TGIF

A batch of little letters to kick off the weekend.

Dear girl's party on Sunday,
I'm excited to make pretty, festive cookies and hang out with some of my favorite people.

Dear RyRy and Autumn,

I've very much excited for your hot buttered rum party tonight. I am wearing pants with an elastic waistband to I can fit as much of it in as possible.

Dear health,

Please don't hate me for all of the aforementioned hot buttered rum that I will consume tonight.

Dear blue skies,

I very much like you right now. You're a welcomed break from the crazy rain we've been getting.

Dear Joe,

Thank you for doing my dishes AND scraping my windows this morning. That was very sweet.

Dear Christmas,

You're only 8 days away!

Dear Team Menu Impossible,

I miss your blog posts about tucking and rolling, but can't wait until your post on your 1950s style meal at Canlis. Congrats on finding a menu! I knew you would from the beginning. I just had a feeling.

Dear dress I liked last year,

There is now a MUCH cheaper version of you that looks IDENTICAL. (You guys have to click on both links to really understand the absurdity in the similarity in looks, but luckily not pricetag!)

Have a wonderfully, fabulous week before Christmas weekend!

pic/via whimsicalities

Celebrate

"What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day." -- Phyllis Diller

I thought this quote was appropriate for today since tonight is our office Christmas party. They are pretty low key these days, but it's still fun to socialize outside of the office.

Do you have any funny office Christmas party stories?

pic/via

Hunter Boots

Since my new favorite thing seems to be directing you to other things, I present you with Hunter boots. As you all probably know, I've been eyeing them for some time now. I've convinced myself into buying them and then quickly convinced myself back out of them, then back again. It's a vicious cycle, I tell ya. I like yellow, blue or red. Oh, and green, but Stephers has those, so I would probably opt for another color.

I live in Seattle, so they're practical, right?

Cozy and warm

Doesn't this fleece look cozy and warm? I also like all of the fuzzy, lambie fleeces at Patagonia. They remind me of Kimber. And of Autumn's nanny family boy because apparently he has a little, minature lambie too.

Black Velvet

The Waterwheel was blessed with the vocal talents of Maddie and me this weekend. About a half dozen times. (You're welcome, Waterwheel patrons) I was definitely yearning for some karaoke fun, but I think I got my fill in. For at least a week.

pic via Joe's iPhone

TGIF

Dear Christmas Tree,
When you came into my life almost two weeks ago, I have to admit, I was nervous. How could you possibly live up to the awesomeness of last year's? Initially I had my hands on a much smaller version of you, but when Joe pulled you out from the group (a seemingly foot above the rest), we knew we had found the one.

I don't know what it is about you. Your intoxicating smell, your tall stature, the way you light up or maybe how you wear your attire (ornaments). Whatever you're doing, keep doing it. You've completely won me over. When I walk into the room and see you lit up, I immediately smile.

I know our time together will be short, but I want you to know that I will always cherish the memories. But for now, let's enjoy the holiday season! (How do you feel about hot buttered rum in your stand?)

Love,
Petes

P.S. When will these start to magically appear?

Madison Park Conservatory

Last night, Joe and I hit up his buddy Gary's new gig, the Madison Park Conservatory. We just went for drinks and dessert, but if what we had is any indication of what the dinner would taste like, then count me in!

I ordered a Seasonal Bellini, which had prosecco and a pear-cardamom puree. It was light and refreshing, everything a bellini should be and more.

Joe ordered the Brooklyn 46, which is a spin on the regular Brooklyn cocktail, but uses Maker's 46, a special, new Maker's Mark.

For dessert, and brace yourself for this one, we had Olive Oil cake with olive oil gelato and caramelized pears! I was skeptical because olive oil doesn't strike me as a "sweet" ingredient, but believe me: It's worth a try.

So who's with me on my next trip to the Conservatory?

Gary and Joe behind the bar

top pic via/Madison Park Blogger