Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Despite the ongoing pandemic, holiday traditions will provide the normalcy and comfort that we sorely need. Our creativity to adapt and our perseverance to thrive can not be stopped by Covid-19. Thanks to family and good friends, there have been true moments of joy this year even as we socially distance. In the spirit of the holiday season, a quote from Charles Dickens:
“It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
So hang in there and laugh as much as possible.
Some gift giving ideas to make your season bright.....
Good friends Deborah and Jonathan Goldman decided in 1998 to plant a Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Vineyard on their Estate on the Silverado Trail in Napa to create a California Dessert Wine to compete with the finest in France. Oro Puro dessert wine was born - a balanced , savory blend of vanilla, pear and honey that pairs brilliantly with cheese platters or desserts of fruit pies, butterscotch and caramel. From their very own olive trees, the Goldmans have expanded into hand bottled Oro Puro Napa Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Both the wine and olive oil are delicious as I can attest and wonderful gifts. Contact Deborah at Deborah.Goldman5@gmail.com, for orders and delivery.
Pottery Barn has a fun gnome collection, including these cute 100% wool wine toppers. Choose from the red female gnome or the green male gnome. I also have the gnome napkin rings.
This peacoat from Sanctuary is a bit oversized but still very classic. You can find this coat and more from The Store in Mill Valley The coat texture is that nubby faux fur or "teddy" to give a more contemporary spin. And the price point is right. The small fits me well with plenty of room.
For a little va va voom this holiday season at your staycation or real vacation (so jealous), how about this fitted silk shirt from FRAME. The ruching and puffed sleeves are very flattering. For larger busted women (lucky you!) the medium is a good option.
Monrow is a LA based brand known for its "luxe-leisure" and is a celebrity favorite from Kate Moss to Michelle Obama. As we are all living in more casual clothing these days, here are some more comfy options for you or your daughter. Check out the supersoft fleece high waisted vintage sweatpants in lots of colors. The supersoft fleece boyfriend sweatshirt is also very cozy.
Aviator Nation has captured the cool 70's west coast vibe in their brand of sweats. These zip up hoodies aren't only for the beach and are functional for everyday usage. Great gift! The hoodies are unisex sizing.
NAADAM produces this very soft, long sleeve 100% soft cashmere sweater, for $75. So many beautiful colors. How can they afford these low prices? By working directly with the local herders at Mongolia's Gobi Desert. By eliminating the middle men, you get the savings and the herders get paid more too. It's cashmere with a conscience. Size up for a roomier fit.
Books are the best escape these days, so I've decided to continue adding a book recommendation to these blogs. I recently watched Book Passage's book picks for Holiday gift giving. So easy to do at home whenever you have the time. This particular book, Leave the World Behind, stood out for me and clearly many more as listed below. It's about a family staying at beautiful rental home, and then there is knock on their door..... Let me know what you think!
Finalist for the 2020 National Book Award (Fiction)
A Recommended Book From: Vogue * TIME * The Washington Post * NPR * Buzzfeed * The Boston Globe * The Wall Street Journal * Elle * Vulture * Newsweek * NY Observer * Refinery29 * The New York Post * Town & Country * Parade * The Millions * PopSugar * AARP * Publishers Weekly * Apartment Therapy * AV Club * Kirkus * LA Mag * BookPage * Alma * Lit Hub * The Week * BookPage * Esquire
Until next time-
Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and Happy Covid-19 Vaccine
