So This is Bliss

Look at what my dad got me for Christmas! It's perfect. So I think this deserves another list of 5 Blissful Moments.

1. Being in a warm bed.

2. Discovering a new band and not knowing how you lived this long with out their music.

3. A brownie and a cup of coffee when its cold outside.

4. Completely empty trash cans. Is that weird? Just knowing that I will not have to empty that thing for a while somehow makes me really happy.

5. Watching a good Miami Dolphins game when they are reeeeeeaaally close to winning and every play is edge of your seat exciting.

P.S. Sorry Dad but I think I might paint this a new color. Perhaps with a white lacquer finish? I'll keep you posted on the DYI.

Sex and the City 2 Trailer

Look what came out the other day! I am a die hard Sex and the City fan, I have seen every episode a number of times and I own every season on DVD. Needless to say I was thrilled for the first movie. And truthfully, I was a little disappointed. It was the same girls and the same story but in a cheesy movie format. But I have hopes for this movie. And I know I will watch it and love it and I will buy the DVD the day it comes out.

I have found that a lot of people don't like Sex in the City. That their lives seems so unrealistic and the girls are always complaining. But I can tell you that the show is very realistic. While living in Boston my life has consisted of meeting friends for brunch and dinners at the newest, trendiest restaurants. That shopping on city streets with fabulous window displays do happen. And touring the city for wine tastings do occur. And this is only in Boston. Imagine the possibilities in New York.

And guess what girls do when they get together? They talk about their lives. I guess it could come off as complaining but who else are you going to talk to about life? Our boyfriends and husbands don't necessarily like to hear complaining but most importantly they can't relate. For example, I was telling APM that I found this fabulous Max Azria dress on sale in the Boston store for $90. And when I went to the Max Azria store in Miami it was full price at $300. And his response "That's great, but tell Christina because she might appreciate it better." Honest answer. And guess what? She was a lot more excited then he was. It's true. We have our girlfriends for a reason.

So the moral of the story is, you know where I will be come May 2010 with who else but my girlfriends.

A White Christmas in the Vineyard

(Can you see the tree house and the chair underneath? This is the biggest Christmas Tree I have ever had :)

The weekend before Christmas I was visiting in the Vineyard and we had an absolutly beautiful snow fall. It was coined "Blizzard 2009" but I imagine it could be worse. However, I did not plan for it and I didn't bring any snow gear with me so I stayed inside by the fire all day. Not a bad gig. But I did find out that a 14" snowfall + a warm fire + 6 hungry people =

Look what I found in all places, Martha's Vineyard.

Parmesan Black Pepper Crackers

The other day I wanted to make something but didn't want to put too much effort into it. (isn't that awful?) In the meantime I saw this recipe on Cupcakes and Cashmere for Parmesan Black Pepper Crackers. Which linked me to this Food Network recipe. Which to my surprise, was crafted by Ina Garden. Who is quite possibly my favorite celebrity chef.
They were so simple to make and it was so neat to know that I can actually make crackers. They were very light, almost a shortbread texture, and absolutely delicious. Also, Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere suggested adding a few drops of water and buttering the baking tray. Both things I tried and both things I also suggest. I took them over to my well experienced cooking friend Kelly, and she even liked them too!

(I know it's awful that I used dried thyme instead of fresh thyme, but hey we're in a recession.)

My Apologies

I haven't been up to date with my post lately. A very busy work week = less blogging.

However, I do have to say that I am very excited for Christmas! I get to fly home and have Christmas the way its supposed to be. In 85 degree weather that is. My family and I celebrate Christmas at midnight soon after Santa arrives...a.k.a. my uncle shaking jingle bells and giving a really good rendition of "Ho Ho Ho". In case your wondering why he pretends to be Santa, its for the little ones, who still believe he exist.

{Do you remember really believing Santa existed? Like you really pictured this jolly man circumnavigating the world and stopping at your house to deliver gifts, all possible due to different time zones. Such good memories.}

Then after opening all the gifts, we eat a HUGE meal at approximately 12:30 a.m. Then we go to bed and get to sleep in as late as we want. After that, you wake up and have leftovers of the food you ate a few hours ago. Such a good time, and I can not wait to do it all over again this year!

What to pack: Bathing Suit. Check. Flip Flops. Check. Sunscreen. Check. I love it.

Coming to a Mailbox Near You

Usually when I plan a DYI project, I get really excited and go out and purchase all the "ingredients" for the project... but then it all just sits there...and nothing gets done...and it becomes a fabric/glue/ribbon graveyard, just waiting to be made into something fabulous.

So this year I decided to make my own Christmas cards. I'm not going to lie, I was worried these cards would not get done in time. But its amazing how productive I am when I have a deadline. So one night of watching Real Housewives of Orange County later I finished the cards. And guess what? I didnt like them that much. A little too bland. No life. Looked like an art project you use to keep kids busy in school.

So I went out and bought ribbon. One more night of watching Tabatha's Salon Takeover later I was satisfied with the cards.

Tad-da!

Winter Blues

On Friday, while I was sitting in a frigid living room in frigid Boston, I was watching House Hunters International: St. John. And it made me reminisce about the good ol days of warm weather and beautiful beaches...and the Beach Bar.

Ol' Ivan...such a ladies man

When can we go back?

Real Little Notes

How cute are these cards from Sycamore Street Press? I found them while reading one of my fav blogs, Cup of Joe, and they are just the dearest things.

A french bull dog speaking french

That's a true friend

Every once in while, don't you wonder how many time you have to say "thank you for the thank you"? This card answers that problem :)

Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement

This one is my favorite!

This card should probably go along with a fist pump.

A Little Note

Dear Florida,

When I wake up on a Saturday morning to this

and have to scrape the ice off my car......I really hope I still have a home there, even if it is just for a visit.

Happy Weekend

Hello weekend! I thought you had left me, but alas, you made it back again.

I actually have exciting plans this weekend!

It starts with a fun, non stressful night with the wonderful APM.

Then I get to wake up early tomorrow for a manicure.

Next is a fantastic lunch with Helen at Aquitaine in the South End.

Finishing off Saturday with a classic Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with friends.

Then to top it all off, Sunday I'm going to my first official wedding!

(as an adult, if I want to call myself that)

I'm really not that interested in weddings, I hear they're never really all that fun. But I have a strange hankering that this wedding will be very exciting. I believe its the first of APM's friends to officially tie the knot, and knowing these boys, I'm sure everyone will be riled up.

(And yes the most exciting part about a wedding, for me anyways, is that I get to wear a fancy dress that I never wear because nobody seems to care too much about what they wear in Boston. Mostly how big their brain is. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.)

Live in the Moment

My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither,

but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate.

~Thornton Wilder

Let's play a game...

GUESS THE FOOD

Give up? Its Blackwater Scotch Eggs. Still have no idea what that is?


Me neither, but apparently APM was very gun-ho about trying it.



Inside these little fried balls of goodness are 2 hard boiled eggs wrapped in a pork sausage, spices & breadcrumb coating, then deep fried until golden brown.

And I know you are dyyyyyiiiing to try it. So I'm going to fill you in on where to get such a fine cuisine. Stop by the Banshee in Dorchester. I'm sure they'll have enough to go around.

(lighting provided by my good friend Jenn in a dark bar, she should look into lighting as a career move)

Fat Kid: Part 2

APM and I had a long glorious and glutenous Thanksgiving weekend. It all started with a beautiful flower that crossed the great Atlantic Ocean to get to me (or is it just Nantucket Sound?) From Chilmark, MA I present a hydrangea :)

We started the weekend with bread pudding from Pie in the Sky. No Photo available, however, it was delicious. But here is a photo of the bakery.

We then traveled to Whole Foods to get ingredients for Wild-Mushroom Bread Pudding. And guess who we saw?! Steve Tyler! Freaking Steve Tyler! I WISH I took a picture. I always feel stupid taking pictures of celebrities in their normal life, but now I wish I had a photo of me and Steve hanging out in Whole Foods. Oh well, he's only a memory now...

Next was dinner at Salsa's in Southie. No picture available. But please go just for their sangria.

Thanksgiving morning started with fresh toasted ciabatta bread, raspberry preserve, local honey, fresh blackberries, parmesan cheese and espresso. (sometimes I pretend we're french)

Then we had a Thanksgiving feast. And I didn't take a single picture! All that food and no proof of it. I need to step up my blogger game.

Friday was a long lazy day. A lot of laying around doing nothing. Very relaxing.

Saturday we got up early and drove down to Martha's Vineyard. It is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Few cars and only your favorite people.

I spent a few hours Saturday afternoon with Eniko. She is hands down one of my favorite people. We could chat for hours if life allowed us. She has taught me so much and I'm sure many other life lessons will come of our friendship (as well as more Spiked Cider and Pumpkin Pie we had on Saturday.)

Sunday morning was spent at my favorite brunch restaurant. Park Corner Bistro. I'm a little partial to this place because I worked here for a while, but Jesse really is an amazing chef and I love everything he cooks up. And as the owner/chef he really makes you feel welcome in his restaurant.

APM had the Eggs Benedict.

And I had Papas Platos with a side of Bloody Mary. In case you don't know, Papas Platos is a pile of fried potatoes, fresh guacamole, sour cream, caramelized onions, grilled bacon, fresh pico de gallo, and two eggs, any way you like them. a.k.a. heaven. And his Bloody Marys are The Best I have ever had. I'm not a big fan of this morning cocktail, but Jesse's recipe is health in a glass. A couple hours and a couple Nutty Irishmen later, we left Park Corner Bistro and stopped by Offshore Ale House where our friend was working. By some miracle APM was hungry again. And Offshore offers some of the best pizza on the island. Our favorite is the Potato Pizza. Basically potato skins on pizza dough.
I put this pic in because if you look really close you can see the St. Germain glass I got from Jesse. Watch out St. Germain, your stock just went up.
Offshore is a brewing company so I guess we'll show one of their bottled beers.

After this weekend, I will be eating this meal every. single. day. Butter optional.

I love it

“Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby."

-- Langston Hughes

Ikat...no I can!

OK that was a bad joke (see above), but look how great these pillows are! I'm not sure if Ikat is on its way out, but I'm still in love with the idea. Ikat adds a great pattern to a room without being too crazy. And at $19 a pop, you cant go wrong.

Tear...

She's leaving us. She has up and decided that 25 years was enough...Some of you might know this, and most of you probably don't, but one of my life goals was to be on Oprah.

Like really be a guest on her show.

I didn't care what for. Maybe for the invention of a new kitty litter box, or because I happen to see aliens land and she wanted my "eye-witness" account.

I didn't care.

I just know that I will be very sad come 2011. She is going to start her very own network. Which I imagine will be a good Oprah Winfrey Show replacement, but somehow it just wont be the same.

Come One Come All

Boldfacers is sponsoring a shopping event tonight.

And of course it comes at a time that I have vowed to halt any personal shopping until all Christmas presents are purchased.

However, when did a little window shopping hurt anyone? I mean, I could be shopping for my sister, who so happens to be the same size and body type as me...

Happy Birthday Sis!

Today is my little sister's 23rd birthday!

I can't believe it! She really is turning into quite a strong woman and I can not wait to see her again soon so we can relic about being in our "mid 20's."

Happy Birthday Angie!

Hope it's a great year.

HBD lil' sis.

Pic by Southern Charm Decor, and sweetums.com.au

I Need a Boost

My work has been crazy this week and I just need a boost of happiness to keep going today.


Image from Garance Dore

Fat Kid

Dear My Lovely Dietitian Momma,

I promise I eat very healthy Monday 7:00 a.m. through Friday 5:00 p.m. The weekend is my time to enjoy all those brownies, french fries, cupcakes and root beer I passed up during the week. I do enjoy these guilty pleases and somehow I have mastered the art of fitting many of them into a short 55 hour period. Below is just a sampling of last weekend...

Cesar Salad. It might say salad, but we all know its not good for you.

Pulled pork sandwich topped with fried onion rings and a side of french fries. Wait, I see a vegetable in that picture, a pickle.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll for dessert.

Anyone know where I can find Pillsbury Orange Rolls? Is it just a southern thing?