Warmest Holiday Wishes.

We both wish your Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

Waiting for Christmas at the Rockefeller Center-

It was very touching to see this dreamy tree in person even though we were packed in a big crowded group of people.

I think the best thing about living in New York is that there are countless things to do. Nothing is boring when I walk around any of the neighborhoods. These kind of activities and energy make me feel alive. And, I can be a traveler anytime I want like other tourists from all over the world. I am very excited to go many places with my cousin who will visit us in the middle of this month. It will be fun to follow the traveler's path with my camera in this fantastic city!

My first official Thanksgiving turkey was successful. I can be more confident to handle the turkey next year. :) Unfortunately, I couldn't take any pictures of my turkey, sad... It was very hectic to cook and prepare dishes before our guest came. Honestly, I feel like I need one more oven for Thanksgiving. haha~ Anyhow, it was a super fun dinner! :)

Some pages from my first book, My Sweet Box- :)

I received some copies of my book yesterday. It isn't being sold yet, but it will be in the bookstore very soon!

Unfortunately, I was completely disappointed by the printing quality of my book. Especially, most important part, the cover has much more cyan color than I assumed. The color of photos on the cover doesn't even match the tone of the same photos inside book. whoa... Anyway, everything is printed and I can't help anything about this. I wish I could've been there during the printing process to control the color.

I hope that they will sell a lot, so it can be printed once more with better color quality. The real game is going to start soon, I can't even imagine though. :)

Upside-Down Caramel Apple Muffins,

adapted from Melissa Clark's recipe in the NY Times.

Part of the New York City Marathon route was in our neighborhood. Mike and I went to cheer the runners on at the Lafayette Avenue as they ran by us. I was very thrilled whole time being there. Everyone passionately cheered on runners while they were passing through. All the people whether they participated in the marathon or not were happy with big smiling faces. It was a big festive atmosphere. I am already looking forward to seeing the 2011 New York City Marathon!

Mike took pictures of me for the author's introduction page of my book. I was supposed to finish this photo shoot much earlier, but I kept postponing it again and again. I've only done this before when my picture published in my graduation book. hah! I was embarrassed about putting my photo in my book and on the front flap. Anyway, I needed to do this. Mike helped me a lot as always. I selected two versions of the photos, and my publisher picked the second one. Actually, Mike likes the second one too. Same taste... :)

I finally sent all the files to the printing house two days ago. I was relieved at that moment when I pushed the "send" button to them. But, the next day I felt a bit empty. I even can't remember how I wrote and baked 98 recipes in such a short time. It is insane!

Anyway, situation is like this now. One piece of good news is that my next project is already lined up, so I can start now. This new project will fill me up with excited energy. By the way, I bought a 2011 moleskin diary and started writing today because I needed a physical change. :)

My friend had a good chance to promote his toys at the New York Comic Con show two weeks ago. He also exhibited a small collaborative work with our mutual friend, Joohyun. Mike and I visited him to celebrate his show in New York. It was very fun to meet him, and I enjoyed chatting in Korean here, not in Seoul. Who will be the next one to meet me here? :)

It will be the last chance to eat ice cream outside, soon. The weather has been getting cooler since it rained very heavily last night. I have been obsessed with homemade vanilla milkshakes this summer. I usually mix 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream with 2/3 cup of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. When I make it, I like to use soft textured vanilla ice cream which has vanilla seeds, not so thick a texture as Häagen-Dazs. It is very easy to make and so yummy. Most of all, it is not too sweet like McDonald's vanilla milkshake!

Happy birthday to my generous husband.

He doesn't like getting one year older, but I quite like his age.

I like his various experiences and his broader view of the world based on his age.

Marrying you is the one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

I love you more and more everyday, hon. :)

I got these from our neighborhood stoop sale. I haven't found these types of cook brochures since I started antiquing. So I was so excited as soon as Mike pointed out these on the street! This Betty Crocker's brochure has a 31 day baking plan in December with dessert recipes to celebrate the big day, Christmas. Just looking through all these recipes and cute illustrations makes me feel coooooozy. My heart is already going pitter-patter waiting for Christmas.

Living in Brooklyn has been pretty nice so far. I am content with this inspirational "neighborhood-y" atmosphere, as our neighbors said. Many big and small events happen everywhere this lovely season. I don't want to let this Brooklyn's Fall go by... :)

Sneak peak----

Some of the unused pictures for my FIRST book.

I am excited to publish my book soon, on the other hand, I am nervous... This is sort of a mixed feeling. hooa~

Our new house in Brooklyn. Every part of the house seems different depending on the light. I love this old atmosphere even though Mike has a lot of things to fix. He has been doing lots of work for me since I am not used to living in an old house. I am just carrying a spray bottle to kill any bugs. I feel bad for him, anyway, he is the sweetest husband ever! :)

It has been hectic since Heejin went back to San Diego. I visited New York to find our new place, back to Chicago, packed everything and moved to New York. It all happened so fast. Once we found our place in Brooklyn, I wanted to move as soon as possible to be with Mike. Now, I even can't believe how I did everything alone. I made a joke with Mike that he makes me stronger with this adventure.

In the middle of all this, it was my birthday. I didn't have a big birthday party like I always did with my family and friends each year. But I had a magical time with Jenny and Nadia bear. They made my birthday bright. I had one cute red velvet cupcake with my secret wish and we had delicious gourmet French dinner. And Nadia gave me deep kiss! (Thanks Jenny, I can't imagine how I could have gone through all this without you. Chicago gave me a present, you became my life-long friend...)

Many things went on this month. I couldn't concentrate on posting something for our blog. We finally got our stuff, I am so excited this house will look like our space soon. Most of all, I finally feel like we can settle down after our long journey.

How great the summer is in Chicago. I have been enjoying things which happen around the city, in particular the concerts in Millennium Park. My friend, Jin who visited me from San Diego all of last week, and I sat on the grass listening beautiful classical music every other day. The sound was so awesome I can't describe it with any words! We couldn't believe how the sound was so deep and full outside. By the way, every concert was FREE. I wish Mike could been here to enjoy all of this with me.

random pictures at the Randolph St. Market Festival-

I am in love with all of these old stuff...