Welcome to The Hearth and Soul Hop, the blog hop for family and comfort food recipes, healthy, sustainable living posts, homemaking, gardening, family, kids, crafts and DIY. Encouraging and inspiring posts are very welcome too.
I always find the Christmas season incredibly bittersweet. There is so much fun to be had and so much celebration. However, sadly we so often lose those we love around this time of year and for us, this year is no exception. I always keep my very private life very private and will continue to do so but my husband, son and I are about to lose someone we love very much so I hope you will excuse my lack of posts as well as my very late commenting and sharing on the hop. I will catch up just as soon as I am able.
I have many posts from Christmases past that I am sure you will enjoy including my (almost) famous Orange Gingerbread Cookies. You might also enjoy my Cranberry Orange and Ginger Loaf.
This week I am featuring a wonderful gluten free gift from the kitchen from Vicky of Gluten Free SCD and Veggie.
Vicky has shared Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Clusters and Fruit & Nut Chocolate Clusters, both wholesome, delicious treats that would make such a lovely gift this time of year. I’d also definitely make enough to keep some for myself!
The Hearth and Soul Hop is co-hosted by me, April of AprilJHarris.com and Swathi of Zesty South Indian Kitchen.
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. Or subscribe to my weekly newsletter in the box below the linky.
Swathi is also on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.
Guidelines –
*Please share up to three posts only*
Please link directly to your post – not to your home page.
Please include a link back to one of the hop hosts through worded link or a badge (code is in the sidebar) and/or follow us on social media.
By linking to the hop you are giving permission for your properly credited posts and photographs to be featured here on AprilJHarris.com as well as on social media. You are also giving permission for us to email you a reminder of the hop. (You can unsubscribe to these reminders at any time.)
If you have any questions please contact me at april@apriljharris.com. I can’t wait to see what you all have to share this week!
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Miz Helen says
December 15, 2014 at 11:17 pmHi April,
I always love Gingerbread and the Ginger flavors at this time of the year.
Thanks so much the party and hope you have a good week.
I am going to hold you and your family up in prayer during this season.
Miz Helen
April Harris says
December 16, 2014 at 8:16 amHi Miz Helen, Gingerbread is one of my favourites too! I hope you have a good week as well and thank you so much for your prayers.
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says
December 16, 2014 at 12:38 amI’m so sorry you are having to go through such hard thing at Christmas time.
April Harris says
December 16, 2014 at 8:16 amThank you, Pam. And thank you so much for visiting and sharing 🙂
Jo Ann May says
December 16, 2014 at 12:55 amOh April I can sure relate to this sadness, we just lost our oldest brother, and our hearts are so full of grief it’s hard to find the Joy…thanks for hosting even in the ruff times. We appreciate you. Prayers my friend.
April Harris says
December 16, 2014 at 8:17 amThank you so much Jo Ann! I’m so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family too.
Vicky says
December 16, 2014 at 2:09 amI’m so sorry April, my thoughts are with you and your family!
Thank you for hosting and finding the time to share my Chocolate Nut Clusters this week, despite all you’re all experiencing.
Vicky xo
April Harris says
December 16, 2014 at 8:18 amThank you so much, Vicky. Thank you for visiting and sharing too. Loved your Chocolate Nut Clusters 🙂 xo
Sadhna Grover says
December 16, 2014 at 4:09 amThanks for hosting again April.
April Harris says
December 16, 2014 at 8:19 amIt’s a pleasure, Sadhna. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul hop.
Del's cooking twist says
December 16, 2014 at 11:06 amHi April! Thank you very much for hosting this great party again. Have a nice day!
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:19 pmThank you, Delphine 🙂 You too!
Hadia says
December 16, 2014 at 11:20 amThank you April for hosting the party despite all you are experiencing. Wish a great week ahead!
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:20 pmI always enjoy Hearth and Soul. Thank you for being a part of the hop, Hadia 🙂 Wishing you a great week too!
Hadia says
December 16, 2014 at 11:24 amThank you April for hosting the party despite all you are experiencing. Wish you a great week ahead!
Diane Balch says
December 16, 2014 at 12:25 pmOh April,
We blog and blog and life goes on, up and down… not a good time of year for a down so sorry. You are in my thoughts. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for still getting this party out to us. It is always a delight.
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:21 pmThank you so much, Diane. And I’m so glad you enjoy Hearth and Soul as much as I do 🙂
Joy @ Yesterfood says
December 16, 2014 at 12:39 pmThank you for the party, April! I will be thinking of you this holiday season. ♥
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:21 pmThank you, Joy 🙂
Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook says
December 16, 2014 at 3:43 pmI’m sorry you are going through such a sad time. Maybe there is a Blue Christmas service in your area, or maybe it will help you just to read these words. Peace be with you and your loved ones.
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:23 pmThank you so much, Becca. I’ll definitely have a look at that. We’ve had several challenging Christmases in the past. I always remember Max Lucado’s reference to the first Christmas and how “Once and for all, God tipped the scales in the favour of hope” 🙂 Thank you for being part of Hearth and Soul!
Debi @ Life Currents says
December 16, 2014 at 6:14 pmMany hugs and well wishes to you and your family. I hope you’re ok, and my thoughts are with you. <3
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:24 pmThank you so much, Debi 🙂
Audrey @ Gluten-Free Vegan Love says
December 17, 2014 at 3:56 amHi April — sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time. Wish you and your family lots of strength and peace throughout this time. ♥
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:25 pmThank you so much, Audrey. And thank you for being part of Hearth and Soul!
LuAnn with Lovely Livings says
December 17, 2014 at 4:54 amHi April! Thank you for hosting your party this week! I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time. The holiday season makes it even harder. You and your family are in my prayers. Blessings to you all!
April Harris says
December 17, 2014 at 1:25 pmThank you so much, LuAnn. And thank you for visiting and sharing 🙂
Joanne T Ferguson says
December 19, 2014 at 3:06 amG’day Thx for hosting such a great party April! Pinned…
Look forward to seeing you at our #SayGdayParty in 2015
Please feel free to stop by in the interim to say G’day!
Cheers! Joanne @ What’s On The List
April Harris says
December 22, 2014 at 2:48 pmMy pleasure, Joanne! Thank you for pinning and sharing 🙂