I was going to start off this post by saying that I can’t believe this is the last Monday of 2013, but no — I’m definitely ready for the new year. The time between Christmas and January 1st feels like some kind of strange limbo. I want to get back into my routine and start being more productive, but at the same time I feel as though I’ve already written off this year and I’m just waiting for the next one… At least there’s only today and tomorrow to go.
But before we get into talking about a new year, it’s time to recap the past month with a look at some of the things I’ve been loving over the past 30 days…
. – . – . – .
. food .
December officially goes down as the month that saw The Great Molasses Obsession of 2013. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t get enough of the sticky brown sweetener (from Wholesome Sweeteners)…
Maybe I was lacking in iron, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium or magnesium (all of which molasses is rich in); or maybe I just loved the rich earthy flavour of it… Whatever the case may be, I managed to finish off a bottle of it this month, and a good amount of that went into the three batches I made of these babies right here…
Chocolate Gingerbread Brownies
Ob.sessed. And from one obsession into another, I can’t talk about December food favourites without mentioning the white chocolate & cranberry combo that I’ve been having a [not-so-secret] love affair with over the past 30 days or so…
Remember these?
Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
And these?
No Bake Holiday Cookie Energy Bites
Between three batches of the cookies and two batches of the bites, I think it’s safe to say that I definitely got my fill of what has probably become my favourite Christmas flavour ever.
And as a final honourable mention…
Synergy kombucha and Traditional Medicinals Ginger Aid tea. Thank you for helping my stomach recover from all the Christmas feasting 😆
. – . – . – .
. beauty .
After not having a lot of beauty related things to share with you guys last month, I’m happy to say that Santa remedied that problem for me this month. First up? The Naked3 palette from Urban Decay…
I’m a huge fan of all the Naked palettes, so it’s no surprise that #3 made the favourites list. The third instalment of Naked focuses on soft pinks, rose golds, and warm browns. There are 3 matte shadows and 9 shimmery ones, with light, medium, and dark shades — perfect for everything from a soft daytime look to a more dramatic evening one. The colour payoff is fantastic, and the the shadows are smooth and easy to apply. A great palette to have in your makeup collection.
I’ve talked about this next product before, but it deserves another mention.
YSL Babydoll mascara — without a doubt my favourite mascara at the moment. As I said before, “It provides great volume without clumping, while lengthening, separating, defining, and holding a curl (something that’s almost impossible for my stubbornly straight lashes). It wears beautifully without flaking off during the day, and has never given me those dreaded racoon eyes that we all love to hate.” A little pricey as far as mascaras go, but definitely worth it — at least for those more special occasions.
And to keep those peepers looking young and fresh, the Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment…
An intense, maracuja fruit- and vitamin C-infused, multitasking eye-treatment that visibly hydrates, firms, and brightens the delicate eye-area.
I got a small trial version of this eye cream in a gift set I received for Christmas, and I was actually pleasantly surprised as to how much I liked it. I don’t suffer from dark circles, so I can’t speak to how well it handles those, but it’s extremely moisturizing and makes the skin under my eyes feel a lot softer and smoother. It’s hydrating without being too thick, and definitely helps combat fatigue and puffiness.
Switching gears from eyes to nails, my favourite polish from December — Garnet from RGB Cosmetics.
I was looking for a nice cranberry colour for Christmas, and I think I may have found a new favourite nail polish brand while I was at it. I’d never heard of RGB prior to this, but it was the only brand there that had the shade I was looking for so I figured I’d give it a shot. You guys — it’s amazing. Not only is the formula wonderfully opaque and a breeze to apply, but it’s easily the longest lasting nail polish I’ve ever used. I painted my nails 5 days ago, and they’re just now starting to show a little wear along the edges. Amazing. I may just need to treat myself to another bottle for one of the days of Birthday Week.
. – . – . – .
. odds and ends .
Favourite read of the month — the Tasty Food Photography eBook from Pinch of Yum.
I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone looking to improve their food photography. Not only does it explain everything from manual camera settings to food styling, but it does so in a way that’s easy to understand and not in the least bit overwhelming, even for someone who’s just starting out. It’s really inspired me to put more time into working on my photography, and I’m really happy with the results.
Favourite movie of the month — Despicable Me 2.
It has minions… what more is there to say, really? Despicable Me was one of those movies that totally surprised me. I didn’t watch the first one until waaaaay late in the game because I didn’t think it looked like anything special, but it instantly became one of my favourites as soon as I did. Definitely a must-see.
. – . – . – .
. blog .
The holiday season is always a lot slower in the blog world, and it was nice to be able to take a more relaxed approach to things. Some notable posts:
- Life happened. I welcomed December with a surprise visit from J, and while my initial reaction to the spontaneity was to freak out at the change in routine, I managed to go with the flow and we ended up having a great time.
- Thinking Out Loud! Without a doubt, the biggest thing to happen to Spoons this month was the start of the ToL linkup. You guys blew me away in the pilot run, with an even bigger turn out in the second week. I’ve really enjoyed reading your random thoughts and coming across some new-to-me blogs, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future has in store.
- Getting into the Christmas Spirit, and… well… ALL things Christmas!
- Satisfying cravings in the kitchen…
. – . – . – .
What was your favourite Christmas gift this year?
Are you back at work/school? Or still enjoying time off?
What’s something you’re looking forward to today?
I don’t go back to work until January 6th, so it’s still a good solid week of freedom for me! I also didn’t start my break until the day after Christmas though. What a wonderful year you’ve had. I just read your post about J surprising you and I have to say, I am the same way. It’s hard when things aren’t planned sometimes, but I am trying to be more carefree and spontaneous these days too!
Molasses is so fun to bake with! Funny story… the first time I bought molasses for a granola recipe I ended up getting blackstrap because I didn’t realize there were multiple kinds. Turns out blackstrap is often way too bitter/strong for most recipes. Yeah, that definitely didn’t turn on well for me… lol. 😉
Love that nail colour! Thanks for linking to that food photography book, definitely going to get that as working on my photography skills is something I’d like to do next year. Hope you have a great NYE and all the best for 2014!
I’m so happy you mentioned the post about those delicious looking gingerbread brownies because I forgot to ask, would I be able to sub the yogurt for something else? I only have a limited supply each month since my mom actually has to mail me it. It’s not that I don’t think a container is worth it… it’s just I do love my cereal & yogurt bowls Ha Ha!
But it’s only 2 spoons! 😛 It’s mostly to help keep them moist, though, so you could probably add in some oil or applesauce.
Those chocolate gingerbread brownies are making my mouth water— yum!!
I think we had a molasses year —- needed and nourishing! I’m just glad you came back to blogging
I get the worst circles underneath my eyes when I’m sleep deprived – I need to try out that Tarte eye cream! I haven’t tried it yet, but I think my spiralizer is going to end up being my favourite gift.
I’m technically back at my internship, but Monday and Tuesday are research days, so I can just do research from home. I have to go in on Thursday and Friday though. 😛
I’m looking forward to… summer! Is it here yet?
😆 It’s definitely not here. We’re currently enjoying a lovely -20.
Aaah yaay your Naked3 palette finally arrived!! And I’ve been eyeing that YSL mascara for a while now…I think your rave review has just given me the excuse I needed to splurge 😉
I’m back at work and sure missing the Christmas break I had back when I was in school, but looking forward to having New Years Day off wooo!
Have an amazing New Year chica!! Lots of love <3
My favorite gift by far is from my boyfriend ..he purchased a subscription to nature box for me and I’m psyched about it. It’s one of those things that I kept saying I would do but never did, so I’m pretty excited. I’m off from teaching so the break is nice, though at times I wonder if reading and catching up on shows is productive enough! 🙂 Have a great New Year!
Oh Molasses…I can’t wait to see what new obsessions spoons finds in 2014 😉 Your food photography was already great and now after reading that…I don’t even know what to expect! I actually still have molasses leftover so I think I’ll make your gingerbread brownies a go. Love the make up round up. Especially the… middle one.
My favourite Christmas gift was to myself on Boxing Day- finally got a kindle! 😀
The middle one is so you… goes with your eyes 😉
December has been good to you my love! And I have yet to bake those gingerbread brownies, but no worries, Im planning on making them this week since Little Bro will be here. That’s right, my baby bro gets to hang with me for a few days! Im kinda freaking out…in a good way 🙂
And I am sooo jelly of that palette. I need it in my life. Like NOW. I requested it for xmas but Ninja said no to $40 eyeshadow…he just doesn’t get it!!
Ok, every time I see those brownies I start drooling. I NEED to make them. I’m fighting a stomach bug today, and I STILL feel like I need to make them. That must mean that they look AMAZING.
I’m so glad you reviewed the eye cream. I have been looking a good one fore awhile now, and they have only been okay. I haven’t wanted to spend a ton of money ether without knowing if it works or not.
If you go to Sephora, they’ll usually give you a sample if you ask so that you can try it out before committing to the full size!
I’m with you on Despicable Me. I didn’t watch it for the longest time thinking it would just be another one of THOSE movies… but I actually finally watched it on a plane and I LOVED it. Gotta watch the next one! Thanks for giving so much insight for me this year, and I gave a special special shout out to you in my latest post! Your awesome!!!!
P.S. My favorite Christmas gift might just be my adorable new hamper… I know, I’m weird….
Awwr well thanks, Alice! Happy New Year to you! <3
I want to eat everything on your first list!!! Favorite Christmas gift my New York surprise trip! Happy New Year!!
I’m soaking up my last Christmas as a student by refusing to even look at my thesis until next Monday 😉 gotta enjoy it while it lasts! And good to know about that mascara – I need a new one.
Favourite Christmas gift would definitely be the Jimmy Choos. I’m still slightly amazed every time I open my closet.
Ready for the new year in this neck of the woods too girl especially since both Joe and I only had Christmas and New years day off ha. Vacation time this year did not exist, which is ok…but helps take away from the holiday feel, too. I book marked this so I can look for the beauty stuff at sephora 😛 you helped convert me into a girlier girl this year, and one of my goals for 2014 is to continue that and take a greater interest in my non running wardrobe too 😛
Finally got around to reading the Pinch of Yum’s photography e-book in Minneapolis. I thought it was good but found the Minimalist Baker ebook to be slightly more helpful. Regardless, your photography is amazing so you don’t need anymore help.
We need to plan our skype sesh! Great things in 2014 for you babe 🙂
YES! Tell your phone to stop being a jerk so we can set one up…
You know that I am definitely with you on the molasses. And I definitely plan to carry my obsession over into next year even when it isn’t “traditionally” eaten.
I just got a new camera for Christmas! I am going to check out that e-book
There is nothing wrong with a whole bunch of molasses! 😉 I loved all the gingerbread goodness you were posting.
I’m still off of school right now, but I’ll be back on Thursday (yep. they’re giving us a two-day school week). I’m soaking up allll the free time and relaxation!
The best gift I got this Christmas was just being able to stay at home with my family and eat a ton of delicious food, both from restaurants and my mom. Sounds cheesy, but it’s so true.
Today I’m looking forward to being productive! <— Famous last words.
My favorite Christmas gift was my new Nikon D3200 camera, time to say bye bye to the iPhone blog pictures 🙂 I think I’m going to buy that food photography book you recommended too now that I have an actual decent camera to work with!
Ohhhh!!!! Have an absolute blast with your new camera! You’re going to love it 😀
I have to tell you I LOVE the ToL post. I plan to join in the fun this Thursday! I downloaded the Tasty Food Photography ebook per your review, and did not disappoint! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year!
Brooke
My favorite Christmas gift this year … hmm … I can’t pick. Top 4 were Essie nail polish (finally quality nail polish that isn’t 3+ years old!), a Garmin, a membership to a gym with a climbing wall, and the Divergent Series.
I’m enjoying time off until the second! 🙂
I’m looking forward to eating well (for the first time since Christmas day) and working out!!
Loved all your baking creations this past month!
Favorite Christmas gift… Hmm, that’s a tough one! It’s a tie for my new booties, Crate & Barrel dishware, and Dogeared cross necklace. 🙂
I suppose I never really got “time off” over the holidays considering my job is a mommy. So I’m just continuing to do my thang over here! I did take a couple days off from blogging for Christmas though – that was nice!
Today I’m looking forward to getting things back in order around the house. Mondays are what I call my “reset day” – stock the house with food, clean up the house, and prep for the new week.
Ohhh I remember you mentioning those things in your wish list post. Lucky girl! They looked fabulous 😀
I super want to try pinch of yum’s photography ebook. I’ve been thinking about it for a while …and now it must happen!
If I ever get to meet you in person (which hopefully I do!), the first thing I’m going to have you do is teach me how to do my makeup. I want the Naked 3 palette but I know that I don’t even used my Naked palette well. I just need some tutoring! And you reminded me that I need to drink some of my get regular tea … (TMI? sorry).
I swear everytime I come to your blog I end up drooling over all of your yummy creations! Those holiday no bake bites are next on my to make list!
I got the Naked 2 palette for Christmas and am IN LOVE with it! Since I got a Sephora gift card for Christmas too, I might get another one – which of the Naked palettes is your fave?
I really love Naked2 because the cooler shades match my skin tone a little better, but after that I’d have to go with Naked3 — it’s hard to find pink shades that don’t make me look sickly!
Amanda, your first paragraph sums up my feelings perfectly. I am off for awhile over the holidays (teacher) and I am at the point where I am enjoying being unproductive, but I feel like I should be productive… it’s the whole limbo thing! I can’t be productive until Thursday when I go back to work. And I don’t want to go back…. the more I’m at home with my husband and kitties the more “home sick-y” I get and just want to hibernate forever.
I haven’t really used a lot of molasses before. Might have to give it a try! Today I’m meeting a good friend who lives in Seattle for lunch so am really looking forward to seeing her 🙂 Other than, preparing for our NYE party!
I love these monthly favorites! I’m still off work until Thursday, so I’m being LAZY! 🙂
Best way to be after the craziness of the holidays 😀
What a good day I picked to come back from my 3 week hiatus! I always love the monthly recaps!
I agree- the time in between Christmas and New Years is a sort of purgatory! Time to welcome in 2014 :D.
Love the white chocolate and cranberry combo as well! Mhmm and I can’t wait to try those energy bites. Hopefully I still have some leftover white chocolate!
And YES YES YES. The Naked 3 Palette looks gorgeous. The 2nd version is amazing, but I usually don’t go very dark with my makeup and rose hues are my jam 🙂
I’m still savoring time off, and trying to get in some new habits before going back to teaching!
I could definitely use the eye treatment cream. Thanks for the tip!
Today I have a regular schedule but then the next couple of days will be atypical.
Tonight there is a holiday party for my improv group which should be a lot of fun. I love this group of people! They are so accepting and warm and downright hilarious.
Blackstrap molasses and kombucha are definitely ongoing favourites for me! I love the flavour the molasses gives to things (especially desserts and breakfasts).
Favourite gift: a trip to London, England!
I always look forward to seeing your Monthyly Favorites post so Yay!!! Over the last 6 months or so I have fallen in love with Tarte, I may need to give the Brighter Eye Treatment a go. I haven’t seen that polish before I am such a sucker when it comes to nail polish. I tell myself you have enough polishes but when I go to Ulta or Sephora I always get sucked in to buying a couple more.
hmmm, my favorite Christmas gift would probably be my Clarisonic. I have used it 3 days and I can already tell my skin feels smoother. Loving it!
Question, out of the Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes that you own do you have a favorite? I currently do not have any of them but thinking I may treat myself to one 🙂
Today I have plans to buy paint and various other things for the house. More home improvement going on over here! Have a great day Amanda!
Tarte is definitely an amazing company — I’m in love with their blushes and bronzer. For the UD palettes, I’d have to say that my favourite is probably Naked2, but it depends a lot on your skin tone. Naked has slightly warmer shades, while Naked2 has slightly cooler ones. My skin tone tends to run on the cooler side, so the shades in Naked2 look a little better on me.
Still enjoying my time off, until the 6th, and that’s why I love the time between Christmas and New Year’s. I get to be lazy and read my favorite blogs all day! I totally agree with you on the Pinch of Yum photography e-book. I actually won it in a giveaway and it helped me so much with all things food photography. It’s been awhile since I’ve read through it and I was just thinking how I needed to read it for a refresher.
I am still off until Thursday- which is fabulous 🙂 I love my kiddos but I love breaks too.
Here’s to a wonderful upcoming 2014 friend!
I really need to give “Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment” try – I do suffer from under eye circles, i switched to Boots No. 7 eye cream and noticed a difference, but this week I have been on vacay and getting 9+ hours of sleep soooo results might be compromised, guess will wait till the 2nd, when I go back to work, to see.
One of the sweetest presents I got was a coffeemaker – I was gonna buy myself one,but my daughter sneaked one under a blanket when we were out shopping – paid for it herself and wouldn’t let me pay her back for it.
So love your TOL linkups Amanda – cannot wait to read more of them in 2014! Happy New Year sweet lady!
I remember you mentioning you needed a coffee maker — that’s so sweet of your daughter to get you one 😀 Happy New Year, Shashi <3