2017 might be here, but I wanted to review the last month of 2016. In the December Travelogue, get a peek at the things I did, ate, drank and saw.
We’re more than a week into January and December already seems like a years ago somehow. I started writing my Travelogues back in September as a way to remember the passing time and to show you a little more about what’s going on in my world.
Last month was all centered around the holidays. December always comes at the height of a busy freelance season, and it’s usually a crazy time for me socially also. Thankfully, I was able to spend the whole month at home and didn’t travel at all. Which is always nice at the holidays!
Instead, people came to me. My brother and his lady came into town, as did a few aunts and uncles I don’t see often. It’s always incredibly nice to see family at the holidays. I have lots of family who live locally to me, and I enjoyed spending more time with them as well.
Some other highlights? Making wreaths at a party my friend Kim from Covet Atelier hosted. Celebrating the holidays with Charlotte Food Bloggers at one of my favorite spots, Tupelo Honey Cafe. Celebrating my grandmother’s 90th (!) birthday with a big surprise party. Ringing in the new year with Chris at Abari, a bar & arcade in Charlotte.
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HERE’S WHAT I LOVED THIS MONTH:
Gorgeous place I went: Chris and I took a drive through McAdenville, North Carolina, also known as “Christmastown, USA.” This small mill town just outside of Charlotte goes all the way with Christmas decorations. It’s adorable and kitschy. If you’re ever down this way between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s worth the road trip. I suggest going right at sundown when the lights come on for minimal traffic!
Album I’m adoring: My brother’s girlfriend introduced me to Akö by Blick Bassy and I am hooked. This Cameroonian singer/songwriter has super catchy music I can’t stop listening to.
Show I’m obsessed with: Chris and I finally caught up on Designated Survivor recently. Man, what a good show. It definitely soothes my inner politics nerd, and I can’t wait for it to come back in March.
Drink I imbibed: My dad always makes a big batch of his grandmother’s Russian Tea each winter. This is my winter comfort. I adore this stuff.
Place I’d like to go: The holidays always make me miss my sister when she’s not stateside to celebrate with us. She lives in Cairo at the moment, which is most certainly on my list. I really want to visit her for once!
Dish I want to make: This Raspberry Flax Protein Smoothie from Me and My Pink Mixer has the prettiest purple color and it’s exactly what I need after all of December’s cookies and cocktails.
Thing on my wishlist: One of my resolutions is to get more (and better!) sleep, so I am eyeing a sunlight alarm clock. I think I need one of these because I am 100% not a morning person. (Coffee maker with timer already acquired.)
What I’ll miss about December: The holiday magic. It comes and goes so quickly. This year I focused on taking time off from freelance, and I’m so glad I did. I can’t wait to do it all again in 11 months. // susannah
Meghan @ Cake 'n Knife says
I LOVE that Blick Bassy album!! SOLD. Also sunlight alarm clock – all the yes. I need it in my life. I’ve been using the new Bedtime feature on my iPhone and that’s actually helping me get better sleep!
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
Looks like December was a fabulous month for you! I miss that December magic, too, but we can totally carry that goodness into the new year with us as we get started on new projects. 🙂 That’s what I’m trying to do, at least. Happy January!