Chien Chien and I got some amazing gifts, she became an angel, I got my all time favorite shoes, a scooter, 85 mm lens, couple other things and two jars of sour gummy bears +  worms ~ HAPPINESS 

For the Christmas we traveled to San Antonio and spent time with Josh's family and some friends.

We also hosted a couple of dinner parties in our house with friends and family and with each I felt like our cooking and hosting skills improved a bit more. The night on picture below my parents came over, Josh made the brisket with mashed potatoes and I made chicken pot pie with salad.

I got to work from home today, tomorrow is Thanksgiving day - our plans have changed a couple times but it looks like we we will be at my parents. I'm making two side dishes and bringing the pumpkin pie :)

I got to spend my day with this beautiful lady 

For lunch I made salmon filet with skin, potatoes, half avocado and spinach 

I did three loads of laundry and cleaned my closet where I found this straw hat I thrifted many months ago with a picnic basket - and realized we never end up going to any picnic this year because of the weather . .  it went from the heat of summer to non-stop rain to cold weather - hopefully we can go in Spring 

I went for a walk in the afternoon 

I made chicken and mushroom gnocchi with Alfredo sauce for dinner 

This weekend I went to the Renaissance Festival in Houston for the first time, although I was so excited to dress up the weather was reported to be around mid 40s - however when we got to there it turned out a beautiful sunny day in 70s instead lol that aside I absolutely loved the experience, people from all age groups took time to prepare their costumes and oh the details . . . my favorite part of the festival was the Pirates section, I am so inspired to go for that theme :) 

waking up to this sweet of a being is such a happiness

I started the day with lemon + honey hot water 

after work I went to pick up some grocery 

Went to get some dental treats at pet store, almost came home with this kitten 

Although we had a fantastic weather over the weekend and most of last week . .
this all is going to change this week with dropping to 40 to 39 degrees and rain!

I finally went to the gym today! I dropped off the wagon a week before the LA trip at the beginning of October and when we got back hell got lose with the project at work, by the time I reached the recovery phase I lost my mojo. Anyways today I went to the gym at work after lunch for a quick 20 min walk on the treadmill and after work signed up for a class. It felt great and I kept wondering why I struggled so much to go back, working out balances me like nothing else.

I absolutely love dressing up for Halloween, my mother can attest that since I was a kid my favorite activity was to spent hours in my clothes putting on clothes, so as an adult the only time I get to try that is one night a year - that's why I tend to wear multiple Halloween costumes every year . . and this year *so far* I was Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and steampunk girl! Josh has been such a good sport dressing up with me, he was Bruce Lee and also paired up with steampunk for the second look . .  I cannot express how much fun we had planning for putting these looks together! 

My favorite part about Josh's costume was the details - He hand painted the toy gun for the metallic and rustic effect

In my opinion if there ever is a food truck award it has to be given to "Song La" their food is exceptional and the owners are so caring and kind humans! Sadly because of my work schedule and their limited business hours it is pretty hard for me to get a chance to eat there, but when I do I am the happiest girl I can be :) 

The ice-cream in the Japanese Grocery store Asahi Import is another one of my favorites . . . their Sesame ice-cream is ​♡
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Over the years the Persian community has definitely increased in our city and for the first time they hosted a fall festival
​Although it was a small venue with only a few vendors I got to try the food at Caspian Grill and it was absolutely delicious! I cannot wait to try their menu at their physical restaurant ♡