Over the summer, I did a little more than my usual television watching. It was too hot to do anything else, people. Don't judge! I binge watched the entire Breaking Bad series, finally finished Downton Abbey and, on my chiropractor's recommendation, blew through Grace and Frankie. I don’t regret the hours I spent on the … Continue reading Man Crush Monday – Massimo Bottura
Getting your mind into the gutter
When you own a house there’s always something that needs attention. If you’re lucky, you can alternate the fun projects such as a new bathroom or a rehabbed deck with the necessary, but unsexy projects like replacing the roof or windows, and achieve some sense of satisfaction with the expense of homeownership. If your house … Continue reading Getting your mind into the gutter
Anniversary dinner
Anniversary: a date that is remembered or celebrated because a special or notable event occurred on that date in a previous year Yesterday was my 22nd wedding anniversary. I've been divorced for 5 years, so there weren't any cards or flowers to mark the occasion, yet I felt surprisingly sentimental about the day. I think … Continue reading Anniversary dinner
Birthday – present, early and late
I sent out some invitations to a party I'm throwing to celebrate my 50th. The guest list was challenging - there are so many people I want to raise a glass with, but space is limited and I want to relax and enjoy the event rather than feel pressured to entertain. I ultimately decided to … Continue reading Birthday – present, early and late
Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America
Some days my good fortune threatens to overwhelm me. For instance last Friday, as part of a day of professional development, I had the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal at Ristorante Caterina de Medici, the CIA's Italian restaurant. What a treat! Have you dined at the CIA before? I think it's been close to … Continue reading Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America
Fifty
I haven't been so excited about a birthday since my 30th, which was just shy of 20 years ago. Then, I was a newlywed, in love and pregnant with my oldest son. I had my first "real" job as a school librarian and we celebrated with a dinner party at a wonderful restaurant with friends … Continue reading Fifty
Clueless about tipping
There's an article* about gratuities in the September 2016 issue of Bon Appétit that caught my eye and has me thinking. According to the piece, there are two driving forces behind the current trend toward including service in the price of the meal - minimum wages increases and an existing disparity in pay between front … Continue reading Clueless about tipping