Christmas Baking for a Non-Baker

Every holiday my sister and my mom bake. They each bake their own dessert, they bake together, they help finish each others baking projects. I do not bake.

I tend to sit in the kitchen and talk to them, occasionally stirring or watching the timer if one of them has to run to the phone. It works for all involved (as least it works for me!)

But this year I pledged to contribute something to the holiday dessert spread. The thing is, I know I won’t change my pattern at home. There is something about going home that makes me (all of us?) digress. I am sure that the moment I arrive home, I will laugh at my baking intentions and pour some wine!

So, my plan is to bake tonight on my own – living up to my pledge, but not messing with tradition.

I’m going to attempt the basic sugar cookie – but using a recipe I got from my neighbor at her holiday party last weekend. Apparently, the key is brown sugar and a sugar glaze. I don’t have pictures, but her cookies looked something like this:

Cookies!

These look delicious as well! Alright, wish me luck tonight. Happy Baking!

A Blizzard Temptation (Scrooge Warning)

My husband and Artie decided this morning that things have gone too far. More than two days after the snow stopped falling, the side streets are still a mess and sidewalks still haven’t been shovelled. I have nothing to say about the side streets (can you really call S and T streets in Dupont “side streets” anyway) other than, DC sometimes rots.

As for sidewalks, that’s harder to take. I mean you buy a house and have what, four or five feet to shovel out front? It seems like an annoying but manageable task. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners seem to disagree, as I almost fell on my face numerous times on my walk home from Safeway last night.

So, back to MJD and Artie. They declared this morning, that if you haven’t cleaned your sidewalk, dog owners should not have to pick up dog poop outside your house.

Fair deal, right?! Check out the streets in your neighborhood. I don’t think that’s a scrooge move. It’s a holiday gift in return!

A little snow induced stress

NO, I am not going to be a scrooge and say that I hate snow and slush, and the city is doing a bad job. I have to remain positive to counter MJD’s dislike of all things snow! Check out these snow people for an extra dose of laughter and positivity if you need it.

But I will say I have a bit of house bound stress – as in I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do, and no way to do it. Yikes! What are you guys doing? I hate the thought of having to pay for overnight shipping!

I wish I had more Christmas-related activities to do, but I already sent Christmas cards, and put out my few decorations.

BTW, if you send Christmas cards, please send me one! I love getting them and promise to send one back!

Ok, back to staring out the window and wondering if I am brave enough to drive or walk to the mall (or Georgetown).

In case you missed it

Here are a few shots for the family and friends in NY! See, I wasn’t exaggerating!

Here are some better ones!

Snow Day in DC!

It’s not a news flash that it’s been snowing in DC. I get that! But I could not pass out in my holiday party, excessive cookie eating stupor without posting a few pictures of Artie for all who love him. As always, he loves the snow and just wants to hop in it and dig through it (with his head!).

He didn’t love our walk to Safeway, since as usual the lines were ridiculous and he and MJD froze while I waited (and gave up), but other than a few fur and paw icicles, he is loving it!

Artie waiting to go out

Finally out!

Digging with his face

Time to go crazy!

Success! Got the snow!

Bus Behavior

I know you’ve all heard me complain about the DC bus – the long wait, buses skipping stops, and mostly buses clustered together so you have to wait forever if you miss the three that stop at the same time!

But I realized today, there is something I like once I am on the bus. 

“BACK DOOR. OPEN THE BACK DOOR”

It’s the one example I can think of that people in DC start yelling.

Generally, I find DC residents to be pretty easy going. They don’t push people into the middle of the bus or metro in order to get on, no one yells at people standing on the wrong side of the escalator, there’s not much jostling and weaving on a crowded street, and I rarely see anyone steal a cab from someone else.

But when I was sitting on the bus today, and all of a sudden I heard that jarring scream, “BACK DOOR,” it felt like home!

Jackson Heights and DC Come together

J. Heights is making a name in DC! My two homes…connecting!

I just spotted on We Love DC that the 2010 Festival Artwork for the National Cherry Blossom Festival has been selected. The picture was created by Junko Yamada of Jackson Heights, NY.

Go Jackson Heights!

Happy Wednesday

Hello adorableness on a Wednesday morning. I just squealed in my office!

Thank you to The Rockstar Diaries for posting and making today just a little sweeter!

Bad haircuts

Why do bad haircuts happen so often? And why are they so tragic?

Poor Artie got a bad style last weekend when we took him to the doggie parlor. He really needed a haircut – look you can’t even see his eyes!

Artie Before

Artie before - so furry!

But the groomer basically groomed his head and tail and that’s it! So he looks like a furry guy with a little head and bald tail!

Artie After

Artie After 2

 He’s still the cutest little guy, but I think his groomer got lazy. Have you ever taken your dog back to the groomer to have his haircut fixed?

30th Birthday Positivity

Beyond all the wonderful things in my life (husband, puppy, family, friends, job, apartment, health)and the amazings gifts and surprises I enjoyed all weekend (VOLT, b-day cocktails, visitors), here are a few more things that made me happy on my actual birthday (Monday).

1. Warmer weather

2. Dramatic morning fog

3. Fog lifting, and sun shining

4. Dunkin Donut Munchkins

5. Tons of birthday emails and Facebook messages

6. Birthday calls

7. New Club Monaco pants (gift to myself)

8. New beautiful necklace (gift from MJD)

9. Surprise drinks at POV Roof Terrace on top of the new W hotel

10. Seeing the White House Christmas Tree from the rooftop bar

PS. POV is great for a night out. I mean way too snotty for DC, but the view is fun and the staff was really nice last night (once we got passed the velvet ropes!)

PPS. I’m sure these posts haven’t even come close to covering all the fun birthday moments, but thank you all again!