Can I taste it now?: gifts

Friday, January 2, 2009

Christmas Recap

It's been a week now since Christmas and I'm barely feeling like things are "back to normal". AudioDad's been busy taking the trees down and putting decorations away. The holidays were fun with Munch being able to participate more- not sure how much she really understood, but she went with it okay.
The day before Christmas we headed off to Jelly Belly for Munch's first Santa visit. I've been carefully preparing her (don't want a crying kid!) with Santa stories and waving at the mall Santa whenever we walked by. She was so excited as we waited in line, but got a little shy once she got closer. Munch did great though, making sure to tell Santa she wanted a pink bike with a basket.

For Christmas Eve dinner, I tried a new recipe off C. Beth's blog for Indian fry bread.

It was delicious and easy! We spread them with black beans, added toppings, and ate them taco-style. After dinner, the Munchkin made a plate of cookies for Santa-

then we mixed up some reindeer food (oatmeal with sparkly pink sugar sprinkles)

to sprinkle on the lawn-

Munch said goodbye to Doodle and scampered off to bed. The next morning, she got up nice and early. She carefully arranged all her presents on the coffee table as she opened them-

and one of Grandma's gifts made us all giggle-

a nice, big roll of bubble wrap for dancing on!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Gift Guide

Oprah's got one. So does amazon.com. They're all over the web and in most of this month's magazines. You don't have to look far to find a list of gift ideas for this season. So I figured, why not come up with my own? Here are some of my picks for fun gifts I'm giving (can't let the cat out of the bag too soon!)...or would love to receive! Have a great find? Let me know! (I'll be posting more direct links to the merchants below ASAP- they've got a lot of unique gift ideas)

Lotus Blossom Tea Light Holders- $34.95/set of 3
I gave a pair of these in cream to a friend last summer. They're simple and beautiful.

Playful Word Earrings-$40
You'll usually spot me wearing these at school on the last day before a vacation break.

Savannah Bee Company Honey Flute-$23
Try a drizzle of this with a little cheese and bread- You will never go back to those honey bears after tasting this. They also have a sampler set so you can compare varietals.

Matryoshka Measuring Cups-$28
How adorable are these? I WANT, WANT, WANT these!

Red Coupe Dinnerware-from $8.95-10.95
Remember the "Red Plate" post? Well here's your chance to start the tradition with your family!

Italian Panettone-$39.95
You cannot go wrong with this fragrant, delectable holiday bread from Williams-Sonoma. It's delicious plain, toasted, or if you really want to gild the lily, (oh my!) french toast!

Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup-$29 for two jars
Blossoms unfurling in your pot of tea? Cranberries or pomegranate bobbing in your sparkler? Been there, done that. Drop this little beauty in your bubbly this season instead!

Home Decor items by Tord Boontje-price varies
I purchased the midsummer light (pictured below, $78) for Munch's room- everything he designs is airy, girly, and fanciful.

I'm Made in America canvas bags-contact for pricing
Ok, full disclosure here. This is my parents' new company. But they're on to something. It's good that people are becoming more eco-conscious, but these bags are made here in the USA. So while you're being green, you can support the red, white & blue, too!