What Alice Forgot

I really enjoyed this book by Liane Moriarty.  This is the first book I've read by her, but I hear others of her books also have good reviews.  This one is from the perspective of a woman who wakes up from hitting her head and has forgotten the last 10 years of her life. It really made me think about how relationships change and how looking more objectively at very emotionally charged situations can be beneficial.  Over time, we tend to react to others based on assumptions and history.  If we have the opportunity to be more objective and curious about the motives of others, we have an opportunity to really understand others and appreciate them. I liked the characters in the book and their seeming innocence.  I will likely seek out some of the author's other books.

Popovers

I started making a sourdough starter again from this recipe.  It has been years since I had one. As I was feeding the new starter, I needed something to do with the extra.  I found this fun recipe for popovers.  It is amazing that with so few ingredients, you can make these.  I made a few mistakes along the way, such as not greasing the pan enough.  They were really stuck, but still turned out tasty.  They have a delicious egg-y flavor that is great for breakfast! I ate them this week with strawberry jam or apple butter. Yum!

Small afghan

I started this project so long ago I don't remember where I got the pattern from.  Over Christmas I finished the squares, sewed them together, and did my first I-cord boarder.  I did the boarder on the wrong side, but it still turned out ok.  I hope to give this as a baby gift for one of my oldest friends.

Food post

I've made a roasted brussel sprouts and bacon salad.

Bread

And more bread (minus the olives).
Mine turned out a little undercooked and soggy from the bacon grease.  Not my best result...

And soup.

And salad in a mason jar.

I am planning to take this to work tomorrow.  It has balsamic vinaigrette (which I have fallen in love with!), finely chopped carrots, roma tomatoes, cucumber, kale, spring greens, mozzarella, and avocado.  Yum!

Flash back Friday

To all the snow!

More nails?!?!

As Michael said this morning when looking at my blog, "More nails?!?!"

Yep! Join the party!

Facebook Jamberry Party!

Remember how I told you about Jamberry nails? This week I am hosting a facebook party.  The party includes lots of fun games and chances to win free wraps and you can get a free sample too!  Let me know if you care to join!

Getting creative

Remember how I found fabric at Tuesday Morning?  I snatched a bunch of fat quarters and used this Pinterest post as my inspiration to create this:

It needs another boarder of gray and then can be finished!  It's not quite the right size for a twin, so will probably be useful as a throw size quilt.

Secret Santa Scarf

Every year I make a scarf for my work secret Santa recipient. This was this year's creation.  I rather like how it turned out! 

Small quilt

Did you know Tuesday Morning has fabrics? I stumbled upon this find when I went hunting for a thank you gift for Michael's boss.  This was a project pack with all of the fabrics included. I just had to cut and sew.  So simple!  I think I might buy a second set to make a throw from the two joined.

VT v. UVA 2015

Angela and my friend, Sara, went to the VT v. UVA game with me the Saturday after returning from NYC and the Thanksgiving Parade.  This game went back and forth with the teams trading touchdowns in the second half.  VT managed to pull off the win for Beamer and get the team to a bowl game.  The Tech fans rushed the field.  I was happy to witness this moment.

We went to Lampo, my favorite pizza place in Charlottesville, for dinner and Sara and I tried Brazos Tacos for breakfast the next morning.  I can always rely on Sara to enjoy good food with me!  I can't wait for another visit!

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

This is definitely worth doing in person at least once!!

NYC for Thanksgiving

Michael let me tag along for the UVA Marching Band's trip to NYC to play in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I got to wander NYC during the holiday season.  While I spent a lot of time alone, I loved it! I did a lot of walking and exploring and only once felt unsafe.  We had great weather. It was the experience of a lifetime and I am so glad I got to go!!

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating

Saks Fifth Avenue from Rockefeller Center Plaza

St Patrick's Cathedral

Central Park Ice Skating

Tiffany's

Bryant Park Ice Skating

High Line Park

Statue of Liberty in the distance

Chelsea Market

Beef Pie from Chelsea Market

Union Square Christmas Trees and Holiday Market

Central Park

Belvedere Castle

Full Moon over Central Park Reservoir

Saks Fifth Avenue light show

We saw the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall

Full Moon over St Patrick's Cathedral