My Secret Santa was amazing this year! This is my first time doing the exchange. They went above and beyond to find things I would love, and it was a smashing success! Their sweet note shows that they put a lot of thought and effort into my gift. First, they found me some incredible cooking supplies. I LOVE honeycomb (my husband looked at it a little funny, but I'm excited to share the experience with him). The spices include a pasta sprinkle blend, a Bangkok blend, and French Sweet Basil from Penzeys, and some organic peppermint extract. I'm excited to try the pasta and Bangkok blends, and the extract. I used the sweet basil the other night for a pasta dish, and it smells (and tastes) incredible. The gorgeous plate is a grater that can be used for hard cheeses, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, etc. I've never seen a grater plate before, and I look forward to trying it. I love cooking, and I love pottery, so it was a great choice.

The candle jar is beautiful. My Secret Santa received a macrame book from their SS and made the pretty fringe. This was a lovely personal and thoughtful part of the gift, especially since I love candles and handmade items.

I enjoy using journals, and they found a fun dot notebook for me. Turquoise is one of my favorite colors (and stones). I mentioned that I enjoy jewelry, and they found me beautiful turquoise earrings that I want to wear almost every day.

I studied Economics and History in college, and I am fascinated by historical economics--particularly Cold War economics. I'm SO excited to read The Marshall Plan-Dawn of the Cold War by Benn Steil (an Economist I am somewhat familiar with).

The last item in the photos is a set of beautiful Russian watercolor paints. I'm fascinated with Russian history, and I'm excited to have something from the region, but especially watercolors. I took a watercolor class in high school, and I loved it enough to keep up with the hobby, but I haven't been able to purchase a nice set of watercolors for myself. I'm eager to use these for the first time!

I know I'll find joy in using the incredible gifts my Secret Santa has given me. I really couldn't have handpicked things better myself, and honestly, you got me things I didn't even know I wanted, but that I love! I really can't say THANK YOU enough for your thoughtfulness and kindness. May this new year bring you many wonderful and abundantly joyful experiences!