Vegas!

I had a blast in Las Vegas for Hayley’s bachelorette party weekend! It was relaxing and exhausting at the same time- but mostly it was just a ton of fun.



Jodi arrived first on Thursday afternoon and did an amazing job decorating the room, getting snacks and making sure everything was in place for the arrival of the bride-to-be.


She had these adorable shirts made up.



Hayley & Alana and I landed (separately) on Thursday night and met up at the hotel before heading down the strip for dinner at Café Ba Ba Reeba. The sangria hit the spot after our long flights, and the house marinated olives as well as the goat cheese baked in tomato sauce were to die for. If you find yourself in Las Vegas or Chicago – make sure you check this place out!


Jodi, Hay and Alana




Alana and me

Mel arrived around midnight and we thought our excitement for the night was over, but to our surprise, we were soon informed that Hayley was about to become an aunt! Shortly after 4 AM (7:11 AM on the east coast) Brooke Lily Mayer was born! Weighing in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces we all wished Allison and Stuart Mazel Tov on the arrival of their daughter. We got a little more rest before heading to the pool that morning.


Baby Brooke


The Bride-To-Be and Brand New Aunt

The pool and beach are very cool. Located on 11 acres, Mandalay Bay Beach has a wave pool, lazy river, three swimming pools and 2,700 tons of real sand. It was a great place to spend the afternoon.




Mel, myself and Hay cooling off



After a day of sunshine and fun, we got ready for a night on the town. Hayley’s cousin Ariel and Aunt Debbie joined us, and we headed to Caesar’s Palace for a yummy dinner at Sushi Roku.


Getting ready for our night out


Hay and Debbie





Then it was off to Tao Nightclub for drinks and dancing the night away. Shawn, the groom-to-be, treated us to an incredible table. It was quite an experience and a TON of fun.


our table



Saturday was a day of re-hydration, napping poolside and yummy nachos from Border Gill- just LOOK at the size of this plate!





For dinner on Saturday night, we went to China Grill. The planetarium-style illuminated ceiling and open kitchen were very cool, and their duck two ways (pan-seared duck breast with chocolate-orange sauce and ‘moo-shu style’ confit leg with hoisen-style sauce) is to die for!




Carolyn and I having fun with the sunglasses display.

Hay’s aunt got us into the House of Blues’ Foundation Room. Located atop the Mandalay Bay hotel, the lounge patio has a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip. The lounge’s huge fireplace, plush sofas, huge statues and gorgeous tapestries give the place a very cool vibe. It was a great way to cap of our weekend.





The weekend was so much fun. I can't wait for the wedding and to meet little Brooke

Recipe of the Month: Classic Potato Salad

Although fall is fast approaching, it’s still warm enough out to have a few last BBQ’s and cookouts. This month's recipe is a perfect side dish for an outdoor "farewell to summer" dinner- the Classic American Potato Salad.



I found this recipe a few months ago while searching my Better Homes and Garden’s Cook Book for something to bring to a casual dinner and it came out delicious!



First, you will need:

1 small mixing bowl
1 large mixing bowl
2 pounds small red potatoes
1¼ cups mayonnaise
tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery (about 2 stalks)
1/3 cup chopped onion (about 1 small onion)
½ cup chopped sweet or dill pickles
6 Hard-boiled Eggs, coarsely chopped
A few dashes of paprika (optional)

Got everything? Now, you:

Boil potatoes in a medium saucepan with a pinch of salt.
Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until fork tender but not mushy.
Drain well and cool slightly before cutting the potatoes into large cubes in your larger bowl. (I like to leave the skins on, but you may prefer peeling them)
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Stir in the celery, onion, and pickles to the dressing mixture.
Add the dressing to the potatoes and eggs in your large bowl, tossing lightly to coat.
Cover and chill for about 3 -6 hours.
If desired, sprinkle with a little paprika before serving.
Makes 12 side-dish servings



One of my favorite bridal shower gifts was the Better Homes and Gardens Bridal Edition Cook Book. If you are looking for a wedding or shower gift, this is a great one to consider. It has a ton of great tips, recipes and suggestions for the home cook.

Slivovitz, Sauerbraten, Shul and Matzoh Ball Soup

This weekend we headed south to the land of retirement and sunshine to visit some of the grandparents.

We arrived in Florida on Friday night (quick shout-out to Air Tran for getting us there as scheduled) and picked up our sweet ride, a silver PT Cruiser.



A short ride up the Floria Turnpike, we arrived at Ruth and Paul’s home in Delay Beach. It was great to see them again. On Saturday morning we went to Temple Anshei Shalom for services. It was David’s first time there and of course, he was immediately introduced to countless octogenarians eager to meet him. “So tall!” “So handsome!” (and my favorite) “What college do you go to?”

For his patience and stamina, David was included in the grand Felder tradition of slipping out for a quick sip of Slivovitz. After services, we caught up with a few of my grandparents’ friends and then went back home to change.



While grandma and I prepared lunch, David and grandpa enjoyed another of the great traditions: the after-shul scotch (I promise we have several wonderful family traditions which do not include imbibing distilled liquors).



We feasted on a traditional and delicious lunch of matzoh ball soup, sauerbraten and potato dumplings, red cabbage, and more. Serious German goodness!


Grandma Ruth- looking glamorous and cooking up a storm

For dessert, we had my grandmother’s home-made plum and peach tarts. After lunch we caught up a bit, napped a bit and just enjoyed being together.

That evening we met up with Sara and Joe for dinner at La Vie en Rose Café in Margate. It’s so nice that our families live a short distance away so we can have meals together like this.



E's having dinner with some of our grandparents


Sara, David and Joe


Ruth, Ali and Paul

After dinner we said farewell to my grandparents and went on to Sunrise for a visit with David’s grandparents. That night, Sara and I looked through old photo albums together and talked while David and Joe watched a baseball and game.

We slept in a little bit on Sunday while David’s grandparents attended a neighborhood meeting and ran some errands. That afternoon we watched a program on PBS, A Yiddish World Remembered, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Historical/Cultural Programming. The documentary was an enlightening look at this all-but-vanished way of life -and included amazing archival films, vintage photographs, and traditional Klezmer music.



Afterwards, we had Sara’s delicious matzoh ball soup and apple pie for lunch. While David and Joe watched the Giants game, Sara and I talked a bit more about her life and family. I always learn something new and amazing about her life in Poland, Israel and America each time we talk. Soon our visit was over and David and I headed to the airport to fly home.

We (again, big shout out to Air Tran) got home without any trouble and spent some time with Jerry who must think we don’t love him very much these days. We are away almost every weekend- poor guy.

Anyway, it was a really nice weekend. Thanks to our grandparents for being so flexible and wonderful hosts. See you all again soon!

Thoughts about today...

I cannot believe it’s been seven years. I usually use this space to share exciting news, celebrate happy things and keep in touch with the people I love who David and I cannot see every day. But today I feel the need to post something about how I am feeling right now, and to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001.



I'm usually sad but OK on this day. I watch the memorials on TV, re-read the newspapers clips I have saved from the days following the attacks and take a moment to think about my family. But for some reason, today I woke up feeling different. More melancholy I think. I want to erase this date from my calendar the way they skip the 13th floor in office buildings.

I don't know if it's because I'm married now and the thought of what it would be like to lose my husband absolutely gutted me, or because I heard “seven years” on TV and it still feels like it happened yesterday. I'm not sure.

This day means different things to different people. It meant something different to me last year than it did six years before, and it might feel differently to me next year. I just don’t know. What I am sure of, is that today I want to use this space to tell people I love that I am grateful to have them in my life.

I wish I lived closer, so I could tell you how lucky I am to have you.

Brooke and Brian tie the Knot!

This weekend we were in New Jersey for Brooke and Brian’s wedding weekend.

I had originally wanted to call this post: “Seriously, a hurricane?!” but I thought that since Broke remained positive throughout the entire weekend, I would do so as well. I mean, we weren’t going to let a little rain ruin anything.



We kicked things off Friday night with a rehearsal dinner at The Grand Café in Morristown. It was great to see Amanda, Kevin and Andrea and of course, the Bride-and-Groom-to-be.






Kevin gave a very sweet toast and everyone had a great night.

On Saturday morning, Amanda dropped me off at Brookelake Country Club for hair, makeup and pictures while she and the Rubins caught up on all the delicious Cosi they’ve been missing out on since moving to Atlanta.


Gettin dolled up for the big day. I've never had makeup airbrushed before.


Isn't she a calm and happy bride?


putting on the veil


There were a lot of buttons on that dress!

Once Goodie, his groomsmen and family arrived, pictures started. Unfortunately, so did the rain and wind.


Hangin' with the other men in my life, Ruby and Goodie (don't tell my husband, ha!)


Bride and Groom



After signing the Ketubah, we got the show on the road! Special thanks to Amanda for taking such great pics of the ceremony. I was having camera separation anxiety, but I knew it was in good hands.


Kevin walking down the aisle


Here comes the Groom!


me!


Here comes the Bride!

I feel like a successful cocktail hour must have "The Three P's" which include the following three components: pass-arounds, pigs in a blanket and plenty of bartenders. This one had all three and the added bonus of a mashed potato station! yum!


Amanda and David enjoying the evening


First Dance



David and I have been to a LOT of weddings, and without a doubt, this wedding had the greatest cake-topper I have ever seen… custom made Brooke and Brian Wedding bobbleheads! Complete with Murphy, their dog.


it really looked like them!



The band was amazing, the room was beautiful and we had so much fun at the wedding. On Sunday morning we headed to the Westin Governor Morris Hotel for a post-nuptial brunch.



We spent some more time with the wedding party, wished Brooke and Brian a great honeymoon in Thailand and hit the road for home. (We got to Maryland with no traffic at all- I really love driving after Labor Day Weekend!)

It was a beautiful and happy weekend, Mazel Tov to Brooke and Brian. Thanks for making us a part of your special day, we had a fantastic time!