Aloha Old Year, Aloha New Specs

I really love glasses. The roots of this ardor are difficult to trace (ok, maybe not that difficult -- I once had to use a tiny suction cup to remove a pair of hard contacts from my eyes. Not cool). However, even if the origins of my devotion are traumatic, it has morphed into an honest preference for spectacles. I've even got my very own not-wearing-glasses-induced tick! Aaaaanyway, for Christmas, Three gave me a super-freaking-duper gift. A $95 gift certificate to Warby Parker, an online glasses boutique. Not only is that enough to buy one very complete pair of very classy glasses,* it also finances a pair for a far-sighted friend in need. Could it get any better? Yes! The online boutique sends FIVE pairs of try-on glasses to your house, gratis! They even send a prepaid return shipping label. Needless to say, I'm a fan.

I got my try-on package today, and I'd love your input on which pair is the best. Hit the jump for the contestants.

*for any non-glasses wearing readers, this is a big deal. 

What I love

Food

Family

Fondant

Friends

Fun

Sisters! Who I have chosen to include even though doing so ruins the alliterative nature of this post...now that's love. 

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. We caught up with lots of old friends and made many new ones; we devoured copious quantities of delectable foodstuffs, sang countless carols, and whacked around a good old fashioned piñata. It really couldn't have been much better--except for one thing--or rather three things. Three of the siblings were absent--including our beloved sister, One! Though we still had fun, it just wasn't the same without you, One.  

Silver Linings...

You probably think this picture is just a banal, unflattering, and perhaps ill advised picture of my thighs. Or perhaps it is a pitiful attempt to capture the (super cute) shoes One gave me for Christmas. Truth be told, to you and a host of other people (Four included), that's all it is, but to me, this picture is a symbol. You see, this picture features my own personal legs wearing jeans in my office. Ahhh... Such are the joys of working during the holidays.

For years Mr. One would shock me as he would snub Black Friday deals, and Boxing Day bloating, for time at the office. But, now that I am a proud working woman, I totally get where he was coming from. I don't care if this makes me sound lame, this week in the office has been awesome.

So, by way of explanation here is my TOP FIVE list of reasons why

working during the holidays

ROCKS!

1. It lets you save your vacation days for a time when you really need one.

2. (a) You can play your music loud and proud! no one else can hear it!

2. (b) Use those tunes when you need to take a stretch, and dance around the office.

3. All that work that's been piling up? Done.

4. You'll be on top of your junk, while your coworkers are scrambling to get caught up. (heh heh)

5. In return for all this? You get kudos from the boss for being a trooper.

See? Not so lame after all. Right?...Right?? :-)

What's in a Year?

Christmas morning, I couldn't help but pinch myself.  Last Christmas, I'd just relearned to breath, my family was stuffed into my hospital nook's anteroom, I weighed 95 lbs and I had a feeding tube coming out of my nose.  I had been in a hospital room that was about 10x12, most of which was taken up by cumbersome, if not large bed and huge amounts of medical equipment.  I was just relearning how to speak, but singing seemed like a distant pipe dream and I'd been on enough controlled pain killers to have some idea of what a pipe dream looked like.

Christmas, 2009, in hospital

 
If you told me that in a year, I would feel great, spend Christmas in Colorado with my family and have a busy performance schedule, I would smile politely and think to myself, "How stupid does this person think I am?"  Well, ladies and gents, it's happened.  With the love and support of my family, friends, doctors, nurses, teachers and a lot of work, I'm here.  And I feel so blessed.  Thank you for being part of this journey and I look forward to what is yet to come.

Christmas 2010 with Three, me and Y Man

Giveaway Winner!!

After much debate over proper methodology, we decided the only fair and honest way to randOmLY select a winner for our giveaway was to pick our favorite person. KIDDING!! We actually used this random number generator. And, though we can't usually afford his ridiculous hourly fees, we even engaged Mr. One to serve as our Compliance Officer. So you can definitely trust the process :-)

Thus, without further ado, (because let's face it, we've already taken this way too far!), the winner is...

#14 C.C.B.

Whoever you are, shoot us an email at fivetdsisters@gmail.com. Depending on where you live, we'll either pop your treats in the mail, or arrange for a singing telegram delivery by one or more sisters.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated!

We had so much fun doing this, we might just try it again sometime...

Did you hear?!

Santa came!

He brought Mr. One a Flip camera, which he promptly put to use. Here's a little video he made, capturing some of the delights of Christmas Day.

Hop on Board the Last Chance Express!

Today is your last chance to enter our New Years Giveaway! FOLLOW the blog and leave a comment HERE for a chance to win:

• A paintawesome custom portrait
• A scrumdiddlyumptious Lentil and Oatmeal soap set
• A fantabuloso pack of original greeting cards
• A healthylicious flu-fighting kit
• A fashiontastic set of hand-crocheted earmuffs

Yes. Although it's hard to believe, all of this can be yours. Just FOLLOW the blog and leave a comment HERE (repetitive much?). On Monday, we'll announce the giveaway winner, so be sure to check back then!

Merry Christmas!

-Five

To Keep You Safe and Warm

In September, we drove to La Veta to visit our terrific Grandma N. The drive was kind of long, but totally worth it. Not just because we got to spend the weekend with one of our favorite people in the whole wide world, but also because during the drive, I had an epiphany---one which led to a new invention. An invention that I have consented to share with one very special reader. Yes. This is the moment of truth--the one you've all been waiting for. I, Four, am finally going to reveal my invaluable contribution to the infamous giveaway.

My offering will include: 1 pair of super-awesome crocheted earmuffs handcrafted by moi! They may look cute and cuddly and they are! You have no idea how warm they'll keep your ears. It's crazy. You'll never have to wear anything else. . .

Lots of presents to make YOU happy!!

The holiday season is such a wonderful time to come together with friend and family, and rejoice in life. I really appreciate that society has designated the darkest days of the year as a time of joy and thanksgiving. For me there's nothing that keeps the S.A.D. away like an evening caroling, or decorating a Christmas tree.

That said, the stress of shopping, traveling, and party planning certainly wear me out. So while this is the season of giving, it 's also the season of getting... the flu for instance.

This is where my contribution to our first GIVEAWAY comes in! While I had originally hoped to give away flu shots, my sister convinced me that sending needles through the mail might not be a great idea. So I'm sending our lucky winner my winter wellness kit. You'll be armed with my favorite hand sanitizer moisturizer, airborne, and two delicious teas from Urbanistic Tea and Bike Shop here in Denver.

So Go Forth into Winter Holiday Land without fear! And have a happy healthy new year!! If you're interested in my meager offerings (not to mention some wicked cool stuff from my sisters!) Follow us and leave a comment here.

From Two to You!!!

I like to make things -- music, noise, messes -- and I also like to make paintings.  I call them "Vintage Timber" in honor of my dear daddy and because I paint the images on used, wooden furniture.  For my contribution to the FIVE First Ever Giveaway, I would like to share something I made.  You will receive ten note cards with numbered prints of five different images of my works.

TD Holiday Letter

To read the TD's holiday letter, visit us here! The password to the other family blog was conveniently misplaced. . .

An announcement, a giveaway and a consolation prize...

Mr. One and I love to throw parties. Or, rather, I love to throw parties and Mr. One loves me. So it all works out.

I also love traditions. And I simply adore Christmas. You can imagine, then, how I feel about a holiday party that is a tradition. Love. It.

It took a year or two of plotting, but Mr. One and I finally settled into our own annual mid-winter fete. Initially, I wanted to have a New Year's shindig, where we could celebrate the promise of good things to come with Hungarian harbingers of beauty and prosperity, apples and lentils. We threw in some Norwegian butter cookies so Mr. One's ancestors wouldn't feel left out. Since then, our little soiree has morphed into a hodgepodge of gingerbread, smoked fish and other bastardized Magyar-Nordic traditions, foodstuffs and decor. Compared to the TD MotherShip's legendary Night-Before-the-Night-Before Christmas bash, we're very small-time, but it is nonetheless a highlight of my holiday season.

Which brings me to my triumvirate of important news.

A) Lacking a suitable venue, this season's party is postponed until January 1, 2012. Mark your calendars now. It will be epic.

B) Just because *I* won't be having an amazing Hungwegian New Year Party doesn't mean YOU can't! As my contribution to the spectacular Five Giveaway, I will send you your very own kit with all the essentials for a perfect Hungarian New Year, including:

• One pound of organic du puy lentils -- guaranteed to fill 2011 with prosperity. And gas.
• A top-secret recipe for the most delicious lentil soup in the entire world. If I do say so myself.
• Two bars of organic homemade apple crisp soap, studded with ginger, oatmeal and apples. Princess H and I whipped them up this afternoon, and they are really yummy. And not quite as ugly as I feared...

***You can enter to win this and four other AMAZING treats by clicking the "FOLLOW" button on the right and leaving a comment on the original giveaway post here.

C) For those of you who don't win, or can't wait to find out whether you won or not, you can enjoy a truly mind-blowing stroll through my favorite European capitol here. Amazing.

On The First Day of Their Giveaway Five Bloggers Gave to MEEEE!

I know that all of you are super psyched about Five's upcoming giveaway. But wait! Why are you excited about it? For all you know, we could be hyping you up for a homemade "fire-starting kit" comprised of dryer lint and a box of water-damaged restaurant matches. And that's not cool.
So I'm going to honor your good faith by unveiling my contribution to our little New Year's gift to you, whoever you may be. It requires a bit of. . . audience participation, but in my opinion, it's well worth it.

Hit the jump to validate your eager anticipation.

Jingle-bell-tastic style!

Let's face it, dressing for the holidays can be a real joy or a complete nightmare.

Why I love it:
1) I have an excuse to crack out all of my sequin encrusted, Santa adorned, jingle-bell-tastic threads.
2) Mixing red and green is fun.
3) When else can I consistently wear metallic everything and pretend not to look completely ridiculous?
4) There are few things comfier than a chunky knit sweater.
5) Colorful gloves and jingle bells make some of the best accessories.

Why I hate it:
1) Going to parties with people you haven't seen for a year can be is stressful!
2) Trying to be festive all the time can be exhausting.
3) Opting not to be festive all the time is kind of lame.
4) Holiday sweaters are--most often--not super flattering.
5) It can be hard to look cute while staying toasty.

Earlier today I found this article about a normal guy's day in a pair of jeggings. Yes, jeggings--like leggings, but with some. . . um. . . denim flair. It was nothing short of horrifying. Reading this sad account compelled me to compile a list of some *hopefully* fail-proof holiday looks--that don't involve leggings as pants.

1. Any gold/khaki/cream pencil skirt, light blue/white/grey/green/pink oxford, nude or light patterned tights, metallic accessories.
2. Any gold/khaki A-line skirt, white oxford, green/navy/brown/black blazer, obi (or other thick) belt, nude or light patterned tights, coordinating heels.
3. Any pencil skirt, metallic top (same hue as skirt), tights, bright shoes.
4. Red skirt, black top, sparkle-rific tights, complementary pumps.
5. Festive black dress (or black top and skirt), festive tights, matching shoes.

TA DA! You look tre fabooo!

Let. It. Snow!

Last week I planned a party for my boss. It was a lot of work, but the event was lovely and everyone left happy. Fast-forward to yesterday at 4pm, when I come back from a meeting to find the following message from my big boss in my inbox:

Dear Three,
As you know, we are having our holiday office party tomorrow. Bob* planned it last year, and no offense to Bob, but he's not very good at this stuff. So I have decided that you are now in charge.
*some names have been changed

I stayed up until 2 making food and decorations. It's 10 now. The party begins at 3, and I had nightmares about expensive paper plates last night.


So in honor of my party planning woes, here's a little ditty I whipped up in my free time.

Oh the weather outside is frightful
and I feel a little spiteful
But since I just can't say "no"
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

The bus driver didn't feel like stopping
even though seven bags I was dropping
I admit I cried as I watched him go
But let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

When we've reached the end of the night
and my colleagues are heading home
I hope everything turns out right
If it don't, I'm gonna moan!!!

I hate to be a downer
and I'm really not a frowner
So on with the freaking show!
Let it snow, let it snow, Let. It. Snowowowowowow!!!!!!

10 points to the person who can spot my Dia De Los Muertos snowflake

PS! I can't wait to reveal my contribution to our Give Away in my post next week!!

Five Giveaway! (be all excited...)

'Tis the season for giving, and this holiday simply would not be complete without a shout out to our dear friends and loyal readers. Thank you for making our inaugural foray into the blogosphere so fun and rewarding. Thank you for visiting our little blog and making us feel so loved! We wish we could give something magical, or beautiful, or at the very least delicious to each of you. But we're not quite as insane as we sometimes appear to be, so we're going to simplify, just a little. That's right, friends -- it's the first ever FIVE GIVEAWAY!!!!

To enter, simply click the icon on the right of this page that says "FOLLOW" and leave a comment at the bottom of this post any time before midnight on December 24. Then, we will ask Santa, or a computerized random number generator -- you know, whichever is easier to find -- to select one lucky winner. Said winner will receive a MIND-BLOWING collection of our Top 5 Treats for the New Year, each of which will be revealed in the coming days. So comment! Comment NAUGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


***The giveaway is open to EVERYONE who comments on this post and follows the blog. No other qualifications are necessary. Honestly, we are excited to send you free stuff, whoever you may be.***

Your Weekly Yumple

The darndest things happen in New York City.  Y man and I were in Eataly when I ran into -- ok, ok, I chased down, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, aka the naked chef.  He wasn't naked, but he was very nice and we chatted about food, TED, and a number of other things for 10 or 15 minutes.  I was quite upset with Y man because after egging me on, HE DIDN"T TAKE A PICTURE!!!  Oh well...  He does many other wonderful things, so I will only hold the tiniest little grudge.  He he he.  


In the spirit of Mr. Oliver, here is a very simple recipe that is a perfect yumple for the holiday season -- it's fresh enough that it doesn't weigh you down but substantive enough to make a filling meal.  I like it better if you roast the cauliflower before with olive oil, thyme and a little sugar or honey.

1 cauliflower, roasted
2 balls fresh mozzarella
1 small whole wheat boule
Olive oil
Salt, pepper and grushed garlic (optional)

Preheat a sandwich press.  Cut bread to about 8 1/2 inch thick slices.  Press garlic and add to olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Brush one side with olive oil mixture.  Cover four pieces with mustard.  Place slices of fresh mozzarella on the other 4 pieces.  Place cauliflower florets on top of cheese.  Put in sandwich press or paninni press until cheese melts.  Serve hot with butternut squash soup or something else yummy.

My consolation photo outside of Eataly  

Savoring life's little ironies....

I usually have at least a couple ongoing Quests -- things I need to accomplish that are a) really important, b) inexplicably, soul-crushingly, challenging. These days, two of my Biggies include losing baby weight and getting a relaxing shower. (For the record, I do shower regularly, but the relaxing part is the stinker. Because, let's face it, if it's soul-crushingly challenging to have a relaxing shower, it's probably not going to be that relaxing. Right?)

So when Mimo offered decadent-looking baked goods, a little light went on and I realized I could use them to further not one but TWO of my eternally-pending goals. I promptly handed the buttery roll to my toddler and cued up a Netflix, thus avoiding said decadence while simultaneously gaining enough time to deep condition AND exfoliate before complete bedlam descended on home and family. *Heaven.*

It worked like a charm. And it was only after I emerged -- clean and remarkably relaxed! -- that I saw Mimo's takeout bag and took a closer look at the Christmas cartoon I'd unwittingly selected. The sweet Princess was watching this and eating this. Yes, friends, nothing says Happy Holidays like barefooted orphans and truffle buns. Oy.

By Popular Demand

Here it is. Brother C as a chick.

An Exciting New Discovery

A few weeks ago, I made an exciting new discovery: An online makeover machine. . . that doesn't suck. This may shock you; you may be thinking to yourself -- wait, how is that even possible? Whenever I try one of those things it looks like my face was a kindergarten art project! But I am here today to tell you that it exists, and that it is good.

The programmers over at Taaz must know their stuff pretty darn well, because this thing is sweet. From trying on different dos to testing out a new look for a holiday party to seeing what that one baby would look like with hair, its uses are manifold.

Did I mention seeing what your brothers would look like as chicks? Because that's an awesome use too.

 As a reward for its multi-functionality and wicked coolness, I am bestowing Taaz with these four gold star stickers (see below)

Maybe it can put them on its binder or something.

CHRISTMAS BAKING

I love the holidays! Not only because they provide a great excuse for listening to awesome music all the time (here are two of my all-time favorites), but also because they provide an equally good excuse for eating wonderful food all the time. 

Last Saturday, Five and I were invited to a cookie exchange. 

It was amazing.

 Here's the drill: every guest brings 2 dozen of their favorite cookies. Then, after everyone admires the copious quantities of baked goodness, guests get to go cookie shopping! I mean, seriously, what more could one ask for? 

Whoever invented this special kind of soirée deserves at least 5 dozen assorted cookies.     

 

Five made her famous Chocolate Crinkles--which are both beautiful and delicious--and I decided to make Giant Ginger Cookies--which I have always loved and don't look too ugly when you tie cute little bows around them. Some of our other favorite cookies were made by our friend K--who continually surprises and delights us with her unparalleled baking skills.

K's first masterpiece was a double chocolate cookie with fudge icing and candy cane sprinkles; the other (next to it), an exquisitely nutty ultra thin sandwich cookie filled with buttery lemon cream. Yeah, it was kind of ridiculous.

 Honorable mention goes to the chocolate peanut butter shortbread and ginormous chocolate chip cookies with baby brownies living inside. So. Darn. Good.

We found that the best way to enjoy the party was to take one bite out of every cookie (except the ones which you absolutely had to finish).  

For anyone planning a similar event, first, let me commend your inspired decision! 

Second, I would suggest having the following libations on hand: 

hot cocoa, peppermint herb tea, honey vanilla chamomile herb tea, egg nog, and milk. 

They really make the experience. 

For anyone not planning a similar event, either, (a) snag an invitation to someone else's function, or (b) plan your own---stat!  

Home on the range

Last week I went to visit my first love. No I don't mean Dr. P (though he was there too), I'm talking about the American West.

I felt so lucky to share a glorious looooong weekend with my other love (yes, this time I am talking about Dr. P). We had four days of hiking and driving through Four-corners, which in my humble opinion is one of the most beautiful corners of the earth. We went to:

· Shiprock, NM where I got to see the hospital Dr P’s working at, and taste some (truly awful) American Indian food. 

· Mesa Verde, CO, and marvel at the ingenuity and resilience of early Coloradans (we are very much alike in that way).

· Moab, UT, which was so beautiful I hardly have words for it.

AND

· Grand Canyon, AZ which was truly awesome (in the purest sense of the word).

And now that I am home in DC I feel very lucky to know I’ll be headed back to my real home, my soul’s home out west in two short weeks!

Little Blessings

Princess H came into our room this evening with a green ramkin full of Two's deliciously irresistible homemade caramel corn. Were I in possession of such a delectable and diminutively-sized treat, I don't think it would have survived the short walk from kitchen to bedroom. But the Princess carried her treasure carefully, sat down in the middle of the floor and announced, "I need to say a prayer for my popcorn." She promptly launched into the sweetest, most heartfelt little blessing. It was the first time in her life that she said a prayer without any help or prompting, and I never want to forget the perfect simplicity of her suplication on behalf of "all the popcorns and all the foods we eat together. And Tiny." Naturally, after the amens, she couldn't help but give herself a big round of applause. And natually, we couldn't help but join in.

...

Earlier today, the kids and I were in a little fender-bender. A lady backed into the side of our car going way faster than anyone ought, (at least while driving backwards!). Between actual time spent sorting out insurance, and the subsequent hours lost to my somewhat frazzled nerves (this was, afterall, my very first accident!), I accomplished nothing today. But looking at my two safe, healthy, cherubic babies, who are totally fine and were sleeping peacefully before I was off the phone with the geico lady, I can't help but think this was a truly wonderful day.

For Today's Birthday Girl

With five sisters, you can imagine that we have a large helping of motherly, nurturing influence.  But it's not all in the family.  Pretty J is our mother from another -- well -- mother.  She has showered us all with love, hospitality, service, boy advice, fashion expertise, musical guidance and -- well -- FOOD from the time we were little bumkins.  We love Pretty J like family.  Sadly, she is in our beloved Budapest so we'll celebrate apart.  But gladly, her being there offers us a great excuse to go back sometime soon.  

We love you!!!

Latkes, Maccabee Style or Smash Fries with Gruyere Cheese, Mint Cilantro Basil Salad and Apricot Catsup

Smash Fries with Gruyere Cheese, mint cilantro basil salad and Apricot Catsup OR Real Latkes

Note: This recipe is easiest when made with a sandwich press of some sort. Just press potatoes til they are about 1/4 inch. I think it would also be wonderful with sliced sweet potatoes. If you use yams, I would suggest substituting Rosey Goat, Drunken Goat or some other hard goat cheese instead of the gruyere.

I have taken to calling them the "real" latkes because there was a real lack of oil when Judah Maccabee did his thing. So why do we use so much when we're frying our latkes and donuts? I don't know if they would have had access to the preserves or salad, but I think the entire Maccabee clan would dig these.

6 small potatoes (I mean bite sized. Think little fingerling or tiny yellow potatoes)

1 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic

6 mint leaves

1 slice gruyere cheese

Catsup

¼ onion chopped very finely

1 clove garlic

1 tbs olive oil

½ cup apricot preserves

1 tbsp White wine vinegar

Salad

30 mint leaves

1 small bunch cilantro

20 big basil leaves

¼ onion

Bake potatoes in the oven for 12 minutes or the microwave for three – until they're soft and some of the liquid has come out. While they cook, combine oil and garlic. When they are done, remove from oven or microwave, coat in oil and garlic, place on pan or grilling device and cover with mint leaf and small piece of cheese (the cheese should cover the mint leaf). Using a sandwich press, press down firmly on potatoes til they smash. Leave until the cheese and potato are crispy. In another pan, sauté onions and garlic in oil til caramelized. Reduce heat and add preserves followed by vinegar. Stir constantly on medium heat and remove after 4 minutes. Let cool. Chop cilantro, basil, mint and onion very finely. Mix together. Serve potatoes atop the salad with catsup on the side or drizzled on top. Leave salt and pepper on the table for people to use as they wish.

Smithson and Erma, Fashion Police

Today I present to you, my directorial debut. A work wrought out of utter boredom and easy access to water, such high caliber film has seldom been seen before.

I'll leave you to it.

'I want to go back to San Juan!'

Puerto Rico

My heart's devotion

Let it sink back into the ocean

Always the hurricanes blowing

Always the population growing

And the money owing

And the sunlight streaming

And the natives steaming

Before our visit in November, I think my feelings about Puerto Rico were based solely on the lyrics to this song from West Side Story. I was not optimistic about our trip to San Juan. Anita didn't make it sound like a very appealing place and, hence, I didn't think I would like it very much. Luckily, I was very wrong. San Juan and I got along swimmingly. Gorgeous architecture, scrumptious cuisine, authentic shopping and friendly locals made it impossible not to have a delightful time.