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Happy 2013!  The holidays just blew by. We spent Christmas in San Luis Obispo packed in with all kinds of family and dogs. Amazing crab, a really fun PCPA show, kayaking on the lake, creamed pearl onions, hiking on the beach – all the good things. Then, Rob and I packed up with Jean and…

I made poached pears for the very first time to serve at this year’s Christmas brunch. The red color and spiced, mulled-wine “broth” made it festive. And the day-ahead prep made it perfect for serving a crowd. Doubled this recipe, using 20 small organic pears.  Let the pears soak overnight before halving, topping with vanilla…

I love the look of a Christmas garland – but the fresh kind is expensive ($3/foot here in SF) and the faux is a little too bulky for my taste. So, instead, I made my own garland this year using just a few dollars of supplies and little elbow grease.  Supplies: Ribbon (I used 20…

A giant ham is the traditional centerpiece of our holiday brunch party. This year’s was a doozy – 18lbs of boneless “deli” ham from Robert’s Corned Meats down on Bryant Street.  We served 30 people with this guy at the brunch, and then another 12 people the next day at a small party for my…

Is there anything better than a weekend spent attending and hosting holiday parties with good friends? This was a very festive Christmas weekend. After the tragic news on Friday – the time together seemed extra special. Friday night, Rob and I got dressed up for a party in Cole Valley with two of our oldest…

Yikes!  Christmas can be stressful when you’re only up to “H” in your card list, 30 people are coming for brunch on Sunday, end-of-the year planning at work is piling up and you make a quick cameo on national TV (photo to come soon).  December…what a month! {Pretty handmade-in-India ribbon found at Marshall’s!}

I admit that I was a little obsessed with getting a bowl of whole, in-shell nuts for the living room this Christmas. It’s not a tradition for us – just something that seemed a little vintage & a little fun.  Very tasty too!

The holiday season officially started for us this weekend. It’s a family tradition to have a quiet period between Thanksgiving and Christmas…a nice little lull that helps me appreciate the holidays even more.  On Friday, I spent the day volunteering at a local community center with my office. We set up a surprise party for…

I think I’ve been watching too many British Christmas movies while sick – this outfit has a decidedly UK flair.  It all started with the velvet legging! Blazer – A camel basic from J. Crew. Sweater – Chunky white basic from Gap. Pants – I’ve been a little obsessed with these velvet and corduroy leggings…

Hello Oh Happy Day readers!  That beeswax candle project is a great one for the holidays and here’s another one of my favorites. When I need something special for a bridal shower or holiday gifts, it just takes a bit of time to personalize dish towels with easy embroidery.  I did this set over the…