Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was extremely low key and fun (but don't get me wrong . . . I don't want to present a sanitized view of my life on this blog.  There was the lingering depression, illness, and anxiety in the midst of good things).  But back to the good things that saved me from the sad things: family, friends, church, homemade gifts, Christmas parties, food, games, and an overall sense of hope from Jesus . . . 

Homemade cranberry jalapeno jam from C.

I made Gallagher's Brown bread to give as gifts.

Yute.

The flicking game.

Shabu Shabu Christmas dinner.

Banchan.

The meat.

The fried rice post Shabu Shabu.

The Christmas cookies at a friend's party.

Christmas cheer

I finally brought out the Christmas ornaments, made some fun green and red paper chains, and bought a poinsettia to place by the door.  It's nice to have our home look a bit more festive.

I'm also enjoying all the cards and holiday photos all my friends are sending me!  Thanks, guys!

I know our "tree" looks a little sad but I really hate the mess a tree brings into the house (falling needles, dying branches . . . yes, bah humbug).

I've also started shopping for gifts.  I've decided to make all my gifts this year so I'll be baking away (don't worry--I won't be giving away any bread turds), painting cards, and finding creative ways to wrap everything.

Speaking of creative and thoughtful ways to wrap gifts, have you checked out Charissa's awesome blog on the art of gift wrapping?  Check it out at the Gifted Blog. 

Image courtesy of Gifted Blog

I especially love her tutorials.  This one on making your own gift bag looks handy.  I love me a homemade gift bag.

Now to keep the Christmas cheer coming, I must drink some hot apple cider, watch my favorite Christmas movies (Little Women, Elf, and the movie with little Ralphie), and enjoy the spiritual significance of this season of waiting, giving thanks, and celebrating.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

I recall writing last year that my family and I planned to go out for Thanksgiving because it was not the best time of the year to cook--for anyone.  I'm happy to report that this year is different.  Let's just say I've had a lot of time on my hands . . . and I've been working more to cook from scratch and eat less processed and pre-made foods.  In all seriousness, I've been grateful for having the space and time to enjoy cooking.  Ah, there are many things and people I'm grateful for this year.  I must take some time this weekend to reflect on all that I'm grateful for and to. 

So back to the food--this year I've brined a turkey, made cranberry sauce from scratch, steamed a whole pumpkin for pie and soup, and might try making a pie crust from scratch.  It's been a fun and busy process.  I will share some afters next week but here are some befores:

 
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

(Oh, and I just noticed that this blog has turned 1.  Nice.  I'm glad I kept at it :)

Thanksgiving 2010

My family and I have celebrated Thanksgiving with a more traditional American meal for the past decade or so. My mom is in charge of the turkey and I'm in charge of the sides. I'm a big fan of Thanksgiving food in general . . . I love the cranberry sauce, yams, mashed potatoes, pies . . . I love it all. I even love the dish of kimchi at our table (kimchi is a good complement to turkey by the way - especially the dark meat). But this year my family and I are going out for Thanksgiving to a Korean-Chinese restaurant in LA we go to all the time. It's been an extremely busy and relationally full season and I just don't have it in me to cook this year. And I guess I'm not alone because I've noticed that there are way more pre-made Thanksgiving meals at the stores and a lot of restaurants advertising that they are open on Thanksgiving. I guess it's the sign of the times - people are busier, there are more single parent households than ever before, and the pace of life just seems so much quicker now.
Well, maybe next year my family will go back to making a turkey and all the fixings but this year I'm going to enjoy seeing my parents, brother and sister-in-law, and eating sweet and sour beef, garlic shrimp, and noodles in black bean sauce with pork. Mmmm . . . can't wait!

Also, here are some pics of inspiration from my old roommate's wedding this past weekend. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. L!

This gentleman found his way to our table.


Got to bring one of the floral arrangements home because I knew some people. My friend T. worked on the flowers. She's not a professional but you wouldn't have known that by looking at her arrangements. So pretty and well designed!