It's the end of the year and time to reflect on what has passed. One of my favorite (small) things of 2011 was discovering de krat, a box of local produce delivered to my door each week. Over the last few years, I have become more aware of the origin of my food and the importance of supporting local farmers. I was so happy to discover Amsterdam's version of community-supported agriculture that is abundant in my hometown. Thanks to de krat, my cooking skills and willingness to experiment with new foods and recipes grew exponentially over the last half year. Looking forward to more in 2012.
Colorful geometric shapes spotted on a Thursday morning in Amsterdam.
Homemade cranberry sauce for a few dear colleagues and friends. My work is completed for the next week and my cousin arrives from Spain in the morning. I feel so happy looking forward to the next days of baking and cooking, friends, family, singing carols in a room full of lit candles, and giving gifts. I know many people feel a lot of stress around the holidays and I am thankful for the calm and joy we can find in the simple things, like placing a small jar on a desk.
Sweet wooden animals from 
Too cute (via 
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
A quick trip to Berlin last weekend included a visit to our favorite restaurant, shopping on Ku'damm, a long Sunday morning breakfast, and steaming cups of Glühwein at several Christmas markets.
The tree is up, the ornaments are hung, the first presents are wrapped, and the lights are glowing. This will be our first Christmas in Amsterdam – in past years Marcus and I have always visited family in Oregon or Germany – and therefore our first Dutch Christmas tree! Although I don't think it was grown in the Netherlands, Bavaria more likely. It was strange to not cut the tree down ourselves, but we found a cute one at the flower shop around the corner. And probably the smallest tree I have ever had. It makes me so happy to wake up each morning and plug the lights in, casting a warm glow over the living room.
Three scenes from my recent trip to Barcelona: a row of apartments, a museum, and an ancient church.
In this week's crate: leeks, cabbage, pears, a teeny tiny pumpkin, tomatoes, eggs, apples, bread, winter salad, Jerusalem artichokes, black salsify, and pink, orange, and purple beets.
The beginning of December – possibly my favorite month of the year. Sparkling lights, songs of cheer, and wonder all around. Not to mention, a time for 
Photo by 
A few years ago, a random chain of events led to me standing in front of a group of German students answering questions about 'America'. One student asked if there was much graffiti in the States. Unless you live in a city, the answer is not really. Outside of the cities, instead of being seen as an art form, it falls into more of the 'act of vandalism' category. Living in Europe for the past years, I have become a fan of street art that is part of the city. Rather than defacing a structure, it enhances it.
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
In this week's 
My thoughts again returned to the people of (and in) Afghanistan with this beautiful 
