Jan 11 | THE GOULD HOMESTEAD– The Gould Family Christmas was today. In the top 20 hottest days since the beginning of the records (1800’s), today was a remarkable setting for the family to come together.  By 9am, Isaac & my macaroons suffered yet another mishap as both the Turkish Delight & Salted Caramel fillings flopped in front of our eyes. We had a night, in between the cracked and fallen cookies, to accept their lackluster beauty. The filling flop however, was too much to take for this introverted kitchen novice. After conceding to try it again on a less high strung day, we were finally ready to open presents.

I can’t go through everything that everyone got, and honestly I can’t even remember all the beautiful things that were bestowed upon me. The one thing that I am absolutely surprised and in love with were a pair of Australian UGG Boots (AUTHENTIC) that I was coveting online for a few weeks that Stephanie got on a covert mission to Fremantle at request of Lynne & Nat. Up until I found this company, I was under the impression that the 5 year UGGs I had at home were authentic, from Australian Sheep, made in Australia. In fact, the American UGGs (which claim to be Australian UGGs) are not even made from Australian sheep, made in Australia, or even have a story that has to do with Australia. In fact, the recent drama in the news about UGG’s manufacturing their boots overseas, and having inhumane animal practices, was actually the American UGG company. The Australian UGG (australianugg.com.au) comes from Australian Sheep, tanned in Australia, made by hand in Australia, etc. It’s interesting because here, the authentic UGGs come in just a few styles (largely to the handmade manufacturing), on the other hand, look at how America commercialized the product to appeal to a mass market. Anyhow, they are super cute, comfy, and I can’t wait to show them off in the States! Thank you Nat, Lynne, & Steph!

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Christmas “dinner”, though rather more like lunch, featured copious amounts of food; turkey, ham, stuffing, green beans, corn, potato bake, tiramisu cake, chocolate cake, honey nougat ice cream, raspberry ice cream, etc. We had a pretty ample wine tasting after dinner, and we had a good few laughs. Another thing that is unique to Aussie Land are what are called “Bon Bons”. They look like big candies that you pull apart. Each has a little paper crown inside, a joke, and a prize (small tops, combs, barrettes, miniature figurines, and the most random is fake fingernail?).  Purri even put a green Barrette from one in his beard. I was a little too slap happy to think of taking a photo, and probably less confident about him keeping it in for one.

After a nap for the adults, the younger ones of the Gould Clan gathered at Purri & Stephs for dinner, spirits, and board games. When Isaac & I got there, Purri and his business partner were trying out their new tile & grout cleaning equipment for their new business venture (A Clean Slate). It was actually really awesome to be around at the first testing of their equipment. It was weird walking into that sort of energy & excitement; calculated curiosity is the best way I can describe it. Though we never played board games, we had an awesome time all taking the personality tests!

**SIDE NOTE: “Thank You” Uncle Matt for the lady shaped beer cozies. I think you can tell how proud Seton’s Mum is! 🙂