December Roundup
Cozy vibes and holiday getting-up-to's
This December, I leaned into the cozy vibes of winter fashion, flavors, sounds, and more. I allowed myself a short break from contract work and class to soak up the holiday after hustling my toosh during the earlier part of the month.
What I Did
I spent a good deal of time at my local library, visiting the Saturday farmers market, and curating gifts for friends and family. I baked boatloads of cinnamon rolls and croissants into the night with coworkers. I took my mom to see Wicked (and you have to see it… there is nothing more to say on the matter at this time). And weekly girls’ nights turned Christmas-themed with homemade sweets, mulled wine, and The Holiday.
hosted a gingerbread decorating competition and a seashell ornament-making party (because let’s be real, you can’t take the summer out of these girls).
What I Wore
As my chronic summer mindset would have it, my winter wardrobe has always been a bit lacking, in my opinion, mostly in the outerwear department. I get on fine with a few thrifted fleeces and a rain shell, but I added in a couple of charcoal-toned coats— this trench coat and this cozy bomber— for more stylish options.
Amongst my most rotated articles were some trusty winter accessories and baselayers. Merino wool socks, this pair of mittens, these Kari Traa baselayers (a Black Friday gift to myself), an old beanie, and my great grandma’s white knit hooded scarf.
What I Made
As a natural-born tinkerer, you best believe I’ve been filling free time with little projects. When I wasn’t baking for work, I was suddenly baking… for fun? Yes, it’s true. I whipped out what I’m calling Mistletoe Cinnamon Rolls (shall I write the recipe?) which turned out to be a big hit in the family. And, to accompany morning mugs of coffee, I made this delectable Portuguese Orange Cake with homemade whipped cream.
Of course, the Annual Grandma’s House Sleepover was complete with puzzling and cookie decorating.
What I Listened To
Audiobooks
Feeling in a bit of a writer’s rut and media slump, I hopped back on my library app for some good old-fashioned audiobook fun. This resulted in hours of Pat Conroy’s candid and luscious expositions of the American South in the 1960s. I listened to his memoir, The Water is Wide, and his novel, South of Broad. I found his writing paired with the narration to be wildly immersive and far more inspiring than anticipated.
Music
My December was complete with a healthy dose of Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas in the background. Firstly, how could it not be? And secondly, if you’re anything like me and often envision life as a cartoon you understand the need for a good soundtrack.
And let me tell you, hectic holiday shopping scenes become twice as entertaining when tunes like Christmas is Coming are ringing through in your headphones. The natural progression from there would be A Very Vulfy Christmas, of course.
For non-Christmas-winter music, which is of equal importance during the season, I love a little Sufjan Stevens, The Staves, Billie Marten, and then some for some cozy vibes.