A White Almost-Christmas! How unexpected and charming! And dangerous, as it rained - and froze - for a few hours first. I lucked out and wrapped up my errands in just the rain, before the nasty freezing stage began. From the safety and warmth of my desk, I witnessed the rain crystallize on the tree branches, then miraculously transform into snow, all at once, like popping corn. So beautiful!

Speaking of popping corn...perhaps I'll have to make a big bowl when Nathan gets home from school. With some hot cocoa. And a crackling fire. Let it snow!

Only downside is that the slippery streets and sidewalks might - and only might - hamper my footwear choice for this evening's hijinxing and dining. I always go out at night in heels - always. With a spritz of Chanel Coco (my current warm, sexy crush), or Frederic Malle Le Parfum de Therese (mysterious), or Escada Magnetism (caramel sweetness), or perhaps Lanvin Arpege (lady-like). But always heels. Hmmm, I'd bet I go for the heels, ice be damned.


And for staying in? Specifically, staying in on Christmas morn? I don't know what I'll wear (slippers! flannel jammies!), but I do know what I'll want to eat! One, or more, of my four ultimate favorite breakfast pastries, all recipes previously posted here and all perfect for Christmas: Mom's Almond Puff Pastry, Mom's Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Blueberry Muffins, or my aunt Marge's Cranberry Cream Coffee Cake. Just thinking about them has sparked an intense craving for soft, warm pastry...ohhh, damn good stuff. With multiple cups of coffee? Perhaps some crispy sausage? With do-ahead brunch strata or even fluffy, buttery, scrambled eggs? Merry Christmas indeed!