Day 19 - Back from a little trip to California

 What not to buy this year...

Clothing (we'll just see how this goes.) I have allowed myself to use any and all gift certificates or $ credits at TJX stores. Plus the thrift store grab in Stoughton.

Shoes (God, that's a relief. I hate buying shoes.)

Face anything. Can replace.

anything... shiny, pretty, exciting, that inspires fantasies of me making it, that is not a specific birthday or Christmas gift (sorry Calvin and Daisy), 

baking accouterment ( I did buy this gorgeous copper polar bear cutter in Bakersfield secondhand. It was well worth the $3 and I have no guilt about it. See photos).

I've been looking forward to having one for years. Get the gingerbread recipe from one of my all-time favorite blogs The View From Great Island. 

Can we still make gingerbread in January? 

Why don't we?

Disclosure: I also bought a larger suitcase for the way home from Bakersfield. Bill's daughter Sandi had gifted me with a gorgeous (and huge) new blanket and we had already been lugging around way too much on the train. I know, excuses, excuses. I'm nothing if not exceedingly practical. We did leave the smaller suitcase that has seen better days, so officially, it was a replacement. Much needed. 

And I bought a gift for Sandi who deserved more. She's the best hostess I've ever met.