{Be My E-Valentine}

Roses are red;

Violets are blue.

Snail mail is special,

but e-Valentines are too!

This year Kate Spade has reissued a line of specially crafted e-Valentine's Day cards for your posting convenience.  Here's to spreading the love this holiday! 

XOXO,  Jenn

{Happy New Year!}

Wishing you a lovely new year... Happy 2012!

Yours,  Jenn

{Postcards from... Munich}

The Glockenspiel

Hi all!

I just got back from a quick, but no less festive, trip to Munich, Germany.  ‘Tis the most wonderful time of year there, with lights strung along the city’s streets and market booths swarming around its famous Glockenspiel – a giant coo-coo clock centred in Marienplatz square.  Markets, selling all sorts of handmade fare – from ornaments to nutcrackers – lure shoppers forward, while wafting smells of freshly grilled bratwursts and piping hot glühwein (mulled wine) keep crowds lingering.  Filled with the holiday spirit, I bought myself a hand-blown glass bird (vögel) ornament and indulged in a cup of glühwein, with an added shot of Amaretto, with some friends – a sweet way to enjoy the chilly December snow.  For some more alternative fare, I checked out the markets just outside the city’s centre, where massive tents of markets and bars set up camp, selling more bohemian and global-centric crafts.  For the full Germanic experience, I ended my nights with a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus, a traditional beer hall with a live German ooompah band and many boisterous patrons.  After completing my holiday shopping, I ventured to see the Schloss Nymphenburg – a beautiful palace housing one of the prettiest collections of portraits in its “Gallery of Beauties.”  A beautiful end to a lovely weekend.

Wishing you a festive holiday season!

Cheers, Jenn

Christmas markets

Drinking gluhwein with friends in the snow

Market tents

Inside the Hofbräuhaus

Inside the Schloss Nymphenburg

Some travel tips…

Hotels
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Promenadeplatz 2-6
80333 Munich, Germany

Restaurants
Lowenbrau – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, festively decorated for Christmas.

Spatenhaus – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, in a casual and rustic-themed setting.

Haxnbauer – a traditional Bavarian restaurant, known for their pork knuckles.

Augustiner am Dom – a Bavarian restaurant, serving the best spätzle of the weekend.

Bars

Hofbrauhaus Munchen – a traditional German beer hall, giant in size, with steins and banquet-tables to match, accompanied by live music – the perfect igniting forces for some table dancing. A full food menu is available as well.

*Note – it can be hard to get a table as it operates on a first-come first-serve basis.

Polar Bar – on the roof of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, serves up hot mulled wine, among some splendid views of the city.

*Note – only open during the winter, alternatively the Blue Spa Bar during warmer months.

Falk’s Bar – in the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. White moulded walls and ceiling, brilliantly lit with by an electric blue bar.

{P&P's Top 10 Holiday Movies}

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – a black and white movie that embraces not just Christmas, but the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.

9. While You Were Sleeping (1995) – a heart-warming story, staring Sandra Bullock, featuring the quirkiness of familial get-togethers.

8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Chevy Chase epitomizes holiday traditions while wearing full-fledged 80’s Christmas sweaters.

7. Trading Places (1983) – who doesn’t like an old-fashioned rags-to-riches story, set in NYC.

6. Just Friends (2005) – Ryan Reynolds transforms into his stud self, without the loss of comedic humour.

5. White Christmas (1954) – the romance of being snowed in a Vermont lodge with Bing Crosby and a plethora of party dresses is dreamy.

4. Home Alone (1990) – the classic story of the blonde-haired boy who cleverly takes on two robbers, defending his home.

3. Love Actually (2003) – London represents the spirit of the holidays with its web of stories, all laced with humour and charm.

2. Elf (2003) – Will Ferrell, wearing tights, with child-like innocence and enthusiasm never loses its hilarity.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – a black and white iconic story evoking the Christmas spirit – bells never sounded the same.

{See Santas Run}

Reindeer aren’t the only ones dashing this Christmas season.  In an effort to raise money and awareness for Disability Snowsport UK, a national charity helping people with disabilities access the thrill of snow-sports, 2,000 santas took to the street.  Runners donning red felt suits, black paper belts with big white buckles, and full snowy beards, laced their trainers, congregated for some quick calisthenics and ran a 6K in the full spirit of the season.  It’s a wonderful run!

{Thanksgiving Leftover}

As an American expat living in London, Thanksgiving continues to hold a special importance.  While my family in the states, congregated together on the fourth Thursday of November, my anticipation for the holiday steadily built up for that following Friday evening (when “Londoners” are finally released from their daily duties).  In the spirit of food and friendship, I travelled across town to my friend’s flat for a celebration with other expat Americans (and peculiarly, a few French – the consensus being that they too appreciate good food).  There, we relished my home country’s culinary traditions: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, greens, cranberry crumble, and fresh rolls, followed by pumpkin cheesecake and various delectable pies.  We engrossed ourselves in our plates, wine glasses, and conversations, with the omnipresent thought that there is so much to be thankful for...

{This year, I am very thankful for so many things.  To name a few: the opportunity to continue my education, a husband who encourages me in all my steps forward, my family in the states, the new friends I have made, as well as the old ones I cherish.}

My husband loves Thanksgiving because there is no added pressure of gift-giving.  I love Thanksgiving because its spirit persists past sundown, into weekend, and through the winter season.  And with that in mind, I made one of my all-time favourite meals – the post-thanksgiving day leftover sandwich – made possible by: my friend Maria’s amazing cooking and a loaf of fresh bread from Clarke’s bakery – both to which I am eternally grateful.

Hoping your Thanksgiving was dually happy and healthy!!!

{A Gift Guide for Ladies & Gentlemen}

'Tis the lovliest time of year... Because although the days darken early, the nights illuminate with twinkle lights strung along the cities' avenues. Electric snowflakes float in the air, while buildings wrapped with red bows beckon shoppers forward to their glittering and elaborately decorated storefront windows (a future post in the making). Marking this season's shopping adventure is today – Cyber Monday, the more civilized and cultivated cousin of the notorious Black Friday. And with that in mind, I’d like to offer you a little helpful gift guide for the special ladies and gentlemen in your life.

Ladies

Faux Fur Pullover @ Kate Spade – Very old hollywood, and so warm for those chilly winter nights!

Penguin's classic hardcover novels @ amazon – I love the refined covers of these classic and heartfelt stories!

Artist’s Attache Case @ Anthropologie – Such an elegant confection for the aspiring creative.

Crystal Brulee Bracelet @ J.Crew – The perfect amount of sparkle in a great neutral dusty rose color!

Claus Porto Soaps @ Santa Maria Novella in NYC and London – The scents and packaging are so lovely!

Gentlemen

Country Tweed Sport Jacket @ Barbour – So perfectly English prep!

Vintage Bison Stamp Cuff Links @ Brooks Brothers – Evokes a certain sense of history and quirkiness.

USB Typwriter @ etsy.com – This looks amazing!  I kind of want one too!

How to Be a Gentleman @ amazon – Who couldn't use a few tips of the trade!

Library Decanter @ Pottery Barn – So very James Bond!  Fill it with his favourite spirit.

Happy Holiday Shopping!