So Ryan very kindly went to the store and got us a Christmas tree. It’s tiny, fits nicely in our apartment, and is exactly what I wanted. I love him (both Ryan and the tiny Christmas tree). I’m calling the tree R2Tree2, it’s embarrassing but I like the name. He is potted so he is actually alive which is nice. He’s also small and easy to fit through the door so when it does time to clean up, it shouldn’t result in as big a mess as we’ve had in Christmases past.

I know I should really get started on my own Christmas shopping, but instead I’ve decorated the tree, I’ve hung stockings, I’ve baked (but not constructed) a gingerbread house, and I’ve gathered present ideas online (AKA wasted time on Pinterest). During all that procrastination, I’ve found some cute kitchen stocking stuffers that I just have to share with you. So, I’ve made another gift list, and hopefully my procrastination can help you if you’re also a bit stuck with your shopping.

1. Cat Studio Dish Towels, $20 – These are really beautiful embroidered dish towels with images and designs of your favorite cities, states, and countries. They even have some holiday/Christmas themed ones. I have the one for Washington, DC and for the longest time I was worried about using it because I didn’t want to ruin it. But eventually I used it, got a giant chocolate stain on it, then washed it, and it was good as new. I think this is a really nice item to roll up for a stocking stuffer.

2. Fox Run Chicken Spoon Holder, $6. This is really cute and is also available in pig or rooster. Basically, this little kitchen friend clips to the side of your pot and then in the larger opening will grip your spoon. So, as you’re stirring or mixing you’ll have a nearby place to keep your spoon and won’t get any drips or puddles on your counter. I have one like this that’s just a metal hook, and it’s useful, but not nearly as charming.

3. Death Star Silicone Mold Ice Cube Tray 2-Pack , $8 – I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to share Star Wars related kitchen ware. This Death Star ice mold is hilarious, and apparently you can also use it to make ice cream or chocolate balls too. Also, I’m told large circular ice cubes are especially good for cocktails because they cool the drink, but melt slowly so they won’t water down your beverage.

4.Fred & Friends Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters, $7 – Christmas is a time when you make lots of cookies. Why not spice up the regular gingerbread men and Santa with some super awesome ninja kicks? They are fun and you can use them throughout the year too. If I were in the US, I know I would be buying this for many of my friends!

5. Vacu Vin Wine Saver Vacuum Wine Pump with 2 Stoppers, $10 – I bought this as a present for someone last year, and I totally regret not buying one for myself. This vacuum wine saver is meant to give you 1-3 more days on your wine which is so nice! Sometimes I just want a glass with dinner, but I don’t want to open a whole bottle and ruin it. This thing would do just the trick and doesn’t take up too much space in your drawer or your stocking.

Two weeks to Christmas friends! Hope your shopping, baking, cooking, cleaning, decorating, preparing is going well.

Disclaimer – Most of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Cooking is Messy receives a small percentage of the sale price. I’m suggesting these items because I have them or want them, and think they are really good gift ideas.

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But it all worked out and now, we have a place in London! It’s a very small place, so if you ever visit don’t say anything about it. I’m sensitive and it will hurt my feelings. Instead, compliment how gorgeous  and swanky this apartment is! The bathroom is just lovely and looks like a hotel. It even has a heated towel rack. Or compliment the dark floors and the large window.

You could also compliment our beautiful kitchen, which is the new home of cooking is messy. This kitchen is so sleek and pretty. There’s a dishwasher, which is rare to find based on my searching. It has lots of cabinet space (for city kitchens in London, Arlington, VA, and New York City). And it has a wine fridge. I don’t know why I’m obsessed with that, because I know nothing about wine, but I’m totally excited about it. There is also a beautiful stove. I’ve had the electric coils for so long. You know those coils, that ones that are always askew and food gets stuck underneath, and they are nasty to clean. This stove is smooth, and computerized, and amazing. This kitchen makes me feel like a grown up.

So what should be my first blog-worthy recipe that I cook? I  have a British cookbook that I brought with me from home. Also, Ryan and I had our first full English breakfast this weekend. It was hearty and yummy. We’re thinking of recreating it at home this weekend. But I’m definitely open to other ideas too!

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Throughout the flight I was excited and ready to arrive, but once I landed I was filled with fear. First, I live here now. This is where we live! This is real. It hit me all at once. And second, I got scared that maybe I wouldn’t be able to find Ryan at the airport. I know that seems small, but we had a rough go at an airport before. I had flashbacks to seven years earlier when Ryan and I were supposed to meet in Madrid. Weather had gotten in the way, things went horribly wrong, and we did not meet each other. Luckily, Ryan and I saw each other immediately and I had no reason to be afraid. He had gotten there early and was ready and waiting to meet me. Everything is going to be all right. We took the tube home to our new flat, it was pleasant and easy. And that was that, I now live in London. 

Our current flat is cute but very tiny. Here’s a picture of the temporary home of cooking is messy. It has a sink, a refrigerator (bottom right cabinet) and two burners. Oh and of course, an electric kettle. I am in England after all. The kitchen also came with a knife block, some dishes, cups, and utensils. In one of my giant suitcases, I brought some additional kitchen items like oven mitts, spatulas, and cookbooks. With all that, I think I’ll be able to make at least a few things for the blog. We’re going to try spaghetti today, but I’ll work on being fancier in the future. But I can’t get too crazy, there’s a little sign that says there’s a £200 fine for setting the fire alarm off for “heavy cooking.” Eep. So I better be careful.

In general news, Ryan and I spent the day walking around our area of London. We bought breakfast at a local shop then ate in a park. We went to King’s Cross where I got to push the cart at Platform 9 3/4. I love Harry Potter and was really excited for this! We also went to lunch in a pub where we had what we knew to be traditional pub food. Each of us had a pint, Ryan had fish and chips, and I had bangers & mash. I gotta say, I’m no Brit because one pint at 2:00pm made me flushed. But it was all a really tasty meal. We then walked around the British Museum until we were overheated and exhausted. All in all, a great first day in London.

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