2010 Prospectus

I love making lists, and what better time to make a master list than the New Year? Here's my current vision for 2010:

Home.

*Finish downstairs bath.

*Give the front porch a makeover.

*New windows in the sunroom?

*Rewire the 2nd floor? (Awaiting estimates)

*Continue cosmetic remodel of 1st floor.

*Hopefully get 1 bedroom updated.

*Garden!

Health.

(Do I even need to say it?) You know the drill for this perennial favorite: eat better, exercise, slim down.

Professional.

Take 2 more graduate classes.

Financial.

2009 was the year of financial flux. Between the new job, new house, tax credit, money in, money out, heat & water bills...we're still not sure what a "normal" month is going to look like.

So:

*Figure out our monthly budget.

*Save for travel.

*Save for home improvement.

*Open a Roth IRA.

*Bring lunch from home! (Huge financial and dietary failure of mine)

Travel.

One big trip (current frontrunner: Alaska) with several little trips (VT, ME, NH) sprinkled in.

General.

*Establish a daily routine.

*Explore our new community.

*Do a better job keeping in touch with old friends.

*Keep reading lots of library books.

*Act on my "six month rotation" mentality (I'll explain later.)

Happy New Year!

~LT

Cocktail Friday

Last night's libation...

St-Germain Cocktail

2 parts champagne

2 parts club soda

1.5 parts St-Germain liqueur

Serve over ice, with a twist

I first tasted St-Germain during girls' night out at Audubon Circle in Boston and it definitely made an impression. This French liqueur is made from elderflower blossoms, which impart a sweet, floral, almost citrus flavor to your drink. It's not a common product, so imagine my joy when Steven found it at our local packie! Last night's home-mixed version was really good, and I think this may be my favorite cocktail. Ever. It's sweet, yet light, and definitely refreshing. It's a perfect summer cocktail, but I declare it fair game all year round. ;)

Cocktail Friday :)

I've decided to implement a new domestic tradition...Cocktail Friday! I figure it's a great way to usher in the weekend, try new things, and learn the art of mixing drinks.

So for the inaugural drink (drumroll, please)...

The Manhattan

Equal parts whiskey and sweet vermouth (for the sweet version), this cocktail is a classic--a favorite of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, as well as the ladies of Sex and the City (in addition to the Cosmopolitan, of course). But more importantly, it was the signature cocktail of my beloved grandfather, who would have celebrated his 99th birthday today. Every big holiday would find him mixing a pitcher of his Manhattans--measuring by eye, of course, and then by heart when his vision grew poor. One part alchemist, all parts gracious host, he'd supply us all with his specialty drink throughout cocktail hour. It's just one more thing I'm going to miss as our first holiday season without him approaches....but tonight, I'm raising my glass to a classic.

Na Zdraví!