In Boxes

So, today is my last day at my job and I start a new one on Monday. I've also finally moved into my apartment. I am happy to be transitioning into a new stage of my life, but I feel a bit unsettled and unsure at the same time. I like to be very much in control, but I've realized there's only so much control one can have and it's probably for the best. How else would I have ended up in a great studio apartment and at a magazine I love? I'm packing boxes in my office and still unpacking boxes at home. Oh, the joy of life. I am definitely on my toes.

Pour moi?

The perfect gift for my new apartment: The Paris Apartment. I can't wait to start decorating.

Kate Spade 2009 desk calendar

Each year we await with anticipation the chosen theme of Kate Spade’s luxe desk calendars. Well, this year’s is about road trips!! Explore new territory in 2009 and keep it all organized in this spiral bound journal w/ monthly & weekly pages plus amazing road trip inspired imagery each month. Extra lined pages for daydreams as well. Oh the places you’ll go. 6”x8.75”

Ice Cream

After reading the August issue of Bon Appetit, I am convinced that I want an ice cream maker. This one from Cuisinart looks pretty good. My first treat: Mint Hot Fudge Sundaes.

Ingredients
* 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
* 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
* 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 2 tablespoons sliced fresh mint leaves plus fresh mint sprigs for garnish
* 1 pint vanilla ice cream
* 10 chocolate-mint sandwich cookies, coarsely broken
* 1 pint green mint chocolate chip ice cream
* Sweetened whipped cream

Preparation
*Stir first 4 ingredients and 1 tablespoon sugar in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat until chocolate is melted and smooth. Bring just to boil. Remove from heat. Add unsweetened chocolate and extract; stir until smooth. Set mint-fudge sauce aside.
*Toss remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and sliced mint in small bowl. Set mint sugar aside.
*Place small scoop of vanilla ice cream in each dish. Top with some broken cookies, then scoop of mint ice cream and more cookies. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons warm sauce over each. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with mint sugar and mint sprigs.

Le Labo

My friends and I love giving and getting gifts that revolve around an experience, i.e. a jewelry making class or getting makeup done by professionals. I love the idea of Le Labo, a french perfumery, where you can create your own scent. Hint, hint.

With You Alone

I love these paintings by Matthew Heller.