Year in Review

2010 was one beautiful, busy year. It was filled with lots of baking and lovely things, a trip to a treehouse, a tiny new camera that goes with me everywhere, a guide to my hometown in the summer issue of Southern Flourish, a long farewell to Seattle, the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving cross-country, an appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, and a new start to my love affair with New York City.

Thank you all for following along this year and for your kind, funny, and insightful words. Wishing you a 2011 filled with laughter and love, blessings and beauty! 

Christmas Recap

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Mine was peaceful and cozy and filled with the people I love. While we missed the east coast snowstorm here in Savannah, we did have the most modest of flurries. Here's the proof in my husband's hair. And yes, he and I often unintentionally match outfits and both refuse to change.

A Sweet Holiday

I sent out Christmas cards this year featuring the above photo, so I figured you all deserved the virtual version and wishes for a sweet holiday.

My husband and I are heading to Savannah tonight to spend Christmas (and all of next week!) with my family. Posts may be sporadic as I'm quite certain I'll be perfectly content in my laziness. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Simple Cider

My drink of choice this holiday season has been cranberry cider. It's tart and comforting and a complete contrast to the cold weather outside. The color alone is enough to warm you up.

Rosy Cranberry Cider
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

2 oranges
2 quarts cranberry juice
4 three-inch cinnamon sticks
2 two-inch pieces fresh ginger, peeled and sliced lengthwise
Sugar, to taste

With a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove four 3-inch-long strips of peel from orange; set aside. Juice orange, and strain out pulp. In a medium stockpot, combine orange juice, reserved orange peel, cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Taste, and add sugar if desired. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes. Strain, and discard solids. Serve hot. Serves 6 to 8.

My Very Own Panettone

One of my favorite things about December is the appearance of panettone. I feel like it's one of those things not everyone is a fan of, but I love it. I've taken to buying my own mini-sized loaf every year and eating it toasted and buttered for breakfast for about a week straight. Last Christmas, I made a panettone bread pudding that I'm looking forward to baking and tasting again this year.

A Weekend in Happy

A walk around my neighborhood, tea and a breakfast sandwich from the Breadbox Cafe, the "Reasons to Love New York" issue of New York Magazine, and the view from my window make for one happy girl. I love weekends filled with little nothings.

Thoughts of the Week

These are the kind of movie posters I wouldn't be embarrassed to hang in my apartment.

Even candles get cold.

I don't know if I would eat this wreath or hang it on my door.

Best. Tree. Ever.

The prettiest pretzels are also the tastiest.

If I could ski, I would do it here.

Ironically, I think this would have a calming effect.

There's always room for magic cookie bars.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Gift Wrap and a Giveaway Winner

This year, I'm wrapping all presents with brown kraft paper and Christmas-y washi tape. I'm obsessed with the stuff.

Also, the winner of the Chobani yogurt giveaway is MJ of Teaching in Heels.

Congrats and thanks to everyone who entered!

Lights On

This photograph by Jennifer Booher makes me smile. Doesn't each Christmas light seem like a character with two little legs and a personality?

Gifts for the Guys Under $50

a tie that doesn't suck, $30

a laptop decal that lets his geek flag fly, $7.99

a color-coded wallet, $45

beard-broidery, $20

a shaving brush to make him more like his grandpa, $42

an informative and entertaining book of random facts, $16

a doggie bank, $18


old fashioned candy sticks, $5

stripey socks for a little foot flair, $12.50

a brass bicycle bell for style and safety, $19

Here are my gift ideas for the quirky, stylish, slightly geeky guys in your life to make them more quirky, more stylish, and the same amount of geeky.

Christmas Tree Closeup

my peanut-bodied snowman

glass bulbs and candy canes courtesy of Target

This well-dressed snowbunny was made by my mom. It was my favorite ornament when I was little, so a few years ago, she gave it to me.

My childhood collection of Hallmark's Hershey mice ornaments. How these mice can eat all this chocolate, I'll never know.

I try to buy one new ornament every year to build my collection. This little guy came from Anthropologie two years ago.

Seattle represent.

My old tree topper never sat up straight, so this year, I bought a new one on Etsy. I love how sparkly it is.

Gifts for the Girls Under $50

a casual cowl in a heartwarming shade of honey, $40

the gift that keeps on giving: ice cream maker, $49.95

an adorable memory game to keep you sharp, $14.95

the world's cheeriest thermos, $30

sparkly woodland creatures, $14.99

magical homemade marshmallows, $6

dahlia clips to give old shoes new life, $48

a calendar for 12 months of pretty, $15

Yes, affordable, adorable presents do exist. Here are a few gift ideas under $50 for the ladies in your life. Some of these might even be on my Christmas list (hint to mom and husband). Next week, gifts for the guys!