Christkindlmarket

Imagine spinning wooden pyramids, baskets of hand-blown glass ornaments, and tidy rows of European vendors displaying their abundant Christmas wares and decorations. It's not Frankfurt or Vienna, but the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, which is a traditional German Christmas market. Right before Thanksgiving, John and I headed over to Daley Plaza to check out the various vendor stalls, market food, and traditional German crafts. We were able to eat some leberkäse, a fried dumpling with blueberry jelly inside, and had some hot chocolate in commemorative mugs in the shape of a small boots. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Christkindlmarket and it features crafts and ornaments directly from Germany that would otherwise be very difficult to find within the United States. We had a lot of fun walking around and looking at all the wonderful crafts at the market. We can't wait until next year.

Jadeite

I have an extreme and passionate devotion to jadeite.  I got my first pieces when I was in college and since then my obsession has only intensified.  Jadeite is a type of pale green American glassware that was produced from the middle of the 20th century.  Some companies are still creating reproductions and new pieces today.  Either old or new, jadeite is very durable, strong, and aesthetically appealing.   

Characterized as being a sea-foam green, some older versions of jadeite can be slightly darker, while some can be more transparent, which is a version known as 'clam broth'.  Originally, jadeite was sold very inexpensively, sometimes sold in promotional sets from hardware stores, but its popularity and value has grown greatly.  Most people can find common plates, mugs, bowls, and other dishes, but more obscure pieces such as butter dishes, and rare serving bowls (like the tear-drop shaped Swedish bowls) are harder to find and can be very expensive.  

Jadeite is my version of my 'fine china' and I'm incredibly proud of my collection, and like any good collector, I can't wait to come across my next great find.  If you'd like a further introduction to jadeite, check out this video.  Below are some photos of my personal collection.   

Refrigerator canister

Egg cups

Butter dish