The Best Gifts are the Ones you Give... A Connecticut Christmas

This past weekend Abby and I volunteered for "A Connecticut Christmas" with a bunch of super talented, amazing people (including Heather Colby, Carol Dahlke, Ann Nyberg and Anna Rubino, the four women behind this incredible event) to raise money for Tiffany Farms (A Connecticut dairy farm since 1841 suffered a barn fire in September and are in need of replacing all of the hay for the animals as well as the barn) and The Connecticut Food Bank. Together with over 50 vendors, (fresh produce, arts, ornaments, olive oil, clothes, toys, biscotti, soaps, desserts, coffee...) donating 15% of all sales to Tiffany Farm, we were able to raise 3 tons of food for the CT Food Bank and several thousands of dollars for Tiffany Farm. It was a day of coming together as a community, and truly a special day that reminded us all of the spirit of Christmas! For those unable to attend the event you can still make donations directly to Tiffany Farm and the Connecticut Food Bank. To me this is the best gift of all, the gift of giving!

It's Christmas Time in the city... Union Square Market a must shop!

One of my absolute favorite things about the holidays in NYC are the winter markets that pop up throughout the city. Last night I had the chance to browse through 100's of vendor booths set up in Union Square, I could browse through there for hours (jewelry, hats, scarves, loose tea, ornaments, skin care, pottery, artisan chocolates, artwork, etc). I love how unique the gifts are and how talented the artisans are that set up shop for the holiday season. A few of my favorite vendors at the market I thought I would share with you all as you finish up your holiday shopping. Most of these vendors also sell online so if you can't make it into the city you can still shop.

Bailey Doesn't Bark- a contemporary home and life accessories™ company inspired by memories, dreams and nature, offers handmade tableware, home accents, jewelry and locally produced paper goods.

This was one of my favorites! A post card mug that you can customize the message on.

Wonder Warmers- Instantly activated reusable heat pads.

With the cold temps we have been having in the Northeast and after walking around in the city for a few days, these were a must buy! They are so warm and toasty, and last forever, you just have to reboil after you use!

Craftspring- handmade ornaments and gifts designed and handcrafted in workshops started and run by women entrepreneurs, using 100% natural, locally produced wool in Kyrgyzstan.

The most adorable, handmade ornaments!

Vivo- Dead Sea Salt
I was on my way out of the market when a woman from the corner booth got my attention and convinced me to try this sea salt while rubbing it between my two hands, rinsing it off with warm water. As I did I was not convinced that this would be any different than other sea salts I have tried or body sugar, but this was unbelievable. My hands were silky smooth and so soft. I couldn't resist. This is a luxury gift for someone that deserves a little pampering.

The Posh Princess... Local Gifting

Handmade custom bows

"True Event" Line

One of the littlest shoppers, I want her tutu!

A close friend of mine recently launched a business, The Posh Princess, that I just had to share with all of you this holiday season. In keeping with my holiday shopping goal of trying to support local vendors this is a lady you will want to meet. Her handmade custom bows, barrettes, hair accessories and ribbons are super fabulous! And because I love everything girly, having to do with accessories, ribbons and bows I had the hardest time deciding which ones to get for the little girls in my life. There were so many to choose from including a line that she dedicated to True Event with lots of yellow, black and white bows. I have to be honest I almost bought one for myself. In addition to the in stock bows you can also custom order bows to match any outfit!

For more information and ordering you can contact Jennifer Raccio, carbeez@aol.com.

A Christmas Eve Proposal...

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

It is a tradition in husband's family that every year before going to the Christmas vigil service on Christmas Eve his father would read the Night Before Christmas and then we would all head together to church. So it was extra special to me that this was part of the proposal when husband asked me to marry him 6 years ago.

The ring strategically placed in the back of the Night Before Christmas pop up book by Robert Sabuda, popped up as the star on the tree with a little note written inside "will you marry me?"

Since receiving this special book, and proposal I have become a huge fan of Robert Sabuda's pop up books. They are absolutely gorgeous, every pop up illustration more intricate than the next. He is a true artist!

We have his entire Christmas Collection of books that decorate our mantle at the holidays.

Holiday Wine Picks... Christmas Reds and Whites

Merry Christmas!

I thought I would talk about wine today since Friday would be too late to talk about my Christmas wine picks.
So here they are. Wishing Everyone a happy and safe holiday!

Christmas Wine Picks
1. Chamard Vineyard 2007, Rose, $14.99

2. Atticus John, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.99

3. Domain Du Tariquet, 2008, Sauvignon, $9.99

4. Barco Viejo, 2008, Chardonnay, $6.99 (Faith Middleton's new rave)

5. Domaine Paul Blanck, Alsace, 2007, Riesling, $16.99