To Twenty Eleven!

10. Quartz Pinata 9. Blini 8. Lomo Gold Camera 7. Red Carpet Royalty 6. Givency Tuxedo Jacket 5. Le Noeud Papillon Bowtie 4. Party Horn 3. Dibern Golden Forrest Dinnerware 2. Brignac Brut Gold Ace of Spades 1. Paloma Flutes

Sunny & Gray

January always feels a bit gray and a bit sunny. The spring is approaching, but the holidays are over, in LA it's 75°, but somewhere it's snowing. . . a juxtaposition. Just like these picks, including my new 2010 Eames Rocker Weekly Planner in hues of mustard and charcoal:

Upholstered Slipper Chair, Eclipse Vintage Ring, Charcoal and Mustard Necklace, Sonoro Cubo, Wallter Slat Rack, Flowie Twig Pillows, 2010 Eames Rocker Planner, Victorian Parlor Rug, Pachanga Book, Short Cut Placemat, The Coming Spring Headband, Bella Pillow, Thomas Paul Swallows Rug, Love Art Print, Vintage Golden Plaid Eco Toes, Palette Bowl, Unison Static Square Pillow, Shoulder Frame Pouch,

Quick Bite: Apple Compote

Before I take on 2010 with a bit more savoir-faire, a lot more organic, a little less ice cream and a. . .oh, who am I kidding? 2010 will probably be filled with many delicious desserts and countless hearty breakfasts. (But, yes, much more organic). The truth is, I don't much get into the spirit of resolutions if I ended the previous year happy. And that I did. Even if there were a few low points, in the words of Ol' Blue Eyes: that's life.

So let me begin this year with a bit of last year: eggnog drop biscuits with warm apple compote and cream. Now listen here, don't go eating this every day, but if you have a little bit off eggnog left from your New Year's Eve party, finish it up in this decadent breakfast and be done with it. Then eat your egg white omelette tomorrow.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Apple Compote

2 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced

1/4 cup of light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/2 tablespoon of butter

1 tablespoon of water

Eggnog Drop Biscuits

2 cups of Trader Joe's All Purpose Baking Mix

1/8 cup of softened butter

1/4 cup of milk

1/2 cup of light eggnog

Whipped cream

Directions

Heat oven to 400°. Make the drop biscuits by combining baking mix and butter until mix resembles coarse meal. Add the milk and the eggnog and stir until moistened. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking pan and put in the oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small pot mix the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Turn on medium heat and add water and butter. Cook until soft (about 10 minutes).

When the biscuits and apples are done, cut each biscuit and top with a spoonful of apples and a spoonful of whipped cream. Serve with a hot cup of coffee and absolutely no guilt!

Goodbye

Set of Two Vintage Red Suitcases

Ringing In

Sure, you could find a $100 a person (for one glass of champagne)

venue, fight through a crowd and shout Auld Lang Syne

at the top of your lungs to celebrate the new year.

Or you can host a proper soiree with all of the black and white

trim and enough sparkle to go around.

Felix Tumbler, Carafe Un Verre, Has a Temper Necklace, Quartz Pinata, Olive Appetizer Plates, Recycled Rubber Coasters, Inside Out Champagne Set, Bowling Pin Salt & Pepper Mills, Eames Chair Coasters, City Plates, Beaker Pitcher, Pine Ice Party Ornament, Cheese 101, Givenchy Bowtie, Cheers Wine Glasses, Pewter + Glass Animal Shot Glasses

Almost There

To the end of 2009. And what a year it was!

I started this blog. Got a new dog. Married a lovely man. Landed a new job. Gained a few friends. And a pile of new recipes. Gave away books. Bought a few more. Drank my fair share. Had a good time. And used punctuation incorrectly. Just because.

Cheers to 2010!