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

Pillars of the Earth

I love history and I love historical fiction.  When I go to Europe I love visiting huge cathedrals and castles built centuries ago.  I now appreciate these beautiful pieces of architecture even more after reading “Pillars of the Earth”, by Ken Follet.  If you like historical fiction you will want to add this to the top of your reading list.  That said, “Pillars of the Earth” is a huge book.  There is no getting around it.  If you are thinking about taking it on vacation you will absolutely want to have a Kindle a Nook or an ipad.  Or check an extra bag because it just might be heavier than your suitcase.   I read all 1100 pages in a week.   I couldn't put it down.  One of my friends asked me if I was carrying around the bible.  But I didn't want to miss any opportunity to read a few pages.

The story takes you back to 1123 where we follow the stories of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge who has the dream of building the greatest Gothic Cathedral of all time, Tom who is the mason who becomes his architect and Lady Aliena, the woman who holds a shameful secret.  This is an epic novel that will follow their lives and hold you spellbound for the duration.  Then when you finish that you can move on to the sequel, “World Without End” which will take you 200 years into the future to this same town of Knightsbridge to see the future of this cathedral and the town’s inhabitants.  If you like historical fiction at all, GO GET THIS BOOK.  Oprah said it first and I have to reiterate, this is an amazing book!  It will not disappoint.