Food Friday

I know everyone is probably still recovering from Thanksgiving, but how can I not address something that contains brie? I went to the Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia last weekend with my family, and while I was not being overwhelmed by the verdant quaintery of this spot (someone get married here - stat), I was being floored by the food. Try their Brie French Toast and see what I mean.

Packing Heat

Holiday packing! What a conundrum. I know that it’s impossible to make generalizations about people’s Thanksgiving plans, so the following scenario may not apply to you, but – I find myself torn between the inclination to pack a single pair of jeans and a t-shirt in preparation for several days of hibernation interspersed with bouts of overeating and remembering that I should pack at least one slamming outfit, lest my out-of-town friends whom I haven’t seen in a while think that I’ve gone soft. Add to this contrarian pile the possibility that I’ll be going shopping on my vacation and you basically have a full-on Monet of a suitcase, informed by far too many sartorial scenarios to have any sort of cohesion.

My secret weapon? The statement necklace. Throw this bad boy on and your outfit is suddenly outing-appropriate.


I love this sick, Brutalist-inspired Alexis Bittar number.

PS: Thank you, fashion world, for giving us a legitimate-sounding term for what I always used to refer to as "huge, crazy, fucked-up necklace." Speaking of fashion world - have you guys noticed that Anne Slowey has worn a statement necklace in


almost


every


episode of Stylista?

Food Tuesday

I normally reserve my food posts for Fridays, but if you're anything like me you will be having more of a Food Coma Friday and not in the mood to try new recipes. Besides, who needs recipes when you have leftovers goulash supreme? You won't need me then. Here is something that you may need in the next few days - a silken, painfully simple (but slightly elevated!) mashed potato recipe that will impress your foodie aunt but won't scare your grandmother. (I know mashed potatoes are none too exciting, but Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where the menu is decided waaay in advance, so I'm kind of stuck.)

Hand-made cards are better!

They are better than store-bought cards. We all know that. But if yours look like the work of a pre-schooler, take a look at Cam Cruz's lovely holiday cards at her store on Esty.com.

If you dilly-dally and don't get your holiday cards out on time, don't worry because Cam's Thank You notes will come in handy this time of year too! In fact, the Brooklyn-based artist does cards for practically all seasons and celebrations, and even does custom orders.

New Year New Calendar

Noa's Calendar from Kiosk

A calendar as a gift can be creative one. Check out this offering from Kiosk's finds from Finland. You can skip the calendar of pugs or Spongebob, this well-sized option will be much keener way to watch the days pass. Other functional yet attractive gift ideas on this site from all over the world. As for your 2007's, check out some excellent recycling ideas for ye ole calendar here.

Holiday Giving

Really, the only website you need for all your holiday gifts: Humans.