Growing up in a very large family, I was seldom alone. There was always a sister, brother, exchange student, friend, friendly stranger, etc. around to keep you company, and safe from the creaks and quirks of our old house in Denver. We were all together. And I was safe. And loved. And happy.
Then I left for DC, and waved to the friends, and house, and strangers, and exchange students from the airplane window. But I was not alone. I had my sister by my side, and more sisters, brothers, grandparents, friends, and friendly strangers waiting for me on the other end. And when we walked into our new apartment hand in hand, Two and I were together. And I was safe. And loved. And happy.
Then came Baltimore--by many accounts a scary old city. But Two came with me, and brother C soon joined us, and we met some of the friendliest strangers one could hope to meet. Our friendly strangers then became simply friends, and some of them lovers, or husbands, or wives. And the city wasn't so scary because we were together. And I was safe. And loved. And happy.
I have always had "us" or "we," and seldom just "me." And I love being together with the parties that be. But as I grow older I'm not so afraid of alone. I like to go out with just me and my mind. And meander about leaving the others behind. Instead of a hand, I'll hold a book, or a leaf, or a camera ready to shoot. And I'm with just me. And I am safe. And loved. And happy.
Call it an obsession. Call it a confession, but I can't help it. I love being in eBaytionships. Sometimes, more than one a week. There are just so many good options. And just when it seems like all the good things are taken or out of your league price range, you find it; Exactly what your looking for at a price you are happy to pay. eBay puts the joy of the hunt back into shopping. Not that "shopping" and "joy of the hunt" are anagrams... but I digress...
How can a four letter word make me so crazy!? Maybe this is how.
My most recent aquisitions:
Never Worn Wool Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress from Anthropology: $15.
New with tags BCBG 100% Cashmere tunic: $16.50 (with shipping)
New with tags Cole Haan purse: $27.50
Lantern Style metal lamp: $4.99
21 bottles of brand-spankin'-new LIQUITEX professional acrylic paint: $31.11
You can get hurt in an eBayshionship. But this holiday season, these five tips should help you navigatinglove's eBay's plentiful waters.
5. Read the fine print. This is why(I get) people get burned. Like that time (I got) this friend of mine got the "Egyptian comfort 1200tm sheets", which I they read as "Egyptian Cotton, 1200tc (thread count) sheets", but ended up being closer to thread bare, polyester garbage.*
4. In that same spirit, Look at the bad or neutral reviews a seller has received. If it says the clothes were wrinkled, there probably isn't a problem. But if it says the merchandise was crap or inauthentic, find another seller. Check reviews more thoroughly with international sales. Because of quality and shipping (oh, and patriotism too. . . I guess), I have taken to buying almost exclusively from American vendors.
3. The Buy it now option can be an easier way to shop on eBay. Occasionally, it's a great deal.
2. Talk to the seller. There are a lot of people who make their living selling things on eBay. If you have a specific need and you find a seller who sells what you need, ask if you can arrange a Buy It Now option on eBay. This is how I bought favors for my wedding reception. I knew I wanted leatherman micras and vintage lacquered pins. I found sellers who sold those products and they both gave me amazing deals that were protected through an eBay sale.
1. Remember: Ebay is a lot like dating ... but with durable and non durable goods. What I'm trying to say is timing is everything. Don't bid until the last minute (and when I say last minute, I mean last 5 seconds). Bid for as much as you are willing to pay. It will only charge you for as many incremental bids as it takes for you to win.** Type in your bid with a minute to go and click on "place bid." A screen will come up asking you to confirm your bid. Wait til there are 5 seconds left on the timer, and then click confirm!
Happy bidding!
How can a four letter word make me so crazy!? Maybe this is how.
My most recent aquisitions:
Never Worn Wool Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress from Anthropology: $15.
New with tags BCBG 100% Cashmere tunic: $16.50 (with shipping)
New with tags Cole Haan purse: $27.50
Lantern Style metal lamp: $4.99
21 bottles of brand-spankin'-new LIQUITEX professional acrylic paint: $31.11
You can get hurt in an eBayshionship. But this holiday season, these five tips should help you navigating
5. Read the fine print. This is why
4. In that same spirit, Look at the bad or neutral reviews a seller has received. If it says the clothes were wrinkled, there probably isn't a problem. But if it says the merchandise was crap or inauthentic, find another seller. Check reviews more thoroughly with international sales. Because of quality and shipping (oh, and patriotism too. . . I guess), I have taken to buying almost exclusively from American vendors.
3. The Buy it now option can be an easier way to shop on eBay. Occasionally, it's a great deal.
2. Talk to the seller. There are a lot of people who make their living selling things on eBay. If you have a specific need and you find a seller who sells what you need, ask if you can arrange a Buy It Now option on eBay. This is how I bought favors for my wedding reception. I knew I wanted leatherman micras and vintage lacquered pins. I found sellers who sold those products and they both gave me amazing deals that were protected through an eBay sale.
1. Remember: Ebay is a lot like dating ... but with durable and non durable goods. What I'm trying to say is timing is everything. Don't bid until the last minute (and when I say last minute, I mean last 5 seconds). Bid for as much as you are willing to pay. It will only charge you for as many incremental bids as it takes for you to win.** Type in your bid with a minute to go and click on "place bid." A screen will come up asking you to confirm your bid. Wait til there are 5 seconds left on the timer, and then click confirm!
Happy bidding!
*Though they were closer to garbage, they were new garbage in the original packaging. This blogger would not recommend buying bed linens unless they are new.
**For example, let's say the current bid is 9.99 but I am willing to pay 27 dollars. Unless someone else bids more than $27, it will only increase my bid by a dollar fifty or whatever the incremental bid is. But if other people are bidding, it will allow me to bid upto the limit of what I want to pay automatically.
**For example, let's say the current bid is 9.99 but I am willing to pay 27 dollars. Unless someone else bids more than $27, it will only increase my bid by a dollar fifty or whatever the incremental bid is. But if other people are bidding, it will allow me to bid upto the limit of what I want to pay automatically.
*other than the kitchen
We woke up Thanksgiving morning in a charming B+B in Moab, Utah, enjoyed our buckwheat pancakes, fresh berries and sausages, and went out to enjoy some scenery.
We toured through Arches National Park, hiked a bit, and helped Princess H get certified as a Junior Park Ranger. She got a badge.
Our plan was to stop somewhere for dinner on the way to Nanny and Grandpa's (who had plans to eat earlier in the day). But options ended up being pretty bleak. We decided to press on to the Salt Lake suburbs, where we indulged in the offerings of a magical little French chalet, situated at the intersection of classy and kitch, where so many great holiday memories are made. Well worth the delayed gratification.
The rest of the weekend was lovely. We passed a few short days with Nanny and Grandpa, I saw exactly two friends, experienced my inaugural excursion to the lights at Temple Square, and scored a pair of $2 Ralph Lauren corduroys for Princess H at D.I. All in all, a really wonderful set of reminders of the things in my life for which I'm so profoundly grateful.
We woke up Thanksgiving morning in a charming B+B in Moab, Utah, enjoyed our buckwheat pancakes, fresh berries and sausages, and went out to enjoy some scenery.
We toured through Arches National Park, hiked a bit, and helped Princess H get certified as a Junior Park Ranger. She got a badge.
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| Yes, the dogs came. |
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| One of many photos "directed" by Princess H. She has very strong opinions about what makes a good picture; Usually Princess H in an odd pose. |
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| I feel pretty confident that we didn't get a holiday card picture out of this trip... |
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| Another winning family picture. |
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| The gardens around the restaurant were so charming. They reminded us of Keukenhof, with Christmas lights instead of tulips! |
Five is popping up all over the place this weekend! Find more pictures of the wedding at La Petite Coquin, a new editorial for the Huffington Post, lots of pictures of our food on FoodEpix and Four's exquisite Cheddar Galette on Tastespotting!
We hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend. Stay tuned for more recipes, stories and holiday crafts right here on Five!
We hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend. Stay tuned for more recipes, stories and holiday crafts right here on Five!
The Dessert Table
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Leftovers, anyone?
(needless to say, we made/I ate these first)
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| Pumkin Pie with Rummed Hazelnut Cream : Salted Pecan Pie : Ginger Snap and Coconut Pumpkin Tart : Apple Cheddar Galette : Apple Praline Pie : Pumpkin Pie : Parmesan Pumpkin Pine-nut Focaccia (not dessert, but color coordinated) *Not pictured: Spiced Cheesecake : Pear Cakelettes |
The Prelude
(worth the tummy space?)
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| French Brie : Aged White Cheddar : Smoked Gouda : Cranberry Stilton |
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The Main Event
(my belly still hurts)
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| Mashed Potatoes : Vegetable Gravy : Cornbread and Yam Shepard's Pie : Salsa Colorado : Red Wine Braised Brussel Sprouts : Carrot Souffle : Creamed Sweet Potatoes with Candied Pecan Crust : Stuffing : Cilantro and Rocket Salad : Cranberry Sauce : Salt-Seared Tofu with Cloudberry (yes, cloudberry) Reduction : Kale : Roasted Beets with Balsamic Butter and Chevre : Hard-crusted Nut Bread *Not pictured: Root Beer Braised Turkey |
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Leftovers, anyone?
If I could invent my own holiday, I think it would be a lot like Thanksgiving--except instead of eating turkey, a magical little bird would deliver gifts to all of the grateful girls and boys, football would be replaced with nice long walks, and the evening would culminate in a spectacular firework display. Also, everyone would have to dress up in Rococo inspired garb, there would be Thanksgiving music (I'm thinking a mixture between Yelle, Donkeyboy, the soundtrack to Jesus Christ Superstar and the Muppet Christmas Carol...) and people would carry lit sparklers around. all. day. Yep, other than those little tweaks, it would be just like Thanksgiving because I adore this holiday! Family, good food, and gratitude are kind of at the crux of everything that makes life worth living.
I love that we have a holiday devoted to these simple--yet superlative--pleasures.
I love that we have a holiday devoted to these simple--yet superlative--pleasures.
+
=
Winning
Happy Thanksgiving!