Category Archives: Holidays

Crafty for Christmas

Posted on December 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

This weekend I am going to endeavor into the world of Christmas crafts.  I have never had a Christmas tree, or hung stockings on a mantle, but as I told a colleague this week, when you have a real house and like decorating, it is hard to not get into the Christmas spirit.

I have spent weeks searching the Internet and have found many sources for pure decorating delight.  I find myself trending towards a vintage aesthetic, and really loving the soft, muted shades of silvers and golds that give the decor a little extra glamour.
Back in September I spotted this ornament in my regular Pottery Barn catalog.  Let me be real here, few companies, in my opinion, do holidays or “just perfect” seasonal decor better than Pottery Barn… Okay, so with that out of the way, I spotted this ornament in my regular Pottery Barn catalog in September, and then I was in love. 

Pottery Barn Ornament
It was a part of the Family Giving tree collection, and I was just captivated.  I love the sparkle, clearly, but more than that, I love the message of giving hope, peace and love, plus it reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, The Giving Tree.

Pottery Barn Family Giving Collection Tree
 This is Pottery Barn’s perfectly designed tree.  That is fake snow, but knowing the magic of Pottery Barn’s catalog styling I am sure if they wanted to use real snow when they shot this catalog in May they could have done it — quick call to Santa, of course.

I am also loving this mantle collection.  While Pottery Barn sells everything you see here, this would be really easy to achieve a) for a lot less, or b) with items you already own.  The aesthetic is simple: glass, candles and shiny… 
Pottery Barn Vintage Silver Mantle Collection
If you want more directional, categorized and yes, last minute decor shopping, check out ZGallerie – they have it perfectly broken down by color groups so you can design with guidance.  For a more modern twist of the shiny, happy holiday decor, Crate and Barrel is filled with pieces that are as perfect in December as they are in June.

I’ll be sure to share with you my successes with holiday decorating after the weekend!

How would you decorate for the holidays?

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Stuff the Stockings

Posted on December 15, 2010 | Leave a comment

We have already found the perfect gifts for presumably everyone on your list – seriously, did I forget anyone?  Now it’s time to find the little items that fill a stocking and give the recipient glee.

Stocking gifts really should be on the smaller side in both size and price, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring a whole lot of happy.

This is a big time favorite in our house.  If you live near a Trader Joe’s they also sell it, I am not sure of the price but probably less than the $9.99 at World Market and definitely less than the $26.50 at Williams Sonoma.  Shop smart!
Peppermint Bark Tin at World Market
He might be working on spreadsheets and going 9-5, but let this stocking stuffer of drumstick pencil tease his inner rock and roll star.
Drumstick Pencils at Paper Source



This is a sweet gift for the little girls on your list.  Maybe you have a neice (or four!) who would love a sweet treat.

Naughty Nice Lip Gloss at Paper Source

Treat your holiday host, or the hostess you know with the mostest with a charming gift like these cheese knives, appropriately themed with an “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” engraving.

Eat, Drink and be Merry Cheese Spreaders by Williams & Sonoma

Homemade treats are often the least expensive thing you can make, and certainly filled with the most love.  Great tips, recipes and of course jealousy inducing images are all available with our dear friend, Martha Stewart.
Chewy Molasses Cookies by Martha Stewart

Will you have stocking this year?  It is actually a craft that I am going to try and make this weekend – it seems like the right thing to do now that we have a fireplace!  Good luck shopping – and have fun!

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Getting Ready for Christmas Morning

Posted on December 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

Christmas is probably the one day a year when company is almost always around: they are there to eat dinner on Christmas Eve, there to open presents in the morning, and hello, someone even sneaks in in the middle of the night to steal cookies.  Which means the opportunity for picture taking, and frankly looking cute, if not at least presentable always exists.

After a large meal, and any last minute gift wrapping on Christmas Eve the idea of being cute a few hours later when little kids come running to your room squealing with Christmas glee can be a bit daunting.  However, I think I have solved the problem.

We spend Christmas at my brother and sister in laws’ home, with their three kids.  So while I normally come down stairs in a cardigan and leggings, or a Juicy tracksuit (yes, it’s true, just like Gabrielle Solis [Desperate Housewives fans, anyone?]), I’d like to add some holiday spirit to my early morning attire.


Row 1:  I love this set; its playful and even a bit sexy.  This sleepwear collection might be better saved for a Christmas for deux, and happily all of these items are completely wearable and appropriate all year round.  I have loved this robe for a while, as I think it would look just as pretty on a hook as it would on.

Row 2: This set, to me, is like an idyllic Christmas morning.  The long-john inspired p.j.s, the bow detailed socks and the extra ruffly robe are all about having fun and being young, and that is totally Christmas.

Row 3: I love this set, because it feels a little bit extra special to me.  I could totally see these pieces being featured on an episode of Oprah’s favorite things (hey, O!).  The sparkle loungewear from Juicy Couture adds a little holiday shine as an alternative to sweats and a t-shirt, and the long robe is divine.

Some people say that there is nothing more luxurious than treating yourself to really nice pajamas, so maybe in all of your Christmas shopping, you pick something up for yourself too.  After all, you deserve it.

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Posted in Her Closet, Her Home, Holidays, Shopping

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Holiday Shopping Wrap Up: The Daily Batch Gift Guide

Posted on December 7, 2010 | Leave a comment

For the past few weeks I have been featuring my favorite gift selections for nearly everyone on your list.  Did I miss someone?  I am still taking requests!  Anyway, I am really proud to have found multiple options at large range of price points that I would be truly proud to give and receive. 



I hope these gifts provide you with inspiration for your own list.

Happy Shopping!

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Posted in gifts, Her Home, Holiday Food, Holidays, Shopping

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Holiday Shopping: Gifts for Someone Who Has Everything

Posted on December 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

There is always someone on your list who seems to have everything, or really “need” nothing.  (Maybe that someone is you!)  In which case, the perfect gift might need to tell a story, share a memory, be personalized, or add a little extra sparkle to an otherwise everyday item.

The gifts for the gal who has everything can be the most challenging and also the most delightful.  Let the gift giving begin:

Let the gift giving begin!
  • Start the holiday season with some sparkle.  For those with trees give them a gift that marks the season with a little sparkle like this Swarovski snowflake ornament.
  • I have never had these but I just know that I would love them.  Levain Bakery’s chocolate walnut cookies are famous for being supersized and super delicious.  They are large enough to encourage sharing and that’s what the season is all about, after all.
  • Cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, these I have had, and yes, they are delicious.  They are beautiful, super moist, and here is a tip order in advance so you can skip the lines!
  • Have a memorable moment!  Find a treat from a favorite treat, for us it would be Coconut Candy from Julia in Maui.
  • Make them gift unable to be regifted with a monogrammed and personalized item.  I love the fit of this RL Jacket.
  • Give the gift of glamour with a staple (belt) with extra jazz (feathers), a year of flowers, or a satin clutch from the new collection from Tiffany & Co.
All of these gifts are a delight and happily are available in a variety of price points.  The perfect gift doesn’t have to be expensive and out of reach, it just needs to be made special with thought.

Happy Gift Giving for Someone as Special as You.

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Holiday Shopping: Gifts for Your Best Friend

Posted on December 2, 2010 | 2 comments

Shopping for your best girlfriends is often a reflection of yourself, just like your friends are.  They might be the best, but also the hardest people to shop for, because for them the gift really does have to be perfect.  All of the gifts I picked for a girlfriend are gifts that I would proudly own, and shh! some of these gifts actually match a friend in my life.

Let the gift giving begin:
When picking these gifts I thought of the ways my friends inspire me.  
  • For the friend who loves to find her inner artist I love the idea of these colored pencils on display that are as much of a work of art as her creations.  If having these on display don’t spur creativity, I don’t know what will.
  • Kate Spade handbags are always super cheeky, but how delightful is this little clutch inspired by classic American books?  Reading, after all, is always chic.
  • For the friend who loves fashion?  There are few designers more consistent in their aesthetic and iconic than Anna Sui and this new book is like a fashion show on your bookshelf.
  • For the friend on the brink of tech trends, the youtube video maker, the blogger, the Facebook Stalker, show your appreciation for her savvy ways with a fun frame for when she’s away from the computer.  
  • Only one kind of girl where NARS, the one that knows that there is none better.  And really, only one kind of girl wear’s gold eye shadow – the girl that loves the finer things, and having a fine time.  Celebrate your friend that loves to celebrate life with something sparkly.
  • Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but a trip to the spa has to come in a close second, right?
  • To bring relaxation home, and suggest a little “me-time” for a friend that is always on the go a beautifully scented candle is just right.
Other great options for your best friend that don’t fit on a gift guide?  Her favorite magazine, a trip for coffee, a long phone chat, a train ticket to visit each other.

Happy Gift Giving to the friends who brighten your days!

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Light the Lights

Posted on November 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

There are almost as many common spellings for Hanukkah as there are days to celebrate it.  That can be a little tricky, but nonetheless the holiday is a fun and easy one to celebrate.  Unlike other Jewish holidays there are no food rules or restrictions of any kind – so far, so good – and when you add in some latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganyot (jelly donuts) this 8-day celebration is an oil filled party.

The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is a Chanukiah, a nine candled holder, most commonly referred to as a Menorah.  They are often works of art and there is a style to match every home, and budget (I promise)!

When we got married we registered for a menorah that would be functional/cool enough to have out all year round.  I love the work from Michael Aram, and I couldn’t resist this menorah when I saw it.

Michael Aram Olive Branch Menorah
For an even more natural look, how cool is this from West Elm?  The Manzanita trend isn’t lost on me – it was a huge trend in wedding/event floral centerpieces and I love the natural element and sculptural design of this untraditional menorah.
Manzanita Candelabra at West Elm
If your style is more modern than this menorah is perfect.  It is nine separate pieces so you can change the shape and pattern.  This is like grown up Legos, but for Hanukkah.
Nine Piece Menorah by Marit Meisler at Unica
If your home is one filled with kids, and Hanukkah means lots of presents than maybe you like a menorah that is filled with color and whimsy.  This menorah, inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark is almost as much fun as opening the presents every night.
Painted Noah’s Ark Menorah at the Jewish Museum

And if tradition is your thing, and like you a menorah that is elegant and a classic piece of art, look no further than the cut crystal by Waterford.  The simplicity is stunning, and I can only imagine how when lit with nine candles it would shine to the delight of family and friends.
Waterford Crystal Judaica Menorah

If Hanukkah is your holiday, I hope it is filled with light and love – and if it’s not I hope you’ll find a friend to share a latke or donut with over the next week.  Hanukkah recipes are coming soon!

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Posted in Hanukkah, Her Home, Holidays, Jewish Holidays

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Holiday Shopping: Gifts for the Mister on Your List

Posted on November 24, 2010 | Leave a comment

Shopping for boys, guys and men – whatever you prefer – is sometimes the most difficult shopping challenge of all.  The men I am closest to, my husband and my dad, are the type that if they want or need something they just go and get it.  So for them, I am thinking up gifts that appeal to their interests and needs and go just a little bit beyond expectations.

Here are my top picks for Mark, and tips for gifts for the Mister on your list:

Like I said, when giving gifts to Mark I like to think of the things he or I enjoy and do a little extra.  
  • I love a massage, and over the last few years this has become something that we enjoy doing together.  If your guy is new to the world of massages a “dude-friendly” spa like DC’s Grooming Lounge is a great place to start.  
  • Here is an easy solution if you find your guy is still living in sweats – swap out that Hanes for cashmere.  This cashmere sweater from J. Crew fits like a sweatshirt and feels like a million bucks.  
  • My guy is a natural born adventure seeker, and so a great gift is something that appeals to that wilder side: check out the many options by city from Xperience Days, or buy gear for his favorite sport, new sneakers, new goggles, or a new board.  An even better gift is to get out there and take on the world together. 
  • Mark has a penchant for the finer things in life, and because of his appreciation it is always worth it to go the extra step.  He already has custom shirts for a more exacting fit, but I am excited to see a local custom shirt option from Hugh & Crye – again this is a gift that most men won’t know they’ll love until they try on a shirt that actually fits them. 
  • Don’t forget winter is long and cold, you’ll probably spend some time on the couch, make it a movie night with the ultimate guy’s collection of films: James Bond for my guy, maybe Dirty Harry, the Godfather, Lord of the Rings. 
Happy gift giving to you, and yours!

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Holiday Shopping: Gifts for the Littlest Ones on Your List

Posted on November 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have two nephews and a niece, and another nephew on the way, and I consider myself a pretty cool aunt to some very cool kids.  My niece and nephews never stop surprising me with how curious, smart, and funny they are – and they are just being themselves!

For Christmas, and anytime we give them a present, I want to give them something that totally stokes that creativity and continues to excite them after the Christmas cookie sugar wears off.

Here are my top picks for kids this year:

To be fair my first gift (a trip to Disney World) is not easy to do, and definitely a big, BIG, Oprah-sized gift, but I have been loving “the surprise the kids” Disney commercials so much this fall, I had to include it (a Mickey Mouse shaped pizza – come on)!  Other favorites include a collection of books; I go with Dr. Seuss because it is classic, but maybe you fancy Little Golden Books, Goosebumps, Harry Potter or Nancy Drew, no matter who the page-turner is about books are a great gift.  Another gift that falls in the sentimental category is the American Girl Doll collection (my sister and I shared a Samantha, who has since been discontinued… 
In the category of getting your brain growing I love, love, love these gifts this season: the Make Your Own Monster – this is awesome, I just can’t get over how cool this is, expensive ($249) but way cool, also the Food Face plates which I have seen in person and totally encourage playing with your food.

Also, when shopping for the littlest kids on your list, please try and remember the kids for whom no one is shopping for.  There are many organizations through which you can adopt a kid (The Angel Tree) or a family for the holidays (a personal favorite of mine is Touch a Heart in South Florida).  For the smallest kids, even the smallest gift can brighten their day!

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Holiday Shopping: Gifts for the Do Gooder

Posted on November 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

Often giving is better than receiving.  The gifts we give, because of their thoughtfulness, can delight the recipient for years to come and the joy that they feel is a gift in and of itself.  Gift giving is magnified even greater when the gifts we give keep giving.

This year many charities and non-profit organizations are teaming up with your favorite brands and retailers to offer gift items that allow a good portion of sales to directly benefit the cause.

Here are some of my favorite gifts that give twice:


 These gifts are as varied as the charities they support, but they all have one thing in common, when they come from the heart they might be the best gift you’ve ever given.

If these aren’t the right gift for you, consider making a donation on the behalf of someone.  These are some easy sites to check out: kiva.org, donorschoose.org, charitygiftcertificates.org and justgive.org.

Make all of your gifts count!

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