Holiday Cheer

I've been a fan of the Smitten Kitchen blog for a few years now; if you've never read it, definitely check it out. Deb, author of Smitten Kitchen blog, just wrote her own Smitten Kitchen cookbook, and I broke down and bought it. And it's amazing. This cookbook is so good that I have been reading it in bed, like a food nerd.

I made apple cider caramels and rosemary, gruyere and sea salt crisps so far, and both were amazing. The rest of the recipes also look great, and I can't wait to try some of them. I brought both items to work and they disappeared in a matter of hours. This cookbook is my new favorite thing.

As it gets closer to Christmas, I feel the need to cook and bake to get myself in the holiday spirit. Last weekend I made mulled wine which was a great way to feel festive; I may have to make more. This weekend I made mashed sweet potatoes and brie en croute for a Christmas dinner party. Later this week I'm baking cookies. I love food, and luckily, it's the time of the year to indulge and forget about calories until January.

My family arrives in Chicago tomorrow! It's the first trip they've made during the winter since I've lived here, and it's also my first Christmas in Chicago, which means it's my first chance for a white Christmas, but I'm not sure the weather will cooperate (and I'm not that sad about it.).

Work has been simply lovely going into the holiday season: lots of festive food in the kitchen, a huge surprise gift basket from the president, an open-bar, fancy food holiday party, and another holiday party tomorrow at a fancy restaurant in the Trump Tower. I feel positively spoiled.

Hoping your holiday season is food-filled and cheery as well!

Resolutions Update #11

Another year almost finished; that makes almost three years of resolution updates. Here's November.

Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 90%, almost perfect

A. Go to the gym once a week: 4/4 (100%!)
B. Stretch once a week: 5/4 (120%!!)
C. Drink a glass of green tea a week: 2/4 (50%)

Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 46%

A. Write in my journal once a week: 2/4 (50%)
B. Meditate once a week: 1/4 (25%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 14/22 (64%)

Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Resounding success!

I took advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend and went to see two movies: Lincoln and Skyfall. Lincoln was interesting, and definitely looks like Oscar material, but Skyfall really blew me away: it was everything a Bond film should be, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to own it!

Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!

The only thing I bought in November was an infinity scarf. I love how it makes me feel so cozy.

Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Success!

Last month I read M.C. Higgins, the Great, by Virginia Hamilton, a Newbery winner. It took me a few chapters to get into the book; I kept thinking how weird I thought this novel was, and it is a bit weird, but overall I enjoyed it.

I then read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which is my favorite Potter.

Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success

I duly noted my purchases this month, but to be honest, tracking has lost it's interest for me. I no longer record my receipts daily, and it has gotten to be almost less than once a week. I don't find it as necessary now that I make more money, but that is ridiculous, becuase it's still interesting to see where my money goes.