I’m really in the ho-ho-holiday spirit this year. I love Christmas music, classic holiday movies (for example, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, A Christmas Carol…and on and on), all the special food, and family time. I know it’s not even December yet, but I just can’t help it.
Happy Holidays, reindeers *ahem* I mean, readers! ❤
xo Al
Ahhh… vacation! Finally, a few days of peace and quiet. I plan on spending some time with good books, Saved By The Bell reruns, lots of turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving, and getting acquainted with my new oven.
I remember when I first discovered baking; measuring and mixing and lovingly stirring together ingredients. When I was younger, before Pinterest and Tumblr, I used to hand-write my recipes out on 3 x 5 cards. I found a bunch when I cleaned out my cabinets. It was like a mini time capsule! Pumpkin oat cookies! Raspberry crumble! Thumbprint cookies!
Lately, though, I’ve had a craving for biscotti: those crispy fingers perfect for dipping in morning espresso. I followed this recipe but tweaked a few things since my house was extract-free (maple-finished Crown Royal was a satisfactory substitute) and I wanted to use up some chocolate chips. Some may find the double baking process arduous, but it makes the house smell good and is important for the right amount of crunch.
(Cookie-Cat decided she wanted to help…)
xo Al
Last night, Miek, Erik and my birthday girl sister, Cecelia had an epic night of carving pumpkins, dancing to Thriller, eating Totinos pizza rolls and boneless buffalo wings and too much Halloween candy. Our costume theme was “Dress As Your Significant Other.” Unfortunately, I have few photos of the guys in their sparkles and leopard, but here are a few highlights of the evening (including a shot of Miek’s fabulous “smoky eyes”)…
Happy Halloween! xo Al
Yesterday kind of sucked. I had to wake up at the crack of dawn – it was still dark out – to prepare for an appointment with my dentist to get two fillings. Note to self: no matter how “small” or “surface” the dentist says my cavities are, get the novacane. Just do it. Do not fear the “small shot”…fear the multiple spinning, drilling tools, weird suction devices and very, very sensitive teeth.
After paying what seemed like a larger-than-fair amount for the medieval torture I had just endured, I proceeded to fumble my iPhone in the parking lot. It bounced on the ground a few times, and landed face down. Fearing the worst, I said a few prayers to the spirit of Steve Jobs, and flipped the screen to find a giant spider-web shatter. Great. Gmail alerted me to a new email shortly thereafter. “Oh good, my new iPhone case has been shipped and is en route.” Perfect.
After a weekend of attempting to install our new gas range, only to discover that the existing gas line was not only ancient and the wrong size for the updated appliance, but was not up to code, I received a text from Miek announcing a successful install. A giant sigh of relief. All I could think about was this recipe highlighted by Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere, some arugula salad, an apple/pear/raspberry pie and some aged gouda. Once I got home, I lost myself in chopping, stirring, peeling. Melted cheese is a lot cheaper than therapy.
xo Al
After a day of corporate cubeism, taking to the street for an autumn walk with my little pup and guy seemed the right thing to do. I love when the sun dips behind fiery leaves, a coy nod to warm days and chilly nights. 
xo Al
Without fail, by the time I reach baggage claim I feel a familiar tickle in my throat and a tired burning in my eyes. I have a cold. Another one. Ugh.
After spending the better part of the week in Chattanooga, Tennessee for work, I am currently snuggled in bed with lots of good reading material, some Coltrane on the stereo, and my cats and dog nearby. Business travel can feel so lonely – returning “home” from the office to a too-hot or too-cold room, with sub-par hotel coffee, and nobody to share the funny parts of the day with.
Chattanooga was beautiful and I got lots of work done but I have never been so happy to see that “Welcome to Portland, Maine” sign. I plan on nesting all weekend, and enjoying my house and all those who live in it!
xo Al
There are few things more delightful than a happy pet, birthday roses, a pie fresh from the oven, golden olive oil, or a birthday wish.
xo Al
Took my new Nikon D3100 for a spin at the Empire last night. I’m still getting used to all the bells and whistles (and how to shoot in low light without everything being a blurry mess).
Here are some shots of the night and of my favorite local band, Holy Boys Danger Club.
xoxo Al
25 has been a killer year. Lots of work, lots of play. As I round the corner to 26, closer to 30 than 20, I can’t help but be grateful for my friends, family, Michael, my home, my health and my animals. 25 was very special. 26 is going to be even better!! Here’s a look back…
Like most Americans, I will never forget where I was the morning of September 11, 2001. I was a sophomore in high school, in trigonometry class, when another student ran in to tell us a plane had hit a tower at the World Trade Center. The sky that day was so blue. So very blue.
I remember feeling queasy, tangibly unsafe for the first time. Despite the horrors of that day, I will never forget the way our country pulled together. I will never forget the strength, dignity and courage of American rescue workers, firefighters, police officers, politicians, teachers, parents, friends. America is special – for our unwavering beliefs, freedom, character. Nothing (not even a cowardly terrorist attack on one of our most prized cities) will ever, ever change that. God bless America.
Hot Off The Dress 