Dearest ones, I'm afraid I've been neglecting you, but it's only so I can take care of myself, so I'm pretty sure you approve. At this time of year, I am usually a bundle of nerves (discreetly packaged under a cool exterior) as I quietly curse myself for biting off more than I can chew. But this year, this year of health coaching and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, I achieved something resembling balance. Sometimes I am still very uncomfortable accomplishing less, but I am sitting still for that and letting it happen. And I feel better. I do. One thing I had to relinquish this year was the pop-up shop on my blog. (Sob.) I developed some very beautiful things, including a whole line of ceramics with my beloved and talented friend Mirena Kim, who is starting to get some of the attention she deserves. I also worked with spice wizard Lior Lev Sercarz on a custom blend just for Glutton for Life. But there's always next year, right? And, in the meantime, I'm going to be giving away some very choice items every week between now and Christmas. That makes this a great time to subscribe, if you haven't already, so you'll get an email alert when a new post goes up. (Sign up next to the little heart at the top of the page.)

I'm kicking off the Grand Holiday Gift Extravaganza with this gorgeous set of nesting bowls from Mirena Kim. (Read more about her here, here and here.) She's a potter, a graphic designer and an accomplished cook who brings a wonderfully refined simplicity to everything she touches. This set is in dark earthy tones of brown, glazed on the inside; the largest one has an interior of deep sea green.

I have quite a few of these small bowls from Mirena and I use them constantly, in every room of the house, to hold everything from spices to soap to jewelry. They are the ultimate mise en place bowls, ideal for helping you stay organized as you prep and cook.

The smallest one is perfect as a salt cellar, to keep either by the stove or on the table.

I'm excited to send this set of Mirena Kim nesting bowls to one of you! Just leave a comment below telling me about the best gift you ever received before Sunday 12/7 at midnight. I'll anounce the winner early next week...at the same time I post another giveaway!