Weekly Gratitude

Fourth of July Edition!

(1)

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, recipe from my favorite foodies, Sues and Chels over at We Are Not Martha. Clearly, these were spicy, but I live for Frank's Hot Sauce so they were a dream with every bite.

(2)

Garlic lemon shrimp, recipe courtesy of my mother who said "don't put anything in this other than butter, garlic, lemon, and shrimp." Lesson? Always listen to your mother, because this shrimp was a hit.

(3)

Johnson Family Potato Salad, recipe also courtesy of my mother. My favorite thing about her potato salad is how light it feels. Not nearly as creamy as what you might find at the supermarket, you might even trick yourself into thinking this is good for you. It's probably not.

(4)

The finished product. I should have taken an after photo of the damage done by myself and my friends. My roommate rounded off our meal with the most amazing gluten free cake, which we topped with whipped creme, strawberries, and blueberries.

We watched the fireworks from our rooftop in Astoria, Queens, which offers a 360 degree view of fireworks being set off throughout the city. From Macy's to home made explosives (eep!), it was a perfect night.

Happy Fourth of July!

All photos taken with instagram.

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See Ya, 2010. Oh hey, 2011.

It's been a hell of a year, hasn't it?

The ups and the downs.
The smiles and the frowns.
The happy faces and the side eyes.

I'm thrilled for the new year. 2010 ain't got nothin' on what 2011 is about to be.

I've got a good feeling.



See you in the new year!
xoxo,
MJ

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A Very Suburban Christmas

As I sit at home drinking South African wine chatting about loving New York (a complete 180 from last year), loving my friends (as always) and loving the great group of men in my life, I felt compelled to switch the channel from I.D. to Lifetime to enjoy some romantic comedies surrounding the holidays.

And, thus, please enjoy my holiday inspired post: My Top 5 Holiday Movies (on Lifetime and otherwise):


5. Elf

Um, if you don't like Elf, then you are completely out of your mind. And I feel sorry for you. Don't worry, there's usually an Elf marathon on TNT Christmas Day.

4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version)


I've been watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas every year on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. Not only is it a childhood favorite, but it remains one of my favorite traditions (alongside exchanging one gift before bed). Note: I can't watch the Jim Carey remake. It gives me the creeps.

3. The Family Stone

I absolutely love this movie for a number of reasons. Aside from the incredible story line and great cast, it reminds me every year of the importance of family, especially during the holiday season.

2. Love Acutally

I pretty much die for this movie. I can't let the holiday season go by without watching it at least twice. And it's one of my top three go-to movies when I need a little romantic comedy in my life.

1. A Christmas Story

If you don't love this movie and watch it on repeat starting at 8pm on Christmas Eve then you have a cold, dark heart. Fa-ra-ra-ra-raaaa ra-ra-ra-raaaa!



What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

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