It's called a giveaway. A Milk Bar Giveaway, that is.

Hey gang.

It's present giving time, so I decided to give you all a chance to win a little gifty gift gift.

As you all know, I am a pasty cook at Milk Bar and love it, so I decided to purchase a few goodies to give to you all so you can love it too.

Oh and guess what? My boss and Pastry Chef, Christina Tosi autographed it for you!
Pretty damn cool, right?

To Enter:

3 SEPARATE COMMENTS, please!

(1)  Please be a loyal reader of Athena in the Middle.

(2) Blog or Tweet the giveaway -- link back to me in the comment box or via Twitter (@bontempsathena).

(3) Tell me about your favorite holiday tradition.

LAST DAY TO ENTER IS JANUARY 8th!!!

GOOD LUCK!

♥,

Summer Athena

Saving stamps this year. Enjoy!

because we have hope in our hearts.

The other night while searching through the Union Square Holiday Market for a cool tee for my husband's upcoming birthday, I stumbled upon this cute booth filled with woodland friends.

The name of the shop was Hazel Village.

Clearly from the photograph above, I purchased a new friend, Mr. Max Raccoon and a toadstool rattle.  These gifts are not for a friend or niece or goddaughter but for our very own future Baby Brownie.

Most of you know the losses we have encountered over the last few years and from time to time, I buy a little something to keep our lost babies' memories alive and as gifts for future siblings.

I know that sounds funny to read -- siblings, but those losses never leave you. So I have to hope.

Even though we are strong and have moved on and created new and exciting things in our lives, 

the hurt and emptiness never departs your heart, especially with so many pregnancy announcements during this time.

Last year, we found ourselves unexpectedly and happily pregnant a month after my Father's death.

We were thrilled and then at 9+ weeks, we found out our little boy's heartbeat stopped.

This ended up being a blessing in the end because we were able to test this baby and see what was going on. We found out it had nothing to do with us or our genetics.

This has given us some solace, knowing that one day a healthy baby will come into our lives.

Some solace. 

 And one day. Some day. Maybe?

Until then, we will continue to hope while focusing our energies on our own happiness, careers, family/friends, health and adoption.

All my love,

Summer Athena B.

Bon Bon Bon Bon Bon Blue Dog

We learned to make bon bons in class and got the opportunity to create our own fillings.

I decided to do something different because I love flavors.

Some people like texture. I love flavors.

And my flavor was . . .

. . . Elderflower Pistachio topped with crushed pink peppercorns.

Sounds kinda strange but they were amazing.

I have to do this filling again for a cake or maybe make it into a brownie?

DELISH!

And what perfect timing than the holidays to know how to make bon bons!?

♥

Oh and here is another chocolate project -- the NOLA Blue Dog recreated in memory of my dog in college passing away last week.

And speaking of the holidays, I took a photo of the Christmas tree down near us at South Street Seaport. Apparently it changes colors each hour on the hour to music. Festive!!!

And we put up our tree.

See the sneak peek?

I love our tree.

I have to admit that I was not really into holidays this season but now I kinda am.

ARE YOU FEELING THE HOLIDAY SEASON???

 Love,

Summer Athena

Geaux Geaux Geaux.

Hello!

I rarely ever get a chance to watch a game but I had friends in from home, so I ran subway'ed from work to Legends in Midtown to meet up with them and I am soooo glad I did.

We had a great time and we won! 

BTW, I am super competitive when it comes to Louisiana sports. Just thought you should know. ;)

I have come across a lot of people (mostly folks in school or at work) that could care less about football.

Is it mostly a Southern thing to love it so much?

I know it's important to me because it was something Daddy and I always did together.

We went to tons of Saints games when I was growing up and

I was his personal cheerleader as he watched on the TV.

So, it's in my blood. 

And always will be.

Love,

Summer Athena