Friday, December 31, 2010

Girls Who Wear Glasses: A Tribute to Bookworms

We show off our books like merit badges because we are proud of the ideas we have ingested and as we should be, to display what has inspired us.

I must admit it has been a while since I have had the time to pick up a good book and simply READ! Thankfully, I've been handballed a paperback that I cannot put down.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer is the type of fiction that pulls you into the world of its pages from the very first. Spontaneous laughter and empathetic sighs you will experience in an almost circular motion as the heart-rending story of a little boy coping with 'heavy boots' will have you
fighting back the tears - happy and sad.

I beg you bookworms... please add Safran Foer to your bookshelves, he will bring joy to your collection and if you are yet to start one, be the perfect welcome to The Girls Who Wear Glasses Club!
Happy Reading
xx

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

637 Heaven Sangria!


There's nothing worse than bad sangria. By all means if you have a lot of different alcohols near the bottom of the bottle and want to make a punch - go crazy, but don't call it sangria!

If your anything like the friends I share a humble home with at number 637 you will very much appreciate this recipe. Tried and tested many a time, it's a must-have for any girl about to embark on her own life journey - a favourite!

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 litre of sherry
1 litre of brandy
1 stick of cinnamon
1 bag of oranges
1 bag of apples
4 litres of red wine(shiraz seems to do the trick)
2 litres of lemonade
2 litres of fanta

Method

1. In a large saucepan, heat the sugar with the sherry,brandy and cinnamon stick over medium heat, stirring constantly and being careful not to boil. As soon as sugar has dissolved and mixture is syrupy, remove from heat and leave to cool.

2. Slice fruit, before adding to the cooled mixture.

3. Pour into a large bowl and add the red wine, lemonade and fanta. Give it a good stir.

4. Taste - to see if it needs adjustments before serving.

Once you have mastered the heavenly sangria, ladle some fruit into each glass and master the toast: salut, amor y pesetas (health, love and wealth).

I do believe in Christmas... I zoo, I zoo!





My very first Christmas away from home was spent picnicking with lions and tigers and bears, OH MY... as well as a lovely group of girlies - some of whom were also marking a "first" on their calender(Bianca and Lisa). The day was rather festive and very much fun. I think bagels and baby elephants will become a part of my annual Santa soiree, just like the sharing of champs, a bad bon-bon joke giggle and an appreciation for those we love! I'm positive it will be a Happy Zoo Year!!