Entre Nous.

Side by Side

Every holiday season I like to indulge in some of the once-a-year offerings available. My list is ever evolving and this year there's a couple of new discoveries added.

1. Persimmons,straight up. I've never consumed a permission in it's natural state until just recently. They're actually pretty spectacular tasting. I do enjoy them eaten solo and unfussed with, but they really add that extra something to a salad and I hear that in pudding form they aren't too shabby either.

 

2. Annual holiday music compilations from Starbucks. This years, Sleigh Ride, goes the route of traditional standards sung by the likes of: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and other greats. 

    

3. Candy Cane Hershey kisses. The sweetness of the creamy white chocolate is cut with the peppermint pieces swirled throughout. They're far from being cloyingly sweet.

 

  

 

4. Divine Desserts Kleenex boxes. Cleverly designed tissue boxes shaped into the likeness of a slice of cake may not meet everyones decor standards, but I think they're darling. I'm of course partial to that southern staple, red velvet cake.

 

 

  

5. Trader Joes Candy Cane Cookies. An intense peppermint crushed candy cane filling is sandwiched between two rich chocolate cookies. Sleeves will be devoured at a time. Stock up quickly on this holiday gem. 

  

 

 

Giving thanks

The Thanksgiving meal as interpreted by the medium of cupcake, courtesy of Trophy Cupcakes. Not only are Trophy's cupcakes consistantly scrumptious, but they are always dressed to the nines. It's incredibly rare to find the cupcake trifecta: delicious cake, sublime frosting, stunning appearance, Trophy Cupcakes succeeds in doing just that. So this year I'm thankful for the usual things (my nearest and dearest) AND Cupcakes.

Neighborhood watch

When I moved into my 4th floor walk up on Jones St. in Savannah, I didn't realize at the time that my townhouse was sourrounded by interior designers and artists. My next door neighbor turned out to be Lynn Morgan and next door to Lynn was Rethink Design. My neighbors eye for design extended beyond their homes and spilled into their courtyards. Out my back window I had the vantage point of being able peer down upon well manicured and smartly edited courtyards. As a visitor to Savannah, unless you are invited in by the owner of a historic home, or the home is open to the public for a tour of homes, you are likely to miss entirely the beauty and charm of the courtyards of Savannah. Joel and Erika Snayd, of Rethink Design, showed a glimpse of their courtyard in a Southern White Christmas photo shoot with Savannah Magazine. I love the way the indoors was cleverly brought out of doors as only those who live in temperate climates can do during this time of year. 

 

 

Urban farming

I have been smitten with The Fabulous Beekman Boys ever since I stumbled upon their docu-series on Planet Green. The series revolves around two Manhattanites, Josh Kilmer-Purcell (author of The Bucolic Plague, I Am Not Myself These Days, and Candy Everybody Wants, who was also an advertising art director by day and a drag queen named "Aquadisiac" by night), and his partner Dr. Brent Ridge (an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who was also Vice President of Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia), who became gentleman farmers. The two lads purchased the Beekman Farm (built in 1802) in Sharon Springs, NY, originally for weekend getaways, but have successfully turned it into a thriving business and also their home away from the big city. On the farm they're raising; goats, pigs, chickens, and a Llama named Polka Spot, with help from Farmer John. The farm produces goat cheese and soap (sold at Anthropologie) under the name Beekman 1802. I adore everything about this incredible show; the cheeky Polka Spot, Brent and Josh's endearing bickering, the boys stunning home (so well appointed), Brent's slight (ha!) OCD, farmer John's crying spells, the adorable goats, Josh's great back story (who knew!), the drool worthy meals both men concoct, and Brent's delightful and relatable obsession with Martha. If you missed season one, don't fret, season two is in the works. In the mean time though, check out The Fabulous Beekman Boys Fabulous Holiday Special, airing on Wednesday December 8th at 9pm. "Join the Beekman Boys as they celebrate the holidays Beekman style – with crafts, and baking, and yes…singing." Beyond excited, that's what I am!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

 

Snow started falling last night and we awoke to a winter wonderland. Though the first snow fall of the season came early this year, and it looks like chances of getting off the island today are slim to none, not to mention the chilly 15 degrees, it's all worth it. Staying in with a stack of books and magazines nearby, several Netflix on hand, a well stocked refrigerator in preparation for Thanksgiving, and Christmas carols playing on the Bose. Call me content.