Newsworthy

 

 2011 is ending in the warmest of ways. I took a break to spend time with loved ones, but will be back to "liking" things before you can say Happy New Year. Hope your holidays have been merry & bright.

Lucky

Do you want a baby seal as a couch potato partner?

I bet you do now.

"Eat, Papa, Eat!"

Any guesses as to what movie the post title is quoting? Hint: It has to do with the color red.

 A lot of eating goes on this time of year and rightly so. That's what thick Irish wool sweaters and staying in the apartment watching Netflix under a throw are for. No need for flaunting the bod Oct-May. At least not in the places I've resided in (Minnesota, Ithaca, & New York City). Plus, "nobody likes a skinny Santa".

These slow-cooked, heavy duty foods may get a little complicated to conjure up, but playing with spices, aromatics, and roasting makes you feel part witch/part Ina (more about her later).

A few weeks ago we indulged in a seemingly lunch-like dinner: soup, salad, and bread. But the layering of numerous spices and hearty ingredients made it very seasonal and very fulfilling.

First up: Tyler Florence's fall salad that I originally spied HERE. I added some grape tomatoes & bacon crumbles, and subbed in spinach. Lots of fall flavor. I hope so; it's in the name.

We paired it with one of my favorites - Andaluca Butternut Squash Apple Soup.

This classic fall recipe choice has the addition of leeks.

I knew nothing about leeks prior to this recipe, but found David Lebovitz's blog very informative (as usual). I kind of want to put leeks in everything now.

Seattle based Andaluca also has a divine spicy sangria that we made use of during Hurricane Irene.

We finished by whipping up an easy homemade cinnamon applesauce thanks to a jaunt out to Warick, NY.

Next up...

Bought THIS the other day using a gift certificate I won (I won! I won! I never win things!) reading THIS blog.

Then, I met THIS lady.

See? Proof.

The only problem now? No idea how to cook a turkey. Maybe her book I bought for full price (Full price! Full price! I never pay full price!) will give me some guidance.

Accepting tips starting...now.

So Be Good For Goodness Sake

I can be naughty, I can be nice.

 Really photogenic. Both of us.

 Ready for my '80s business power lunch.

 Preparing for my Mrs. Claus days.

 Tight squeeze. Oh. And a bell.

Why do all of these Santas have monster hands?

 Totally was promised a toy after this one.

 No choice in the matter:

 My blue phase.

 Color coordination was a top priority.

 Don't Cry For Me, Argentina.

Some things never change. Happy Holidays!

This Land Is My Land

This is Minnesota Nice:

Minnesota Necklace - Maya Brenner Designs

The other 49 are available as well in sterling silver, 14k gold, or with an addition of a diamond.

I originally saw this featured in GOOP; get 25% off your purchase by using the code "GOOP25" through December 31st.

Ooh La La

Remember how I love THIS print?

Now there are additions to this vintage, classroom-inspired, francophile collection, all available at Double Merrick.

Now I just need to learn french. 

Crystal Ball

In my future, I see...

Beer Making Kit - Williams-Sonoma

+

I'll explain more later.

Take A Bow

So cute.

From The Gap - who knew?

Trunk Show

Spotted in Virginia:

Where do they sell such things?

Strange As It Seems

This is an actual casting notice:

Kibbles & bits & bits & bits...