As we erased the November calendar off of the kitchen chalkboard and penciled in the days of December, it was quickly apparent that the week leading up to Christmas was going to be packed with exciting events. We had something planned for every day this past week, and thus, I present to you, The Five Days of Christmas: San Francisco Edition.

On the First Day of Christmas Lady Gaga charmed us with her crazy ways. According to the Lady herself, we all became her little monsters that night. She definitely put on a spectacular show and, behind all the flashing lights and glittery costumes, she is a very talented singer and musician.

– The Lady slices in our Gaga Glory –

– My View at Lady Gaga, would have been better if I were 6 ft tall –

– Showing our Teeth & Gaga Monster Claws –

On the Second Day of Christmas we enjoyed the Martini Media Network (My Company) Holiday Party. My co-workers and I had a great time celebrating the successes of this year with our friends, family & clients. Concoction choices included the “Nice,” the “Naughty,” or the “Martini” Martini in celebration of the success of the Martini Life Newsletter. If you aren’t subscribed yet, get on it! Just click HERE!

– Candid of Caitlin & Matt –

Prior to the cherry stem tying race (see below for evidence of the photo finish)

– Record breaking performance I’d say –

On the Third Day of Christmas we celebrated Hanukkah. Ironic? Kara, being half-Jewish, had enough with the Christmas decorations covering our apartment and decided we needed some Judaism in this joint! She invited a bunch of friends over, including the few fellow Jews we know, and we had a festive time making (and the devouring) three trays of Potato Latkes! Thanks to Susan Jancourtz (Kara’s Mom) for sharing this recipe and making my first Hanukkah experience a success! While, we were lacking a dreidel, we did have a Menorah and lit the candles before we ate.

Oh, and don’t forget to get your holiday doorbell: Ding Dong, Hanukkah House! Thanks SNL.

– We were Latke making machines! Enough for a small army, or 15 of our closest friends! –

– Lighting the Candles –

On the Fourth Day of Christmas we had roommate holiday dinner. Rather than exchanging gifts, we decided to treat ourselves to a fancy meal. Being a Thursday, we thought we would stay close to home and chose a local place. Only a 5 minute walk, we opted to try out Beretta, a cozy Italian place, and were not disappointed! Along with a tasty bottle of Sangiovese we enjoyed Fava Bean and Pecorino Bruschetta, Tomato & Basil Gnocchi with mozzarella, Baked Polenta with Gorgonzola, Roasted Butternut Squash with walnuts, & Broccolini, Pancetta, and Tomato Pizza. Oh and I can’t forget to mention dessert: panna gelato with extra virgin olive oil & sea salt, sounds like a strange combination, and I admit I was skeptical at first, but trust me when I say it was delicious.

– Half of the Casa –

– And the other half –

– Panna Gelato with Olive Oil & Sea Salt, a.k.a. heaven –

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, we ended the week with a bang at our holiday formal party! Our friend Zak recently got a suit, and like anyone who gets a new suit, wanted to have an occasion to wear it. The cards just sort of fell into place and we threw a lovely little shindig over at their apartment (Robert, Zak, Vaibhav, & the honorary roommate, Pascal). It was a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends, and who doesn’t like to put on a party dress?! ;)

– Family Photo –

– Candid of Robert, Pascal, & Zak –

– Audrey, Matt & Me –

Such a fun, eventful week! I am so grateful to have wonderful friends and be blessed with the opportunity to do so many enjoyable things. I am looking forward to heading home in a few days to celebrate Christmas with my family and friends in Southern California, then back up to the Bay to ring in the New Year! Wow, 2009 is almost over, 2010 will be here before we know it!

Please forgive my lack of blogging in the last month, I know it really is pitiful. I have so much to catch up on here. But first let’s get in the Christmas spirit the only way I know how — Elfing myself (and my roommates who don’t yet know their fate)!

I am pretty sure my brother has taken the liberty of “Elfing” my family in the past, but I only remember the traditional or “classic” dance. Now they have upgraded to Hip Hopping, Carol singing, disco dancing elves. I mean really, what more could you want from elves this season? They need a break from the hard work making toys just as much as we all do.

Hope these bring you some holiday cheer, they sure brought me some giggles!

Funky Hip Hop Elves:

Holiday Carol Singing Elves:

Night Fever Disco Elves:

The Classic Elves: