La Familia!

..we toasted as we began to eat Christmas dinner.  In our family, we always dine over Italian favorites for Christmas dinner.  Stuffed shells, meatballs and sausage, penne pasta, honey ham, and salad.  Nothing fancy, but delicioso with no leftovers to spare.  Dinner was followed by our family's version of the 12 days of Christmas, dessert, and finally Grandpa Vito and Uncle Bill singing 'My Way,' 'The Impossible Dream,' and 'Aldila' with the old squeezebox.

Hysterical laughter during '12 days of Christmas'

Bill warming up the squeezebox

My Grandparents dancing to 'Aldila'

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Merry Christmas

I have little time to blog today but wanted to wish my few (but loyal:)) readers a very Merry Christmas!  I have been taking tons of pictures with my new camera and will be posting very soon.  Lots of baking and amazing food.  Here is a little preview....

Oh in case you are wondering who that cutie is.. its Pooka!  My brother and sister in law's dog.  She loved her presents as you can see by the wrapping paper covered floor!

Hope you all have a wonder Christmas with your loved ones xx

Christmas Dinner

This year I rather spur of the moment challenged myself to make a traditional English Christmas dinner for Chris and I before he left for Michigan.  I turned to my experts from London, my dear friends Ly and Jackie.  Ly posted about her amazing lamb dinner (I've experienced several times, yum!) on her blog, Mondernista, and I thought I'd follow her how-to and make it for our first Christmas dinner.

Despite the fact that (I think) I know my way around a kitchen, the thought of making this big dinner made me rather nervous!  My nerves got worse when I got to the store and realized they only had one lamb and it was quite pricey to spend on 6 pounds of meat for just the 2 of us.  I panicked for a moment then called my 911 roast team to figure out an alternative.  I decided to do a beef roast which turned out fantastic!  Chris devoured the roast and I finished off most of the yorkshire pudding, so delicious!  For dessert, Chris made this amazing Guinness chocolate pudding.  It was a perfect Christmas dinner :)  Of course, I can't wait to have Christmas dinner with my family.  We're Italian so we always serve lots of pasta!  Bon Appétit!

Watch the yorkshire puddings rise!

According to Ly's instructions, make sure you have a handsome Englishman, or American to help take the roast out of the oven ;)

Christmas Movies

It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get to watch some of my favorite Christmas movies.  This month has been absolutely crazy but I was able to fit in some time Sunday night for White Christmas.  Hoping I can watch a few of my other favorites before the holidays are up! 

A few on my must watch list!

Downtown on Ice

After a failed attempt on Saturday afternoon, we finally got to go ice skating at Pershing Square last night.  A tip if you plan to visit Pershing Square downtown on ice on a weekend, Go Early!  Last weekend we went around noon and it was sold out until 6pm!  Weekday evenings are a less busy choice.  And, in my opinion, nighttime ice skating with all the lights and chilly air, and warm clothes just give the experience that little something extra.

After ice skating we tried Mas Malo, a fairly new restaurant located on the lower level, below Seven Grand (one of my favorite downtown watering holes).  Chris was quite excited when he saw chewy chips on the menu.  I had never had them before but they were quite delicious!  I also realized I love any drink with mezcal, an alcoholic beverage from Oaxaca that's made from agave. It has this smokey taste that I just love!

Stay tuned for lots of cooking posts.  Im making my first ever Christmas dinner for Chris and I Tuesday night! 

DIY Christmas Cards

Last weekend I made a stop at one of my favourite stores, The Paper Source.  I think I would shop there every week if I didn't have to deal with Santa Monica traffic to get to my nearest store.  But I digress.  I popped in to get some gift wrapping supplies and Christmas cards when I spotted their DIY Christmas Card Kit!  As you know, I'm all about DIY so I had to get this kit.  Homemade Christmas cards are a unique alternative to the boxed ones you mostly see.  I think mine turned out great!  Only problem is it only came with enough to make 4 cards.  I bet you could get a couple stamps or stickers and still make more with the scraps though!

Happy Weekend

Source: examiner.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Can you believe it's the first weekend in December?  I know I keep saying it, but this year has really flown by.  Although not as fancy or nearly as big as this one, we'll be putting up the Christmas tree this weekend!  Only 3 weeks until Christmas and Im proud to say I have nearly all of my shopping done.  I think this chilly weekend in LA is the perfect time for putting up the Christmas decor, making hot cider, and maybe some ice skating!  If you are in LA there are a few outdoor rinks this time of year.  Last year Chris took me on a date at Pershing Square.  Might try the Santa Monica one this year!
Santa Monica Ice Skating Rink
Downtown on Ice
LA Kings Holiday Ice
CHILL at the W, Westwood

Happy Weekend!

Memory Frame

 

 

Love this idea I found on Pinterest so much I had to share!  This would be a great gift idea or something to hold your own momentum's!  Im going to start digging in my purses for things to put in mine.  I tend to keep old ticket stubs, programs, and buttons  tucked away in my bags (not on purpose :))

Check out my Pinterest boards here!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jen on Pinterest

Giving Back This Holiday Season

Around this time of year I think about how blessed I am and find a way to give to those less fortunate.  As previously mentioned, my mom and I have donated stockings full of goodies to the troops, and participated in adopting a child from Angel Tree in the past.  This year I got to talking with a friend about World Vision.  You can donate simple things like chickens, clothing, and clean water that make a bigger impact than you think.  They have a huge catalogue of ways to give.  This year I donated a goat which will help to nourish families with milk, cheese, and yogurt and also helps boost their income with offspring and dairy that can be sold in markets.  If you are thinking about making a holiday donation this year, please take a look at World Vision.  Happy Holidays!

Bob Gruen Documentary

Monday nights are usually made for laundry and catching up on TV shows.  However, my good friend Ly invited me to a screening of a Bob Gruen Documentary, AND.. Bob was there doing q&a after the show!  I could not turn this down.  I hurried over to the Echoplex in Echo Park to save my seat.  This was a truly amazing documentary of a man that has photographed the many faces of rock music.  John Lennon, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones, and Blondie to name a few.  Definitly a must see in my book.  I felt so inspired when I left, I think I dreamed all night of his amazing photographs. 

If you are in LA you can catch Bob at BookMarc tonight for a book signing of his new book, 'Rock Scene' from 7-9 pm.
Bookmarc by Marc Jacobs
8407 Melrose Place
Los Angeles, CA 90069

You can also check out his exhibition which will be opening Thursday December 1st at the Fahey/Klein Gallery
The Fahey/Klein Gallery
148 North La Brea (between First Street and Beverly Boulevard)
Los Angeles, CA 90036

For more info about Bob and upcomign events, check out BobGruen.com

Autumn Leaves

Living in Los Angeles we don't really get to experience the changing of leaves and the beautiful autumn colors that paint the trees this time of year.  However, sometimes with the turn of a corner, a little bit of fall sneaks up on us.  I was on my way to get groceries for breakfast Saturday morning when I turned down a usual street and saw this gorgeous mural of autumn colors.

Aren't these adorable? Little lace socks from Barneys.  Adds a little something extra!

Give Thanks

Its a beautiful Thanksgiving morning in Los Angeles.  I kept to tradition and got up to make cinnamon rolls and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  To me Thanksgiving is the real kick off to the holiday season.  Although I couldn't hold back playing the Christmas station last weekend when it was raining here in LA.  Although I work in the fashion industry, I'd rather not think about black Friday and non stop shopping and instead thing about what I'm thankful for and how I can give back this holiday season.  Last year my mom and I made stockings packed with essentials that were sent over to the troops.  Still deciding what project we'll take on this year.  But today I'm thankful for my loving family that has supported me through all my highs and lows, amazing friends that make me laugh, and my fabulous boyfriend who makes me smile every day.  Oh and my job!  Thank God I have a job!  It's rough out there!

Last night I slaved away after work making black bottom banana cream pie and pumpkin cheesecake for our Thanksgiving dessert.  I've been looking forward to all the delicious food today.  Traditional Thanksgiving dinner is by far one of my favorites.  My plate always has a little bit of everything, but usually stuffing a sweet potatoes take over most of it.  I save the turkey for leftover turkey sandwiches!

Happy Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?

Black bottom banana cream pie!

pumpkin cheesecake!

So This is Love...

Yesterday Chris and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary!  Yes, 1 year of dating bliss :)  Its hard to get too crazy on a Monday night but we thought we'd treat ourselves to a fancy dinner.  Chris always likes to keep where we are going a secret.  But my guess was right.  He took me to the ever so romantic The Little Door, in West Hollywood.  I have to say I was very impressed.  This place is adorable and the food... amazing!  We were seated at a cute little table tucked in the corner outside sourrounded by twinkle lights and greenery.

We had been saving this due mila from our Cambria trip for a special occasion :)

Scallops with sweet potato puree was my favorite thing that we had!

Garlic crusted rib eye

Creme brulee for dessert perfectly set with a cinnamon heart cookie :)

Great Gifts: Tech Accessories

Girls with gadgets will love this years line of tech accessories from Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Tired of lugging around my computer in my arms, I scored this haute snake print laptop bag from Bloomingdales this weekend!  

Affordable and chic for the stylish gadget girl

Neoprene laptop case $52 at Bloomingdales

Snake iPhone case $38 at Bloomingdales

Stardust iPhone case $38 at Bloomingdales

Heart earbuds from Net A Porter

Miss Marc iPad case (saw this in store, sold out online!)

Feeling the Cheer

Its no secret that I am a big fan of Christmas and holiday season.  The music, decor, cozy sweaters, giving to those less fortunate, and one simple thing that just gets me in the holiday mood; Starbucks holiday cups!  Quite silly, i know.  But I just get so excited when I get my first red Starbucks cup of the season.

In other news, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching in just a few days.  Naturally I am responsible for dessert.  I braved the rainy streets today and made sure I picked up everything I need.  This year I'll be making the usual favorite, black bottom banana cream pie, and... my first attempt at cheesecake.  Pumpkin cheesecake!

Noel Gallagher at Royce Hall

Finally, Noel Gallgher's High Flying Birds come to LA!  Ly and I had been waiting for this show since she worked on his first video, The Death of You and Me.  Thursday nights show which took place at Royce Hall, on the UCLA campus was absolutely amazing, and chock full of men sporting Noel style haircuts.  The show was full of new songs off the album, released this week, and Oasis favorites.  The night ended with 'Dont Look Back in Anger' and a hugely satisfied crowd, cheering 'Thank you for being here Noel!'

You can download Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds for $4.99 or $9.99 for the delux album now at Amazon.com.

Newspaper Nail Art

Love this tutorial from Beauty Lish.  I bet if you are careful you can even get specific words on your nails!  Trying this soon! 

Harvest

 

I absolutely love fall.  It is by far my favorite time of year.  The smell, the feeling, the warm coats and scarves, and pumpkin.  Pumpkin everything!  Although there wasn't much excitement this year for halloween, Chris and I still took part in some good old pumpkin carving.  Oh, and pumpkin beer too!  Stay tuned, pumpkin beer making coming soon!

Can you guess which pumpkin is mine?

..:WANDERLUST:..

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A STRONG DESIRE FOR OR IMPULSE TO WANDER OR TRAVEL AND EXPLORE THE WORLD

My name is Jessica and I love cooking, travel, fashion, art, and the amazing people that fill my life every day. This blog is dedicated to the things I love.

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