2010 in a nutshell and happy new years

With a blink of an eye, 2010 comes to an end. This year was the most eventful for me because I celebrated a milestone birthday, lost a job, sold a house, lost a family member, rekindled relations with extended family as well  as travelled to some interesting destinations and some not so interesting. I admit I experienced too much and from it learned alot in the course of  365 days.

One thing I must say, thanks to maturity and an unexplainable sense of self-control (which I think is associated with maturity),  I was able to cope with the “personal” events which unfolded during  the course of the year  and in a way survived the outcome(s) with minimal damage to my mental health .

As I result of 2010,  I have decided to pass up on making New Years  resolutions altogether so that I am not too disappointed in myself, should I not be able to uphold the commitment.  Instead,  I have set some flexible goals for myself, which I am going to do everything in my power to reach throughout 2011, no matter what destiny has in store for me.

So, with that said, Happy New Year everyone!!! Have a safe and wonderful celebration no matter how you plan on ringing in the New year. Remember the basics, don’t drink and drive, take a moment to remember all our troops abroad and if there is room in your life, adopt a pet  from a shelter and if not, consider  planting a tree in memory of someone very special to you.

Merry Christmas Everyone From Rawsilkandsaffron.com

Merry Christmas to all my friends, acquaintances and loyal followers of rawsilkandsaffron.com, who celebrate Christmas on December 25th.  I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a joyous celebration with family and friends.

 

holiday 2010 gift wrap ideas

I do admire a beautifully designed  gift wrap paper, as much as I appreciate  a well  crafted greeting card. I can honestly say, I will  spend some days, the entire day, shopping for them at specialty stores, craft stores, art supply stores  and paper design centers most anywhere in the world.

I admit I am an avid collector of fine gift wrap paper and as a result have containers full of unusual, vintage and extraordinary  paper in hopes of one day mustering up enough courage to start my own production of them.

But in the meantime, I want to share some of my favorite photos of holiday gift wrap papers and let you know that, from what I have seen,  this year  there seems to be an abundance of creatively  designed gift wrap papers to choose from.

Just a few places that come to mind for now: Papyrus Card Store, Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports, Cost Plus, Target, Crate and Barrel and all Fine Paper Stationary Stores.  So, if you happen to stumble upon a local retailer which you highly recommend for that unique gift wrap paper, please feel free to drop us a line.

traditional christmas card etiquette

In this day and age, women seldom have time to do most anything, while raising children and taking care of family. So, I quiet understand why some women choose the pre-printed photo of their family or children greeting cards and address labels,  to send as Christmas cards. I do want to say that although I am not knocking it or judging them, (seriously more power to you for being a super women), I truly miss receiving traditional Christmas cards with a small hand written note of meaningful wishes, from all those acquaintances who opt for the impersonal method year after year.

So,  if you  happen to  be tired of sending   pre-printed greeting cards to family and friends  and long for some good old-fashioned card sending experience, consider the following pointers to make it all worth while.

1. It’s acceptable to send the pre-printed photo of your children during their first five years. Outside of that, it  becomes obvious to the recipient that  you are no longer making efforts to maintain true relations with them.

2. If it is absolutely necessary to send a photo of your family, find it in your heart to write a small hand written note just to keep it personal and warm.

4. Include a proper greeting such as Dear (preferrably) or Hello (if you must).

5. Try to send the appropriate card to business contacts, close family, extended family and friends near or far. Do not send family photo cards to everyone across the board.

4. Be sensitive to the recipient’s religious beliefs and send cards accordingly. For example cards which express “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” are more versatile than one’s which state  ”Merry Christmas” across the front or inside.

5. Handwritten signature is recommended and the envelope should include a return address (preferably handwritten as well) to keep it traditional, while adding a personal touch.

6. Avoid E-cards and text message well wishes during the holiday season, no matter how techy you are.

7. Stay true to postage and avoid ones with photos of your children on them, no matter how photogenic your kids may be.

8. Don’t send one card to multi families sharing a dwelling .  Show them you care and respect their position by sending a family specific card.

9. Spend time choosing the cards and avoid those which poke fun at religion and beliefs. Save those cards for birthdays and other less meaningful holidays instead.

10. Finally, make it  a fun project by asking your children to help stuff the envelopes and seal them or even write the FROM and TO addresses to family members, while you handle those of business contacts and influential acquaintances.

For more on Greeting Card Etiquette, click here. Keep in mind Christmas card sending is not a chore and should only be done if sent with meaningful intentions.