I am ready to close the proverbial door on 2012. Anyone with me? It has been a year of great highs and lows both personally and globally, but glass half-full kind of girl that I am, I prefer to reflect on the moments worth celebrating. One of the highlights of my year was launching this … Continue reading It’s Been Quite a Ride
Author: Wendy Franzen
The Perfect Cookie
Okay, so perfect in a cookie is awfully subjective. But these Ginger Sparkle Cookies are crispy on the outside, moist and chewy on the inside, spicy, sweet, healthy (comparatively speaking), and can easily be made vegan and/or gluten-free. Phew. And did I mention that they are insanely delicious? As in, I cannot stop putting them … Continue reading The Perfect Cookie
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
What to Do
Last night at my daughter's 5th grade Christmas concert, a collective and profound sadness weighed heavily in the auditorium. It was impossible to live in the moment and not contemplate the atrocities of last Friday as we waited for our young musicians to take the stage. When the children began to sing their carols and … Continue reading What to Do
Imagine Waking Up to This
I did. Two blissful mornings in a row while visiting my sister and her fiancé in Florida. She gave him the beautiful Alex Duetto II machine below as an engagement gift (have I mentioned how brilliant she is? I think I have). The above photo is of the actual cappuccino he made on morning two. … Continue reading Imagine Waking Up to This
Roasted Pheasants with Dates and Apricots
Roast chicken is a typical Sunday dinner in our home, but this weekend I was lucky enough to make pheasant given to me by a friend who knows I love wild game. This recipe for Roasted Illinois Scottish Pheasants with Dates and Apricots from my go-to cooking site, Epicurious, turned out beautifully and would work … Continue reading Roasted Pheasants with Dates and Apricots
A Fiery Night Sky
Last night during my flight home from Florida, I witnessed a sunset unlike any I have ever seen. Ember-bright streaks of orange bled into a brilliant yellow swath of sky, creating the illusion of an ocean on fire. Magnifying the effect were clouds saturated in black and dark grey that read like an ominous, smoky … Continue reading A Fiery Night Sky
The Sartorialist in Chicago
Last night, famous style photographer and blogger Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago to give a talk and sign copies of his new book, Closer. The MCA was clearly unaware of his enormous popularity. The barely publicized event drew throngs of fashion and photography lovers all dressed to … Continue reading The Sartorialist in Chicago
For the Men
Today's inspiration comes from the masculine shades found in winter's austere landscape. Silvery grey, snow white, midnight and weathered teak meld with the warmth of deep mahogany, rich amber, camel, and espresso to create a sophisticated neutral palette in menswear and interiors. Images via The Gifts of Life, Patterson Maker, and Pinterest.
Happy Thanksgiving
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder Clockwise from top left: (1) maple glazed apple crostata, recipe here (2) firewood (3) wild turkeys at Menemsha Inn, Martha's Vineyard (4) acorns collected from our treasured oaks (5) a favorite wine (6) … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving
the aesthete and the dilettante 