So let me just start this off by saying that I have been feeling SO FESTIVE in the days following Christmas than I had been for the whole season. I don't even know why. It has NOT been the easiest year for me AT ALL and it has really taken its toll, but being able to spend time with family and be filled with happiness for a week or two out of the year is just the best thing ever.
Chances are that if you didn't grow up in Jersey or the surrounding area, you didn't experience Nasto's. Maybe I'm talking out of tune here, I could be wrong. One thing is for sure though, if you've never had it before, you haven't lived. When I was little, my dad used to bring home Italian Ice and Sorbet in the little coconut and orange. Ugh it was the best thing in the entire world. On Christmas, Tartufo is an exceptional tradition. If you've never had it, you NEED to try it one day.
After having some leftover Tartufo the other day, we decided to play a little Heads Up, the Ellen game. It was the best thing in the entire world. As you know, I have been playing it at family get togethers lately just because I think it gets so intense and it's quite funny to watch family members get excited over a random word. It just a family-appropriate, fun activity. Don't get me wrong though, there are categories like 'Adult Supervision' that you can BET we tried playing too. I criiiiinge when I watch back the videos, they are hilarious. With Heads Up, it records you while you're playing and you have the option to save the video. Needless to say they are hysterical to look back on the following day, or even five minutes later. This was a random photo of my cousin Billy who came downstairs in the middle of one of our games. He was showing off his outfit and watch.
I'm pretty sure I haven't mentioned on here that my one of my neighbors have moved. I am so upset about this and miss them already! I know I've written about some of the shenanigans we've gotten into on here before and I really miss them! Needless to say, they were cleaning out their freezer and brought us over some of the pizza dough that they had left. Seriously how hilarious #neighborlythings. I cannot even explain how much I love them and wish they were still around haha. So needless to say you better RECOGNIZE that I made this ballin' outrageous pizza. I was so piZZed (see what I did there) that I didn't get a picture of the final product but it was still ridiculously delicious. I took the dough and rolled it out, added some oregano and olive oil. After that, I just literally took jarred pasta sauce, frozen peppers and mozzarella and put it all on top! For being thrown together last minute it was really delicious. I plan to do something interesting with the last ball of dough my neighbor gave to us. I'll be sure to report.
Let us all take a moment and let this view sink in:
Honestly how beautiful? The sunsets just keep getting better and better and it makes me happier and happier. I know for a fact that they are pretty epic in the summer but when you get great ones during the winter it just makes you appreciate life that much more. Sunsets and pretty skies are just those little things that make you think about everything you have, where you are and where you're about to be. Do you agree? I appreciate random moments like these because if you feel like nothing is going right in your life, you're left with a MOMENT of beautiful happiness and in that moment you feel like its possible that everything IS or CAN BE right in the future.
Have you ever tried Stroopwafel before? I don't remember where I first heard of it but it has been a LOOOONG time since I have had it! When I saw it in Marshalls (of all places) I had to pick it up because it's almost as if I got instant cravings for it. I had one with peppermint tea tonight (kind of a random combination) and it was supremely awesome.
Weather has been unseasonably warm here in NJ lately and this is proof. The other day I was sitting in bed with the window OPEN! It was just a stunning day outside and I was relaxing with my lavender lemon Yankee Candle so I said what better way to add to the relaxation than to open the window? AND I DID.. AT THE END OF DECEMBER. Little things here, little things.
Let me know how your days have been following Christmas? Are you still feeling relaxed? I'm trying to still feel relaxed. Send me a tweet or leave a comment below. -Brit.
