Happy Birthday Michelle!

my sister michelle has the most amazing group of college girlfriends.

for her 24th birthday, they came to visit and celebrate her special day.

because large groups can be a challenge in brooklyn restaurants, 

michelle asked if i would host a birthday brunch at our apartment. 

we had monkey bread, quiche, and of course mom sent her amazing 

birthday cake (which she mails to us every year, no matter where we are).

happy birthday, sissy! i love you!

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Home for Christmas

 

this year it was pretty delightful to leave behind a snowy new york

in favor of a very sunny california christmas.

my mom's new little house in belmont shore long beach is coming right along,

and is just as charming as can be.
i had a blast hanging out with my old pal kiva,
and took her to the beach most mornings (and picked up a donut on the way).

sebastian also visited us in southern california for the first time,

and he and i spent a lovely day driving down the coast on route 1.

we ate hamburgers and milkshakes at ruby's on the pier

and explored the colorful bungalows of crystal cove.

we even got a visit from a pelican.

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Christmas Cocktail Party

 

 

a few months ago (you know, around christmas time)

we had our friends and family over for a little holiday celebration.

bow ties and cocktail dresses were encouraged, and plenty 

of pups attended in their party clothes as well.

a belated thanks to ryan for snapping off these photos with my camera,

grace for gifting me that amazing red vintage tulle holiday apron,

and to the joy of cooking for its dependable, 

highly alcoholic and caloric eggnog recipe.

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