Well, Kiddies: Chanukah’s over, Christmas is only a week away, and I’m knee deep in holiday euphoria. I’ve been listening to tons of xmas music. Everything from The Ronettes Christmas, to A Very Special Christmas to Christmas Remixed. Andy hates listening to the same old xmas shlock every year, so he finds the most obscure remixes, like Santastic Mashup, to keep it feelin’ fresh. I love it.

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It’s been a busy holiday season this year, what with the writers’ strike depriving me of my social life, Katie Holmes pulling a Single White Female on baby Suri, and the shocking news of Jamie Lynne Spears’ pregnancy! Whoa… But I’m ready to get down to business, and talk Christmas.

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I’ve got most of my Christmas shopping finished. I’m sure I’ll freak out at the last minute and decide to buy something else, but it’s cool, because giving presents is almost as fun as getting them! And I’ve been doing lots of decorating, including making a stunning Gingerbread House last night. Behold!

So, what do I want for Christmas? Here are a few things that looked cool, as well as some that looked a little crazy (no ear dryers this time!!!)

Fingerless Gloves. I have a pair already and I love them, but these gloves by Zero + Maria Cornejo caught my eye. First of all, they’re cashmere (yum), they’re elbow length, and they’ve got ruching down one side for that ultra chic look.

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Super cute hoop earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane. I asked for these for Christmas—think I’ll get em? (hehe) They’re simple enough to wear during the day, but flashy enough to wear for a night out.

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For that special guy in your life: the most insane Swiss Army Knife ever. It has 85 tools and over 100 functions. Seriously, who needs all that crap? (Probably my dad, but I’m not spending $1,200 on a frigging pocket knife).

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A Swarovski USB flash drive, because who doesn’t need a little bling when they’re storing memory?

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I love this clutch by Seril. It’s called the “knockout clutch.” Come on, how cute is that? I know this bag is overly trendy right now, but it’s fabulous. I want one!!!

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Different Like Coco. I don’t think I know any kids, but I’m a Young Adult writer, and I love fashion, and this book looks AWESOME! Who wouldn’t want to read an illustrated biography of Coco Chanel?

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And after you’ve done all your Christmas shopping, don’t forget to do a little charity work. Check out FreeRice.com, where you can practice your vocab while simultaneously donating rice to the UN to end world hunger! Cool, right?

Okay, this is probably my last post before xmas. My parents just got into town, and we’re having a party, so there’s boat-loads to do around here.

Happy Holidays everybody!

We went to Target this weekend to do some Christmas shopping. First of all, don’t ever go to Target on Saturday. It was a war zone. There were so many mother’s yelling at their kids and threatening “No dinner!” that I thought I might pass out. You have to be very focused when shopping in that kind of mania, but it’s also really easy to get distracted there.

For instance, while looking for a certain present (that I won’t mention, in case the recipient is reading this), my shopping buddies and I came across the Egg & Muffin Maker.

Huh?!…

I mean, is it THAT hard to put some bread in the toaster and poach a frigging egg? Apparently so. It’s like bringing McDonald’s to your home! Maybe I’m anti Egg McMuffin maker because I live in a tiny NYC apartment with hardly ANY counter space, but this seems like a completely extraneous appliance. I just don’t get it.

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The other bizarro thing we found that could easily be The Most Useless Item Ever, was Mack’s Warm Air Ear Dryer. I almost don’t have words…

And the tag line is: “Dry your ears the natural way with warm, soothing air.”

Not to be difficult or anything, but wouldn’t the natural way be to just let your ears dry on their own, or possibly rub ‘em with a towel? No, they’re probably right. It’s probably best to spend 135 dollars on a little contraption that will blow air into your ear. Oy vey. If you really need air blown into your ears, just ask a friend—it’d be a lot cheaper.

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However, as usual I was impressed with the new Go! designer, Erin Fetherston. She’s really into hearts, which is both fun and over the top. I bought an adorable grey cardigan with heart-shaped buttons that is very soft and flattering. I’ve barely taken it off since I bought it! I tried on a few other things, but the sweater was my fave.

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All in all, we had a great time at Target. It’s really easy to get lost in there. Especially the holiday section of the store (I practically had to tear my sister away). I’m pretty sure it’s the glitter—that stuff is SO hard to say no to.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

The word “casserole” gets a bad rap—canned soup, string beans and corn flakes—but this dish is the frickin’ bomb. I’m from New Mexico and am always craving spicy, Mexican/Southwestern food. Oh, and it’s healthy, too!

*1 box of dry cornbread mix
*2 cans of diced green chile
*1/2 bag frozen corn kernels
*1/2 cup of cheddar or jack cheese
*garlic. As much as you want (about 3 cloves)
*1 each: large onion, large tomato, green & red peppers, habanero chile (w/ seeds if you like it spicy)
*1 can of black beans (drained)
*Andy’s a vegetarian, so I add firm tofu, but non-vegs could easily use lean ground turkey or beef, or even diced chicken.
*seasonings: cumin, salt & pepper, oregano, chili powder or flakes.
*for garnish: avocado, cilantro, red onion, tomato, sour cream, salsa.

Make the cornbread mix, adding the corn & 1 can of green chile (for a “homemade” feel).
In a large skillet, sautée the diced onions and minced garlic for a few mins. Dice the tomato, bell peppers, and habanero. Add them to the skillet & cook for a few mins, then add the other can of diced chile, the beans, and the seasonings, to taste.
Pour the skillet into a big ole’ glass baking dish. Layer the cornbread mixture over it. Sprinkle w/ the grated cheese and cook (at 425°) for 30-40 minutes. Stick a knife down into it every once in a while to see when the bread is cooked through. Then take it out and sprinkle each serving w/ garnishes. Yummo. And a crowd pleaser.

And if you can still fit into your clothes after eating that, check out Hanii Y, by Korean designer Hanii Yoon. Her designs are a great combination of modern and vintagey.

I am so obsessed with this blue party dress. How adorable is that? And it has pockets, which make it functional AND fashionable!

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I love this top. It has gorgeous, chunky beaded detailing around the neckline, and the back is really unique and sophisticated. Sometimes that trapeze look can be really unflattering, but I think this top pulls it off.

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I can’t decide about this jacket, but it’s growing on me. I like the color, and the combination of puffy vest w/ soft sweater. It looks cozy and sexy.

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Overall, this line is a bit pricey for us normal folk, but a girl can dream, right?!