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A hectic time of year

The past few weeks have been a complete blur thanks to a new apartment and all of the stress moving entails. I simply forgot how crazy it is to move. And you would think having done it four times while in college would prepare me, but it hasn’t. Especially when you have no furniture! Hellooo, Ikea. I’m excited to share photos once the place looks somewhat livable, but until then it would just be too embarrassing. Which means this year is a year without Christmas decorations. In the meantime, I’ll just admire this lovely little gem. Topping your tree with anything other than an angel just seems wrong.

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Old is new again

Yesterday at work, I received a thank you letter from a woman who attended our annual holiday trolley tours through the local neighborhood. It’s wonderful to see folks reminiscing and feeling nostalgic about their old stomping grounds, and I’m glad to be a part of it. Suddenly, what’s old is new again. In honor of that feeling I thought I’d share these vintage photos I came across a while back. It’s no secret that I’ve got a love for old photos (as seen here, here and here), but hopefully these are just as enjoyable.

photos via

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Pooch + Polar Bear

According to folks at work AND weather.com, there could be snow showers this Friday. Even though it’s about that time snow should be expected and even though I often relish it during the holidays, I am most definitely not ready for it. But I know my two pups are. Still, it’s a good thing we don’t live near any polar bears.

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Berries and pie

Even though Thanksgiving was almost a week ago, I thought I’d share the recipe for this berry pie I made. The recipe is one from Ina Garten, and was simple to assemble (once I figured out how to zest an orange). The end result was decidedly tasteful. Next time though, I think I’ll leave out the orange.

This final picture doesn’t really do it justice, but for my first attempt at bringing something to our Thanksgiving meal, I think it was a success.

If you want to try it yourself, check out the recipe below:

12 oz fresh cranberries rinsed and stems removed (about 3 cups)
1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tbs grated orange zest (about 2 oranges)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/8 tsp cinnamon
2 extra large eggs, room temperature
1 cup + 1 tbs sugar
1 stick butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325. Combine cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice and 1 tsp cinnamon in bowl. Set aside.
Beat eggs on medium high speed for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup granulated sugar, butter, sour cream and vanilla. Beat on medium until just combined. Slowly add flour and salt.
Pour fruit mixture evenly into 10″ glass pie plate. Pour batter over fruit, covering it completely. Combine remaining 1 tbs sugar and 1/8 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter.
Bake for 55-60 minutes until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean and fruit is bubbling around edges.

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24.

Today I turn 24. Scary. Despite having to work (!), the day was filled with birthday wishes, cards, treats and more.

Christmas tree lot on the EVE of my birthday.

Signs of the holidays at work!

Birthday flowers from Dad and Fray.

Snoopy card – my coworkers know me well. :)

Cake, courtesy of Sweet Seven Bakery on 63rd Street

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