Wow, December was ridiculously stressful! I feel like I barely had time to catch my breath, never mind doing anything fun. I was also pretty lazy with my budgeting this month. It’s a good thing the new year is right around the corner, so I can get a fresh start in trying to harness some sense of control in my life.

Awesomest Evil Conniving TV Politician

Have you binge watched House of Cards on Netflix yet? I know it’s been out for a while, but the great thing about on demand TV is that you can watch things when you’re ready. I watched House of Cards this month and very much enjoyed the deviousness of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright Penn. I also very much enjoyed Robin Wright Penn’s hair, and I’m considering getting my own hair styled that way. This show is well written and engaging, with plenty of scheming. There are no good guys, and power is the only true currency. It’s a great way to spend 13 hours.

Awesomest Live Band in Honolulu

This month, while attending a work function, I got to see the band Streetlight Cadence perform on a live radio show. They were incredible and so much fun. This band consists of four guys who play a cello, a guitar, a fiddle, and an accordion. I’ve also seen them performing on a street corner in Waikiki. They were completely engaging in both venues. They have a kickstarter going on right now to fund a recording, and I hear they’re doing a West Coast tour for you mainlanders in January. Check out their Facebook and try to catch a show if they’re coming to your town. You’ll have a ton of fun.

Awesomest Gooey Dessert

In December, the internet is usually awash with cookies. Perhaps that’s why this Salted Caramel Filled Molten Chocolate Cake from the beautiful blog Top With Cinnamon caught my eye. This thing is so sexy. Rich chocolate cake oozing salted caramel is probably the most fun you can have with a spoon in your hand. I’d love to try this recipe. I bet it tastes phenomenal.

Awesomest Christmas Present Ever

My birthday is a week before Christmas, so I got a few presents this month including a brand new proper camera which I’m so excited to learn how to use. But by far the best thing about Christmas in odd years is getting to spend it with my rad offspring. We always laugh more when she’s around, and we have another week of adventures in store. What could be better?

Things You Thought Were Awesome

You love sweet and salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel No-Bake Cookies. Not everyone is lucky enough to get to run their oven 24/7 during the holidays. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an oven. No need. I got you covered.

Parmesan Fried Gnocchi is number 2 on the list again. Nigella is a genius. There’s no denying it. Faux roasted potatoes in five minutes can’t be beat.

I cannot believe how many people viewed my mom’s Peanut Butter Fudge, a recipe that I learned has been in my family for four generations. This stuff is seriously addictive. You must try it.

I’m not sad to see the end of 2013. It was a difficult year that thankfully ended with quite a few blessings. We’re hoping to continue this upward trend with even more exciting possibilities in the year of the horse. I’m always ready for a new beginning. Let’s go!