the cake

Oh, were you wishing you could see the cake? Well, alright, here it is. The two chickens are for my sister and her birthday twin, Haley.

happy birthday to you

Yesterday was the birthday of my most regular reader, and biggest supporter, my sister. We had a day of delicious food. First brunch at La Note, then we baked this incredible cake, went for dinner at Pizzaiolo and finally ate the cake. Everything was fantastic, but I keep thinking about the pizza with delicata and gorgonzola. Baking the cheese mellows it into this gooey bite with the creamy sweet squash, and maybe a bite here and there with chervil, that sort of brightens the whole thing. I also highly suggest making the cake. Shannon had it once at a party, and it has become the always requested birthday cake, which is saying a lot in a family of cooks.

before and after

Everyone loves a good makeover. Thought I'd share some shots to inspire you to get organized in 2009.

etsy finds

Ok, I know this is an obscene number of recommendations, but there are a lot of fantastic calendars out there. Plus, you may want a different style depending on where your calendar is going to live. And the truth is, I'm terrible at making decisions and couldn't narrow the list down any more than I did already.

Letterpress Collaboration Wall Calendar by pistachiopress $35



Nature by storybymia $22


Small Calendar by jessgonacha $20


Calendar by jenskelley $10


Calendar by orangebeautiful $28


Sitting Pretty-Printable Calendar by bluetricyle $5


Desktop Calendar by InkspotWorkshop $18


Minimalist Modern II by SureAsBlue $9.99


Satsuma Press Calendar by satsumalynn$44


Wall Calendar by valerydesignwrks $30


A Year in the Kitchen by smackofjellyfish $18


Colorful Month Squares-Printable Template by juniperjefferies $5


Fabric Calendar by maramiki $20


Red Brick Houses by allalongpress $22.50


Calendar by everyjotandtittle $14


Desktop Calendar by MichelleBrusegaard $20


Savoring Maine by scramp22 by $19.95


Shout Wall Calendar by MagnoliaMoonlight $30

dinner at the munns

We ate so much...and it was delicious.

a very helzler-rinzlosa-rinzler christmas

The six of us gathered at my sister's house for drinks (many) games (2) presents (yay) and food (too much, but so delicious.) Karen made Aebelskeever, a tradition for Christmas Eve in her danish family. They taste like a cross between a donut and a pancake. You eat them with jams and jellies, and can sprinkle sugar on them if you like. After trying at least 5 options, we voted the plum jam as the favorite.

merry christmas eve

I'm packing up goods to take to my sister's for Christmas eve dinner. We're opening presents tonight which is not the usual tradition, even for us. We've also decided to diverge from our traditional meal for a Mexican feast. Sopa di tortilla, tamales, and hot chocolate with cinnamon will all be on the menu. I'm also planning to take part in the margaritas in a major way- got to survive the whole family being together somehow!

broken promises

Did I say I would post many exciting things and never do it? So sorry. It's been a little crazy around here. I finally took images of the new kitchen only to leave my camera cord at work. My car died Friday afternoon, and had to be taken to the mechanic. We had a lovely party on Saturday, and my family arrived for Christmas.

etsy finds

It's not too late to have items shipped, but it's getting close. Here are a few last minute items that would certainly be loved. I've now shown you my entire selection of favorite items, so this is also the last of the etsy finds lists before Christmas. I will be posting a long list of favorite shops to keep you satisfied for a few days. More recipes and re-dos to come, so please come back.


Macbook Envelope by fernfiddlehead $29


Hemp Linen Handbag by Uzura $53


Pleat Perfect Tee by JAIvo $45


Ziggy wallet by hedilu $52


Triple Earring by iomiss $32


Tri-fold Card Holder by cassylaintotes $9


Felt Storage Box bu 0049Design $34


Midcentury 16 by JIMWARDMORRIS $25


Ceramic Cup with Wooden Saucer by attiahome $44


Little Garden by AliciaBock $35


Sunshine Cup Pendant by TroveDesigns $35


Sterling Silver Etched Cufflinks by ashhilton $180

and still painting

It took another entire weekend, but the kitchen is pretty much finished. I'd show you pictures, but it's too dark to take any. So you'll just have to wait. In the meantime, here's a few of the before shots to get you thinking about what it might look like now...