I swore I wasn’t going to do this.  I shouldn’t be doing this.  I need a rest.  A full, week long rest.

But here I am doing it.  Posting … a post.  Granted it isn’t a thing of beauty.  Just a couple of pictures of what I got for Christmas.  But still.

I swore I wasn’t going to do this.

I just like these things so much. These aren’t all of my presents, but a select few of my favourite things.   Plus they were the things that were easiest to photograph on the kitchen counter.   So if you bought me a present and don’t see it here … it’s not because I didn’t love it.  It’s because it didn’t photograph well on the kitchen counter.

French Butter Dish

I didn’t even know this product existed until a few months ago.  You pack your butter inside an inverted dish which then goes inside the main bowl which has an inch or so of water in it.  It’s brilliant.  It keeps butter spreadable even in the coldest kitchens, plus it keeps it fresh longer on the counter.

I love my french butter dish.

Cast Iron Mortar and Pestle

All these years I’ve been using a hammer.

Pressure cooker/canner

I still haven’t committed to this Mirro canner.  I’ve heard great things about it, but I’ve also heard great things about All American canners.

I want to jar soup.  Right now.

But I can’t because I’ve started writing this stupid post.

Seriously.  Just one week off.  That’s all I was striving for.

Onward …

Pink Pig Pen

His nose lights up and he oinks when you press the top down.

I’ve named him Pigpen.

Surprise Gift Basket found on my porch!

This was one of my favourite presents because it was such a surprise to find this on my porch Boxing Day.

It comes from Art of Doing Stuff reader Maggie (and possibly her sister Marilyn too)

I know these folks so it wasn’t creepy to find they had dropped something on my front porch.

I brought it inside and took a look.

All the makings for a pancake breakfast.  Or dinner … depending on your preference.

Blueberries, a couple of wooden spoons, a spatula, Buttermilk pancake mix and organic maple syrup.

I wish I were the sort of person who did this for other people.

Chamba Pot

These pots are all handmade in,  Columbia.  Hence the incredibly organic look to it.  And it’s black with a beautiful sheen to it.

It can go either in the oven or directly on the stove.

I LOVE just looking at this pot so it can only get better once it’s filled with food.

Amy Sedaris’ latest book

“Simple Times.  Crafts for Poor People”

Um, the title kindda says it all.  How could I not love this book?  How could anyone not love this book?

K Ring made with Antique Typewriter Key

My boyfriend discovered Etsy.

I got a lot of fun Etsy jewellery but this is my favourite.

It’s from Little Angels Jewelry

My sister gave me the wood ring holder.

I’m sorry … I’m having trouble concentrating.  You would NOT believe the squeaky snoring coming out of my Siamese cat at the moment.

As I said there were more presents.  A cardboard box full of wood for example.  (it’s for my birthday smoker)  2 beautiful tops.  A whack more cooking stuff including an ice cube tray that makes ice cubes that look like dentures.  And of course who can forget the bags of Starbucks Christmas blend coffee.  Not me.

It was a good Christmas and it continues to be a good holiday week.  I’ve stayed in my pajamas for 3 days now and my hair resembles something you’d see on a Chuckie doll that’s been shoved under a bed for the past 25 years.

And I’m fine with that.

See you in the New Year.  I swear.