Happy New Year

Fireworks in Baltimore's Inner Harbor

JCW & EAS

I always carry an epipen...

Last year on New Years Eve I had a horrible allergy attack. I ended up spending the holiday in bed with my eyes swollen shut. JCW was nice enough to get take out from my favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food was yummy per usually but difficult to eat with only a sliver of vision in my left eye. The swelling took a few days to go down...with the help of steroids. The reason for the attack is still unknown. I have been attack free for one year and I couldn't be happier!

Have a safe, happy, and allergy free New Years. xx

Stonewall Jackson Cocktail

2 oz Maker's Mark
5 oz hot apple cider
cinnamon stick and orange zest -optional

Combine the Maker's Mark and hot cider, add zest and stir with a cinnamon stick.

The Stonewell is an ideal beverage for the cold winter months. Confederate general Stonewall Jackson was quite fond of this cocktail...hence the name.

Christmas Highlights

Christmas Eve dinner

I normally don't eat steak except for special occasions and bernaise is a must.

Christmas morning at Aunt S's with my Grammy.

Bert...waiting to be fed.

EAS & SAS

Gifts at mom's house

EAS & JCW

I have yet to master my mom's gift wrapping skills...she always does a fantastic job.

JCW's parents' for dinner

The pecan pie he slaved over...I was lucky enough to get to clean up the mess.

Special thanks to family and friends for filling the holiday with love and laughter. To those whom we have lost, you will always have a place in our hearts. xx

Christmas Traditions

JCW's parents host Christmas Eve dinner at their house.

The next morning we pack up the gifts. JCW goes to his parent's to open gifts with his nephew, APK ...who has been eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival.

I head to my Aunt & Uncle's home in the country.

SAS and I ride the gator over the river and through the woods.

Sam and Maggie enjoy the ride as much as we do.

Last year Benny and Jack were my Aunt S's latest edition.

We then head to my mom's where JCW meets us to open gifts.

We stay at mom's for a few hours and munch on crab dip and cheese.

After JCW and I leave my mom's we go to his parent's for dinner.

I adore spending the day outdoors...so I am hoping the rain holds off this year.

Have a Merry Merry Christmas. xx

Christmas Decorations

I fancy blue and white anytime of the year, but I think it goes especially well with red and green...

Christmas Cards

I spent several days diligently hand addressing our Christmas cards.

I was glad the post office had the winter holidays stamps in stock. I could finally rest knowing that all the cards were signed, sealed and delivered.

We were at a friend's Christmas party when I noticed our card placed on the mantle. I was thrilled to see the card proudly displayed. I just love Christmas cards and the photo ones are the best.

Christmas Trees

Every year we usally go to a tree farm with my family and cut down our Christmas trees.

My mom in pursuit of her Christmas tree.

JCW & EAS

This was our tree last year.

Loading 'em up

I love decorating the Christmas tree. Most of my ornaments are gold and I use lots of gold ribbon. Last year I started having allergy attacks for the first time in my life. I had the most severe attack around the holidays...the cause for the attacks couldn't be determined. It has almost been one year since I have had an allergy attack...so I am going to play it safe and not get a tree this year. My goal is to be attack free this time next year and get a Christmas tree.

Nest Holiday Candle

Nest Candles are a glorious holiday fragrance. I use to buy Slatkin & Co.'s holiday candle every year until Laura Slatkin launched a new company called Nest. The Nest holiday candle smells identical to Slatkin & Co.'s candle.

Last week New York Social Diary featured designer Benjamin Bradley's home. Bradley is a true lover of everything Christmas. He has a collection of two thousand ornaments...now that's some serious tree trimming.

I immediately noticed the Nest candle depicted in one of the photographs. This validated that the Nest holiday candle must be the end all be all of holiday candles.

In addition to being in love with Benjamin Bradley's fragrance selection...I also fell in love with his rich luxurious style.

Photos by Jeffrey Hirsch

The candles come in three sizes and make fabulous hostess gifts or gifts for yourself.