Reflecting back on 2011

via here

 My sis and I picked up Frenchie from the airport today and he'll be ringing in the New Year with my family this weekend.  They're watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia right now so I thought I'd take a moment to reflect back very briefly on this past year.  We've had our share of rough patches, what with the family emergency in May and my grandmother beginning dialysis this summer.  But through it all, I feel as though my family and I have been buoyed by the sense of caring and closeness from our extended family and friends.  For me, that has really been the game changer in 2011.  I've learned that people are tougher than you ever thought possible and the desire to move on and live is inexplicable.  From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all health and happiness in the next year.  I hope to be here at this time next year, reflecting on the positive things I've taken from the year and looking forward to what's to come.  My motto for 2012 is to live bravely, truly bravely - what's yours?

Pop some bubbly

Are you ready for 2012?  Can you believe that the year is almost over?  I am very ill-prepared.  I haven't come up with a list of resolutions.  I don't have any NYE party themes or outfits planned and I haven't even chosen the signature cocktail.  Last year we had Black Velvet, which is Guinness and champagne.  I have a whole ton of brainstorming to do this afternoon.  Sister sister and I have a champagne layer cake to plan and a cocktail to find.  To help me along the way is some bubbly inspiration!

French 75

Champagne wallpaper?  Why not

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

IKEA attacked my face

We had another whirlwind day of activity here at the Rooth Household, and I am most certain that my family is counting the days until I go back home so they can finally relax.  I started the morning with a rather ambitious plan of reorganizing my sister's room and mine as well.  We all shuffled over to IKEA to pick up some cheap yet practical and heavy storage pieces that we needed and just about spent the rest of the day putting all of it together.  It took the entire afternoon and the evening for us to build two dressers and one nightstands as well as move all the furniture around.  We also loaded up two full garbage bags of clothing to donate.  Unfortunately, I also got popped in the face with some particle board from the dresser drawer, scratching a red Swoosh on my right cheek.  Perfect timing as I'm due to see some old friends from high school tomorrow for lunch and they'll probably ask if I was attacked by a cat recently.  Sigh.  Anyway, it seems as though this holiday is just flying by but I hope that you all have been keeping busy with fun activities.  You can at least count your blessings that you're not part of my family (it's the little things).

Would a bandaid be just too over the top (or gangsta)?

A Cat Paint Christmas

I hope you all had a cozy Christmas, surrounded by all your friends, family and... cats?  If you aren't familiar with the Cat Paint iPhone app, essentially it allows you to take a picture with your phone and then place cats wherever you so desire.  My sister "Cat Painted" our Christmas tree.  Sorry about the huge picture but it really needs to be that big for the full effect.

Happy Christmas Eve and the War on Dust

via here

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, except for the whir of vacuum, whisk of the feather duster, churning of the washing machine and grumbling of the dryer... 

My family and I spent all afternoon cleaning house, preparing to welcome Santa with open arms and a clean home.  I wrapped one of my sister's bandannas around my face and got to work clearing out all the dust build up that had accumulated over god knows how long.  We also have a gourmet mac & cheese bubbling away in the oven for tonight's dinner.  Everyone has worked up quite an appetite due to the vigorous cleaning and because of the second (!) run that my dad, sister and I went on this afternoon.  We raced, rather slowly, through the frigid rain (I swear a snow flake landed on my sleeve).  Now, all that's left before the big day tomorrow is 90% of my sister's Christmas shopping to be delivered tonight and wrapped.

Tonight, I'm looking forward to putting my feet up, sipping on a peppermint hot chocolate and watching some iconic Christmas tv programming.  I hope you all are geared up for the big day tomorrow and are staying warm and cozy.

Tis the season... to start running

via here

I am now back in the "slightly more north" with my parents and sister until the new year and to that, I say THANK GOODNESS.  It was about time for the 2011 work year to die.  Because y'all know me and that I can never sit still, I have now embarked upon an exercise program for my dad.  Today we went on his first walk / jog in over two years, even though it was a frigid 41 degrees outside.  My dad's ultimate goal is to run a 5k in 2012 and my sister's goal for him is to lose 15 pounds.  After today's experience, he's pretty inspired and encouraged.  We went for over 2 miles and he was feeling okay - leg muscles a bit sore - at the end.  I have faith in him and we're going to do it again tomorrow and force my sister to join us as well.  The trick is keeping it up regularly but maybe if we stay consistent through next week, it will seem like more of a habit than a once-a-year occurrence.

I'm also trying not to go on an eating binge this holiday season, which is being tested right now as my sister cuts a thick slice of Sacher torte in the kitchen.  My parents are vegetarian and I'd like to be able to cook more complex veggie dishes.  Do any of you have any suggestions of meatless recipes that you've liked?

Belated happy!

Happy belated winter solstice and happy belated birthday... to me!  Sorry for the lack of posts.  Yesterday was my birthday AND <crossing fingers> hopefully my last day in the office for the year.  We celebrated at my friends' home with a catered Italian meal, white elephant gift exchange and cocktail shrimp tequila shots.  We had four different birthday desserts: tiramisu, red velvet cupcakes, pecan pie and chocolate cake a la mode.  I made out like a champ with birthday gifts too - every single one was incredibly thoughtful and perfect for me.  I can't think of a more ideal way to celebrate a birthday.  Also, congratulations Elle Sees - you are the winner of the giveaway!  I'll be reaching out to you for your info.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and there are only three days left until Christmas.

I almost forgot

via here

On Saturday night after the massive holiday feast, I went out with my friends for some pre-birthday drinks at a bar in Houston called Prohibition.  It features - you guessed it - Prohibition type drinks as well as flapper serving girls and a "burlesque" style show.  In the middle of my first cocktail, my friend casually slips in that she and her boyfriend (who is one of my best of friends) are going to go diamond shopping the next day.  Sputtering, I look up to see if they're going to announce their engagement but no, just casual Sunday diamond shopping.  As if there is anything casual about it.  They swiftly march the conversation on (again, oh so casually) to other topics and more drinks until this afternoon, it suddenly strikes me across the face.  They went diamond shopping yesterday!  I had completely forgotten about it.  Sadly, they didn't find anything to their liking but I can't wait until they do and I get to chase the news down with some tequila shots.

How have your friends broken their engagement to you, dear readers?

PS - Don't forget to enter my giveaway.  Only two more days before I pick the lucky winner!

A nommy festive weekend

I hope you all had a festive weekend!  We had an impromptu dinner party on Saturday evening - those have got to be my favourite kind.  Where you don't spend much time planning or cooking but everything comes together in the end.  My friends brought over the smoothest, most butterlicious mashed potatoes.  I made a gravy for them and am still in a food coma state.  I think I have enough leftovers to last me until Christmas.  Speaking of which, I can't believe Christmas is a WEEK AWAY!  Are you all done with your shopping?  Frenchie has been running around town trying to get it all finished before he leaves for home.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a little Christmas present for yourself.  Hope you all have a less frantic Monday!

Post number 200 and a giveaway!

Happy post 200 to me!  I wanted to do a giveaway with my 200th post as a thank you to everyone who has been reading and following me over the past year.  It has been a ton of fun getting to know bloggers and supplementing my reading material with all your posts on a daily basis.  So... a big thank you for your comments and for coming back time and again.  I've had edor jewelry favourited on etsy for awhile now and really like the below pieces.  It's just the right touch of minimalistic and delicate that I like.  See below for the giveaway rules and buena suerte!

Giveaway rules:

1) Visit edor on etsy

2) Comment on this post and let me know what your favourite piece is.  Don't forget to include your email address and only one entry per person please

3) I will be picking and announcing the winner on Wednesday, December 21st so be sure to check back then

Happy holidays from Southern Tier

As many of you readers know, Frenchie is from the frigid north of Buffalo, New York.  But to be even more specific, his hometown is 1.5 hours outside of Buffalo and sits on a lake.  The Southern Tier Brewery is located in the township next door and recently, has been making leaps and strides in its brewing.  It's rapidly growing its distribution area but we're still waiting for it to get down to Texas.  One of my favourite memories is sitting around a bar table at the on site pub on a snowy, frigid afternoon with Frenchie and his father, nursing a cold one and just whiling the hours away.  Here is how Southern Tier says Happy Holidays - I wish I could get some of their seasonal brews (and bottles)!

Pictures via here

A single holiday gift idea

It's gift guide galore here in the blogosphere and I am certain that you all have been receiving plenty of recommendations and ideas from the other bloggers.  I have one solid recommendation and it's a doozy - the pecan pies from Goode Company Barbeque.  Om nom nom.  I send these to Frenchie's parents every Thanksgiving and have sent them to my grandparents for Christmas this year.  Frenchie's parents can't even bring themselves to take the pies with them to the Thanksgiving dinner parties they attend, for fear they'll have to share it with others.  Yep, they're that delicioso.  So send the gooey goodness for only $35 and give your friends and family a little slice of Texas this holiday season.  (Not sponsored by Goode Company)

 

Why I love skiing

When the air gets nippy and the coats and scarves come out, you know it's almost time for ski season.  For many, it's already started.  For me, it's just a dream that I have to transform into a reality in the next few months.  I've been browsing a multitude of different ski sites recently but the French Alps have really caught my attention.  It's not even so much the ski slopes... okay, maybe saying "Gone skiing in France" in your voicemail would sound really hoity toity, in a fun way.  But it's really due to the lodging options.  The accomodations are otherworldly.  Could you imagine staying in any of these fabulous ski chalets and hotels?  The harder question is - could you imagine LEAVING any of these places?  It'd be so difficult to convince me even go outside to do the skiing part.  But by now, we all know that skiing would be just an elaborate excuse so I could lounge around in one of these wonderous places.  So there's a abnormal amount of antlers, wood paneling (again!) and furs... the lap of luxury can be a tough place to be!

1 & 2 / 3 & 4 / 5 & 6 / 7 / 8 & 9

Family compound

Thank you all for the nice notes last week.  I'm still struggling to get over whatever type cold I have and I've filed a claim with the insurance company regarding my car.  Hopefully I can get all of these issues resolved this week and get on with the holidays!

My dad was a military kid and grew up in a military compound.  His younger brother would always tell his parents that, when he grew up and had lots of money, he would buy a big compound where the grandparents and siblings, with all of their respective families, could live together.  Well, I found that compound, although it's not large enough for our extended family.  The grounds are made up of the main house, a gardener's cottage and guest house, with a lovely pool.  The main house is three stories and replete with wood paneling on the ground floor.  It's not that nasty faded 80's wood paneling and I actually don't mind it, as it gives the whole space a very warm and cozy feel.  The third floor bedroom with the dormer windows is a little girl's dream.  The open plan kitchen / dining room / kitchen would be put to good use during the holidays and I know exactly where I'd put the Christmas tree.

Drat!

via here.  Change "we" to "I"

Well crap.  On my way out of the parking garage this evening, a lady backed into my car.  Sigh.  My first "accident" in this car.  As Frenchie reminds me though, there are plenty of things to be grateful of: a) it wasn't a bad accident - a fender bender if you can even call it that, b) I have car insurance to take care of it, even if the other lady (grr) doesn't, c) it can be fixed and d) it wasn't a bad accident and everyone is okay.  I have to constantly tell myself that everyone is okay and the situation could have been a lot worse.  So in a strange way, I am grateful.  Thanks readers for being so patient with me through my illness this week and lack of interesting posts.  And thank you Frenchie for making me tea and singing "Soft Kitty" to me while I'm sick.  I will try to garner some more fun posts over the weekend and start next week anew!

Lo & Sons bag

I know everyone says this but I never ever win anything.  Not even a dollar from a scratch off.  That being said, I won the Lo & Sons giveaway from Joanna at Simple Blueprint!  I know, I can't even believe it myself.  I had heard about Lo & Sons bags months ago and my very own OMG bag came in the mail the other day.

See how pretty!

You can read all about the different features on the website but my most favourite thing about this bag is the number of storage areas.  There is a zippered slot on the side for shoe storage and more than a handful of pockets - slots for your laptop, cell phones, blackberries, pens and business cards.  The top strap is long enough to put the bag over your shoulder, but if that's not enough, there is also a shoulder strap so you can be hands free.  If you're looking for a travel carry-on or a stylish bag to take your work things to and from the office, this is the bag for you.  I can't wait to use it and show it off to my co-workers.  Thank you Lo & Sons and thank you Joanna for the giveaway!

Nicholas was... by Neil Gaiman

Nicholas Was...

older than sin, and his beard could grow no whiter. He wanted to die.

The dwarfish natives of the Arctic caverns did not speak his language, but conversed in their own, twittering tongue, conducted incomprehensible rituals, when they were not actually working in the factories.

Once every year they forced him, sobbing and protesting, into Endless Night. During the journey he would stand near every child in the world, leave one of the dwarves' invisible gifts by its bedside. The children slept, frozen into time.

He envied Prometheus and Loki, Sisyphus and Judas. His punishment was harsher.

Ho.

Ho.

Ho.

This super short is from one of my favourite authors of all time Neil Gaiman.  He's always been able to excite, delight and twist reality into a story that I can't put down.  And you can't expect any less of him around the holidays. 

Icky in Kansas

Where I am, but imagine it colder

I think I'm coming down with something.  After braving a frigid plane ride in one of the express jets and almost getting t-boned in the taxi, I'm here in Wichita, Kansas.  Which is only  novel because I've never been here before.  I'm starting to feel congested and unfortunately don't have any medication with me, so I've resorted to drinking hot tea, wearing sweatpants and turning the thermostat up to 79.  I think I'm going to knock off early tonight but hope that you all have had a good Tuesday.  Snuggle deep down and don't forget to take your vitamin c!

Braised goodness

I broke in my new dutch oven this weekend with some braised short ribs.  I've never made these before and have been waiting to get the proper equipment to try it out.  (Someone needs to show me how to take pictures with a camera.)  In any case, it was fall-off-the-bone deliciousness and everything I hoped for.  I have got to get my hands on some more recipes because there is something soul-warming about slow cooked meals on a drizzly, cold day. 


Before braising

And after

Tuesday and Wednesday I am going to be in Kansas for work, where the low is going to be 15!  I haven't been that cold since I was in Buffalo last winter.  I'm wearing my snow boots in to the office and on to the plane.  Please wish me warmth!

Talking about bloggers with non-bloggers

via here

I've never realized how awkward it would be to talk about my blog with my non-blogger friends.  That was definitely not something I considered before taking up writing one.  The first awkwardness encountered is when I bring up the fact that I have a blog.  Does one throw that into a conversation casually?  I never feel like I've done it smoothly and nonchalantly (probably my first mistake).  And do people then feel obligated to check it out?  And if they're not interested, are you upset if they don't check in occasionally or even at all?

I was at brunch with my old college roommate, who I now only see once a year, when Frenchie proudly threw out the fact that I had a blog.  My face must have just completely fallen and I could feel my cheeks burning.  I quickly recovered, blurting out, "But you don't have to read it!  I just do it for fun!  Please don't judge me."  I didn't even give the web address, I was so mortified with what she might think.  Another night, we were at a lounge (a lounge of all places, to talk about this) and an acquaintance started asking me about my blog.  He, in not an unkindly way, asked me about what I write and how I get my inspiration.  To which my response was a blank stare for 10 seconds and then stammered "Uhh... you know, stuff that happens during my day, cool things I find on the internet..."

Which then leads to the other awkwardness when I bring up the bloggers whom I read everyday in conversation.  I'll mention "Oh my friend Shalini totally hit the nail on the head when it comes to the characters that Zooey Deschanel plays - MANIC PIXIE GIRL!"  (Shalini, I hope you're not terribly offended that I called you my friend.) Or "I've met all these very unique individuals from all over the world like Joanna / Chuck / Hila." and "LMF recommended this new show Once Upon a Time, which I am so very addicted to now."  I know that some of you know more about the details of my life and my day-to-day activities than some of my closest friends. 

So how have you all been able to reconcile the dichotomy and manage the blogger and non-blogger relationship?  Do you not mix the two or are they very much intertwined?  And how in God's name do you make it not awkward?  

Horsing around this weekend

via here

Are you looking forward to the weekend?  Is it going to be packed full of Christmas shopping, Christmas baking and Christmas decorating?  Are you addressing and sending out your greeting cards and hanging lights and stockings?  Perhaps you have a holiday party or two and are ringing in the season with friends and family. 

Whichever it is, I hope you all have a wonderful one - I'll be visiting the horses tomorrow morning and going to a baby shower on Sunday.  This past week, I received the above striking equestrian print from Thomas Francisco who shares my passion for horseback riding.  The photograph captures a rider and horse on the way up to a jump in perfect form (I need to remember to keep my heels down), muscles tensed in anticipation of the leap and landing.  The print is truly even more stunning in person and Thomas' etsy shop is chock full of good gift ideas for Christmas - I encourage you to check it out and "deck the halls" with them.

French farmhouse

Let's take a short break from all of the Christmas fanfare, shall we?

This beautiful faux French farmhouse is actually located in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Houston.  You might not even be able to tell, except for the perfectly manicured kelly green lawn and shrubs.  I like it for the hobbitness, which is the only word I could come up with to describe the barrel vault ceilings and cheerful rustic feel.  This "farmhouse" goes for approximately $5 million so it has its share of grand living rooms and master bedrooms but the pictures I included below are of the more homey parts of the house.  The dining room and kitchen are probably my favourite rooms in this home - can't you see Gandalf and Frodo wandering through those hallways?