Happy New Year

"New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights”

Hamilton Wright Mabie(American writer, 1845-1916)

Sharing A New Year's Tradition

Those of you who read my blog know I love traditions and customs. Last year I mentioned a few that I keep in celebration and welcoming of a New Year. Some members of my family keep the tradition of making Hoppin John ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoppin'_John ) and I grew up sharing in it.

Following is my recipe for a one pot version of this dish. Enjoy and don't forget the Corn Bread!

1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed through
1/2 lb Smoked Turkey Wings and/or Necks, chop into pieces
1 Bay Leaf
2 tbs Veggie Oil (may need a little more)
1 large onion, chopped (can include red pepper or celery)
1/4 T dried hot red-pepper flakes
Salt
Black Pepper
5 cups water (I replace 2 cups water with chicken stock)
2 cups long-grain white rice

-makes 4 servings

Put 5 cups water on stove to boil
Add a good portion of chopped turkey wing/neck, bay leaf and some salt and pepper.
Let simmer to make stock
When ready remove turkey, drain and save to use
In big pot add 2 tbs veggie oil.
Heat and add red pepper, salt & pepper, onions (other veggies) and turkey.
Allow to "fry" to release flavor.
Add rice and stir until rice begins to become translucent.
Turn down heat, add 4 cups of "stock", stir and salt and pepper a bit.
Cover tightly and cook until liquid is absorbed - about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in canned black eyed peas, recover and let hoppin' John stand for 10 minutes.
Fluff and serve

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Puzzled No More

I have a friend who loves puzzles.

Buying her a gift was easy this year.

Shutterfly makes a 252 piece puzzle from photo supplied

It's only $24.99 plus shipping

http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/puzzles

Before the Year End's

Gone Ice Fishing BBS

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Happy Kwanzaa

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

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A Charlie Brown Inspired Christmas

All Images © Simone Rene 2009

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Happy Festivus George

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Tuesday's Mental Musings

I wonder how many Christmas cookies I can indulge in before my jeans won't button any more....

DEAR EDITOR

I am 8 years old.  Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON.

115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.


Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.


Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.


You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

=

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

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Happy Winter Solstice

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Windows on A Christmas World

Now that all that shopping is out of the way take this week to enjoy some traditional New York City holiday attractions like making your way from department store to department store to gaze at the wonderful window winter wonderlands and holiday displays. Here's the short list -


Macy's Basics
Herald Square, Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets
212-695-4400



Lord & Taylor Basics
39th Street at 5th Avenue
212-391-3344

Saks Fifth Avenue Basics

611 Fifth Avenue (at 49th Street)
212-753-4000


Bergdorf Goodman Basics
754 Fifth Avenue (at 58th Street)
1-800-558-1855



Bloomingdales Basics
1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street
212-705-2000 

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What a wonderful gift

Thanks New York Times

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Santa, Don't Forget Stocking Trinkets Like These..

http://www.yurdan.com/yrdn/ProductDetails.aspx?MSCSProfile=DCCDF22EB27065BE873E77100669B211AFEB5645BC33D5ED0E4B5911F361267F594A685B06D5F9719B903B53ECD5BD6A655A0A4F014E9E87D56AE01455C41C063558835792CBE13B3044EEED07B4021307533BB6B75A50A3501EE8B95CECF1E19F58AF7AA93FD9ABB82FAA11F781F7D624557FEC6BEE45A5C8059A9686292F8C&UserPref=&catalogID=YRDN_Jewellery&categoryID=&productID=TEE0114

http://www.yurdan.com/yrdn/ProductDetails.aspx?catalogID=YRDN_Jewellery&categoryID=YRDN_Jewellery&productID=HQSE001&BC=YRDN_Jewellery

http://www.yurdan.com/yrdn/ProductDetails.aspx?catalogID=YRDN_Jewellery&categoryID=Jewellery_Antique_Bracelets&productID=TEB0014&BC=YRDN_Jewellery;Jewellery_Antique_Bracelets

or anything else from yurdan.com

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All Images © Simone Rene 2009

Not A Last Minute Gift

A December fashion magazine featured these fresh water pearl earring by Ted Muehling.

They were priced at $5,700.00

What size are these pearls?

Last Minute Gift Idea for Her

I have always thought bracelets were the perfect gift for a guy to give a girl, especially if the commitment level is still in question. Like a ring it is an endless hoop, which might symbolize connection, but unlike a ring or earrings or a necklace there is less pressure in giving or receiving a bangle.

JCP has a large selection of options that fit almost any relationship or budget.

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X3.aspx?DeptID=56856&CatID=56863

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Tuesday's Mental Musings

As an artist I work alone. In that alone time I sort out the concept and foundation of the piece I am making. I am not a commission artist. I make art to please myself, but when I do need to work with others to actualize a piece of art work I am always grateful when I find another that can fulfill that need. This doesn't mean that collaborations aren't frustrating and that mistakes, sometimes costly in comparison to my income, aren't made. Shit happens and when it does I find that by being direct, fair and respectful with those who I asked to be part of my project that we tend to come to resolutions that satisfy all parties involved. By doing so I have also developed a working relationship based on respect and fairness and find that it is easier for me to depend on those whose services I need. See everyone can be replaced and there is always someone out there that will promise to do it faster and/or cheaper but that doesn't mean they will invest their best when I need them do. It just means they will get the job done.

Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer

Sometimes we can be blinded by the material fixes and immediate gratification that this time of year seems to stress. Out of guilt and desire to be more in the spirit of "giving" many of us find our selves dropping coins and dollars into the buckets of large charities or writing checks to mail to organizations that have tiers of need for that donation.


There are other ways to give. 
They require more effort and creativity but can affect change-
- donate to coat drives
- donate canned foods to kitchens and food programs
- share time and holiday spirit with seniors or shut ins
- donate toys for tots
- ask if there is anything the local shelter needs for the holiday, i.e. decorations, foods, gifts or cheer
- ask local churchs about donating time to soup kitchens or their programs
- head to the Vet or Senior Centers to see if someone needs a place to have Xmas dinner
- get a group of friends together to adopt a family and fulfill their Xmas wishes - from food, clothing, a down payment on an apartment or cookies
- send PJs and Blankets and cheer to hospices
- donate blood or bone marrow
- make a basket and leave it anonymously on the front door of a neighbor you know is hurting


We teach by example, not just by donation and change begins with small steps..Merry-Merry

Dream Book Collection

The Penguin Clothbound Classics  are the books I want to be housed behind the glass doors in that bathroom libary. Each book in the collection is graced by designer Coralie Bickford-Smith's amazing printed case wrap design. No two are alike in color or motif.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=clothbound+classics

Perhaps I should start collecting them now in case they go out of print before I can realize that bathroom dream?

Personalizing Your Library

I dream of having a bathroom big enough to house my library. There would have floor to ceiling glass doored book shelves that protect all the books and maybe housed a few towels and pretty bars of soap. There would also be a library ladder on rails. It's a dream, a good dream but making it into a reality isn't my priority right now though personalizing the books I do have with beautiful book plates is.  

Cavallini Bookplates are beautifully illustrated and Amazon has the motherload of options http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Cavallini+Bookplates

Check out Cavallini & Co's site for more wonderful stationary options

http://www.cavallini.com/ )

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El Museo del Barrio

continues to celebrates the October re-opening of it's remodeled building by hosting an exhibition that examines the pioneering Caribbean and Latin American artists that lived and worked in New York City before World War II.

Nexus New York: Latin/American Artists in the Modern Metropolis

Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Sunday, February 28, 2010

for full review -

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/16/arts/design/16nexus.htm?_r=1

For details go to

http://www.elmuseo.org/

Jewelry With Meaning

I love jewelry that has meaning.

I am a sucker for coin charms and lockets and medallions and that's why I love this "Open Pathways" Necklace from Satya Jewelry.

 As per http://www.satyajewelry.com/ "this grouping spells out a wish for clarity and and open heart, and the fruition of all the hard work and energy the wearer has offered to make her (his?) dreams come true".

Happy Hanukkah

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With Respect, Am I too Late...

 to celebrate Bodhi Day (Dec 8th)?

All Images © Simone Rene 2009

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If I Could Save Wine In A Bottle..

http://aplusrstore.com/product.php?id=343&cid=96

Guess What...

I have never purchased clothing or accessories produced by Guess Jeans. I haven't even considered the brand since the attached photo campaign ran in errrrrrr the early 90s but when one of December's magazines arrived with a large pull out insert I had to surf the site. I found myself pleasantly surprised. The brand is on trend and offers very moderately priced options for the budget aware. 

Worth a visit

http://shop.guess.com/Default.aspx

Hitting the Court Hard...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3062378/0~2376778~2372808~6015208~6020242?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6020242&P=1

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Sitting On Santa's Lap

At the Alantic Center Mall

To get to the Atlantic Center Mall using public transportation, take the B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5, D, M, N, or R trains to the Atlantic Avenue stop.

Tuesday's Mental Musings

In the heat of the moment we never see what we have truly done. It is only in reflection that we truly see how our actions have changed and created our lives and often we move too quickly to stop to examine our actions until it's too late..

Quick Holiday Home Made Gift

 Purchased Ikea Chocolate ($1 per bar) this weekend and made some candy bark to share with friends. It's an easy recipe and looks great in decorative boxes or silver tins wrapped in ribbon.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (glass bowl sitting in size appropriate saucepan filled with simmering water)

Place peppermint candy in a plastic bag and crush into smaller pieces - I use a rolling pin

Mix candy into melt warm chocolate and pour onto a  parchment or waxed layered cookie sheet. Place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces.

I also made a batch swapping out the peppermint for dried cherries and crushed toasted almonds. Sorry I didn't have time to take photos.  I had to pack it up all very quickly because the candy was calling me and my will is weak!

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DIY Gaming Gift

Have an old wooden Backgammon game hanging around

Inspired by Geoffrey Parker's Backgammon Games to paint it

http://geoffreyparker.com/bespoke/backgammon/index.html

An Apple A Day...

This wooden apple plays "What the World Needs Now" when wound and was available from West Elm. 

It's no longer available...I am on the hunt!

http://www.westelm.com/products/a729/

Vintage Games That Make The Perfect Family Gifts

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Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention

"For Man Ray, a sense of otherness was deeply connected to the problem of assimilation—the wish for both “notoriety” and “oblivion”—and hence “the desire to become a tree en espalier,” a tree trained to grow into a vine that becomes entwined with others, its origins disguised. The artist’s self-consciousness was an outgrowth of his time, a period that witnessed the rise of nation-state identity and xenophobia, and an unprecedented wave of immigration, class consciousness, and anti-Semitism. His life and work powerfully reflect his contradictory need to obscure and declare himself."

(The Rope Dancer Accompanies Herself with Her Shadows, 1915–16)

 At The Jewish Museum of New York

Nov 15th - March 14, 2010

http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/manray

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My All Time FAVORITE Gingerbread Man or Woman Cookie Recipe

I have used this recipe for years and years. ENJOY!

1/2 Cup Butter, Softened
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Egg
1/4 Cup Dark Molasses
Juice of 1/2 Juicing Orange
3-1/2 to 4 Cup Sifted Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
Raisins + Royal Icing *

Pre Heat Oven 350 degrees F

In Large mixing bowl cream Butter and gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Add egg, molasses, orange juice and beat well.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices in separate bowl (I use 5 cup measuring cup)
Add dry mixture to creamed mixture in thirds, blending well.
Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and chill the dough for about 1 hour.
On a dried and floured surface roll dough until it is about 1/8"thick.
(Leave 2nd dough ball in refrig until you are ready to work with it)
Use gingerbread men or women cookie cutters to cut, gently reworking/rolling dough to cut again.
Use raisins for eye and/or button placement.
Bake for 10 minutes in preheated oven.
Remove from tray and allow to cool on wire cookie racks.
Decorate with royal icing (smile, clothing, etc)
Makes about 3 Dozen cookies,

Weather Proofed..

Every few years I go on the hunt for the perfect cold weather boot. I look for a boot that will protect my feet from the wet and cold, allow me to maneuver the ice and of course look stylish while doing it. Last year my knee high rubber combat boots finally gave out and since August I have been searching. After seeing a pair of rubberized motorcyle boots I have had my heart set on buying a pair. The problem is there are too many options and I can't decide which....

Wanted Brinkly Motorcycle Boot $60.00

Kenneth Cole's Limited Edition Motorcycle Rainboot $98

FRANK THOMAS Aqua Spirit Waterproof Motorcycle Boots $99

Still trying to decide..sigh..maybe I should just give into the Totes!

Tuesday's Mental Musings

I think everyone and their mother are designing clothing and/or accessory lines because everyone really wants to make their own clothing but are too ashamed to indulge in a good tailor and pay for one garment at a time. It would make them look "selfish".

Seriously, why does every actress, musician and would be dentist need to put a label out there? Celebrities have always been used to promote products but now it seems that without sewing or design knowledge they can also "design" which means that everything, if we are lucky, is really designed by some poor want-to-be-design-student hidden behind the celeb.  This is not to say that some of those same people don't have taste or style or am I being confused by their stylist? It all makes me sad and confused. Am I supposed to listen to that singer/actress/writer/film director/investment banker/socialite or wear their jeans?

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