finally home

I've been doing everything I've been dreaming about for the past four months. Being home has been just as amazing as expected. I've seen a lot of my friends and been baking and cooking a LOT. The first day I got home I made chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns. And since then I've made raspberry squares,  macaroons, a mozzarella, tomato, pesto panini, and cooked maple glazed salmon. I think I've gained like 10 lbs and I haven't even been home for a week yet. We also have been preparing for Christmas. Lots of decorating, cooking, and shopping. It's been heaven. I have been missing Sam though. It has been weird not waking up every morning and seeing him. But I'm very excited for Christmas to roll around. I've gotten really good gifts for everyone on my list so I'm excited to see them open them all! We just got our Christmas tree today (late I know but they were waiting for my return home!) look how cute it is!

That's my brother on the right. Look at all the presents!

weather

The weather today has been gorgeous... it's kinda making me dread going back to New England where it is currently:

Right now it is 65° and perfectly sunny. I laid outside on the grass for about 30 minutes and just fell in love with the sun. (Working on my base tan...) And the rest of the week looks exactly the same. And you might think that Boston doesn't look that bad - but that weather right there, is NOT normal and I know by the time I get there (in approx. 15 days) it will be disgusting and PROBABLY snowing. However, I really do want a white Christmas so I won't complain. I'm just worried that I'll freeze my little, white ass off as soon as I land in JFK. 

when i get home

I'm so excited about going home. I fall asleep every night thinking about all the glorious things I get to do as soon as I am home. I cannot wait to get a mani-pedi. Judge me if you like but I did not bring any nail polish to the Middle East because I didn't think I'd miss it - little did I know I REALLY WOULD. Not to mention the nail polish here a) sucks and b) is 3x the price it would be in the States. And I cannot knowingly pay that much more. It would kill me. Because let's be honest, I am my mother's daughter. I am yearning for this shade:

Smokin' Hot by Essie

Besides the obvious things I'd like to do, like seeing my friends and family I also cannot wait to bake. I have pinned the most delicious looking recipes and I reallyyyy miss cooking with my mom and singing to Alison Krauss. Here are some must try recipes: (follow me on pinterest.com for more amazing recipes) 

The one last thing I need ASAP after I land at JFK is to drink some milk. The milk here makes me sick and I miss it. SO MUCH.