December 2010
1 tag
OWN Launch January 1st!
You may have heard some fuss in the media lately about a little thing called OWN? You know, Oprah’s new 24/7 network devoted to self-discovery?
If you’ve been vacationing in Atlantis and have somehow managed to miss all the coverage, let me summarize it for you:
OPRAH DID SOMETHING.
EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
And I have to say, I agree wholeheartedly with all the excitement: it’s a...
1 tag
Best-Ever Baked Beans
This is the first time I’ve made my Aunt Jo-Anne’s famous (at least in our family) baked beans in a slow-cooker.
Highly. Recommended. Whoa, these are good. And easy. And good.
So good, in fact, that I’ve given them a featured role in our New Year’s Eve dinner (along with pulled pork and a few other sides…and champagne, of course).
The plan this year:...
1 tag
Meet The Newest Member Of Our Family
…At least for the weekend.
That’s Cammy, Mike and Elli’s King Charles. She’s staying with us for a few days, and so far things are proceeding smoothly (wagging, playing, etc).
See?
Original Article
1 tag
Hostess Gift Suggestion
If you’re headed to a New Year’s Eve party at someone’s house tonight, here’s a suggestion: in addition to (or instead of) the standard bottle of wine, bring along a cool, inexpensive bar accessory like these Victorian Key bottle openers ($7.99 from World Market).
And just because I was browsing around on the World Market site…these Fleur de Lys glasses...
1 tag
Reader Question / UES Sushi
Q. Hi Jordan!
I’m a longtime reader of your blog. I moved to the Upper East Side in November, and since you live in this area as well I was wondering - what are your recommendations for great, reasonably priced sushi up here? My boyfriend and I love sushi, but neither of our budgets exactly lend to trying out every restaurant. I remember reading a number of posts from you about sushi, so I...
1 tag
Steamed Artichokes
Like Mary (and most people…no?), I LOVE artichokes.
How to pick them:
Look for artichokes that are heavy for their size, with tightly-packed leaves and no bruises or discolorations. To prepare, first rinse off the artichoke and then cut off all but about 5mm of the stem (I use poultry shears, but a knife will do). Some people trim off the sharp ends of the leaves; I am impatient and...
1 tag
Sexiest Sleepwear / Bralettes
Bralettes are lingerie perfection: they’re gorgeous, comfortable, and can be found in a wide range of prices (try Free People for tons of affordable options, and brands like Cosabella and Hanky Panky if you have a little more money to spend). At left is one of my favorites: the OnGossamer Black w/ Champagne Boudoir Blooms Bralette ($38).
Basically, a bralette is a soft bra (no padding or...
1 tag
The Plague Is Going 'Round
Or so it seems, anyway. I’m sick; half the people I know are sick, including Kendrick, who apparently made off with the remainder of the DayQuil this morning. (UPDATE: Kendrick is a note-perfect husband and would never, ever do such a hideous thing to his deathly ill wife. Also, there was none left in the box when he checked. Love, Kendrick.)
It sucks.
I don’t think I’ve had a...
1 tag
Snowy Rooftop
I swear, Virgil was a sled dog in a former life. Minus the obedience and general willingness to listen.
Lucy? More of an indoor kinda girl.
Original Article
1 tag
2010 Beauty Discoveries
Since 2010 is winding down in just a few days, I thought I’d take a moment to list my favorite beauty products (both new and old) that I’ve discovered/been using constantly over the past few months.
Skincare:
- Borghese Fango Ristorativo: the best mud mask I’ve found. A weekly mud mask plus a weekly overnight application of Boscia’s Intensifying Moisture Pack has made...
1 tag
Rustic Tabletop Inspiration
There are two things that I especially love about this tabletop: the air plants in glass votives, and the twine-wrapped vase. But the thing that I love most of all? This look couldn’t be easier - or more inexpensive - to DIY.
First, the air plants. You can buy them online, and they require minimal care (just mist them about once a month). For a similar look to this one, just set them on the...
1 tag
Excellent Advice...
…as another year comes to a close.
Image via.
Original Article
1 tag
Try This Tuesday / Build A Fort
Because…well, doesn’t that just sound like a fun thing to do on a snowy evening?
While I’ve always been a big fan of the sheets-over-couch-pillows approach, it seems there is quite the science to fort building. Click here for instructions.
Top image via; Lower image via.
Original Article
1 tag
Winterberry Cocktail
For a light (and yet beautifully festive) holiday cocktail, just pour a little cranberry vodka (or homemade cranberry-orange vodka) over ice, add a few splashes of soda water, and garnish with sugared cranberries (or sugared vodka cranberries…or just regular ones, if you’re short on time) and a sprig of rosemary. Really, all this is is a flavored vodka soda…but don’t you...
1 tag
"Whatever's To Your Delight"
Yesterday morning I looked up a bunch of the recipes that you guys recommended for my new slow-cooker, and based largely on this Smitten Kitchen recipe (thanks, Gwen!) and this Food.com one, I decided that I’d be able to cobble something together using what I already had in my cupboard. I was only missing one ingredient: the meat.
So around noon - a little late to be starting the whole...
1 tag
Baby, It's Cold Outside / Turkey Tetrazzini
What’s that, you say?
There’s a blizzard outside?
How about we just stay put right here, where it’s nice and warm?
The best thing about Turkey Tetrazzini is that it’s so improvisational; as long as you have a few basic ingredients (milk, cheese, pasta), you’re good to go. Pretty much everything else (onion, mushrooms, peas, etc) is gravy…lovely to have, but...
1 tag
Snowbound
Last night’s storm was amazing.
Snowdog from Jordan Reid on Vimeo.
That car that you see stuck in the middle of the street was still being dug out of the snow half an hour later (actually, I just went downstairs…and it’s still being dug out this morning). After we brought the dogs back upstairs (and gave them a nice warm bath) we came back down to walk out to the avenue,...
1 tag
A Whole New World (Of Dinner Options)
Thanks to my wonderful in-laws, I am now the proud new owner of a slow cooker. I’ve always wanted one (no dishwasher means I particularly love one-pot meals)…but I’ve never really used one before, sooo…any amazing slow cooker recipes you wouldn’t mind passing my way?
So excited to play with my new toy!
Original Article
1 tag
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Every Christmas Eve when I was a little girl, I sat on my mom’s lap and we read The Night Before Christmas out loud while my dad took pictures of us and the tree and the cats. Many years, Mom and I did it straight from memory - except for the whole “dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly” part. We could never remember that verse.
One year, right about when I started...