Childhood memory, in the flesh!

Do you remember these from your childhood? I do, with such clarity except that these are filled with chocolate, and the ones I recall weren't (which I prefer) and were just lighter than air. My sister and I used to pretend they were cigars. I bought these in a nostalgic fit the other day. If my old Christmas record-turned-CD were playing right, I dare say I'd be feeling a little verklempt. (Quick: name the source of that last phrase.)

Do you need a great read?

Look no further. Donna Cousins, who wrote a wonderfully fun and engaging thriller, Landscape, several years back, has just released her newest book: Waiting For Bones. I just ordered my copy. Click here for more info. Disclaimer: I know and love Donna and am lucky to count her as a dear friend. This does not in any way color my praise of her literary works!

Pantry purge

Y'all, I went into the Container Store for ONE gift bag this morning and left armed with pantry organization supplies. Now I'm knee-deep in oil, vinegar, teas, noodles, spices -Mario Batali was right; I never used that g-damn Garam Masala- and so forth. It's cathartic and fun yet a much larger project than I'd imagined. I mean, if I'm going to rearrange things, I might as well wipe down the shelves, yes? Why do I have so much turmeric? Do I really need the eggnog flavoring I just unearthed? I think not although it has lent my kitchen a pleasingly holiday smell. I think it was a freebie from King Arthur, and I don't even like eggnog but I might just keep opening and wafting it throughout the holiday and then toss it out with the remnants of 2011...