Lately I've been very entertained by youtube videos of re-imagined movie trailers. They are trailers of well known films presented as though they were for movies of a different genera. For example: Mary Poppins as a horror film.

Anyway, here is a round up of my three favorites. Enjoy!

Mary Poppins as a Horror Film

Harry Potter as a Teen Comedy

The Shining as  a Romantic Comedy ("Shining")

Quite Continental Charm School: Day 10

I know. I fell off the wagon. But that is no reason to not climb back on! So here we go with lesson #10: A Proper Foundation. 

I have minimal requirements as far as frilly underwear goes. I actually have a couple of pairs of plain old cotton Hanes cotton "Hipsters", that I love simply because they are a pretty color. My three favorites are a pair that are a gorgeous shade of plum, a demure shade of mint, and a feisty shade of cerulean.

As for bra's I recommend that every woman have a convertible bra in her arsenal. I'm really not picky about bras, but I do have one absolute requirement:  minimal padding. Just a little for modesty. I like a nice even lining not those push up types with about an inch in the bottom of the cup.

I'm not sure what more there is to say on the matter... any other thoughts would be more than I care to have floating around the internet.  Instead I direct your attention to the fabulous pinterest boards of Alison Rubke, one of the fine curators of Faire Frou Frou.  

A small sample of Alison's brilliant eye for glamour... via

Well, you see. What happened was...

Every week, I go to the farmer's market, and I say to myself,  "I'm going to buy these berries/cherries/whatever-gorgeous-seasonal-fruit and I'm going to bake something awesome with them."

Then I get home and I eat the lot in one sitting...


And that's why we're not having strawberry shortcake today. Because I ate a pound of strawberries in two days. Oh, Lord. 


But hey! Maybe it's because the fruit is not meant to be fussed with! Maybe, it's wonderful just the way it is, and it would be a crime to defile it with all that butter, sugar and heat! For crying out loud, it's Summer! It's too hot to bake! Maybe all these recipes were meant for times when you couldn't just enjoy them straight from the plant. 

Yes, I ate a pound of strawberries...and it was Summer. It was wonderful.

This lovely photo is from Warwikshire Living Magaizine, in a pleasant article titled "Strawberry Summer".  

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 9

Today's Lesson: " A life lived with purpose".  This really is a central tenant of the philosophy by which I've chosen to live my life. In my 25 years, I have learned to always be doing one of three things at any given moment:

1. Making a determination-Deciding what I want my life to be.
2. Soul searching for the path to that determined outcome. This must be revisited daily for evaluation of the path taken so far, and for thoughts on what to do next.
3. Take action based on soul searching to make dreams come true. 

I will keep this one brief, because I think the Charm School post is quite good, and thorough. 

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 8

Today's Lesson is "Family Jewels". I don't really wear jewelry. I've inherited a beautiful, delicate, gold bracelet from my grandmother who passed, had a charm necklace from childhood to the age of 22, and many pairs of pearl earrings. All of those things no longer belong to me. For some reason, I just cannot be trusted with jewelry, because I always break it or lose it...or both. Right now, I really only wear my engagement ring. So far, so good.

I think one advantage of the engagement ring, is it is more than a gift. It is a symbol for my relationship with someone I see every day. I never want him to think I take his gesture lightly. A lot of times, I sit on the train and admire my lover's declaration of commitment to me. Over 2 years after his proposal , people often mistake me for a newly engaged bride to be.

I remain ambivalent about jewelry. One of my personal philosophies is,"Things bring you down". So I'll continue to wear my ring with gratitude and pride, but only time will tell if I manage to accessorize further...

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 5

Today's Lesson: "Winterize your skin". I found that the link to this lesson did not work from the "table of contents" post. I did a quick google search, and the link on this post will get you to the instructions on how to love your skin. Obviously, it is no longer winter, and this winter was particularly mild, here in Boston. However,  I still managed to neglect my poor epidermis, and I found this lesson to be very necessary to prepare myself for the warm weather. So, today I took the time to pamper my skin, and here are my own field notes on the process:

1. I noticed the QCCS post did not mention one very important step in the care and keeping of one's skin (and other body parts), and that is STAYING HYDRATED! I am making it my goal to drink one glass of water before and after each meal, in addition to any other times throughout the day, that I feel moved to wet my whistle.

2. I used a moisturizing/exfoliating sugar scrub from Lush on my haggard feet and legs.

3. I sealed in the moisture and protected my new delicate skin with a generous slathering of Cetaphil Cream on my legs and feet, as well as just a general coating all over my body.

4. I actually do a weekly face exfoliation (every Friday) using St.Ives Apricot Scrub. Otherwise, I wash with Cetaphil face wash.

5. My lip balm of choice is EOS. It is moisturizing without being heavy or sticky, smells GREAT, and is free of questionable ingredients. Plus, the packaging is modern and adorable!

Sometimes I am really good about taking care of and moisturizing my skin (usually during the Summer when it is on full display), and I notice then, that as long as my skin is looking healthy, I don't need to accessorize as heavily or even put on makeup. I look and feel healthy and beautiful just the way I am. I think that is the ultimate goal of this lesson, and this experience.

Before: Dry and Crackd heels

Before: Dull, ashy legs

After: Smooth and supple

After: Glowing healthy skin. Putting my best food forward, so to speak!

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 7

I'm one week into my transformation, and today's lesson is "The Hostess Gift". My mom has nice little hoard of lovely treasures meant to show gratitude to those who welcome her into their homes. While I am aware of the value of this lesson, I do not often find opportunities to put it into action. As a grad student, a large portion of my social life is within the framework of a group project, or grabbing dinner in the basement cafeteria between classes. However, I do get a few opportunities to attend dinner parties during winter and summer break. On those occasions, I usually bring a baked good of some sort. It is nice to give gifts, even small ones, for reasons like " You vacuumed before I came over. Thanks!" I like to think that participating in this ritual I am helping to keep the spirits of giving, appreciation,  and community alive.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 6

Today's Lesson is "Be fashionably punctual".

VIA

 My best friend, Andi is the embodiment of that phrase. If she says "I'll be there at 8:15", she'll be pulling in the driveway at 8:14, and ringing the bell right on schedule! Part of the reason our friendship works is because we have this yin and yang thing going on. I'm usually punctual, but I'd say about 25% of the time, I find myself in a situation where I've managed my priorities so poorly it affects other people. Sometimes it's because I'm a chronic procrastinator. Sometimes it's because I have too many things to do that are equally important. Either way, this lesson is definitely hitting home today after several "mismanaged" moments in my schedule. Really, if you are late (and I don't mean those times when it truly is not your fault) it usually means you were not making the most of the moments leading up to that one.

I saw a pretty neat quote on pinterest (which unfortunately means it will go uncredited) today that I will use to "punctuate" my thoughts on this lesson:

"What are you doing today? Is it worth trading A DAY of your LIFE?"

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 4

Today's lesson is, "A Firm Handshake". I was lucky to have a family that sets high stock by strong women, so I  had my first handshake coaching session at the tender age of 9. I also remember having a guest speaker come to my seventh grade social studies class talk about the importance of good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake. I was taught the value of the confidence, honesty, and sense of purpose a good handshake conveys. After this lesson, I'll be sure to remember this as I graduate from school and enter the working world.

If you think your handshake could use some help, the lesson at the charm school has some great pointers.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 3

Today's Lesson: "Get a Library Card". I already have one, but I understand that the lesson is also about appreciating the value of free information in this country.Sometimes it may feel as though our society has abused, warped, and cheapened this commodity to the point of absurdity. However, the public library system remains a beacon of integrity. I live in Boston, so I am very lucky to have access to many neighborhood branches and the grand Central Library in Copley Square. I did not go to the library today, because I had homework (and plenty of reading) to do, and because the branch in my neighborhood is closed on Sunday anyway.

 I know for sure, the next time I go to the library (hopefully this week), I am making a bee-line towards The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. One of my professors of clinical trial design mentioned it during a talk about research ethics and I haven't been able to get her brief but powerful summary out of my head! As a newly hired research assistant in the area of public health I think it is paramount that I familiarize myself with this story- Heck! I think as a human being who strives to have respect and compassion for other human beings, it is important to know Henrietta's story.



I am so fortunate to live in a city where education and  information is so highly regarded. The Boston Public Library system is more than a gateway to other worlds by way of books (although that is a GREAT thing) but through the library system I have access to lectures, live performances, museums, digital information, lessons in practical skills, and even architectural tours of the Central  Library, itself. All I have to do is accept the responsibility of the care and keeping of my library card.

Tomorrow's lesson: "A Firm Handshake"

Quite Continental Charm School Journal - Day 2

Today's Charm School Lesson is " Class up your bedroom". I needed this lesson in the worst way! I swear she wrote this sentence after a secret reconnaissance mission to MY bedroom:

 "...far too often, bedrooms suffer a bit of neglect, especially in those years when we emerge from university or the home of our parents.  Generally, what little attention (and budget funds) we have for decor tends to be concentrated in the common spaces — the parts of our home we usually share when entertaining guests — leaving our bedrooms woefully mismatched or shockingly haphazard. "

   I actually have just purchased a dresser to contain my clothing that is usually strewn about the room. Before I purchased the dresser, I had 4 big, dilapidated, overflowing Tupperwear drawers to hold my clothes.Once I made the change, I realized that I had been, essentially, living out of a suitcase for three years. I never noticed the impact that had on me from day to day, but I now feel at home for the first time since I left my childhood home.

 On top of being in that unfortunate situation, I am notorious for having a messy bedroom. My untidiness might be one of my biggest flaws. I have never lived alone, so I know it must bother the other people with whom I live. Despite my best efforts, it always manages to get out of control! I REALLY hope this time I am able to keep up with my new clean room.

So, today I really dedicated some time to creating a truly personal oasis to which I may retire each evening. In order to make a real effort for personal change, instead of just "picking up my room" I set three goals for myself: 

1. Deal with the tragedy that is my bed linens. 

Old, faded sheet with giant holes

Crisp new new linens with subtle detailing! 

2. CLEAN (as opposed to picking up...that means washing the clothes instead just putting them in a massive pile in the laundry basket, sweeping/vacuuming the floor, and dusting the surfaces.)

I am so embarrassed to share this with you, but hopefully it will shame me into keeping my room clean in the future. Also notice the mismatched pillow cases, and the drab photos on the far right. They are some "artsy" black and white photos I took of scarred trees at a state park. So impersonal.

Nice and orderly, with personalized touches like the photos of the wall of Brad and  me, and the red pillow  (I made it out of an old sweater).  Also, the new linens make such a difference, since they match and are free of holes. It feels so peaceful and spacious in here now! 

3. Reduce the 'rag-tag' decorating elements and introduce more personal decorating elements as time and resources permit in an afternoon. 

New color photos of this room's inhabitants! :o)

Thanks for checking in! Be sure to let me know if you are starting your own charm school journey! Tomorrow, I will be showing some love to my library card! :o)

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 1

I have stumbled upon the Quite Continental Charm School, and of course I am enrolling myself rightthissecond. Today's lesson is "An Attitude of Gratitude".

 I feel as though this may be the easiest lesson for me. As a Southern girl, I am no stranger to the art of writing thank you notes. In addition, I have a lot to be thankful for these days!  I just hope I can remember this lesson in the future on a day when I'm not feeling so great. For now, I will share my latest expression of gratitude: my very best mini chocolate loaf cakes for friends and mentors who helped me  acquire employment!  I am so grateful for their guidance, support, and encouragement! I hope these little morsels from my heart/kitchen are enough to show them how special they are to me!

 And of course, THANK YOU dear reader! You make the world a better place merely by existing, I am sure of it!
 Stay tuned for tomorrow's lesson "Class up your bedroom"!

12 Questions from Home Says Hello

I've been tagged for the 12x4 blog survey which requires participants to provide 12 facts about themselves,  answer 12 questions asked by their tagger, and come up with 12 questions to ask to 12 more bloggers. 

I am sad to say , I don't think I have 12 readers to whom I can ask 12 questions, but I am happy to answer those that were asked  of me and to come up with 12 questions for passerby to answer. (Just make sure you leave a comment letting me know where to find the answers! ) 

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Post 12 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 12 new questions for the people you tagged.
4. Tag 12 people and link them on your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them! 

12 Facts (fun or otherwise)

1. Today is the first day in AGES that I have not spoken to my parents. I usually call them every single day. 

2. I honestly don't know how Californians can live with themselves, selling citrus that is SO inferior to their Floridian counterparts. 

3. I keep three kinds of  flour on hand at all times ( Unbleached-All Purpose, Whole Wheat, and Bread Flour)

4. I am a fan of the Oxford Comma. 

5a. Brad and I started watching Star Trek the Next Generation in the Fall, and we are now on Season 6. 

5b. Brad thinks Commander Riker is awesome in a harmlessly cheesy and hilariously pompous sort of way. I think he's a walking STD. If it has a vagina, William T. Riker wants some. He's gross.  

6. My valentine to myself was submitting my application to graduate with my Master's of Public Health!

7. I love glittery things!

8. When I go to someone else's home, I am most comfortable in their kitchen. 

9.  When I'm being mischievous and slightly annoying, but still lovable ( in other words, when I'm just being myself) Brad's term of endearment for me is "El Poopo".

10. My newest Trader Joe's "discovery" is the General Tsao's Sauce. DELICIOUS!

11. This whole Warner Brothers/Flixter thing to prevent piracy is LAME. I paid for my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II and I had to jump through so many hoops to download a copy because the DVD does not play on my laptop for fear that I will illegally copy and sell it. I feel punished and insulted by this. It really grinds my gears. That is all. 

12. I've had an idea for a new scone recipe knocking around in my head for a couple of weeks. I think I'm finally going to do something about it tomorrow

Answers to Home Says Hello's 12 Questions

1. What's your idea of a cozy, comfy afternoon?   Last January Brad and I met up with some friends in New York City, and we went to 2nd Ave. Deli. There was liver pate while you waited for your table,  a variety of house made pickles while you waited for your food, amazing pastrami sandwiches,  and to top it off, complimentary chocolate soda to finish the meal. It was an old fashioned, beautiful space. I think catching up with good friends helped too. I wouldn't mind spending my afternoons in a cozy booth, catching up with old friends at 2nd Ave. Deli, on the regular. 

2. Are you an extrovert or introvert?  I am an introvert. 

3. What stresses you out?  Truly wasting time. By that I mean,  sitting around bouncing back and forth between Pinterest, Facebook, 9gag and YouTube. It always makes me feel like I'm digging myself further and further into a hole of a wasted life. Even reading a book, or walking aimlessly around Boston would be more productive. At least then I would be enjoying REAL life.  Then I feel like I shouldn't do those things either because I've already wasted my arbitrary, self -allotted, "fun time" and I have to get down to work. But I don't want to do the work. That's why I'm being lazy in the first place. It's a vicious stressful cycle. 

4. What calms you down? Anyone who knew me as a child would be shocked to know this, but I actually find it to be very calming to do dishes. There is a catch though, I have to have my "food porn" on. By that , I mean, I like to bring my lap top into the kitchen (AWAY FROM ANY WATER!) and watch an episode of  "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". I love food, I love funny-personal stories, and I love the feeling of accomplishment. It is mindless, but useful and it helps me get out of my lazy rut. 

5. If you could take a week long vacation anywhere, all expenses paid, where would you go? Sydney, Australia...Ooh, wait! I changed my mind...I'd take one of those week long tours on The Orient Express!

6. If you could start a nonprofit organization, what would you choose to do? Easy. I would love to design a chain of primary care clinics specifically for under-served communities, that operate independently of health insurance systems. 

7. What's your favorite book and how many times have you read it? For a long time my favorite book was hands down, The Princess Bride by S. Morgenstern, abridged by William Goldman, but I haven't read it in a few years. I think now, I should just admit to myself that I am a REALLY big Harry Potter nerd and I've read those books more times than I can count  (especially Prisoner of Azkaban). 

8. What's the worst movie you've ever seen?  I got through about 20 minutes of "You Drive Me Crazy" starring Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier. Does that count as having "seen" it? 

9. What is your most treasured possession?  My engagement ring. 

10. Where did you grow up? In the conventional sense, I grew up in Central Florida. And it was awesome. But if you're asking where I became a grown up, I'd have to say that happened in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 

11. Why do you blog? I blog to have some way of communicating to the world who I am without the immediate threat of disapproval. It's like a diary, in that I have "less of a filter" but I am free the fear of shame if somebody found it. This blog is utterly Nissa. 

12. What is one thing you wish to learn how to do this year? I have this sewing machine and lots of fabric doing a whole lot of nothing in my bedroom right now. I'd like to learn how to make some use of it. 

12 Questions for YOU, Dear Reader

1. What is the best thing you ever ate? 

2. What is the last treat you purchased for yourself?

3. What is your favorite thing about your hometown? 

4. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Discuss.  

5. What is the best feature of your home? 

6. What do your shoes say about you? 

7. What designates the beginning of Spring for you? 

8. Do you prefer tons of blankets when you sleep or just a sheet? 

9. Are you a country mouse or a city mouse? 

10. What did you do last Saturday?

11. In what year were your grandparents the age you are now? 

12. Is the glass half full or half empty? With what? 

My most loved book

Tina, over at the English Muse posted a wonderful question for her readers to consider, " What is the most tattered book you own?"

My response is a little embarrassing, because it's not really what most would consider a literary classic, as it has not yet proven to be endearing through the ages. But I think, in time it will become one. My most worn in book is my copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Seriously. I don't even know how many times I've read it (the last time being over my winter holiday from school)! When I first acquired it, I was in 7th grade and I would cram it into my backpack at the beginning of the day, in the hopes of a substitute teacher assigning independent reading time. If there was no such luck to be had, I would pry it out from between entirely too many text books and binders for one student to carry (Just like Hermione, OMG!  Haha! ), and I would sneak a page or two at a time during dimly lit lectures accompanied by over head projector visual aids. <-- Now, I'm showing my age!

That was more years ago than I care to admit, although I will give myself a little cushion by saying my copy is not a first edition. I'm not that old. Today, my copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has some wrinkles on the cover of the book jacket. The edges of the jacket around the spine are soft and fuzzy from being perched on my chest, for  many late-night-marathon-cover-to-cover reading sessions. The binding for the first and and final thirds are still attached to the spine, but that middle portion is completely detached. It is simply placed there, for safe keeping. I'll probably have to tell my kids to get their own, rather than share my own treasured installments of the stories because they will be in too fragile a condition for any hands other than my own.


Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite of the series because I think it's the most revealing about who the characters really are. If you want to know what makes each of them tick, I refer you to this book. Plus you get to see Diagonally, Hogsmead, and other parts of the wizarding world in satisfying detail. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's my favorite book ever...but it is definitely in my top 5.



Should you feel so moved (as I was) to write about your most tattered book, please be sure to post a comment and a link!

A night worth documenting

Last night our little, unassuming dinner party was such a resounding success it lasted until the wee hours of the morning! It was a small dinner in honor of my friends Lauren and Kristina's birthdays. Instead of cake, there was a request for Star Wars cookies so I made vanilla Stormtroopers and chocolate Darth Vaders. Easy enough. For dinner we had my mom's top secret Japanese Style chicken curry. ( One pot meals are the best for crowds!) I made some sweet tea using a blend of the Blueberry Bliss and the Strawberry Lemonade tea from Teavana. We also had a toast with some cheap Cristalino  (not to be confused with Cristal) which turned out to be pretty decent. I think the highlight of the evening (besides the great company!) turned out to be the many rounds of Guillotine we played!

Finally, we closed off the night (rather morning! We were very surprised to find 1 o'clock had come and gone by the time we checked our clock!) with a small piano concert by Brad.

It's nice to have friends up here, and to finally be settled in enough to comfortably have company.  When they left I was thinking of this song:

The Remedy for Too Much Weekend

I had too much weekend and as a result, I've been sick this whole week. But, of course I've found ways to cope.

I've been reliving the good times of the Westbound Train show on Sunday by listening to them all week. Brad and I walked into the Middle East Underground with this as the soudtrack-

It was way too good to be allowed! You can see how I may have overdone it with the dancing, right?


Cut to Monday, when I began feeling my age... too sore, and sick to be staying up late dancing until the wee hours of the morning. (BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!)

I've also been reading a lot in the past couple of weeks- Emma and Northanger Abbey by the incomparable Jane Austin and A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  If you don't have time to read ( I sincerely hope that's not the case) or if you would rather watch a movie, OR, if you've already read them and still have to sit around (like me), I recommend watching: 

-The 2009 BBC miniseries version of Emma. Superior to all other film versions and incredibly faithful to the book. Everyone is exactly how I imagined them, in this adaptation. My favorite Jane Austen book has now become my favorite miniseries! 

- 2007 BBC version of Northanger Abbey. Not quite as faithful to the book, but the book wasn't anything terribly special anyway (in my humble opinion). 

- Sherlock, BBC 2011. I am eagerly awaiting series 2, set to arrive this Summer! This show is set in the present, but does a great job of maintaining faith to the original novels off of which they are based.   What impresses me most is the way Watson is portrayed. Usually he's sort of shoved to the side in film adaptations, but here they are able to capture his importance the way it is in the books. Long story short- PLEASE WATCH THIS SHOW!

I suppose you could call it a "Masterpiece" bender, of sorts. All of these stories can be found in television adaptations there. It's my personal cold remedy: miso soup, tea, and Masterpiece Theater -all consumed with wanton enthusiasm.

Miso Soup= Elixer of life. 

I'm also preparing for the new semester, which means I am in the midst of receiving books wrapped in brown paper at my door. This is always a delight, even if they are just text books.  Today, Power, Politics, and Universal Health Care: The inside story of a century-long battle by Stuart Altman and David Shactman arrived at my doorstep. I have three weeks to have it read for one of my classes. It looks interesting; far more interesting than my books on how to use SAS (statistical analysis systems). I'll probably end up doing a post on it later, since a quick google search has yielded some potentially useful video accompaniments to this book. 

Finally, DOWNTON ABBEY has finally reached the US, and I couldn't be happier! The series two premier did not disappoint! Of course, now I'm clinging desperately to the edge of my seat for the next episode to air on Sunday. I'll refrain from any summaries for fear of spoilers, but let me just say, I sense a kindred spirit in Lady Sybil.

Christmas Bows

     I think it's been long enough that we can begin feeling nostalgic for Christmas again, right? One of my VERY favorite things is wrapping the presents. My mom and I are obsessed with picking the right paper, the most deceiving box shape, the perfect ribbon to complement the paper tied into supple bows. My dad and Brad say it's because we're crazy. We say we're honoring the arts of our Japanese heritage. You can decide for yourself.

     This year, I didn't buy any gifts that weren't shipped directly to their recipients. So, I did not get to wrap any gifts. But I did receive a lot of gifts that were wrapped but did not have any bow! So I looked through my meager collection from last year, and from  my other craft sources to come up with the perfect way to jazz up each package; illuminating it's potential!

Such beautiful, traditional paper! I used a cord from last year , that I simply braided from yarn and had attached some regal tassels on the end. I feel like the tassels reflect the regal style of the paper and the navy is a nice, complimentary, contrasting color to the cream and gold. 

This is the third ribbon (and final) I put on this gift.  It was hard to get this one just right!  I'm very happy with  end result of this "gift from my puppy"! Like him, it embodies all the fun parts of Christmas! I'm just in love with the Santa hat! 

It was hard to find the right gift for this rather short piece of red and neon green ribbon,  but I wasn't daunted. I straightened my posture, said, "challenge accepted" and wrapped up this little guy.   

I loved this old-fashioned, rustic paper from Brad's grand parents. I decided to go with an equally rustic and old fashioned bow.

I love how the white ribbon "pops" on the red paper. Also, the bow is cute! 

When I saw this package I knew exactly which ribbon I  was going to use! So elegant! 

The same with this package, which was uncharacteristically bow-less from my mom! Such over the top, almost Seussian paper covered this tiny box and I had the perfect amount of ribbon this glittery, polka-dotted ribbon to give it an adorable tuxedo bow-tie. Definitely one of my favorites. 

I love the juxtaposition of the "fancy" paper with the rustic bow. It really brings out the  outdoorsy subject of the paper: birds and trees. A very balance package.

This is more of the paper from Brad's grandparents. I kept the plaid fabric strip from last year. I love the "Christmas plaid", and the rough edges. It feels resourceful, and I imagine the people that live in the cabin (pictured just to the left of the bow) would have tied up their gifts similarly.  The end result feels very "heritage".

I think this was my favorite bow, although it was close, this year. This package positively glowed , under the tree. Traditional red and green,; beautiful, supple ribbon. Just a treat for the eyes! 

Looking back, I should have also photographed my mom's masterful wrapping, but that will have to wait for next year...

Young Pioneer

After going on my annual Winter Break BBC Period Drama bender, I moved on to watching the 2005 TV adaptation of Little House on the Prairie. Following that, I started watching the "House" shows. (You know, like 1900 House...) Now, I am convinced that I need to go on a camping trip this summer. I just want to load up the back of our car -conveniently it's a SUV...perfect for replicating the Conestoga experience!- And head out into the wilderness. If I'm being honest, I know I cannot survive completely without modern comforts, but I think I can deal with walking down a dirt path in my shower shoes to get to the bathing facilities.

via
In my fantasy world, I am an expert camper and can plan a camping trip that would go without a hitch, so to speak, and with my very real lack of expertise in mind, I give you my list of essentials for a weekend of pioneering.

Shelter- I did a bit of searching around and found a product called Magna Screen that catches my attention. It fits over the space left by rolling down the windows of your car, so you can close the doors and treat it as a tent!

Sleep- An air mattress fitted with a sheet a blanket and one pillow each. This fits perfectly in the back of the car when the back seats are down and the supplies are stashed in the front seats.

Food- a pallet of bottled water (1/2 of them frozen in cooler to do double duty as ice), peanut butter, bread, fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, peaches... things that don't need to be kept cold and can be eaten out of hand), beans, brown bread, hot dogs, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers,  muffins (maybe corn muffins? YUM!),  plates, silver wear, a roll of paper towels, skewers, can opener, a bag for trash (just in case!)<-- you can see by the length of this list what is most important to me! 

Toiletries- 1 roll of emergency TP, towels, wash cloths, all over body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sun screen, deodorant

ETC.- 2 flashlights, a deck of cards, bug repellent, a book (I recommend Young Pioneers), batteries, Swiss-Army knife, first aid kit, cell phones and car charger...just in case!

It should be noted that in my head, all camp sites come with a picnic table so I didn't include chairs or anything like that.

Time to round up some friends and face the wild yonder! 

What is Your Dream?

Yesterday, someone challenged me to ask myself "What is your dream?" and to answer with the utmost honesty and to begin to take action immediately at the start of this new year.  I like to think I'm pretty open and honest in general, so this would be easy. Especially in a culture consumed by social networking, it seems like there are no secrets. But in fact, even this blog, as public as it could be, remains the equivalent of a homestead on the prairie in the 19th century. A few close people follow, a few strangers stumble through. I value this space as a way to have some record of myself unfiltered by the thought, "Would I say this in front of my grandmother?"  So, in this place, free of the threat of henpecking from loving relatives, I give you my dream for myself in 2012:

• To be employed making at least $800 a week, working in public health, by the time I graduate. 
• Have a wedding date set for next year. 
• To get my passport and drive to Canada
• To truly join my family with Brad's (That includes coming out with my religious beliefs.)
• USE THAT SEWING MACHINE!
• To run the Charles River trail from my neighborhood to the Esplanade with Brad and my dad running along side me, and my mom on her bike. 
• Make my home/ life a center for community

One of my favorite pictures from Christmas- Brad and I like to go to a quiet pond nearby, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I always feel refreshed and ready to face new challenges after going there. Just like I'm ready to face this new year! 

If you feel like you would like to share your dreams for yourself in my little patch of quiet in the internet, my comments box is always open. I promise not to henpeck, although I'll probably congratulate you on a particularly beautiful dream. Happy New Year! Good Luck!