THE BEST OF 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE THREE OF US

GRANT THURLOW SMITH

YEAR IN REVIEW: 2016

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD

With the seasonal citrus and cranberries filling the produce section of the grocery store, I picked up a couple extra oranges and cranberries on my last trip to make some yummy bread for friends and neighbors before the hustle and bustle of the season begins. While this was baking, the house was filled with the wonderful smell of warm orange, which was welcomed on a chilly afternoon. I love giving these mini loaves as gifts, because it is the perfect amount for a few slices with hot cocoa in the morning, or a toasted piece with butter for an afternoon snack. Tis the season to be jolly, and this yummy and festive bread is sure to bring a smile to any face!

NAUTICAL INSPIRED BABY ROOM

Welcome to baby boy's nautical inspired room! We decided to keep everything fairly neutral, and since I am too lazy to paint (seriously) we kept everything clean and white with pops of blue. I love the idea of a simple nautical theme, and this is now one of my favorite rooms in the house. Each night, the little tree glows in the dark, perfect for welcoming our December baby, along with the R2D2 stocking (wonder who picked that out?). The shelves displaying countless books from my collection is another favorite part of this room, as it acts as both art and functionality. Aunt Whitney sewed the darling quilt hanging on the crib, and it's the perfect finishing touch to this sea inspired room! The crib spring hanging on the wall is the actual spring from my baby crib, and holds fun prints & photos. I can't wait for endless nights in that rocking chair, which was lovingly handed down by some sweet friends (who rocked and raised two darling babies in it!). Okay, baby! We are ready for you!

OUR LAST THANKSGIVING AS TWO

Like last year, Derek and I spent Thanksgiving as just the two of us, which was surreal as it's our last holiday to celebrate before baby comes! Derek was on-call (hence the scrubs in the photos!) meaning he was on the beckon call of his pager for the entire week. As well as struggling with a minor cold, he was very busy, but able to eat plenty of yummy food on Thanksgiving day. I spent the week in preparation as always, with my notes and recipes in hand while shopping on Monday, pie prep on Tuesday, and sweet potato and stuffing making on Wednesday, leaving Thursday very stress free while cooking the turkey and other finishing touches. It was a wonderful day, and we enjoyed yummy pie with homemade whipped cream for dessert hours later. Not only did we eat well on the day of, but for countless days after with copious amounts of leftovers! We had a wonderful day, and are so thankful for our first Thanksgiving in our new home!

(My 37.5 bump!)

MONTEREY TRIP

Derek and I were able to plan a weekend away to the seaside community of Monterey earlier this month. It was so refreshing to be back in a coastal town, with the picturesque views and cool ocean breeze. We stayed on famous Cannery Row, and were in walking distance to delicious restaurants, shopping, and the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. We spent the morning eating yummy cinnamon rolls and hot coca overlooking the crashing waves & floating kelp beds (with sea otters lounging!) before heading over to the aquarium. We fell in love with the atmosphere and the amazing exhibits before the crowds arrived. We also took the famous 17 Mile Drive along the coast, and fell in love with the beautiful over-looks, picnic locations, and the world famous Pebble Beach Resort. The 18th hole of the golf course is overlooking the beautiful vista (above), with crashing waves and a beautiful clubhouse to boot. It was such a relaxing and fun weekend, and we will be back after baby boy makes his appearance for long weekend vacations when we want to escape to the beach!