I was looking for a recipe for mulled wine and found this on Yahoo. I was expecting to open a link direct to a recipe; I found this instead.

It made for entertaining reading and there are some great recipes too

I have listed some of the comments below; unedited:

a. simple-buy a bottle of german gluhwein add fruit and spices and off you go

b. Go to a German Christmas market, (they are in a lot of UK cities) buy a bag of mulled wine herbal mix (about £3) and follow instructions. Takes 15 minutes. Easy!

c. you can get mulling spices at most supermarkets this time of year
just put them in the wine, poof

d. Currently, as I have it in the cupboard, I open red wine, put it in a pan, and pour mulling syrup into it.  If I didn’t have this then it depends what I have in.  It always contains Red Wine, cinnamon stick, cloves, honey and nutmeg.
If I have them I will stud the cloves into either a tangering/satsuma/orange or an apple.   sometimes I also add lemon/ornage zest & juice.
Mulled wine is such a varied thing that having a set recipe is pointless, just warm the wine witht he spices and add things if you think it will improve it.

e. Mug a homeless wino as they are they only people who can get real mulled wine, no one knows where it comes from.

f. GO TO YOUR NEAREST SUPERMARKET BUY A BOTTLE,,,IT’S CHEAPER THAN YOU CAN MAKE IT AND QUICKER,,, OPEN IT DRINK IT AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE THEN YOU WONT WORRY WHAT IT TASTES LIKE,,, ,,, THE 3RD GLASS MAKES IT TASTE FANTASTIC,,, JUST DONT FART BEFORE THEN,,, LOL

g. If you buy decent wine in the first place you won’t have to try and disguise it

and then a real recipe:

1. For fantastic mulled wine. 2 bottles good wine, ginger , star aniseed, cloves , fresh large wedges of orange and lemon, cinamon stick & sugar.
wonderful drink.
2 bottles wine, 1 bottle water, 1 small cup brown sugar or honey, 1 orange & 1 lemon cut into wedges, 4/5 star aniseed, several cloves stuck into the orange, 1 cinamon stick and grated peeled fresh ginger. Heat gently, don’t boil.  Thats it, Fantastic

and finally:

2. 4 cups apple cider
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish
Directions
Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve.

and happy holidays. After that I would not be surprised if you have a head-ache

好喇呀某同某同某都有人陪
於是跟b同ws很即興地入了長洲

好野張即影即有黑哂
點解我仲可以笑得咁開心???

沒有planning的我們見步行步
夜晚食咩?bbq!
唔該邊到有bbq場呀??
好遠架啵(長洲的居民都以擔心的語氣說道)
諗住掃街但天色已黑好多店都關門了
最後諗住食聖誕大餐點知又變左常餐

我們就這樣在長洲亂逛
一路逛一路聊天
有時還跟陌生人說merry x’mas^^

我們在沙灘躺了一晚

11:40P.M.
b話如果想 我地可以拔足狂奔去返pier趕搭11:45的尾班船
但睇在佢帶左件羽絨的份上!!!!我們就這樣overnight了!!!!!
半夜的沙灘果然很凍- -”而且很濕 袋面及報紙都結了水珠!*0*
根本就睡不著(而且b件羽絨根本唔夠3人蓋呀….)
但b一躺下便睡著了

很大件呢 穿了變小矮人XD”

同時要多謝b帶的臘燭 上演了賣火柴的少女-.-”

水珠@@

2:27A.M.
終於忍唔住問了CM朋友(我就知你們還未睡!夜鬼!)25號的最早一班船,,,,,
原來2點多有一班 不過剛開走了-.-”
下一班要等到5點= =….
我們說 下次一定不會再這麼瘋狂啦!!!!!
只好跟ws靠看”再見螢火蟲”過活….

5:10A.M.
極速在船上吃了點食物便睡昏了

6:00A.M.
沒想過清晨6點在中環遊走

6:30A.M.
飛的上hku的hall睡
總算試了一次日頭的屈蛇XD
(竟然唔駛登記,b個hall好嚴架wo!)

7:15A.M.
準備倒頭睡的時候b的鬧鐘響了- -
大家都笑了
ws唔願訓又係到騷擾我地!

2:00P.M.
收拾行李離開

our beautiful lady

3:15P.M.
搭巴士去油麻地填肚
明明前一分鐘還笑得蹲在街
下一分鐘又胃痛
結果極速食完野連街也沒逛便打道回府

天,這痛持續了好幾個鐘
食物又吃了,藥也吃了 還可以怎樣?
也好 留在家不用想節目

最後
祝大家聖誕快樂:)
(今年聖誕氣氛不足,儘管在市區或離島)

Ice made from cold water looks cloudy because air that is trapped in the water become suspended in the ice. If you boil water before pouring it in the ice cube trays, you release most or all of the air that would otherwise be trapped in the water — making the ice cubes crystal clear.

Crystal clear ice cubes look great when used with designer ice cube trays. For any holiday or event, designer ice cubes are a cool thing to entertain guests and spark conversation.

Ikea has a few designer ice cube trays that you can pickup or Amazon has hundreds available for delivery, including: Christmas Trees and Snowmen, Penguins, Ice Invaders, Peace Signs, Hearts, Homer Simpson, Stewie (Family Guy), Stars, Skull and Crossbones, Butterflies, Dinosaurs …etc.  They even have molds to make Shot Glasses and Stir Sticks out of ice.

Another secret: the ice cube trays can also be used as Jello molds!

Remember, you’ll have to boil water to make it hot because you can’t use hot water from the tap – explained here.

BrokenSecrets.com

Sources: Illinois Dept Physics

出街出到累
所以留返日係屋企
但發覺原來唔出街就好悶
而且有點寂寞
屋企空了又一個人對住4面牆
剛好jenne amy行經kt
就叫佢地上黎嬉戲一會:)

哈哈
我已經慢慢學著一個人去做很多事
不過獨個去電影院看戲還是未學懂:P
一個人在家看戲倒可以啦…..

avatar
景好靚 潘朵拉星球好靚 花草識發光
不過na’vi點解唔design得靚d?
同埋張poster真係敗北!
故事嘛 十多年前寫落係咁上下了
3D做得幾好 d雪同花火飄下飄下 幾真幾近
軍隊炸左棵大樹倒下果下 我真係想棵樹壓死埋d轟炸機!!!!!
同埋佢地開戰果到好正(個人好中意睇一大班人合作抗敵,好似魔戒咁 哈哈)
一路睇一路諗如果係game應該幾好玩
overall我睇完唔會係好激動果種(定係我個人d sense變左?)
不過又唔係唔好睇wo!
你地明唔明?????

－

是咁的
有天跟mak+行kubrick(十分中意e間店!!!D野好靚!!!!!)
發現有個人d插畫幾靚
mak+話似我d畫風,我都可以試下出
跟住返屋企search下
原來係門小雷!!!!跟手搵埋telephone fung
佢地分別有mike等hk magazine做下illustration的
哈
正
愈睇愈發覺自己唔掂
真係愈黎愈唔敢同人講我識畫畫了….

their blogs
我覺得artists的blog好好睇!起碼好睇過佢地d官方網

little thunder
telephone fung

Here we are in the final days before Christmas and everyone seems to be rushing around with last-minute lists of things to be done.

As you are compiling those lists, make one of things to be sure to have on hand through your holiday entertaining. If you are prepared, it makes entertaining so much more simple and enjoyable!

Some things to be sure you are well stocked on:

napkins

paper towels

toilet paper

facial tissues

aluminum foil

plastic wrap

garbage bags

baking soda (works well for so many things from neutralizing orders to shining the stainless faucets)

bleach wipes (you know someone is going to show up sick and these are a quick and handy way to keep things wiped down and as clean as possible)

milk and eggs

ice

club soda (mix it with any type of juice for automatic punch! Also great at removing stains, polishing jewelry and glass, and settling upset stomachs!)

munchies (people arrive hungry and get hungrier with all the great smells coming from the kitchen. Have an ample supply of munchies like veggie trays, crackers and cheese on hand.)

games (if children are in the mix, have a few easy to play games ready. Coloring books and crayons are also a great diversion.)

Last-minute gifts (keep a few generic gifts on hand wrapped and ready for giving. You never know when you are going to need one. It can be something simple like candles or lotion sets for women and candy, a book or a car-related item – think furry mitt with ice scraper attached – for the guys.)

Enjoy the time spent with loved ones who gather in your home and remember, it is all about the memories you make through time together.

Happy Holidays and Happy Entertaining!

On Saturday, the snow started coming down…down…down in NYC…

My husband and I were out trying to take care of some last minute shopping – btw NEVER attempt to go to Macy’s at Herald Square on the Saturday before Christmas – there was no miracle happening on 34th Street. Once we realized that the snow was not going to slow down, we headed home and enjoyed being “stuck” inside to watch movies and cook dinner. We watched the snow blowing on East 18th Street, and admired our still street being covered with a blanket of white. The rooftops from our bedroom window looked so soft and heavenly like they were covered in marshmallow fluff. Bellissimo!

I love NYC in the snow! As long as it’s fresh snow – the next few days…weeks…months after a beautiful snow tend to be one big blur full of slush…I’m glad I was able to enjoy Saturday’s little Christmas present! ♥

最寒冷的幾天
起床後便頭痛
一天中一半的時間用來睡覺
另一半就是上街吃飯用電腦
每天只吃兩餐
即使深夜才睡也沒吃夜宵
這樣一定能瘦:D

－

聖誕聖誕去玩什麼好?

－

跟7a唱了k


可按圖放大下載full size,沒了picasa有這個也挺方便:)

－

終於都去了幾米的展

路人問我借眼鏡影相 哈哈 又說我的帽子跟公仔一樣            i like him very much!!:3

－

明天去看avatar
回來才報告XD

This song makes me happy. Period. Last time I heard it, I was driving West on the 520 right before making the curve to see the Space Needle (oh! The Space Needle also makes me happy, it deserves a whole different blog)

November 27, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama and First Daughters Kick Off Christmas at White House

First Lady Michelle Obama, with her daughters Sasha and Malia, as they stand with the White House Christmas tree as it is delivered to the North Portico.

Malia, Michelle, and Sasha Obama welcome Mark Steelhammer, left, and Eric and Gloria Sundback to the White House.

The 12-foot wide tree in the oval-shaped Blue Room on the State Floor of the White House, is the star attraction of Christmas at the White House, and will be oohed and aahed over by the thousands of people who will stream through in December for holiday parties and public tours of the executive mansion.

The tree, which the Sundbacks planted in 1996, was hand-picked on Oct. 20 on a visit to the Sundback’s farm by retired Rear Adm. Stephen Rochon, the White House chief usher, and Dale Haney, superintendent of the White House grounds. Besides the official tree, more than a dozen smaller trees from the Sundback farm will decorate other rooms in the White House, including the Oval Office. The Sundbacks, both in their 80s, earned the honor by winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s national contest this year for the fourth time. A tree from the winner’s farm is then chosen as the official White House tree, an annual tradition that dates to 1966. The Sundbacks have grown Christmas trees since 1956 and were thrilled by the opportunity to meet their fourth first lady.

December 2, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama Unveils White House Christmas Decorations

The First Lady debuts the 2009 White House Christmas decorations in the Cross Hall of the White House. She is accompanied by U.S. Marines as she promotes the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots program

The Red Room of the White House, with holiday decorations, Dec. 2, 2009. This years holiday theme at the White House is reflect, rejoice and renew.

The Obamas pledged to open up the White House and make it a more open, welcoming place to average Americans. Guests at the White House holiday parties get to explore the mansion’s state floor, which holds famous rooms like the East, Red, Green and Blue rooms and the State Dining Room.

The White House tree is also lit with environmentally sound LED lights

“We decided to do something just a little different,” Michelle Obama said earlier this month. “We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House.”

Guests still will be able to admire an annual, mouthwatering White House tradition — the gingerbread replica of the president’s mansion, made over the last six weeks by White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. The 400-pound White House is made out of white chocolate and gingerbread with flourishes of marzipan to create the vegetables in the Obamas’ garden and the furniture in the State Dining Room.

The ornaments are hung on the tree with blue ribbon embroidered with the words reflect, rejoice and renew in several different languages

A view of the White House Green Room

The East Room is decorated with fresh garlands, blue hydrangea, seeded eucalyptus and beaded fruit

!!!

December 3, 2009

The 86th Anniversary–Lighting of The National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree Lighting once again provided an opportunity for all Americans to come together to celebrate the season and to share the message of peace.

Presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, an all-star lineup of stars offered a diverse program of holiday music, including traditional songs with dashes of pop, folk and hip-hop.

December 13, 2009

Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special

Oprah Winfrey ushered in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Barack Obama and the First Lady as they prepared for their family’s first Christmas there.

The intimate, informative and entertaining hour-long special included a one-on-one conversation with the President, marking the first time Oprah had interviewed him since he took office, as well as an exclusive sit-down interview with the first couple. The special showcased behind-the-scenes preparations as the White House gets ready for the holiday season. Winfrey’s special included a tour of White House holiday decorations and an appearance by Bo, the family’s dog.

December 16, 2009

The White House Hanukkah Party: A Special Menorah from Prague, Kosher Foods, and a Larger Guest List

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch as a child lights the Hanukkah candles

President Barack Obama with First Lady Michelle greets the crowd before his speech at Hradcansky square in Prague on April 5, 2009

Pavlat and Thompson-Jones during the menorah hand off in Prague

הצהרת הנשיא אובאמה לרגל חג החנוכה

מישל ואנוכי שולחים את מיטב איחולינו לכל מי שחוגג בימים אלה את חג החנוכה ברחבי העולם. סיפור חנוכה של המכבים ושל הנסים שהם חוו מזכירים לנו שאמונה והתמדה הן כוחות עצומים המסוגלים לקיים אותנו בתקופות קשות ולעזור לנו לגבור על מכשולים כנגד כל הסיכויים.

חנוכה הוא העת לא רק לחגוג את אמונת העם היהודי ואת מנהגיו, אלא להעלות על נס את השאיפות המשותפות של בני כל הדתות. בשעה שבני משפחה, חברים ושכנים נאספים יחדיו כדי להדליק את הנרות, מי יתן והלקחים של חנוכה ישמשו השראה לכולנו להודות על החסד שנפל בחלקינו, למצוא מקור אור בתקופות אופל ולפעול יחדיו למען
עתיד יותר מלא אורה ותקווה

More @ Obama Foodorama

December 16, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama Delivers Toys for Tots

First Lady Michelle Obama praised the soldiers and volunteers who worked on the Marine Corps program.

December 17, 2009

Gloria Estefan Interviews President Obama in the White House for the Univision special “Our Christmas”

In an interview for Univision, singer Gloria Estefan interviewed the President, asking the “very important question…which chimney will Santa be coming down?”

The answer: the chimney in the Yellow Room in the middle of the Residence, “so that’s where we are going to set the cookies and the milk, because after working all night, giving the gifts…. we want to make sure when it comes to the White House that he feels like he is getting good service.” The Obamas will also set out “a little reindeer snack.”

At the end of the interview the President sent seasons greetings and a call to service to viewers and military families in the Hispanic community…en Español. “En esta temporada festiva, todos queremos estar con nuestros seres queridos, pero también podemos tomar el tiempo para ayudar a nuestras comunidades. Cada persona puede hacer una gran diferencia. Michelle y yo les deseamos una Feliz Navidad.”

Translation: “In this holiday season, we would all like to be with our loved ones, but we should also take the time to help our communities. Each person can make a big difference. Michelle and I wish you a Merry Christmas.”

December 20, 2009

The 11th Annual Christmas in Washington Concert

TNT rang in the holidays in musical style with 11th annual presentation of Christmas in Washington. Performers included were Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Usher, Rob Thomas and Justin Bieber joined host George Lopez in this spectacular holiday celebration.

Annually attended by the President and First Lady and other Washington VIPs, Christmas in Washington is a holiday musical celebration taped at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., with proceeds going to the National Children’s Medical Center.

Before the show started, four little girls dressed as elves helped the first couple place a gift for the Children’s National Medical Center under a Christmas tree. President Obama deemed the quartet – Avery, age 4, Anna, age 6, Abigail, age 4, and Reagan, age 7 – “Santa’s little helpers,” and introduced each, replacing their last name with “Elf.”

Though Anna Elf (on the left), seemed unimpressed, telling the President: “I’ve never seen you before!” He responded, laughing, “I’ve never seen you before.”

Sugarland's Kristian Bush, left, Mary J Blige, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle and George Lopez sing Christmas carols

“This season we celebrate that sacred moment. The birth of a child, the message of the love we preach to the world. We are our brother’s keeper. We are our sister’s keeper. And pure in heart, we do unto others as we have them do unto us. We devote ourselves to good works. We are summoned to be peacemakers. More the 2,000 years later,that spirit still inspires us. That’s why this celebration tonight benefits Children’s National Medical Center and all the children whose lives they touch and they save.

“That’s why so many of our fellow citizens struggle during tough times. We are called upon to help neighbors in need. That’s why, with our men and women in uniform serving far from home, in harm’s way, our fervent wish remains this season, and all seasons to let there be peace on Earth. To all Americans, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas and God bless.”

After addressing the crowd, the Obamas stayed on stage with all the performers to sing carols, starting with “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” The president wiped a tear from his eye during the sing-along.

!!!

Mary J. Blige Sings Oh Holy Night

Usher Sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Justin Bieber Sings Some Day At Christmas

Mary J. Blige Sings the Christmas Song

Sugarland Sings Gold and Green

Usher Sings Peace on Earth

Rob Thomas Sings New York Christmas

December 21, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama and First Daughters Malia & Sasha Answer Kids’ Questions, While Bo Barks At Santa

President Barack Obama says the only Christmas presents he needs from his daughters are hugs.

During an interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Obama said he and First Lady Michelle Obama decided several years ago not to buy each other presents. Obama says that doesn’t always save him money because he makes up for that on birthdays and Mother’s Day, but it does save him some wrapping time around the holidays.

Although the President said all he wants for Christmas is hugs from his daughters, first daughters Sasha and Malia have other plans. During a Q&A with kids at the Children’s National Medical Center on Tuesday, the girls revealed they’re getting their father “sports stuff.” They also talked about how Christmas will be different now that they’re in the White House and what they’re planning for the holidays. Bo the First dog came along for the visit.
!!!

December 21, 2009

President Obama Visits Boys & Girls Club, Reads To Children

Barack Obama brought a beloved book to read. He brought a press entourage. He brought cookies shaped like Bo the dog. Hey, he brought himself.

But the president of the United States still got a little Christmas reality Monday from a bunch of kids: High-tech toys rule.

Dashing into a Boys & Girls Club in northeast Washington, Obama asked about 25 youngsters what they wanted from Santa Claus.

An Ipod. A video game. A TV. A video game. A cell phone. A video game.

“Now let me ask you a question here guys,” Obama finally said. “What ever happened to, like, asking for a bike?”

For a president snowbound in the White House, a visit to this community center was a nice mix of missions: a way to give back, a nice photo opportunity with a cute collection of children, and a chance to tell the country that the holidays are about generosity of spirit – not just gifts.

Obama took off his suit coat and read “The Polar Express,” a magical Christmas classic, holding it forward so the seated children could see the pictures.

The children paid quiet attention throughout. Obama rewarded them by grabbing his red velvet-wrapped basket of cookies and offering the children a choice of shapes: Bo the family dog, a gingerbread man or a Christmas maple leaf.
!!!

December 22, 2009

Photostream: Holidays at the White House

Holiday season at the White House began with a very simple idea: to include as many people, in as many places, in as many ways as possible. In this spirit, they’ve posted a video tour of this year’s decorations and the making of the gingerbread White House; now see the holidays through the lens of the White House Photo Office.

December 23, 2009

The Official White House Christmas Portrait of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose for a formal portrait in front of the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House, Dec. 6, 2009

December 23, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama Reads The Night Before Christmas

First Lady Michelle Obama visits Children’s National Medial Center in Washington D.C. to read “The Night Before Christmas“. Joined by daughters Malia and Sasha, along with dog Bo, the First Lady continues this tradition of visiting with patients which dates back to Bess Truman.

December 23, 2009

Mele Kalikimaka: The Obama Family’s Annual Christmas Vacation

Hawaii’s home-grown president, Barack Obama, is expected back in Honolulu on Dec. 23, according to sources in Washington. The president and his family are expected to stay until Jan. 2, meaning he will celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s in the islands.

In the past, Obama made a point of celebrating Christmas with his grandmother Madelyn Payne Dunham. The woman who raised Obama when his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, was working and studying in Indonesia, died last November.

Also in past years, Obama would spend time with his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng. The President’s sister and her husband, Konrad Ng, are also expected back in Honolulu. They were living in Washington, D.C., this year while Ng, a University of Hawaii professor, was scholar-in-residence at the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American program.

Back to The Happy Holidays Main Page

My Aunt Louise was one of those very special people who could always find the good in others, who was genuine and sweet, and she had the magically powers to mix zucchini with chocolate and come out with the best chocolate cake ever. I thought she was amazing.

One year as a gift for my Mom, I came up with the idea of putting together a cookbook with recipes from all my aunts and cousins. The recipe Aunt Louise shared was for her pumpkin roll. Talk about off the charts – her pumpkin roll literally takes the cake! I have made the pumpkin roll many times and look forward each holiday season to pulling out that recipe card she sent. Since she is no longer with us, I love seeing that card, thinking of her and remembering what a fabulous cook and wonderful lady she was.

I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious treat as much as we do!

Louise’s Pumpkin Cake Roll

Cake:

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp. lemon juice

3/4 cup flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Filling:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup margarine or butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup candied cherries

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer on high for five minutes. Gradually beat in the 1 cup of sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. In a small bowl, stir together flour and other dry ingredients. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread batter in a greased and floured 15×10x1 jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Immediately invert cake onto a flour-sack towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Roll cake and towel up together. Cool completely. Unroll cake. In a mixing bowl beat 1 cup powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla with mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cake. Reroll cake, cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Cut into 1-inch slices and garnish with cherries. Makes 10-12 servings.

* Note: You can substitute pecans for walnuts or make without nuts. You can also garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, glazed nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Happy Holidays and Happy Entertaining!

I always wanted to have an octopus as a pet (weird… I know), but not anymore

花與愛麗絲
名字很美
一套好舊的日本電影
導演是岩井俊二 走唯美及淡淡的風格
不是那些有爆炸場面帶來視聽感官刺激的電影(那種比較適合進電影院看吧)
蒼井優在戲中越看越美,尤其是跳ballet那幕!
鈴木杏嘛,依然不太喜歡-,-”
還有
alice在鐵路站跟爸爸道別,爸爸教她說國語”我愛你”及”再見”那幕
莫明地哭了
唉………

青春電幻物語(all about lily-chou chou)
又一套岩井的作品(基本上是朋友介紹便一次過買了2隻回家)
與其說hana ＆ alice值得看
我認為這套就更出色
運用迷離撲朔的光影及扭曲的鏡頭,看完後心真的有點沈重
正如網人所說一點也不青春
而且配樂方面十分讚
戲中歌手lily-chou chou的歌聲出奇地配合劇情
overall投入度都比上一套高
P.S.男主角好懦弱,好像eva的真治,不過有時想法還是會overlapppp
只不過我沒有被人欺負還是嘻嘻哈哈地上學去罷了
P.SS.日本的bullying真的很嚴重嗎????

藉著寫真說愛你
前身是”戀愛寫真”
由玉木宏及宮崎葵全新演出
演員+攝影+大塚愛唱主題曲的關係
這個….其實一早看了,基本上是為買而買…

黑執事
bobo叫我看
說什麼好恐怖
根本一點都不嚇人(喂,你的膽子未免太小了)
又是走華麗風的動畫
有點櫻蘭及tactics的感覺
mytv暫時上載了4集,不錯看

Tis the season for gift-giving which means a flurry of wrapping presents. Whether you hate to wrap gifts, love to wrap gifts or fall somewhere in between, you can make the process simpler by following a few basic steps.

1. Have a dedicated gift-wrapping area that you can leave and not worry about cleaning up the mess every time you wrap a gift. It makes is so much simpler and you can wrap a gift here and a gift there instead of having one marathon evening of gift-wrapping. Set up a card-table in a corner of your home office or an unused bedroom.

2. Stock up on the basics before you start wrapping. Have plenty of tape, wrapping paper, tissue paper,  gift tags, ribbon, and boxes. Also make sure there is a garbage can, sharp scissors and a pen to write names on the gift tags. If you are shipping packages, make sure you also have bubble wrap or styrofoam “popcorn” to pack in the box.

3. When you are stocking up on wrapping paper – get the good stuff!  Anyone who knows me well, knows I am a complete wrapping paper snob. The reason is simple: quality paper holds up better, is easier to work with and makes wrapping so much faster. Have you ever purchased a cheap roll of gift wrap only to have the gift you are wrapping poke through the paper at the corners? Trying to pull a piece of cheap wrapping paper nice and tight before you tape it is nearly impossible without ripping the paper. Save yourself some frustration and invest in some quality paper. Two of my favorites are Hallmark (which comes with wonderful cutting lines on the backside so you know the edge is even!) and Costco’s house brand. They are both heavy, fabulous papers that are so nice to use. You don’t have to spend a fortune on wrapping paper. You can find good sales now (like Hallmark’s buy one get one for 99 cents promotion) and think about stocking up on paper after the holidays when it is really inexpensive.

4. Use good tape. My preferred tape of choice is a satin tape that you can’t see once you put it on the package. Or if you want to get really “fancy” you can use double-sided sticky tape sandwiched between your top and bottom layers of paper so there is no visible tape line at all.

5. Make sure you are stocked up on boxes. I usually save boxes for a month or two before the holidays. Then I know I have plenty of sizes and shapes to choose from. This is an important step in your gift-wrapping success! No one likes to receive an odd-shaped bundle wrapped in a garbage bag sealed with duct tape! Find a box, for goodness sake! Remember to recycle the cardboard from boxes after the holidays.

6.Ribbons can make or break the look of your package. Star bows and curling ribbon are great for the beginning wrapper to use. For the seasoned veterans, step it up a notch and find some fun ways to dress up your packages. Inexpensive rolls of ribbon are easy to find this time of year. Purchase one or two in colors that match your gift-wrap. Think outside the box for unique items you could use to tie up your gift like organza, fabric you may already have on hand, twine, raffia, bandanas, etc.

7. The finishing touches. If you really want to make your gifts look professional, think about the finishing touches. If you are planning to add these, you may want to add a hot glue gun or all-purpose glue to your basic supply list. When you anchor a cluster of mini-pinecones or a dried rosebud, or sprigs of greens to the top of you package, it really makes the present look finished. Think of fun little elements you can add like a button, a tiny glass ball, a jingle bell, a mini bird nest,  a sparkling snowflake or a silk flower. You can also tie on a tree ornament that becomes part of the gift. I watch for 50 or 60 percent off sales and stock up on generic pieces like snowflakes, shiny tear drop shapes, bells, etc.

8. Gift bags work just fine. If you don’t have time to invest in making “picture perfect” packages, pick up some gift bags, tissue and ribbon. Use plenty of tissue so the bags don’t look like you threw them together at the last second (even if you do!). First, line the bag with white tissue, wrap your item in tissue, place it in the bag then fill the top with tissue. Mix white with a sheet or two of colored tissue paper to get the most bang for your buck. When filling the top, hold out a sheet of tissue paper, pinch it in the center and then, while still holding the center, give it a gentle shake. It should be full at the top and remain pinched at the bottom. Stuff it on the bag, full side up and see how beautiful your bag looks!

9. Trade out services. If you can’t stand to wrap gifts and can’t afford to pay to have them wrapped, think about trading services with someone who loves to wrap. Maybe you could perform a holiday chore for them they dislike like hanging their lights, shoveling their sidewalks, watching their kids for one evening or afternoon, running a few errands, or some other household task. I would gladly wrap gifts for someone who was willing to trade services for … (insert any number of household chores here like ironing, cleaning, dusting, etc.!)

Happy Entertaining and Happy Holidays!

For those inviting kids to the wedding, are you doing anything special to keep them occupied?

I love the idea of using Kraft Paper as the tablecloth and supplying crayons for the kids to color with.  It has a real Tomie dePaola feel (anyone remember those books??)  I think that’s why I love it so much.  It reminds me of the days of art class and playing with paints and colored pencils.

I would even consider this for a fun dinner party!

via Country Living

I am going to meet up with two girlfriends who I haven’t seen in a long time tonight. We wanted to try to get together before Christmas to catch up. Being that the three of us enjoy cozy, more romantic atmospheres and we typically become more girly when we’re together, I figure that a good place to meet would be Cibar.

They have a couple of fireplaces that feel perfect for some Christmas-tinis and the red velvet couches welcome you in the same way Santa’s lap did when you were little. Cibar is downstairs on Irving Street, which makes it feel like a secret gem. They also have a back courtyard that’s wonderful during the milder months.

With such martinis as the Alice Twister, Beauty School Dropout, Lemonicious, and the Vanilla Manhattan – we’ll have plenty of fun trying a few! They also have edamame…perfect!

Cibar

56 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003-2314
(212) 460-5656

Let’s get this party started!

Toasting the fresh start of a New Year is right up our alley so we’re ready to set-up the bar so everyone can raise a glass. The question is, which bar do you want to keep coming back to?

If you’re tight on space, a peekaboo console doesn’t create visual clutter and it can be multi-purpose. In an entryway, behind a sofa, as a desk or as a bar with all the necessities.

If mid-century is more your style, an acacia mini bar could fit right in–and store spirits behind closed doors during off hours.

If your existing furniture can mix with high-gloss, a halogen credenza would work now…and later as a media console for the big game.

The only thing left to ask is “what’ll you have?”.

Hint: Try Raymond’s favorite “champagne” cocktail–procecco with a cube of sugar and one dash of bitters.

“Hosting ladies night” has been a social tradition among women for decades. What was once parlor games and tea became Bunco parties and quilting bees and has now morphed into book clubs and excuses for cosmopolitans.  Some groups have fun names, such as my mom’s Stitch ‘n Bitch Sisters, but our group of fab ladies simply calls it what it is:  Girls Night.

While impromptu get-togethers are great, what really makes a great ladies night is a little planning. Here are our tips:
- Choose a consistent night - our group of gets together on the second Thursday of each month
- Make a schedule – at the beginning of the year, assign each lady a month to host. She’s only responsible for her month and can plan the night however she wishes, from food to drinks to even an event
- Invite new friends – have a new neighbor or coworker? Help them meet people by inviting them to come
- Keep it casual - if you can make it great and if not, no big deal

And guys, you can do it too!  Although my husband’s “Man Night” is less frequent and a bit rowdier, it gives him an excuse to go to sporting events or hit up a new brewpub with friends he doesn’t see often.

Do you and your friends have a “Ladies/Man Night”?  Tell us about it!

White & Gold Holiday Theme
And now onto my recent White & Gold Holiday Ladies Night!  Because it was the holidays I got a bit fancier than I usually do.  I carried my metal & wood obsessions into my holiday decor this year and created a white & gold holiday party with touches of fresh greenery.

I fancied up an undecorated fresh wreath with leftover gold ball ornaments and discount gold wire ribbon to greet guests as they arrived.

We sipped on a festive golden Pear Champagne cocktail dotted with pomegranate seeds.  I just mixed organic Pear Nectar and organic Pear Juice, found at Whole Foods with champagne or non-alcoholic pear sparkling cider for the two mom-to-bes.

I served homemade Giada de Laurentiis’ White Bean Dip with gold pita chips and carrots, along with an Apple, Fennel & Parmesan Spinach Salad.  I also made a hearty Rosemary-White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, which was such a crowd-pleaser that I forgot to take pictures!

To add to the winter decor, I took my gold sprayed branches and combined them with some fresh boxwood.  I clipped a few branches of the boxwood into small sprigs and layered them with fake snow into hurricane glasses.

I adorned my chandelier with a combo of sparkly gold ribbon, cheap gold ball ornaments and mercury glass gold balls. Dessert was Martha Stewart Gingerbread Cupcakes with my Eggnog Frosting.  Yum!

On Saturday, I cohosted a baby shower for my good friend – it was so scrumptious – especially the place I chose to host it. Sweetiepie will be my choice for baby showers from now on! Just look at these photos from the tables…

They printed special menus specially for my friend – with extra vegetarian tea sandwiches since she is a vegetarian.

I mean – when butter and jam looks like this – how can you NOT want to eat it?!?!?!

These mini cakes were so sweet and the perfect size to not make you feel guilty…

The tea sandwiches were all adorably cut into triangles – with NO CRUST! This was my dream as a little girl because my grandpa used to tell me crust would turn my hair curly - even though my hair does have naural curl, this threat scared me…

Meringues that look like they came from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory!

One of our party favors was these little baby bottles with gum inside…

The tables were also decorated with random baby names – to get all of the guests guessing. The parents-to-be don’t want to know what the sex of the baby is - so there were tons of names to consider!

All in all, it was an adorable shower and I think the venue truly added to the charm of the party!

Sweetiepie

19 Greenwich Ave (between Christopher and 10th), New York, NY, 10014

Last night, my best friend and I wanted to meet up for our usual Thursday happy hour/catch up/has your week been as crazy as mine session…

Typically, we have a table waiting for us at Japonais, but there was some sort of an investment bankers’ holiday party taking up the entire bar area. It would have been easy for me to speak with the manager (who knows me and my friend very well), but then we would have had to be in the middle of all of the people anyhow. So, we walked (in the freezing cold) to Pete’s – where there was another abnormal amount of investment bankers and their floozies. We then proceded to check Haru and Olives (both crazy crowded) before deciding on going to Blue Water Grill.

The upstairs bar was pretty full, so we headed downstairs to the bar in the lounge/dining room with live jazz music. It was a nice ambiance -especially with the music, but they don’t have saketinis or edamame…which are 100% necessary for my friend and I to feel comfortable. We settled with martinis, chatted non-stop, waiting for my husband to join us and then decided our time there had met its end.

We then headed to Underbar in the W Hotel. It’s on the 16th Street side of the hotel with an entrance that leads downstairs. It was surprisingly not over-crowded. At first the waitress put us in one of the red velvet private rooms, but that felt unnecessary and too private for me, my girlfriend, and my husband…so we hopped onto three bar stools and enjoyed another drink and some delicious grilled serloin skewers. These were so good – we were pleasantly surprised and much happier to have something in our bellies…

It was sooo cold outside that trying to get the three blocks home was a trial…we also had to ride the Vespa home because my husband continues to brave bone-chilling degrees on that thing…soon he’ll realize he is THE ONLY one driving around on a Vespa still

Long story short, it was more difficult than normal to enjoy our Thursday happy hour/catch up/was your week as crazy as mine session…we hope that all of these holiday people will soon go back to wherever they normally reside on Thursday evenings ♥