nesting: a shower and a cocktail classic

Jen designed nesting cupcakes for the celebration!

I had the opportunity today to sneak a peak into a delightful occasion - a baby shower thrown by my DF (dear friend) Jenifer.  Winter holiday time can be filled with a bit of chaos - but I can't imagine a more magical season to be awaiting a baby. My grandmother always spoke reverently of times when she anticipated a new grandchild and babies made the holidays extra special for her.  Perhaps that is why she had 30+ grandchildren?  What can I say, except 'Irish-Catholic'. :)

Non-Alcohoic Version
(perfect for expectant moms)
Top w/ Sparkling Water
or Ginger Ale

Back to the event: A baby girl is due in January, the first child for Jen's cousin and her husband. The Trevett's welcomed family and friends to celebrate, to honor the mom-to-be and to share their excitement.  The gathering was festive and graced by her elegant touches (see pics below).

Jen's Pomegranate-Ginger Sparkler is perfect for parties and flexible enough for kids or adults.  She was kind enough to share with me the key ingredient - a pomegranate-ginger syrup. The variations will give you the flexibility to make this your own.  Doubling the recipe is easy - great for a crowd. Thank you, Jen!


Pomegranate-Ginger Syrup
courtesy Jen

This batch would make enough for about 8 cocktails or a medium-sized pitcher.

Ingredients:
2 c pomegranate juice
1 T sugar
2" piece fresh ginger, peeled (grate for more intensity)

Directions:
Boil these ingredients until reduced to approximately 2/3 c remains.  Strain and reserve for cocktails.  Make individually or for ease, in a pitcher. Garnish with pomegranate seeds!

Variations:

Top with ginger ale, sparkling water or fruit juice of your choice for a non-alcoholic punch.

Top with Sparkling Wine for an 'adult-beverage'.  Cointreau or Ginger Liquor would also add extra intensity of flavor.

nesting details

pysansky egg favors

 A wishing tree ...

a family heirloom for Baby Murphy

friday field trip: concord, ma

lunch in Concord ...
#9 Avocado BLT

Concord is most commonly known as the birthplace of the American Revolution and home to some of the great American Minds; Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne and Alcott.  Only 15 miles away, this little gem is a frequent haunt of mine. 


A morning purging the basement in prep for the holiday's left me a little desperate for an escape.  'Shout-Out' to my DF (dear friend), Anne. Thanks for the rescue!  With my iphone (non-exploding!) I snapped a few pics of my favorite things from today's adventure. Enjoy!

one of my favorite stores -
an eclectic vintage collection
of gifts for the home

says it all!

Great local bookstore!

Final Pit Stop:  The Concord Cheese Shop
Amazing selection = happy tummy!

Their cornichons are out-of-this-world!

 
Are we posing with cheese?  Yes, we are!

   

menu: tree lighting

'Shout-out' to May - who helped me make our own
'Christmas Tree' crudites platter, inspired by a recent 'pin' on Pinterest. 

The first Thursday of December means one thing in Winchester - Tree Lighting on the Town Common.  Our sometimes sleepy town comes alive with students singing carols, lighting of the trees and the arrival of Santa on the Fire Department's ladder truck. DFs (dear friends) will join me with their kids for a little nourishment before the excitement - brought together by the shared circumstance of husbands with business commitments elsewhere. Check out our menu below -  I'll share my recipe for black bean soup this weekend!
  

heavy on the kid-friendly foods!

What traditions will you share with friends this season?