Satya Jewelry

Jewelry is one of my favorite things to get for myself or for others when I am on vacation.  I have some beautiful pieces from around the world that remind me of my vacation every time I wear it.  Also, it is nice when people comment on it and I can say, oh I got that in Barcelona or wherever.  If jewelry is something you like then I recommend visiting a great jewelry store on called Satya.  Satya’s designs are yoga based with real gemstones.  

She has a wide variety of silver and gold jewelry and it is all really unique.  The selection changes in the store every season if not more frequently, so there is not much chance of getting board.  Their stuff is beautiful.  They also have lovely pashminas, and pouches in beautiful colors and fabrics.

Starting this spring they are starting a build-your-own jewelry programs.  So you will be able to take their designs and add your favorite color gems, or change from silver to gold in a particular design (as long as they have what you are looking for).  That could be really dangerous for me!  Satya also donates a portion of their sales to the Satya Foundation, a non-profit foundation that funds children’s charities throughout the world.  Satya has several locations:

330 Bleeker between Christopher & West 10th

Broadway between 81^st & 82^nd

Lexington at 69^th St.

Time Warner Center

London – 28 Henrietta St, Covent Garden

www.satyajewelry.com

Christmas Ornaments from Around the World

One of the things I love most about Christmas is decorating my tree.  This year I got a perfect little tree for my apartment and on it is hanging all the ornaments I have gotten from various places I have traveled.  I have the 2 that I got at the artisan market in Lake Como, a couple from Boston and many from my favorite store here in New York, More and More antiques.  

More and More is a great little store on the upper west side that every year has the most fantastic array of Christmas ornaments that you will not find almost anywhere else. 

Christmas  ornaments, like jewelry or a special piece of clothing will always remind you of your trip and every year when you pull it out will bring you back to the memory of when you bought it.  They also make great gifts for people.  I have a friend who loves Santa Ornaments and one year he gave one to me and I thought, wow, this is special.  The more unique the better the ornament.  I still remember my favorite childhood ornaments that every year my mother made sure to let me hang on the tree.  Or the handmade ones that we made together.  Did you ever make the Elmer's glue ornaments?  Those were fun!

More and More also has great unique Christmas gifts.  They have candles and crackers and towels and beautiful things for the person who has everything.  Make your season a little brighter and see the display at more and more.  You tree will thank you.


More and More Antiques
378 Amsterdam Ave at 78th st.
212-580-8404

Nirvanna Designs

So after an incredibly mild fall here in New York City, winter has descended and it is COLD!  I have terrible circulation in my fingers, so when it is really cold my fingers turn blue.  I have had to give up wearing gloves when it gets really cold.  (I found it was warmer to wear mittens) But until I found Nirvanna, I hadn’t found a pair of mittens that were up to snuff.  

They make mittens that are of the thickest wool and are lined with fleece.  They are so warm that my hands almost never get cold anymore.  Bring it on Mr. Snow Miser because now I have my own personal Mr. Heat Miser.  

In addition they sell hats and scarves, kids hats and mittens, you name it, they have it.  And it is all amazingly warm.  

The company is based in Asia.  Their designers work with designers and craftsmen from Nepal, Indonesia, India and Thailand.  Their philosphy is this:   by helping the local population, using their natural resources and giving the local people work (especially women) they are creating a circle of Karma.  So your purchasing is also going to help less fortunate people make money. If you don’t like being cold and want something that will guarantee the maximum amount of warmth you can get, go to Nirvanna.  Baby it’s cold outside, but it is just a little warmer with Nirvanna.
Columbus Circle Holiday Markets
Central Park West at 60th
Open 10-8 Daily, 10-9 Christmas Week

Holiday Markets in New York City

Traveling during the holidays to any city that celebrates Christmas, I think, is a real treat.  Everything is decorated all pretty with the lights and the decorations and no matter how cold it is out everything seems a little more magical.  Well New York City is truly spectacular during the Christmas season.  There are Huge trees at Rockerfeller Center Bryant Park and Lincoln Center, Ice Skating rinks at Bryant Park, Central Park and Rockerfeller Center,the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes and a host of many other festive things to enjoy.

Of my favorite things to see during the season are the holiday markets that are set up in Columbus Circle, Union Square and Bryant Park.  

Every year artisans from all over the world come and set up booths with hand made things that will be sure set you back if you don’t have some will power.  I don’t have a lot, so I usually end up with some great things for myself.  Usually I get one for me and one for someone else.  (I mean they are only there once a year!)  The markets include jewelry makers, clothing, artwork, chocolates, body products, handbags, wallets and more.  

I am partial to Columbus Circle (mostly because it is closest to my house) and over the next few days I am going to tell you about a few of my favorites that are not be missed.  Whether you are visiting New York or live here, you should Get Ye to the Market!  You will be certain to fulfill all your Christmas shopping needs and I guarantee you walk away with a few nice things for yourself.