2011 And A List Of Things I Might Think About Doing

So, here we are, the day before a new year. Less than 7 hours before a new decade. You're probably getting ready to eat some dinner, put on your sparkly clothes, your big-girl heels, and head out on the town to sip champagne and eat tiny foods.

Here's where I'm sitting. I"m eating chicken soup, in my pajamas, in my slippers, on my couch, drinking TheraFlu and sucking on Ricola cough drops.

That's right, 2010, decided to wait until the very last minute to really give it to me good with a nasty cold. Instead of celebrating in DC with my sister, laughing it up at a NYE comedy show, I'm here at my apartment, next to an accumulating pile of tissues, watching a Seinfeld rerun.

Lindsay, pity party for one? Your table is ready.

But, I can't complain. 2010 was a pretty decent year. It got me thinking about 2011. I'm not one to usually make resolutions, but what the hell? What else am I going to do? I am certainly not going to be able to sleep any time soon for my neighbors are all being very (loudly) festive. Good for them. As it should be.

2011 (A Working List)

• Find some new hobbies and/or take some fun classes
• Finally take the coffee table and busted TV in my bedroom to Goodwill (we're going on 2 years of procrastination here.)
• Learn how to eat/cook some new veggies (ex: raddishes. I don't eat them. But, why not?)
• Save some money. (Not sure how I'm going to do this one. But it desperately needs to happen)
• Try a new work out
• Read 1 book/month (Current avg: 1 book/3months)
• Run a 5K (eh...)
• BLOG MORE (Seriously, you guys.)
• Transition to a more relevant/thematic blog (see above) (any ideas for a more consistent topic?)
• Be more social and attempt to meet new people
• Pick back up on learning Spanish and/or Italian
• Vacuum once a week
• Try answering my cell phone more often (or ever)

That's all I got so far. I hope everyone has a VERY HAPPY AND EXCITING NEW YEAR! May 2011 by your best year yet!

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now - Holiday Edition

It's been a while since I done a "5 Things" post, so I think a holiday edition is appropriate. I love all things about the holiday season, but here are a few favorites!

1. Christmas Lists

If you haven't guessed from this ongoing blog post theme, I like lists. A lot. So Christmas Lists are the BEST. I love when Amazon picks out 10 things they think I would like to own. I couldn't stop smiling on the day of Oprah's favorite things. The "Gift Issue" of InStyle magazine? Heaven.
I love investigating, discovering, and prioritizing the items that belong on a Christmas list. (Thanks to Anne, for helping me discover these gems of a gift. Gloves that are compatible with touch screens and are adorable? A perfect find.)
To make sure I don't sound totally selfish, I must clarify that I don't mean I like lists simply for people to buy me things. I've made lists of possibly perfect gifts for each of my family members. And, some may call them "spam" but I actually read each of the "Great Gift Ideas!" emails that arrive in my inbox from my favorite retailers. You brides and your registries...JEALOUS.

2. Mulling Spices

On a recent visit to the Biltmore Estate, I purchased a bag of Wassail after my mom informed me wassail is the same as mulling spices. And, after 1, maybe 3, samples of it in cider. Whether you call them wassail (is that singular or plural?) or "mulling spices" (like Williams-Sonoma and I do), they are delicious. In wine, in tea, in cider, in wine again. Nothing makes you feel more festive than filling your home with the smell of these spices and drinking hot apple cider while you watch the classic "White Christmas." Ok, fine, I was actually drinking mulled wine and watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Nonetheless, still wonderful.




3. Christmas Lights

I'm talking Griswald Christmas lights.

Do You Want Some Cheese With That Wine?

Quick follow up. For those of you who were keeping score...my spicy squash goat cheese thing (I don't even remember what it was called. I spent 30 minutes making it and 4 minutes eating it) turned out well! Here's proof:




Ok, so it doesn't photograph well.

I think I just don't have the patience to ever be a super stellar cook. Famous chefs like Rachael Ray promote the convenience of "30 Minute Meals." But, to me, 30 minutes seems like a long time. I'm still not giving up but I think I need to learn how to relish (food pun intended) the process of cooking. Because, right now I spend the time cooking, eat it quickly, and then think "that was it?" Perhaps I just need to eat more slowly. My mom always warned me about that.

I fear for my own future children. I'm not a fan of overly processed food (Minus candy. Candy doesn't count. Duh.), fast food, yada yada yada. So, it looks like my future family and I will be part of that crazy raw food diet. Or, we'll just be visiting grandma a lot. Like, 3 times a day. No, that would be drastic. The solution is obvious. I need a husband who can cook. Is there some sort of Match.com for people looking specifically for Chefs?  Let's call that Plan B. Plan A? Learn some patience, turn off the TV, and get cooking. Stay tuned.