Lust list: 12.07.09

Mussels from Le Fou Frog. Or, more aptly, Heaven in a Bowl.

Check out a new lust list, featuring my favorite Francophile retreat, a cocktail for a cause and a few sources for crafty, thoughtful Christmas gifts. My holiday shopping and socializing schedule is picking up at a rapid pace, so look for the lust list to be updated more often throughout the month of December.

The year in review: 2009

Well hello there! How was your Thanksgiving? Sick of leftovers yet? I’m not!

I’m back from a long holiday weekend with a favorite year-end tradition: the year in review meme. I borrowed the idea a couple of years ago from my talented fiance, and it’s become my most anticipated blogging tradition. Without further ado, I present 2009 in review. And if you decide to post your own version, let me know so I can stop by and check it out!

01. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Wrote a book

Visited Hilton Head, S.C. and Omaha, Neb.

Joined a book club

Several medical procedures: vision exam (including pupil dilation), MRI, spinal tap

Lived in a loft

Conquered my soda addiction

Learned the purl stitch (knitting)

Made genuine, authentic, Julia Child-inspired French onion soup

02. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more?

I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions last year except to stay on track with my writing career and better myself physically, emotionally and financially. More freelance clients and the near completion of my book have helped solidify my status as a writer, and I’m excited about further growth in 2010.

03. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Cherryh and David Butler are about to welcome Lincoln into the world, and Kinsey and her husband, Jeff, welcomed the beautiful Maren in late October.

04. Did anyone close to you die?

In terms of loss, 2009 was one of the more difficult in memory. On April 13, 2009, the incredibly brave and strong Greg Young succumbed to Hodgkins lymphoma. Greg’s brother, Andy, and sister-in-law, Jamie, are two close friends, and it was unimaginably difficult to watch the Young family and Greg’s friends attempt to absorb this gaping loss. Yet they’ve tirelessly worked to continue to raise money and awareness for leukemia and lymphoma research, and I consider the chance to help them in that campaign to be a precious gift.

Also this year, we said goodbye to my grandma, Rose Ryan, after a too-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Although she had been robbed of her memory for more than a decade, I thought of her often and hoped that somewhere, deep inside, she found some measure of comfort that allowed her to survive the debilitating disease. Her funeral was difficult and emotional, but I hope that she is finally at peace in her heaven, an exact replica of her beloved Red Lodge, Montana.

Rob’s family lost Lorene Schamberger, his grandma on his dad’s side. My greatest regret is that I did not spend much time with this amazing woman who welcomed me not only into the family, but into her home when we visited western Kansas. Her rapid passing was devastating to her family and friends, and I miss her Christmas letter that detailed family events and milestones.

05. What countries did you visit?

USA. Can’t wait to answer this next year!

06. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

A new last name.

A published book.

Significant savings.

More shelving and storage space, including a kitchen island.

A story published in a national magazine.

07. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

February 12, 2009, was the day I received notification that my book proposal had been accepted and I would be sent a contract to write a local travel guide set to be published in spring 2010.

08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Securing the book deal and finishing the book. Toward the end of the manuscript completion, my stepmom asked me if I’d do it again knowing all the work and dedication that goes into a project of that size. My answer? In a second. It’s been my dream to be a published author, and to be able to also intertwine my love of Kansas City is an incredible opportunity.

09. What was your biggest failure?

No failures, just room for growth. I’m still a horrible procrastinator, but I’m working on it. Slowly. Realllly slowly.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had quite a health scare in August 2009 when I was diagnosed with “pseudotumor cerebri,” a condition in which tumor-like symptoms cause excess cerebral fluid to press on the brain, resulting in optic nerve swelling and, in my case, horrendous headaches. Left untreated, the condition causes blindness, so I was lucky to be diagnosed early and am responding well to medication and other treatment that is expected to cure the disease. Having to undergo testing including an MRI and spinal tap to rule out a spinal fluid infection and brain tumor were beyond frightening, but the experience put a lot of things in perspective and I was again reminded that I’m surrounded by amazing family and friends who will be by my side in good and bad.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Our loft (even though it’s rented) and my iPhone. I can’t live without it!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The aforementioned family and friends, who made several difficult moments this last year exponentially easier to process. I’d be remiss, however, not to give a special shout-out to the always amazing Rob, who was not only by my side during the year’s more serious moments but was also a motivating force during my largely increased workload. There’s not much I could accomplish without him.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Humanity in general makes me weep. Crime, hatred, ignorance, intolerance—what a better world we’ve have without these plagues.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Rent.
Books + magazines.

Food.

Cosmetics.

Craft supplies (namely yarn, knitting needles and class fees.)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Writing a book and gaining some new freelance clients that have helped push my writing in a new direction. Also, in late October, it hit me that wedding planning is now a priority, and I’m so excited to plan a heartfelt, memorable ceremony and reception with my husband-to-be.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Ohhhh lord. I hate this question. “Fireflies” by Owl City immediately comes to mind, because it’s one of my favorites, as is “Relator” by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson. I was also thrilled that the Backstreet Boys released another studio album, and although I loved the first single, my favorite on the CD is “Undone” (track 11).

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder?

Happier.

ii. thinner or fatter?

Slightly thinner.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercising. Knitting. Volunteering. Saving money.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Grieving.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

With lots of family and good food. What better way to spend it?

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

I fall a little more in love with Rob every day.

22. How many one-night stands?

None.

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Mad Men, Biggest Loser, Intervention, Hoarders, Check Please! Kansas City

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I have some changed opinions of people, but I try not to hate. I am, however, a champion grudge-holder.

26. What was the best book you read?

SERIOUSLY? Just one book? Sheesh.

“In The Woods” by Tana French was superb. I’ve recommended that and her follow-up, “The Likeness,” to several people. The mix of suspense, carefully thought-out characterization and fast-moving plot make for an absorbing read. I look forward to her future works.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I rediscovered a love of Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Doobie Brothers and broadened my musical spectrum to include Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson and Regina Spektor.

28. What did you want and get?

Want: A book deal.
Get: A book deal.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

I wish I could say “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” but I was sorely disappointed. So instead, I’ll opt for “Where The Wild Things Are.”

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

27. Had dinner with Rob and his mom, Dee, and stepdad, Roger. My birthday party was a low-key gathering at Firefly, as I had just started treatment for the pseudotumor cerebri and couldn’t get too crazy.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More weight loss. It’s an uphill battle I’ve experienced for years, but I’ve made progress toward the end of the year that’s proved to be incredibly motivating.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Classic with trendy accents.

33. What kept you sane?

Rob.

The cats.

Cocktails.

Shopping trips with Dana.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Jon Hamm. Rowr.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Local politics in Kansas City. Several wrong-headed moves have resulted in a personal loss of faith in the system, and I hope 2010 brings a new perspective and some civic improvement.

36. Who did you miss?

Grandma Ryan, parents, brother + sister-in-law, Naina, Len, Nikki

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Ashley Marsh. She is bubbly, talented and exudes an incredible warmth that puts you immediately at ease. I’ve loved working with her and having her as a neighbor, gym buddy and newest book club member!

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

So much of life is spent dwelling over petty issues, disagreements and concerns, yet when those sorts of irritations disappear, you’re left with what’s important: family, friends and the individual impact you’ve had on the world. None of us are guaranteed a certain amount of time on Earth, so what matters is fully living in each moment and taking the time every day to dwell on what’s really important. Things can change in an instant, and it’s so much more rewarding to look back on a life of accomplishments rather than a life filled with the bitterness of regret.

Kate Spade’s subtle KC shout-out

As a certified shopaholic, I’m doing my best to ignore the discount-laden e-mails that are pouring into my inbox in preparation for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Yet when “kate spade” pops up in my inbox, I can’t say no, and it’s a good thing I clicked!

Image courtesy of Kate Spade promotional e-mail

Is it just me, or is Kate dispersing a bit of Kansas City love? Check out the address on the Christmas card. It’s incomplete, but one could guess it’s KC-bound, headed to the handbag maven’s hometown. A Merry Christmas to you, Kate. I’ll continue to wish for the ultimate gift–a dedicated Kate Spade boutique. Santa, are you listening?

A stream of consciousness (and personal milestone)

My mobile office during a book research trip to Omaha.

On my life’s agenda, today is vigorously circled (in colored ink, natch) and adorned with a few stars, maybe even a sunburst.

Today is the day my baby book goes into production, drawing ever nearer to the spring 2010 release date.

Squeeeeee!!

Yet my excitement isn’t without a fair share of anxiety, too. If you could look into my brain right now, it would go something like this: ohmygodIcan’tbelievemybookisinproduction. I worked so hard and I hope everyone loves it but what if they hate it and what if it doesn’t sell and what if I should have included ONE more restaurant or ONE more bar or ONE more shop or maybe a little more local history but it’s 200+ glorious pages about Kansas City and I’ve always DREAMED of writing a book And it’s in production! A book! MY book! And I love Kansas City so much and want everyone to come here and see what I see and fall in love with the city just like I did. But what if . . . what if . . . What. If.

Weekend recap

Happy snowy Monday, dears!

Yep, it’s true — the white stuff is invading the metro today. Huge fluffy flakes are falling outside my office in Leavenworth – gorgeous! Hard to believe it was in the 70s on Friday, which made for a balmy evening spent with friends on Shark Bar’s patio. I was on the lookout for protestors, but apparently I was a bit early–like, 12+ hours early.

Saturday and Sunday? Not much to report–reading, lounging and a stop at one of my favorite City Market restaurants. It’s always nice to have some downtime, especially before a crazy week! Deadlines are pushed up because of Thanksgiving, and I’m preparing for my mom’s arrival and subsequent trip to mid-Missouri for Turkey Day festivities. Unfortunately, that means I’ll miss our local SNL star’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony appearance, but family calls!

Enjoy today’s winter weather and be safe!

 

The art of collaboration

BCBG boots are displayed at Urban Dwellings Design as part of a new cross-promotion. Photo courtesy of Urban Dwellings Design.

It’s taken me far too long to catch on to a brilliant partnership between my favorite local shoe boutique and a modern home interior shop (as well as a Delaware Street neighbor!) The ingenious cross-promotion involves select displays of inventory designed not only to showcase of-the-moment products, but also increase in-store traffic and raise awareness about the benefits of shopping locally.

Hold the barbecue, bring on the art!

Kansas City skyline from the Crossroads District. Photo courtesy of the New York Post.

Throughout the year, the New York Post has regularly posted articles, galleries and city guides that add up to one monumental story: a travel guide through each of the 50 states.

And now it’s Missouri’s turn, and that means Kansas City steps into the spotlight. Sure, the story includes obligatory mentions of the city’s barbecue and jazz cultures, but an overwhelming portion of the story centers on the local arts scene, a creative mix that fills a wide-ranging spectrum from independent galleries to world-renowned museums like the Nelson-Atkins, Kemper and Nerman.

If you’re inspired to spend the rest of the week enmeshed in Kansas City’s arts community, use this daily blog as a guide for navigating upcoming art openings and exhibits authored by the tireless Steve Brisendine, a writer/journalist/painter/curator who has become a veritable fixture of the local arts scene.

The place to be next summer . . .

Kelly's Westport Inn

I love Twitter. A lot.

Fellow Kansas Citian @The_D_Rules revealed an exciting addition to Kelly’s Westport Inn: a rooftop deck, tentatively scheduled for a spring completion.

I can’t wait to enjoy a Jell-O shot under the stars – nobody does ‘em like Kelly’s!

New feature: Lust list

"Caryn" by Corso Como. Image courtesy of Habitat Shoe Boutique

What better way to chase away the Monday blues than to brainstorm lists of what I’m loving in Kansas City? Check out the newly unveiled Lust List sidebar to find out what I’m craving, sipping and coveting. I’ll change it up every couple of weeks–after all, a girl on the go has to stay on the cutting edge! Enjoy, and chime in with your own picks — I love recommendations and more excuses to get out on the town!

Note: If you subscribe to the blog through a reader, you’ll have to visit my homepage to see the sidebar.

Dining al fresco in Kansas City

Happy weekend, Kansas City!

Having successfully uploaded my book manuscript and accompanying visuals, I find myself back and ready to blog with a vengeance! I had toyed with an idea of compiling a quick list of best patio drinks/dining in KC, but then fall appeared and I resigned myself to wait until the city had shaken off its sleepy cocoon of cold.

Yet a brief spring has made its triumphant return, so in honor of this weekend’s amazing weather, here are a few of my favorite spots to drink and dine outdoors. Feel free to add your favorites to the list!

>Cafe Trio, 4558 Main St. It’s hard for me to confess I haven’t yet been to the new Cafe Trio, but I’ve heard nothing but enthusiastic reviews about the restaurant and lounge’s spacious new digs. The patio provides a breathtaking view of the Plaza, especially dramatic at night, and heated lamps help ward off the after-dark chill that comes so early this time of year.

>Classic Cup, 301 W. 47th St. I’ve recommended Classic Cup so many times that it’s become one of my Kansas City staples, a bistro-like setting with one of the best patios in the city–and a grilled chicken pita sandwich for which I’d walk through fire. Enjoy a glass of wine while partaking in one of my favorite pastimes: people-watching.

>Aixois, 301 E. 55th St. For a Francophile like me, Aixois is about the closest you can get to France while still in Kansas City. The large patio that offers views of scenic Brookside Boulevard is a true al fresco delight, whether you’re enjoying a full French meal or are simply stopping by for a cafe au lait.

>O’Dowd’s Little Dublin, 4742 Pennsylvania Ave. Grab your cocktail of choice and head straight to O’Dowd’s rooftop, a sizable patio perched high enough above the Plaza to warrant several Facebook-worthy photo opportunities. Heated lamps make the patio a drinking destination year-round, and it’s worth a stop at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve when you (and dozens of fellow revelers) can toast the New Year in Dublin with complimentary champagne. Slainte!

>The Well, 7421 Broadway. Waldo’s newest bar and restaurant already has the city abuzz thanks to a large rooftop patio that not only boasts ample seating (ladies, don’t be afraid to break out the stilettos) but also great views of the surrounding neighborhood and drink specials that make a night out a little easier on the bank account.