These are a few of my favorite (Christmas) things...

In remembrance of our trip to Nantucket and our stay at the White Elephant Hotel, my Mom made this elephant pillow for our living room.  SO cute I still can't get over it! 

Plus a special treat on the back - part of a tree that's in our yard in Traverse City, where I spent a lot of time this summer.  Such a thoughtful present, I almost started crying.

YESSSS!!!  My very own Kitchen Aid mixer, and the first investment in my own bakery!

Contributing to my future library, more books to read!

C's parents got us this.  Nuts welded together to form the state of Michigan.  Plus little bolts to mark where he's from and where I'm from.  Really unique idea, and awesome gift that we have displayed proudly.

And finally, just a few new board games.  We have become obsessed with Settlers of Catan, and got just a couple of the game additions.  We're set for a while! 

What were some of your favorite Christmas gifts?

Summer Must Reads

Because I'm taking a few months off and enjoying the rest of the summer, I thought it would only be fitting that I make a "summer must read" list for myself.  I'm really excited to have an extended amount of time to get wrapped up in these books!

1.  Omnivore's Dilemma.  I read one of Pollan's other books recently and am excited to get to read one of his originals. 

2.  Perks of Being a Wallflower.  I'm a little behind on this one, but I want to read it before the movie comes out, because the movie is on my must see list! 

3.  Atlas Shrugged.  Recommend from a friend, lengthy but I've been told it's worth it. 

4.  Kitchen Confidential.  I have to have a cooking book on here, c'mon! 

5.  The Leftovers.  I've had a few people recommend this, so we'll see if it lives up to the hype.

6.  $100 Startup.  Going away present from my friend Huss, so nice and really excited to read all the advise this book has to offer.

What's on your summer reading list?  Any other suggestions for me?

Happy Monday! 

Three Things I'm Loving Right Now

In an effort to keep giving you new material to read every week, I thought every once and a while I'll post about things I'm really loving right now!  One of my favorite bloggers, Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere, does this on Fridays, and always has very inspiring, beautiful things.  As an example, that's what I'm aspiring this to be!

1.  Fifty Shades of Grey.  Because honestly, I can't help but fall into the masses that love these books.  Don't judge me until you're through chapter 4 and can't put it down.

2.  Trail mix.  Because the bulk section at Whole Foods must be taken advantage of.

3.  Florence and the Machine.  Because I went to her concert last week, and her voice was beyond amazing.

Weekend's almost here!

Photography Challenge - #19

Something orange.