Christmas | a girl called ryan

This holiday season, I’m being a responsible adult.

It’s always a bit difficult for me to do my Christmas shopping, pay for the rental car, pay for gas and tolls and then eat my way through Cleveland when I go home for a week at Christmas. I usually end up back in Iowa with an empty bank account and 10 extra lbs (okay, okay—15). As you guys know already, we’re “making” family gifts this year and I gotta tell you that I really like it. Channeling my inner ‘crafter’ has been quite the new experience.

As a back-up plan, I thought I’d get all ‘in the Christmas spirit’ here on the blog and give you guys a gift guide. You know, in case you all have an ultra cool 32-year-old in your life that you’re having to buy for and you just don’t know what to get her. (wink face)

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First, foremost and only – she deserves this turntable.

Guys, let me get all nostalgic on you here. There is something so rich and magical about vinyl. This was a great year for albums and how nice would it be to relax by putting on a…. record…. after a long, hard day. I’ll tell you right now, I’m all about it.

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Looking for something a bit less expensive and more personal? I’ve got you covered. For me, personally, one of my goals for this winter is finding a new signature scent. I’ve been feeling like I want something that almost borders on masculine—because, and let’s be honest here, there’s something super alluring about musk. Here are my top recommendations to achieve that desired affect: Oud & Bergamot – it’s both smoky *and* ladylike; Dark Amber & Ginger Lily – this one was surprising because the aroma of the Ginger Lily wasn’t near as overpowering as I thought it might be; Wood Sage & Sea Salt – this was quite literally a day at the beach followed by a bonfire at the shores after dark – very bewitching; and finally there’s the trusty Kiehl’s Original Musk.

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Still not quite getting there? I submit this for your consideration. It’s perfect for people like me who can’t quite handle actual animal heads on the walls but cool enough that it’s still considered pretty b.a. I’m always looking for animal-friendly ways to gain street cred. Obvi.

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Who am I kidding though… thoughtful gifts (and for me, experiences) are the best kind of gifts. So this year, give from your hearts and I’m sure you’re all going to please everyone you love. Even if that gift is edible (hey, that counts for craftiness, right?!).

Hey guys! Hard to believe I haven’t said a peep since before Christmas. Let’s do a recap post, shall we?

Christmas

I rented a car this year and went home for Christmas! Unlike last year, it wasn’t Christmas Eve, I wasn’t sick as a dog, and I didn’t have to stop in Chicago to sleep off my inability to stay awake—this year was crazy pleasant. Other than the torrential downpour from Illinois to Ohio and Indiana’s lack of highway lighting, it was relatively uneventful.

First stop: Christmas Ale

Rachel’s tree is so festive

Christmas morning and everyone’s awake—even the cat.

Best.wrapjob.ever. Yes, that’s a Zeppe’s menu.

Reba Christmas in the background – the aftermath of present time.

The dessert table… which I hit pretty hard this year.

The dessert table at mom’s… which I hit pretty hard this year. Why yes, that *is* queso. And my pregnant sister.

Other stuff whilst at home

I tried really hard this trip home to make sure I saw everyone. I love my home time and I wanted it to feel like the vacation that it is. I was able to see my family, some great friends (though I missed you Jess and Rusty!), and in true Ryan fashion it revolved mostly around food. If you guys have the time (you know, next time you’re in Cleveland) do yourself a favor and go to B Spot. It’s a place I really miss being away and usually a lunch or dinner spot when I’m home.

Apple Pie Bacon Shake. That's a chunk of apple pie crust. In the background is my sister's banana chocolate marshmallow shake. Oh yeah.

Apple Pie Bacon Shake. That’s a chunk of apple pie crust. Legit. In the background is my sister’s banana chocolate marshmallow shake. Oh yes.

Christmas tradition

Turns out I didn’t outrun the Christmas cold this year, guys. It hit me right when I turned off the car after arriving safely home in Des Moines. It was pretty quick to take me down from there. That leads me to NYE.

New Year’s stuff

This is how I spent my NYE:

Flu central.

And that’s pretty much how New Year’s Day looked as well.

Speaking of New Year’s, a lot of people make resolutions. I’ve made resolutions in the past but always end up really hard on myself for making lofty goals that I can’t keep to. I prefer the idea of “themes” for the New Year. Last year was ‘the year of me’ and I think it was pretty darn successful. I’m going to continue that into 2014 and also christen it ‘the year of travel.’ I’ve enjoyed traveling to Chicago, Branson, Omaha, and Minneapolis in the past year and I want to continue, and even expound on, that pattern. I’ve traveled more in the last two years than I have in my entire 20’s combined, which is awesome.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with family, fun, food, drink, football and happy memories.