Lady Nine

Usually when I am home alone for the evening, I like to have breakfast (Jon would never be satisfied with a bowl of cereal for dinner).  Tonight, I decided to make crepes.  These lovely thin pancakes can seem intimidating, but they are quite easy to make, and you can alter the recipe easily.  I tried this recipe , which is the first time I have ever used a crepe recipe (I have always made up the recipe as I go), and they turned out delicious.  Try pairing them with different toppings such as homemade jam, lemon curd, or Nutella.  You can also health-ify this recipe and use whole wheat flour and agave instead of sugar.  Some things to remember while making crepes; don't let the pan get too hot, using a nonstick skillet is best, and don't walk away from the stove while you are making them. So open a bottle of French wine, grab your omelet pan, and bon appetit!

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!

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

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 grandmoth...

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

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party.  Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party).  Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends.  Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift.  Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

Our Thanksgiving Table Today is my second favorite holiday of the year next to Christmas.  The day is spent with my mom and sisters all day in the kitchen baking, cooking, and making memories.  This year has been especially plentiful for me and I have so many blessings to be thankful for. However you choose to spend this day, I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.  XO