a family affair.

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Since I moved to New York, the majority of the time that I spend with my family is when I visit them in Pennsylvania. Whenever it comes time to see each other, I always jump on the opportunity to go there and veg out for a couple of days. But yesterday, it was their turn to visit me!

First up on the agenda was a visit to none other than the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall. I still love doing the touristy traditional NYC holiday activities…not to mention I’m slightly obsessed with Christmas in general…so this was right up my alley.

Afterward we paid a quick visit to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and spy on ice skaters.

It was actually my first time seeing the tree up close and lit at night. What a beaut!

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After a bit of a struggle to get a cab (HELLO Midtown during the holidays) we headed downtown for dinner at Corsino. My first time at Corsino was with Caitlin, and it has been one of my favorite Italian spots in the city ever since.

We started with three of their delicious crostinos: ricotta & orange honey, basil pesto, and radicchio & goat cheese.

For my entrée I went with mezzi rigatoni, fresh cranberry beans, escarole & shaved parmigiano. So simple, yet so incredibly good.

And for dessert, tiramisu for one. We weren’t in the sharing mood 😉

The longer I live here, the more I realize that time with my family is crucial to my overall quality of life. I just love them so much. And, thanks to the holidays, I’ll be seeing more of them all very soon!

Do you live away from your family? How often do you see them?

{christmas} cake batter fudge.

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It’s been a long time since I posted one of my Cake Batter recipes.

Too long, in fact.

Luckily for all of us, the holidays are a perfect reason to remake some of our favorite treats with a festive twist. So here’s a re-post of my favorite Cake Batter Fudge recipe…only this time, Christmas-ized.

ingredients:

  • 2 cups yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker) *
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup red and/or green sprinkles (either add into mix or just top with)
  • optional mix-ins: white chocolate chips, M&Ms, etc!

directions: Place cake mix and powdered sugar in a large bowl and combine. Pour in the milk, top with stick of butter, and microwave for 2 minutes. Immediately begin mixing everything together - the butter may not be fully melted but will as you continue mixing. Lastly, mix in the sprinkles, then pour fudge into a greased round cake pan (I topped mine with some extra sprinkles). Chill for at least 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

* I’ve had some people say that their fudge didn’t harden well. The only thing I can think of that might make a difference is the brand of cake mix you use. A few commenters have also noted that Funfetti mix DOES NOT harden!

Although nothing can really beat good old traditional holiday cookies, Cake Batter Fudge is definitely a delicious (and simple) alternative until the baking begins…

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

holidate with the roommate.

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Last night Erica and I enjoyed a little night on the town consisting of two of my favorite things - dinner and shopping.

The weather has been abnormally warm, which doesn’t lend to a very “Christmas-y” feel, but it does make for a perfect night to walk around the city. We started out at Lievito in the West Village for a cozy meal of Italian tapas.

My favorite was the Fried Goat Cheese (thin sliced red wine poached pears, salty walnuts, honey). It was insanely delicious.

Although I was hesitant, Erica convinced me to try the Grilled Octopus (baby arugula, sauteed artichokes, orange oil). It was pretty good! A lot like calamari.

To round out the meal, Tuna and Avocado Tartare (served with thin sliced Brussel sprouts and paprika pine nuts salad, lemon dressing) and a small Margherita pizza.

We left with very happy and full tummies…but not full enough to enjoy some shopping, of course.

We started with some window shopping as we walked uptown.

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…but then graduated to the real thing in West Elm, H&M, and and Anthropologie.

Erica was productive in getting Christmas presents for other people. I, however, only got something for myself. Fail.

The holidate ending by arriving home to a lovely Christmas tree in our building. How cute!

Do you prefer to shop alone or with others? Favorite place to go Christmas shopping?

so i guess it’s december.

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I am in shock at how quickly this year has gone by. I guess the saying is true…time really does fly when you’re having fun. I must say that I’m sort of sad to see 2012 come to a close…

BUT. We’re not there yet! December is one of my favorite months of the year, and I’m more than ready to take in every single moment of the great things the next 28 days have to offer.

I’m hoping that looks like…

Ice skating.

Dinner dates with friends.

Cozy Christmas movie marathons.

Flurries.

Christmas music.

Mistletoe.

Family.

The Rockettes.

Christmas-y treats (hopefully more homemade ones, ahem).

…among many other things.

What are you most looking forward to this month?

carnival des corbeaux.

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Last night, Jessi and I did something different than what we normally do on a Saturday night.

Or…ever.

We were kindly invited to go to Carnival Des Corbeaux at The MicKittrick Hotel a few days before Halloween, but this chick named Sandy decided to come by and created many more important things to worry about than parties. So, we costumed up and went to the first of two rescheduled December events.

Face tattoos and wigs…check and check.

I’ve still yet to go to Sleep No More (must ASAP), but Carnival Des Corbeaux definitely gave me an idea of what the famous interactive theatre experience is like. Carnival was one huge party taking place in a number of different rooms, with performances and surprised popping up around every corner.

Photos don’t even do the event justice because it wasn’t just a party, it was an entire experience unlike anything I even knew existed.

There’s one more Carnival Des Corbeaux taking place next week, and I believe tickets are still available! And even though I haven’t yet been to Sleep No More, I think I can pretty safely suggest it if you’re looking to do something fun and different in New York. There’s really nothing else like it…anywhere.