This was the first New Year’s Eve (as an adult) that I didn’t go to out to eat for dinner. Life with a 2 year old really DOES change things! But even though we opted to stay home this New Year’s, there are still plenty of ways to have fun and create traditions!

One thing we did (which I could see becoming a tradition) was watch home videos from the past year. It was fun and so special to show my daughter herself learning to walk! It was great to reminisce about the year this way – milestones, fun moments and all.

Since I was cooking anyway, I decided to make a complete dinner out of foods that are considered ‘lucky’ for the new year. Many of these traditions come from all over the world, but they all have some symbolism for luck, health, wealth or good fortune. 

• My veggie loaf was packed with lentils, which are an Italian, German and Brazilian New Year’s tradition for good fortune, since dry lentils resemble tiny coins.
• I served a side of noodles, since long noodles are a Japanese New Year’s tradition for long life.
• I also had a side of greens (Swiss chard) which is a super common one around the world – the leaves of cabbage, chard, collards or kale look like folded money!
• Spain, Portugal and South American tradition holds that 12 grapes at midnight will tell you how the 12 months of the next year will go.
• In Greece and Turkey, Pomegranates are a symbol of abundance and bring luck, health, wealth and prosperity so I had a nice bowl of them for dessert!
• Finally, Figs are a symbol of fertility, so if you’re in the market for a little help in that direction, some fresh figs or fig jam might be a nice touch on your vegan cheese platter!

It was a super yummy meal and my toddler ate 3 slices of the veggie loaf, ate all her greens, noodles, grapes and her favorite, pomegranates!

The next day, we all went for a beach walk and my husband found a dollar bill in the parking lot. We both thought that was pretty spectacular. I mean, I rarely even find a dime let alone a bill! We felt VERY lucky, and both commented how it looked like our meal the previous evening was paying off.

Then later in the afternoon we were walking the baby for a nap in her stroller on the way to the pier, when I found a $20 dollar bill on the street! $20!!! I was floored! 

I truly believe we manifested it the night before. Say what you will about superstitions and traditions, but I don’t think that was just a coincidence. What you put out into the Universe is what gets reflected back to you. That’s why I always advocate a positive mindset. Focus your intentions on the positive things you want out of life, and that’s what you’ll attract!

So here are 5 steps to manifesting abundance:

1. Visualize it. Imagine, focus on and see your desired outcome. Make it so real in your mind, it can’t help but be real outside.
2. Come from a place of plenty; you have everything you need, don’t make choices from a place of “lack” but always come from a place of abundance.
3. Take action. Back up your intentions with concrete steps.
4. Let go of attachment to the outcome. Put your intentions out there, but you have to go with the flow.
5. Finally, gratefully receive what comes your way. Give thanks, and accept it! Gratitude opens the door for more to be grateful for.

Happy Manifesting!
xo