A final thought for 2010...

Have you made your New Year's resolutions?

I've been sick all day and just pulled myself from a tangle of bed sheets to pen mine.

I'm feeling a little blue to be so sick on my first New Year's Eve in a new city.

My best friend is in town too and sadly, I don't think I'll make our special dinner plans.

But, I won't enter a new year with heavy boots.

Instead, I'll just consider this the 'purge' before a brand new year.

I love the promise of a New Year, don't you?

I'm especially nostalgic this New Year's Eve,

 as 2010 was a particularly poignant year for me.

I am appreciative beyond words and gestures,

for the adventure that this past year created for me.

From the deepest, most secret part of my tender heart,

I am

grateful.

I've mentioned more than once that

I'm no good when it comes to change.

I'm clumsy and stubborn and it seems to be a constant struggle for me.

Every year I resolve to be more flexible, more forgiving and more calm.

This year, I will try again but with a different approach.

2010 taught me that many changes, although difficult,

can be really amazing.

I welcome 2011 with a full heart and an open mind.

I hope you do, too.

xo

Happy Birthday Lil' Sister

Happy Birthday to my silly little sister

who, after 23 years,

 still thinks having a birthday between Christmas 

and New Years is pretty special.

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She cracks me right up!

Oh, December babies; extra wishes to all of you

because let's face it- your presents are totally bundled. 

xo

A Quiet Hush in the After...

Following all the frenzy and fun,

it's officially the 'after' as in, 'after Christmas.' 

I am counting my lucky stars that I was graced 

with snow while home in Connecticut.

And not just a dusting mind you, a big old blizzard. 

I enjoyed simply moments with my family and friends- 

most of which took place on a couch with a fire roaring.

The above photo is our living room mantle. 

Isn't that string of tin ornaments cute? 

This, is the lazy girl's trip home. 

And I am loving every minute. 

More later, friends.

xo

Oh Little Tree...

While I love my little tree in San Francisco,

I thought I'd share the magnificent tree 

that is waiting for my arrival in Connecticut.

What a tree!

I wonder if it knows it was destined for beauty? 

xo

On Dasher, on Prancer!

Heading home for the holidays this morning!

Cross your reindeer hooves that this California rain won't stop me.

A friend snapped this photo during some travel earlier this week, and it makes me giggle.

Oh, how I love the excitement and anticipation leading up to Christmas.

I don't even mind the hectic energy in the airports,

especially when they lighten the mood with funny boarding information.

I've been dreaming of gingerbread houses and cracklin' fires all week long.

Safe travels to those of you packing up your candy canes and yule logs.

Talk soon, friends!

xo



Cliff Hanger!

Good grief.

This is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

Actually, it's definitely more parts terrifying.

But something so very cool about it, don't you think?

I don't think I could ever be quite that brave.

I spotted it on Cup of Jo 

who spotted it here

and the whole thing makes me feel pretty silly 

for considering myself  to be somewhat adventurous. 

xo 



California Christmas

I love these succulent Christmas trees.

Don't they scream California Christmas?

I spotted them on 100 layercake...

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...and I cannot stop gushing.

 I think my sister should try and make these.

Oh California, you are too darn cool.



Gingie Ningies

UM.

I spotted these adorable and sassy little gingie ningies on

hither and thither

and they really brightened my day.

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I want to be the guest that brings Ninjabread Men

to the next holiday cocktail party.

So cute!

Humph.

Yesterday was plain awful.

Today kind of stinks too.

Filled with a lot of, "I made a mistake... and I'm sorry's..."

All I want to do is wear big wooly socks, curl up on the couch with Little Cat

and drink hot chocolate and watch Little Women.

Tomorrow will be better.

Plus, I'm baking a cake tonight, so.. it has to be.

Cake tomorrow!

xo



Champagne Celebrations

'Tis the season....

 to pop the question and put a ring on it!

Virtual champagne toasts to three very dear friends

and each of their lucky lads.

Whew!

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San Francisco, Greenwich and New York

have a whooole lotta love in the air.

Three cheers to the beaming brides-to-be and their grinning future grooms.

xo

Scenes from the Weekend

This weekend proved that indeed, things are beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

My sister was in Vermont, and she sent me a photo of two reindeer

who look like they're prepping for the upcoming flight with the Big Man in Red.

I also managed to scrounge up the Charlie Browniest

Christmas Tree of them all. It took approximately 4.5 minutes to set up,

and it has but one lonely ornament on it's sweet little branches.

Saturday night I discovered some pretty festive holiday lighting near the Pan Handle.

I was waiting for some friends to head into a party,

and was quite delighted with the sights.

And finally, every time I get a little blue that there will never be a

White Christmas in San Francisco,

I should look at this photo of the sunset we were graced with on Sunday evening.

Mother Nature provided the most magical and merry light show of all.

Happy Monday, friends.

xo

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Whew!

Pardon my pause.

It's been a busy week of bustling about gearing up for holiday parties galore.

Tonight, I'll be rockin' around the Christmas tree in my bachelorette pad.

I have a friend coming over to help me string lights,

so that it feels a bit more merry and bright.

I've been a little 'Bah Humbug' about Christmas in San Francisco,

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but this weekend is full of holiday craft fairs, cocktail parties,

and all sorts of tinsel-filled fun. I'll be channeling my inner-snow angel too.

It's 69 and humid here in California this weekend. 

Maybe I'll throw on some mittens tonight just to feel more winter-ready.

Enjoy all the reindeer games this weekend, friends!

xo



A Love Letter To New York, at Christmas

Dear New York,

It's impossible to put into words

just how intensely

 and immensely

 I am missing you during the holidays. 

I've tried now, for two days...but I just end up gulping down a cry.

In fact, I feel a very long way from home.

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So,  please.

If you can,

just know that this December, I am thinking of you.

I am thinking of you.

All the time.

And for the very first time, I feel incomplete here...

without your glorious Christmas glitz.

xo 

Sick Day

I'm sick as a dog and spending the day

at home, curled up on the couch.

I'm hoping my sniffles and sneezes will cease for the weekend.

Lots of excitement planned...

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Happy first weekend in December, friends!

xo

Festival of Lights

In my family, we tinsel the tree and light the menorah; how lucky is that?

Plus, Festival of Lights has such a nice ring to it.

I love this floral menorah card by

Rifle Paper Co.

Why is it that all Hanukkah cards are so serious

with their deep royal blues and gilded golds?

C'mon people, it's a festival after all!

Happy Hanukkah, friends.

Here's to a delightful December.

xo

Holiday Recipe Exchange: Sweet & Sour Chicken

I am so excited to participate in Pretty Mommy's Holiday Recipe Exchange.

(What a bevy of brilliant bloggers she's corralled!)

There have been ravenous recipes, I must admit, and today it is my turn to step up to the skillet.

I've decided to sway from the conventional holiday cuisine,

 and share my rendition of Sweet & Sour Chicken.
 (Adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Foods.)

I actually made this while I was back home over Thanksgiving weekend.

We were craving a dinner as far away from Plymouth Rock as you could get!

*Chef's Notes

I've included the original recipe; but I changed some components and I've listed my rendition in the notes below.

• My sous-chef (Dad) and I served diced chicken breast instead of wings, cooking the chicken on the stove rather than baking it in the oven. This significantly reduces your prep-time and had a lot to do with the fact that I was eager to use chopsticks, a skill I've developed way too late in life. This is a big game-changer, but I felt it really made the dish more of a dinner, than an appetizer or 'game food.'
• We decided to throw in a couple of orange peels into the sauce as it simmered- this smelled great!
•  We were rather generous when measuring the honey. We probably put about 3/4 cups into the sauce.
• We served the diced chicken over rice and green beans (leftover green beans from Thanksgiving dinner- score!)

Sweet & Sour Chicken

-Serves 4-

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup clover or wildflower honey
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 3 pounds chicken wings or (4 chicken breasts)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

1. Preheat over to 475. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and reduces by half; about 30 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. You should have 2/3 cup sauce.

2. Meanwhile, arrange chicken wings in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden, crisp, and cooked through; about 35 minutes. Drain fat from sheet and with tongs, transfer wings to the bowl of sauce. Toss until wings are coated and most of sauce is absorbed; about 3 minutes. To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and chives, if desired.



Be sure to check back at Pretty Mommy for

a continuous list of holiday delights throughout the month.

Enjoy!

xo

A Recap on Giving Thanks

Snippets of Thanksgiving:

I crafted with my mom (yes, I actually made pilgrim props) 

and natured walked with my dad. I traded stories with my sisters,
and caught up with dear friends.

I made pumpkin ice cream pie,
and sweet and sour chicken.  

And I finally learned how to use chopsticks,

albeit a bit clumsily.

I met a friend’s sweet baby boy.

I sat curled up next to roaring fires with mugs of tea

and the company of household pets (that face!)

Coming home is always good.

But transitioning between west and east takes me a day or two.

I fumble around for a bit before I catch my bearings.

I am thankful for the peace and calmness in my heart.

For my family, and my friends.

I am thankful that I am understanding that the best you can do,

is to try and surround yourself with love and kindness.

Wishing you many blessings as we usher in December.

xo

*all images are my own

SFO-JFK

I know this photograph is actually going East to West

instead of West to East, but you get the idea.

Plus, I think Paul's work is really cool.

I'm homeward-bound today for a true New England Thanksgiving.

Leaves are still green here in San Francisco and it's all very, very confusing.

Wherever your travels take you today and tomorrow,

go safely and with thanks.

xo

127 Hours

I saw Danny Boyle's 127 Hours this weekend.

I. Cannot. Stop. Thinking. About. It.

The intensity level of the movie made it hard to even speak

when the lights came up in the theater.

James Franco's performance was incredible,

and now all I want to do today is google Aron Ralston's story.

I've hiked Canyonlands, which is where Aron's story takes place.

Danny Boyle's filmmaking captured the instincts, fears, and sheer thirst so well.

What a testament to Aron's will to live.

Absolutely gripping.

Lady in Red

Confession.

Sometimes when I go into stores that offer clothes at a less expensive price point,

I get really confused and flustered.

I end up second guessing every choice

and assume there must be a catch since most items are relatively inexpensive.

I guess that makes me a cynic...

Until now!

First spotted here.

I am in l-o-v-e with this entire outfit from Zara.

In fact, I think I need to wear it over Thanksgiving Weekend.

I love the rolled up red jeans and her little black ballet flats.

Cute, cute, cute!

Sally Draper Goes Glam

Seriously?

I love this little girl.

Kiernan Shipka is not only absolutely captivating and 

eerily hypnotizing as Sally Draper on Mad Men,

but she also thinks long division is cool and is learning to speak French.

Did I mention she's 10?

She's so beautiful in this photo shoot by Interview Magazine

It doesn't even bother me that they've dressed her up in grown-up clothes.

She looks exactly like the little lady that she is.

xo

Thanksgiving with Colleagues

My office is hosting a Thanksgiving party tonight.

I was quite tickled to learn that our agency has made a tradition of this.
The turkey and wine are provided.  

The rest?  Up to us.

I'm responsible for the stuffing... for 60+ co-workers.

I kept it really traditional- adding nothing but onions and celery.

Stuffing is NOT something to get fancy with when dealing with the masses, folks.

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It's a good thing I like spending time in the kitchen!

Last night I put on some music, poured some wine,

and hoped to high heaven that the smell of onions sauteing in butter

wouldn't lure in the homeless man living on the fourth floor of my building.

We have a beautiful and spacious test kitchen on-site at the office,

so it really will feel authentic.

All of us bopping about, fighting for oven time and second helpings of mashed potatoes.

Cheers!

xo

An Open Letter...

Dear Cross-Dressing Homeless Man

Who Has Taken Up Residence

In The 4th Floor Alcove Of  My Apartment Building,

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Please leave.
It's creepy.

Warmest regards,

xo

Pilgrim Party!

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week.

It's one of my top three favorite holidays.

How can a holiday centered on good food and good company not be on the Top Three list?

I am heading back east for Thanksgiving, which only feels right.

After all, the pilgrims didn't land on a dock by the bay for goodness sakes!

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I'm surprised how quickly fall has come... and how quickly it seems to be going,

but I'm anxious to get home.

I've got an injured mom who could use a little extra love and attention,
and a best friend I need to hug desperately.

Not to mention,
I'm making the hats pictured above for a few friends,

as we say a toast to Plymouth Rock on Thanksgiving Eve.

 More on all things related to turkey in the coming days!

xo

R & R

It's been a heck of a week...

Wishing I could be about three places at once,
but so very grateful to be heading to the 'burbs for much needed R&R with an old friend.

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Sending love from California...

xo



Sidekicks by the Sea...

Today I feel like I am counting my pennies.

My mind is racing in a million different directions too.

Naturally, I allowed adult attention disorder to take the reins,

and I decided to look at beautiful things to take my mind off my empty wallet. 

Isn't this photo lovely and beautiful?

I spotted it here.

Oh, to be on blanket with the sea as my backdrop.

Bottle of wine, and two buddies by my side.

When I googled the movie this photo is from

I discovered it's about two college friends travelling through Europe one summer-

both falling in love with the same woman. Juicy!

Every bit of this, the image and the premise of the movie made me smile.

xo

Apartment Project

I've been a little antsy for a good DIY project for my apartment.

I was considering painting a chevron pattern on my living room wall,

but I got a little 'online shopping happy'

and I think there are enough patterns and textures in that room for now.

There are far craftier members of my family- actually, everyone in the extended family too,

but I came across a project I think I can tackle.

Save for my fear of measuring... I should  be able to pull this off.

These entryways have been 'temporarily' wallpapered

using Japanese masking tape.

I found the above inspirations, and learned all about it here.

How fun is that?

I think I could definitely do this in my entrance hallway,

without being too intimidated or flustered.

I'm thinking chocolate brown tape against my light beige walls.

Thoughts?

xo

Advice From a Friend...

I was writing to my best friend today, and her response back to me was simple and poignant.

"It's okay to be a bit cautious...

but don't lose your spontaneous spirit...

because that is who you are."

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Words to break a heart I tell ya.' 

In a good way.

Advice from best friends is so wise, and so true.

xo

Sunday Supper

Sunday was ushered in with grey and rain and general yuck.

After a jam-packed, warm weather weekend, I was ready to cozy in for the day.

 I hadn't cracked open a cookbook in way too long,

and I think baking and cooking for yourself can be such a simple and self-indulgent pleasure.

It was a perfect grey Sunday to experiment in the kitchen.

I didn't have bold ambitions- I selected Ina Garten's recipe for chicken piccata-

but the lemony-buttery dish was oh-so-pleasing to my palate.

There is truth to the statement that food tastes

better when you knowthe steps it took to make it.

I feel a sense of accomplishment when I follow a recipe and then sit down to enjoy it.

I bought a beautiful deep purple eggplant and some cute little brussels sprouts too...

 I'll have to get creative with those beauties tonight!

xo

65th

Go, Federer, go!

Congratulations on your 65th career win- and on home turf no less.

Surpassing Sampras must feel surreal...

Rumor has it, Rog treated all the ball boys and girls to a

celebratory pizza party after the tournament win.

Cute!

Marathon Sunday

The New York City Marathon is my absolute

hands down, favorite day to be a New Yorker.

I love the energy from the crowd-

the collective euphoria and excitement that everyone is recycling through the city.

Beyond a spectacle, it’s really more of a New York holiday.

The city is at its most magical;

with a steady pulse of encouragement that can be heard in every borough.

I have a lot of wonderful Marathon Sundays under my belt-

strictly speaking as a spectator, of course.

I remember last year in particular, beers in hand at a bar located on a prominent part of the runner’s route- right where the marathoners round an uphill bend.

I told my friends I was considering a big move,

that I was ready for a change of pace.

This conversation occurring before applying to graduate school,

and long before applying for new jobs out west.

I never put it together, but thinking back now, how symbolic really,

to have had this conversation unravel at a pivotal moment in the actual race course,

with thousands of people running by- all depending on,

well, a personal pace.

I’m wishing my dearest friends a sunny and crisp day of marathon watching, cheering,

and for one of you, running.

I'll be in a New York State of mind all Sunday long…

xo