This weekend we’re kicking off the holiday season with two wonderful holiday traditions. We’re buying bicycles and helmets for a boy and a girl and donating them to Toys for Tots. We’re also going to an annual tree trimming party. Our host, Andy, will make his traditional lamb, apple stew served on top of creamy polenta. It is always a warm and happy evening.
I wish you a very happy first weekend of December.
- Today is World AIDS Day (there’s a lot of information about it here). Many companies are making donations to help fight AIDS when you buy (RED) products. Here are just a few:
- Amazon has a (RED) Shopathon going on right now. You could get one of these (VESPA) RED T-Shirts. Or…
- You could get a little red Vespa and Vespa will donate $150.00 to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.
- If you have been dreaming about a piece of Le Crueset and red is your color, now’s the time to move on it. When you buy a piece from the (LE CRUESET) RED Special Edition Collection, Le Crueset donates 10% of the suggested retail price to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.
- Giving bicycles to kids is one of the best parts of the holiday for our family. We love to think of a child getting a bike for Christmas. If you want to donate toys to Toys for Tots, you can find a drop location near you on their website.
- I want to make these Broccoli, Cheddar and Wild Rice Fritters soon.
Deb Perelman has caught everyone’s attention with her much-anticipated new cookbook. I blogged about it here. - I’m currently listening to The Pearl Thief. I downloaded the book from Audible, because it is written by Elizabeth Wein, who wrote Code Name Verity, a book that I loved. I just discovered that The Pearl Thief is a prequel to Code Name Verity and that the main character, Julie, is Queenie from “Verity.” The fact that I didn’t know The Pearl Thief was a prequel hasn’t in the least interfered with my enjoyment of the book.
The Pearl Thief is a coming-of-age story that includes mystery (a theft and a murder) and stories of friendship. Maggie Service narrates the tale with a wonderful Scottish accent. I recommend this review. - Here are some of my holiday gift giving ideas. More to come.
- Mules are everywhere! I’m a fan. I like the look and the ease with which I can slide my feet in and out of them. This season they run the gamut from dressy to warm and comfy. Here are some of my favorites:
- I purchased these basic black Paris Mules earlier this year. The tassels dress them up a bit and they work with so many outfits.
- The rich midnight blue of these suede Emma Loafer Mules will add luxurious color to your jeans or dress slacks.
- With a touch of gold at the heel, these Natashia Mules look like the perfect accompaniment to winter whites.
- The simple bow and soft suede of these Charlin Bow Mules make them a great crossover shoe. Wear them to work with a pencil skirt or slacks, out to brunch with jeans or to a holiday party with a dressy outfit. All three colors are beautiful!
- These satin Fellipo Mules have a stunning asymmetrical elegance. I like the fushia.
- The black and gold brocade of these Carlotta Loafer Mules is sumptuous.
- With their glitter and feather pom pom, these New York Gala Mules bring to mind prohibition and parties in speakeasies.
- Here’s a warm and comfy option, Velvet Mules in burgundy or black.
About the photo: During our recent weekend in NY, we had breakfast in a Brooklyn bagel shop. The countertops were made of old drawers filled with hardware supplies.