Christmas was a big HIT

This gnome is back in town, and only just a little bit chunkier. But what are the holidays for if not for copious amount of cookies, fudge, and carb-y goodness?

Before I do a little recap, I first have to give a major Ellen-style HOLLA to Mz. L, who watched my kitty while Husband & I were gone. Thanks, you rock! And I think I owe you some serious bubbly on New Years.

Ok, on to the recap, which I have to do in my lovely numbered style, because it's nice and organized. Yes, I realize how Type A I am.

1. I had a rockin' good time out with my cousins in Chicago. We all got massively drunk and were singing karaoke at the top of our lungs. It was so much fun!

2. Fun tip: if you don't have Febreeze, Lysol works just as well. The Irish pub we were at was full of smoking, and the next morning my coat smelled so disgusting. My cousin said there was febreeze under his bathroom counter, and to just spray my coat. I go grab what I think is the febreeze and spray my coat. A bit later, my other cousin decides he needs to spray his jeans, so he uses the same thing I did and sprayed his jeans. After we got back from brunch, it was discovered that I grabbed Lysol instead of febreeze. HA HA HA. As it turns out, the lysol didn't bleach my coat (phew!), and worked just as well since it didn't smell after I sprayed it!

3. I ate incredibly yummy food...this great Italian restaurant and some serious BTS food in Chinatown.

4. Not-so-fun discovery: I'm allergic to Lubriderm lotion. My skin completely dried out after 2 days back. My aunt said she had lotion, so I slathered myself in Lubriderm to avoid scratching myself to the bleeding point. Right before bed, I slathered my arms one more time, for good measure. The next morning, I woke up with a VICIOUS rash on my left arm. The next morning, I had the same rash on my right arm. I can now say with conviction that I'd rather have dry, itchy skin than rashy, allergic skin.

5. Another not-so-fun discovery: I've forgotten that Midwest winters are so dry. So dry, in fact, that I woke up with my throat so dry it felt like I had a sore throat and was getting sick. Which led to a day of drinking Theraflu & gargling salt water...thinking I was fending off whatever bug my body was catching. On the up side, the Theraflu has antihistamine in it, so while it completely knocked me out, it also helped the Lubriderm-induced rash.

6. I was able to spend a day with my grandpa, who is 91 years old with rapidly declining health. We're all a little worried this will be his last winter, so it was especially poignant to see him and spend time with him.

7. I definitely got my cold weather & snow fix. And it was fabulous! It really felt like Christmas ... with all the shivering and snuggling and hot apple cider. It was so nice and cozy.

8. This Christmas was the year of baking supplies. I never knew I could get so excited about getting a cookbook (the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook, which is FABULOUS), a bundt pan, and a cookie press (can't wait to make Spritz cookies).

Ok, I think that's about it for now. I've got some peppermint bark to make a dent in. Hey - the healthy eating can commence tomorrow. I want to hear from all of you about your holidays.