Annual Christmas on the 24th

Ann yeong haseyo!

How was your day today?

For the princesses and I, lovely. Today we yum cha'd with my moi moi:

I have known V for a good 10 years! We met one day while fans of a boy band back in 2002. When the band's album released and there was a meet 'n greet downtown, the two of us via the forum decided to meet in person.

From there, a strong and everlasting friendship was born. We two dames have been been through thick and thin I tell you, always havin' each other's backs! I love my little sister very much. I have watched her grow up from a college student to a responsible adult. She is generous, open, and sometimes a smart ass too.

Today V introduced us to a new place to yum cha. Yum cha means drink tea in Chinese and this expression is often used when referring to going out to eat dim sum. I was hankering for some dim sum because Princess Jellybean had found this delightful book at the library called Jojo Eats Dim Sum. We used to go to one spot called Koi Palace but V said they changed chefs and that the restaurant was now overrated.

I told her some time ago to stop buying gifts for me. She usually spoils her goddaughters. This year she surprised me with the following below:

Can I tell you I have had my eye on Stitch Red before it was even published?! It was featured at Stitches West last year in the Jimmy Beans Wool booth. Remember I had purchased that skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Bold Red in memory of my Auntie J?

Speaking of Christmas gifts, hubby surprised me with these this year:

Now I have yet to make a garment but after hearing so much about and seeing projects based upon Wendy's book, I put it on my wishlist for Christmas this year!

Christmas wasn't all about presents of course. You know I hosted, cleaning like a mad woman a few days beforehand. With our appetizers, I tried to take shots from different perspectives with the Canon:

First Row: 1. I created a nice cheese platter - Trader Joe's Sage Derby Cheese + Camembret, Cambozola, and Pate from Andronico's

2. My Uncle G received an Edible Arrangement from his niece on the 24th. We were lucky he shared it with us. My children gobbled up all the strawberries, especially the chocolate-covered ones!

3. I wanted to make a crab dip this year for my dad who was my crab-eating buddy back in the day at home. Whenever my mum steamed the crab, he would put a shot of Japanese whiskey in the stomach and we would share that rich treat. You know I"m an avid Pinner which is how I found this dip recipe; it's pretty good.

Second Row: 1. French wine from Trader Joe's, picking out the oldest vintages in a red and white. I had a glass of each; I did not have a headache the next day! Both of these were terrific!

2. My Auntie E's fried chicken in which one of its ingredients, which I forget, comes shipped right from Oahu.

3. One of my other little sisters made mini kebabs of mozzarella balls wrapped in prosciutto and strung up with sugar plum tomatoes. These were so yummy and such a great idea.

Here's the entree portion of our meal:

Top: This salad is one of the best Pinterest recipes I've found! It's Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad with a Maple Syrup Vinaigrette.

Bottom: My mum's good ol' lasagna

Like seriously, all of us could have finished off the appetizers and called it a day. This was a total oink fest!

I realized after putting together this year's Christmas photo card, that my crew needs to take more family pics. This came out nice:

looking around and whispering...Oh and this year, we were lucky to have a new, special little guest:

I'm not allowed to post much, only this pic and this 411: This is my brother and sil's firstborn, Miranda. She was only born a handful of days ago. See her little fingers - long ones, yeah? I say she gets this from me ^^. Everyone is besotted with her.

So, did you receive any fiber gifts this year? If so, do share!

And what was on the table for your family's holiday celebration?