After asking my readers to look at my crappy gift wrapping skills in my last post, I thought I’d show some nicer pictures in this one. Not surprisingly, none of these are things I had any hand in making!

a very yummy bread pudding

This (made by a family friend), was so good. It was sweet, with apples and pineapple juice, and tart with cranberries. It went back into the oven before serving and got a nice crust. I was very happy!

so pretty..

Mr. strivingcynic sent me these beautiful flowers for Valentine’s day. I love the colors.

a closer look

My camera (or possibly my nonexistent photo editing skills) don’t really do the colors justice. It is definitely a “lift” having flowers around. They were actually delivered to me at work (I thanked the delivery guy so much it was as if he’d gotten me the flowers..), but I decided to bring them home (especially good since they’re lasting through the weekend). By the way, yes, that’s the corner of a composition book in the photos. Do they bring back memories?

these are quite excellent

Mr. sc and I found ourselves at Trader Joe’s again last week. I’ll admit it….I walk around TJ’s hoping that I’ll see something that is a) new to me and b) too good to pass up. Usually these things work out well, although a few weeks’ ago’s wasabi seaweed snack purchase, not so much. I walked, I looked, I picked up, I inspected, I put things down. I was intrigued by things like their kettle corn cookies, falafel chips, and chocolate covered potato chips. But what you see in the picture was what got put in the cart. They call them “Pinachios” and they are pistachio and white chocolate cookies. And they are….well, as I said, quite excellent. I think it’s the pistachio that lured me in…I think usually white chocolate is combined with macadamia nuts. I can assure you, this pairing works as well.

and of course, strivingcynic cat is an essential for any "nice pictures" post

Sc cat just loves to bask in the morning sunbeams. Sometimes he looks at me and gives little “pet me, play with me” mews. When I do, sometimes he just closes his eyes and arches a little…sometimes he quickly gets up and gallops across the room (no doubt thinking “Sucker!”). He’s definitely smile inducing.

What picture(s) would you post for a “bit of nice”? What’s your favorite cookie combination?