Christmas Day

After opening presents and a traditional Curtis breakfast of creamed mushrooms, we got under way to get Christmas lunch on the table. We were joined by Ruth and Sinclair, who came bearing more gifts - its never too much I tell you!!















We enjoyed David's specialty of bacon wrapped water chestnuts and Alex's smoked salmon and capers, on a cream cheese baguette.



















Gifts and mimosa's all round....















.....one big happy, and slightly extended family!















In all the preparation and festivities, we misplaced the camera!! Rest assured the table was "themed-out", too much wine was consumed and shenanigans took place, mostly by Ruth and I!

Merry Christmas to all, we hope you day was filled with love, loved ones and lots of gifts!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning is finally here! More presents than sense were under the tree.....















.....Turkish delight from Santa....



















....a wok for Alex.......are you trying to tell me something David?



















.....more treats for bubb.....















..............and mimosa's galore!!

Girls Day Out

Christmas Eve in the Curtis household means one thing : no girls allowed! It is a traditional that all the men head out to lunch and last minute shopping. You can imagine in previous years this has been a somewhat lonely day for David!

With the boys off our hands, Candy and I headed down to the Standard Grill for brunch and shopping.
















We completely over indulged in fresh cinnamon doughnuts, and other sugary over-fried delights!

Spice Market

Friday night we took Candy and Dana to one of our favorite "asian fusion" restaurants, Spice Market. I love the fresh, fragrant and spicy dishes they prepare, it reminds me of India and Thailand rolled into one.















We were stuffed with peeky-toe dumplings, satay sticks, coconut rice, sizzling steak and marinated snapper - yummmm!

Candy, Dana and Mary - oh my!

With Candy and Dana in town, it was a given we would get together with Mary. Mary's mother, Sally and Candy are good friends all the way to Houston, so there were lots of laughs and stories to be told. Now seeing Mary, David and I all live in the city the tradition continues!















We enjoyed a meal at Otto, and everyone seemed happy with the food and drink!

Candy & Dana in town

Last week Candy & Dana arrived in town for Christmas. We enjoyed walking around the city and taking in all the festive cheers, including the ice rink at Bryant Park.















Later, we put up all the Curtis Christmas Stocking's and it started feeling like Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree....

A few weeks ago we got our Christmas tree. It was quite the debacle, given the size of the tree and overly seasonal charge for delivery. Luckily, my hubby likes to save a buck and carried this one home on his back.....literally.

Mary XXX - Mas

Friday night we headed downtown to celebrate Mary's Birthday.

After the launch of her website, www.girlaroundtown.net she has been quite the party hopper. The celebrations for "Mary XXX-mas" usually run the entire weekend, but this year something more low key was in order.....at Chez Cunningham.

It was a very sophisticated soiree, complete with cocktails, canapes and conversation! I helped out in the kitchen, after donning the appropriate kitchen attire....















...... everyone enjoying the party.....















Happy Birthday Mary - mmmwah!

Tardy Turkey

Well it appears I have been quite tardy with the blog updates, but I have a good excuse...we have been in Turkey.

Without boring you all with the details - we spent the Thanksgiving break in Istanbul and enjoyed their fine city and sights. See below for some happy snaps - enjoy!

Inside the Blue Mosque



















On the Bosphorus















Spice Market















Mezze mezze mezze!















Topkapi Palace



















Nar = pomegranate



















The Turkish bath experience



















Blue Mosque - outside















more mezze!















Dolmabahce Palace



















The Hippodrome




















TURKEYS IN TURKEY!!