10 Good Things.

Merry Christmas Eve!  You know you’re still in your sweatpants (if you’re even up yet), nuzzled in a blanket in front of the Christmas tree, cruising the internet with HGTV on in the background.  Ahhhh, glorious.  Or if you’re Karrie, you won’t be awake for another 2 hours.  And if you’re me, then you have a bowl of pappardelle & meatballs in your lap for breakfast.  Whoops.  #wheninindiana

Anyhow.  Here’s a quick stream of consciousness for your marination station:

PEAR & THYME MIMOSAS {for cocktail hour tonight}

1 chilled bottle of Prosecco or Champagne | 12 oz. pear nectar | 4-6 sprigs of Thyme | Fill each glass with 3 ounces of peach nectar and a sprig of Thyme. Top with Prosecco or Champagne and add an additional sprig of Thyme to garnish. For entertaining, combine chilled wine and pear nectar in a pitcher with 6 sprigs of Thyme.

SALTED CARAMEL DONUTS {for Christmas breakfast tomorrow}

Hit the easy button and pick up the donuts at the grocery store, then either make or buy a jar of salted caramel.  Then dip those bad boys in your morning coffee.  #nomnomnom

SHARING IS CARING {I can’t take it.  Also, I’d like that kid to share his pom pom hat with me permanently.}

PS: the pic below is from this chick’s Pinterest board “Parenthood,” which I immediately followed and suggest you do too.  Everything on it is perfect.

LAST MINUTE DECORATING IDEA {Snag some sage from the fridge and tie it with leftover ribbon or twine.  Bang.}

HOW HILARIOUS IS THIS? {You know it’s true.}

I spent last night stirring meatballs and howling over texts from friends detailing the high-larious and ridiculous antics of their parents.  Gotta love family.  They’re all &$#^% nuts.  Regram via Chairish Co’s Instagram.

PLEASE SANTA CAN I HAVE THIS KITCHEN? {Never have I ever.}

I can’t even pick my favorite part: that pristine hood, the handmade-looking, slightly off-kilter tile backsplash, the reclaimed wood island topped with a slab of perfect carrara, the antique rug or that bad a$$ hardware.

ALSO SANTA… {…these earrings would be great.}

Pipe dream indeed – they’re listed as being from 400 bc.  Source unknown but pin via the amazing Lulu DK / decor goddess / hero of mine.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING SWEETER? {…cuz I haven’t}

The only thing cuter than: a) babies in sherpa onesies and b) goldens is c) goldens licking giggling, cooing babies in sherpa onesies.

ALSO – THIS GUY:

…who gave the guy next to me on the plane ride home a similar tongue bath, right before he passed out on said guy’s feet after his doggie tranquilizers kicked in.

WHEN I GET BACK TO CALI…

I’m totally getting a beach cruiser so I can snap one of these bad boys onto it.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST {A few wise words…}

…because the holidays are *wonderful*, but they aren’t all sunshine and rainbows for everyone, every year.  Some years they can be bittersweet, or even achingly difficult for people.  So remember to be a little kinder to everyone – there’s never any harm in that, right?  Cuz you just never know what’s going on beneath the surface.  And if you happen to be weathering a tough time this holiday, take some comfort in the poignant words below, because those words are true… whatever’s going on now – however difficult or unnecessarily cruel – is preparing you for something bigger, and there are better times ahead.  That is what I’m telling myself anyway, in the wake of the glorious déjà vu-esque curveball I just got lobbed.  PS: if you aren’t following Megan McGrane on insta yet, you should be.  She’s a wizard.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

xoxo,