Thursday's things

Holiday Tradition

Every year...as Christmas slowly slinks this way, I have an undying urge to become something of a "Suzie Home-maker meets Martha Stewart" kind of girl. Yes, my outfit is cuter (think Prada flats, skinny jeans and JCrew gingham shirts) but I have that crazy desire to make all kinds of homemade gifts for people. Every year I search for something...one great thing that can become my signature item. This year I decided I'd try my hand at french macaroons...already dreaming of how perfect they would turn out, I mean, the picture with the recipe looked like artwork so perfectly packaged with a little red bow. I had already decided that I would package my confections in mason jars (it's a southern thing...we love our mason jars) with holiday ribbon and twine. How pretty they would be and how people would love them! So, while at my family's home this past weekend, my sister and I tackled macaroons. Let's just say...no one will be getting any...this year anyway. One whole pan burned...the other pans looked pretty but collapsed upon touching them. Who knows where we went wrong but I was so looking forward to sharing this holiday tradition with my sister. We would make macaroons every year...it would be our thing. Somewhere during this daydream, whilst the little puffs of sugary egg whites and almonds were cooking...er, burning...it became apparent that what I really crave is the togetherness, the laughing, the sharing, the talking, and well, maybe the cussing too as we discovered that we were not really destined to be macaroon mavens. And so, I suppose our holiday tradition is that my sister and I make something every year...last time it was soap, and we forgot to add several ingredients...but we were in there, in the kitchen spending time together...laughing and creating a holiday tradition that will always be fun, no matter how the food tastes or the soap smells! Next year I'm thinking of making kumquat and bay leaf garlands...or maybe spiced sugar...both very pretty and require no cooking or cooling! What's your tradition?

image credit: mischief my dear

Thursday's things

Chargrilled/Charbroiled Oysters

There's nothing better than a chargrilled oyster...all that buttery goodness laced with pecorino, garlic and cayenne! The husband and I are huge fans of Drago's Restaurant who claim their charbroiled oysters are "often imitated but never duplicated"...and the Acme Oyster House chargrilled oysters are beyond good! So, after craving these little bivalves for the past few weeks the husband shucked 3 dozen of these beauties, whipped up the butter sauce, and set them ablaze! We had a nice dinner al fresco last night...thank goodness the temps are still mild. Now, pair that with the fresh french loaf we used for sopping up that liquid gold floating in each opalescence shell...and...well, we were in heaven! We've already ordered 9 dozen for Christmas eve dinner...coupled with the husband's gumbo...won't Santa be excited to get something other than cookies!

beta max

My love for the Longshore Gallery in New Orleans...and Ashley's insane talent is no secret! If you're having a hard time thinking of a gift for that super fun friend or that crazy Aunt who has everything...and loves the most amazing art this side of the Mississippi, then look no further than Ashley's Audrey series! Audrey, a classic in herself but with loads more glitz! My new favorite is the spectacular Beta Audrey...from the brilliant brushstrokes of the tail to their fiery attitudes, this beta takes Audrey to the max and...well, that's a household item you'll never have to upgrade! If you've had a chance to check out The Longshore studio in person you know it's chocked full of so much perfection that it would be hard to choose just one item...if you've never been...might I suggest adding it to your "things to do" list! You won't be disappointed!

image credit: sarah ashley longshore

Thursday's things

I love this quote...especially this time of year when everyone is rushing around town in the thick hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Everyone is in a hurry...everyone has a list to fulfill, everyone is tired, everyone is spending more money than they should, and everyone is sitting in traffic. Don't forget to be gracious...it's just that simple. It'll make someones day, it'll make your day...and, believe it or not... it'll make you feel prettier!

Thursday's things...

I am so smitten with this fiery number! I first discovered it over at Atlantic-Pacific a few months ago and quickly decided I had to have it! Lucky me...I'll be getting it for Christmas from my sweet in-laws! Now, I'm not so sure everyone will love it as much as I do as the toddler has already told me she doesn't like ants. But for me...I think...in a very Carrie Bradshaw kind of way, it screams glam retro and well that definitely takes the sting out of it!

image credit: (top) Anthropologie (bottom) Atlantic-Pacific

Part II

Okay, it seems as though I was premature in presenting my Wish List because I have come across several other items that have begged to be included. I would be remiss to not mention them as I'm sure Santa is tightening the reins on those reindeer as we speak! So...in keeping with sequential order...I present to you, the amended list...

continued...

11. A Dyson Vacuum (the dust cup scares me but the force in which it sucks makes me, er...excited)

12. My den and dining room painted (I love the granny smith apple but I'm ready for a muted changed as I have a 3 year old who already yells at me)

13. The toddler fully potty trained...that's right, I want someone to do it for me!

14. iPad (for blogging and all)

15. Dinner at Galatoires

16. An Ashley Longshore original (I know it's on my list every time but maybe she'll feel sorry for me and slide one my way...wink wink)

17. A day with Tori Spelling...she would love me, I just know it!

18. A nanny (one that doesn't fall asleep at 8pm...you know who you are!)

19. A banjo...with lessons

20. A writing job...dreaming, I know.

So there it is...the list in it's entirety. Of course this doesn't include stocking stuffers but I'll spare you that! Let's just say that I'm not one to take to kindly to fruit in my stocking.

Again, the disclaimer...in no way am I endorsing any of the listed products...except maybe the Nanny and the Maid as I'm sure both of these things would make my life a lot easier and, well...who wouldn't endorse that?

Now, what does everyone else want??

image credit: flikr

little ole me...

Jes over at My Happily Ever After gave me a blog award! So exciting that someone other than my sweet mom, dad, sister, and the husband are reading...and, exciting that I get to tell everyone some very useful information about myself...ha!

I am supposed to tell y'all 7 things about myself and then pass it on to 15 bloggers. If you are a blogger and read my blog, please allow me to virtually bestow upon you this award and in return tell me a few things about yourself...but, let me know in the comments section so I can scoot over to your blog and get to know you as well!

Here goes...

1. I am extremely paranoid...about everything

2. I spend countless hours putting together different outfits in my head

3. I have to make a list to get anything done

4. I wish I could break dance

5. I don't like carrots

6. I like scary movies but I'm to afraid to watch them

7. I don't like to fly

Now, do you feel super enlightened?? Probably not, but it was fun! Thanks Jes for reading my blog and for being a good friend!