A Season of Spoils / The 2011 Edition

The holidays aren't all about the spoils, but they're a fun perk. And what will everyone ask when you get back to the office? "What did you get for Christmas?" Well, I'm self-employed, so you my dear readers are basically my co-workers. Oh, so you want to know what I got for Christmas? Well, let me tell you! (If this sounds familiar, it is. I reviewed my gifts here on the blog last year, too.)

 Hello, huge basket! It's awesome in it's hugeness, but what's better is that it can be flattened in a split second. (Next year I'll ask for the pup in the photo.) A big, fat APPROVED on this one.

Anyone else hate buying parchment paper? It's super expensive and sort of hard to deal with, right? All good tools for the kitchen come from France in my book, so it's no surprise this SILPAT mat was made there. It's also no surprise that it ended up under the tree for me. I asked for it. Explicitly. No more parchment paper purchases needed. APPROVED, heartily!

 

Though I'm usually not a fan of flashing brand names left and right, HUNTER is an exception. I got socks to match my wellies this year! This Scottish company, founded in the 1800's, is tried-and-true. Their standard product line is useful first, stylish second. They're classic and comfy so I'm not bothered by the HUNTER tag one bit! APPROVED.

Breath. Take. Ing. That's the only word (even if I made it into three) that I can use to describe these chandelier earrings by Kate Spade. These will be the perfect touch for my new years eve outfit; I just know it. Super classy. APPROVED.

A supersized ceramic bowl will always have a place in my home. It's gorgeous in texture and shape. APPROVED! And THANKS, mom.

I can't wait to put these bottle vases to use. At such an affordable price-point, I may have to pick up a few more to scatter around the house. Just imagine the flowers they'll hold: tulips in the spring, roses in the summer and dahlias near the season's end. (That's a hint just for you, hubby!) APPROVED.

Not everything from Texas is super-sized. Case-in-point: this flat card wallet from Dallas. The brand is 'Death & Texas' (hehehe) and it comes in green. Lovely. It will hold just enough for me to go out of the house on-foot. APPROVED, Y'ALL!

Before you think I'm too generous in approved all my holiday gifts this year, here's one I don't sanction. It's delicious, yes, but it's oh so tempting and so not good for the impending doom gym classes I signed up for in the new year. It showed up in my stocking. Sneaky! NOT APPROVED!

So there you have it. My official report on the gift front. So, pseudo-co-workers, what did you get for Christmas? XO!