Today I made a double batch of this lentil soup (since I devoured it the first time around just two days ago), poured myself a beer, put on some Bach and tackled some online holiday shopping. Here's what I'm eyeing this year for myself and others...

First off, I think this dress would be a knockout for the holiday party circuit...

This griddle from Baking Steel would make an epic gift for the cook in your life. I may have already bought this for myself...

My friend Omar has these salt and pepper grinders which I have long wanted for myself, only I don't use a salt grinder. I finally got wise and figured out I could use the other one as a spice mill and finally get rid of my old cuisinart coffee grinder that is too loud and does just a so-so job of grinding spices. So I'd love to have these...

I really love this bomber jacket from Everlane...

After hosting a crew for Thanksgiving I realized that I could really use a couple of really big 8 and 10qt stainless steel restaurant bowls like these...

A book for my pie baking best friend...

And a good book for all of us...

I already have one of these great totes which I use for everything from groceries to carting things to the studio. I could easily use another one myself and will order another for my sister-in-law...

This super soft and generously sized scarf doubles as a blanket, perfect for my travel-loving girlfriend...

I'd love to get these for my brother...

And this Lumio lamp in walnut for my design-savvy husband...

A month or so ago while having lunch with a friend, I was served a Sapporo in a glass like this which never tasted so good). I've been on the search ever since...