Week: ?

New years eve is currently happening. I meant to post earlier and forgot, so here is my quick post.

I seasoned my cast iron skillet today that I got for Christmas in 2009. That's right. Anyway, I'm excited to do fun things with it.

Happy 2012!

Week 47: Nothing New Here

I'm so, so, so big on traditions and most of the traditions we have involve Christmastime. This week was spent finishing shopping, baking (trying to...remember when I said I became a baker? That didn't last...), and, in general, feeling the Christmas spirit. Today, Christmas Eve (day), I super-cleaned the house more than I ever do in preparation for Santa (my parents got me to clean my room without a fight one day a year during my childhood, and now I still feel like I need to have a clean room (house) for Santa to come to!). Then, we went to Scott's parents for their annual open house. I love that tradition- his parents are truly some of the most generous and warm people you could ever meet and this event makes them shine even brighter. :) After Scott and I got home, we unwrapped our one gift each from each other, which was pajamas, like always. My parents always got me a new pair of pajamas while I was growing up. When my Mom died, sweet friends made sure that this tradition continued until I started dating Scott and he carried the torch. I love that I've worn a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve of my life. We are finishing the evening watching Home Alone 2. Tomorrow, we'll wake up ridiculously early, make our rounds and then finish up with Chinese takeout.

So, nothing new happened this week, and that's totally ok with me. I hope this week is pretty much the same for the rest of my life.

Merry, merry Christmas.

Week 46: Metamora!

I've somehow never been to the cute little town of Metamora, IN (which I've affectionately dubbed Metamorie- just because) until today. I really don't know how that happened. I remember friends and family making trips to this little place filled with crafts, fudge, Christmas decor and general charm, but for some reason, it took me 29 years to make the trek. I loved this special place and am looking forward to many return trips in the future. I definitely need to eat at the restaurant we (my bestie Laura and I) ate at today- it was a very country kitchen and a scene from Rain Man was shot in that very restaurant. It was so tasty- my favorite bites involved chicken salad and homemade croutons. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but I'll be back. I found unique gifts for Christmas and loved supporting the independent retailers that we got to talk with as they worked in their cozy shops. Definitely looking forward to making this Christmas trip a tradition.

Week 45: The Year I Became a Baker

The title is probably a bit much.

But, I'm not going down without a fight this year. I've baked so many batches of cookies this holiday season and am trying to be patient with myself as I learn why I (historically) don't do so well with the baking times. My friend Katie grew up baking and, I'm convinced, has kitchen superpowers and she and I spent the day baking (me observing more than anything) yesterday so I could learn some of her tips and trips. And, learning, I am. I am confident that this year, with continued trial and error, I'll be able to produce a few batches of cookies that I'm proud of. And that feels like a holiday miracle.

Week 44: Less Holiday Stress

(If you notice by the date...I'm 38 minutes late on this. The crazy perfectionist part of me really hates that. But, life happens).

So, I didn't really know what my "thing" was going to be this week. Earlier today (err...yesterday), I realized that I've been doing something all week that is abnormal, but also a really good idea. There has been intention behind the action but I didn't really think about it being this week's focus.

Anyway, this holiday season, I've made a goal to buy Christmas presents while I'm out and about, with hopes of not needing to make one (or more) giant, miserable trips where I have no idea what to buy for who but have also reached the point where not being anything is no longer an option. I'm happy to say I have a great start on holiday shopping and am so pleased that I've found things for those people on my list that have historically been a little more difficult for which to shop. Christmas time causes me so much (unnecessary) stress because I so badly want to buy the perfect gift for everyone. Something they will love, pass on to future generations, put on the mantle for years to come...etc. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way, but I kind of let it overtake me and, therefore, kill a lot of holiday spirit. Hopefully, with this different mode of shopping, that feeling won't get in the way too much. Here's hoping!