The Best is Yet to Come

Always at the end of the year, I already have my list of resolutions for the new year. However, I still reflect on memories and teachings from the years past and smile.  Getting engaged this year was the best day of my life thus far, and even starting this blog was is something I am so proud of. Both of these moments have opened so many new opportunities and adventures, I am so excited to see where it brings me in 2013.  I thank you all for visiting my blog, whether this is the first time or the tenth time, it gives me such joy to share my days, my thoughts, and my passions with you all. I wish you a Happy New Year, the best is yet to come!  Cheers!

Merry and Bright

I hope you are doing what you love to do this Christmas day, and hopefully some Christmas magic finds your way. Merry Christmas! XO

Buon Natale

An annual Christmas cookie exchange always brings a little nervous excitement to those who enjoy spending time in the kitchen. My sisters and I have one every December, and I have been inclined to make different types of cookie each year. It's tough to find a cookie that can be made in large quantities, taste delightful, and look pleasing.  This year, I decided to fall back on my roots, and create a traditional Italian cookie.  Enter: The Pizzelle.  I invested in this pizzelle maker, and thought this could be my annual Christmas cookie contribution (whoh, say that 5 times fast).  In my hunt for the perfect traditional recipe, I found Brown Eyed Baker, my new favorite food blog. The cookies turned out lovely, and for once I was not covered in flour, with drops of batter in my hair by the time I finished baking. Next year I might take it up a notch and try making cannolis.  Hopefully when I'm old and grey, my great grandkids will remember me as the grandmother who made wonderful pizzelle cookies, despite the batter in my hair.

Jingle Bell Time, It's a Swell Time...

The holidays are in full swing around here!  A few weeks ago we got our first big snowfall of the year and it has created a nostalgic "White Christmas" feeling in the cities. This festive season only comes once a year, so I try to do the most I can without becoming a Grinch in the process.  Holiday parties, cookie exchanges, seeing the Hollidazzle, and going to "A Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie has filled my weekends with joy and happiness.  I hope you enjoy your own holiday traditions, and take some time to reflect on all the love and cheer this time of year brings.

"A Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie Theater

These stuffed mushrooms are an easy appetizer and so delicious

The new art instillation at Mall of America

Christmas shopping at the new H&M in Calhoun Square

My niece and my mother play with the Christmas tree ornaments