The Gift of Will

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

 

Who doesn’t love a good feel-good movie? My old love Zack Anderson co-created the movie Will, which is about the sweetest boy who sets off from England to Turkey (by way of Paris, bien sur!) after his dad unexpectedly dies right before they’re to see the Liverpool Champions League Final. Hankies sold separately.

Bonnes fetes!

The Gift of Seymour

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

Mel, my dearest friend from Paris, created Seymour nearly three years ago to help people explore and cultivate their creativity (a gift we should all bestow upon ourselves, actually). This season, she’s put forth a series of limited-edition and co-branded gifts—a Gem Remedy bracelet, a leatherbound Handcrafted Sciences notebook and a hand-painted jacket—that are guaranteed to be the most inspired items you’ll find.

Bonnes fetes!

What more do you need?

London is lovely at the holidays

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in London for work last week. 

While I didn’t have any food adventures, I did my fair share of ogling.

But the best part about being there was the Christmas decorations. 

I hope you're enjoying the holiday spirit wherever in the world you are!

A funny thing happened to my brain this Vegan Monday

It just farted out. I had oatmeal for breakfast and opted for almond milk in my coffee, not half & half. I mindfully avoided meat and dairy at Whole Foods’ salad bar today and snacked on almonds in the afternoon. But when it came to preparing dinner, it was like I didn’t speak English.

I had bought some prepared butternut squash soup at Whole Foods for dinner and read the ingredients list as I heated it up. It included cream but it just didn’t even register. Nor did the word “vegan” even enter my radar as I was frying up sage to garnish the soup… in butter. Scary how dementia seems to strike no matter what the age. Just as well. Andrew made chocolate-peppermint cookies that are calling my name.

Lessons in grace

I woke up this morning in London, turned on EuroNews and saw silent footage of Mandela’s first steps as a free man. It took a minute to realize why they were showing this. Then I guessed, flipped to CNN, and saw the news.

I’ve since been watching footage, listening to commentators, eyes filling with tears again and again. What a man. What a life. What an inspiration. RIP, Mandela.

Things I am thankful for

To start with the obvious, but no less essential: my family, friends and health. Thank god, thank god, thank god.  

My colleagues

Having had really good bosses in the past, from whom I still draw confidence and inspiration

The centering effects of yoga and the comic side effects of zumba

Milo’s antics

My boyfriend fiancé for loving me so unconditionally and beautifully

My trips to Charleston, Buenos Aires, Miami, Maryland and Cape Cod this past year

For the beauty of Connecticut

For my Family Feud family

For not seeing tragedy up close

Comfortable shoes

Netflix

That New York still has the power to make me weepy with happiness and awe

Good dentists

The moment of climbing into bed each night

Wonderful books like Yes, Chef; All That Is; Wild and TheCookbook Collector

Sweet things

Friday nights

My new home

I hope that wherever you are, you are in a happy, grateful place. Happy Thanksgiving, mes amis!

It's the little things

What a week. I don't know if it was the full moon or what, but I was wretched and moody. Worked a ton. Slogged through every day. There were bright moments to be sure. But one of my happiest was having a most amazing almond croissant for breakfast. You can underestimate the power of a perfect pastry.