As we all know, today is Black Friday--that scary day in which the whole world runs mad trying to to be the first one into whatever shopping mall to purchase whatever super-sale items.  Just the thought of the crush of people and the insanity of trying to buy as much as possible in one day is enough for me to want to retreat into my hobbit hole and not come out until this day is over--which is exactly what my family ends up doing!

In response to this buying frenzy that often seems to take the pleasure out of gift giving, I'm dedicating this coming month to blog on homemade gifts--simple gestures of love conjured in the kitchen. 

Too often this time of year we can get caught in this whirlwind energy of spending, buying, doing more until the essence of this season--rest, introspection, and celebrations with loved ones--gets overshadowed by the glitz and noise of the outside world.  In reality, it feels wondrous to escape the busyness of the city and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of your own home. 

There is no better way to spend a cozy winter morning that in the kitchen whipping up beauty treats and gourmet kitchen staples for your loved ones to enjoy all year round.  So let's unplug from that tinsel town vision of the holidays and reground ourselves in what matters most: family and the gentle turning inward that the season originally inspired.