Dancing poolside at Bluefields Bay is always a Guilty Pleasure.

Wow it's really bitter cold outside, especially for early December.  Unfortunately, the weather on the East Coast is about to get considerably worse this weekend. Remember last year when everyone was complaining that it was too hot for the Holidays. Too hot??  Were they serious?  It my world it's never too hot for the Holidays unless it's 90 degrees and I am dancing poolside with Thin Mint in Bluefields Bay, Jamaica.  But that's a different kind of hot, now isn't it?  Smokin' hot of course.

What could be better than chillin' underneath an Almond tree on December 25th, especially with an Ultimate Mudslide or two in hand?  And don't forget those tantalizing tropical breezes!  There is no greater Guilty Pleasure anywhere than being at these amazing Villas in Jamaica for Christmas and New Years.  The Moncure Family and their staff can anticipate all of your Guilty Pleasures. Their six pristine properties provide world class service and hospitality.  The delicious food at each Villa is a five star dining experience. Renting a Villa from the Moncure's is very similar to an opulent stay at the Ritz Carlton, but it's much more private and Guiltorious. Honeymooners should take notice of the Cottonwood Cottage. It's the perfect location for a very luxurious, active and romantic week in the Caribbean.  After 24 years, it's time to plan our return trip.

Remarking that it was too warm in December was last year's bellyache.  This year it's the other side of coin in the City of Brotherly Love and we need to be proactive. So lets light the fireplace on Pine Street, pass the steaming hot cocoa in Berwyn and share the Dancing Bear blanket in Trooper. Mercy me, we still have over three months to Springtime.

We definitely both need a vacation intervention by the Lords of Guilt.  Now wouldn't that be miraculous!!!

PIEMANIA IS A WARM WINTERTIME GUILTY PLEASURE

It's now December and winter is settling in. It's time to get cozy. We have several tried and true epicurean delights that help us cope with frozen mornings and frost-filled evenings. One of our favorite survival strategies comes straight from the ovens of our Pastry Department. PIEMANIA IS BACK and we are true believers is the power of the Pie! Here is our Guilty Mantra, repeat after me...

I love warm pies in the winter.

I love warm pies that are baked in different shapes and sizes.

And I especially love warm pies that are served ala mode.

Piemania is our salute to living well in GuiltyTown.

At your next party catered by Provence, Guilty suggests you get lost in PIE MANIA. It's a selection of freshly baked of large seasonal pies to include Strawberry, Banana Creme Pie, Blueberry, Apple crumb, chocolate pecan and Key lime pie accompanied by vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and Chantilly whipped cream.

We love to be creative when it comes to pies and last week we decided to experment. We enjoyed a warm Apple crumb pie with a Caramel & Sea Salt Gelato. The combination was so delicious we were lost for words. Sometimes you are lucky enough to savor a personal Guilty moment that is almost indescribable. This was one of those rare raptures.

It's Summer Somewhere

Whomever decided that some foods can only be enjoyed at certain times of the year should be put out of their misery. Because misery is what I, personally, experience when the first few days of winter arrive and announce, “we’re here!” with bracing winds and bouncing sleet. I should be allowed to turn up the heat to 80 degrees, mix a margarita, and enjoy summer foods in December if I like. Really, is there anything inherently wrong with a crisp lemon water ice when the snow is coming down outside? Or, slicing open that watermelon I just purchased in January while playoff football is on screen? Of course not – it’s summer somewhere, right? Just because I happen to be living on the far side of the sun five months out of the year doesn’t mean I can’t be allowed to join in on some of the fun in the sun…even if the sun does disappear at 5 p.m. sharp every day. Summer isn’t a privilege in my world: it’s a right, and a right I want to enjoy even when Old Man Winter comes over for a long-term stay.

My guilty pleasure is remembering that it's only winter outside.