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...

Glitterati

I know there are rules about matching/not matching your shoes to your belt, but how about your nails to your shoes?

Karolina Pump - Kate Spade

Deborah Lippmann - Happy Birthday Nail Polish

1,2,3 - Watch

1.

 The Muppets

2.

 The Wire

3.

Teddy

A Dreamy Promo

Who wants a Kindle? Who wants beautiful skin? Who wants soft hands? Who wants a yummy chocolate scented candle? Who wants all of the above for FREE?

(me! Me! ME!! Pick MEEEEEEE!)

OK...if it can't be me, then I hope it can be you!

Heady Bed is having a Sweet Dreams giveaway: simply visit and "like" their Facebook Page (HERE) and the promo post for an entry. Plus, share the post on your own Facebook wall in order to gain more chances to win.

I will be soooooo jealous of your silky smooth hands, but I promise to still be your friend.

Tutu Envy

Sometimes I wish that children's clothes came in my size. I would totally rock this sweater cape/tutu/slouchy boots combo:

Il Gufo

I mean, life would just be better with a tutu. Ah well...back to the sensible shoes and machine washable yoga pants.

 

Sneaky

Many of you know that my boyfriend is a Detective Ninja.

(Yep.)

So of course I am drawn to this little guy:

Ninja Flash Drive - The Container Store

Who wouldn't want to find a little ninja in their stocking? Just pass on the pair of nunchucks under the tree.

Queen of Hearts

THIS:

J.Crew - Heart Me Sweater

Be still, my beating heart.

Turkey Travel

In one week I will be (most likely) scrambling to pack for a Thanksgiving trip to an area of the country I've yet to explore. I'll give you three clues...

#1

#2

#3

Any guesses?

The Patch

These are the go-to greenery for Park Avenue planters in the winter. 

To me, they look like this, no?

Folksy & Festive

I think this would be a warm & fuzzy album to accompany the holidays:

A Very She & Him Christmas

Plus, its got "quirk", which we like.

Heady Bed Part I

Did you know that having sweet dreams is a step-by-step process?

Let me show you HERE.

No Tricks

Meet Jack Jr:

(a LuRuSo/Ricardo original)

Rich people like to be spooky, too:

(and tacky)

Someone's costume didn't come in time, so we had to go with a past option:

(long and low, but a hero nonetheless)

All treats, I'd say.