New Year's Wisdom

Happy New Year! I have a good feeling about 2014, how about you?

I'm making a few resolutions for 2014, mostly about forming good habits (Have you read The Power of Habit?) and putting myself out there more often.

I hope these words speak to you and inspire you to make 2014 the best year yet.

(inspired via Hip Hip Gin Gin)

December Resolutions

It's already the end of the year and I can't wait to take some time off work to enjoy the season. Since switching jobs, my energy has been tapped and I haven't posted as regularly, but I take that as a good sign that my new job is more fulfilling than any previous work I've done.

Wishing you all happy holidays and a relaxing end to the year!

November Resolutions

This year has been a blur, it's amazing that it is already November. It's best not to be too ambitious during the holiday season, but I did splurge today and order a Minolta 7s on Ebay. (That site gets me into trouble!) I'm also looking forward to my sister hosting Thanksgiving for the first time and helping with some of the sides and desserts.

Do you love the holidays or dread the extra festivities?

Punches Make a Comeback

You may have heard of Boozeday Tuesday by now and I thought it might be fun to showcase a few tidbits about the imbibements of which some of us indulge.

According to the Los Angeles Times, punch is making a comeback with it's communal atmosphere and potent combinations. Perfect for parties, punch is a low-maintenance entertaining drink. It is thought that the original punch, imbibed by British sailors in India contained five ingredients (one weak theory of the etymology of punch, is that it derives from panch, or "five" in Hindustani). The five key elements still include citrus, sugar, spirits, water, and spice. However, anything served in a punch bowl is considered punch, so the non-alcoholic variety need not be offended.

One punch gaining popularity is Pisco Punch. Pisco is a Peruvian brandy that traditionally pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple and of course the sourness of citrus. Are you ready to break out the punch bowl?

Peruvian Pisco Punch
via The Kitchen
Serves 10 to 12

1 bottle of Peruvian Pisco, 750 ml
1/2 small pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped into bite size pieces (about 2- 3 cups)
10 ounces (about 1 1/4 cup) simple syrup
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
1 small lime sliced into wheels, for garnish
1/2 lemon sliced into wheels, for garnish
Ice

In a punch bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Stir to combine, add a large chunk of ice, and serve.


(Image of Stawberry Pisco Punch via Honestly Yum)

Holiday Sweets

Do you make certain sweets for the holiday season?  I'm headed home this weekend for Christmas and I can't wait to make a few treats.

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, Sticky Buns

Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Holiday Season

How early do you start decorating for the holidays?  It seems like everyone has a different rule, just after Thanksgiving, first weekend in December, just before Christmas. . .  I for one can't wait to put up the tree and some twinkle lights.

1, 2, 3, 4

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's always nice to have a holiday and a break from work.  I hope everyone else in the US is having a lovely Thanksgiving and holiday weekend.

(Lonny November 2012)

Happy Halloween!

I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, but this spread from Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere makes a Halloween party vastly more appealing.

Happy Halloween!

(A Halloween Happening)

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you are all having a relaxing holiday full of family, food, and fireworks!

(image)

Happy New Year!

I hope you are all excited for 2012!  I know I always feel renewed at the start of a year.  It's nice to make some resolutions and reflect on your priorities and dreams.

This year I have a few things planned but you'll just have to wait...

Cheers!

(image)

Travel List: Belize

Can you believe it's already Christmas this Sunday?  I love spending a white Christmas with family in Utah, but just one year I want to spend Christmas somewhere warm.  I'm thinking Belize...

Belize has all the perks of Costa Rica at half the cost and with half the tourist: zip lining, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and beautiful beaches.

Have a Merry Christmas!

(polyvore)

Holiday Cards

I love holiday cards; they have such sweet sentiments and hold such tradition.

Although I'm not sending cards this year, I thought it was an interesting idea on hip hip gin gin to think of mailing holiday cards in support of the Postal Service.  They could use a boost.

1, 2

Gift Guide: Under $100

Here is the last installment of gift guides for the year.  This one is for the big spenders.  (This coming from someone without a job at the moment.)


I hope you all have fun finding presents for your loved ones.  It's one of my favorite things about the season.

Row 1:

Fjällräven Classic Kanken Backpack, $65

Zara Knit Clutch Wallet, $89.90

Terrain Antiqued Bird Mirror, $98

Row 2:

Stone & Honey Isosceles Necklace, $64

Crate & Barrel Astoria Candleholder Set, $54.95

Max & Chloe Belargo Stacking Ring, $64

Row 3:

Le Creuset Stonewear, $72

CB2 Knitted Pouf, $89.95

de Buyer Mandoline, $99.95

Row 4:

Cognac Leather Notebook, $88

UGG 'Dakota' Moccasin Slippers, $100

Banana Republic Leopard Gloves, $79.50

Gift Guide: Under $50

Gifts that are a bit of a splurge.  I tried to find a nice mix of luxury and practicality.

Row 1:

Terrain Candy Cane Pitcher, $38

Zara Basic Handbag, $35.90

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $38

Row 2:

Gorjana Tear Cluster Necklace, $50

Midori Brass Pen, $31.24

Bodum Bistro Juicer, $32.41

Row 3:

Vivo Square Bento Box, $36

Madewell Suede Skinny Belt, $39.50

Row 4:

CLEAN Eau de Parfum Spray, $38

CB2 Linus Throw, $49.95

Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Shaker, $32

Gift Guide: Under $25

I thought it would be fun to sort the gift guides by price this year.

Gifts don't need to be expensive to  be meaningful.  It is really about knowing the recipient and what you think would make them happiest. I love gifts that are useful, but still whimsical.

You can also check out my previous gift guides.

Row 1:

Campo Marzio Mini Ballpoint Pens, $18

365 Calendar from CB2, $19.95

La Cafetiere 8-Cup Rainbow French Press, $21.89

Row 2:

Decorate by Holly Becker from decor8, $23.10 

NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $24

Pantone Bone China Mug, $13

Row 3:

Topshop Button Tab Gloves, $20

J.Crew Thin Enameled Bangle, $20

Postalco Notebook, $14-$26

Row 4:

Progressive Lime Squeezer, $8.06

Midnight in Paris DVD, $17.99

Chicken Kitchen Timer, $13.50

Happy Friday!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  I'll be working on some gift guides for next week!

(image)