Shotguns and Shells

Here are some gift ideas for any shooting gents in your life...

Bird Dog Bay Sittin’ Shotgun Tie, Kevin's

Key Fob, Smathers and Branson

Shotgun Shell Party Lights, Christmas Decorations Store

We actually have a pair of these in the closet...thus far I have refused to put them up for the holidays. JCW may be in luck...they are kinda growing in me!

Remington Shotgun Shell Cufflinks

A few Christmases ago I got JCW a set of 12 gauge shotgun shell cufflinks. He said they were a little too large for everyday, but perfect for a tuxedo. We ended up taking two empty 28 gauge Remington shells to a local jeweler and having an everyday pair made. I love the idea that he actually shot the shells he wears on his cuffs.

Shotshell Tuxedo Set, Stafford's

Hunting Slipper, Stubbs & Wootton
In order to wear these and not be labeled a poser...it may be worth taking up hunting.

Shotgun Shell Humidor by Beretta, Vivre
Once I was drug to the Beretta store on Madison Ave. against my will and ending up not wanting to leave. The store is very handsome and makes you fantasize about going on a safari.

Shotgun & Shells Hooked Pillow, Stafford's

Needlepoint Belt Canvas, Barbara Bergsten Designs

This gift entails a lot more then a few clicks of the mouse.

Shell Pouch, Stafford's

Pull...I do enjoy shooting skeet but the only drawl back is hauling around that heavy gun. My arms are always sore for days...I wish they made them lighter!

Safe Shooting

Washington, DC II

The next day we headed to the Spy Museum

They where having an exhibit of Trabants cars at the museum.

After leaving the Spy Museum we stumbled upon Tangy Sweet and Red Velvet in the Penn Quarter area. Tangy Sweet is a tart yogurt bar.

Tangy Sweet is located right next to Red Velvet cupcakery.

Tangy Sweet and Red Velvet share the same owner so you can get cupcake topping on your yogurt. I got mango and pink guava swirled and JCW ordered pink guava with red velvet topping.

We had a great time in DC and where even able to see the Washington Monument before we left.

Washington DC I

Last month we headed to DC for JCW's business school's winter formal. It was held at The Willard Hotel.

The Willard is a grand hotel that dates back to 1850.

There were lovely flowers on display but I especially loved all of the porcelain planters in the lobby.

EAS & JCW

I wore a CK Bradley dress and he wore a RL tuxedo with a skull & bones bowtie from J. McLaughlin.

It was casino themed

We spent a good portion of the evening at the roulette table.

Oyster Stew

Oyster Stew is a great comfort food in the winter months...

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
3 tablespoons chopped onions
1 ½ cup potatoes
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon dill
1 quart half-and-half cream
1 container fresh shucked oysters, undrained
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 shakes celery salt
cayenne pepper to taste

Melt ½ the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the celery, carrots and onions with thyme and dill until tender. Place to the side.

Boil the potatoes until cooked and place to the side.

Melt the rest of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the oysters with the juice. Add salt and black pepper and cook until the oysters curl.

Pour half-and-half into a large pot over medium-high heat. Pour the cooked oysters and their liquid into the pot.

Mix in the cooked vegetables and potatoes. Add a few shakes of celery salt and the cayenne pepper. Stir continuously. Lower the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve the stew with crusty bread.

Special thanks to my mom for sharing her recipe for oyster stew. xx

Tartan

Tartan: Romancing the Plaid

Bowtie, Forzieri

Umbrella, Totes

Tartan Shade with Square Crystal Lamp, Willams Sonoma Home

Maine Guide Duct Tape, LL Bean
This is a perfect holiday gift for CK Bradley

Merino Throw, Pendleton Woolen Mills

Comme des Garcons Coin Purse, Saks

Gwen Pump, Kate Spade

Indian Cove Lodge Bedding, Ralph Lauren

Jeffrey Banks Coasters, HSN

Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Old Navy

Tartan Desk Collection, Williams Sonoma Home

Berger Cakes

I mentioned Berger Cookies in my All Things Maryland post, but until now hadn't tried the Berger Cake.

The Berger cake is yellow cake with chocolate fuggy icing. The icing is almost the same as the cookie frosting...just a tad softer.

The cake was very tasty and I am glad I tired it, but I going to stick with the iconic Berger cookie for top of my list.

The cakes also come in vanilla...which is interesting because the cookies only come in chocolate. I still want to try the vanilla cake, even though I will always be a chocolate fanatic.

RxArt

Limited edition Keihl's Creme De Corps, 100% of Kiehl's net profits will benefit RxArt...both a great cause and a great product.

RxArt is a non-profit organization committed to placing contemporary art in hospitals around the country. Works are placed in exam rooms, patient rooms, waiting areas, and lobbies to help ease stress and anxiety.

“We want to take children out of the hospital” –Diane Brown, RxArt Founder

Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, Artist: Jason Middlebrook

The Traveling Seeds installation is located in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

Schneider Children's Hospital of the North Shore-LIJ Medical System, Artist: William Wegman

NYU Child Study Center, Artist: Ryan McGinness

"The artwork has made the hospital attractive and made the patients feel respected, healthier, and better about themselves."(A registered nurse at RUH)

Between the Lines: A Coloring Book of Drawings by Contemporary Artists

This coloring book contains works by over fifty contemporary artists and are given to children in RxArt facilities. You can also purchase them and the proceeds go to RxArt projects.