Dear Santa... It's Complicated

[WARNING: Bad word ahead! Clear out the kids!]

Today is the start of Dear Santa week, so time to get those letters out to St. Nick, minions!

This is when you tell Santa how you didn't murder anyone this year even though you really really wanted to, so you totally deserve that Benedict Cumberbatch body pillow and lifetime subscription to Wicked Whoopies. You know, just as a "for instance."

[side eye]

Of course, personally assessing your own "good" or "bad" behavior beyond non-murder can be a little dicey. I mean, who HASN'T slipped up from time to time

or accidentally said what they were thinking out loud

or sent an in-law a giant horse's.... butt?

Ahh, but not to worry! One baker has done all the work for us this year, perfectly summing up our collective behavior during 2022 in a single, surprisingly eloquent cookie cake:

Yeeeeahhh.

But there were extenuating circumstances, Santa, honest.

Thanks to Mark M., Alyssa P., Jennifer D., & Jodi N. for the capital letter.

*****

P.S. Listen, I know - I KNOW - it's too early to be posting Christmas stuff... but hear me out:

Tree Rex T-Shirt

This is my all-time favorite Christmas tee, and I'm so excited to start wearing it again soon. The graphic is bright and cheery, it's super soft, and only $14! Plus it comes in more colors and cuts for Men and Kids at the link.

******

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Sunday Sweets Welcomes A Slice Of Fall

Recently I experienced something wondrous and oh-so-rare for a Floridian: I got a little chilly outside. That's right, my friends, it got down to almost 74 degrees. Granted, it was nearly midnight at the time, but I'LL TAKE IT.

So this is me officially welcoming Fall, the Sweetest way I know how:

(By Marion's Vintage Bakery)

And also the sparkliest way I know how:

(By Albena's Custom Cakes)

Orange and teal is my favorite color combo, so I'm over the harvest moon for this stained glass beauty:

(By Sweet Art of Mine)

And this ruffly ombré reminds me of a crackling fire on a cold Autumn's night:

(By Karina Golovin)

Rustic wood planks are the perfect contrast to these gorgeous flowers:

(By Daantjes Taarten)

And this soft stenciling reminds me of aged plaster, with the perfect golden tone:

(By Mama Nena's Bakery)

The doorway in this stone tower is a brilliant use of trompe l'oeil:

(By Torty Viz)

Like peeking into another world!

I've never seen ruffles quite like the ones on this middle tier:

(By Dorty Havelkova)

They're like giant rose petals, but with a crisp modern flair. Love it.

More of my favorite colors - and a gorgeous reminder that Fall cakes can have cool colors, too!

(By Odry Cakes)

The teal is the perfect backdrop for all those turning leaves!

And finally, a Fall stunner with the most amazing topper and art:

(By Pasticci di Molly)

The umbrella, the falling leaves, those beautiful swirls of red hair... ah! That's it, I'm ready for sweater weather now.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

*****

P.S. Need a sweet gift for the person who has everything? Then how about a card that transforms into a bouquet:

Fresh Cut Pop-Up Bouquet

I've been raving about Fresh Cut Paper for a while now, and they have a bunch of styles to choose from, including a new pop-up wreath for Fall! Go see!

******

And from my other blog, Epbot: