Live, Love, Grace

I'm not much for listing or even really commenting on gifts I've received for X-mas.  No particular reason, I just don't see the purpose.  I'm not five any longer.  This being said, I received a few gifts yesterday that are really special.  This first one is a necklace and ring from my parents. 

Not the best picture, but they're fire opal.  Which I've never even seen before.  They were made locally where my parents live and are beautiful on.  I don't know if my parents have ever purchased me jewelery, and it meant the world to me.  My dad was just as excited as my mom about it.  Plus 5,000 points for the parents!

I also received a necklace from my Sister-in-Law.  I don't actually have a picture of it, but it is beautiful.  It's from her shop on Etsy.  She's away -- visiting us -- currently, but check back and love her jewelery.  I know I do.  <3

This last gift is also wonderful!  It's from Jamie over at...well, the blog seems to have vanished, I'll edit back in when I can find it again.  I've known her for 20 years, and this was a super sweet gift, considering we don't usually do presents.

Okay, found her.  Good grief, can you say panic?  For no reason what-so-ever?

Anyway, this is by-far the prettiest book, let alone food-type book I've ever seen.  Plus, it was wrapped in fabric -- does she know me, or what?  AND there's this inside:

Sooooo pretty.  She does some book-binding for fun, and decided to do something magical to mine.  I love it.  Soooo much.  Plus, the book itself is really awesome.  Talks about various ingredients and why certain ones work well with others.  Scientifically!  It's very cool. 

It was actually a very kitchen themed X-mas, too.  Gave Jon a book on cheese making and a set of cheese knives.  And the two of us even recieved an ice cream maker!  We're very excited.  Found this recipe for Brown Butter ice cream.  I think it will be our first experiment. 

Alright, that's about it for now.  I hope everyone had a wonderful X-mas with their loved-ones, or without...either way.  Now, it's time to recover from the last month of crazy.  Nap time.

Merry, Happy Everything,
~j.b.