Thursday, December 29, 2011

Reflections on 2011 and a New Year's Eve Drink

New Year's Eve is soon upon us!

I have to say, 2011 has been a very good year in many ways, and blogging has had a lot to do with that.

Twenty-eleven was my first full year of blogging and through this medium I've gotten to know several wonderful, talented ladies in a relatively short amount of time.

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This blog started off on a whim in the fall of 2010 and it never entered my mind that I might make friends along the way. But trading emails and developing friendships with people like Ali, Cassie, Cindy, Dawn, Janet, Robin, Stacey, and others have made this hobby unbelievably fulfilling.      

This past year has also been an excessively creative time thanks to the plethora of online inspiration via blogs and Pinterest. I managed to paint more than 25 pieces of furniture in 2011--even though I didn't necessarily have time to document all of them here!

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Toss in the crafting, sewing, and making candles, and it's been wonderful to be able to be able to simply create, beautify my home, and learn new skills. 

This year was also one of great serendipity.  I have literally never won anything, but I was utterly thrilled to win a copy of Fifi O'Neill's Romantic Prairie Style in May through The Old Painted Cottage.  That led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of Fifi's next book (due out in Spring 2012) and have the house photographed by Mark Lohman for a future magazine article.

And since then, I've been further blessed to win The DIY Club's 31 Days of Paint Party, plus giveaways from Inspired by Charm, A Canadian Cottage, A Sort of Fairytale, and Twice Lovely. Still stunned by that run of luck... 

And the cherry on top to all this blogging wonderfulness?  YOU!

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I'm still mildly baffled that people want to read the long-winded drivel and so-so photos I post here, so the fact you regularly leave positive, encouraging, and thoughtful comments, well...I don't have the words to fully articulate how appreciative I am.  Thank you!

(Plus, it's nice to know that I'm not the only gal crazy for bunting, or that I am not alone in swooning over that perfect paint color, or that I have kindred spirits in the hunt for thrifty diamonds-in-the-rough!)

I've had some challenging times in the last few years, but I can say without a doubt, that I will remember 2011 with great fondness and that's due in no small part to blogging and the people who populate this blogging community.  

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After all that sappiness, is anybody ready for a drink? :)

For those you who like to ring in the year with a libation, I tried a tasty, simple drink last week courtesy of Nigella Lawson that I want to share.

If you've ever watched any of Nigella's cooking shows, you'll quickly notice she's a big proponent of prosecco, a fizzy white Italian wine, somewhat similar to champagne.

Now, I've never been a fan of champagne because it's usually so, so dry.  Then again, I've never had good quality champagne, so that may be part of the issue. :)  

However, to my unsophisticated palette, prosecco is much less dry than champagne and has more fruitiness to it. It's honestly like a nice sauvignon blanc with carbonation.

Last week, when in need of a cocktail for a holiday get-together, I decided to give a version of Nigella's "Filthy Fizz" a go.

This cocktail has exactly two ingredients:  prosecco and raspberry liquor.  Nigella's original "Filthy Fizz" uses Campari, but she also recommended the French raspberry liquor, Chambord, as a sweeter alternative. Knowing what tasty raspberry margaritas Chambord makes, I went with the latter.

Pay no mind to the fact that both bottles are half empty...

Simply splash some Chambord into the bottom of your glass...


Then top with the prosecco and watch it fizz!


Isn't that a gorgeous color?


Not only is Filthy Fizz a pretty drink, it's tasty. 

Imagine drinking a raspberry Italian soda...with a kick.  That's this cocktail.

Hope you all ring in the New Year safely and in good company. See you in 2012!

Erin

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like 2011 was a good year for you! Wishing you more goodness in 2012 ~ Happy New Year!

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  2. you say they are half empty but I say they are half FULL! OPTIMISM FTW! also, don't invite me over or they will be full empty.

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  3. Aww, I loved reading about your happy year and I loved even more seeing my name in your long list of friends! You are so awesome and I am thrilled to call you my blogging/real life friend. Cheers (ps, that drinks look SO yummy)!!

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  4. i also loved reading all about it and am SO glad that we are friends and kindred spirits in so much.... the blogging community is really a wonderful phenomenon and is such a fabulous outlet! i am so glad to know you, erin- you are a beautiful person inside and out!
    and that drink looks tasty- bottoms up! cheers to an even more amazing 2012!
    ps- like ali i was so honored my name was on your list. :)

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  5. cheers! Here's to your first year as a blogger :) Can't wait to toast you in person soon. Hugs!

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  6. Erin, I just adore you and your blog! I'm sp happy we were able to connect through blogging...you are such a creative, sweet, talented lady that I am so honored to call a friend. I'm so excited to see your home in Fifi's Romantic Prairie Cookbook! Wishing you all the best in 2012 and Happy Belated Birthday to your sweet Jacob :)

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  7. Hello,

    I am enjoying your posts. I am a new follower. Love the Chambord and Prosecco drink. We served this drink during the holidays and added frozen raspberries for fun!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Claudia

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  8. Congratulations on your full year of blogging and the fact that your home is going to be featured. That drink looks like something that I'd enjoy. Cheers!

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  9. Don't you just wish you could gather all of your favorite bloggers in one place (Cassie would be on my list too!) and have some Chambord and prosecco cocktails together? Think how much fun that would be!

    Gail

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