Blogging Is Making My Butt Too Big.

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Holiday weight gain? I think not.

I would like to blame my spreading keister squarely on blogging. I used to be so much more active. Now I am a sloth, sitting around writing and typing and visiting and reading. I'm not sure it's healthy.

I've gained at least 5 pounds since I started this blog in September. Although I have been hungrier. Sites like Smitten Kitchen do not help.

I was going to post a picture of a big, fat butt to make my point. Howevah, I decided this seemed much more motivational. And much more pleasant to look at.

Now I rarely make New Year's resolutions. This year is different. In addition to creating much more art, I resolve to be more active (again) which may mean less blogging. So, to the people whose blogs I regularly visit, PLEASE STOP the following:

1) Being so witty and hilarious and charming that I don't want to miss a word.
2) Posting so many gorgeous photos that I'm afraid I might miss one.
3) Referring to other blogs creating a never-ending circle of blog visitation that has taken over my life. And my ass.
4) Posting clever videos and music that bring my iPod out of the Dark Ages.

Thanks ever so. By the way, what did you resolve?

And tips on what to do about my craving for more Scotcharoos would be welcome. Argh.

Happy New Year!

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and/or commented on my blog and/or sent me an email and a big, fat New Year's smooch to my regular blog peeps! And a really extra long inappropriate hug with a butt squeeze to Decorno. Go vote for her. Shit. You don't want to spend early 2009 listening to her whine about not winning*. I mean, she took away comment moderation and everything.

Here's to a happy, healthy, prosperous and, oh yeah, rockin' 2009!

*Okay, I am on my second cocktail from the last post and I think this is hilarious so keep that in mind. Besides, if it wasn't for Decorno, I would never have started a blog.

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams.

I fought the crowds the day after Christmas to get these saucer champagnes (on sale) for tonight. One of my all-time favorite cocktails is this Champagne-Grand Marnier Cocktail. I stole it from P.F. Chang's which is a lousy restaurant but their cocktails kick ass.

I always use Veuve Clicquot because I like it and it's what I tend to have on hand. But any brut should work. You can try it with Prosecco but that may be too sweet due to sugar content. Perhaps just remove the cube.

Champagne-Grand Marnier Cocktail

sugar cube
2-3 drops bitters
1 oz. Grand Marnier
3 oz. chilled champagne

First, rim a flute or saucer champagne glass with sugar (sanding or fine sugar is best) - run a half lemon or orange around the glass and dip in sugar. Put sugar cube in glass and add bitters. Next add Grand Marnier and top with chilled champagne. Delish! But it packs a punch so be warned. I have made up some of my best songs after a couple of these cocktails. And a particularly memorable phone call.

A variation on this cocktail is to use 1/2 oz. cognac and 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier.

I used to order champagne cocktails when I was young and I didn't know what to order. It's perfect for a night like tonight. Another favorite that I discovered this summer an elegant old classic, The Negroni.

The Negroni

1 oz. good gin
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 oz. Campari

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass 3/4 filled with cracked ice. Add a splash of soda water if desired. Garnish with a half slice of orange.

I actually prefer to make it like a martini - shaken with ice until it's very cold and strained into a martini glass, without the soda, garnished with orange peel. If you like Campari and gin, you will love this.

What's your favorite cocktail recipe?

Be Safe. Don't Drink and Drive.

HG's Year in Review.

2008 - What a year it was. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - personally, politically, financially. It was a year of firsts: First black president, first woman running for the office, first time gas shot up over $4 a gallon ($5 in some areas), the first Depression since the last Depression. Let's review:

The Good.

Our new first family.

Mad Men takes off.

Mmmmmmmmmichael.

Ms. Tina catches fire. Finally.

The Bad.

Bad aim. Perhaps you can do better. Play the game here.

Oh, Eliot.

Too bad Jews don't believe in hell.

Speaking of hell. Looks like another recruit.

I am still waiting for A) My money back; or B)The ceremony where
Meryl Streep gives back at least one of her Oscars for this atrocity.

The Ugly.

Lehman goes down. And takes its investors with.

Ditto.

Madonna goes down...town with her man-arms.

Nathan's Top Design winning room. Ugly. Coyote ugly.

And in a category all its own:

The Palinator.

I would love to see some adds to this. Favorite or worst movie of 2008? Book? Event? Reality show? And then let's kiss this baby (a la The Dating Game) Goodbye!