"Taste life and put some butter on it" – Well, this is something I most certainly did when my sister Leslie came to visit a couple weeks ago. I am still recovering and trying to lose that ‘lil extra pinch that I gained after our continuous indulgences during her stay.
It all started the night before. While anticipating her arrival, I whistled and sang all around the kitchen to "It's a Good Day" by Peggy Lee, while mixing batters for the most delightful homemade cookies. I must say that it was quite a performance as my socks mixed with the flour dust and I slipped up and down the kitchen floor.
It is such a joy to prep the house with positive energy, warmth and welcoming scents of cinnamon and spice with the added depth of chocolate and cherries to make it just right.
On the arrival menu for Sissy?
- Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Cookies w/Sour Cherries
- One tall glass of milk (or two or three - who's counting?)
There is nothing like putting a fresh set of sheets on the bed and then baking up a storm so when your head meets the pillow you can smell a hint of cookies as you dream. This is the experience I wanted to create. To turn our apartment into a bed and breakfast for this weary traveler…my sister.
This is her time just to be. Not a super-mommy of three, or an attentive wife, not a responsible daughter, a superb employee or a dedicated aunt…just Leslie herself, my sister the one I have known all of my life.
Aside from her nickname "Tweetie", the biggest thing my sister Leslie is known for is her sense of humor. She is undeniably funny and has been our entire life. No matter what the situation, she has always had the ability to get through it and somehow find some humor right smack dab in the middle of it.
We share so many memories:
With four girls in our family, our experiences stretch from her being the funny little sister to sharing in some bratty little scraps. From major hair pulling contests to spit fights (yes little girls do that too). Not to mention, the famous story I often hear her retell of the time she was thrown into the pricker bush just outside our house during her grade school years. There were slumber parties, “pal nights,” and talking about boys - some who came by and some we chased away!
And growing from young girls into women from grade school to college to sharing in her experiences of child birth, marriage, jobs, and loves. It is amazing to have a friend, as I do in all of my sisters. There is a unique bond that from the time you step out of the womb, you have a friend that knows absolutely everything about you and you about them.
Jeff always says that he can hear the core and essence of who I am as a person when I am on the phone with my sisters. He says that I laugh as hard as I want to and speak without any edits at all. He thinks that what we share in sisterhood is beautiful and unique.
As for Leslie's yearly visit, I look forward to this time every year – it always promises fun and laughter. I also look forward for this to be a time just for her to relax and take in all that New York City has to offer. And that she did!
One of our favorite days was in Central Park which included a fabulous brunch at the Boathouse. After that, we rented a rowboat and enjoyed the ride as people waved at us as we floated by.
(Note: If you get a chance to go to the Boathouse, ask for Clay who is the best waiter in NYC. Trust me, he is the best, hands down. He made the entire meal just by being who he is.)
We took a trip to the Museum of Natural History to see the live Butterfly Exhibit (pictures don't do the experience justice)
It just wouldn’t be complete without making a trip to Magnolia bakery!
Or brunch at Pappardella with french toast layered w/ Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar and nuts...
...or these ridiculous waffles with fresh berries and cream...
And we even had time for making my famous guacamole and fajita dinner in the kitchen with so many laughs while my sister took notes so she had “Butter's” secret recipe J
Celebrate life and let the ones you love know it every chance that you get. I love you Tweets!
And I love you all- thank you for reading and sharing :)
Love, Butter
