The Art of the Christmas Wish List

I take the creation of my Christmas wish list very seriously.
You're probably thinking, "It's October! Why are you already making your Christmas list?!" Well, my friends, my mother starts Christmas shopping in October. In fact, she's starting this Wednesday. She's not exactly a last-minute shopper. ;)

I can't stand knowing exactly what I'll receive - it ruins the anticipation of Christmas morning! - so I like to provide a big selection for my family. Each wrapped present is a wonderful mystery. :)
I pick items I would not purchase for myself, either because they exceed my budget or because they are a purchase I just can't justify as practical.
Here are a few annual staples that make the cut:

1. A pair of boots. I often choose a classic that I can wear for seasons to come and with a good variety of wardrobe options. A girl can never have too many pairs of boots. Or shoes, for that matter.

Antonio Melani "Stevie" - I'm thinking I need a little western-meets-equestrian inspiration

2. A statement-making accessory. This leopard scarf is the perfect pop of print for this season.

Stella and Dot Bryant Park Scarf in Tan

3. Piece(s) for the home. The older I grow, the more important making my house a home becomes. Cozy throws, eclectic pillows, unique lamps - it doesn't take much to make a big impact on design and function.

These are my favorite throw blankets and were a favorite gift a couple of years ago: Nobility Chenille Throws from Dillard's

I'm also amassing a collection of dinnerware and serving pieces. This domed cake stand will be perfect for entertaining and matches the flatware caddy I received for my birthday.

Artimino Footed Cake Plate

4. Beauty product(s). Makeup, moisturizer, tools - these usually fall under the category "cannot justify" for me.  Since I'm nearing 30 (ah!), I'm requesting this highly-rated cleansing device to add to my skincare regimen...which right now consists only of washing my face twice daily. Ok, so the AM wash consists of splashing cold water on my face. Yeah, we'll work on that....

Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System

5. Something unique and fitted to your personality. I spotted this "Love my State" necklace at The Vintage Pearl and fell in love. What a cute way to display state pride! The heart goes over the city of your choice. Adorable.

6. Nail polish, hair accessories, lotions, candles - anything that fits in a stocking. If I'm being honest, stocking stuffers might just be my favorite part!

Essie "Skirting the Issue" from Fall 2012 Collection

7. Gift cards. The girls in my family love to do a little after-Christmas shopping for steals and deals. Not only can you typically get more bang for your buck, it's like Christmas morning: take 2!

While these are loose guidelines, there is one rule I always follow. Spend just as much time and effort selecting the gifts you give to your loved ones as you did picking those on your wish list. After all, the giving, not the getting, is the best part of Christmas!

The Good Stuff

I came across this quote on Pinterest a couple of days ago and thought it made a very good point.

A great marriage. True friendships. A career you love. Meaningful relationships with family. Even the smallest investments yield great dividends in the areas that matter most in life. So get to work on the good stuff - it's worth it!

Fall Recipe Favorites

The crisp chill in the air and cravings for warm, hearty dishes make Fall my favorite season for cooking. There's nothing like coming home to a steaming pot of soup or a cup of cocoa to warm your belly and soul. Here are a few of my favorite Fall recipes, guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of you and your family!

Chicken Noodle Soup and Hearty Beef Chili

I follow the recipes in this cookbook after trying several from other sources. 

The key to this amazing chicken noodle soup is the homemade broth. It's more time-consuming, but the taste is incomparable. I also use Amish-style noodles, which soak up the yummy liquid and have a wonderful texture. 

The chili's secret? A great blend of varied spices rather than using a seasoning packet from the store. It develops a great depth of flavor together with the other ingredients. 

As always, I've tweaked a few things in each recipe to suit our specific tastes and preferred textures, but the recipes won't let you down.

Beer Bread

My mother obtained this recipe from a family friend, who found its source online here. Its very dense and serves as the perfect side dish to the season's soups, stews, and roasts. Aaron likes to drizzle his with honey for an after-dinner snack. 

The best part of this recipe? It literally takes 5 minutes to throw together. 

The problem if you're a pastor's wife in Tahlequah like my mother? You have to get your children to buy the beer for you so you don't get caught in the grocery or liquor store with it. Ha!

Apple Crisp

My husband is not much of a sweet's fan, but he requests this treat often. It's the perfect blend of tart and sweet, and absolutely delicious with a scoop of ice cream. The recipe can be found here at one of my favorite online resources. 

**Note: I do not add the water listed in the ingredients.

I hope these inspire you to get in the kitchen and whip up some lovin' for you and yours this season! Please share some of your favorites with me!

Sense of Humor

My days on this Psychiatry rotation consist of visiting with each of our patients to evaluate their mental status and a variety of other factors, discussing their cases with the staff, and then typing interval progress notes into the database.
The floor is separated into two divisions - one for those with dementia-related issues, and the other for those who function at a higher level. No matter what "side" I'm on, it's difficult not to feel down sometimes due to the circumstances my patients are in. I hate seeing that they're anxious, depressed, or agitated due to factors we often can't control, though we try. I hate that they desperately wish to go home, though I know where they're sent after we discharge them is rarely ever what they've called home for years.

These words of wisdom are written on a dry erase board in the nurse's station

You'd think that the environment would take a toll on the physicians, nurses, and other staff members; however, they continue to smile day after day and remain passionate about the care they provide. One of the reasons I believe this is possible is that they find the humorous side to everything. Laughter helps keep the mood light and ensures the floor is an enjoyable place to work.
I was sure I would abhor this month, but it has pleasantly surprised me. It's also made me grateful for my mental and physical health and that of my family.
Keep the humor to keep smiling despite your circumstances. It is critical!

Fun at the Tulsa State Fair

Even though I've lived only an hour away my entire life, and directly in the city for three years, I had never experienced the Tulsa State Fair until tonight.
My sister made the trip to town with two friends in her master's program and we met up for our first "ride" on the Sky Train.

We then spotted the red velvet funnel cakes, which we had heard were divine. I can officially concur.

I used to love roller coasters and thrill rides; unfortunately, neither I nor Aaron can handle them anymore. Macee was happy to have a ride buddy in Caitlin, and I was happy to hold her purse and take pictures.

First up was the Starship 2000, followed by The Viper. Macee's favorite part of the latter also happened to be the part I felt sick just watching.

Jocelyn's father and brother raise and sell show cows. We stopped by to visit and meet Buddy, who had been primped and fluffed and was looking very handsome. He showed his appreciation for our company by pooping during our petting encounter. :)

After parting with my sister and her friends, Aaron and I made the rest of the evening a date night. It was perfect timing, as it had just gotten dark and the park was glowing from the lights of the attractions. We took a stroll through the maze of people, booths and rides and stopped at various points along the way to sample the typical (and not so typical) fair food. We shared roasted corn on the cob, a polish sausage, ribbon fries (delish!), and a corn dog. Yum! Thank goodness the fair only comes once a year.
I am proud to say my husband accompanied me on my first official fair date. I love that 7 years into our relationship, we still have "firsts." I hope we'll be able to say that again and again over our lifetimes!

Saying No to Psychiatry

It didn't take long for Aaron and I to rule out Psychiatry as a possible career. In fact, the first day of this month's rotation was enough to cause us to cross it off the list.
The majority of our day consists of visiting with patients on the "elderly" floor of the inpatient unit at Laureate Psychiatric Hospital. The reasons for admission range from suicidal ideation/attempts to dementia to major depressive episodes to substance abuse/withdrawal.
The staff provides wonderful care, which is refreshing when the news often exposes the opposite practice. The ladies almost always have their fingernails painted, and the nurses do their hair in the afternoons sometimes. They watch movies and have "trivia time." Thank goodness for those that are called to take care of this part of the population; it's so needed, and I'm sure they are very under-appreciated.
Aaron also rounds at nursing homes around the area. He texted this to me yesterday: "I've seen all the motivation I need to keep my mind and body active. Don't let me wind up in a nursing home."
Every single patient requests to go home daily. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my mom and dad remain at home, even if home is with us. And I second Aaron's sentiment about motivation to stay mentally and physically fit!
Mom, start doing some crossword puzzles!

Princess for a Day...or Two

My rotation preceptor (doctor) this month attended a board review course in Chicago for his upcoming board re-certification process, which meant I had several days off. Unfortunately, I had some nasty chest congestion preventing me from taking full advantage of the break.
The hubs called me on his lunch break and ordered me to go shopping. I've been drooling over a pair of flats and a necklace that I had placed on my Christmas wish list, but Aaron insisted I not wait and told me not to come home without them. Yes, this was a real life occurrence.

My gorgeous statement necklace from Ann Taylor. LOOOOVE!

I hardly ever purchase anything for myself - I have a bit of a problem justifying most of the products I want as practical. It was lovely to be able to run to the mall and walk out with not just one, but two non-essential accessories rather than just browsing as I usually do. Is that what life after medical school will be like - seeing something I want and buying it right then and there?

A princess needs some sparkle in her life, and these flats are just the ticket :)

Even more lovely was my husband's heart and desire to spoil me. He went a step further the next day when I arrived home from work to a Fall-scented candle and adorable pumpkin candle holder. His reason for the little surprise? "Because I love you, and it's Fall."

My house smells like the season now!

Just-because presents are the best! 

I officially felt like a princess (and texted him the sentiment multiple times) deeply loved by her prince. :)
It's the expression of love in the ways each of us recognize them that helps keep our marriage strong. I always want to feel as if we're still dating. A lofty ideal? Maybe, but I'm willing to put in the work to make it a reality. And apparently, so is my husband.