spoiled

Let's lighten the mood a little and focus on positives.  For one thing, my hoard of Christmas presents this year was utterly incredible! I truly got spoiled by friends and Will's family; what the heck people?  The present that surprised me the most was the one Will gave me - especially because we agreed not to get each other presents and I thought I was being super terrific and sneaky getting him a book!  Ha! Here's what he gave me:

A hand-crafted, genuine citrine and amethyst necklace! I was astonished. 

My bro and his wife sent a box full of lovely goodies, but my fave item was this cheese board and knife set:

My mother in law spoiled me, as usual, with a whole Santa's sack full of goodies: entirely too much to mention, but my favourites were the Chanel perfume// the MK handbag with matching travel case and passport holder (for future adventures)// the monogrammed overnight and book bags (that will also come in handy!) // and the J Crew scarf.

My sister in law, Erica, gave me this adorable snakeskin bag:

Will's aunt spoiled us with a week's worth of fancy dinners, since we stayed with her during our visit to Atlanta.  We went to several different restaurants, where she argued for the cheque every time and, as if that wasn't enough, gave me an immensely sentimental tree ornament, along with the ice bucket of my dreams!

Will's uncle surprised everyone by actually buying gifts this year (he's never done that before).  I can't help wondering why that is, when he's evidently great at it:

My friend Meredith sourced out the only two books in the world
that sum me up, completely:

My lovely Melissa found me something that'll make me
smile every time I look at it: 

i think it's strictly meant for Xmas but I love cardinals and
plan to use it whenever I like :)

I was over-the-moon to arrive home one evening and find a box on the doorstep, that contained a live amaryllis bulb inside from our dear friends Mike and Jane, who clearly got the message about my plant obsession!  I have named her Ruby and I love her <3

My cousin Rita made me somewhat mad (but also kind of full of glee) when she sent me an entire BOX of my favourite Kazakh chocolates!  This isn't helping my paleo lifestyle, nor is it conducive to that summer bikini body, but my God is it delicious!!

And lastly, I haven't taken off the brass bangle or cozy socks from
Madewell that Will's brother's girlfriend gave me:

Thanks guys, I couldn't feel luckier!

How about you?  What was the favourite gift you received this Christmas?

decorating withdrawal

Since we're not at our place this Christmas, I haven't been able to get carried away with decorating and creative projects like I usually do.  During those 10 blissful, relaxing days I spent back at home in between trips, I seriously had to sit on my hands to stop myself cutting out snowflakes, baking cookies or stringing paper garlands... and honestly, I'm having decorating withdrawal.

Not having a Christmas tree is another major bummer, since - as I mentioned in last year's Christmas tree post - Will and I collect ornaments from places we visit throughout the year and then relive those trips and favourite memories as we hang those ornaments upon our tree.  This year we didn't get a chance to enjoy the new additions or relive old memories so I've decided to absolutely insist on a tree next year, for this is one tradition I don't want to die.

Wrapping presents and admiring their splendor beneath our (very basically decorated) mantle is all the decorating cheer I've had to contend myself with the Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the Big Bend

Hoping that everyone is having a Christmas as wonderful as ours here at the Lajitas golf resort, Big Bend Texas.

Christmas Eve in the TX desert

When thinking about Christmas in America, snow and cold weather come to mind - not warm paradise 25 degree (70 Fahrenheit) days or bright, desert skies.  Yet here we are and I feel so blessed to be able to spend the most magical time of the year in such a magical location.  We arrived last night (after driving all day) at this amazing golf resort in the town of Lajitas, Texas

which is in between the Big Bend State and National parks.  If I had to pick one word to describe it, that word would be WOW!

Everything around us is picturesque beauty fit for a movie set, in fact more than once I've told Will that's how I feel: like we're on the set of a movie because I've never been so completely surrounded by this much beauty in my life.  There's mountains on every horizon as far as the eye can see, vivid blue skies, rich red soil, rivers and creeks with sparkling blue water, cacti, wildlife and gemstones glistening in the sunlight.  Just breathtaking.

All four of us had a great time today in the pet friendly state park - hiking, talking to locals and fossiking for gemstones and fossils!  We didn't know before we came out here, but this is where most American dinosaurs were discovered and there are fossils EVERYWHERE! (As if this place couldn't get any better).  I recommend it all - the resort we're staying at, the live music at local bars, the Ghost Town, the hiking trails, scenic drives, horse riding and guided tours!

Even though it is Christmas Eve and our families are all together back in Atlanta or Australia, we don't regret this trip.  The locals and hotel staff are doing everything to make it as Christmassy as possible, with decorations everywhere and live carolers visiting at intervals during the day.  Now we're back in our room: Will and the pups asleep all around me and I'm sipping eggnog next to my Christmas candle and reflecting on a wonderful day that I had to share with you.

Tonight Santa comes and I can't wait to celebrate by eating a Christmas lunch with the rest of the hotel guests, open presents and then explore more of this magnificent landscape.  I hope you're all happy and resting well tonight for a fantastic Christmas tomorrow.  In the meantime, enjoy some eggnog and these pictures from my day, along with a new perspective of Christmas in another splendorous (albeit unconventional) corner of our world.

Everything behind that river in the distance is Mexico!

Yep, THAT river.

TX HWY 170

Since this place is so ancient, there are ruins everywhere!
And the Mexican-influenced architecture is very obvious. Breathtaking, really.

Found a sweet picnic spot overlooking the 'Balancing Rocks'

Enjoyed this Mexican chocolate immensly! Will definitely buy some to take home. YUM

The Closed Canyon
Big Bend State Park

The Closed Canyon,
Big Bend State Park

My cocktail, The Scorpion
very delicious!
recommended by the bar staff at the 'Starlight Theater' in the Ghost Town

the weekend

Will and I are quite exhausted but very fulfilled after the action packed weekend we just had with his aunt and uncle.  Since it was their very time to Austin (and actually his aunt's first time in Texas), we were up early every day to give them the tourist experience; but we hadn't  seen each other in two months so we made plenty of down time to sit around and catch up in between,which meant going to sleep very late!  But all of us being exhausted is part and parcel of getting together.

One thing that we all agreed was the highlight, was our visit to the Oasis on Lake Travis - a massive complex in an incredible location: perched high on top of a hill overlooking Lake Travis in all its glory and featuring over four stories of bars/ restaurants and cafes.

Although Lake Travis is still quite empty and the weather was chilly and windy while we were there, our drinks, dessert and views outside on the patio completely made up for it.  If you're ever considering a visit to Austin: add this place to your itinerary - it is definitely worth a visit.  Will and I look forward to going back once the weather's warmer to check out its famous sunsets.

(Although it's worth paying it a visit now too; if only to check out the beautiful Christmas decorations).

packing Xmas into a suitcase for our vacation

Tomorrow we're setting off on our Christmas-desert getaway so after dropping Will's aunt and uncle at the airport, I got busy packing.  It took a little longer than usual because I wanted to ensure I packed the right items to keep our spirits bright and maintain a festive, Christmasy mood away from home, the tree and decorations.  Short of packing the tree itself, I decided the following items would do the trick:

1.Christmas scented candle

(this one is from Antropologie is in a tin container, 

has a lid and a not-so-girly-fragrance, so is perfect for travel)

2. Christmas blanket

3. 'Fresh Balsam' room spray

4. Xmas earrings

5. a Christmassy mug makes every drink more merry

6. seasonally scented hand sanitizers (from Bath&Body Works)

7. themed travel sized tissue pack

8. fuzzy socks 

Most important was the one thing that I didn't take a photo of: presents to open on Christmas day!

A surprise Christmas getaway!

The poor guy on the right lost his carrot nose somewhere along the line...

These adorable snowmen were a present from Will's grandma two Christmas's ago and make the perfect conclusion to my decorating for Christmas posts because I won't be adding anything more.  After talking it over, Will and I have decided to take off on a mini-break over Christmas for a change of scenery to somewhere neither of us have ever been... the desert!

I hope you've enjoyed reading (probably more like laughing :P) about my first full-fledged Christmas decorating attempt and that you'll join Will, Baxter, Dorothy and I on our very first family Christmas vacation!  As of next week the photos I post will look more like these:

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/big-bend-national-park-us-tx-big.htm

http://www.parade.com/19152/viannguyen/15-stunning-national-parks-to-cross-off-your-travel-bucket-list/#bigbend_r-hensley

http://milesoftexas.com/news/?may-2010-memorial-day-weekend-big-bend-national-park-trip-report-10.html

Even though we will be away from friends and family, I'm super excited to be going on this trip!  I hope everyone else is having a wonderful holiday season too! xo