In a New York Minute

Dec 03

Make It: Deep-Dish Parmesan Polenta Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach

nutritionista:

Tonight, my sister made the most delicious (gluten-free!) pizza ever from Real Simple. Get the recipe here. Seriously. Go get it now.

We swapped radicchio for spinach (we bought radicchio, but it ended up being rotten inside). The spinach tasted just fine with the other ingredients — but what DOESN’T spinach taste fine with? We also added some hand-cut pepperoni (my big-time meat eater dad joined us for dinner), but you could definitely keep it vegetarian by leaving it off. It would still taste amazing.

We dug in. It was good.

Yes, please.

HELP! I have an important decision to make in the next 30 minutes and I really don't know what to do.

I also don’t really have time to explain everything (promise I will when I can).

So, the really short version? Do I move on from something (it will not, in the end, change anything big about my future) because it is literally frustrating me beyond belief, leading to more anxiety, less sleep, and random moments of crying? Or, since I know I’m also very needed and wanted at this moment in this situation, do I stick it out and hope I can get through it?

I’ve got the world on a string… (Picture taken in Columbus Circle)

I’ve got the world on a string…

(Picture taken in Columbus Circle)

Holiday Cards to Make Someone Smile

A friend and I were talking tonight about how lovely it is to get mail from others; even simple notes can really brighten someone’s day. After I posted about sending holiday cards to recovering soldiers, I got to thinking, Why stop there?

I know it’s been a tough year for many people, and I’m sure you know someone who could use an extra holiday wish of hope or peace. Maybe they lost their job, or won’t be able to see their family for the holidays. Maybe they lost someone important to them, or just had a hard time overall. Or maybe they’re just an awesome person who deserves an extra smile. No matter what, I want to send them a card. It will be anonymous - just a simple holiday card to them, wishing them all the best in the new year.

Please send me the names and addresses of anyone who you think needs a holiday card to brighten their season. Email is at jenny dot madden at gmail dot com. I will make sure each and every one gets out.

Dec 02

Every month should come with a chocolate calendar.

Every month should come with a chocolate calendar.

Dr. Seuss’s original sketches for “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat,” as seen at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan. There will never be another like Ted Geisel. I always loved The Lorax, but given my love of all things holiday, How The Grinch Stole Christmas may actually be at the top of my list. What was your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Dr. Seuss’s original sketches for “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat,” as seen at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

There will never be another like Ted Geisel. I always loved The Lorax, but given my love of all things holiday, How The Grinch Stole Christmas may actually be at the top of my list.

What was your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

These necklaces were spotted at a little shore boutique that features local artists. These porcelain doll heads are made into long necklaces, and though they’re not exactly my style, I love the story behind them (you guys know I’m a sucker for an amazing historical story). They’d make a wonderful conversation starter, and a great gift for a grandmother, who would appreciate the history behind them. I tracked down the artist, Kecia Deveney, who is a master of found object and vintage/mixed media art and jewelry. She doesn’t have anything in her Etsy store right now, but she has a blog to check out.

These necklaces were spotted at a little shore boutique that features local artists. These porcelain doll heads are made into long necklaces, and though they’re not exactly my style, I love the story behind them (you guys know I’m a sucker for an amazing historical story). They’d make a wonderful conversation starter, and a great gift for a grandmother, who would appreciate the history behind them.

I tracked down the artist, Kecia Deveney, who is a master of found object and vintage/mixed media art and jewelry. She doesn’t have anything in her Etsy store right now, but she has a blog to check out.

Dec 01

To the people who still send real cards out:

imnotthatkindofgirl:

littleorphanammo:proofmathisbeautiful:receiver:

When doing your holiday cards, take one and send it to this address:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20307.

If we pass this on, think of how many cards these wonderful special people would get.

It’s not so hard to add another address and a simple note.