Happy 2013!

Happy 2013!

As you can see, we rang in the new year with friends, family, savoring the ball drop, a sip of champagne, and dancing to "New York, New York". 

Wishing you the best to come. 

The Perfect Cup of Coffee

For as long as I can remember, my father has always been a devout consumer of coffee. The smell was captivating, and in a sense, comforting; a reminder of my paternal guardian.

My first, convincing, taste came in college. I can't recall if it was an act of desperation for academic survival during those late nights or a curiosity as to what this drink was that lured in the rest of campus. 

I tried it. I liked it. I'm hooked. 

Then I married my husband, the connoisseur of tastes. He is always searching for ways to "broaden my tastebud horizon," as he puts it. Since then, I've tried a variety of coffee concoctions:

espressos

lattes

cappuccinos

black coffee (more or less a weight loss technique)

cuban coffee

coffee with "coffee milk"; the European, superior, equivalent to cream

flavored coffee 

Americanos

clover coffee

drip coffee

percolated coffee

French press

instant coffee 

iced coffee

None of this brings me the same level of enjoyment as my simple drip coffee with a touch of cream brought to me by the Keith kitchen. 

What is your perfect cup of coffee? 

Also, how was your Christmas? I hope it was filled with joy, family, and friends.

Some fun new things I was gifted: 

Some new trinkets for my charm bracelet here, here and here.

New dining room chairs very similar to these.

A new read: The Paris Wife

Anthropologie gift card during my birthday month: yes, please!

Beautiful sweater

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Christmas Magic

Do you remember Christmas as a child? These are some of my most cherished memories.

The decorating began when my father took my sister, brother and me to a Christmas tree farm in upstate New York. By that time in December snow usually covered the ground, so we adorned paralyzing snow suits and waddled our way up a hill to hunt down the most geometric Christmas tree. My siblings and I would stand by while our Papa sawed down our prize. Sleds were our vehicle of choice as we descended the hill and Mom would greet us with hot chocolate and fresh clothes upon our return home.

As Christmas drew nearer, the anticipation seemed impossible to contain. I remember peeking through the stair railings with my brother to watch my parents place the presents under the tree. It was around that time we discovered Santa's fictional roots.

Often times Chad and I discuss how different Christmas becomes with every year we "grow up". Sometimes I miss the magical memories. Sometimes. Most times I am excited for the years to come. This Christmas with Chad and Koda. Christmases to come with small feet pattering about. I look forward to watching the magic in others' eyes.