poor plants...

Not poor because I forget about watering them or they are slowly passing away. No, no. Poor plants because they have to listen to me talk to myself, read out loud, and hear phone conversations. My "living" room, which is connected to the dining room and basically the kitchen, is the where I study, write, and live. As you can see, I am truly a great decorator. 

Those plants have the good life, except for having to listen to me. One enjoys the sun so much it is growing up the wall and on a chair. Poor plants. They have become my roommates. And I like them. You know why?  They don't talk back. Poor, poor plants. 

Green upon green thumb,

BEAT

favorite snack...

ocd...

Don't judge. I just like to be organized. And I must really love hangers. And shoes. Notice the color coding. Bless me. My mom taught me right?  Yeah. I'll blame it on her. 

Clothes upon clothes...and shoes,

BEAT

THE gift...

My favorite Christmas gift:

Martha Stewart Everyday Yuletide Ornament Collection

Yes, yes. My wonderful mother got the hint. 

I love, love this collection. 

The vibrant colors. 

The unique images. 

And most amazingly, many are made of art felt. 

The tree topper is the best. 

And after Christmas, I went to get more (lots more). 

They were half off. Happy day. A complete set!

Thanks mom. Thanks Kmart. Thanks Martha Stewart. 

Color upon color,

BEAT

food processor...

This is my third favorite Christmas gift. 

Created and cooked thus far: 

Basil Pesto and 

Cranberry Sauce with Pearl Onions, Golden Raisins, and Ginger

Side note: Can we talk about my outdated kitchen?

I love, love the old oven, laminated cabinets, and beige countertops. 

And yes, I do have about 10 different shades of green floating around.

That's apartment life for you. Or me?

Yummy upon yummy,

Chef BEAT

ps: I'll share my favorite gift soon. I didn't get pictures of it, and I had to leave it at the parents' house. I'm working on it!  

Photo Friday

Ten Sheet, Cross Cut Paper Shredder

with Credit Card, CD Cutter

Better known as my second favorite Christmas gift...

It's been put to plenty of use over the last 24 hours.*

New upon new,

BEAT

* It is going to be recycled, promise!

New Day. New Year! New Me?

 I'm glad I had that serious talk with the mom. A night with friends in LaGrange was well worth the extra two hours in a car. No one was hurt seriously by the fireworks. The girls lasted longer in the cold. We split wins in the board game. And the Sparkletini was yummy! 

Happy upon happy,

BEAT