It is the year of the Cool Auntie. A time to celebrate the childless cat ladies who show up to Easter brunch with a collection of wild tales and a passport that gets more action than Henry VIII had wives. The Cool Auntie is a vibe. She is a lifestyle. An essence. And not everyone appreciates her. Not everyone appreciates me. I have an out-of-the-box kind of lifestyle. I am a childless cat lady. The Cool Auntie to my friend’s kids and my nephew. The black sheep of the extended family who is talked about and most likely judged a little bit and definitely not at all understood. And to be honest, I do not always understand my life myself. It is not exactly what I imagined it to be and yet, upon reflection, I think I have always marched to the beat of an unexpected drum. I have chosen the artist's path, one that has not always been easy, but one that has been filled with exceptional stories and a lifetime of memories. I am not always sure of the life I lead. I have doubts. I have had dreams of a family life, oftentimes I still do. Planning kids birthday parties and holiday traditions, visions of family life, it all swims around in my mind from time-to-time. But ultimately, the universe had other ideas, other plans.

I love turning something as simple as homemade pasta into a fabulous little festive season tradition for myself. Uncomplicated perfection… Proof that even the simplest of things can have the biggest, most special influence.

An afternoon tea. A simple and charming way to celebrate with loved ones for the holidays. Without the fuss of a formal table or extensive menu, this take on a Christmas celebration is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of it all.

A night fit for Mamie Fish and the legendary 400 of New York’s Gilded Age. This feast with its perfectly roasted prime rib, towers of brussels sprouts and a sparkling croquembouche, rivals the lore of Thanksgiving at the distinguished Delmonico's.

An inspired evening in the woods. Bring a bit of whimsy and wonder to your Thanksgiving feast with a table set in the forest and a scene just waiting for little woodland guests to pop by. Let your imagination take over this holiday season… Who says your traditions have to be traditional?

Move over pumpkin pie, this festive tart is the unexpected and refreshing holiday dessert that we all have been craving. Not too sweet, easy to assemble and a stunning addition to the table, everything that a holiday dessert should be.

The art of staying in.

‘Tis the season of hosting and merriment and sweet sugar plum memories.

I live for the little traditions.