Weekend Style: Holiday Version

This weekend was full. Very full, and I have the bags under my eyes to prove it. But we had a wonderful time, and spent time all together. Which is the Most Important Thing. Ever.

Clockwise, from top left:

Bark has become my go-to hostess (and teacher) gift. For a host(ess), "upgrade" by buying a pretty box and putting the crumbly, ridiculsouly easy homemade treat inside. For teachers, buy a simple white candy gift box at a craft or container store, then have your Beans decorate it themselves.

Danny Kaye (aka Bean No.2) had his stage debut Friday at his preschool Christmas pageant. He refused to wear his tinsel halo, but otherwise was obviously the star of the show.

While waiting for Santa to return from his lunch break so we could get our now-annual Santa Visit Picture, H and I gave in to Build-a-Bear. So meet Ken and Sally, all cozy in their boxes. Not kidding. That's Ken, not Rudolph.

We averted disaster with a playground stop on the way home from The Mall, and H averted a mama disaster by making a Frosting Bakeshop run and bringing a Viennese coffee to me.

Saturday night we got All Dolled Up in sequins and patent, complete with Red Lips. Well, I did, anyway. I don't think H wore any sequins.

Our first hosts served what might be my new favorite, Artillery Punch, which packs one, plus it has a storied history. Not a punch to be taken lightly.

Sunday brought foggy-headed (from sleep deprivation, not hangover) parents and energetic Beans, so we rolled into weekend wear for an early brunch at Open City.

Ken at brunch. You can now follow Ken on Instagram with the #KenofInstagram hashtag.

After all of the brunch frivolity, I had to head into the office and finish up a major deliverable. Just one more down between me and Real Christmas Time. Almost there.

Celebrate in Style: Happy Birthday, H

I've said it before. I'll say it again.

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

So I took this weekend to show H how much he's loved.

We jumped into Papa's arms

I learned to use chopsticks

I slurped dashi like it was goin' outta style

We stopped for dessert

The next day, mama and the girls went to ballet, Target, the grocery store, the cupcake place, and the beer store. We were tired.

But then, we surprised Papa with birthday cake, beer, and squirt guns at the playground

After that, the grownups got all dressed up and went out for a fancy dinner (while we stayed home, watched "Poppins," and had pizza)

Where 11 friends feasted, toasted, and laughed

Because there are few better ways to celebrate

A man who is loved

A very special thanks to the friends who came from near and far to surprise H. From ringing our doorbell right after we turned out our lights to dodging the raindrops on the playground to dining and brunching, thank you for everything you've been to H.

And, because sometimes a girl needs a little stylish, tasty help, hats off to the bakers, hosts, managers, chefs, and waitstaff who graciously and kindly made our weekend that. much. better.

Kaz Sushi - for not batting an eyelash at 2 active young children, and offering their own toys when we had tears. For the patience you showed and the delightful tastes your artistry allowed them to try.

Frosting - because, hands down, you have the best cupcakes in the city. And because you make them in small sizes and in flavors that can't be matched.

Brasserie Beck - for masterfully steering us through an impeccable meal during which no one had to think about a thing except simply enjoying each other's company and the food and wine in front of us.

Thank you.