Christmas

My grandma Phyllis passed away yesterday. She had been sick for awhile. I got to talk to her via video chat about a month ago, and she was luckily lucid, and her sassy self. I didn't expect her to go while I was abroad. And at Christmas. So tomorrow, at 11 a.m. I'll be flying out of Amsterdam and back to Santa Barbara. I'll be there for two weeks. It's a sad occasion, but I'm also thankful that I can be with my family. On the other hand, I'm sad to be leaving Josh.... Last night we opened presents that were sent by our parents. They got us a LOT of cold weather accessories. As you can see: 

Today is Christmas Eve, so we are just hanging out together. We'll probably make a nice dinner tonight, and then go to our friends' house to celebrate. But not too much, because I have to get up early for my flight. 

So anyway, it's not the Christmas I expected. But I'm ok. Merry Christmas, everyone! Celebrate it in the unique way that is yours. Celebrate it with your family. Enjoy it! Sending love to you and yours.

I'm Like... Christmas Edition

When my boyfriend buys me an awesome Christmas present, I'm like...

When the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story comes on, my brother and I are like...

When I drink too much on Christmas Eve, I'm like...

When I gain five pounds over Christmas vacation, I'm like...

When my family gets into an argument about politics at the dinner table, I'm like...

Yuletide

Just some Christmas-y images for your Tuesday.

Credits: 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Tent Dweller

Moonrise Kingdom retro print, $19 (etsy.com)
Olivewood tea scoop, $6 (leifshop.com)
Flannel hottie cover, $39 (toast.co.uk)
Ambrase hat, $31 (aubinandwills.com)
Scout Soap Set, $20 (curiosityshoppeonline.com)
Heritage water bottle, $22 (woodlandsshop.com)
Fleece-lined lodge moccasins, $60 (jcrew.com)
Wool shawl, $65 (annmashburn.com)
Log cabin building set, $12 (shopterrain.com)
Outscent, $50 (brookfarmgeneralstore.com)
Forest Dream soy candle, $15 (etsy.com)
Gray two-tone mug, $20 (shopterrain.com)

My Christmas List

Glitzen arrowhead drops, anthropologie.com
Kismet knit turban, anthropologie.com
Savon de Marseille soap, anthropologie.com
Honey tobacco apothecary candle, shopterrain.com
Glass wood honey pot, westelm.com
Grace: A Memoir, amazon.com
Soy candle in fig and vanilla, etsy.com
Snugbear breadboard, etsy.com
Citrus print, riflepaperco.com
Just a tiny heart ring, etsy.com
Set of 2 cocktail/table napkins, etsy.com
Sad Girls print, etsy.com
Gold unicorn studs, etsy.com
Bad Girls Throughout History postcards, etsy.com
Cat temporary tattoo, etsy.com

Rats! The flask is already sold out. Maybe someone knew I wanted it...?

Trim That Tree!

Josh and I will be getting a tree this weekend! So stoked. I've built up a nice little collection of ornaments... But here are a few cute ones from around the shops...

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Budding Bartender

Stainless steel shiny cocktail shaker, $15 (cb2.com)
Twig Barware Kit, $39 (westelm.com)
Luxardo gourmet Maraschino cherries, $20 (amazon.com)
Olivewood coasters, $28 (westelm.com)
Elderflower cordial, $15 (shopterrain.com)
Horn bottle opener, $22 (jaysonhome.com)
Preserved lemon syrup, $18 (oldfaithfulshop.com)
Six stainless steel straws, $18 (brookfarmgeneralstore.com)
Shooters ice tray, $12 (urbanoutfitters.com)
Whiskey stones, $20 (thinkgeek.com)
Scrappy's Bitters: Lavender, aromatic, chocolate And celery, $24 (anthropologie.com)
Gatsby Cocktails, $9.95 (shopterrain.com)

You'll notice that all items in my gift guides are less than $100. This is on purpose. I'm not into encouraging you to buy $70 candles or $300 cashmere sweaters.

Krisatomic knows what I'm talking about:

Santa Barbara Christmas

Best Cosmopolitan I've ever had, at Harry's / Dang good sangria at Los Arroyos

Mom and I visited the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission

A little jaunt on Butterfly Beach

Family photo

Merry Christmas!

(Federico Barocci, 1597)

Have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family!

Wishing you peace, love, and joy.

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

It's the little things that count.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Pets

Don't forget a few gifts for Fido and/or Fluffy! (or your goldfish, I suppose)

See of my more gift guides here.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kiddies

A few classic, educational, and creative gift ideas for the children.

See of my more gift guides here.

Etsy Christmas Card Round-Up

Sir Rudolph Christmas card

Holiday Pony card

Merry Carnitas card

Fa La La La La greeting card

Merry Christmas holiday card

Cross stitch Merry Christmas card

Silent Night Christmas card

Red and Green Crest Christmas card

A Russian Christmas card pack

Ho Ho Ho Christmas Card

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Boyfriend

So, these are specific to my own boyfriend, but hopefully it will inspire you if need be!

Josh loves the art of Charley Harper. He always burns saint candles in his apartment, so these funny ones would be great. Josh works from home as a designer, so this shelf might make life easier. He has horrible circulation in his hands -- they're always cold; wool gloves would come in handy (pardon the pun). Who can resist a silly pair of boxer shorts? I think he'd get a kick out of this periodic table of imaginary elements poster. He'd look quite handsome in a Steven Alan tie. To ensure a good night's sleep, there's this. And, since he doesn't have a wallet....

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Francophile

Their favorite movie is Amelie. Their favorite dessert is creme brulee. And they always greet you with a bonjour. So why not get the Francophile (lover of all things French, NOT lover of James Franco!) in your life classic French products like Savon de Marseille soap, Diptyque fragrances, Laduree macarons, and Mariage tea. Or they could always use another Saint James striped tee and beret. Personally, I'd love to snuggle with a plush Eiffel Tower.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Grandpa

My Grandpa Marvin loves sports (he's on a senior softball team), gardening, and games, and still uses handkerchiefs!

See of my more gift guides here.

My Christmas Mix

enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Country Girl

For the girl who's more country than city, makes a mean apple pie, always visits the farmer's market, and collects mason jars.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Little Bro

A few awesomely cool things for my awesomely cool little brother.

See more of my gift guides.

Christmas in Connecticut

Christmas in Connecticut is a new favorite Christmas movie of mine. It's about a man (the adorable Dennis Morgan) who just got back from war and wins a special Christmas meal made by a famous food writer (think Martha Stewart) played by that sexy little minx Barbara Stanwyck. Except she's a total fake! So she has to pretend she knows how to cook and take care of baby and all those domestic chores... all the while falling in love with Dennis Morgan. 1945 was such a simpler time...