This past weekend was our first “normal” one of the off-season, and it felt soooo good! We went to see the new Hobbit movie on Saturday morning, and then I spent the rest of the day hanging out with my mom, crafting and baking. I’m not a huge DIY-er, but sometimes it’s just fun to make something with your own hands, ya know? I’m not saying the result is always very pleasing to the eye, which is why I’m super grateful for the Target 10 minutes down the street. But there’s just something comforting about the Christmas tree all lit up, snow (or sleet) coating the sidewalks, and being holed up in the kitchen with your momma as you roll dough on the table.

As always, lessons learned/things that transpired over the past week:

• I know every airline has its issues, and I hate to be a complainer, but I’m never ever ever flying Delta again. Over two days of travel last week, we were delayed a total of 13 hours to and from Puerto Rico. I know some of you may have extreme loyalties to Delta, but dang. Never again.
• You know what IS awesome about Delta, though? The pilot of one of our flights felt bad about us being rerouted from JFK to Providence, RI, so while we were sitting at the gate waiting for hours and hours, he went and bought Dunkin Donuts to share with everyone on the plane. What a nice guy!
• My birthday was last week and I think I’ve established a new “perfect day” scenario- a Butterbeer, reading my favorite book/s all day long, going to get our Christmas tree, and dinner with the family. No matter how loud and rambunctious my family is, I think that’s my favorite end to the perfect birthday. Even though last year, my brothers DID pluck all of the raspberries off the top of the cake Matt lovingly made for me.
• Unashamed plug: if any of you Northern Virginians haven’t bought your tree yet, go to Krop’s Crops in Great Falls! We’ve gone to the same place every single year since 1995 and you really couldn’t find nicer people to buy your tree from. They have both the “chop it down yourself for a rustic experience” and the “we did the work for you, you lazy sunnuvagun” kinds of trees, so you can dictate just how extensive of a Christmas tree experience you’re looking to have. Support local farmers!
• Who else here does the pickle tree ornament tradition? My family can’t be the only ones, right?

This beautiful couple’s wedding is coming to the blog this week! WHEEEE!

Also, the random winner of last week’s camera remote giveaway is Abbey Domond! Shoot me an email within the next 24 hours to claim your prize, girl!