Showing posts with label happy holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happy holidays. Show all posts

Day 2 Giveaway: New Classic Interiors

Don't worry, I'm working on a regular post for later today but until then, I wanted to tell you about my day two giveaway for this week. Alessandra Branca was gracious enough to sign a copy of her new book New Classic Interiors. It's also the fancy special slip covered version so it's extra special! I own a copy and can attest that it's fabulous!

To enter to win New Classic Interiors by Alessanda Branca, please send an email with your name and address to habituallychiccontest@gmail.com. Don't worry, your address will not be used for anything else. In the subject line, please write Branca Book so I know which giveaway you are entering. One entry per person. Anyone who doesn't follow the rules will be disqualified. Entry may be received until 11:59pm EST on Friday, December 18, 2009. Winner will be announced on Saturday, December 19, 2009. Good luck!

Habitually Chic Week of Giveaways!

I'm in the giving mood this week and my readers will be the lucky recipients of this holiday spirit! I will be posting a new item everyday through Thursday so you'll have lot of chances to win! Today's giveaway is the fabulous Williams-Sonoma Home cashmere throw blanket! Williams-Sonoma Home is generously offering three blankets to Habitually Chic readers just in time to curl up with this winter!

To enter the contest, please send your name and address to the special contest email address, habituallychiccontest@gmail.com so that Williams-Sonoma Home can send you the blanket directly. No one will be using your information for any other purpose but this giveaway. Please include the word blanket in the subject line. Anyone who emails me directly or does not include their mailing address will be disqualified. One entry per person. Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm EST on Thursday, December 17, 2009. Three winners will be randomly selected from the entries and will be announced on Friday, December 18, 2009.

Happy Holidays and Good Luck!

Holiday Traditions

I started decorating for Christmas this weekend and one of my favorite traditions is making pomanders. Pomanders are clove studded oranges, or in this case clementines since they looked better than the oranges at the store. They fill the house with a wonderful holiday scent and look pretty displayed with greenery and pine cones. I used to make these with my mother growing up and I've continued the tradition since moving away. What are the holiday traditions that you grew up with that you carry on today? Is there anything you've changed? Anything that you would never do again? I'd love to hear your stories!

Photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Holiday Cards

I've already started writing out my holiday cards this year so I can get them out earlier than I did last year! I've also had a few readers ask me where I buy my cards so I thought I would share a few suggestions.

For custom holiday cards, you can try Crane's, Dempsey & Carroll, and William Arthur. Personalized cards are obviously more expensive so you have to think about how much you want to spend. Even though they are preprinted, you should still personalize them by writing the recipients name, a quick message and handwriting your name.

I usually pick a few cards each year so I can send the right style to the right person. I am also lucky since there are always great cards available with a New York theme or photo. The cards from R. Nichols are always fun and cheerfully reflect Christmas in New York. I also bought an assortment of holiday cards with black and white photos of a snowy New York that are perfect for friends who don't celebrate Christmas. Kate's Paperie always has a great assortment to choose from each year.

There are also a lot of smaller printers for letterpress cards and even hand made options on Etsy. My original idea this year was to have my cards printed using a photo that I took but I ran out of time so that will have to wait until next year. Family photo cards are obviously good options for families with children or cute pets.

One of the best ideas for holiday cards are those that benefit a worthy cause. UNICEF, Robin Hood Foundation, and the ASPCA are just a few charities with their own cards.

I'm sure your friends and family will be happy to receive which ever holiday card you choose because really, it's the thought that counts! Happy Holidays!

Deck the Halls!

Have you started to deck the halls for Christmas yet? I can't wait to visit the flower district tomorrow to pick up a wreath, garland and a few Amaryllis bulbs! There was a dark cloud hanging over my holidays last year due to my job loss but now that life is good, I want to enjoy every day of this joyous season! Happy Holidays!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yule tide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 2009

The Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows were still being "tweaked" tonight according to the man in charge David Hoey who I ran into when I was there to photograph them. They looked pretty great to me and I thanked David for always putting together the best windows! The theme this year is "Curiousier and Curiousier" which is inspired by Lewis Carroll and his works Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. You can already see that they swapped out the dog for a parrot in the fantasy library made out of paper. I think my favorite is the birds eye view of the red room with the king and queen playing chess and other games. The room is turned on its side and the details are exquisite! You have to wonder how they glued it all down! I also love the Victorian themed window that looks like a Valentine card and includes a Cheshire cat! The window filled with staircases was inspired by Alice in Wonderland and is entitled "Drink Me." The all mirror and glass covered silver window was of course inspired by Through the Looking Glass and reflects all the lights of Fifth Avenue. They are all amazing and even the four windows around the corner depicting animals continue the fantasy! I hope those of you who can make it to New York will stop by and see them for yourself and for those of you who can't, these photos are my present to you! Happy Holidays!



















Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

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