Fun and Fearless Friday Five

This week seemed to absolutely fly by for me and I can't believe that it is already the month of December.  Per usual, I intend to close the year out with a bang and I'm already over-booking myself with parties, celebrations and festivities all month.  Before the craziness starts, I want to take a moment to share five things that have me smiling this Friday:

1.  Last night, after plans for a blogger dinner fell through, I found myself happily at home ordering takeout, doing laundry and packing for the upcoming weekend.  We ordered from Jae's Cafe and I of course had to order the bibimbap, which I absolutely love.

Sometimes the unexpected nights in can be just what you need.

2.  As I mentioned above, I did some packing last night because Bret and I are heading down to Washington D.C. to visit my friend Alex this weekend.  She came to visit in October and as soon as she left, we were planning our next reunion.  The older I get, the more I realize how important some of my best friends are to me.  There is the family that you are born into and there is the family that you create and choose.  I realize that since college, it is the latter that has really shaped me into who I am.  Although I go down to D.C. at least once a year, Bret hasn't been down there in over ten years!  I think the three of us will have a blast this weekend and I'm especially excited to introduce Bret to my godson, Griffin!

Yes, Griffin is Alex's dog and my godson.  I adore this dog more than anything and I've packed lots of treats for him in my luggage!

3.  This past week, I had a nice chat with Shakti at Smorgie.com.  Shakti has created a site where you can find, organize and review your restaurant experiences in one place.  You can share these experiences in "bite books" with others or just use it for your own personal organization.  Shakti and I have been meaning to chat for quite some time and she published a really wonderful interview of me on the Smorgie blog.  I would love it if you would check it out and show her some love!

4.  As we enter into the final weeks of voting, I wanted to remind you all to check out the poll for Boston A-List's Best Local Blogger.  I'm currently in third place!  If you've already voted, thank you so much...and if you haven't, please click here to vote for me.  Every vote counts until the voting closes on December 22nd and I'd really appreciate your support!

5.  Finally, I wanted to announce the winner of my Lea & Perrins giveaway.  Chosen by Random.org, the winner is Shannon of Tri to Cook, who likes to use Worcestershire sauce in her go-to burger recipe!  Thanks to everyone for entering and thanks to Foodbuzz and Lea & Perrins for sponsoring this great giveaway!

 
Tell me, what has you smiling today?