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.

Holiday Dress-up and Day five.

I know.  I didn't write last night.  We got home super late -- for me -- and I had a bit of a migraine, and just wasn't up to it.  So, I figured I'd post this afternoon and tonight. 

Dressing up was so much fun.  I got my make-up and hair perfect, and the dress looked stunning, if I do say so myself.  Jon even dressed in slacks and a nice shirt.  And allowed my mom to take a picture of the two of us.  Jon hates his pictures taken.  I am a ham.  I have always loved my picture taken.  Figures I'd marry someone who doesn't.  The most current photograph we have of ourselves in our house is from my cousin's wedding over six years ago!  We don't even have our own wedding pictures hung up anywhere.

Anyway...here's the photo my mom took:

 

 

 

the lovely couple dressed up...

I know you can't see the dress too well.  Maybe I can get a photo of the dress by itself today and post it tonight.  Photographing an all black dress is rather difficult at best, and it was dark last night.  I am really happy though with the way the photo turned out, and we had an absolutely wonderful time last night.  I even received the most amazing compliment.  I was told I looked like a movie-star!  By this woman who was so beautifully dressed she looked like a movie-star, herself!

All in all, it was a wonderful evening.  Met lots of really nice people, and now I finally know who Jon's co-workers are, so I can picture them when he talks about work.

Okay, on to my list from yesterday:

*  I was grateful my mom came home with me to help me get ready last night.  She helped me curl the back of my hair, because I couldn't quite reach it.  It ended up looking perfect in the back because of her help.

*  My doctor appointment -- for which I was very nervous -- turned out wonderfully.  I got what I needed from the Dr. and it wasn't a horribly emotional visit.

*  My dad, for driving my mom and I to the appointment.  I couldn't have done it without him.

*  Finally getting help with my migraines.  I feel as though I can breathe again.  Now, just to wait for the Botox appointment to really get these taken care of.

Okay, I feel good having done this.  I will post again tonight with tonight's list.  Thank you all for understanding the delay! 

Happy Saturday,
~j.b.