fun : 2008 unreported favorites



Hi Everyone -

It's hard to believe, but 2008 is just about over! Wow, where did the time go? It really
has been such an incredible year from our historic election to economic strife. Let's hope that the inauguration will help things turn the corner and head in a positive direction. Since there were some favorites not mentioned this year, we thought we could do it in one final post before January 1st. We wish you all a very Happy & Safe New Year and only good things in 2009.

xo, Cindy & Scott

Albums

Death Cab For Cutie : Narrow Stairs
Amazon : iTunes
We didn't really listen to them until hearing this wonderful album. Now, we're listening in reverse and discovering some older music that's new to us.

Allman Brothers Band : A Decade of Hits 1969-1979
Amazon : iTunes
A classic band in every sense that Scott loves and Cindy, too.

Art
William Eggleston at The Whitney Museum of Art
Mr. Eggleston is thought of as the photographer who secured the acceptance of color photography as a fine art. Images are never staged and capture scenes from daily life. His use of a
dye-transfer printing process provides rich, saturated colors. See more images here.

Bakery
Macaron Cafe
It wasn't until Cindy's two failed attempts to make French Macarons that she looked to see if they could be found in NYC. She did, a mere ten blocks from her office. Find them in your town here.

Band
The Script
This group from Ireland has a very strong pop sound and reminds us of a combination of John Legend & One Republic. For a long time, Cindy just couldn't get the song Before The Worst out of her head, which meant Scott couldn't either.

Movie
RocknRolla
This movie is so tough (were going to say bad-ass, but didn't want to eat soap ;)), we wanted to immediately see it again. We're not smokers, but Thandie Newton sure makes it look sexy and Gerard Butler is so cool.

Restaurant
Marlow & Sons
How did we ever miss this incredibly cool restaurant/shop in Brooklyn? We went for the first time the other day without a camera - ugh! It felt like we were transported to Montana 100 years ago
and can't wait to go back.

Songs
Stereophonics : My Own Worst Enemy
This is Cindy's favorite song for the entire year, but unfortunately there is no video. Perhaps, they need a concept? Here it is - 1960s Go-Go Dancer.

Radiohead : House of Cards
We're so happy to see Scott entering the 21st century with this favorite song and its techno-cool video.

TV
Top Gear
We love cars and this show is all about pushing them to the max. The guys look like they're having so much fun and we consider it as one of the inspirations behind starting our blog.

Video
Gwen Stefani : Early Winter
Gwen collaborated on the writing of this song with Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane and it's a beautiful song. But, it's also visually gorgeous and Cindy really loves the green and black Dolce & Gabbana dress Gwen wears.

Posts
Please indulge is as we throw in a couple of our own favorite posts. Except for the self-portrait part, Summer Vacation was totally impromptu and photographed all in one day. Surfing is a favorite because it really was so silly.

holiday : new traditions



Hi Everyone -

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the time with your families and the goodies you received! Our holiday was very nice and one thing that is great about the season is the tradition. This year, we started a new one that will run all year long. You might find it handy, too.

It all began when someone had a 'minor' tantrum because someone else didn't leave work on time on Christmas Eve and got caught in traffic for 2 hours. Needless to say, there was a bit of a cranky dialogue involved and someone let a cuss word fly. Well, that is a serious infraction in our house with associated financial penalties. However, those penalties are rarely collected and obviously do not serve as effective deterrents.

So, while watching the classic movie The Christmas Story for the trillionth time, there is a scene where the main character, Ralphie, drops the f-bomb and pretty quickly ends up with a bar of soap in his mouth. LIGHTBULB! Pactum factum*, the Octagon Soap and brother, sister does it taste nasty. Just ask Scott ;). Enjoy your weekend!

xo, Cindy

* A done deal in Latin.

tunes : keane live


Madeleines Martha-style : Tomorrow, French Macarons Helen-style

Hi Everyone -

I know we're supposed to be on a break this week, but I saw this beautiful video today for Keane's You Don't See Me filmed live at Largo in LA and wanted to share it with you. I'd also share the Madeleines I made this morning, but they're soon to be gone! Have a great holiday! I'm really going this time ;).

xo, Cindy

holiday : best wishes


May Your Holiday Spirit Be Light As A Feather!

Hi Everyone -

We just wanted to send you our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! Thanks so much for visiting with us this year. It has been great fun and our 200th post is quickly approaching. We already have an idea about a way to celebrate with a special giveaway from New York City to you, but we're going to take short break to finalize the details ;). Be safe and have fun!

xo, Cindy & Scott

PS I ran out of time and energy to make our own holiday card this year, so ours came from Target. Guess what they had on them? GLITTER!

holiday : snow in the city + santa



Hi Everyone -

Friends, Romans, Countryman lend me your warm coats and sweaters! It's freakin' cold in NYC for under dressed city slickers. It snowed yesterday and we went to Central Park to take some pictures. Before long, Scott was on verge of a midlife crisis because the clothes that kept him warm last year weren't getting it done this year. And, I was convinced I needed knee and hip replacements from the cold. But, we carried on right over to The Plaza Hotel where we spotted a certain someone looking very jolly and bright. Hope you're having a wonderfully warm weekend!

xo, Cindy

Central Park.




Squirrel noshing.


Love these wooden huts.





Central Park Zoo.


Just hanging on.


Garish in gold.


Civilization!


Snack at Danku.


Now, that's a candy cane!



The Plaza Hotel - Eloise, please.




Santa and his body guard.


After a rest in The Plaza Hotel followed by a run in the Apple Store and FAO Schwarz (trust me, it's on the right side with the tiny banner), Santa hops into his limo and is off to your town. See, no worries - 'world financial crisis' means nothing to Santa!

fun : a few favorites


Abby Try Again : Heather Smith Jones

Hi Everyone -

I'm glad it's Friday since we're expecting a snowstorm today - camera get ready. I just hope it's not too bad because we were planning on going to Brooklyn Flea & Gifted on Sunday to pick up a special BonBon, McClure's Pickles, Whimsy & Spice Marshmallows, and who knows what else. I have another list of happy things, which I hope will make you happy, too. Here goes -

Art : Abby's film photography has warmth and soul.

Blog : Freshness Factor Five Thousand by Jason Mraz makes me wonder if he ever sleeps.

Cook : Helen's Red Berry Macarons make me want to get into the kitchen and start cooking. I'm determined to try making them before Christmas - wish me luck.

Craft : Heather's handmade sequined hearts are not only beautiful, but 40% of the profits will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Film : The Tale of Despereaux previews look so cute.

Music : Ryan Calhoun is an up and coming singer/songwriter who reminds me of Jon McLaughlin in the best way.

Have a lovely weekend!

xo, Cindy