Category Archives: Holidays

Things That Start With “B”: Bunnies and Beer

Posted on 04.15.2012 | 6 Comments

Party kittens, to summarize the way that I spent 75% of my time this weekend: it was wonderfully packed with girlfriends.  In a stuffed-to-the-gills, where have you been all my life?-sort of way.

My heart is full right now.

The other focus of our efforts: Last night, we broke Passover.

What’s that, you ask?  It means that after eight days of abstaining from things allowed to rise (with yeast) as well as corn, beans and rice (among many other things) we didn’t have to do that anymore.

So we feasted on beer, pita, hummus, bean dip, huaraches, tacos, rice, beans, potato chips and funfetti dip.

Translation: We (very literally) ate All The Things.

It was delightful.  The world finally makes sense again.

And, not to be forgotten, I enjoyed my favorite breaking Passover tradition…

The gnawing of the ears.

Because what else are bunnies in baskets for?

Can I get an Amen?

In other news, for his birthday, Marcus asked our families for Barleywine.

We’re kind of going through a “phase” as it were.

Can we discuss the irony of the fact that between his birthday (on the second night of The Holiday) and a six-pack he won from his brother Adam on a bet, this is what we have been sitting on and not drinking for the last week?

Seriously.  We have a lot of work to do.

Especially since we’re probably going to have even more of a supply issue come next Monday.  But that’s a story for later this week. ;)

What did you get up to this weekend?

→ 6 Comments

Posted in Faves, Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year

A Banner Year

Posted on 04.08.2012 | 14 Comments

Because one pace run, two Seders and a round of egg coloring weren’t enough, I logged my long run this morning and then we headed over to my parents’ house for a full day of Easter celebrations.

I haven’t said it lately kittens, but it bears repeating.

More Is More.

In case you were wondering, this year was a banner one for Easter Candy.  This would be the total combined amount of candy from my basket as well as Marcus’.

But, you know, since it’s Passover, we won’t be  eating any of it until Saturday night.  Yes, I plan on continuing my tradition of breaking Passover by gnawing the ears off of one of our Chocolate Rabbits.

It’s the only sensible thing to do, really.

Between unearthing unholy amounts of sweets to save for later and watching That One Guy Who Won The Masters Get Really Really Emotional, today has absolutely exhausted me.

Yes, Easter is the one time of the year where I watch Golf.  Because I have a brother and uncle who love it 11/10 and the viewing is non-negotiable.

There may or may not have been one point during the Easter celebration where I snuck upstairs to grab a quick snooze.  Naps on long run days = an inviolable right.

So with that, I’m going to fold some laundry and get a bit of sleep.  I’m Living The Glamorous Life over here, I know.

What is your favorite kind of Easter Candy?

Did you watch The Masters?

→ 14 Comments

Posted in Family, Holidays

Coloring Eggs: A New Direction

Posted on 04.07.2012 | 2 Comments

Kittens, I was going to write this big long musing about Passover and Easter and what it is that my observant and celebratory life looks like these days.  It might still happen later this week.

And then I was going to write about Marcus’ birthday because today he turned 29 for the first time.

Then we went over to my parents’ to color eggs.  Because who doesn’t love doing that?

Al of my previous discussion topics immediately went out the window.

The first round was civilized.

Then the tributes started rolling.  I don’t know in what dark place we found this wellspring of creativity, but it came, fast and fierce.

RIP Thomas Kinkade, creator of light.

RIP Whitney.  We will always love you.

Whether your joy this weekend is because you were able to flee your oppressors under the cover of night, or because when the rock was rolled away from the tomb it was empty, I hope that you enjoy a blessed holiday surrounded by those you love the most.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Family, Holidays

A Total 180

Posted on 03.18.2012 | 7 Comments

Fact: Yesterday was one of the more epic St. Patrick’s Days in recent memory.

After the service portion of the Bar Mitzvah, Michelle shepherded us over to Surdyk’s for a wine tasting that ended up lasting for three hours.

The best way to describe a complimentary nine-vendor sampling is that once the lid has been removed from Pandora’s Box, there’s no way you’re going to get it back on.

The things that transpired while we were there: I was declared the first sibling that ever “fought” for Michelle (we had a moment).

I listened to one 50-year-old teacher from Rochester “preach it” and tell me all about the places she visited in Germany before she and her husband had children.  We almost hugged in the Ports/Cordials aisle.

In the same aisle, I lied to another teacher from Bloomington who wanted to sign me up for her internet-sales business.  I just couldn’t do it, but a straight “no” was the answer that eluded me.  So instead I prattled off that I was part of the 10% of Americans who do not own a cell phone.

I do not know what the real statistic for cell phone-ownership in America is, but I do know that she congratulated me for “standing up for myself.”

And for the Grand Finale, leaving with Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, New Holland Dragon’s Milk, and a few bottles of Castle Rock.  Which is to say nothing that we sampled.

Or, as Marcus so succinctly put it, I didn’t know where you had disappeared to until I saw you at the register.

Someone, please save me from myself.

Today, though totally devoid of rainbow sprinkles, a total 180.

Running long, a change of sheets, a long-awaited afternoon with girlfriends.

Laundry.  Open windows. Napping.

Four meals.  Fending off runger.  Compression tights.

What was the best part of your day?

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Fact., Family, Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year

We’re doing good.

Posted on 03.17.2012 | 4 Comments

The most significant thing I’ve taken away from today is that it’s possible to put a brownie and a melted marshmallow in a waffle cone and call it dessert.

In case you weren’t sure if you were fully committed, rainbow sprinkles were on offer.

Also, I hope this totally arbitrary ability to surprise my husband never disappears.

To this, he just shakes his head.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

XO

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year

Growing on Me

Posted on 02.14.2012 | 8 Comments

This morning: I woke up and threw on some ruffles and a pink cardigan.  Because if nothing else is certain on this day dedicated to hearts and happiness, it’s the obligation to cover one’s person in red or pink raiment.

I can’t always remember what I’ve discussed on The Blog versus what I haven’t discussed on The Blog.

So today, these.

When we started dating, I told Marcus that I don’t love long-stemmed roses (though in all truthfulness, I love short-stemmed roses).

He interpreted this to mean that tulips were my favorite flower.  So for more Valentine’s Days and birthdays than I can count, I’ve had tulips.  And they really are quite nice.

The bouquets are always extremely full and no one else in the office ever gets them.  Win and win.

Without trying to be pun-y, they’ve grown on me.

As far as gifts are concerned, we didn’t exactly Go Big this year.

Rather, I sourced a few cookbooks that I’ve been coveting for awhile.  Marcus had no objections, because Lord knows we love to eat in this house and we’re always looking for new inspiration.

I feel like the fact that I got an Indian Cookbook doesn’t come as a surprise.  But Tex Mex?

I had a moment where I saw the light and realized that (like our foray into Indian) if we were buying cheap tacos like they were going out of style, I should probably learn how to make those and the rest of their kin.  Maybe to save some money and maybe just to know.

Time will tell.

And for dinner, we actioned a dish from From Mom with love… Because coming off of the craft beer-dive adventure we went on last weekend, we wanted to do something more low-key (if that’s even possible).  In all honesty it was delicious, tested the outer-limits of our spice tolerance and you’ll get to hear all about it on Friday.

All is well.

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day?

Are you a red/pink-wearer?

p. s. It’s Cake Week!  So if you’re up to some baking, please link-up!  And if you haven’t already, take a look at Kirsten’s Raspberry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Real Milk Chocolate Buttercream and Mads’ Molten Lava Cake.

→ 8 Comments

Posted in Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year

So This is What 2012 Looks Like

Posted on 01.01.2012 | 7 Comments

This morning, I rolled over in my bed at the Normandy Inn and thought, So THIS is what 2012 looks like.

As it turns out, 2012 involves a number of fluffy blankets, and gray light streaming in through the window.

Not bad, right?

I then promptly gave thanks for the copious amounts of champagne consumed last night and the conspicuous lack of a hangover this morning.

Amen.

I wish I could say that today was A Day of Revelation.  That suddenly the year that has only just begun to unfold would have a warp and a weft to work within.

Instead I spilled my coffee on our suede couch and promptly learned what, specifically, you have to do to get said coffee stain off of such a couch.

How thrilling.  I know.

Absent a list of resolutions I could start chipping away at today, I did what I know how to do.

There was sweating.

Translation: The non-running part of my workout today has left me questioning whether or not I’ll be able to walk tomorrow.

There was feasting on unprocessed, homemade, delicious things.  The kinds of things that leave a girl feeling like she hasn’t thrown the baby out with the bath water on day one.

Sometimes Not Failing is as effective as Doing It.

There was lounging on the couch with Linds, watching the second part of the film adaptation of The Deathly Hallows, while we addressed our mitts and paws.

Because Soothing Stuff is always a good starting point.

How was your New Year’s Day?

What are your go-tos for furniture/carpet stains?

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year

Not to be Outdone

Posted on 12.25.2011 | 8 Comments

Merry Christmas, kittens!  I hope that y’all are able to spend the day with the people who matter the most to you.

Obviously I will be in the middle of it all with my merry band family.

So let’s talk gift-giving, shall we?

Y’all remember Edward & Bella, right?

Well apparently that was the beginning of something great for our family.  I think it’s safe to say that Billy now has what can only be described as a working relationship with The Artist.

Welcome, William and Kate.

And no, that’s not a bad paint job, those are signs of hair loss that you’re noticing on William’s head.

It’s because she really tries to “capture” the subject.

You know?

But I did not want to be outdone!  Obviously.

I know that people worry about neighbors that will steal their gifts off of their front porches.  Crooked delivery men who will tamper with their packages.

I was totally confident that if anyone wanted to steal this, the surprise would be on them.

Behold.  My gift for Billy this year.

Yes, you really are looking at a Mouse Taxidermy Desktop Calendar.   Because when Marcus and I were watching Dinner for Schmucks on cable a couple of weeks ago, the moment Steve Carell started pulling out the book with examples of his mouse taxidermy-work, I knew that we had stumbled upon greatness.

Unfortunately, books like the one that his character proudly showed off don’t actually exist.  So I had to create my own.  And in the process of searching for photos of taxidermied mice, not only did I get extremely disturbed that so many people are doing this, I laughed so hard that I cried.

For an hour.

If you’re ever having a downer day, just grab your computer and get Google-ing.  There’s not enough space in the world for mouse taxidermy and other emotions to co-exist.

Let’s not forget Dad.  Because he couldn’t be left out of the fun.

I found A Real Treasure for him.

A signed copy of A Love That Multiplies.

Vote: Most necessary object?  Or most necessary object?

If I may be so honest, I’m 100% positive that the website I ordered it from is what gave my work computer the virus of the century.

Like, I mean IT spent a week re-building my computer.

But it was totally worth it.

Does your family give gag gifts?

What’s the most ridiculous gift (serious or not) that you have ever received?

→ 8 Comments

Posted in Holidays, It Only Happens Once a Year, Weird as Hell

Lovely, Relaxing Things

Posted on 12.24.2011 | 3 Comments

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we operate on a really broad schedule.  There’s always a gathering with all of the aunts, uncles and cousins, but it’s dependent on which day my uncle (who works as an anesthetist) has off.  We do a fondue with my immediate family (including the in-laws) on the other night.  On Christmas Day there is a family breakfast.

This year, our immediate-family gathering is on Christmas Eve.  Which leaves me with a broad swath of time to fill before we gather for drinks and dinner.

All of our weekends since Thanksgiving have been Go-Go-Go, so it would be really nice to be able to just enjoy a day surrounded by lovely, relaxing things.

I actioned some baking for tonight’s dinner.

Yes, I’m working out of the Best Bake Sale Cookbook again.  You should be working out of it too.

A few days ago, I thought I would have the energy to tackle the giant pile of magazines hiding beneath the coffee table.

And then I decided to narrow my focus to the December Issues.

Now, as the morning slips away, I’m thinking that it might be more realistic to narrow my focus to one December Issue.

In other circles, that’s known as Managing Expectations.

Last but not least, I need to find some time to address my mitts and paws.

They haven’t been a mess, but I feel like it’s hard to get into the celebratory spirit when you look down at your nails and you’re greeted with the sight of…nothing.

It’s unacceptable, really.

Tomorrow, a gift exchange in the most tried and true tradition of Edward & Bella.  Prepare Yourselves Emotionally.

Do you celebrate more on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Do you have any plans to relax during the holiday weekend?  Or will it be go-go-go for you?

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Holidays, Mitts and Paws, Zen

Miracles.

Posted on 12.22.2011 | 11 Comments

Kittens, we have been experiencing some True Hanukkah Miracles at La Maison M.

On Monday, I found out that my last Missoni for Target Cardigan would finally be shipping.

I know.  I KNOW.

I wasn’t kidding when I said Miracle.

Back in September when they announced the shipping delay on it, I tried to come to terms with the fact that even though the new ship-date was in November, I wouldn’t be seeing it until Christmas.

And last week, as I was going through my inbox, deleting order confirmations for yet-to-be-wrapped gifts, I almost gave up hope and deleted the back-in-September order confirmation for my sweater.

Because Target is based out of Minneapolis (and they employ some sort of Dark Art that I am not practiced in), the sweater arrived at The House on The Hill Yesterday.

It’s Hardcore Retro.  I love it 11/10.

At first I wanted to call it my favorite, but truth be told, the three I sourced are all so different that I don’t think I can.  Though I will say that the cleverest idea I had was to snag one of the cardigans with a pink-motif from the girls’ section so I could fashion it as a shrug.

On Tuesday, another miracle.

Marcus and I did not exchange our forever-rings during our wedding ceremony.  I accepted a ring that all of the women in his family have worn at their wedding ceremonies, and in Conservative Jewish ceremonies, it is not typical for men to accept rings.  So we decided that we would exchange them immediately after the ceremony during the yichud (our seclusion).

Since had agreed well-ahead of time that we weren’t going to exchange wedding gifts, I told him that I wanted one love letter from him and that I would do the same.

We could exchange them with our rings.

Romantic, right?

It was perfect.

Except for the part where at some point between the ride to the reception site and the end of the reception, the letters disappeared without a trace.

Yesterday I discovered them in a bag of mixed-goods that I was stashing away to foist on Lindsey when she made it back to the city.

Miracle.

Have you experienced any Hanukkah/Christmas miracles?

→ 11 Comments

Posted in Holidays