Check out my sweetie's latest project.

So Dietsch and I are throwing a cocktail party. We've been talking about doing so for, oh, a YEAR now, and have been planning in earnest for months.

We've entertained before, but never on quite this scale. He's been testing drinks recipes, with booze and without, and I think we're going to have a little something for everyone. I've been planning a variety of hors d'oeuvres/tapas/nibbles to go along with our drinks, and, like my husband, I've prepared a few test batches over the last couple of weeks in an attempt to fine-tune my recipes. (Actually, me using *recipes* at all is a change - writing down precise measurements and being sure to catalog exactly what I put into these dishes is a new way of cooking for me, but it's important that I get the flavors just how I want them for the party. Thus, the unusual-for-me step of actually writing this stuff down as I'm cooking.)

We've been acquiring serving platters and barware, getting the apartment and yard in shape, and I've even picked up an adorable cocktail dress for the occasion. We've invited a great mix of old friends and new acquaintances, all of whom we're excited to be hosting.

With the party a little less than 3 weeks away, I'm beginning to stress out a little. I just need to keep reminding myself that we'll have good food, good drinks and good company, and that's really the most important thing, right?

"The key is to be conscious about what you are eating. I firmly believe that if people eat in full knowledge of where their food comes from, they will be better for it."

-- Michael Pollan

Dietsch forwarded me a great interview with Michael Pollan which appeared on Austinist. I'm currently about 3/4 of the way through Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, and it has been eye-opening, to say the least. It doesn't provide easy answers, but gives people good solid information on which to make an informed decision about what they will choose to feed themselves and their families. Highly, highly recommended reading.

Originally uploaded by Jenblossom.

This is Bruiser, one of several neighborhood cats who comes around to hang out in our yard. I assume he's a stray - if he does have a home, it's obviously not a very loving one.