thinking in european.

I've been trying to gather the courage to pull the trigger on our next European adventure, i.e. set a date and buy the tickets. We actually have passes for free tickets at least one way, which makes it easier, but it's still a huge commitment. Looking at pictures from our last trip helps. It's definitely time for some new memories.

Todd and I have been talking about how we want to do things differently this visit. We're not going to overextend ourselves, as much as I like to have something going on at every moment. We're going to do the research and eat some great food — last time we were too poor for much of that. And we'll probably skip the hostels and find some really unique, but still affordable, places to stay. Thinking apartments and such. Though a castle would be acceptable as well.

rue the day.

With exposed brick walls, giant antique mirrors, pressed tin ceilings, and red bistro chairs, Rue de Jean never fails to transport me to another place and time. I hadn't been there since our rehearsal dinner back in November, and I'd been dreaming of the crusty baguettes and French onion soup ever since. This week, Todd and I finally gave in to the cravings.

Strangely enough, the place serves some bang-up sushi. I started off with a crab crunch roll and a French 39, a champagne cocktail with chambord and I think an orange liqueur. Todd got the truffle potato soup and scraped his bowl clean.

I tried the Scallops Saint Jacques for my main course —the gratinée of sea scallops were swimming in rich cream next to potatoes dauphinoise and haricots verts.

After dinner, we drove down to the Market to Kaminsky's, a dessert bar, and ordered the Heath bar cake and coffee.

It was a decadent date for sure, but the best part is the visits were in the name of research for my job — we're currently putting together our glossy dining guide Dish, and we need to check in with local restaurants to make sure they're up to par. As challenging as my job is sometimes, it's perks like this that help me remember there's nothing else I'd rather be doing.

framed.

I really love everything about this picture. The gray, vintage couch. The mercury glass lamp. The minty typewriter. The funky art. I really need to go thrifting — I'm starting to have too much new stuff.

This is from an Apartment Therapy article on framing and hanging art.

foiled again.

We recently bought a new couch and chair. It's the first time we've bought anything new for the house that wasn't from Ikea or Craigslist (besides our bed), and I feel both excited and guilty about it.

Our cats either really love or hate the pieces, because they want to tear them to shreds. I read that covering the furniture in foil will keep them away, so this is what our lovely new furniture looks like right now. If you've got a better idea, please do share it.

Also, the furniture perfectly matches the walls of our new rental. I don't think we can paint it, so I'm trying to think of a way to break up the sea of brown.

party time.

We're throwing a little housewarming party this weekend. I'd love to serve the cocktail pictured above and pretty little canapes. Instead, we'll be having chili, beer, and two buck chuck. Maybe one day I'll be classy.

bonne annee.

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I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I feel compelled to make some for 2011. Maybe it's because 2010 was so tough. 

I lost a family member, and others suffered health problems. Todd was dealing with the challenges of starting up a company while working multiple side jobs and traveling nearly every weekend. We were planning and saving and stressing for our wedding. I had two minor car accidents. My sister moved 12 hours away. Our house burned down. 

But 2010 had some high points as well. I got married. I got a promotion. We had several family members move to town. We visited California, twice. And after the fire, we realized what amazing friends we have as everyone pulled together to support us. We ended the year with a fresh start, moving into our new home.

Let's have more good stuff, and less bad stuff in 2011. I want to read more — good books, magazines, and the New York Times on Sundays. I want to cook more, and better, and share it with friends. I want to go to Europe, Newport, Siesta Key, and Memphis. I want to build up my vintage Etsy shop. I want to learn how to use my camera. I want to learn to knit. I want to be a more artsy Arts Editor. I want to start following through on all the amazing plans I make.

Happy New Year, everyone!

sleepytime.

We get to move into our new house today! It's been so nice having a temporary place to live the last few weeks, but I desperately miss my stuff (which is still stored in a garage). In honor of the coziness that I just can't wait to create, here are a few of my favorite bedrooms.

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