Another Chosen Day

I've mentioned Chosen Day in the past, created by John's family to celebrate his arrival from Korea in February 1985. I look forward to it every year. It's a day to honor John and what a gift he's been to all of us.

We often marvel at the twists and turns that brought us together, and there were many. John went from Korea to Atlanta to Nashville to New Haven to Oklahoma, where I was waiting to meet him. Meanwhile, I started in Aiken and went to Spartanburg which took me to Pennsylvania and Baltimore and Oklahoma. And there he was.

Music was a key player. After John got to Atlanta, it dictated both of the paths described above. At any point, one of us could have made a tiny decision that would've prevented our lives from intersecting. John almost won two big gigs that at the time, seemed like his dream, but they would have kept him from Oklahoma and in the end, our marriage. His career would look different right now, but isn't that funny? The thing that looked devastating at the time now looks serendipitous.

We're so thankful for the moments - even the bad ones - that brought us this partnership.

Happy Chosen Day, John.

Maxwell-Concklin Christmas IV

Hello and Happy New Year! I can't believe it's come and gone. I hope you had a beautiful holiday season.

Flee to the Cleve has been quieter than ever these past few months, thanks to my two jobs. I've been burning the midnight oil in many ways, but things are shifting. More on that soon.

In the name of tradition, I have to pay homage to one of our favorite days, Private Christmas. We did it again this year and loved every second. True to form, we took a night before family holiday travels to shut everything else out, cook a great meal together, and exchange gifts.

We had less time to prepare this year, having both been stretched pretty thin recently, but that made it all the more lovely to take a night out to celebrate together.

After that, we made whirlwind trips to Atlanta and Aiken before returning to Greenville to see some of our closest friends. And now, suddenly, it's a brand new year.

Here's to success, happiness, and growth in 2014.

Red Balloons and Michelle Obama's Style

Going back to work after a holiday weekend makes me daydream about being this guy, what about you?

In other news, I'm struck by our graceful and beautiful first lady. Yesterday's symbolic choices in attire were sophisticated and reflected the mood of this entry into Obama's second term, demonstrating that style has a depth that is ignored by many. Behind the scenes, she took iPhone photos with her daughters and supported her husband and her country, as lovely and genuine as always.

And if you haven't heard the President's introduction of her at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, you should listen. So sweet.

Still from the Red Balloon (1956, Albert Lamorisse)

Three Day Weekend

Three day weekends are, truly, a gift. You have one point five days to do errands and exercising and one point five days to do absolutely nothing. What a dream!

I've continued on my Smitten Kitchen binge and this weekend and made the Maple Walnut Granola, Spiced Turkey Meatballs over Smashed Chickpea Salad, and Potato Latkes (all in the book). It's amazing what one great new find can do for kitchen inspiration. Though I usually enjoy it, I had gotten sort of bored with cooking in the fall - but now I'm a machine.

We're going to the movies today and (maybe) to yoga. I hope you all enjoy your holiday!

xo.

photo via

Maxwell-Concklin Christmas III

I feel so lucky to say that this is my third Christmas with John. In a way, it's our fourth together, because he was the first person I heard from, via text message, on Christmas morning 2009. That was before our first date, and I remember being really excited it. :) 

I've told you about our tradition of having a private celebration before we leave town to be with family, which is one of the best ideas we've ever had. The photo above is a card John gave me, which was perfect. I was in tears before the first gift was opened. He's also gotten especially good at making our favorite drink, pictured below. 

We had said cocktails, let Herbie annihilate his stocking, and baked a wheel of Camembert with sun-dried tomatoes. We exchanged gifts before cooking Halibut in a Shallot Caper Vinaigrette and opening the wine. It was romantic and wonderful, and I already can't wait until next year. 

I'll be taking a few days off this week to be with family and friends, but meanwhile, we wish you a beautiful, cozy Christmas with the people you love most!

xo,

Lauren

Maxwell-Concklin Christmas I, and II.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

And in case you missed it, thoughts on blogging and five great holiday links. 

(More) Little Holiday Moments and Tips

Part of me doesn't want this week to end, because once Christmas arrives, everything is gone in a flash. The little moments are what I'll miss. Herbie's obsession with his stocking, our tradition of baking together, and these secret chocolate chip cookies. I suppose the challenge will be to make little moments in the plain old normal, busy days that don't feel so magical. These two certainly make that easier.

Some holiday things:

We're having this baked Camembert tonight as part of our (private) Christmas Dinner.

I made these Apple Cider Caramels via Smitten Kitchen, and they're amazing. 

For your after dinner drink, a Cardamom Fashioned.

The best place to order beautifully designed gifts using wedding photos, Pinhole Press.

A beautiful piece about joy by Zadie Smith. 

How to Make Hot Mulled Cider

If you're anything like me, this illustration from Lisa Congdon captures everything you're feeling this week leading up to Christmas. I feel like I've been waiting ages for Private Christmas, which is finally here (tomorrow). We can't wait. We're also excited about the Bubblies and Big Reds Tasting at The Community Tap tonight. On Friday, it's off to Atlanta to begin family celebrations. Are you celebrating this week, or do you save it for the 25th?

Cheers!

Holiday Inspiration: We Took to the Woods

In the spirit of little holiday moments, I have to tell you about my recent trip to We Took to the Woods. You may have seen them on the Garden and Gun Blog last month. These photos were taken by the owner's daughter (see the rest here), and they capture a bit of the ambience, but really, you have to visit. Upon arrival, you see rows of fresh wreaths on wooden benches in front of the shop. The one pictured above was my favorite.

Entering invites delightful woodsy smells to overtake you, and suddenly you're enticed by candlelight to stay a while, have some cider, never leave. There are plaid blankets and wall hangings, antique ornaments and Mast Brothers Chocolates. There are beautiful antique decanters and carefully selected letterpress stationery. The owners are there, and they want to talk to you, get to know you, adding to the already palpable sense of warmth. 

Little Holiday Moments

A few happy little holiday moments from our house, including our favorite holiday tradition.

And a few from around the web:

A beautiful long, elegant wreath to make on Style Me Pretty.

A cheeky gift guide for art lovers from 20x200.

A warm, cozy Christmas at We Took to the Woods. (right here in Greenville)

A gift guide for the bookish from even cleveland.

Enjoy! xo.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Last night John and I drank Old Fashioneds made with this,

What is Marriage: Holiday Traditions

What would marriage be without two different families to negotiate around the holidays? John and I got lucky; our parents live only three hours apart, so we're able to see them both over Christmas. Typically we spend Christmas Eve in Atlanta with his mom and Christmas Day in Aiken with my family. Although it was exciting to share each other's family holiday traditions after we met, it's been just as lovely to develop our own.

Happy Holiday Weekend

"Thank You" by Trey Speegle at 20x200.com

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Hope yours was, too! Today is for family, yoga, rest, and movies. Here are some photos from our holiday.

And from Tuesday, when Herbie and I collapsed at 9:30 pm after the start of our holiday. It's been a busy fall.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

xo,

Lauren

Right in the Heart

                               Dear Lovely Friends,

May your Valentine's Day be happy and bright.

xo,

                   Lauren

audrey via Vintage Vogue

A Day for John

Yesterday was Chosen Day, a holiday created by John's family to celebrate his arrival from Korea. I feel very lucky that I've become part of his family and their sweet day, and it's a chance to reflect on the unlikely paths that brought us together.

I also love another excuse to have dinner together, so this year the theme was Southern food that won't kill you.  He says it's "better than Chick-fil-a," which really means something coming from a Georgia native. I get really excited by reasons to give him presents, too.

xo

Lauren

Merry Christmas!

Maxwell-Concklin Christmas II

John and I decided to make our Dec. 21 Christmas celebration an annual event. We get to make a fancy dinner and exchange gifts four days early! It also allows us to create our own family traditions but reserve the big day for our parents. 

This year, we had a wonderful time with our favorite bubbly and a Stuffed Pork Loin, Roasted Root Vegetables, Green Beans in Shallot Vinaigrette, and Butternut Squash Bread Pudding. Bread Pudding is so fun to make, and this one in particular combines sweet and savory in a really good way. It was a total hit.  

Herbie got a new bouncy ball, a bone, and Blueberry treats. :)

We hope you all have a beautiful holiday weekend with the people you love most. 

Cheers!

         Lauren

 p.s. My two handsome men -

Breaking Bad in my kitchen.

John and I love Holiday Projects.This year, it's homemade Pomegranate Jelly inspired by Aarean at The Color Issue. While I was figuring out Pectin and Calcium, I felt like my Dad the Chemist would be proud...along with Walter White.

As it turns out, making jelly is way more fun and less intimidating than you might think - and a nice little hostess gift to have on hand for holiday parties. The festive color doesn't hurt. :)

Just a Delight

Forget red and green; yellow is my favorite. This is so happy. 

From the lovely Sarah at Note to Self. 

Currently: Charlie Brown Christmas

John and I have been lamenting the face that our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree somehow got left behind in Atlanta. Today after work, he surprised me with a tall, thin tree with sparkly lights to make up for it. It's so pretty! We're ready for December. :-)

I love gift-giving. 

I want to make popcorn garlands for our tree. 

Mulled wine would be really nice right now.

xo,

Lauren