Happy new year! I want to wish you all a happy healthy new year.
This year I didn’t have anything in mind for Christmas, so I told my husband not to give me anything. In the past, I always wanted or needed something, but after reading Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki, I realized that there’s nothing I needed that I didn’t have. However, I’m beyond thankful for the gifts that I received this year. My husband, friends, and family still managed to give me something that I love and need. #thankyou
Tea & Mugs
People who are close to me know I’m a big tea drinker. This year I received some of the most exquisite tea from all over the world. I also bought some myself in London as I ran out of the ones I love from Fortnum & Mason. The one that I’m the most excited to try is the one from Whittard called English Rose loose leaf flavored black tea. Those who are close to me know I collect china. These beautiful mugs are from my in-laws.
Sony Action Camera
Two years ago, I’ve acquired an interest in documenting our travels and special occasions. I’d film clips during our travel and edit them into music videos. I’ve been using my Sony cameras for videos and photos, but since we’ve been traveling to beach and seaside destinations, I was thinking of getting an action camera. Surprisingly, my husband could read my mind and got me a Sony 4K action camera. I’ve used it a couple times during our winter vacation. I really liked it as it’s easy to use and the design is minimalistic.
Sweet
My husband and I have the biggest sweet tooth. We are always happy to receive chocolates and sweets, especially when they’re vegan. This jar of Christmas cookies was from my in-laws which was bought in a Christmas market in Serbia. Super festive and cute!
Book
Books are always an amazing gift for any occasion. It’s one of the best thing to gift to someone who doesn’t need anything (aka me.) My best friend gifted me this book. Once I finish my current read, I’ll start this book. Can’t wait!
Wine
Every year we would receive bottles of wine as gifts. A good wine always makes the holiday season more festive. I highly recommend sweet wines from the Hungarian wine region called Tokaji. This particular one is one of my favorite dessert wines. Rich sweetness with crisp after taste.
Jewelry
I’ve not met any one who doesn’t like to receive jewelry as a present. On Christmas, I received a very special ring from my in-laws that I absolutely adore. It’s something that is perfect for daily wear and the design is timeless.
Thermos
We received two Thermos insulated bottles from my mom. It can keep food both cold and hot for up to 9 – 14 hours. I’ve been using their water bottle for years now and I can’t live without it as I like to drink warm water. This bottle can keep my preferred water temperature for a long period of time so I bring it everywhere I go. As we are planning to go to some adventurous places, and as a vegan sometimes it’s hard to find places to eat while traveling.
Scents
Our scented diffuser just finished right before we left for holidays. Last time I was in London, I came across Scandinavisk while looking for the washroom in John Lewis. Immediately I was drawn by their scents and hygge concept. It was hard to pick one, but this Scandinavian “forest” really stood out to me. Now our home smells like a calming Nordic forest.
** All photos are mine
