…to wish you still wore a uniform every day (I did K-12!) – the outfit selection process in the morning would be much easier!

…to waste spend hours and hours on Pinterest (oh, was I supposed to be doing something productive?)

…to have to force yourself to go to the gym

…to screw up

…to buy yourself a coffee in the morning and afternoon (only on very special days)

…to be excited about staying in on a Friday night

…to believe that Twitter = the news

…to cheat on your ‘healthy eating plan’ on the weekend

…to only like fortune cookies because of the fortune

Happy Friday! Tonight Colin and I get to babysit my wonderful nephew Declan (so if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you’ll most likely see a picture…or ten…of my little guy). I’m so excited to just get some sushi, watch the Celts and hang out with my boys.

What are you up to this weekend? Hope you have a great time with whatever you do!

I bought her book at the conference and got it signed. I was very excited!

Yay!

This is my second dish I’ve made from Stir. The first one, was…let’s say…not worthy of being documented on the blog.

Check out my spicy tomato soup, paired with grilled cheese!

Ingredients

The book!

The recipe - delicious

Onions, olive oil, red pepper flakes

Here we go...

Yummm grilled cheese

PS: You should really check out the book, Stir. It’s very well written and has amazing recipes! And the recipes don’t come across as too intimidating to me which I think is nice (because, by no means am I a whiz in the kitchen)

Here is the recipe on Chow, and here is a video of Barbara Lynch going through the recipe / making the soup. Also, if you’d like to learn more about Barbara Lynch, check out this great article from Inc.

We’re currently looking for a florist, so I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for examples of flowers / bouquets I like. We’re going with a navy blue / ivory / tangerine color scheme so I think a lot of the floral arrangements will have a pop of orange / coral flowers in them. I’m thinking it will give the decor a nice burst of color.

Are you married / getting married soon? What was / is your color scheme?

Here are some of my favorites so far:

*Please note: While gathering these images over time I have lost track of the source of each. If you see a photo and would like credit for it, or would like it taken down, please email me at dailycraic@gmail.com. Thank you!

…to think being in a long distance relationship stinks (if you’ve been there, you’d most likely agree)

…to speak up for yourself and what you believe in

…to cry in your cube (it — or should I say s*it — happens!)

…to write everything down so you don’t forget things (I <3 lists)

…to be mad when your sneeze doesn’t come out

…to wish negative Facebook rants didn’t exist

…to believe your horoscope is true

…to unsubscribe from emails

…to order a burger (again…)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday.

Just as a reminder, here are the restaurants you’ll see or taste there:

Also, don’t forget about the charity auction with great items to bid on which will benefit Horizons for Homeless Children. This will be hosted by Billy Costa and Matt Siegel from the best morning show ever, Matty in the Morning. Can’t wait!

Please note: I received a complimentary ticket because I will be covering this lovely event for the daily craic. All opinions (as always) are my own, so is my genuine enthusiasm. Also, logo images from NECN.

You see a really cute craft and think to yourself, “I am going to make that! That is so inspiring. It would look great in my apartment.”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen a creative idea and then thought something along the lines of what I just mentioned, and still haven’t gotten around to it yet. I am currently raising my hand (and looking pretty awkward while doing so).

Or what about this scenario…

It’s your sister / boyfriend / mother / best friend’s birthday in two weeks and you are totally stumped for a gift idea. You’re complaining to said sister / boyfriend / mother / best friend saying, “Ugh! You are SO hard to buy a gift for. What is wrong with you?!”

Instead of attacking the birthday girl or boy, why don’t you simply pick out a great picture of the two of you, or an artistic shot you’ve taken, etc. and turn a wonderful memory into an absolute perfect (and thoughtful!) present – a custom canvas that they can hang up and add a little spark to their home.

I decided to turn one of my favorite photos from our trip to Ireland into a canvas for one of Colin’s Christmas presents this year. He loved it (probably because he can think about Guinness every time he sees it) and I was really happy with the quality of the canvas. Easy Canvas Prints was (as its name says) easy to use and the customer service was very accommodating. The first photo I chose was super blurry and they let me know that it might be better to choose another photo which I was very appreciative of.

As a little bonus, if you “like” Easy Canvas Prints Facebook page, you will receive 50% AND free shipping on your next order! So think about those people you need gifts for soon, or those empty spots in your apartment where you could really use a cute decoration…

Here’s Colin’s (well, ours – since we’re roommates!):

The finished product!

Up close and personal

*Please note: I was given my canvas order free of charge in order to test out this product courtesy of Easy Canvas Prints. All opinions here are my own honest words and opinions of the product and company.

Well, if the holidays were mostly dedicated to ‘family time’, and if your big New Year’s Eve party was a bust (there’s always too much pressure on NYE!), then you’re in need of a guaranteed fun night out. Lucky for you, I have just the event for you. The 5^th Annual TV Diner Platinum Plate Gala (presented by Dadgar Insurance), which will be featuring over 30 of the finest restaurants and vendors in the New England area. They’ll be putting their best plate forward, while you’ll be sipping cocktails, mingling with local celebrities and dancing the night away courtesy of the Hip Pocket Orchestra. Keep in mind; this will all be taking place at the elegant and luxurious Seaport Boston Hotel – talk about a swanky night out on the town!

TV Diner Gala - Photo credit, NECN

You’re Invited:

When: Friday, January 20^th from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Where: Commonwealth Hall at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center

1 Seaport Lane Boston, MA 02210 (617) 385-4000

Tickets: You can grab yours here

Restaurants / Vendors: Find out more about them here

Do you watch TV Diner? If you do, cheers! If you don’t, you should! It’s wonderful show – my go-to source for learning more about local restaurants that I inevitably want to try. I even got to see the taping of an episode last year, which was fantastic.

Along with the great recommendations, you’ll also get plenty of entertainment from the show; hosts Jenny Johnson and Billy Costa make a really fun and charming duo.

So from spots like the new Atlantic Wharf Smith and Wollensky, to Vlora, the Back Bay’s hip Mediterranean spot – Jenny and Billy visit all kinds of places in Boston, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and beyond! Check them out on NECN weeknights at 7:30 p.m., or Saturdays / Sunday’s at either 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. And don’t forget about their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lucky enough, I got to catch up with the fabulous Jenny Johnson recently about this year’s TV Diner Platinum Plate Gala – the culinary event of the year. Check out all the details below, and I hope to see you at the Gala!

Jenny Johnson - Photo credit, NECN

CM: This is the 5th annual Platinum Plate Gala. How long have you been with TV Diner?

JJ: I’ve been with TV Diner for over 6 years. I started as an Associate Producer, became Executive Producer and on air talent one year later – expanding my role on air with Billy.

CM:  Speaking of Billy Costa, he seems great! What’s the best part about working with him?

JJ: Billy is amazing – the finest of entertainers, one of the most hilarious human beings you will ever meet as well as the most dedicated to his work. There is never a dull moment when working with Billy!

CM: How many restaurants will be present at the Gala?

JJ: Over 40 participants – there are 30+ actual restaurants, some specialty vendors like Piantedosi Bread, Cedars etc. and featured spirit brands.

CM: What has been your favorite part of the Gala in the past?

JJ: The Gala really is the culinary event of the year – it is the ultimate night for foodies. My favorite part is seeing TV Diner Nation all gussied up – ready to eat, drink and dance the night away!

CM: What is the attire?

JJ: I always say that it’s Black-tie Optional, but a very small majority of men wear tuxes. Women I say – go all out – if you have that dress that you’ve been dying to wear, this is the night to wear it!

CM: Is it a sit down dinner, or more of a mingling type event? What’s the atmosphere like?

JJ: No sit down – there are some tables, but this is a tasting so in between eating people are mostly dancing to the 15+ person Hip Pocket Orchestra.

CM: The auction at the Gala will benefit Horizons for Homeless Children – a great charity. How did you guys get involved with them?

JJ: Horizon’s and Comcast have a wonderful relationship – NECN/CSN/Comcast has a long-term relationship with the non-profit and we are dedicated to bringing awareness throughout New England.

CM: What’s your favorite restaurant in Boston?

JJ: My favorite restaurant…that is so hard!…What am I eating? I always have a great meal at BarLola in the Back Bay – but I usually need a dish and I can give a better answer. Love Sorellina, Taranta, Taberno de Haro…it’s too hard, we are so spoiled with great restaurants!

CM: Outside of Boston?

JJ: Outside of Boston? Arrows or MC in Maine – love the owners, love the atmosphere love the food.

CM: What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2012? (If you have one!)

JJ: New Year’s resolution – yoga 3x a week – EVERY WEEK WITHOUT FAIL – I need to remember to breathe! {Tell me about it!}

Thanks so much Jenny!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the to-do lists of everyday life; the busyness of our schedules, the constant sense of being plugged in (checking Twitter, posting on Facebook, replying to an email), the amount of time we spend at work, among so many other things. We wish away the weekdays so we can get to the weekend. We pack the weekend full of things we couldn’t get done during the week, or “fun” activities so that we are sure we’re taking advantage of all that non-work time.

It would be easy to sit here and tell you all that I am going to take advantage of every moment in each day. That I am going to push all of the BS aside and appreciate Mondays the same way I appreciate Saturdays. I know this isn’t realistic. But I hope. I hope that I can teach myself to think more positively. To learn to appreciate every day that I am given. To wake up with a sense of joy because I am alive and healthy. To take on the day with a smile and a full heart. To find my passion. To show kindness to others. To make people laugh. To eliminate gossip and negative comments. To hone in on my creativity. To read and write more. To pay attention to the things that bring me happiness. To treat my body with respect; excercise  and embrace healthier eating habits. To (as they taught me at the MA Women’s Conference) live fearlessly.

I have had 25 amazing years so far. I must say, though…this year was a chart topper. Colin and I got engaged and we are planning (what I know will be) the happiest day of my life, because I am lucky enough to marry him. I also became a first time auntie this year. Our darling little Declan has brought more joy than I can even describe into our family. He is truly the light of our lives. 2011 was a wonderful year indeed.

I am a little late on my New Year’s wishes, but I do wish you a beautiful and happy 2012. xo

My resolutions for 2012:

1. To stop texting while I drive (so important!)
2. To write more
3. To become more of a morning person (this will be quite the challenge — but I’m up for it)
4. To take advantage of my gym membership, and utilize the My Fitness Pal app (it’s free and great!) to track what I’m eating and how much I’m exercising (mission wedding body in full effect)
5. To continue to rid my closet of things I don’t wear in order to simplify

Do you have any resolutions?

Lastly, here are a few quotes to help us start the year off right:

“I wake up every morning with a great desire to live joyfully.” —-Anna Howard Shaw

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” –Mahatma Gandhi

“No woman can control her destiny if she doesn’t give to herself as much as she gives of herself.” –Suze Orman

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” –Lao Tzu

“It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.” –Lucille Ball

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” –Alan Cohen

“Life is not a dress rehearsal. Stop practicing what you’re going to do and just go do it. In one bold stroke you can transform today.” –Marilyn Grey

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is available only around the holiday season, so tonight is the perfect night to pick up a bottle for your midnight toast (retail price, $19.99). I hope you all have a great (and safe!) New Year’s Eve. Here’s to a great 2012!

I had the pleasure of going to an Infinium tasting at Sam Adams recently and got to try a few different Infinium cocktails – all three concoctions were absolutely delicious. I truly couldn’t decide which was my favorite! In the end though, I think I voted for the Winter Shandy made by Bob McCoy over at Island Creek Oyster Bar.

Here are the recipes if you’d like to try them for your festivities tonight.

Winter Shandy

Created for Samuel Adams by Bob McCoy, Island Creek Oyster Bar

1 oz. cinnamon syrup*

1 oz. fresh meyer lemon juice

1 dash angostura bitters

2 oz. soda water

4 oz. Infinium

Add ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice and roll to incorporate. Garnish with a long Meyer lemon twist.

*Cinnamon syrup: 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 5 cinnamon sticks

Germania’s Toast

Created for Samuel Adams by Adam Lantheaum, The Boston Shaker

1/8 oz. (about 1 tsp.) of Jo Snow cardamom rose water syrup

2-3 dashes  Aphrodite bitters

About 5 oz. Infinium

Add the syrup and the bitters to a champagne flute. Top with Infinium and stir very gently.

Sowa Market Shandy

Created for Samuel Adams by Ran Duan, Sichuan Garden Restaurant and Bar

1 oz. cardamom pomegranate syrup*

1 oz. lemon juice

2 dashes Scrappy’s celery bitters

3 oz. Infinium

Shake and strain into a wine glass or flute, and top off with 3 oz. of Infinium.

*Cardamom Pomegranate Syrup (makes 3 cups): 3 oz. cardamom seeds (toasted and ground), 2 cups pomegranate juice, 2 cups sugar, 2 oz. pomegranate molasses, 1 tsp. orange blossom water

PS: Check out Gwenyth Paltrow’s hangover remedies. And if you’re still looking for a place to go tonight, check out my recommendations on CBS Boston!

Take a look:

Ingredients, check!

Crushing up the gingersnap cookies

Spin, spin, spin

So far, so good

Let's add some butter

Almost done with the crust

Ready to bake!

Filling, yummm

Making the caramel

Almost done...

"It tastes like real caramel. I just made real caramel."

Cooking away

Cooling down

The finished product!