It's been amazing to have a few days off after what was a very busy December.  I've slept in every morning and seem to be catching up on a little laziness. We spent Christmas eve with Jose's family which was epic to say the least.  He has a very big family compared to my side, so get-togethers with them means copious amounts of food, drink, dancing (merengue!  At that point I usually have to run from the room with my half asian/half white self), kids, and the whole nine. It's always fun to meet new cousins, aunts, nephews and nieces.

It was wonderful to spend Christmas day just chilling and I loved the gifts I got this year. Jose gave me a Japanese knife (the one on the left) from Love, Adorned (my favorite store!) with turquoise and mother of pearl inlay. Along with the small hand-carved one I got in Kyoto last year, I now have a little collection going. I also got lots of new jewelry this holiday season, and I'm proud to say that most of them were trades. And that's just a small selection above!  

From left: a braided necklace I learned to make in Erin Considine's class at the Textile Arts Center, a glass amulet from Emily, a talon necklace from Katrina, small heart studs from Addie, and glass earrings from Jane. I love that the glass earrings look like caramelized sugar.