Merry Christmas from Andrea and Me!

In our Christmas pj's and playing our Christmas harmonicas

Hoods down and ready to sleep...and await a visit from St. Nick.

Andrea enjoying her pistachio cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine

Andrea in front of the famous tree at Rockefeller Center

The tree

Snowflakes decorating Saks

Fun window display at Saks 5th Ave

More of the Snowman windows at Saks

Lots o' snowmen

Here is a look at my Christmas decorations. I came up with the garland idea myself.

The tree all lit up

Without the flash so you can get a better look at the decor.

The first snowfall of the season. Before it turns into brown slush.

Maybe we'll have a white Christmas afterall!

Best. Celebrity. Sighting. EVER!!!!!

Who is this person you ask? It is none other than Michael Kors: fashion designer extraordinaire, master of the quick-witted fashion commentary, and judge of my favorite reality show Project Runway.

I saw him last night as I was walking along 42nd Street across from Bryant Park. I saw a group of people ahead of me and I thought, "hmmm...the fellow carrying that tote bag sounds a lot like Michael Kors." So I quickened pace to pass and glance, and lo and behold it was indeed Mr. Kors. It really put a smile on my face.

No, I didn't go up to talk to him. He was surrounded by an entourage and it was one of my more dowdy days. However, it would have been nice to ask him why Ricky the Weeper is still on the show. Maybe Ricky will get the "Auf..." tonight.

Hooray for Christmas Goodies!

I absolutely love Christmas goodies and Christmas baking. I think that is the one thing that really puts me in the Christmas mood. The music helps too, but I love poring over holiday cookbooks trying to decide what treats to make. Then I usually just go with what I always make: Cream Wafer Cookies, Peppermint Thumbprints, Almond Roca and gingerbread cookies. This year I have already tried to new treats for two different gatherings. I made a minty, chocolate covered wafer cookie and a holiday candy fudge bar. (I can't think of the actual titles at the moment. heehee.) You should try them. You can find the minty chocolate one in the December issue of Everyday Foods, and I posted the other recipe on the food blog I contribute to: Food for Thought. (Check out the link on the side.) Happy Baking!

Of all the goodies, I think the Cream Wafer Cookies are my favorites. It's a family tradition. I also like the fact that when I make them as gifts, people rave over them. (It is not an unknown fact that my self-esteem is strongly linked to the food I make.) So, I will for sure be making them again this year. As for the other treats, I think I will make more of the chocolate minty ones, Nanaimo bars, Peppermint Thumbprints, gingerbread snowflakes and lemon bars. I might make more, but I am still undecided. It all depends on time. My little sister will be in town over the holidays (So, yes, I will stay in NYC for Christmas), and she will have to lend a hand in baking. I don't know if that was one of her goals for her trip to the city...

So, what are you baking this year?