wishing everyone a merry christmas

photography: christmas time in san francisco

{photographs are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and may not be used without permission}

christmas time in paris – healing process

Everyone has a different way of coping and healing. While some go into major depression and withdraw, others, yell and shout to release anger and frustration. This entire weekend,  being devastated by the events which occurred in Newtown Connecticut, I somewhat shut down. Naturally of course, otherwise I couldn’t consider myself human.

I couldn’t find inspiration anywhere. Not the malls, not at home, not watching old classics. But  then I realized, after watching the memorial service on Sunday night, I needed to find a way to heal myself, not because I was being selfish, but because I needed to be okay for my family.

I started weeding through what made me happy and decided that every time I felt anguish to list a few things that made me feel enlightened and even focused to start the healing process.  I reached out to loved ones and shared a few laughs, I discussed the final draft of my book with my dear mother, I held my dog for comfort and finally I searched for photographs of Christmas time in Paris.

 

christmas on my mind

I can’t help but, like everyone else, notice everything Christmas, everywhere I go and during this time of year, it’s really difficult to think about anything else.

 

holiday season thoughts and inspiration

traditional holiday gift wrapping

To me Christmas time is all about keeping tradition and although we’ve been now conditioned to shop online or have the gifts wrapped by someone from the store, I think it’s always nice to, along with putting some thought into buying a creative gift, to gift wrap them yourself.

Here are some of my favorite unique gift wraps which also border line eco friendliness.

gifts for the woman who has everything – part one

{from left to right 1. Burberry rubber mid-calf boots 275USD, Diane Von Furstenberg cashmere scarf 250USD, Diane Von Furstenberg travel adapter 95USD, Diane Von Furstenberg stone leopard ipone case 48USD}

{from left to right 1. Herve Van der Straeten 24Kplated earings 195USD, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag 260USD, Sophia Webster glitter finished leather clutch 595USD, Percossi Pai 24K plated earings 1570USD}

{click here to shop for more gift ideas}

holiday dinner recipe ideas – christmas 2011

Ham, turkey, lamb or roast, whatever the main dish may be, I have found some interesting side dishes to compliment just about any variation.  Click on photo to get recipe:

Vegetable Tarte

Buckwheat crepe with vegetables

Beet and Orange Salad - my fave

Pine nut cheese crisps

Roasted Celery Roots and Carrots

 

 

holiday decorative table setting

I love the holiday season and truly do not mind walking through different stores to gather ideas for the buffet table setting. However, in the past I had always avoided the color red because I hated the orange hues visible in the tone, so I stuck to golds and silver to play it safe.

This year, since the color has been perfected to a vibrant red, I can’t help but lean towards a more red, white and silver theme.  Check out some of my favorites from here:

1. Red Bridge Tea Kettle
2. Peppermint Dish Towel
3. Flatware Stockings
4. Matte Metal Red Pillars
5. Antique Red Votive
6. Diaz Red Candleholders
7. Tasmin Dessert Platter (my favorite)
8. Ombre Red table mat
9. Happy Holidays Tumbler

christmastime in the napa wine country

I have never been to Napa past October, let alone during the holiday season. Usually because, the countryside past the turning of the leaves, isn’t  as appealing during this time of the year and if there is rain involved, the region usually experiences flooding, making it difficult to travel.  However, this past weekend, we decided to venture out to Napa since it’s been unusually warm and dry around the bay area.

I must admit, I was actually surprised to discover still remnants of fall all around, with colorful trees standing strong, bright orange leaves hanging on their last thread along the walls of the wineries, vibrant green holy leaves and red berries blooming  through the bare twigs of the fig trees. It was truly a sight for sore eyes.  To top it off, once we opened the doors to all the wineries we visited, I was captivated by the warm glowing lights and sparkle from all the Christmas decor and the subtle smell of cinnamon and spice incense emanating from every room.

I loved every minute of this particular trip up north and I can honestly tell you I am going to make a tradition of it every year. Enjoy some of the photographs I have included below and please remember to ask before you borrow.

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