Post Christmas review

With another Christmas in the past I look at new and old traditions. For the very first time this year we had quite a few new ones. Like having Christmas day dinner at my cousins apartment in NYC!

LOOK AT THAT VIEW of the East River.

And some smaller ones like bacon instead of Italian sausage with breakfast. Yes I know that’s something weird but still it was different.

We also opened Christmas presents three times in the AM after before breakfast, after dinner, then when we got back to my parents with my brother’s girlfriend there too.

We did keep one tradition which was church then dinner, although both the church and restaurant were new, on Christmas Eve. I think the main reason for all the changes we celebrated Christmas without any grandparents (or parents for my parents) since I was born. Personally I think all I wanted for Christmas was a tan this year, instead I spent 48 hours in NY.

What new or old traditions did you have for Christmas this year?

More sushi reviews!

Went to dinner with a friend and tried some new to me sushi, but an old Columbia favorite in town center. Sushi Sono to me is unique because the presentation of their rolls. Rarely does a roll come out looking plain (see below). The restaurant is quite busy, even on a Tuesday night, but luckily my friends goes all the time and she was able to quickly get us a table. The wait staff there is also so sweet and friendly, always willing to give you more tea (nice and hot) or water. They can answer questions about the food easily, which is always a bonus. I also had some miso soup (I am on a soup kick now too), and it was so flavorful. Which is slightly interesting because so often miso can be bland, but this had great flavor with the tofu and green onions. Definitely get out to try Sushi Sono soon!

Here’s a look at the Rock n’ Roll (the one with the avacado on top) was tasty with the eel and avacado flavors of slightly sweet and savory.

Shrimp Tempura (is delish with the tempura flakes that add a nice crunch to your palate)

The Lion King on Broadway

Ok so not exactly Broadway because I wasn’t in NY, but it was Broadway across America series in Baltimore. From the minute it began to the minute it ended I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was an amazing show! I am always impressed when they can turn an animated film into real life. The show was a great way to spend a Sunday right before the Christmas Holiday.

This show had great costumes and “effects”. The most impressive I feel like were the giraffes. The actors had to walk on stilts in the giraffe costume and walk across the stage several times without running into other “animals”. It was neat how many of the “animals” were the person’s body in a variety of animal shaped costumes, the Lions however only wore  lion heads (on top, not as their actual head). To see what i actually mean head over to the Lion King Website and watch the banner.

The music was awesome as well! I found myself singing along to all of the good favorites like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,”  “Circle of Life,” and “Hakuna Matata”.

Finally it was great seeing it through the eyes of a child. You may say “huh?!” with that, but let me explain. Sitting behind me was a child probably 4 years old. She was well behaved the entire show, but of course often added her own commentary. She would ask “who’s that character?” which for me was very helpful since I didn’t always know either (it’s been a while and I couldn’t remember everyone’s name). She also would say she was scared when it was a darker scene and you knew something bad was about to happen (like Mufasa dying). It was great listening to her react and enjoy it just as much (or maybe more) than the adults did.

I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the show. I would also suggest that you go out and see it at a theatre near you. It’s playing in Baltimore until January 8.

What’s your favorite musical or play?
Of course Mary Poppins is still my favorite muscial!

sick around the holidays

So yes it’s true I was sick for nearly 2 weeks! And yes i am annoyed it happened right before the holidays (although I guess better before than during). It has been slightly annoying because I was trying to do too much in a short period of time, and yet I still don’t feel like there is enough time. I know we all stress about the holidays, but yet I wish we could enjoy the holiday. I think of how the 4th of July is awesome, it’s totally a non-stress holiday. You cook out, you hopefully have nice weather, and you watch fireworks . . . what could be better?

So as I finish preparations since we are about 7 days out I have gifts left to buy, cards left to create/send, gifts to wrap, treats to make and oh yes I work full time!! Plus birthdays to celebrate, events to attend and friends to wish well.

Are you ready for the holidays?

Holiday decorating

So I finally started to decorate just a few areas. Here a preview:

Here’s another one

I am working on a few more decorations without actually putting up a tree. Sadly I don’t feel like I have a lot of time for that right now.

What is your favorite holiday decoration?