2011

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The year end always comes as such a shock to me. You would think after 23 years it wouldn't, but it still does. I just can't wrap my head around the idea that 2011 is over, but in the same thought, I am grateful. I am SO ready for 2012!

Looking back on the year, one of the things I am most grateful for is all of you. I have always done blogging "for me," but it is all of you who make it worthwhile. It's like thinking you find a dollar, but really its a hundred dollars (you know, you think your getting one thing, but really, you get a whole lot more...) I am grateful for all of you that read the blog, that follow, who comment, and who have even become friends! I really cannot put into words just how thankful I am for all of you. You really made 2011 great for me.

As we go into the new year, I wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy new year. May you all be safe, and surrounded by the ones you love, and may 2012 bring nothing but happiness to you.

I love you all,

Alyssa xo 

Merry Christmas

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! 
May you enjoy the time with your family and friends,
and remember the reason for the season. 
Happy Holidays everyone!!

Truffles

The amount of chocolate around right now is obscene.  Everything I have been baking in the last few days has called for some variety of chocolate: bittersweet, semisweet, unsweetened, the list goes on and on. The number one thing on my to make list for the holidays were some chocolate truffles. One thing I didn't know about truffles (like 85% of the things I set out to make), are how easy they are to make! They only require two ingredients: heavy cream and chocolate chips. That's. It.

I used a combination of recipes (this one, one from a Williams-Sonoma cookbook, and this YouTube vid) and my own little touches. For example, I added a pinch of salt to the chocolate as it was melting, (to enhance the chocolate flavor) and I made a batch of truffles with a very special ingredient: Kahlúa. Mind you, in the process of making the truffles, I can't remember which ones are made with the Kahlúa and which ones aren't. Whoops!  But at least its a pleasant surprise and not like a nail or something....)

Gaga's Workshop

Oh, Lady Gaga. Your antics and wardrobe choices often drive me insane, but nothing can deny the fact that you are incredibly talented, generous, funny, and creative. Since Barney's announced the collaboration with Lady Gaga, I just knew Gaga's Workshop would be the holiday attraction.

The workshop in Barney's was a very creative and elaborate space, filled with lots of Gaga-esque art pieces and (expensive, but for a good cause) merchandise. It was the windows however, that I completely loved; they were on a whole other level. The combination of art, music, and of course fashion, were done so well, and in true Gaga fashion, that no matter who passed by, fan or not, it was sure to bring on the "oohs and the ahhs."

Gaga's Crystal Cave

Gaga's Boudoir, made of real blond hair.

Gaga Machine