swizzle sticks make any party better.

partay.

yay

• using farmers' market produce and my backyard herbs as a living, and edible, centerpiece.

• ginger lime fizz with swizzle sticks (seriously the highlight of the entire day for me! aren't they fun?).
• the pomeranian garnished with a brown sugar rim and fresh pomegranate seeds (which i learned how to come by quite easily).
• my little niece exclaiming "this is like a party!" as we chatted, followed later on by "what are we going to eat next? i love this food!"
• my brother-in-law helping with the dishes for the first time ever.
• caramelized onion shallot and polenta tart.
• my other brother-in-law calling me today to give me props for a meal well-done.
• my better half giving me a slideshow of the best photos he took, including the one above.

nay

• getting compared to gordon ramsay because of the list.
• not being able to buy the beef from our local farmer because of the veteran's day holiday (no usda inspection=no butchering).
• losing it because the new addition thinks it's ok to put two paws on the counter.
• "the rolls take five minutes to reheat in the oven," said the baker. um. not so, mister crabby pants.

overall, the party was a success. mom was happy and that's what made it so.