it's all you.

I love Pinterest for this. Such an a great reminder.

currently craving: ben howard

Ben Howard was one of my favorite shows of 2012 by far. Nothing quite beats The Fillmore. Give his live stuff a listen.

a look back at december

As we start the new year, I'm thankful for a pretty awesome December. A little look back on everything that went on.

Our Christmas Tree. Nothing like a lil glitter. 

Pre-Elf Party with Robin

Elf Party with Megan & Robin

Handsome dates at my company holiday party. 

Just dance. 

The Guardsmen Tree Lot Party at Fort Mason

The Guardsmen Tree Lot Party at Fort Mason

Elf the Musical with my mom & brother. 

Out with my bestie in Seattle. 

We don't know how to take normal photos. (MOVE TO SF). 

a roundup: christmas baking & crafts

When the holiday season rolls around, I always joke that I turn into a crafty person. As much as I wish (and my Pinterest boards would make you believe), I seem to only make time for it around holidays. Christmas is never an exception - I've made my own holiday cards for years and this year, it's possible I went a little overboard. But, crafting never hurt anyone right?

Cocoa Customization Kit
When I stumbled across this idea on Pinterest, I knew I had to make it. The little tubes are darling, I loved all the holiday colors and it was a cute spin on the traditional hot chocolate mix gift. Here is the link to the original post from Megan Reardon of Not Martha.

Each kit that I made, contains a tube of cocoa powder, mini marshmallows & crushed candy canes, 3 stir sticks (thanks Starbucks!) decorated with holiday accessories (mini jingle bells, colorful light bulbs and poof ball thingys - a technical term), attached with holiday washi tape. I bought gift tags, added some flair with a chevron stamp and tied them the stir sticks with baker's twine.

The most difficult part was actually finding those dang little plastic tubes! Luckily Megan was great and answered my question over Twitter very quickly. :) Impress Rubber Stamps is where she directed me to, but I found them at Cherry on Top as well! 

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds 
Joining a large company this year (10,000 people vs. 60), meant I had to fine an easy to make (in bulk!) co-worker gift.

When I stumbled across this recipe for **CROCK POT** Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds, I knew I'd found it! Unfortunately  I packed up / ate all the almonds before remembering to take a photo, but I promise you, they were delicious.

I scooped 2-3 scoops of almonds into easy bag, and tada! :)

These cute kraft bags came from Impress Stamps. Sealed with Washi tape (are you sensing a theme yet? If not, you soon will), tied up with baker's twine & the same gift tags.

Washi Tape Christmas Tree Cards
Every year, since I can remember, I've made homemade Christmas cards. This year, on top of everything else I was planning, I was looking for simple & easy. This is what I came up with.

What's easier than different sized pieces of Washi & glitter tape, in the shape of a Christmas tree. I added rhinestones for the star on top & a bit of extra flair!

Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes
Cupcakes seem to be becoming a habit so for our Christmas eve dessert I made these guys. This recipe from Glorious Treats, is a great chocolate cupcake. (Believe me, I tried a Martha Stewart one first - and eww).

I hope you all had an amazing holiday season that was spent with loved ones. Cheers to an amazing 2012. 2013, let's see what you bring!

thankful.

for my amazing friends, family and co-workers. the ability to live in a city as amazing as san francisco. my health. my freedom. and most of all the opportunities that have been give to me that have gotten me to where i am today. xx.