Christmas in New York

I braced myself for the Hunter College 6 train station the other night at rush hour. But as I ducked under 68th street, the city already dark at 530 and so very cold, and made my way through the turn style and down the stairs, "Come All Ye Faithful" filled the platform. And a really beautiful version of it at that. I looked over my shoulder to find this pair with a bongo and saxophone--not your average combo in life, forget at Christmas, but these two hit the nail on the head. Maybe the prettiest "Come All Ye Faithful" I've ever heard. I gave them money for the performance, which as a standard I only do if I feel as though I would pay for a ticket to watch you perform. Only in New York do two Christmas street performers, not only make more wonderful music than most paid professionals, but manage to incorporate, oh, just about every holiday in their display. I mean, they got the right holiday on their heads, but we seem to be rocking a little 4th of July + Valentine's day... As well as some spring time park gear... It made me tap my feet on the platform and smile my whole ride home (probably creepy on a packed car). Only in New York kids...

Runaway

Have you guys watched Kanye's new video for Runaway ? I can't get enough of this color scheme, and the staging, and the dancers. Something feels oddly Christmasey about it to me, but Im thinking I just associate ballerinas with The Nutcracker. Christmas or not, I think it's beautiful.

Cookie Baking TIME.

Well, clearly my rolling pin isn't as pretty as the ones from yesterday, but it still does the trick. And the other night as I twittled my thumbs and pondered the fact I had lots of homework + the GREs in a week I thought to myself, what better time to bake cookies than.... right now ? (one word Whorf :: Braveheart). So I turned to my good baking friend Martha and her "cookie of the day." That particular day was cinnamon swirl, and I went with it. As soon as I started prepping to roll the dough out so I could sprinkle the filling in, I saw that my parchment paper anchors--my little sapling Christmas trees--were casting tree like shadows as I sprinkled snow like flour on the surface. I loved everything about this.

Obviously.

But I went on, to roll out, fill, roll up, slice, and bake. An obviously great use of my time.

These little friends were shipped off as a thank you (still not done thanking) and then given to a very hard working friend. She reported back that an officemate had come back 4 times, 4 times ! to ask for more. I think this means she has more cookies in her near future. Happy holiday baking everyone ! xo

Cookie Baking in Style

Last week I saw Herriott Grace's precious rolling pins at Terrain at Styers. Between these + Emerson Made's gorgeous "Giving Thanks" table runner, I felt like a proud blog follower seeing their products selling in brick + mortar stores... And Terrain no less ! Beautiful products, beautiful store.

Minis !

Last ones, I promise !! But if you're going to tote a Poinsettia to your next dinner party -- how perfect are these little guys ? A sweet single bloom in a reusable votive. Festive, cute, unique. Happy Friday -- hope everyone has fun weekend plans ! xo

PS. Can I say about all of these guys, that one of my favorite parts is the way the the reds and pinks bleed into the green ? Just so imperfectly lovely. And so ends Poinsettia Week ;)

Pink Cluster.

Okay yes. These guys are more commom. But I have always loved them. And if they're sharing the stage with White Glitter, Ruby Frost, and Ice Punch and holding their own in the greenhouse... they're doing okay for themselves.

Ice Punch.

Don't these delicate petals look hand painted with white gouache or water color ?
The electric pinky-red seeping through,
leaving milky white strips along the veins--perfect in their randomness.

(PS. Happy December ;) )