December is always such a busy month for us all between the holidays, birthdays, etc., etc. This year holiday shopping was much easier as everyone wanted cash lol. A small part of me does miss buying presents, but I don’t want to buy something they don’t want or need, so money is better. This year Christmas and Chanukah overlapped, which was nice as my oldest, who lives out of state, was able to be here to celebrate both. Between the latkes, matzo ball soup, and brisket for Chanukah and the ham, kielbasa, and twice baked potatoes for Christmas there was no shortage of food in our fridge!
It was wonderful having everyone together. We played cards, watched movies, ate, slept, and ate some more! It really was a fun, relaxing (but not boring!) holiday and I’m so happy I got to be with those I love so much!
Here are some other things that kept me from being bored throughout December.
Kozan: I’ve shared beautiful clothes from Kozan a number of times and will continue to do so because they really are special! The clothes are so well made using fantastic fabrics and the designs are so cool. I love them because they are unique, versatile, and I feel really amazing in everything I put on that is designed my Melis.
Laura Geller Beauty Event: I was so excited when I received an invitation to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Laura Geller Beauty. It was held at Laduree in Soho and attended by so many fabulous ladies. The highlight for me, aside from meeting in person so many women I had chatted with on Instagram, was meeting Laura Geller herself! She is dynamic, hilarious, and just so real! It was a fantastic night and Laura Geller Beauty and Laduree did a great job. I’ve got some goodies from Laura Geller Beauty that I’ll be sharing, so stay tuned!
Yellowstone: I was waiting for the new season to start and the first two episodes did not disappoint! In fact, I was so excited after watching them that I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out. I really love being able to binge watch a show, but sometimes I have to learn patience. 😂 I wasn’t thrilled with the third episode, but the fourth redeemed itself and I’m looking forward to see what happens next. I think Yellowstone is one of the best shows on tv-it has everything-drama, corruption, love, violence. What more could anyone ask for??!!
A Strange Loop: I love going to Broadway shows, especially musicals, so when my second oldest asked me to see A Strange Loop, I was in even though I had no idea what it was about! (I’m always happy to spend time with my kids so I’m usually game for anything.) A Strange Loop is about Usher, a gay Black man writing a musical about a gay Black man writing a musical. Sounds confusing?! At first I was a little confused, but it came together quickly and I enjoyed it. It was a small cast of 7 people with everyone except for Usher playing multiple roles. The costumes changes made it easy to tell who they were playing. A Strange Loop has been nominated and won a number of awards, but unfortunately will be closing mid January. If you can, see it before January 15th, 2023, the last performance.
The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens: My youngest lent me this book and I was hooked from the first page. Lila is beginning her career as a prosecutor, and a case arises that becomes very personal for her. A woman is pulled from a river, barely alive. For eight years Lila has kept the details of her own attack a secret. What is it about this case and this suspect that brings her past to the forefront? The twists and turns made for a great read! When I find an author I like I try to read as many of their books as possible, so as soon as I finished The Stolen Hours I also read and loved two other books by Allen Eskens, The Life We Bury and The Shadows We Hide.
Pizza Crawl: One Saturday in December my daughter asked if we wanted to go on a pizza crawl. I told you I’m game for anything with my kids! She had a list of seven pizza places she wanted to try. We knew we wouldn’t try them all as we’d get too full, but we figured we’d see how many we could visit. My husband, daughter, son, and I headed out to Brooklyn. Our first stop was L’Industrie Pizzeria. The line was long, but moved quickly. There was some seating outside and some in an enclosed spot outside, and we were lucky enough to find a table in the enclosed space (it was a cold day!) We ordered four slices and shared them between us. The pizza was ok, but I expected more. I wonder if this is because it was so hyped up?? Next we headed to Best Pizza. We laughed at the name, but it really was great!! Again, we ordered four slices and shared them and one was better than the next. Unfortunately, this was the end of this week’s pizza crawl as we’re a bunch of lightweights and were very full! I’ll let ya know where we go next!
I hope your December was fun and filled with love and laughter. Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year!
You always have so much fun! Those of us that don’t live there get to live vicariously through you, but I want the pizza!
Awww thanks Rena! Come visit and then we can play together. We’ll start with pizza!! xo, Michele
Sounds like a fun-filled month with lots of great food, fun, and family! The Laura Geller Beauty event sounded like a fabulous time! Also – going to add the book to my “to read” list!
Hi Debbie, It was-with lots and lots of food, fun, and the best with family! The LGB event was so amazing. Let me know what you think of The Stolen Hours. What are you reading now?? xo, Michele