Cheers to a Classic New Year

A Vineyard 31st:

Lambert's Cove Inn (Vineyard Haven):  Jerry Berlin on piano, Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish to ring in the New Year, prix fixe dinner and overnight accommodations available.

Atlantic (Edgartown):  DJ and dancing for the fashionably chic.

The Wharf (Edgartown):  The Boogies kick up your heels in retro-60's-style.

photos: thesteward

Tween Christmas Wish List

Each year, "one" item costs as much as the pile of gifts they used to receive when they were in kindergarten...

The Girl

Clothing:  Lots of "leggings".  A big hat with pom pons on the ends.  A duffle coat.  Some warm/cozy flannel PJ bottoms.  "Sweet" t-shirts.  Those big boots with the colored-laces (Sorel's).

Books:  Adores the cover of "The Candymakers" by Wendy Mass, "Savvy" by Ingrid Law (again, a "wow" cover...and the girlfriends are reading it, and it's "really good"), and "Touch Blue" by Cynthia Lord (just purchased at the Scholastic Book Fair, it's about island kids who are trying a drastic move to keep their school from closing.  She is enjoying her early Christmas present).

Speaking of candy...a gingerbread house kit would be nice.  Or anything from Goodship Lollipop!

Music:  Wants ("wants" - under your breath...the way Brick does on The Middle...) an iTouch....and gift card from iTunes.  Still liking Taylor Swift.  And please, these headphones.

Bedroom:  Just redone last year...now wants a big loft bed.

Sorry, luv, I know you no longer believe in Santa Claus....but that definately won't fit down the chimney.

The Boy

all he wants...is a Nintendo DSi...that's it.

Boys are so easy.  I didn't say inexpensive...but easy.  

Card Schlepping...

Once again, that tedious task has arrived.  Time to drag the kids out onto a stretch of sand or magical forest somewhere on the island, to take the annual Christmas photo.  It's usually bitter cold, and they hate you for it.  "Is this the last one?....no...no more pictures!  Can we go home, now?"...haha....nope.  Just a few more!

If you're looking for a great photographer on MV, here are some favorites that come to mind:
Nicole Friedler
Jocelyn Filley
and Joe Mikos
...see if they can squeeze you in.

In pursuit of this year's ideal card, I found several appealing designs at Rainy Day and Bunch of Grapes, in Vineyard Haven.

If you're the online-shopper-type...you can find the above cards at Minted, Fine Stationery and Pear Tree Greetings.  Adorable tartan plaid jacket at Kayce Hughes.
Reminder:  December 10-12 is Christmas in Edgartown weekend...more on that coming up.

Cozying-Up

Military Doeskin Coat with Shearling Panel:  Burberry

ArtCliff Diner:  39 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven (7-2, closed t/w)

Let me just pause here for a moment, and tell you about the ultimate hot chocolate at ArtCliff. It is made with Mexican, cocoa bean chocolate and fresh, "whole" milk.  Topped off with the most decadent, homemade-tasting whipped cream and served in a fat, ivory mug with a chunky handle.  The feeling-chilly-day solution.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the place...forget about getting a table in summer...lines out the door, and long wait.  Now, is the perfect time to go.  The food is scrumptious...well-priced.  Frequent celeb hang-out...always seeing one or another there, trying to hide behind big Jackie-O glasses, or a knit hat and scruffy beard (Jake...).

Fall view of Edgartown Great Pond at the golden hour....so calming and postcard lovely.

Photos:  Burberry, Nordstrom, Yelp, and Pyden

Today at Morning Glory

Had to have a Friday soup & salad fix at the Farm, when the familiar aroma of days past caught me by surprise - Franklin Cider Mill - Michigan?  They were making homemade, spiced pumpkin donuts on the front porch...fresh apple cider inside.  Had to have...so goes the salad lunch, today...(but oh, so worth it!)

Inspi{red} for Fall

via house and life, things that inspire

Best Chicken Drumstick Recipe

I gave this a try for dinner tonight...unbelievably good...mouthwatering, just like the pics...

...added a dusting of garlic and onion powder to both sides along with a little paprika, in addition to what is called for.  I used Nature's Seasonings for the seasoning salt, and 3 cloves of fresh garlic instead of two. Cooking required was about 75 minutes at 425 degrees (thick drumsticks).

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Legs Recipe

Recipe from PizzAmore, Mount Dora, Florida

Serves 4

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (1/2 tsp table salt)
2 packages of chicken drumsticks (10) - rinsed and patted dry
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter)
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (like Lawry's)
1 cup blue cheese dressing
1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or to taste)

1. Preheat oven to 425F. In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, rosemary, cumin and salt. Lay the chicken in a baking pan and season the chicken drumsticks with this mixture. 
2. Bake the chicken legs for about 40 minutes, turning every 20. While the chicken is baking, mix together the oil, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese and seasoning salt.  Add this mixture to each drumstick, and continue cooking for another 20 minutes. (60 minutes total...or more, if really thick drumsticks).
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the blue cheese dressing with the mustard (this is your dipping sauce)
4. Serve with the blue cheese/mustard dressing.  

via Steamy Kitchen on TLC

Seaworthy Men of Fall

Men's Fashion via Toast.

Real Estate - Chilmark historical property built c.1748 - Holly Farm is the 69-acre former estate of legendary actor James Cagney, who acquired the property in 1936.  Thoughtfully restored with attention to historical craftsmenship.  Groomed pathways direct to stocked ponds and private, deeded access on Brick Kiln Beach. Tea Lane Associates.

Seaworthy Men of Fall - Pt. 2

Men's fashion via Toast.
Real Estate - Pilot Hill panoramic waterfront on 3.57 acres of Vineyard Haven paradise.  Adoring, manicured lawns and woods.  Waves lapping at your feet while you sip at your sunset Pinot. Sandpiper.