a rosenthal by any other name

Before Justin and I started talking about getting married, I had always planned on keeping my last name. I’m an independent, Aquarius woman! And I like having the same last name as my Grandpa whom I clearly adore, along with my father and two brothers. I mean, check out this Rosenthal crew:

But it’s important to my man. In fact, he used to joke that he wasn’t going to propose to me unless I agreed to take his last name. Justin can be very traditional. It’s cute. So I conceded. Or at least I’m in the process.

Our marriage license lists my new last name: Singer. I have a new social security card with the name Amy Singer. And my new passport is in the mail.* I still have to get a new driver’s license, and then a new e-mail address. (But FYI in a totally lovey dovey and contradictory-to-everything-I’m-saying-here way I do confess I tried to sign up for amysinger@gmail.com like three years ago. It was already taken. This of course is the modern day equivalent to scribbling AE + JB = LOVE in a notebook.)

Anyway, I digress. I’m halfway there. And I’m in name change limbo. And it feels so weird. But fortunately, it’s good weird. Like calling Justin “my husband” is still SO weird, in the best possible way. I giggle every time. I’m not over it. And I’ll never get over it. But perhaps I’ll get used to my new name.

AS

*Justin and I recently decided to go to Tulum, Mexico for an upcoming trip in February. I hadn’t done anything proactive to officially change my name yet, i.e. get a new SS card or passport. I had been procrastinating. So Justin quite strategically booked my flight under Amy Singer, so that I had to change my name in a timely manner. And it clearly worked.

[Photo by Carlie Statsky]

Puzzled

Jigsaw puzzles remind me of my sweet Grandpa Riis. When he was a little more ‘with it’ but not quite mobile he would spend lots of time putting together puzzle pieces. Until recently I wouldn’t have thought to buy a puzzle for myself. I don’t have too much free time outside of work, blogging and Breaking Bad J But I happened to see an especially cool puzzle at Crate & Barrel. C & B is randomly and awesomely having the coolest items this holiday season. And cool puzzles can definitely make for unique gifts. I gave myself (and my husband) the gift of this particular Paris map puzzle, as ‘research’ for a Paris trip I hope to plan at some point soon.

I was home sick recently and without my better half, so I couldn’t give into my current addiction of Breaking Bad. (Have I mentioned we’re watching Breaking Bad?) So I broke out the Paris puzzle. It took about two hours to turn the 1,000 pieces right side up. It’s going to be a little more challenging, not to mention time-consuming, than I had anticipated. But I’m up for the challenge. And I’m feeling extra motivated to start researching our next move, so we’ll have a big enough table to accommodate the 19” x 27” completed map of The City of Light.

A

(Paris illustration by Stephannie Barba illustration + stationery/Couture Maps)

2013 Gift Guide

Still planning your Secret Santa or Hanukah Harry party? Here are a few fun gift ideas, just in time for gift-exchange gatherings.

  

Cards Against Humanity

As discussed here, Cards Against Humanity is a seriously fun party game. I feel really old and kind of lame promoting a card game as weekend entertainment, but these days I’m much more interested in attending a dinner party than a crowded club. I’d rather spend quality time with close friends than have awkward conversations with strangers looking to get lucky. That being said, I’m totally up for the awkward conversations initiated by this non-PC but fun for everyone card game.

L.L. Bean Tote

I recently bought myself this particular version of the L.L. Bean classic tote. I’d had my eye on this bag for years, ever since I saw a chic boss with it. It’s great as a gym bag (or yoga studio tote!) or even as a weekend carryall. Plus, the fatigue print goes with everything and is somehow still on trend. I’m betting this bag will be on trend for years to come.

[The Bag, With L.L. Bean's Suggested Contents]

Instant Camera

I love a good old-fashioned camera. In fact lately I’m the only person at parties sporting a digital camera. Everyone is of course using his/her iPhone to snap selfies. And not too long ago I was the only one snapping pics on a disposable camera. My friend Jae recently brought her Fujifilm instax 210 to the office and my colleagues and I had a blast taking funny photos and watching them develop. I gushed about the instant camera to my hubby and I have a feeling we’ll have a new cool camera to break out at upcoming holiday celebrations.

J. Crew Waffle-Stich Infinity Scarf

Infinity scarves are totally in right now. My mother-in-law, who is much more fashion-forward than I, confirmed it recently. And I’m seeing these scarves everywhere. But before they were uber cool my friend Sweet Melissa (as I call her) was sporting a grey infinity scarf from the Gap, and also a burgundy one knitted by her sweet grandmother. Melissa’s scarves always looked so cozy and warm. I finally invested in this one this season.

There’s currently a 25% off promotion on J. Crew; just enter promo code “GETGIFTING.”

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert

I inherited a love of wine from my dad. I did not, however, inherit his discerning palette or easy ability to describe a wine’s flavor let alone vintage. My husband is in the same boat. We did a blind tasting with my father and our fam, and Justin guessed “red grapes” for each wine he tried. This book would be a fun addition to our coffee table collection, and could teach us a thing or two about how to actually describe our drink of choice.

The Martha Beck Collection: Essays for Creating Your Right Life, Volume One

“Have you been hoarding Martha’s O, The Oprah Magazine column clippings for years like we have?” Reads the marthabeck.com “Books & Products” page. And my answer is a resounding, “YES, YES I have!” I may be the only person I know who would embrace this gift with wide-open arms, or maybe I’m just the only one not too embarrassed to admit it. Regardless, Beck is my life coach via her columns, books, blogs and daily inspiration emails. I’ll take all the advice I can get :)

Happy gifting!

A

P.S. Don’t forget about these tremendously helpful tools!

Showered With LOVE

Last weekend I was the lucky guest of honor at a beautiful bridal shower, hosted by my aunt and cousins. The shower consisted of brunch (including an awesome omelet station) and toasts/poems by my loved ones. There was a “room to room” theme and each table boasted a centerpiece with everything from “his” and “her” aprons for the kitchen to – ahem – condoms for the bedroom. But despite the protective gear it was a classy affair. My aunt and cousins wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hearing my friends and family speak kind words about me and Justin was a real highlight. And taking into account all of the hard work and thoughtfulness of my hostesses was heart-warming. Every “decoration” was a gift for me and my beau. Every element was purposeful and meaningful. Even the parting gifts for attendees were Napa themed wine bottles, filled to the brim with Jelly Belly jellybeans. (My belly has since turned into quite the jelly belly…) And an added bonus? The gifts! The ladies in my life showered me with thoughtful gifts. Everything from decorated wine bottles to toast upcoming life events (like having a baby, no pressure :) to cheese knives we’ve been coveting and gorgeous crystal vases. We’re grateful to have these things, and incredibly appreciate of everyone who contributed to making the day so special, just by being there.

With Gratitude,

A

P.S. My little cousins made a “bouquet” and “veil” from the gift-wrappings. How totally awesome?!

a restaurant for all occasions

Justin and I recently went to L’Artusi twice in seven days. We coincidentally had a Hanukkah brunch with family and a holiday dinner with friends, both at the same West Village eatery.

L’Artusi is another West Village restaurant with scrumptious food. I don’t love the décor. (My friend Brian and I decided that the look is 1970’s casino bar meets French bathroom meets front porch.) However the quality food and excellent service make up for the restaurant’s shortcomings in design.

For brunch I recommend starting with the Assorted Fresh Pasties Basket. It’s not your typical breakfast breadbasket. The fresh loaves and pastries are amazing. I also recommend the L’Artusi Scramble with pecorino, broccoli rabe and crispy potatoes. Justin recommends the L’Artusi Breakfast with two fried eggs, roasted mushrooms, crispy potatoes, sausage, bacon, roasted tomato and toast. The Bloody Marys were… interesting. My future sister-in-law (woohoo!!!) pointed out that they tasted a bit carbonated. The waitress remarked on her discerning palette and explained that they put some sort of ale/beer in the L’Artusi Bloody. So if that’s not your thing, go for a Mimosa instead.

Our holiday dinner was a larger party with a pre-selected menu. The Holiday Dinner is a new tradition among Justin’s high school friends and their significant others, all of whom have become my close companions. We opted for a four course family style dinner with unlimited beer and wine. Needless to say it was a feast. And it was delicious. See below for the menu –

  

Antipasti:

FLUKE CEVICHE pear, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate

GRILLED QUAIL autumn squash, pomegranate, sage

ROASTED MUSHROOMS pancetta, fried egg, ricotta salata

Pasta:

RAVIOLI autumn squash, sage brown butter, parmesan

GARGANELLI mushroom ragu

TAGLIATELLE bolognese bianco, parmesan

Secondi:

STRIPED BASS tuscan kale, cannellini beans, tomato

HANGER STEAK crispy potatoes, salsa bianco

Assorted Dolci:

A house assortment of cookies, fruit and mini olive oil cakes for the finale

Following the L’Artusi Holiday Dinner we ended the night with a boozy dance party at our friend Michael’s apartment. (And props to Michael; he had also spearheaded the planning of the inaugural dinner.)

L’Artusi was a success on both occasions. I’d love to go back sometime, maybe in the next seven weeks.

Cheers,

A