no two snowflakes are alike.

Although we missed out on a white Christmas, snow is finally falling in Portland - it took us 45 minutes to get home when it usually takes 15 - and I had the pleasure of watching it fall all afternoon through the huge windows at the coffee shop where I work. It made me think about how unique each snowflake is - millions and millions, every single one different.

Last night Andy told me about Wilson Bentley, a nineteenth-century farmer who captured his first photo of a snowflake in 1885 and spent his life taking over 5,000 photos that show the intricacies of snowflakes and ice crystals. What a miracle!

http://snowflakebentley.com

festive wrapping and shipping paper (cheap).

I keep my Trader Joe's paper grocery bags under the sink...

and VOILA!

festive shipping and wrapping paper!

And did anyone notice that stamps went up to 44 cents? If you received a Christmas card in the mail from us, I have some serious affection for you.

kitchen cheer.

Winter makes me want this kitchen featured on Design Sponge even more! It's small but it looks efficient, bright, and well-organized (I see you, Ikea racks!)

I've been up to things...sewing, edibles...but no pictures yet.

simple spiced coffee & some stiff upper lip.

We usually go out to breakfast on Saturday mornings but this past Saturday morning we stayed home and made breakfast instead. Sourdough waffles (from a starter I've managed to keep alive, more about that another day) and spiced coffee.

Trader Joe's featured their own brand of holiday spiced coffee that they had on sample a while ago, and it was so good that I went back for seconds, although it is hard to maneuver a shopping cart down teeny aisles in a crowded store while sipping a hot beverage from a dixie cup.

We made our own version using the french press.

What you'll need :

French press (or drip!)

Fresh coffee beans

1 - 2 tsp. cinnamon, 3-5 whole cloves, and a few red & white peppercorns

Grind up the spices with your coffee and brew how you like it. You can adjust the spice level according to your preferences after you make the first pot.

Well thank you, I will.

by Claire Owen Illustration

Portlanders who love Christmas AND vintage finds!

Found, The collective shop that Poppy & Ivy is a part of (love her blog!) is hosting Santy Claus tomorrow night! I heard from One Gal's Trash (love hers too!) that there might be champagne too...I'm so there! 4743 NE Fremont St.