2017 is finally coming to a close. It’s been a wild year for me, and for the world, so I am excited to see what positivity 2018 will bring. Of course, 2017 could not end without one final surprise… I have been accepted into my master’s programme in Scotland! So my husband, two cats, and I will be relocating to the U.K. in August. We are really excited for a new adventure in a new country, and to share our journey with you.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that 2018 brings you peace, love, happiness and health. Thank you so much for reading my blog. I really appreciate your support and hope you find some interesting articles and recipes on jemalen.com.
Below is my photojournal-style capture of my three Christmases of 2017. I thought I would give you a visual representation, rather than write about them. I hope your holiday has been cozy and full of love, no matter where you are or how many people you spent it with.
Cheers!
Christmas Eve at My Mom’s House in Metro Detroit
Lola, my mom’s teacup Yorkie.
The kitchen in action.Homemade Polish pirogies made by my chef of a stepdad.Poppin’ bottlesMy stepdad, sister and husband
My mom’s beautiful Christmas Eve tableMy old cookie plate for Santa + his reindeer, before I realized it was all a lie.Each place setting had its own lamp lit with a candle.Polish Christmas wafers.AMAZING vegan cupcakes from Yummy Cupcakes in Bloomfield Hills in vanilla-vanilla. Topped with coconut shavings and edible glitter.My homemade vegan banoffee pie. Click here for the recipe.
Christmas Day at My In-Laws in Northern Michigan
Christmas morning began as a flurry of white. We awoke at my in-laws after a 2 hour trek North from Metro Detroit through the snow.
There is nothing like feeling the winter breeze on your face whilst wearing your holiday pajamas, faux fur coat from ASOS (mine is sold out, but here’s a similar coat) and Hunter boots.dance, even if it’s in the snow and in your christmas pajamas.McClure’s Bloody Mary’s made by my talented father-in-law. They were a great way to kick off Christmas morning, literally. They were the perfect level of spicy.Midday, the sun came out + the snow stopped to reveal a gorgeous sky.This tree in my husband’s grandma’s yard always reminds me of Whooville.
No truer words have ever been spoken (or written!)Doug, my husband’s grandma’s rescue kitty is such a pretty and sweet boy.Sweet Stevie Nicks visiting us from Atlanta.Stockings hung with care…My favorite Christmas gifts! I cannot wait to read these in 2018.Matching Christmas pajamas.
Boxing Day with My Dad’s Family in Metro Detroit
This organic Cabernet Sauvignon was delicious.“Santa baby…”Vegan cupcakes from The Cupcake Station in Birmingham, Michigan.
By 
☾Jessica♥Fitzgerald☽ 