Aaand I’m back. I knew my break wouldn’t last very long 
Still, it was great to have a couple of days to focus on the things that were stressing me out (i.e. packing, packing, and more packing). I can’t exactly say that I have a stress-free month ahead of me, but everything will get done eventually. And, life is never going to be easy, so I’d better learn to just suck it up, na’mean?
I’m hitting the road back up to New York in a few minutes, so I’ll leave you with my favorite things from the month of December.
Gracie’s favorite things: December 2010.
1. Christmas parties.
Christmas in itself is obviously pretty awesome, but Christmas parties are especially fun. You just can’t go wrong combining loved ones with massive amounts of dessert.
2. this ornament.
No explanation necessary.
3. blazers.
Blazers have always been one of my favorite pieces. I just love the structure of them! This year I turned in my boyfriend blazer for a more fitted, feminine look.
4. coconut butter.
I went for wayyyy too long thinking that coconut oil and coconut butter were the same thing. Why didn’t anyone tell me?! I’ve seen the light and am never going back.
5. T.J. Maxx.
I’d guess that I saved at least a couple hundred bucks getting household items from T.J. Maxx instead of department stores.
A ginormous leather handbag for 50% didn’t hurt either.
6. “Who Dat Girl”
Despite the annoying spelling of “that” (and “Flo-Rida,” for that matter), this has become my favorite workout song over the past few weeks.
7. earmuffs.
I love a good winter hat as much as the next girl, but hat hair isn’t exactly my best look. Earmuffs are a fun way to switch it up…and they’re just so darn cute.
8. veggie fries.
A few weeks ago I admitted that my veggie intake had hit an all-time low. Well, thanks to some of your suggestions, I’ve been able to end that phase.
I made these veggies fries by slicing 1 medium sweet potato, 2 small parnsips, and a generous handful of green beans. Toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and cinnamon, and bake for 25-30 minutes on 375 degrees. Veggieless no more!
9. Knight and Day.
I was NOT expecting this movie to be as cute as it was. I’m not usually a fan of Tom Cruise, but he was surprisingly likeable. And, don’t even get me started on Cameron Diaz…she is just the most adorable thing ever.
10. ridin’ solo.
Even though I’ve technically been single for over a year, it sort of just hit me. Crazy, right? I think I was in denial about it because I didn’t think that I was the single “type.” But over the past few months, I’ve realized that being single isn’t just about my marital status. I’m finally becoming my own person and maturing more than I thought I even had to. I used to hate not knowing what my future would look like, but now that’s what I thrive on!
What are some of your favorite things from this past month?
I also thought that coconut butter and oil were the same thing for years. I am obsessed with coconut butter!
Ah, I love holiday parties as well! I wish there was a “holiday” party every month.
ahha i love these! i agree with the veggie fries and i am dying to try coconut butter- i can’t find any!
well, now I’ll have that song in my head for the rest of the day - LOVE.
And parsnip fries are on my ‘goals’ list for 2011
I completely agree with your thoughts on being single! Thank you for the reminder though…sometimes you just need to hear that!
veggie fries and coconut butter in the same month? This will be a month to remember.
I <3 your list, I have so many faves this December. 1) winter coats with ruffles.. aka the most adorable winter coats ever! 2) DSW… I've bought 4 pairs of shoes this month! 3) Brie.. um seriously? baked with cranberries, pecans & thyme.. where has this cheese been most of my life?! 4) New Year's Eve… a perfect way to bring in a new 2011!
Speaking of Ridin’ Solo - that’s an awesome song, too
haha! I totally agree that you really discover who you are when you’re single! Amen sister!
I hope you have a beautiful day! Welcome “back”
I can’t last long without blogging either! I hope you’re feeling better!
I have so many favorite things that I purchased/did in December! New riding boots (camel colored, on sale!), getting back into dance, meeting great people and starting 2011 off right!
Thanks for your thoughts on being single too - I’ve been single ~5 months now, and it’s good to have a reminder of what “being single” really means. Love your blog!
I got camel-colored riding boots too! Great minds think alike
Reason #3456 to move to New York…the gheeeeetto mall near my house has a kiosk that sells earmuffs covered in WEAVE so that when you wear them they just look like your hair. I’m not even joking. Housewarming gift. You’re welcome.
I may or may not have just read this comment out loud to my mom. hahaha
YEAHHH love this! TJ maxx and coconut butter=my jam!
I love TJ Maxx!
& I thought the same thing with coconut butter and coconut oil, but I’m obviously wrong! I need to get me some
YES! Coconut Butter is the bomb!
I just must say that I love you Gracie.
The whole riding solo thing is definitely getting to me too. Though I am living in a house with 50 other girls this year, I’m much more independent this year than I even felt last year. I have much more challenges of eating in the house so I have to figure out that unique situation for myself. Plus a lot of other weird challenges. Like not having a car. Ugh.
And Knight and Day? So amazing. I was reading a book when my brother turned it on but I ended up putting the book down and loving it.
Hey Michelle
Hang in there! I remember what it was like in college (that’s why you live with 50 other girls, right??), and it’s definitely a strange experience. I personally made it a point to balance my independence with “friend time”…I think that they’re both so important! Good luck, and take care! xoxo G
Everytime you post one of these I think… didn’t I JUST read last months favorites?! Time goes by too, too quickly.
I’m glad to hear that movie was good, I’ve been wondering about it.
Good luck with all the moving activities!
I love your blog! I always look forward to reading it and seeing the newest fashion trends!
Wow, thanks for that, Lisa!! xoxo G
I love all your favourites! Except Knight and Day, I’ve never seen it. I’ve only been reading your blog for about a month, but I really enjoy reading your posts every day. Congrats on the move, and Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Sarah!!
xoxo
Love this!!! Tj Maxx is the best and so are veggie fries!
TJ Maxx is one of the best stores. ever. seriously - where else can you get brand names for like half the price!!? good quality
glad to see your break was short - love this blog!
I just discovered veggie fries in December too! There is no going back I think…
Up until this moment, I also thought coconut oil and coconut butter were one in the same! Now, I need to go find some coconut butter!
TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are my absolute favorite places to shop for home furnishings! They always have interesting and unique pieces!
Stefanie, you MUST find coconut butter! Unlike coconut oil, it *actually* tastes like coconut because it has the coconut flesh in it. SO so good! If you can’t find it in stores, you can order it online from Artisana
I totally agree with the ridin solo thing! its hard when all your friends might have bf but we are free to do what ever the heck we want and flirt with ALL the boys! hehe
I like the part that I get to discover myself and become who I and god wants me to be before I find that man…
I’d love some ideas for recipes that call for coconut oil or butter…please!
Hi Kathryn!! Off the top of my head I can’t think of any specific recipes to use coconut oil/butter - I usually just use them as a topping (or, with coconut butter, straight out of the jar
). You should check out http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com - Katie has a ton of great ways to use it! Hope that helps 
xoxo G
Darn it girl, I’ve been playing that song on repeat all day now since listening to it on your blog.
Pretty sure I’ll be sick of it in a week. I tend to do that…
isn’t it a good one?? I get sick of songs quickly too, which is why I’m always searching for new ones!
Lovin’ your blog, girl! I love your “about” page and this post too! So looking forward to reading more of your stuff!
I’m so excited to try out veggie fries! I’ve made sweet potato fries, but it never occurred to me to add any other veggies in too! Thanks for the idea! 
oooo… i like that song. thx for sharing!
Single is all about knowing that you have ppl in your life that love you, even if you are not giving them some night time lovin
The holidays always make me feel insecure about being single, so thank you for reminding me that being single ROCKS!
I always find great things to try from your blog! I can’t wait to try coconut butter!! Thanks
Isn’t “Who Dat Girl” AWESOME? You should totally check out no hands by waka flocka too. Crazy catchy!
I’m in a really weird relationship status right now…we broke up but we have more of a relationship now than we did when we were dating. Crazy, right? It actually works so well because both of us are really coming into our own right now and learning who we are and what we’re going to do with the rest of our lives. I love having him in my life but at the same time it’s nice to feel like a strong, independent young woman!