cozy little office via video.
Mommypotamus will continue to be my home-base for sharing delicious gluten-free recipes, skincare recipes, research-backed wellness insights, and healthy home recommendations, but I also have a new site – HeatherDessinger.com – for anyone curious about working with me.
It’s just one short page right now, but the full site will launching very soon.
Starting From Scratch
For the first time in 15+ years, I’ve also created new social media accounts. They only have one post so far, but pretty soon I’ll be using those accounts to share more about:
- Identifying roadblocks to recovery
- How to personalize healing tools for your needs
- More about my own journey
If you’d like to follow along, you can find my new Instagram account here and my new Facebook account here.
I haven’t mentioned the Facebook account anywhere so if you pop over right now you may just be my very first follower.
A few other highlights from this year:
- This throwback to the days I used to buy my food in the parking lots of grocery stores, plus a celebration of a beloved “Lunatic Farmer”
- My seventeen year old, Katie, completed her fourth semester of high school/college dual enrollment, and will start again soon. Long days, short years. I GET IT NOW, and I’m soaking up all the time I can get with her before she launches into the world.
- Catching this eclipse. I included video of another one we saw seven years ago when my “littles” were actually little. 🙂
- Repeatedly, and unashamedly, stealing my 11 year-old’s flip flops because we wear the same size (for now, he’ll surpass me soon).
- Being delighted and surprised by the answers to “conversation starter” questions I ask my oldest son before bed. (Tip: Ask your kids what advice they would give to their 8 year-old self and/or their 18 year-old self.)
I have a question for you below, but first – in order from LEAST to MOST popular – here are the top ten articles from this year:
#10 – Roasted Bone Marrow
Sometimes called “beef butter”due to its creamy texture, roasted bone marrow is rich in unique compounds that are not commonly found in other foods.
It has a rich, slightly nutty flavor that makes it perfect for spreading over a slice of crusty bread or crispy crackers.
It’s also super easy to make – here’s how.
#9 – Toups & Co. Skincare Review
I often receive requests to buy my DIY balms, deodorants, serums and soaps, but I just don’t have the time (or storage space) to make and keep enough on hand.
Fortunately, my friend Emilie offers her own amazing formulations of many of the products you ask about most, plus organic makeup in a wide range of beautiful colors.
Click here for my full review + favorite product recommendations.
#8 – The 5 Best Non-Toxic Yoga Mats
Finding out what’s in a yoga mat is trickier than it should be
Many popular manufacturers use greenwashing techniques to make their products seem safe, natural and sustainable . . . . when in fact, testing shows that they’re pretty much the opposite.
Here are the best materials to look for, plus my top three brand picks.
#7 – Vanilla Bone Marrow Custard
Earlier this year I overheard my kids chatting wistfully about the bone marrow custard I used to make when they were little. I don’t remember why it fell out of our dessert rotation, but it did, and I figured now is as good a time as any to bring it back.
I was worried that the reality wouldn’t live up to the memory, but I was wrong. Sweet, rich, and deeply nourishing, this vanilla custard has been gracing our dinner table twice a week for quite awhile now, and my kids can’t get enough of it.
Click here for creamy custard goodness.
#6 – Primally Pure Skincare Review
Primally Pure blends ingredients that truly work with each other AND your skin’s unique biology. My skin soaks up their amazing plumping serum, and I also love their deodorant, and blue tansy body oil.
Of course, what’s not included is just as important as what is – there are no formaldehyde releasers, PFAS, parabens or other sneaky ingredients. They recently updated their packaging, so it’s not the same as what’s pictured above, but their tried-and-true formulations haven’t changed.
Click here for my full review + personal favorites.
#5 – Easy Gluten-Free Drop Biscuits
These fluffy biscuits can be served with sweet jam or savory gravy, or you can use them to make breakfast sandwiches.
They’re super easy to whip up, too – just mix and drop the biscuit dough onto a cookie sheet, brush with a little butter, and bake!
#4 – Help Your Body Overcome the Survival Paradox (Here’s How)
What if a “survival molecule” that’s supposed to keep us alive is actually driving inflammation, contributing to the hardening of tissues and organs, and generally wreaking havoc on our bodies?
And more importantly, what if we can neutralize it and restore our well-being?
That’s the message of The Survival Paradox, which is NOT some boring book about an obscure, insignificant molecule.
I’m incredibly grateful I learned this info, so I’m passing it along here.
#3 – Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
This no-knead bread is sweet, chewy, and full of plump raisin goodness, but it’s the cinnamon sugar swirl that adds a little something extra to every slice.
Click here for the recipe (it’s gluten-free!)
#2 – Easy DIY Hair Spray
This 2-3 ingredient hair spray holds very well, works with all hair types, and is super simple to make.
You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
#1 – Simple Tallow Soap Recipe
If you’re new to soap making, or just love using easy-to-find ingredients that lather beautifully, this simple soap is for you.
Click here for my video + photo tutorial.
Thank you (and a question)
As we wrap up this year, I want to thank you for opening weekly emails, sharing these posts with family, and recommending recipes to friends and neighbors.
As we head into the new year, I’ve also got a question:
What do you want to talk about in 2025? What kinds of topics would you like to see covered? Please leave a comment and let me know!
