handy man

Josh spent the last 3 days working hard on 123 house, pulling up carpet and chipping away at ugly floor tile. Soon he will start installing maple floors throughout our main level.

Josh works hard to build a beautiful home for our family, with both his hands and his heart.

Thank you sweetheart.

Bree + Monster
XO

the works

One of my favorite authors as a child was Robert Munsch. His stories are hysterical. I could listen to them over and over again.

The Munschworks Grand Treasury has 15 of his most popular tales in one place. This would be a great gift for any child...or me.

little lady

We are a family of girls, four to be exact. When we were growing up, I often heard people exclaim to my parents "no boys!?!". That's right, no boys.

Yesterday one of my 3 sisters, Paige, had her first baby. It is not only Paige's first baby, but the first grandbaby as well. This little bundle has given us all the new title of 'aunt' and created one first time 'papa' and one first time 'grandma'. Paige and her husband Brendan did not find out what they were having, so we all found out the day she came into the world.

This little miracle is Tessa Lilly. We are so thrilled to add another little lady to the family. She is beautiful, looks just like her mom and I love her already.


{tessa on the her birth day 11.28.08}

5 minute pie

No joke, this pie takes about 5 minutes to prepare...it's not too late!

Giant Butter Tart

1 unbaked pie shell (9")
3 eggs
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375.

In bowl, beat eggs lightly. In another bowl mix sugar, butter and vanilla and beat until well blended and add to eggs. Stir in walnuts and raisins.

Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 40-50 minutes. Let cool on wire rack before serving.

{Variation: substitute walnuts and raisins with 1/2 c. of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 c. chopped pecans}

That's all folks!

four christmases

I am completely intrigued by the new movie Four Christmases. I know I am not the only one waiting to see if this movie is a biography of my life on the big screen.

My generation was perhaps one of the first where splitting holidays between multiple branches of the family tree became common. It's about time we had a few good laughs about it. Can't wait!



p.s. We love you family...all four of you! xo

all my bells are ringing

I stumbled upon the sweet sounds of Australian music maker, Lenka a few months ago. She recorded a song for the holiday compilation album, Winter Songs called All My Bells Are Ringing. You need to get it as soon as possible, ok? Ok.

Listen to it here.

twice lucky

{saturday at the show}

Bree was sweet enough to take me to the Coldplay show on saturday night. It was far and away one of the most vibrant shows I've ever witnessed. I have to admit though, even with all of the visual spectacle those British boys could throw at us, the most beautiful sight of the night for sure was the one immediately to my left. Imagine being lucky two times over in one wonderful evening... Thank you sweetheart!

warm weekend wishes

Snuggle up, stay warm and give thanks. We all have much to be grateful for.



Image from Real Simple.

living in a bubble

My job requires me to be in and out of the car all day. A couple of weeks ago while I faced rain and snow, it became painfully obvious to me that I would need to find a way to protect my hair so the result of the exposure does not frighten my clients.

Emilio Pucci, genius he was, designed the Space Bubble for Air Hostesses at ultra hip Braniff Airlines in 1965. They were intended to protect their tresses from the elements. Brilliant! I might get a few stares, but I think one of these might do the job.

the wexford carol

The Wexford Carol by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss from the album Songs of Joy and Peace is a must add to your collection of holiday music. I have listened to it at least a bazillion times...since last night.

Listen to it here.

toasty beverage to go

Save money and have unlimited access to your toasty beverage for up to 10 hours with a fancy thermos like this one from Sigg.

My darling little friend Melissa almost convinced me today that drinking hot cocoa regularly is good for your skin. Perhaps she will share her secret recipe with is so we can put it to the test.

absenteeism

I didn't quite realize that I have been missing from the blog for quite this long...oopsie! Back tomorrow with the goods, I promise.

drink up

Seriously awesome, and only available for a limited time. Get your drink on.

run, bree, run

I used to be a runner. I used to be a runner when it meant that during elementary school track and field, I trained for 3 weeks and then attempted to run a 5km race.

Being a runner 20 years later does not come as easy. Today I (almost) ran a mile, and although it is not a huge feat accomplished, it made me proud to make my small goal this week.

Josh and Henri were my cheerleaders and ran the whole way with me, my guys are so sweet and supportive.

sweet memory

I found Arnott's Tim Tam cookies from Australia at a local European grocery shop last week and bought them immediately. (Yes, I know that Australia is not in Europe)

I had almost forgotten just how much I love them.

old school charm

These clutches at Red Ruby Rose are simply charming. I won't be upset if someone sends me one.

now that's a hat!

My mind keeps wandering to holiday preparations. Part of that this year is packing for the Great White North. I need to purchase a 'real' winter coat before we leave. I have suggested Josh do the same, however he is resisting. I thought that I might suprise him with this bad boy. I want him to be warm...and fit in.

sick

There is something I like about being home sick with a cold, especially if it is during the winter. Snuggled away all cozy in your bed, it almost feels like the world stops for a day.

This almost makes me want a cold.

pretty

It is.

if i only had a...

...vote. It kind of sucks to be sitting on the sidelines.



I saw this cool poster designed by Hyperakt on the site of my friend, Bee.

i xm radio

If you can, but you don't, then do! Sometimes I don't even want to get out of the car.

post cool

Posters are not just for college students anymore. Fancy pants hangers available here.

cave monster

We had a few cave monster sightings around here last week.

pumpkin carving party

Last week we hosted a pumpkin carving shindig at 123 house with some of our friends. Everyone got one pumpkin, and many drinks. This may become an annual event.

My pumpkin was inspired by the 'I heart NYC' pumpkin I saw at Rockstar Diaries, although I did add some local flavor.