This week means different things to different people. For the Christian religion(s) it is holy week – the week between Palm Sunday and Easter where various worship oriented events take place. And for others it is simply a time to go on a holiday break from school and work. Whatever your interpretation of Spring – Holy Week, take a few moments to be grateful and appreciate all that life has to offer.
This morning, very early I might add, while getting in the mind set for a work call, the song Where Are You Christmas came on over Pandora and I choked up. …for this year it feels as an extension of last year. Although not to the severity of the global lockdown…but like an aftermath. Where we are all still contemplating how to truly feel about this year’s holiday season.
The countdown has begun here in the states, and the pressure is on naturally for all those planning to feed the clan. I, for one, have not slept for more than a few hours each night this week. Can’t really say it is because of Thanksgiving dinner. But when I am up, I do think about dessert and some of the trimmings. Then I mentally scan the cupboards to note which and what ingredients might be missing. Now, although I am planning on remaining basic, in terms of the menu. I do find myself wanting to switch it up a bit…mostly the sides and you guessed it, desserts. Here’s a link to Turkey, or a bird of your choice recipes to consider.
Why are the simpler things the most beautiful of things? For sure something that is most noticeable in 2020. {featured image source – simply used for sharing the joy in the simpler things in life}
I’m hosting many guests over the holiday week, and finding just the right recipe is probably the funnest task I embark on, because you see, I love a good dinner party, and a conversations, and even followed by a board game. So, here are some of the dishes I intend to make this week: What are your favorite recipes? Here’s a fun article about how to feed your hungriest house guests
Don’t get me wrong – I adore a beautifully designed gift wrap paper and sometimes buy a roll just to add to my collection of uniquely crafted wraps. But lately, in light of all things to save our planet, I cannot help but appreciate the simplest of gift wrapping ideas. Which by the way, I’ve adapted for years – finding the most unusual ways to wrap presents with grocery paper bags, tissue paper, newspaper, old magazine pages, and even book pages – because at the end of the day, it is all about the trimming… {source here, and here}
Cakes are the simplest of all baking you can possibly do, if you are pressed for time when asked to bring something to a holiday get-together. This recipe is literally an easy one to follow – measuring the ingredients and either whisking by hand or using a fancy mixer to blend together, pour into a baking pan and bake. A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the quickest of all decoration, and a good option for the holidays and first time bakers.. so follow along: Ingredients 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 1 cup fresh ricotta Zest of 1 lemon **** I use Meyer’s lemon 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 apple, peeled and grated (should yield about 1 cup) Confectioners’ sugar for serving {more}
Over the weekend, I played a private tour guide to friends visiting from out-of-town, driving them around past Union Square to get a glimpse of the city as I know it. Which got me thinking, I don’t mind doing this as a side job – touring folks and getting to know them on a different level and actually having fun. So it got me thinking about today’s post, sharing some of the best of Christmas lists – such as… {featured image source} What are your plans for the holidays?What is your favorite destination during the holidays?Do you host a holiday party or attend one? Are you done with your holiday shopping? Have you seen the movie Klaus on Netflix? If not, do so What are you reading currently?
I have often considered a trip to somewhere different – with the family of course, where we would all meet up to celebrate a different kind of Christmas or the New Year celebration in one of these destinations:
It’s been raining continuous in the bay area, with a heavy fog to boot and unusually warm weather. I don’t recall this ever happening in all the years I’ve lived in San Francisco. So, not feeling inspired to leave the house, I decided to bake – again, this time these tasty vanilla cookies, but I am using a snowflake cutter instead. INGREDIENTS 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature 1/4 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom VANILLA GLAZE 2 cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract sugared rosemary, for decorating (more) On Another note – if you happen to be a movie buff like myself, then you’d want to see this list of the best 2019 films – have you seen any of them and which do you recommend?
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