Oh sadness, friends. It’s back to the real world for me today. Even though it’s the 4th it sort of feels like the actual and more official beginning of the year. And of course it means saying goodbye to the holiday season. I’m not quite ready to take down this year’s holiday card collection. I loved how they looked simply hung with clothespins and string on our exposed brick wall. A lovely focal point indeed.

And in other news, I purchased a new bag yesterday. I deserved a Happy New Year present, don’t you think? I went here and got this exact bag but the color (which is called “taupe”) is a lighter/warmer version than this grey. Oh, how I love it! So yes, sadly I did have to come back to work today. But at least I am facing this new year with a sassy new bag. (I’m trying to see the silver lining here). Hope your return to reality is easy and smooth, my dear pals.

P.s. I’m so over 2009. Bring on 2010! I love the New Year and the fresh start it brings.

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Well friends, this weekend was kind of a bust. What was supposed to be a sister’s fun time in NYC was ruined when my sister arrived with the flu! She felt and looked awful. I took her to the Doctor’s and we canceled all of our plans including the annual Holiday party at our house. We stayed in all weekend watching ungodly amounts of TV and ordering in a variety of foods. She is slowly getting better so hopefully we can enjoy the second portion of our holiday fun time. We’re traveling home to Atlanta this morn. Here’s to hoping no one else catches the flu and my sis makes a speedy recovery. Hope your holidays have started off better than mine did. XO

Also, congrats to VIcki who is the lucky winner of the Tali Schiffer Photography giveaway. And a big, huge hug and thanks to Tali who is one talented and generous lady. Thanks, Tali!

23 Cut chorizo into chunks. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet until nicely browned. Kielbasa is equally good (or better), if not as hip.

24 Portable Caprese: Skewer a small ball of mozzarella, a grape tomato and a bit of basil leaf. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil.

30 Rumaki, a 1960s cocktail food that deserves reviving: Brush canned water chestnuts (or chicken liver halves, or crimini mushrooms, or pieces of portobello) with a little soy sauce; wrap in pieces of bacon. Skewer closed with toothpicks and broil, turning once, until bacon is done.

38 Marinated mushrooms: Cut button mushrooms into chunks and toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Let rest five minutes. Spear two chunks with a piece of Parmesan about the same size.

67 Little pizza bianca: Cut prepared dough into small pieces and press out. Brush with oil, sprinkle with rosemary and good coarse salt. Bake at about 500 degrees until browned. Cut up to serve.

71 Fill endive leaves with crème fraîche or sour cream and caviar or salmon roe. Or use drained ricotta mixed with chopped parsley, thyme, a little olive oil and a little minced garlic.

I may be incorporating some of these into my plan. What about you lovelies, do you have any fave holiday party app recipes? I’d love to hear them!

From Me To You via Mustard and Sage

Also speaking of gorgeous photography…tomorrow is your last day enter the Tali Schiffer Photography giveaway. Don’t miss out on this great chance to win any 8×10 or 8×8 photo from Tali’s shop. Details here.