December 26, 2009

Boxing day.


I can't think of a better way to celebrate Boxing Day than to box up a copy of Erin Bried's new book How to Sew a Button for the winner of my bloggy giveaway.

A gigantic thank you to everyone who left a comment on my giveaway post. Erin picked a winner from among the comments. She mentioned many goodies (there were a LOT of great ones!), but in her words:

"For the winner, I finally settled on the advice from (drum roll please) S. Bear Bergman's Nana: 'Fortune favors the well-prepared.' It's just plain great advice."

Congratulations to S. Bear Bergman's Nana for doling out such sage advice! All of the comments left here were amazing so on New Year's Day I'll link to all of them to inspire you for 2010. And a huge "thank you!" to Erin for making this giveaway possible.


I've been absent this week, which has has been a whirlwind of activity: Snow storms, and cookies, and Christmas (and very spotty internet access) -- oh MY!

That snow storm that hit the Jersey Shore was a doozy. Thanks to Mike and his incredible vitamin intake, our house, my car, and the neighbors on either side got shoveled out (he still can't lift his arms much higher than his waist, granted, but all for a good cause).


Imagine my surprise when 13 intrepid souls (re: mommies trapped with small children) burrowed their ways out of their homes and over to my apartment for our annual cookie exchange this past Sunday. Northern New Jersey didn't get hit with as much snow as the shorehouse did, so travel was a bit easier. The ladies really hit it out of the park with their baking projects this year.




My co-host Karen painted her seven dozen shimmery silver stars (and promised she'll never do that again):


And Tory, baker of the spritz, was determined to get to the party no matter what since she finally baked a cookie she was proud of (they were delish, but her previous contributions have been, too. No matter what she says.).


I used my "new" $3 punch bowl with great success! Thanks to the comments left on my punch bowl post, I had some inspiration. Mrs. Magpie suggested freezing juice in a bundt pan to create an ice ring that wouldn't water down the punch. Fabulous! I couldn't find my bundt pan (I think I have one?) so I simply froze the juice in ice cube trays. That won kudos from the cookie crew so thanks for the hot (cold) tip, Mrs. M! I also floated slices of blood oranges, and the festive red fruit added a pop to my conconction. And it truly was a concoction. I totally improvised but it was yummy. I meant to take a picture, but by the time I remembered, it looked like this:


I also meant to take a picture of Karen's amazing and beautiful baked brie, but again I was a bit late. Here's what it looks like when it's totally decimated:


If nothing else I guess you can see that a good time was had by all.

Mid-week we happily found out that our Christmas table for six would have to be set for 12 (!), so we shopped a little more, and took photos a little less. I barely got the food on the table. I did manage to take a picture of Maggie, who wisely figured out which gift under the tree was for her:


Today I actually spent most of the (rainy, nasty) day boxing up stuff. And in the midst of doing so found a box of ornaments that should have been on my tree. Ugh. Resolution: Get my act together (as best as someone like me possibly can) in 2010.


I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season. I can't believe another year is drawing to a close, and I can't believe how many people have become a part of my life here on these here cyberpages. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stopping by. You are all a part of my extended family (I know it may sound corny, but I mean it) and know that my Christmas was merrier because of you.

From the shorehouse to your house, thank you for an amazing year.

15 comments:

modernemama said...

Love it that I'm not the only one who forgets to take photos until all that's left is the dregs! Merry Midwinter!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Beautiful, Laura....the cookies, the decor, the empty punch bowl...just as it should be. Those star cookies look amazing, and would be great to hang as ornaments on a tree. When I count my blessings for 2009, you are included.
♥, Susan

Anonymous said...

Where are you on the shore? What part? I live in Western Monmouth County and, like you, love all things vintage and love reading your block.

Linda Lou said...

Looks like the cookie exchange was a great success...those stars are pretty impressive...We had 15 for Christmas dinner, it was delicious, but in my rush, and wine filled brain I forgot the cranberry sauce....so ditzy!! Anyway Laura I so enjoy your blog every day of the year and look forward to more in 2010!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, I'm so glad the punch was a hit, and glad you could use my little suggestion about fruit juice ice rings. :-)

Those cookies! Oh, those cookies! That being said from a sugar deprived person. I can't do it right now. I'm on a diet, and I'm sticking to it. ;-)

Happy 2010 to one of my favorite friends...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Jean Martha said...

I'm sorry I missed the cookie party. Stewpid snowstorm!

I'm off to Italy in March. You up for another trip? LOL

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It looks like you had a very joyful Christmas holiday Laura! I love all the yummy cookie varieties.

Happy "back to work" day today!...lol

The snow all washed away here with the rain this weekend, but more is coming on New Years day so I hope Mike's arms get better by then.

It has been a pleasure getting to know you this year and I look forward to more Shorehouse Chic next year my friend!

Purple Flowers said...

So glad to read your party was a success (as if there were any doubts). It looks like fun, and from your words - it was fun!!

Kelly@TearingUpHouses said...

that looks like sooo much fun!

kelly

Maureen said...

Merry Christmas, friend! All the best to you and yours in 2010. Thanks for the sweet comments today and always.

heidi said...

YUM!!!!! lol, re: the unused ornaments box. Does it help to know that my pumpkins are still on the front steps?? xoh

JennyMac said...

Congrats to the winner. I just put that book on my list last week!

LOVE those silver cookies. Gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Laura,

It looks like a GREAT time was had at the NJ State Cookie Convention! Next year I will be there.
Twelve guests for the holiday meal and you lived to blog about it! Kudos to you.
You were missed.

Happy New Year!

Deborah

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

You really did get hit with a lot of snow. We only had a few inches, and they didn't stick around for long. Glad the weather didn't put a damper on the cookie exchange. That's my kind of party!

Wishing you the happiest of new years at the Shorehouse, Laura! :)

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Oh.My.Gosh, YUM!!!!
Been playing catchup on my reading (forgive me-things have been crazy!) Miss you! Wow! Look at that snow!

LOve the chenille spread. Wish I could go with you to the spring sale~