New Haircut

I took Hank recently for another haircut. He sat quietly on my lap and played a game on my iphone while the woman I see deftly trimmed his hair. Every so often he would turn his head and look suspiciuosly at her but basically he had no idea what was happening. Not everyone is into Hank's new look. Mike is convinced he looks like Michelle Williams but I stand by my opinion that it is cute.

Criterion Collection

Have you ever explored the Criterion Collection's website? They have assembled the most incredible mix of cult classics, foreign films, obscure early films and the list goes on and on that make up their collection and they are constantly adding new films. The most incredible gift ever would be to give someone the collection. The films often have great special features that make the edition stand out from the regular old version you can rent or find on-line. One feature on their webpage that I stumbled upon is their top ten list page. It features a fascinating group of people's list of their favorites in the collection. You could definitely lose an hour or two on this page.

Drive Through Weddings

I have been to Las Vegas several times for work, and I must confess I still can't quite figure out what all the fuss is about. It's such an odd place. There is nothing more jarring then walking through a hotel/casino at 8:00 am en route to work and seeing people drinking, smoking and playing craps? This trip involved me spending hours at one of those wedding chapels that has an Elvis and lots of drunk people. I witnessed a lot of people get married (we are talking at least twenty couples in twenty-four hours). I even watched people get married from the comfort of their cars. I will admit that I went a bit crazy as a bride and had a very elaborate wedding. I guess I can see the appeal in eloping or even a classy city-hall wedding but a drive through wedding is just bizarre.

Holiday Parties, Hanukkah and the Weekend

Hank and I are rocking a 90's grunge look with our matching flannels

It has been busy here of late (although I seem to be beginning most posts with that claim), but I swear it really is busy. I keep meaning to post more but it doesn't seem to happen. This week I hope to do better.

I thought I'd start with our weekend. We celebrated Hanukkah and I tried a new recipe for latkes and these were hands down the best I've ever made! You must immediately try this recipe if you are craving delicious potato pancakes. No need to even be celebrating the festival of lights. They come from the editor-in-cheif of Bon Appetit Magazine which I have to say is a pretty amazing publication these days. One that I look forward to every month. We also made this chicken which is always delicious.

One highlight of the weekend is we went to a preschool mixer. Hank will be starting in January. I get a little choked up just thinking about it. It was at one of the other parents houses and they had a pool which had a cover on it. Somehow the kids figured out how to venture out on this cover and soon the party was full of two-year-olds running around on a modern day version of the water bed. Hank was in heaven.

We also went to visit the "fishies" at the California Science Center, which never fails to disappoint. This is a good choice for kids in Los Angeles if you are looking for a cold, rainy day activity.

THE HOBBIT

I must confess I am sucker for films set in Middle Earth which is why I am secretly so excited for "The Hobbit." I really loved all of the "Lord of the Rings" films. I think this one should be pretty spectacular. I am a bit worried about this news story that says some people are leaving the film feeling ill. Hmm I am still really looking forward to it.

Busy

I haven't had a moment since our lovely, long weekend to post really. Work is busy, busy, busy and we are experiencing some serious internet problems at home. I am talking to you Time Warner Cable, what's your damage? Last night I spent a total of two hours on hold and was disconnected "accidentally" four different times. I was told a supervisor would call me back. That didn't happen and our interenet still doesn't work. Ultimately I just gave up and attempted to watch the Lindsay Lohan movie about Elizabeth Taylor. That didn't make me feel any better people. We had a wonderful weekend filled with food, friends and even the odd home project around the house. More on that later but here are a few photos of Hank riding a horse again over the weekend. I still can't believe he doesn't hold on.

 And here is a lovely shot from Isabel Marant's instagram that I found inspiring. How gorgeous is Arizona Muse:

Thanksgiving

Found here

Thanksgiving is upon us again. How did that happen? Last year we had a cozy dinner at home with family and friends. My good friend Katie's kids even did a post-dinner puppet show out of a home made theater made of cardboard boxes. This year we are heading to a friend's house. I am excited to sit back and let someone else deal with the turkey. It's a potlock of sorts and most of my favorite dishes had already been claimed by other folks attending so I am going out on a limb and cooking two dishes I've never made before - sauteed winter greens with mushrooms and a butternut squash dish. Wish me luck. I hope everyone has a wonderful holidays surrounded by loved ones.

found here