Crowd Sourced Onion Soup

Why would anyone buy a cook book these days (other than as a gift) when there are so many great cooking websites with copious free and detailed recipes, videos, pictures and more? Personally, it never even occurs to me to crack one of the many I have. Why? Because of the comments. Yes, a written…

A Contemporary Spin on the Gingerbread House

For the holidays this year we decided to try our hands at our very first gingerbread house (“gbh”). As big fans of contemporary architecture and with our own future home currently under construction, it seemed only natural that our gbh should be its replica. Normal, right? Definitely no ungapatchka traditional gbh for us! With no…

Language is Never a Barrier if You Have Pasta

Professionally I have a unique opportunity to work with people all over the world. Generally though the people I work with speak English (or at least some). I am definitely one of those pathetic Americans that only speak my mother tongue. Not that I haven’t tried. I studied French for several years, Latin for a…

A Girl’s Weekend in Austin

Austin is the perfect destination for a Girl’s Getaway. It’s a clean, manageable, friendly and fun city and frankly.. there is just so much to do. If I were designing the ideal weekend here for a trip with my girlfriends there are several “must do’s” to ensure a memorable, relaxing and fun time for all….

The Art of the Up-Sell

For a very brief and slightly dark time in college I waited tables at Bennigan’s. For some reason I had a romantic notice of working there. I think it came from 1980’s Brat Pack movies. I thought it would be uber social, with lots of slow motion laughs around a big Cheer’s-like bar and hot…

Memories Last a Lifetime. Blenders Die.

I was not a traditional bride. I know. Not shocking for anyone who knows me. You probably don’t even have to know me WELL to guess that. Yes, it’s true. The white wedding, church/synagogue ceremony, bachelorette party thing was just never my m.o. I get why so many girls grow up planning and envisioning their…

Gifts from my Father

September is a month of mourning. For our country it represents 9/11 and a time to look back, remember and be thankful. For me… it also represents the month I lost my father. September, 2001 was in fact, the 10 year anniversary of the end of my dad’s valiant battle with Cancer. So now, 10 years…

Who Has Hobbies Anymore?

“So, what are your hobbies?” The question completely stumped me. What, you mean like painting, or woodworking, or basket weaving or something?  It was our second date and he was trying to get to know me better.  It was a sweet question to which I had no answer.  Who has hobbies anymore?  I work, I…

My Emotional Food Journey

Food is such a basic need. It’s sustenance for your body, yes. But it’s so much more. Many of us have a love hate relationship with food. I love the way you taste – Tater Tots – but I hate the way you make me feel (especially when I eat half the bag). Food is…

Where to Stay and What to Do in Austin

One of the coolest parts about living in Austin is that we have a steady stream of visitors and guests.  If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked where to stay and what to do? Well… I’d at least have a hundred dollars. 🙂 Every time I am asked though.. I whip…

The Satisfaction of Non-Traditional Tradition

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – hands down. It’s all about family, food and wine. Three of my favorite things. I particularly love the approach my family has taken to the holiday over the years – adding non-traditional and personal touches that has formed our annual gathering into a quirky, fun celebration that is so…