Happy Monday and hello, December! I have to admit that going back to work first thing this morning is not particularly ideal, partly because I’m still in a bit of a food coma but mostly because these last few days were so fun and busy that I feel like a long nap is in order to start this new month off properly and more well-rested!
This past Thanksgiving was, as always, laid-back and super chill. I’d spent the afternoon/evening at my mother’s house with some of my family eating the meal my mom had prepared for us and watching football. My contribution to this year’s holiday was a buttery, flaky apple galette and a variety of gourmet doughnuts I’d picked up earlier that morning at The Bartlett House in Ghent, New York (which I wrote about last year!) They were a hit with my family, and I’ll likely be ordering twice as many next year to make sure there’s enough to go around!
On Friday, while some of my family embarked on an early “Black Friday” shopping adventure, I opted for some self-care with a visit at my longtime spa/salon for a deep cleansing facial and a touchup for my hair before it was time to come home for some leftovers (including a slider recipe I’ll be sharing a little later on this week!) and to begin watching some of my favorite holiday movies under the comfort of warm and fuzzy blankets.
Saturday was when things really got moving along. My friend Stef and I, who usually do some kind of holiday shopping/luncheon together after Thanksgiving each year had opted to spend part of the morning at Yankee Candle’s flagship store in Deerfield before heading down the road to one of our favorite spots – Champney’s at the Deerfield Inn. What Stef hadn’t expected, though, was that I brought my mom along to surprise her since she had mentioned missing her and her baking/cooking not-too-long ago.
It was such a fun reunion and we ended up staying out much longer than originally anticipated so that they could catch up. Both of them have been talking about how great the day was, so I’d say it was a success!
And yesterday afternoon, I rejoined Stef, her husband Andy, and our friends Sean & George for the first of two Friendsgivings I have lined up this holiday season. To alleviate the stress of having to prepare more dishes and transport them to someone’s home, we all opted to have dinner at The 1761 Old Mill in Westminster, instead – which always ends up being the best and most convenient option! There was so much laughter shared over appetizers and drinks, and I enjoyed a delicious sirloin and slice of Key Lime Pie while I was there. Pure bliss!
And now here we are, in the final stretch of 2025 and with so much left to do in the coming weeks ahead. As busy and booked as I am, and as tired as I feel right now having to dive back into work and responsibilities again – I feel more gratitude than anything else. I’m so grateful for my amazing friends, my wonderful and loving family, my boyfriend who celebrated the holiday with me from afar since he couldn’t make it home this time around, and so much more in-between.
Being able to feel so wrapped in love and silliness over this past long weekend has truly made me recognize how blessed I am in so many facets of my life – which is what Thanksgiving is all about, really.
That, and stuffing.
And mashed potatoes.
But mostly the gratitude part!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 