An Urban Cottage

Knock Wood

Authors: An Urban Cottage


Did you hear there's a flu epidemic? The Boston mayor has declared a public health emergency and the subway loudspeakers announce a computer-generated, almost post-apocalyptic message with a reminder we must wash our hands with soap and water.   Small talk has changed from the weather to questions about flu shots.
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Heaven Scent Gifts for Epiphany

Authors: An Urban Cottage


  
I've never been one to use home fragrances, scented candles, colognes or any kind of scented body products but after receiving a few gifts from Santa Maria Novella, I had an epiphany.
These products are in another league.


 via
The Shop at the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Founded in 1221, Franciscan
...

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Grapefruit Martini

Authors: An Urban Cottage


It's New Year's brunch at the Urban Cottage.  Come in and have a grapefruit martini.

Actually, calling this cocktail a grapefruit martini is a little unfair.
The addition of rosemary-infused simple syrup makes it much more special.
I actually call it the St. Stephen cocktail.  If you want to use your name
in
...

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Great Things at New Years

Authors: An Urban Cottage


First, I'd like to tell you about the Great Reads series hosted by Rambling Renovators.
Jen was kind enough to include me as one of her great reads along with
several other blogs that may be totally new to you.  Two rounds of "great reads"
are already posted and I should be showing up sometime today.

And if you don't
...

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Boston Solstice

Authors: An Urban Cottage

 
I prefer the long days of summer but at this time of year, I love the twinking holiday lights.  I thought it would be fun to give you quick tour Boston using the holiday lights as our guide.
 
I skipped work a little early and dashed over to Quincy Market just in time
to catch the cobalt blue sky of
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The Tree 2012

Authors: An Urban Cottage


The Christmas tree is up and decorated although it's hard to be joyful.

This tree was inspired by last year's tree in the dining room.  I wanted to see
if I could achieve a nature inspired tree that evoked the feeling
of a walk in the woods...well, a woods decorated for Christmas.

Let me show you some of the details.


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Peace on Earth?

Authors: An Urban Cottage


The tree is decorated but it seemed wrong to post photos without acknowledging
the lives lost in Connecticut yesterday.  Such a horrific act is unimaginable to me.
I spent last evening and this morning hypnotized and numbed by the unending coverage. 

I can turn it off.

My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies
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Tree Shopping and Decoration Preview

Authors: An Urban Cottage

Re-enactment photo.  It was REALLY pouring
On Saturday I went to the garden center to look at the wreaths and garlands and to pick out my tree.  It was pouring rain but I was well prepared with the proper shoes, coat and umbrella.
  
I walked around in the rain and examined every tree looking
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Christmas Tree Plans

Authors: An Urban Cottage

 
 
I've been getting thousands of e-mails--well, okay, hundreds
of e-mails--asking me what I'm doing for my tree this year.
 
I'm a little panicked that you all seem to be decorating
up a storm because I've done nothing.
 
Everything begins tomorrow.
 
I'm not sure what I'm doing but I
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Christmas Gifts from Nature

Authors: An Urban Cottage

I have a lot of people to buy holiday presents for that are really difficult.  My recent visit to my local flower shop, Bow Street Flowers, provided a lot of inspiration for quick and lovely holidays gifts straight from nature.

How about a laurel wreath that will last well beyond the holiday season?

Or a
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