Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry & Bright

Whether you’re expecting a white Christmas or one that’s 80 degrees and sunny, may you and your family enjoy a merry, magical holiday!



We can't wait to have Christmas Eve dinner with friends, listen to our favorite carols and make gingerbread pancakes tomorrow morning. Joyous wishes to you and yours! 

Friday, December 19, 2014

Friday Five: Holiday Edition

Happy holidays, everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying this most wonderful time of the year. Here to kick off the weekend are five things that are making me smile.


1. It’s the thoughtful kindness of friends that makes the holiday season so special. Many thanks to my sweet friend Diana of The World Around Her for these fun surprises.


2. I may be biased, but are these two kitties cute or what?!


(via Ulta Beauty) 

3. What’s up, Santa? Just in case you need a few last-minute ideas, Conair’s Curl Secret looks like the perfect stocking stuffer.


(via Bon Appetit)

4. There’s nothing like whipping up a tasty batch of latkes in honor of Hanukkah (even though I don't actually celebrate).


(via E! Online) 

5. I finally saw Mockingjay on Wednesday and loved every minute! Next up, Annie and Into the Woods

What's making you happy this week? 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Let It Sing

Need a quick Monday pick-me-up? “Let It Sing,” which I discovered during a symphony concert starring Sutton Foster and Joshua Henry, is fun, inspiring and incredibly uplifting. 



“You’ve got to give yourself a reason to rejoice, for the music you make counts for everything.”

– “Let It Sing” from the Broadway musical Violet

I’ve been playing it nonstop on iTunes throughout the past week, and plan to keep it close at hand to help ward off any occasional feelings of discouragement. Hopefully, it will compel you, too, to go out and make the most of your day, week and life. Enjoy! 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Friends-giving, Sutton Foster & Two Very Cute Kitties

From sharing a feast with two dear friends to seeing the incomparable Sutton Foster bring down the house at DC’s Kennedy Center, my Thanksgiving weekend was filled with food, fun and, of course, two very cuddly kitties. Best of all, it’s now officially the Christmas season, to be celebrated with many a carol, roll of giftwrap and homemade cookie.

As usual, my low-key holiday weekend kicked off Wednesday night with a big glass of wine and an annual viewing of Gone With the Wind. A lovely light snow  our first of the season  also fell that day. Then, Thursday morning, it was time to head into the kitchen to help my husband prepare a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, gravy, salad, my Nana’s mashed potatoes, his Nana’s stuffing and some delish cranberry-lemon relish. Our friends also contributed rolls, a green bean casserole and two pies, making for a fabulous meal in our new home.

(For those who are wondering, I gave up my pescetarian diet a few months back after struggling with low energy levels and weight gain. Luckily, I’ve been feeling better ever since.)

   
Friday found us doing some early-morning shopping, then later heading to the Kennedy Center, where Tony-winner Sutton Foster performed alongside the National Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists Megan McGinnis and Joshua Henry. While the two-hour show didn't seem nearly long enough, it was by far one of the most awesome symphony concerts I’ve seen.

Looks like I'll be re-cleaning the tablecloth and mats! 
Finally, while Steve worked on homework Saturday and Sunday, I enjoyed putting up decorations and snuggling with our kitties, who both tried to “help” deck the halls by batting at ornaments and lounging on top of stockings. All in all, it was a wonderful start to the holiday season! 

How was your Thanksgiving? Are you ready for the holidays?  

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Help Animals This Giving Tuesday

Thanks to the SPCA of Northern Virginia, my husband and I were able to give our sweet kitties a loving forever home. Please support SPCA NoVa in their effort to raise $15,000 this Giving Tuesday by making a donation and helping spread the word about the wonderful work they do.  


Many homeless dogs and cats will thank you!