Gingerale

Exciting News

2009-10-27T15:50:00.005-04:00

Since I haven't been blogging lately (tsk, tsk), I have yet to share with you some really wonderful news. My sister Dana and her husband Allen are expecting a baby in April 2010! I am so thrilled for them and can't wait to meet the little girl/guy. (They're not finding out the sex...no fair!)

Note to self: Must get crafting...

2009-10-13T12:07:00.003-04:00

Autumn is truly my favorite time of year. Wool sweaters. Apple cider. Pumpkins. Hay rides. I love it all.

Which is why I've been so very disappointed in how my fall has been going so far. As I'm sure you've noticed, I haven't blogged since the end of August. I know, I know. I hate when people don't blog for over a month, too.

It's just that the last 6-8 weeks have not been great for me. Not terrible...don't worry, nothing bad happened, but not great. I turned 30 at the end of August which I hated every second of. I'm completely fine with it now, but believe you me, I was not a happy camper as that dreaded day loomed. I did have a wonderful time celebrating my big milestone with Tyler (dinner at a fabulous restaurant + a movie) and girlfriends (margaritas and tacos + lively conversation), but the Monday after, I started to feel sick. And I've been sick ever since.

The last six weeks have been nothing but doctors and x-rays and medicine and sleeping and taking time off work and coughing my head off and inhalers and antibiotics and orange juice and...well, you get the picture. Not fun. I honestly haven't done much but be sick. Bummer, eh?

Anyway, I don't mean to complain because there are people out there with serious health issues and way bigger problems than me, but it's been tough on my spirit. I've been feeling really down about it all and haven't felt much like blogging. Who wants to read about someone's life when it mostly consists of tissues and "Law & Order" re-runs?

But, I think I'm on the road to recovery. Still coughing, but not as much. Still feeling tired, but not as much. Ready to jump back into life and enjoy this beautiful time of year.

Autumn, hope you still want me around because I sure would like to hang out!

2009-08-24T11:46:00.002-04:00

I know. I know. I've been MIA for a few weeks now. Just been enjoying the summer. Drinking iced tea and tending my garden. Entertaining out-of-town guests and lying out on the beach. Picnic lunches and nights out with friends.

Not to worry, though. The cool air of autumn will be here before I know it. I'll be back to blogging with full force, snuggled under a blanket, a cup of hot tea in my hand.

But in the meantime, I'll be squeezing out every last bit of sunshiney goodness. Hip hip.

Introducing...

2009-08-10T16:29:00.006-04:00

I love a good book

2009-08-10T13:58:00.006-04:00

Just finished reading "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout. Wow. Such a wonderful book. I loved Strout's style of writing and her fleshed-out characters. Very multi-dimensional and real. I hated to put it down. It was that good.

P.S. It won the Pulitzer. Those people don't lie!

30 to 30

2009-08-10T13:32:00.003-04:00

Made another mini-book. This time, to capture the last month of my 20s (yikes...let freaking out commence). Been filling it up with little thoughts I've been having. Things I've been doing. Plans I've been making. Fears I've been trying to quiet. A journal of sorts, but not for the world to see (like this here blog). Just for me.

14 days down...16 to go.

Little Lovelies

2009-08-04T13:12:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note to say that I started a new blog...all about design, beauty, and inspiration. Please come visit Little Lovelies!

2009-07-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

Bought.
Cut.
Mod Podged.
Dried.
Tied.
Clipped.
Packaged.
Stamped.
Sent.

The Pay It Forward gifts are on their way!

2009-07-23T13:35:00.004-04:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been a little lonely. Tyler flew to Pennsylvania last Friday and isn't expected back until late Saturday night. I know he's having a really good time visiting his family and yes, I'm happy for him. But is it selfish to want him back all to myself? It's just so darn quiet in the house without him. No one to make dinner for. No one to chat with about the day's goings-on. No one to snuggle with at night. It's just kinda sad.

So, when I saw this tutorial via Elise's blog, I knew I just had to make one for my sweetie. To jot little notes to him. To tell him that I've missed him. That life has gone on this past week without him, but not as happily. That I love him and am glad to have him back. A little present for his return home.

I hope he loves it as much as i loved making it!

Good For The Soul

2009-07-22T10:37:00.005-04:00

I had a 4-day "staycation" this past weekend. (It's all the rage, you know!) I puttered around the house, organizing drawers and closets, tossing old food and ratty t-shirts. It felt so cleansing to scrub and straighten. Good for the house and good for the soul. Even spent time in my garden, pulling weeds and deadheading marigolds. Picked handfuls of basil to make pesto. So worth it. Delicious and fragrant. Nutty and salty. A perfect sauce for grilled chicken or fettuccine. I &hearts pesto and I think you will, too.

Classic Pesto
(From Everyday Food: Great Food Fast)

½ cup pine nuts or walnuts
4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves (2 ounces)
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
coarse salt and ground pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

01) Preheat oven to 350°F.

02) Spread nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until golden and fragrant, tossing once, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to prevent further browning. Let cool completely.

03) In a food processor, combine nuts, basil, cheese, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Process until finely chopped. With machine running, pour oil in a steady stream through the feed tube; process until smooth.

July is good for...

2009-07-16T14:35:00.002-04:00

...sparkling peach beverages in beautifully-designed bottles.

Giveaway Winners

2009-07-13T07:34:00.001-04:00

I'm about to settle in for a night of "The Bachelorette" (Go Kiptyn!), a bowl of cherries on my lap and a kitty at my feet. But before I do that, I thought I should announce the winners of the Pay It Forward giveaway.

(Drumroll please...)

rachel z.
stephanie
Maggie
chompsky
huebscher

Congratulations winners! Please leave me your e-mail address in the comments section and I'll be in touch to get your mailing address.

Now, go spread the love!

Concert on the Esplanade

2009-07-12T18:08:00.001-04:00

Tyler and I went on a date last night (yes, we still go on dates...even after 11 years). We packed up our blankets, bug spray, and a picnic dinner and headed to The Esplanade for a free concert: The Temptations. Oh, how I love a good outdoor concert. Wet grass between your toes. The warm air carrying the smell of funnel cakes and hot dogs over the crowd. Striking up conversations with the strangers sitting next to you. Blankets laid out. Bags of chips passed among friends. Snuggling with your honey as the sun sets. It's all so summery and fun.

It was a very good date night, indeed.

2009-07-10T19:59:00.003-04:00

How does my garden grow?

2009-07-09T16:13:00.005-04:00

I promised I'd tell you about my garden and I'm not one to break a promise! I'm here to dish the dirt (hee hee)...

My little plot of earth is part of a community garden, located in a small city park in my neighborhood. It's a lovely spot. There's a swing. And birdhouses. And picnic tables with built-in checkerboards. It's a little piece of heaven in an otherwise concrete jungle.

I've enjoyed the process of gardening, although I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. I haven't grown so much as a pea shoot in a cup before this. I'm surprised at myself for not taking up gardening sooner. I'm a bit of a foodie and enjoy cooking with (and eating) the freshest ingredients I can get my hands on. But, I've mostly stuck with store-bought veggies...occasionally picking up a zucchini or pepper at the farmer's market. There's something so refreshing about eating something straight from the ground (or wooden box filled with dirt, in my case). There's an earthiness to it. No chemicals or pesticides. No glossy film on the tomatoes. Just pure, unadulterated goodness.

It all feels so magical. Planting tiny seeds into the ground. Watering them and caring for them. Training peas up a trellis or piling soil around the base of an oregano plant. Just sunshine and water and little bit of TLC do the trick. Oh, and patience. You must have patience.

When you do, the most beautiful things occur. Grape-size tomatoes start to form and marigolds burst open and rosemary smells delicious. It's such a calming, wonderful place to be.

My garden.

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for my "Pay It Forward" giveaway! Accepting entries until Sunday, July 12th, 9:00pm EST.

Halfway Point

2009-07-08T22:26:00.001-04:00

Since we're halfway through 2009 (can you believe it?), I thought I'd check in with myself and see how I'm doing on my resolutions. Let's see...

01) Get back into blogging (I've been such a slacker since summer '08): I feel like I've done a fairly decent job at this. Maybe not in quantity of posts, but definitely in quality. I've been working on making the blog more my own. Something I'd want to read. It's still a work in progress, but it's getting there.

02) Save money for laptop and iPhone: iPhone purchased (and loved)? Check! Still saving up for a laptop, but it's within reach.

03) Sew, sew, then sew some more: I've officially expanded this resolution to include all crafts...not just sewing. See some of my '09 projects here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Phew!

04) Get to work on time (why am I always 3 minutes late?): Oh brother...can we forget I ever said I'd work on this? Maybe in 2010.

05) Plant a vegetable garden: Yup. It's growing as we speak (or should I say, as I type). Stay tuned for an upcoming 'how-does-my-garden-grow' post.

06) Play with Sniffles and Olly more: This one's been easy. My two kitties are always in the mood for a game of 'chase the laser pointer light' or 'fetch the play mouse.' Those two...boy, I love 'em lots!

07) Discover new music to listen to: I'm overwhelmed with the amount of incredible artists out there...just waiting to be discovered. I'm currently digging: Jenny Lewis, Lisa Hannigan, Sondre Lechre, St. Vincent, Angus & Julia Stone, Beirut, Castledoor, Chairlift, Andrew Bird, Greg Laswell, Kira Willey, Landon Pigg, Lenka, M.I.A., Mirah, Supergrass, MGMT, The Bird and the Bee, The Boy Least Likely To, and about a million others. If you know of anyone else that I must listen to, please let me know!

08) Plan more dates with Tyler (picnic in the park, anyone?): Meh...I've kinda-sorta been good at this and kinda-sorta not. It's easy to get into a routine of eat dinner/watch TV/go to bed/repeat. But we do have a date planned for this Saturday night (Hatch Shell+ The Temptations +picnic dinner = romance).

09) Read every book for Book Club: Yikes. Another one I'd like to take back. I've finished a few, skimmed a few, and didn't even bother to buy a few. I give myself a C+.

and most importantly...

10) Take care of myself (physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, all-ally): I'm very proud that I have totally rocked when it comes to this resolution! The biggest part of this was finally taking care of my body (which, in turn, takes care of my mind and spirit). Through Weight Watchers and working out, I've taken off 30 pounds over the last six months. It hasn't always been easy (or tasty), but all in all, I feel like a much healthier (and happier) person. Go me!

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for my "Pay It Forward" giveaway! Accepting entries until Sunday, July 12th, 9:00pm EST.

Pay It Forward Giveaway

2009-07-07T16:50:00.003-04:00

A few months ago, the super-talented and always inspiring Rachel of Heart of Light hosted a giveaway of sorts. I say of sorts because in order to enter the giveaway, you had to be willing to "pay it forward" by offering a giveaway on your blog (and so on and so on). Well, boy, was I willing! I entered on a whim and, whaddyaknow, I was one of the 5 lucky winners!

I received my lovely little package in the mail and was tickled pink to peruse my goodies: a magnetic notepad for the fridge, four hand-stamped notecards, and one of Rachel's super-girly, yet ultra-hip headbands. I think I actually squealed when I opened the package...what a delightful surprise!

And so now, my friends out there in Bloggyland, it's my turn. I am offering a Pay It Forward Giveaway. Sign up through the comments (post any comment...doesn't matter what you say as long as you play nice) by Sunday, July 12th, at 9:00pm EST. I'll pick five (count 'em, five) winners to receive a special handmade item (or two) from me. I won't say what it is exactly, but I have a feeling you'll like it. The only hitch is that if you win, you have to be willing to send five people a small gift (handmade or not). No worries if you don't have a blog. You can still sign up. You can just randomly select friends/family/strangers to send gifts to.

I'm so excited for this...good luck everyone. And thank you Rachel. I love my gift!

Sweet: Boston

2009-07-06T15:38:00.001-04:00

The weather in Boston this past month has been downright crummy. Cold. Rainy. Windy. Dark. Dreary. Awful. Just awful. So, when it finally perked up today (read: actual sun in the sky), I knew I had to take my lunch break outside. No more reading blogs during my lunch hour (although I do enjoy that quite a bit). While I was out and about, I spotted this adorable-looking cupcake shop called Sweet. Camera in tow and mouth salivating, I dodged the taxis and made my way over to get a closer look.

I stepped inside, a big smile on my face. This must be what heaven is like, I thought...

...light-as-air cupcakes with mounds of frosting dolloped on top

...a pink banquette to lounge on

...jars of gumballs and caramels

...stacks of boxes, waiting to hold their sweet friends

...and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on repeat.

This being my first time in heaven, I treated myself to the sweetest cupcake they make: a vanilla bean cupcake filled with berry bash jam and topped with homemade vanilla buttercream and sprinkles. The girl at the counter asked me if I wanted the cupcake in a box or a bag. Box, please. And would I like it tied up with ribbon? Oh yes...an orange ribbon would be lovely.

I left the shop clutching my cupcake and grinning. It was a very good day for a cupcake.

(P.S. I feel so very much like Kathryn or Naomi...cupcake-lovers, unite!)

Blue Skies

2009-07-06T14:27:00.001-04:00

It's finally summer in Boston. Beautiful!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-05T11:45:00.003-04:00

Hot dogs. T-shirts. Fireworks. Patriotism. Hamburgers. Bug spray. Macaroni salad. Flip-flops. Boston Pops. America. Baked beans. Watermelon. Friends. Sunglasses. Crowds. Cold beer. Flags. Sunshine. Italian ice. Shorts. Deviled eggs. Neil Diamond. Freedom. Red, white, and blue. Ice cream. Charles River. Independence. Scotcharoos.

It was a very good 4th.

(Video of the Boston Fireworks finale...amazing!)

The Keys To Success

2009-06-26T10:44:00.001-04:00

When you join Weight Watchers, your first goal is usually to lose 10% of your weight (i.e. the first two digits of your starting weight). Losing 10% of your weight can lower your cholesterol, reduce your blood pressure, lower your risk for diabetes, relieve pain and inflammation in your joints, reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, and increase your energy level...not to mention that it means fitting into a smaller clothing size, looking better, and feeling more confident.

And I've done just that. At last night's meeting, I surpassed my 10% goal. As a token of my accomplishment, the meeting leader gave me this keychain (see the 10?) to remind me of how far I've come. The keychain holds the "25-lb. weight" that I received a few months back; more charms will be headed my way as I achieve my goals.

It's a small thing, but it means so much to know that I'm doing something so good for my health, my body, my future.

Daddy's Girl

2009-06-21T08:51:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm a daddy's girl. But he's one pretty awesome guy. You would be, too, if you had him as your papa. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you very much!

Maggie: Days Five and Six

2009-06-21T08:12:00.000-04:00

Tyler and I must've worn poor Maggie out because we ended up not doing anything of note yesterday at all. Slept in. Had a leisurely breakfast. Took the bus to Target and picked up a few necessities. Watched TV. Read. Played with our iPhones. Took naps. Went to the mall. Ordered a pizza for dinner. Watched an old movie. It was a pretty uneventful day, but we had fun just hanging out with one another.

And early this morning, Maggie headed back to Pennsylvania to spend Father's Day with Bill, Tyler's stepdad. We were sad to see her go. We had such a wonderful time with you, Maggie...as usual. Please come back soon!

(Sorry, no pics this post. I guess I wore myself out, too, by taking so many photos the last few days.)

Maggie: Day Four

2009-06-20T15:47:00.001-04:00

Friday morning, Tyler and I woke up super-early (well, super-early for us) at 6:30am, threw on some clothes, and ran over to the AT&T store to pick up our pre-ordered iPhones. We were second in line and within 20 minutes, we were out the door with our brand-spankin' new toys! Even though we were exhausted from the night before, we played around with the iPhones for awhile, then decided we still needed sleep and went back to bed.

When we got up (eventually), we nixed our original plan of heading to Providence, Rhode Island for the day. It was rainy once again and not exactly the nicest day to explore a new city. Instead, we took Maggie to the New England Aquarium. Tyler and I have both been there before, but it's always fun to re-explore. The penguins were adorable. The sharks scared the crap out of me (thank goodness they were in an enclosed tank), and the coral reefs were just stunning. But my favorite part of the aquarium had to be the jellyfish exhibit. So graceful and beautiful. Here are a few pics from our afternoon:

Maggie on the subway...such a city girl, huh?

The outside of the New England Aquarium. Despite the crummy weather, the place was packed.

I had a free pass, so no ticket for me! Yea!

Aforementioned adorable penguin.

Duh nuh.........Duh nuh.........Duh nuh, duh nuh, duh nuh.........

So many cool fish to look at.

While I was photographing the sea anemones, a giant rush of water came down the front of the tank and I nearly pissed my pants! I squealed and the people around me all had a good chuckle at my expense. I blame my jumpiness on the sharks.

More sea anemones.

Oh hello, Mr. Seahorse. How are things?

Some of the creatures looked like they came straight out of a science fiction movie. Brain anyone?

The beautiful colors of the sea.

The jellyfish were so gorgeous. I could've watched them all day.

After walking around the aquarium for a few hours, we were famished. We headed over to the North End for dinner.

More rain. Big surprise.

Boston's Little Italy: my favorite neighborhood.

Mother and son at La Summa. The place was practically empty (probably because we were there kinda early) and we had the waitress' full attention. Frank Sinatra in the background and wine on the table. What could be better?

My fabulous veal parmesan. Mmm, mmm, mmm. So good. We also had the best stuffed figs. Wrapped with prosciutto and filled with goat cheese. Heaven.

No trip to the North End is complete without a trip to Mike's.

The old-fashioned candy looked so pretty in these apothecary jars, but we stuck with chocolate mochas, cupcakes, and caramel turtles.

Which way to Cambridge?

After a short T ride home, we relaxed for an hour or so, then headed to Harvard Square to The Comedy Studio, located above a Chinese restaurant.

No, really. It is above a Chinese restaurant.

The stage is set.

Tyler and I after one too many beers/scorpion bowls, respectively. Out of the dozen comics that night, about half were very funny, 3 were so-so, and 3 should find a new day job. But we had a great time hanging out and doing something different for a change.

Another fun day!

Maggie: Days Two and Three

2009-06-19T23:19:00.000-04:00

Tyler and Maggie had a great time touring the Boston Harbor Islands...even if they did get a little sunburnt. Ouch! It's amazing that neither Tyler nor I have ever been on a Harbor Island tour. I guess the great part about having out-of-town guests visit is that we get to play tourists in our own city! After the tour, the two of them went to Sculler's for a jazz show, while I stayed home, ate leftovers, and watched my favorite summer show, "So You Think You Can Dance." (Gosh, I wish I could dance like them...uhh-mazing!)

Yesterday, I worked a half day while Tyler and Maggie hung out. I came home, we watched "Milk" (sooo good), then primped for our big surprise for Maggie: A dinner/dance cruise on the Boston Harbor! The only clue that Tyler gave his mom was to bring dress clothes with her to Boston. Something formal. She was so curious and even though I may have accidentally said something like, '...when we go on the cruise...,' she was none the wiser. She was so surprised when we showed up at the boat dock! Unfortunately, the weather was absolutely horrendous. Pouring down rain. Windy. Ugh. Not exactly great for a cruise, but we ended up having a wonderful time. It was such an elegant evening, complete with delicious food, good wine, dancing, a live band, and great views of the city. We came home with tired feet, full bellies, and wet hair, but none of that mattered. We had such a special night. Here are a few pics from the evening:

Maggie and Tyler walking to the boat dock. Maggie still had no idea where we were headed!

The amazing Odyssey boat. Four levels, holds 850 guests, beautiful. If only the weather had been nicer.

Candles, candles everywhere. It seemed that most of the people were on the boat to celebrate special occasions...engagements, anniversaries, birthdays. The boat crew made everyone feel so special. A magical night.

The yummy dinner menu. The price of the ticket included an appetizer, entree, and dessert. We all got our fill, believe you me!

Maggie and I on the boat. Such a special person in my life. Truly one of my best friends.

My appetizer: Argentinean scallops. I don't really know what made them Argentinean, but they were tasty nonetheless.

My dashing boyfriend. The one who threw this whole thing together for the two special ladies in his life. Sigh. It was so wonderful slow-dancing with Tyler on the dance floor. I felt like it was prom all over again.

And last but not least...red wine. Who could live without it?

Stay tuned for more family fun...