Black Friday Shopping and Two Christmas Trees

The Roomie and I went shopping on Black Friday.

Most people avoid going out on Black Friday like they would catch the plague if they did (aka my father, brother, heck my whole family) but my Roomie and her brother John were both bold enough to tackle the crowds with me. It was a first, since for the past few years I had worked at Sur La Table for the whole week basically.

Let me say this, it is much nicer to be a shopper than a cashier. I found a few great gifts, but mostly found things for me. Normally, my mannishly large feet limit the shoe options, but the gods were smiling, and I really lucked out! I was able to cross a few good things off my wishlist.

I couldn’t resist picking up a new KJP bow bracelet.

It matches my new Sperry’s.

Nordstrom’s Dalton Boots

Plaid Sperry’s.

Sperry Loafers-Hayden.

Umberto Raffini Boots from the Walking Company

J. Crew Quilted Tack Jacket

J. Crew Quilted Tack Jacket

Banana Republic Pea Coat

Banana Republic Pea Coat

I am very excited to wear this all to work in the next few weeks. It is just three more weeks until Christmas Break, and wearing some fun things is keeping me going strong.

On Saturday the family, Roomie and I went Christmas Tree Shopping. For the past few years we have gone with family friends on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. They go to a specific tree farm, and have been going for 30+ years. This year, the Roomie and I got a petite tree for our apartment in addition to the large family tree. I am looking forward to decorating this beauty!

IMG_8989 2IMG_8990IMG_8994IMG_8991IMG_9006tree christmas tree

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! When do you usually get your tree? It is usually a family affair?

Love,

-S

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Shopping

I wanted to thank everyone for all the lovely notes on being nervous about my dentist appointment. It went well. :]

This week I took a hiatus from the blog, because I wanted to focus on family time, relaxing with the pups, and taking a breather from school/work. I also have realised that my computer sucks me in, and then it’s four hours later and I’m still on pinterest/bloglovin’/keep. I have been trying to stay more grounded lately, and less time on my computer. I love to snuggle up with the pups and a book, and that happened a lot this week.

Anyhoo, Thanksgiving was awesome. It was a small group this year, but that did not mean our menu was any smaller. In fact, I believe this year we topped out with the most recipes in a long time. The final number was 12 by the way. We made so many tasty things, but I managed to try a bite of everything!

IMG_8975 IMG_8976

Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two occasions where the family goes all out, and I really enjoy hearing the family stories about the carving tools, glassware and old family traditions.

Prosciutto and Pears Appetizer

Our yummy cranberry cocktail

Maryah sitting at the head of the dining room table

My favorite part of our thanksgiving meal.

On Friday, the Roomie, her brother and I got up before the crack of dawn (2am, to be precise) and went to the mall. I had never gone shopping on Black Friday, and I wanted to try it, at least once.

 Most of the shops had opened at 5-8pm on Thanksgiving, and the rest at midnight. We arrived at 3 and it was busy, but certainly not insane. We shopped, and the John was a complete dear. He even met up with us, and carried our bags to the car! Maryah treated him to a Jersey as a thank-you for being so kind about the whole day.

I made out like a bandit, but some were Christmas and birthday gifts for other people. More details on what I got tomorrow!

My Black Friday shopping haul.

My Black Friday shopping haul.

This year I was very thankful that everyone was here for Thanksgiving. I know some families aren’t able to all be together on Thursday, but we were, and it really meant a lot to me. In the past, with both of us away at college, it was tricky to get all four of us together. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are the two that I have the fondest family memories of, and I really do treasure the time we have together.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksiving, and enjoyed some relaxed family time.

Love,

-S