Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

Holidays

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What I Read // December 2023

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I finished December out strong with a total of six books—three of which were holiday-themed and two of which were very wintry. I’ll be here soon with a recap of my favorite reads, but take a peek here. I found two four-star reads that are worth picking up.

The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict • ★★★☆☆

I don’t read many mysteries; in fact, this is only the second true mystery novel I’ve ever read. But I knew I wanted to try a holiday book this year that wasn’t a fun rom-com.

The Christmas Murder Game fit the bill. In this mystery, Lily is beckoned back to her family home with all her cousins. Over the Twelve Days of Christmas, her and her kin work to solve riddles. Whoever solves the puzzle at large, inherits the house.

Day one, there’s a snowstorm that traps everyone inside. Then as the days progress, cousins are picked off one by one.

It is, by my estimation, a pretty standard mystery set up, but one that I enjoyed. This is by no means a must-read, but it’s a nice way to get some subtle Christmas feelings when you’re not quite ready to go full One Day in December (one of my Christmas faves).

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox • 🎧 • ★★★☆☆

I read Maggie Knox’s first book, The Holiday Swap back in December 2021. I also gave that read three stars.

This book is very cute—and it hit the marks with nods to Nashville (I’ve been on a country kick and I visited Nashville earlier this year) and Milwaukee. But there was a lot of back and forth. It could have been tightened up a bit. Like, I don’t want to read about how someone is on their way to the studio and someone else is checking up on their progress for 20 pages. This all being said, though, it was a nice listen and well performed (even if the Wisconsin accent verged more on Minnesota—A+ to the narrator for trying!).

A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss • 🎧 • ★★★★☆

I’ve read every one of Jenny Bayliss’s books, and they are always a treat (The Twelve Dates of Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas books of all time). I like to pick them up not just because they are not only heartwarming and cozy, but because they encourage me to slow down during a frantic holiday season.

In Bayliss’s latest, three sisters are called together after their father’s death to stage a Yule festival, a long-forgotten tradition in their English town.

I loved how this book focused on Yule! It wasn’t in a witchy way, but it was a nice nod to old traditions. Also as one of three sisters, this book spoke to me.

The Resort by Sarah Goodwin • ★★★☆☆

This book caught my attention right away at the library. A woman and her husband are off to attend her sister’s wedding in the Alps. Along the way, the car breaks down and there’s no choice but to shelter in an abandoned village. Soon Mila finds herself alone in this ghost town and with diminishing resources.

Despite being entirely different from All I Want for Christmas, I had a similar complaint with this book: so much back and forth. How many times do I have to read about Mila walking out in the cold to find nothing and coming back inside?

It was a bit tedious to me, but not terrible.

Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards • ★★☆☆☆

No, I did not realize this was young adult fiction when I rented it from the library. Maybe that’s why I disliked it so much? Also, as a Wisconsin driver, I don’t need any more snowy road drama that I already get.

The gist here is that Mira’s connecting flight home gets canceled on Christmas Eve. In an effort to get home in time for the holiday, she catches a ride with a few college students from her fight. Because of the snowy weather, this trip is harrowing—and someone in the car is making sure they won’t make it home in time.

Like The Resort, there was a lot of back and forth in Five Total Strangers. Lots of turning the car around, lots of checking on a phone battery, lots of stopping at gas stations. Overall, this snowy race to Christmas book was too repetitive.

The Wager by David Grann • 🎧 • ★★★★☆

At the end of the month, I found myself in a bit of a reading funk. I didn’t feel like finishing another rom-com or seasonal book, wasn’t intrigued by any thrillers and found myself bored by historical fiction.

That’s how I knew it was time to find a good piece of non-fiction. I don’t like to read non-fiction, but I really enjoy it as a listen; it’s like a very long podcast.

The Wager, a true maritime disaster story, popped up on a few best-of lists, including critics’ favorites on NPR (I, unsurprisingly, love NPR), and it deserves its place there.

I’ll be back in a few days to share my favorite reads and listens of 2023. Until then, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.

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Chocolate Malt Linzer Cookies

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Linzer cookies with chocolate filling and powdered sugar on top

It’s not uncommon for artists to wake up from a dream inspired to start a new creation. Michael often records voice memos of song ideas he’s had during the night. I, on the other hand, wake up to write down recipe ideas.

One of these ideas came to me months ago, but it just wasn’t time. But now that it’s high cookie season, I figured it was time to try that dream recipe out in the kitchen: Linzer cookies with a chocolate malt ganache filling.

What Are Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a bite-sized riff on the Austrian Linzer torte. This torte looks a lot like a tart—and it is made in a tart pan—but it’s still a torte. Go figure. The pastry crust for this dessert includes ground almonds, lemon zest and sometimes spices. It all encases a raspberry filling.

Linzer cookies have all those same flavors but are made sandwich-style with raspberry jam (or another fruit filling) in the center. Typically the top cookie of the sandwich has a small cutout to reveal the filling inside.

How to Make Chocolate Malt Linzer Cookies

My Linzer cookie recipe isn’t exactly traditional since it lacks the fruit filling, but my treat trays are already brimming with fruit-filled sweets like cream cheese pillows and fruit cake (yes, fruit cake is good—if you make Shauna Sever’s recipe from Midwest Made). But truly, who doesn’t like ganache?

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 12 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons malted milk powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar to garnish

For the ganache:

  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon malted milk powder

Step 1: Make the Linzer Cookie Dough

This cookie dough is simple enough to make. Start, as always, by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about five minutes. Then add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat another minute.

In another bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, almond flour, malted milk powder, cinnamon and salt). Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix until just combined.

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for an hour or more.

Step 2: Prep the Cookies

Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temp for about five minutes.

Dust your work surface with a bit of flour, then roll out the dough until it’s approximately 1/8-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out as many cookies as you can. Reroll the dough just once; any more than that and your cookies can become tough—and Linzer cookies are known for being wonderfully tender.

Now, take half your cookie cutouts and cut a smaller hole in the center of each. You can use a small cookie cutter or a pastry piping tip to cut a simple circle; a knife will even work in a pinch.

Step 3: Bake

Chill the cutouts in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking—or as long as it takes your oven to preheat to 350ºF.

Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined sheet at 350ºF for 11 to 13 minutes—until they just start to have a whisper of gold around the edges.

After baking, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

While the cookies cool, stir up the ganache. Start by chopping up the chocolate (any kind you like!) and adding it to a heat-safe bowl along with the butter.

Then whisk the cream and malted milk powder together. Heat in a small pot on the stove until the milk starts to bubble and simmer—not boil!

When the cream is hot, pour it over the chocolate and butter and let it sit for 30 seconds or so. Then whisk whisk whisk until the mixture comes together in a rich ganache. Let the ganache cool in the bowl until it’s a good spreading consistency—about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Put It All Together

A dusting of snowy powdered sugar is a must for Linzer cookies. Give the cookies with the holes in them a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Then spread a bit of ganache onto the base of each cookie. Finish with the sugar-dusted topper, and serve!

These cookies are best within the first few days—up to a week.

Now, settle in with some cookies, a good book and soak up all the peace you can this holiday season!

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On Having Traditions Just for You

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Package of coffee from Stone Creek Coffee, a Kindle, an iced coffee and a small quiche on a table

I hold so many traditions — particularly holiday traditions — close to my heart. Every year, Michael and I stir up a batch of Irish cream together, we share oplatki with my in-laws every Christmas Eve (a nod to our Polish roots) and watch all the Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes during winter break.

But as important as it is to share these annual rituals, I’d argue it’s just as important to have a few traditions that are for just you. These don’t need to be time-consuming or major, they just need to be comforting.

I’ve found having some solo traditions can be very grounding during tough times, can provide much-needed stillness during busy seasons and bring joy because you deserve a little magic, too.

Here are the Christmastime traditions that I hold just for myself:

Christmas Wrapping

I love wrapping gifts. Picking the paper, finding pretty bows (less so now that we have a curious kitten at home) and nestling all the packages under the tree.

But the tradition here is not the wrapping, it’s the when. Since I’ve been young, I don’t allow myself to wrap a gift until December 1. It’s a good way to kick off the Christmas season — and it can help put me in the spirit when I may not be quite ready.

A Holiday Coffee Stop

Don’t get me wrong: I will stop and get regular mint mochas from Thanksgiving to the New Year, but once a season, I’ll slow down and take myself on a coffee date—often as a reward for finishing up holiday shopping or baking.

This typically happens on a Saturday morning shortly before Christmas. I like to hit up Stone Creek Coffee, order a nice coffee, pick up a bag of their seasonal Bumble roast (a treat I like to share with the family on Christmas morning) and settle in with a book for a short while.

Watching White Christmas

I didn’t grow up watching this Christmas classic, but it’s a film that’s fully ingrained itself in my holiday season as an adult.

And it’s a movie I’ve never watched alongside anyone. I’ve always enjoyed White Christmas solo on a snowy afternoon or during an evening wrapping gifts. It’s such a lovely movie and one that makes me weep every time.

Holiday Baking

This is a tradition that is close to me no matter who is in the kitchen. I like to bake with my mom whenever I can. I also had a fabulous time baking cookies with my nephews and sister-in-law last December.

But I always enjoy taking some time to bake on my own during the holidays. While I love making pioneer molasses cookies and spritz with my mom, I have a few bakes I always make on a just-me day in the kitchen: chocolate-almond mandelbrot, white fruitcake (it is delicious) and babka.

Christmas Crafts

Crafting might just be my favorite part of Christmas—especially when paired with a Christmas movie or Christmas audiobook. Every year I tackle a project or two—sometimes for gifting, sometimes just for fun.

A few years back, I was in Christmas cross-stitch mode. Last year, I sewed zippered pouches for most of my family. This year, I made woven star ornaments (a project I’d bookmarked at least two years ago). At the end of the season, I never regret being up to my elbows in thread.

It might be late in the season, but I hope you still find some time for yourself!

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My Favorite Holiday + Christmas Reads

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When the tree goes up in my house, it’s finally time to embrace cozy Christmastime reading. To me, there’s not much better this time of year than snuggling up with a cup of coffee and a good book beside the glow of our trees.

Without further ado, here are my favorite lighthearted reads for the holidays.

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

This was the first cozy rom-com I ever read, and it converted me to the genre.

In The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living, city gal and pastry chef Olivia moves to rural Vermont after a spectacular falling out at her country club job. During her tenure at the Sugar Maple Inn, Olivia settles into country life, endears herself to her curmudgeonly new boss and even meets a boomerang beau (a guy who lived in the country, tried life in Seattle and then returned home to care for his father).

At first blush, this book sounds like a Hallmark movie pressed between covers and bound, but I assure you it’s so much better than any of those made-for-TV movies.

One Day in December by Josie Silver

In this Christmas book, Laurie catches the eye of a handsome man through the window of a bus. Somehow, she knows this guy is someone she wants to pursue.

Over the years, Laurie looks for her mystery man and is unsuccessful—until her friend introduces Laurie to her new boyfriend at a party. This boyfriend is, of course, bus boy.

One Day in December plays out over the course of years (and does take a second to settle into), but it does keep you ensconced in the characters through every turn.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

This just might be my gold standard of cozy holiday reading! Is it slightly predictable? Sure! But that in no way takes away from enjoying this Christmas book.

So what’s the setup here? Well, Kate reluctantly agrees to participate in a series of blind dates—12 of them—to find a connection before the holidays hit. Over the course of the dates, there are hits, misses and plenty of seasonal activities. Delightful!

I recommend this one as an audiobook to listen to while you wrap gifts or bake Christmas cookies.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

Is the premise of this book absolutely inconceivable? Yes! But so is the plot of 1998’s The Parent Trap, and that is a masterpiece.

Now, Kiss Her Once for Me isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a great holiday read. In this infectious rom-com barista (and one-time animator) Ellie agrees to marry her cafe’s landlord, Andrew, so he can gain access to his trust fund—and give her a small portion.

Of course, they have to do the whole fake dating thing. The catch here isn’t that they catch feels necessarily; it’s that during a family getaway with her faux fiance’s family, Ellie discovers that she once had a super intense (though short-lived) connection with his sibling Jac. What’s a gal to do during the holidays?

The Hygge Holiday by Rosie Blake

Full admission: I didn’t even remember there was a romance element to this book until I reread the summary—and I think that’s part of the charm of The Hygge Holiday.

In this book, Danish ex-pat Klara settles into a small English town. While she thinks her stay will be temporary, Klara soon makes it her to reinvent the town’s small toy shop. With lots of nods to slowness, coziness and overall hygge vibes, this book satisfies and reminds you to take it easy—even during this busy season.

A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

I think this book (yes, another by Jenny Bayliss) is the perfect read for that lazy stretch of time between Christmas and New Year’s.

In A Season for Second Chances, Annie heads off to the countryside to recoup after splitting from her husband. She’s happy to find a job as a caretaker for a small cafe for the wintertime. Of course, Annie can’t just let the cafe sit there (it looks sad!), so with the blessing of the wonder (a charming old woman) she decides to give the space new life and embrace living in a quaint small town—book club and all.

Now, does the charming old woman’s nephew like this plan? Of course not! But over the chapters, feelings shift, and Annie finds that her seaside stay might become home.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads! Also, if you’re an audiobook fan, I encourage you to try Libro.fm—you can support your favorite small bookstore while downloading your next listen.

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Holiday Hoops 2023

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Selfishly, I don’t do a lot of holiday craft events. I like to save the month of December for staying home and snuggling up to make crafts for myself and my family. Last year, I spent many evenings stitching ugly sweater ornaments and it was my favorite craft all year.

But this year, I did manage to sneak a few holiday hoops into my roster! I’ll be selling at the Walker’s Point Makers Market and Bar Hop on November 18, and I figure mid-November is as good as the holiday season for most folks!

I stitched up a handful of holiday designs, including a few “impish or admirable” ornaments. I think my favorite, though is this sparkly holiday lights hoop. The idea to layer glitter paint over the watercolor came to me at 2:00 AM. I had to touch up these hoops the very next day. I love the results!

If you see anything you like—or want to see more of what’s to come—find me on Instagram at @kaminskihandicraft. I’m happy to hook you up with any hoops there. Everything is $5 to ship within the US.

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Every Bob’s Burgers Holiday Episode Ranked

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For some, it’s not Christmastime without watching It’s a Wonderful Life or Home Alone. Maybe it doesn’t quite feel like the holidays until you queue up your go-to playlist. For me, the best way to make it feel like Christmas is with Bob’s Burgers.

It sounds silly, but watching Bob’s Burgers every week with Michael is my version of bliss. And when it’s a Christmas episode (with an original song!), all the better.

In fact, a few years ago, we got into the habit of rewatching the holiday episodes every year (we do this for Halloween and Thanksgiving, too). Since I’ve seen these all several times, I have some thoughts on which are truly holiday classics.

So, without further, adieu, here’s my ranking of every Christmas episode of Bob’s Burgers (and you know I’ll be updating once the new one comes out!).

9. Have Yourself a Maily Linda Christmas (Season 10, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

I have no reason to dislike this episode as much as I do, but here we are. Linda taking gift delivery into her own hands on Christmas Eve is too much stress for me in a Christmas special. Just stay home and enjoy your own family, Linda!

Song: A terrific cover of “Christmas Wrapping” that I cannot find. Sorry, friends!

8. Christmas in the Car (Season 4, Episode 8)

I think this episode is just too stressful for me. The Belchers have to run out to get a new tree on Christmas Eve and many issues ensue.

Let me tell you: Christmas tree shopping in the Kaminski house was stressful growing up, so the idea of doing it all the day before is maybe too much for me.

Despite the premise (and a very annoying villain), this ep has two major things going for it. First is Linda’s insistence on ordering a Dutch baby pancake at a diner. This detail is so delightful to me. Also, “Jingle in the Jungle” is a bop.

Song: “Jingle in the Jungle”

7. Better off Sled (Season 9, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

This isn’t a bad episode by any stretch, just more wintry than anything. And honestly, that’s what makes this sledding-specific ep great for watching over the holiday break.

Song: “Snowballs and Sledding”

6. Father of the Bob (Season 5, Episode 6)

screenshot via hulu.com

Bob and his dad Big Bob reconnect over boot-scootin’ and that’s so sweet to me. This episode also summarizes some of what makes the holidays so stressful.

Song: “Christmas Magic”

5. Yachty or Nice (Season 11, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

I’m not sure in what universe a country club would hire a burger joint to cater or Teddy to be Santa, but I’m glad it happens in this episode.

Song: “Insecure Santa Claus”

4. The Bleakening (Season 8, Episodes 6 + 7)

screenshot via hulu.com

A two-part holiday special! That’s what I’m talking about!

In these episodes, Linda’s tree goes missing (along with all her treasured ornaments) and the kids become obsessed with the legend of the Bleaken. There’s a lot packed in here including a holiday rave and a great appearance by Adam Driver as Art the Artist.

And honestly, every time I watch this one, I’m a little scared! The Bleaken is real!

Song: “Christmas of My Dreams,” “Art Song” and “O Christmas Tree” (and others)

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins (Season 3, Episode 9)

screenshot via hulu.com

This was the very first Christmas episode of Bob’s Burgers and it remains one of the greatest in my mind.

It’s absurd, it’s heartwarming and it’s seasonal. How could you not love this story of a supposed mannequin come to life looking to reconnect with his former mannequin partner—all while showing off stunning window displays in the restaurant.

Song: No song in this one! It was their first run, so I’ll forgive it.

2. The Last Gingerbread House on the Left (Season 7, Episode 7)

I love a good Mr. Fishoeder storyline. Truly, who can resist this eccentric, intolerably wealthy old man in a cape? I cannot.

So when he dupes Bob to participate in his yearly gingerbread house-building contest with all his other eccentric and intolerably wealthy friends, it’s obviously an unhinged delight.

Song: “You Can’t Spell Christmas Without Us”

1. Nice-Capades (Season 6, Episode 5)

Without a doubt, this episode has one of the best (if not the best) Bob’s Burgers songs of all time. Mr. Fishoeder singing about the joys of sipping your favorite tipple after all the hard work of the holidays is done hits home in a big way.

So switch on this episode when you’re done shopping or wrapping or baking and enjoy Mr. Fishoeder and his brother Felix performing during the kids’ ice skating extravaganza.

Song: “The Spirits of Christmas”

That’s all for me! Enjoy these episodes where you can! I strem ’em all on Hulu.

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Homemade Irish Cream // A Cabin in the City Tradition

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When it comes to the holidays, I’ve got a lot of Christmas traditions. I like to make a few treats (like molasses cookies) year after year. I also like to make one non-baked item: Irish cream.

Honestly, the homemade version of this sipper is so delicious. It blows Bailey’s right out of the water. Sure, it’s decadent, but it’s only the holidays once a year.

Plus, it takes only about five minutes to make a batch from scratch. It’s a fun surprise to share on Christmas Eve. I also really like making this recipe with Michael. It’s something fun we can do together to share with our families.

How to Make Homemade Irish Cream

Making Irish cream from scratch is a breeze and you don’t need any fancy ingredients (you might even have some in your cupboard right now!). Here’s what you need:

  • 1 cup cream (half and half also works)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¾ cup whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • ¾ teaspoon cocoa powder

Makes 3½ cups.

A Few Notes on Ingredients

When it comes to the cream in this recipe, I truly don’t taste a major difference when I switch to half and half. Use what you’ve got!

As for the whiskey, do not use your best stuff in this recipe. Irish cream is so loaded with other flavors that you can get away with a bottle from a lower shelf. I use Canadian Club.

But when it comes to the vanilla, I always like to use the good stuff. Nielsen-Massey and Penzey’s are my go-tos.

Directions (It’s So Easy)

Start by whisking together the vanilla extract, cocoa powder and instant espresso powder together. It should make a paste of sorts. The main objective is just to get out any cocoa lumps. If you do end up with lumps though, it is 100% fine! It’ll just be an extra pocket of cocoa as you sip.

Then add in your cream and whiskey. Finally, whisk in the sweetened condensed milk. The milk is pretty sticky and thick, so be sure to whisk it pretty well until you don’t have any gooey stuff stuck on the bottom of the bowl. And that’s it!

For quality control, I like to take a little sip over ice before giving it to friends and family.

How to Store Homemade Irish Cream

When it comes to storing this treat, I just bottle it up in clean jam jars (the perfect size for gifting) and keep it in the fridge.

Unlike the bottled stuff, homemade Irish cream won’t last forever. Drink it by the cream’s best by date.

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Christmas Bops for the Best Baking

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Christmas baking is an all-day, multi-day affair for me. That means I get up early, pull the butter out of the fridge to soften and start putting together my list of recipes.

My Christmas baking checklist always includes a few favorites like pioneer molasses cookies and cream cheese pillows, but I like to switch it up with a few new recipes, like last year’s chocolate babka and a few bakes from Midwest Made.

Whatever I’m baking, though, one component is always a constant: a good playlist. During the holidays, I do like to cue up the turntable and let our Christmas record collection shine, but when I’m elbow-deep in bread dough, I can’t be bothered to go put on a new record every 20 minutes.

So I put together a Spotify playlist that helps me feel holly and jolly.

I hope these tunes inspire you while you whip up your family recipes. They definitely keep me jingling and jangling as I knead, whisk, stir and frost.

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The Best Way to Valentine’s Day (IMO)

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I’m going to out myself here as a Valentine’s Day fan. Attached or single, I’ve always been a Valentine’s person: I love wearing all the pink, red and purple I can find, I’m all about candy and I like showing people that I love them with silly cards and gifts.

I am not a fan, however, of traditional Valentine’s Day dates. Going out to dinner on February 14 is just about the last thing I’d want to do. That’s why Michael and I circumvent the whole thing.

Instead, we do Valentine’s Day breakfast. There aren’t a lot of people, it’s slow-paced, it’s charming and it’s low pressure. We’re geniuses, I know.

But Valentine’s Day breakfast is a great idea if you can swing it and you have somewhere special to go. For Michael and me it’s La Reve, a charming little French cafe, in Wauwatosa.

We get there early, order good coffee, all the breakfast things we want—yes, that means a regular breakfast and a chocolate croissant. We relax, enjoy the atmosphere, people watch and—before we leave—order more desserts to take home.

Sure, our major celebrations are done before noon, but that’s fine by me. That’s more time to spend unwinding and enjoying small gifts. And at night we still open a bottle of champagne.

Also, I had to show off the gift I made Michael this year. This hilarious and sweet Baby Yoda hoop. You can get the pattern from Made by Caitlin Shop on Etsy.

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Unpacking the Holidays

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Let’s face it: We work hard for the holidays! That’s why even though they’ve passed, I want to give them a bit of recognition (then onto those January 2019 goals!).

The Craft Fairs

This was my busiest craft fair season yet! Meaning I had two fairs, but for a low-key side hustler like myself, this is a big deal! And it’s also a lot of work.

But I think it really paid off! The Black Friday Makers Market + Pub-Crawl was really a lot of fun. It started out pretty slow, but ended up being fairly steady. I sent home a lot of good hoops, including some Home Alone-inspired ones.

The peak of the craft fair season (yes, the two-show season), though, was the Cream City Creatives show. It was a 2018 goal of mine to set up shop at a show in Milwaukee and I did it! it was a lot of fun! My heart was warmed to see a lot of my friends and family come out. A sweet pal of mine, hot off the heels of a months-long trip, stopped by – and she took home my one-and-only Gilmore Girls hoop. That made me feel pretty good.

The Food

December is always a good month for food. I mean, the Christmas cookies alone. But this month was particularly good because I got to hit up a new haunt: Don’s Diner.

Inside, it’s precisely the vibe I like. A mix of old-fashioned soda fountain and Grandpa’s den. It’s really great. And the food and drinks are top-notch. I ate every single bite of the Naughty Angel burger (a brisket burger topped with beer cheese sauce) and had the best flourless chocolate cake – with fermented raspberry sauce (trust me, actually very good) – ever. I want to go back all the time.

I also baked up some classics and new recipes this year. Obviously, pioneer molasses and cream cheese pillows were on the docket. I also made this Nantucket cranberry tart (good reviews), this mint-chocolate chip cheesecake (great reviews) and this silky chocolate pie (which I really liked).

The Shopping

I like to take a day off every December to tie up loose ends. Usually, this day is a bit stressful, but thanks to a lot of shopping in advance, this one was pretty chill. In fact, it was almost like taking myself on a date. I had a blast.

First I stopped at Stone Creek Coffee for a few gifts and their hilarious and wonderful seasonal Bumble blend for Christmas morning. It was nice just to relax there for a while and pretend like I was the kind of wealthy person that happens to be out and about in the middle of the day. It’s a fun charade.

However, all that compares to visiting Studio Ric Rak in the Wauwatosa Village. This is hands down, my favorite little antique store. It’s packed to the gills (in a good way, not a cluttered way) with vintage gems all at good prices. I stopped by to pick up a great piece of Pyrex for my mom, but spent most of my time checking out these handmade putz houses. The owner of this shop is so funny and charming and she makes these all from vintage ephemera. I love them.

After stopping by, I called my mom and told her about all the cute putz houses. I got one from Santa for Christmas. How about that. From her lips to Santa’s ears, I tell ya.

The Party!

As you may know, every year Michael and I host a day after Christmas party. I want to call it Boxing Day, but it seems too much to have to explain in case folks don’t know when or what that is. I digress.

I’ll say it: This was probably one of our best parties yet. It went off without a hitch! Without a single hitch (other than the late arrival of a cheese tray)! We managed to throw a party that wasn’t overly stressful and had just the right amount of food (and by that, I mean we still had leftovers, but not enough to last us for a week). This year was pretty darn relaxing. I got to just sit and shoot the breeze with my family while shoving my face full of spinach-artichoke dip and sipping sparkling wine (a new addition to the drink menu). It was great.

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Well, that’s my silly holiday wrap-up. I hope you had a great one, too!