1984

The year (of one many) we spent Christmas up at Whistler. Here with some of my friends.

Circa 1989

The year my friend Effie came over at some point. (Bad pants!)

1993

The year I did my first overnight news anchoring shift at what was then known as UTV. (Global TV today.) My first day on the desk was Christmas Eve! I didn’t mind. I was really excited to get the job.

Circa 1996

I basically remember nothing about this Christmas. Seems like a relatively happy one.

Zipping forward a bunch of years… (so much easier to find photos now that everything is digital!)

2004

The year we decided to do a wig theme at our annual girls’ Christmas party??

2005

Not technically Christmas but close enough!  The year I went to New York after Christmas. Here with my friend Tracy.

2006

The year we did a holiday photo shoot…

…And I got a dog magazine instead of a dog

2007

The year Anna came for Christmas. How cute and young we look!

2008

This was a big one. The year I got Ruby a few weeks before Christmas…

… my first Christmas with this guy. (I guess we forgot to tell him he could keep his shoes on.)

And the year we got a TON of snow in Vancouver!

2009

The year Christmas day was beautiful and sunny, perfect for a family walk at the beach.

2010

The year I made a crappy Christmas dessert. It wasn’t me, it was the recipe, I swear. They still haven’t let me live it down!

This was also the year my uncle Davor came from Croatia to spend the holidays. A tradition we are continuing this year.  (My two uncles and my mom.)

2011

I remember this Christmas well because a few days before, I got into a big fight with my mom. Then on Christmas Eve, she surprised me with this painting I wanted from local artist Athena Bax. I felt like a right pile of pooh.

2012

The year my dad brought his crazy dog Max to my house for Christmas brunch. I don’t think he’s calmed down much yet.

2013

The last year we spent Christmas with James’s dad. Sadly, he passed away four months later.

2014

The year we ran into Santa at the pet store.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best wishes from my family to yours this holiday season. I’ll see you in the new year!

Hugs,

Kristina

Top Photo: Christmas 2014

To date I’ve visited numerous all-inclusives, a number on the Riviera Maya, in Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Dominican Republic and now most recently, the Secrets resort in Huatulco. Here’s what I’ve learned.

READ RECENT REVIEWS

Before my last trip, I spent some time on Trip Advisor reading reviews from recent guests. I learned that the beach had a lot of sand fleas and that the resort was full of mosquitos. As a result I packed my bug spray and boy was I happy I did.

TALK TO OTHER GUESTS

As a bit of an introvert, I’m not one to strike up a conversation with those lounging by the pool beside me. But it can pay to do so. By talking to a fellow beach walker we learned about another secluded beach, one we wouldn’t have found on our own. By chatting with our pool neighbours, we learned about a local boat tour operator who’s known for finding the best fishing holes. (Unfortunately, the weather turned windy and we weren’t able to go out.)

CONSIDER UPGRADING

One downside to the “free” alcohol is that the wine is usually bad (though you can buy better stuff by the bottle) and the booze watered down. Upgrading to what’s often called a “prestige” or club level usually gives you a better room and access to a special lounge, stocked with all manner of snacks and spirits. A good place to spike that drink, or simply get away from the crowds. Such upgrades can also give you access to certain parts of the pool or beach.

TIP

I said you don’t need to pull out your wallet once you arrive.  One exception.  Having a stash of American $1 bills on hand is wise. Tip your wait staff, bartenders and maids etc. It’s expected and it can help you get better service.

SAVE YOUR SEATS

The posted signs all say you can’t save your pool and beach loungers for more than half an hour, but everyone ignores this. So take a nice stroll to the pool or beach before breakfast and plop down some towels. But do just take one towel, not two or three per person. There were a few days when there were no towels available for a time due to some greedy guests.

NEGOTIATE 

Most all-inclusives do have some small shops on the property. But just because you’re not in town, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t negotiate, especially at Mexico’s ubiquitous silver shops. I got bought a lovely silver bracelet for 45% off the first quoted price.

Have any more all-inclusive tips, do share! I’m already dreaming of next year’s vacation.

Crosley Portable Turntable $104.95
[$78.95 US]

Mongolian Faux Fur Pillow $99.50 

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Zebra Printed Cocktail Tray $330 

Bashful Bunny $14.95

Big Love Ball $65 – $85

EAT

Plenty More Cookbook By Yotam Ottolenghi $19.95
[US]

ESPRO Press Coffee Maker from $79.95

Chocomize Custom Chocolates 

Gilded Rim Vintage Coupe Champagne Glasses $38

VMatter Chef’s Knife $400

(Made from high tech metal alloy. Keeps its edge longer than steel!)

ESCAPE

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera $79.98

Pink Floyd’s New Album, Endless River. Deluxe CD Bluray 2 Disc set $30
[US]

Air Canada Gift Card starting at $25

Personal Drone starting at $325

Bison Made iPhone 6 wallet $75

PRIMP

Skull Cashmere Infinity Scarf $300

Stuart Weitzman Hitimes Pony Hair Bootie $725

Gap Toddler Plaid Flannel Shirt $26.95

Men’s Common Projects Achilles Sneaker $485

J Crew Polka Dot Flannel Pajamas $120

Dior double pearl earrings $240

(Less expensive and more precious versions of this idea abound!)

THRIVE

Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat $98 (Keep your Oms from turning into Zzzs)

Nike Flash Women’s Running Tights $150 

UV Couture sun protective clothing $89

(Canadian made!)

Nourishing IV Drip gift certificate (to refresh, revive or detox from a holiday hangover. Call your local naturopath)

Tatcha Gold Face Massager $195

(Relieves holiday tension!)

Magazines. Buy one, wrap it, and then fill out the subscription card for a year’s subscription and pop that it in the mail. Or buy 10 magazines and include a card saying this is the perfect way to relax this holiday season.  I got this for my birthday one year, with a selection of magazines I don’t usually buy, and really enjoyed going through them after the holiday hubbub subsided.

Greeting cards. Choose a selection of either blank greeting cards or ones to suit a variety of occasions.  It’s always convenient to have a bunch on hand for when a birthday or event comes up.  Tie them all up together with a nice bow.

Picture Frame.  Select a picture frame but also go the extra mile and print off a picture at home.  Option two, email the photo to the drugstore’s photo lab. (London Drugs is great for this).  The last time I did this the photo was ready in an hour. 

If the grocery store is still open:

Gift Cards. Check out the gift card racks. Stores like Safeway have a huge selection of gift cards for everything from iTunes to restaurants to big block retailers.

Food Basket. Pick out a selection of fancy foodstuffs. So artisanal crackers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chocolate, jam…  Put it in the basket or box and wrap.  A perfect hostess gift or something for your in-laws.

If only the gas station is still open:

Lottery Tickets. Get a few. I like a selection of quick picks and scratch and wins.  Lottery tickets also make great stocking stuffers if you’re looking for some last minute additions.

If everything is closed but you have access to the Internet and a printer: 

Donations: Make a donation to a charity that the gift recipient supports or likes. 

Experiences.  Look for tickets to sporting or cultural events or spa certificates.  You can also book a weekend stay at a local hotel or plane tickets. A gift like that and there will be no need to spend time in the doghouse this holiday.

If you still don’t have everything purchased by Christmas morning, some Starbukcs are open (coffee makers, fancy coffee beans, mugs, etc) and most movie theatres are open (gift cards.)

And now it’s final time to relax! (Unless you’re making Christmas dinner. Then we suggest you better get on it.)

Happy holidays from, 

A&K 

This is an Imogen Heap cover and it’s one of my favourites on Clarkson’s new Christmas album. I also like her original tune, Wrapped in Red. 

Available at amazon.ca

River – Wintersong, Sarah McLachlan

My all time favourite Christmas song.  And McLachlan’s version is haunting.

Available at amazon.ca and itunes

Christmas in Heaven – A Christmas with Scott McCreery, Scott McCreery

I’m getting more and more intro country music (thanks “Nashville.”) McCreery’s voice is so rich.

Available at amazon.com

Something About December – A Very Merry Perri Christmas, Christina Perri

Perri reminds me of Karen Carpenter, lovely voice and beautiful song. 

Available at amazon.ca

Blue Christmas – A Very She and Him Christmas – She and Him

Damn that Zoe Deschanel. She can act, sing and she’s adorable.  Blue Christmas really showcases her vocal ability, with all it’s imperfections.

 Available at amazon.ca

White Christmas – Bing Crosby

My favourite classic. Don’t mess with it.

 Available at amazon.ca

Hanukkah oh Hanukkah – Barenaked for the Holidays, Barenaked Ladies

I’m a sucker for anything in a minor key. This will make you want to get up and dance the hora.

Available at amazon.ca 

Home – It’s Time, Michael Buble

Not a traditional holiday song but it should be.  This one always gives me shivers

 Available at amazon.ca

Christmas is All Round – Love Actually, Billy Mack

Love Actually is one of my favourite holiday themed movies and Bill Nighy steals the show. 

Available on amazon.ca

Got a few more to add to the list? I love a unique take on an old classic or even better, an original work.

Top Image Restoration Hardware iPhone and iPad Gramophones 

My approach here is generally to make life easy for myself.  And the purpose of cocktail hour is to tease and get the taste buds hungry for more. Not to satiate. All you need is a couple of simple nibbles:

Marcona almonds  

These are sweeter and more moist then regular almonds.  Make sure to buy them salted and to dress them up a bit either sprinkle them with paprika or fry them with rosemary.

Charcuterie

Slice up some spicy salami and serve with sliced cucumber (skin on).

Drinks

I’ve never been one for fancy cocktails.  I like a perfect Martini, champagne or prosecco, red and white wine and beer.  And usually that list of options will quench your guests’ thirst.  Of course you’ll need to have non-alcoholic options on hand too, as well as filtered water.  

And if you want to offer something extra special to celebrate the season, apple cider with Bourbon and a squeeze of lemon juice is a festive and easy choice.

Personally, I’m always forgetting to fill people’s glasses so I start every get together by showing guests the bar and advising them to help themselves!  Trust me, people love having something to do.

The Main Event

Cider brined pork loin roast  

Check out the cover of this month’s bon appetit magazine.  This is a super easy recipe and the most labour-intensive part can be done the night before.  I made it a week ago as a test and it got rave reviews.  Juicy, flavourful and makes a grand presentation.  

Tip:  the recipe calls for wrapping the protruding bones in tin foil to prevent burning.  I didn’t have any so used bacon instead.  It makes for a nice crunchy extra bit of pork and all the fat drips down into the roasting vegetables.  Divine.  Don’t forget to serve apple sauce on the side.  Since this recipe also includes roasted potatoes and onions, you’ll already have your first side all taken care of

Sides

I love sides.  Sometimes I make an entire meal out of just side dishes.  I guess that makes them tapas. A celebratory meal is a great time serve an extra or two and is a particularly good idea if you don’t know all the meal preferences and restrictions of some guests as this will give them more options.

Roasted russet potatoes and onions 

See recipe above.

Brussels sprouts

This meal can’t be entirely without tradition of course.  I used to loathe Brussels sprouts.  As in, I couldn’t even swallow one. Now, I could make a meal out of them when they’re done like this:

• Cut Brussels sprouts in half
• Heat a couple of glugs of olive oil in a pan
• Turn up heat to medium high and throw in sprouts
• Try to keep them all cut-side down for the first 5 – 7 minutes or until they start to brown 
• In the meantime fry some cut up pancetta or bacon in a separate pan and add it when you add the butter (next step)  
• Add a knob or two of butter and sauté for another 10 minutes or so
• Finally, drizzle about a tablespoon (or more) of olive oil over the sprouts at the very end, and season with salt to taste.

Green beans 

Buy French beans if you can find them.  Blanche the beans in advance.  Combine about 3 tablespoons each Parmesan cheese and parsley.  Add grated rind from one lemon and one or two minced garlic cloves.  When ready to serve heat a knob of butter in a fry pan, add beans and toss to warm up and coat in butter.  Sprinkle Parmesan gremolade over top.  Mix and transfer to serving plate.  Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top, and season with salt to taste.

Après

Cheese board

I’m all for serving cheese after a meal.  It’ll always be better received than when served at cocktail hour (when its too filling and overwhelming).  

Try 2 to 4 different cheeses; some should be hard, some soft, and come from different animals. Cow’s milk cheeses are usually crowd pleasers.  Goats milk cheeses have a bit of a sour taste (in a good way) and personally, I’m a big fan of sheep’s milk cheese.  Serve with dried apricots and fancy crackers (keeping in mind that a lot of people will eat cheese and pass on the cracker)

I suppose you could make a pumpkin pie or some other dessert that requires a great deal of effort.  But time and time again I find that by this point in the meal, people are exhausted by food.  Make no mistake, they’ll want something sweet, but there is no need to go to extremes here.  I prefer to bake when the baking is the main event.  Say, when you’re having your friends over for tea.  On Thanksgiving I’ll be serving a selection of chocolates and cookies that I’ll pick up at the bakery down the street!

Don’t forget to have Scotch and Port on hand for those who want to keep the party going. Happy Thanksgiving!

Top photo: Le Living & Co./Flickr

My very presence felt like one giant irritation in the shadow of a general arrogance.   I walked around saying merci and je m’excuse for no good reason.  I felt like the hillbilly who somehow got into the cool party and was about to be discovered and shown the door.

Wide-brimmed hat: The Catherine, Eugina Kim

Good read: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, Amazon

Top photo: Chuck55/flickr

Ingredients

1 lb Sweet Italian sausages
4 oz Unsalted butter (optional)
1 1/2 cups Chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)
1/2 cup Apple, any kind, minced
2 tsp Sage (dried)
3 Tbsp Rosemary (fresh), minced
1/4 cup Dry red or white wine (more for drinking)
10 cups Focaccia bread (cheese-free!), chopped. Think dice sized pieces.
1 cup Chicken stock, or more to moisten

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. [This stuffing is baked separately from the turkey itself.]

2. Pour yourself a glass of wine while cooking. This is bound to have a positive effect on entire experience.

3. Remove the casings from the sausages. Heat a large skillet on medium and add sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausages into smaller pieces while cooking. Or, cut them up with a knife before you cook it, either works. Brown the meat and allow the sausages to release some oil.

4. If little or no oil has been released (which can happen if the sausages are very lean), add the butter.

5. Remove the sausages with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the oil/butter in the pan.

6. Add leeks and cook until soft. Then throw the sausages back in.

7. Add the minced apple and cook for a minute or so more.

8. Break the sage apart with your fingers and throw it into the pan. Crush up the rosemary in your hand and chuck that in too.

9. Add the wine and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

10. Add bread and moisten with stock and mix it all up well. The dish should be a moist but not overly wet.

11. Put it all in a casserole dish. I use one that’s 9X12X2 inches. Bake for one hour.

Enjoy!

photo credit: CC Flickr/anjuli_ayer

Got the best present ever in 2008: Ruby!

To make it easier yet, I supply a list. It started when I was a kid writing a letter to Santa. All these decades later, my family still requests one. I even include photos and web links to where the purchases can be made. Sometimes I even pick it up myself. No wrapping required! Just call me considerate.

My fellow book-loving dad got me an e-reader for Christmas 2009.
It was on the list, of course.

For my boyfriend, I take photos in the stores and email them, along with pricing and any size and colour specifications. Unromantic you say? Maybe. But I don’t love surprises. Unless they come in little blue boxes.

Dec. 1, 2012

Dear Santa,

Here are the items on my Christmas wish list this year:

• Birch Tray from Provide on Beatty St.
• Book: Rough Luxe Design: The New Love of Old
• Chain link napkins (in taupe) from The Cross Design
• A long-sleeved running top from Lululemon in a bright colour

Thank you!

-K

Frankly, I hate having too much stuff. I’m constantly purging, consigning, donating or simply leaving things in the back alley – my neighbourhood’s extremely efficient recycling program. So I’d rather get something that I really want or need.

Finished opening presents, Christmas 2010.
Got the TNA hoodie I wanted. Thanks!

I only offer my list to those who ask. And trust me, many jump at the chance of relinquishing the decision-making process. Anna is one exception as she never asks what I want. But she has the gift of, well, gift giving. I leave my presents in her very capable hands.

I don’t remember what I got for Christmas 2007,
but having Anna join us for Christmas Eve dinner was a nice present!

My friend Judy takes all this a step further. She literally buys her own gift and her boyfriend buys his. She says it all started for her one year when she found herself single right before Christmas, so she treated herself to a great gift, and continued the custom for each special occasion after.

Then a couple of years later, she had a brand new boyfriend and a birthday on the horizon. Well, let’s just say he’s wonderful in many ways, but not so great at gift-buying. “When Christmas rolled around, I took a chance and suggested I buy myself this KitchenAid Stand mixer I really wanted “from him”, and that he could buy himself whatever he wanted “from me”. He thought it was a great idea and he was actually quite relieved! And that’s how our non-traditional tradition started.”

(Note to guys: only buy an appliance for your gal if it’s on her wish list!)

Have you ever bought your own presents? If you have a unique spin on gift giving, we’d love to hear from you!

My mom got me a beautiful painting by Athena Bax for Christmas 2011.
It was on my list, but I never thought I would actually get it. I cried!