Christmas Wishlist 2015

It's December which means the holiday season is upon us!  Luckily the majority of my shopping is already done - from the seat of my chair, I might add.  For a hater of shopping malls and such, online shopping is a GODSEND.  While my shopping is mostly done, I know other (ahem, mom) are thinking about what they will get me, so I put together a little wishlist.  I always feel like posting a wishlist makes me seem a little bit materialistic but I also know that my mom needs ideas.  Plus, perhaps those of you are trying to come up with wishlists of your own will gain some inspiration from what made my list!

Here's is a selection of things I'd be happy to see under the tree this year.

Item #1 - Cast Iron Skillet - I often come across recipes that require an over-proof pans and I do not own one that I really like.  I love my Lodge-brand dutch oven so imagine I'd love their cast iron skillet as well.  I also like that they have that little rubber sleeve (which must be purchased separately) that you can fit on the handle!  Sure a potholder would work, too, but it's nice that it stays put!

Item #2 -  Polar Heart Rate Monitor - I have a Garmin that I always wear while running but I would love to have a heart rate monitor to wear when I am strength training or doing yoga as I'm curious about what my heart rate is doing and would love to see an estimation of calories burned.

Item #3 - Medal Rack - I have ran a lot of races over the years but all the medals I have accumulated reside in a bin under my bed.  It would be nice to display them in my bedroom.  Plus I love the quote on this particular medal rack.

Item #4 - Under Armour Running Tights  - Colder weather is upon us which means it's running tights weather.  I have one pair of running tights but could always use more as I can layer and also use them when cross country skiing. I asked Facebook friends for recommendations in November and many recommended Under Armour. I recently tried these on at REI and really liked how they fit!

Item #5 -  Reflective Vest - This is the dorkiest thing on my wishlist but since it is dark at night when I am running and will be for quite some time, I should be wearing a reflective vest!  I do use a headlamp which helps but a vest would make me even more noticeable to others.

Item #6 - A pretty scarf - I heart this scarf so much.  I tend to be a pretty boring dresser when it comes to colors but this would provide a fun pop of color!

Item #7 - Some pretty bowls - So clearly I'm a little obsessed with mustard as I would also love a set of these bowls!

I am not at all surprised that 4 items are fitness-related!  And of course while it would be nice to receive any of these things, I would still have a wonderful Christmas if no presents were received.

What is on your holiday wishlist this year?

My Wishlist

I always feel a little guilty posting my wishlist, but I love seeing what others are wishing for so I am once again posting mine!  Here are some things I am wishing for this Christmas!

Gel Mat:  I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  I think having a thicker mat like this would make those hours spent in the kitchen much more comfortable!

Spiralizer:  Being gluten free, I'm always looking for pasta alternatives.  I've had some dishes made with spiralized zucchini and carrots so I'd like to make similar dishes in my own kitchen!

Moccasin-style Slippers:  My feet are ALWAYS cold, even in the summer.  So I pretty much need a new pair of these every year!

The Banks of Certain Rivers:  I'm a heavy library user, but this book isn't at my library so it's one I'd like to own.  I've heard really good things about this book!

What are you wishing for this holiday season?

Christmas Wish List 2013

Well it may not look a lot like Christmas around these parts what with the 70 degree temps we're having this week (which is about 20C) but Christmas is definitely around the corner!  I always like to see what is on others' wish lists, so I thought I'd share the items on mine!

I would love noise cancelling earphones like these.  I like that they are smaller than the huge Bose ones, but still apparently work well according to my prior boss.  I take so many flights a year (about 70 this year!!), so I could really use something to block out the noise around me.

My parents got me a comfy pair of moccasin-style slippers last year.  I wear them so often that I have worn through the lining and am in need of a new pair!

I do a lot of cooking so would love a spoonrest, like this cute one from Anthropologie!

I make Mexican food quite a bit since it's very GF friendly, so would like a tortilla warmer as corn tortillas break really easily if you don't warm them up before filling them.

My aunt has both volumes of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which we use to plan our menu for Julia Child Night.  I think it's time for me to have my own copy!

And of course, this Starbucks-loving girl is always happy to receive gift cards to fund my latte addiction!

What items are on your wish list this year?

Favorite Things: A Wish List

Well I am back from my trip to Charlotte.  I am not really ready to put words to my experience in a post yet, so suffice it to say that the trip took my breath away.  Except not in a good way - more in a "someone kicked me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me" kind of way.  I'll talk more about it next week when I've had more time to process it.  I still have a job but that is the only silver lining I can find at this point.

So today, I need to do a mindless, happy post.  I started sharing Friday Favorites last month when I talked about my nephew date.  This month I thought I'd talk about some of my favorite things which I wouldn't mind receiving for my upcoming birthday, which is just under a month away!

Here are some things I am wishing for these days....

1.  Medal holder.  Over the years of racing, I have started to accumulate medals, which I just shove in various boxes and nooks and crannies.  It is time to properly display these medals that I have worked so hard to earn.  There are lots of medal holders out there, but this one (pictured above) is my favorite!

2.  Apron.  In my world, a girl can not have too many aprons!  Given my recent obsession with all things yellow, I am particularly smitten with this one!

3.  Chopper.  While I do find it soothing to slice and dice veggies when cooking, sometimes it would be nice to swiftly chop up veggies into uniform sizes!  My mom has this chopper and loves it, and I know I would get a lot of use out of it (and might be more apt to make homemade salsa more often!).

4.  Lasagna Pan.  I have several cake pans, but I do not have a lasagna pan so each time I make lasagna, I struggle to get it to all fit in the pan!  Anyways, this one also comes with a roasting rack so maybe I could also use it to learn how to roast a chicken (I feel a bit sheepish over the fact that I am almost 32 and have never roasted a chicken).

And there you have it.  My 2013 birthday wish list. I also feel a bit self-centered posting a wish list, but I think the people in my life who have to shop for me (hi mom!) like a little guidance every now and then.  And I loved reading other people's wish lists around the holidays!

If it was your birthday next month, what would you be wishing for? 

Christmas Wish List 2011

First off, I want to wish Kyria good luck this weekend - she is running her first marathon on Sunday!  Hop over to her blog and wish her luck!  She won't need luck, though, she is going to rock this marathon!!

Now onto the post at hand.  Ready or not, the Christmas Season is upon us!  I have enjoyed the other Christmas List posts I've seen around the blogosphere, so I thought I would share some items on mine!

1.  A New Anthropologie Apron - a girl can't have too many aprons in my opinion!  It's hard to pick a favorite, but this one is definitely towards the top of the list!

2.  Fun Prints!  I have a lot of blank wall space and have been eyeing these two prints for quite awhile!  Math and reading are two things I love and these prints are just so me!

3.  Silicone Potholders - Yes, some of my list is quite practical.  I have cloth potholders and I really don't like them because they get dirty very easily.  I like the silicone ones because you can just throw them in the dishwasher. 

4.  Chopper - I actually like slicing and dicing vegetables as it's really soothing for me, but sometimes I want a fast, efficient way to chop veggies for sauces and salsa and such.  My mom has this chopper and loves it!

5.  Penguin Clothbound Classics - I am hoping to eventually have all of the clothbound classics, so hopefully I will get more to add to the collection this holiday season.  So far, I have Jane Eyre, Little Women, and Alice in Wonderland!

6.  Peas & Thank You Cookbook - I bought this cookbook for Amber for her birthday and she RAVES about it, so I'd like to add it to my collection!

 7.  Paris Christmas Ornaments - Eventually, I would like to have a tree full of Paris-themed or travel-themed Christmas ornaments.  I know this will probably take years, but I have to start somewhere!  Here are a couple that I have seen!

8.  Point-and-shoot camera - I have had my camera for over 7 years now and it is on its last leg!  I've heard good things about the Canon Powershot.

What is on your holiday wish list this year?

Wish List

My birthday is less than a month a way! Eeks! In case you can't tell, birthdays are kind of a big deal in my world... I am not obnoxious about mine (at least I don't think I am?), I just think they are a special day! I really don't need anything for my birthday, but here is a little wish list of mine!

I think this apron from Anthropologie is adorable. Really, any apron from there is adorable. I think every girl should own an Anthro apron. If you enjoy cooking and don't own one - treat yourself to one!


While we are in the kitchen, check out this adorable plate. It's perfect for a Francophile like myself - and the name of the plate is actually "Francophile Dinner Plate, Eiffel Tower." I think it'd be a fun plate to serve desserts off of - like possibly some fancy pink macaroons! They are typically made with almond flour, so are gluten free. Hip hip hooray! I will definitely be treating myself to some next month in Paris - probably at Laduree!!

When I attended a knife skills class in October (which I still need to tell you about!), the instructor said you shouldn't feel like you HAVE to buy a block of expensive knives. He suggested investing in a high quality chef knife, paring knife, and serrated knife. With these 3 knives, you can do anything! That day I purchased a Wusthof chef knife (which I love) - now I'd like to add a paring knife to my collection!








I have one Pampered Chef rubber spatula, but I would like another one! I think they are the best spatulas out there. I use mine to make eggs every day and it has not melted one bit (my other cheaper version did!).


I really fell in love with Julia Child when I read My Life in France, so I would love to own her cook books. I think her recipes are a bit out of my league but hopefully some day I could successfully execute one of her recipes! I'd also love to receive Around My French Table or any of Ina Garten's cookbooks!
Last, but not least, I'd love to expand my collection of cloth bound Penguin Classics! I received Little Women and Jane Eyre for Christmas, but would love to own them all eventually. Aren't they so pretty?

So that's what's at the top of my wish list these days! And really, if I didn't receive a single gift for my birthday, I really wouldn't care. I'm just looking forward to celebrating with friends/family - and heading to Paris for a week! What's on your wish list these days? And when is your birthday?