Noel: This is Christmas

Oh What Fun.
Welp, it's upon us. Christmas Adam has faded into the yesterday and today - Christmas Eve! I can't believe how FAST this holiday season has whipped by. I'm thankful to be in Georgia with my family for this sweet holiday celebration. Coming home for Christmas means all things gooey and righteous - Mom making me berry tea, Dad sharing his latest Lord of the Rings revelations, my sister showing me up with her ridiculously stylish self. My parents' household is pure fun; big laughter and excessive movie quoting and silly teasing. Debates about who would make a better man - Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley? I vote Knightley. Oh, and lots of eating. And lots of present hiding and hushed conversations about what Mom's getting from Dad and Christmassy secrets behind each closet door. It's just who we are. I'm reminded of that when I'm home. Especially while staring at their pretty evergreen and silver tree. Christmas means my family. It just does.

// The whole Spencer tribe. //

// Sheesh, perfect little fam. Can't handle the cute. //

// Our family's favorite little Christmas package. //

// The light seriously just did that. //

// These girls. Mmm the love is fierce. //

// Could we look more different. //

// Best grandparents in the world. //

Very Merry.
I hope you are able to experience Christmas with your favorite people this season. There has been a lot of transition since last Christmas (in my life, and I'm sure in yours, too!), and this holiday season may find you thinking about old times, both good and bad. I encourage you to embrace this year for what it is, perhaps unperfect, perhaps hopes were dashed, and perhaps things will never be the same. But it is the hope of things unseen - the belief in something greater - that can lift our human-ish minds out of the concrete parking spot our thoughts have been idling in. Christmas is the time to hope against hopes, dreams big again, and embrace that funny little kid inside your heart. We don't have to be mature on Christmas. We can rip open the gifts we've been given, we are allowed to marvel at them and laugh and cry a little. It's okay. It's OKAY! Christmas is a striking and gorgeous mess.

I wish you the happiest Christmas eve, filled with movie marathons, baking madness, present-wrapping and an excessive amount of hot beverages :-) You go get that Christmas spirit. It's all yours.

Noel: For the Laughing Littles

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Laughing Littles by knhale on Polyvore

// 1. Anthropologie The Secret Garden // 2. Anthropologie Paris Puzzle // 3. Anthropologie USA Wooden Blocks // 4. Land of Nod Animal Stack Growth Chart // 5. Anthropologie Louis the Lion // 6. The Highline Park in the Sky Onesie // 7. Minnetonka Moccasin Fringe Bootie // 8. Land of Nod Monaco Mach 2 Racer // 9. Abe's Market Zoe B Organic Sleepy Hat // 10. Anthropologie Maps Book // 11. Amazon "This is New York" Book // 12. Anthropologie The Complete Peter Rabbit Collection // 13. Anthropologie All Aboard Train Puzzle //

For the Laughing Littles.
I am ridiculously blessed with nieces and nephews aplenty. They're so much fun to shop for at Christmas time! I love seeing their reactions as they awkwardly tear open the wrapping paper and discover the colorful new addition to their toy family. Their faces cannot tell a lie - they either love a gift or are immediately bored with it. Makes my heart laugh. I do my best to gift books and puzzles, because for some reason I want to be that aunt. This year I came across so many sweet gifts that I couldn't not share some of them. I hope this helps as you hunt for some last-minute kiddo presents. Kids have the magical power of containing MUCH of the Christmas spirit without even realizing it - we should all honor that joy on Christmas morning!

For the Littles (and their sparkling Christmas morning faces),

Ladies in the Snow

Ladies Weekend.
You can't deny the power of a girls weekend. It's the circled dates on the calendar that you look forward to for months. It's the light at the end of a frazzled holiday season. It's the relief, due in part to that glass of wine, but mostly due to just having those heartfelt girls near to you. You can see the warmth in their eyes, hear the music in their laughter, feel their sweet empathy and let go of all worries. You don't have to talk about work. Who wants to talk about that? You can just laugh. Let loose. Be free. For those 48 hours, it's all about fun... probably with a few tears thrown in there for good measure. I mean, we are women, right??

I had some of my best girl friends in town this past weekend, and... well, they just wowed my socks off. Mostly with their wit. But also with their humility, perspective, grace and vulnerability. These girls. They are the lifeline, the lively, the lifers. Isn't it wonderful to know who will be by your side forever? These treasured women flew in from all corners of the earth - Mobile, Al., West Palm, Fl. and NICARAGUA - all to stay in my tiny abode here in New York. What blessed souls. I'm sure they returned home with a new-found appreciation for space. Though I already miss them, I am most thankful for our times together. It's the best Christmas gift. I hope everyone has friends like these.

We traipsed all over this town, even in the midst of the heavy snow that fell upon us all day on Saturday. Hence the wet socks and the necessary trip into Urban Outfitters to buy more.

All photos are taken by these sweet ladies: Natalie at Fresh Life Findings, Alex at The Wonder List and Erica at This Side Photo.

// Washington Square Park //

// It was Santacon in West Village // The big tree in Midtown //

// Central Park //

// Cafe Lalo (remember this from You Got Mail?) //

// Cafe Lalo treats //

// Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (really tricky to capture) // Radio City Music Hall //

// Fig & Olive, Meatpacking //

// Greenwich Village //

// On the stoop of Kathleen Kelly's apartment (We might have a slight You Got Mail obsession, yes.) //

// Art on my windowsill. //

These girls just made this cold weather a little bit sunnier. I hope you're having a wonderful week, counting down to Christmas!

Noel: Gift Guide For the Dapper Lad

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Dapper Light by knhale

// 1. Allen Edmonds Shaker Heights Plain-toe Butcher Lace-up Men's Dress Boot // 2. Leatherman Juice C2 Tool // 3. Terrain Buffalo Plaid Trapper Hat // 4. Sundance Sojourner Socks // 5. Sundance Magnetic BBQ Tool Light // 6. Banana Republic Slim-Fit Checkered Luxe-brushed Twill Shirt // 7. Stanley Flask // 8. Terrain Boulder Mug // 9. Steinbeck Centennial Boxed Set // 10. Williams Sonoma Agate Rimmed Coasters // 11. Terrain Popcorn Popper //

For the Dapper Lad.
He's your guy. And you want to get him something spectacular, but... he's a guy. Which means you can hardly read his mind and you're sure that he cannot read yours. So how to surprise him with something truly wonderful?

In my experience, gift shopping for men at Christmastime is the greatest challenge. Inheriting about a zillion brothers made me acutely aware of how little I actually know about the hobbies of the opposite sex. Over the years, I've learned a bit of bro talk (okay, not really), and had a bit more insight into the dude world. It's extremely different from the fluffy feminine gifts I like to buy. However, I've come to love gift shopping for my dad(s), brothers, and of course my husband. The above items could outfit and impress a range of different kinds of men, and I know that they would be a smashing success. How? Trial and error, my friends. Trial and error. So go ahead, reap from the benefits of some tried-and-true surefire GRAND Christmas gifts that your strong, funny, manly man will absolutely love.

Happy Gifting!

Noel: DIY Cigar Box Jewelry Box

The Inspiration.
Christmastime is so twinkly and magical. I was inspired by these West Elm's boxes, like this and this. I thought the mixture of gold, silver and charcoal colors would look really pretty on my dresser, so I began brainstorming. These boxes were clearly out of my price range, so I thought, "I will just make my own." My DIY desire was confirmed when I stumbled upon these cigar boxes (below) at a flea market in the neighborhood. They are super legit, solid wood with hinges and everything - the guy sold all three for $20, which I thought wasn't too bad. Then I began hunting for the perfect paper. I went over to my friends at the to-die-for Paper Source, where the ladies there helped me pick out these three styles: Gold on Cream Mums Fine Paper, Metallic Wash on Natural Fine Paper & Gold Linear Dots on Slate Fine Paper. We were in business! This is such a great DIY for a Christmas gift or for yourself. And the gold-silver theme is very holiday-esque, but will blend beautifully year-round as well.

The Items You Need:
- Cigar box
- Paper - Any kind of sturdy paper will do - Perhaps even wrapping paper!
- Mod Podge (I used the glossy because I already had some at the house, but matte would probably look really awesome)
- Scissors (the sharper, the better. You're about to get your trim on.)
- Xacto Knife or pocket knife
- Foam paint brush
- Newspaper

The Budget:
- 3 Cigar Boxes (varying sizes) - $20
- 3 sheets Fine Paper - Approx. $20
= GRAND TOTAL: $40

The Method:
If you are good at wrapping presents, you will be excellent at this. Because essentially, all you are doing is wrapping this box, very precisely, with the paper, and applying the glue as you go.

1. Go ahead and lay out the newspaper (this will be your workspace) and wrap the box in the paper, eyeing the separate sections. If you're into measuring, you could get out a tape measure and go to town (I am not that kind of gal.) Decide about how much paper you will need for each section. Make sure to leave a little extra around all the sides.

2. Once you have an idea of the measurements, begin cutting the paper very to fit the box. Do this as you go in sections. I started with the front of the box, measuring the necessary "cut out" of the front hinge, and carefully traced the area with my pocket knife (if you have an Xacto knife, it would be super easy to trim this area away, just watch your fingers!)

3. Once the box has been measured and the paper has been trimmed to fit around the hinges, you can begin wrapping the box and glueing, very carefully, all around the box. Apply the glue, and immediately smooth the paper across the chosen section of the box. Smoothing it is very important, so that you won't have any bubbles in the paper. The glue dries pretty fast, so once you apply a coat, make sure to immediately apply the paper.

4. Watch the corners, make necessary trims as you go (this is where the very pointy scissors will come in handy!) This process is more about "touch" and less about step-by-step instructions. Make sure to wipe excess glue from the box, you don't want it getting stuck in the hinges!

5. Once the box has been completely covered, set it aside for 24 hours to dry. Make sure to leave the box open, so that it won't glue shut!

6. After 24 hours, apply another all-over coat of the Mod Podge and then let it sit (open) for another 24 hours.

Voila! Your up-cycled cigar jewelry box is complete! Just fill with your favorite treasures and set in a special place.

Merry Christmas and happy DIY-ing!

Noel: Gift Guide For the Traveling Soul

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Traveling Soul by knhale

// 1. Moma Vintage New York Post Cards // 2. Piperlime Spun by Subtle Luxury Infinity Chunky Sweater Knit Scarf // 3. St. Helena Global Salt Trio // 4. The New York Times 36 Hours in Asia & Oceania // 5. Anthropologie Love Note Cuff // 6. Paula Scher Highline Map Poster // 7. Piperlime Pim & Larkin Eiffel Tower Stud Earrings // 8. Sundance Fleece-lined Handwarmers // 9. Frye Company Carson Lace Ups // 10. Anthropologie Patchworked Socks // 11. Urban Outfitters Lomography Camera //

For the Traveling Soul.
We all have a friend like this. The curious, half-wild dreamer who is always up for a road trip, a day trip, a hiking trip, any kind of adventure. Always snapping photos, circling destinations on a map, with a stocked car ready for an endless day away. I am actually glad to say that I have more than a few friends like this, and quite a few family members, too. I love people who LOVE to travel, because they are always armed with eclectic stories, odd recipes and a bounty of enticing photos to share. But even more importantly, my friends who are traveling fiends maintain a gracious open mind that is enviable. Not bogged down by the bible belt's staggering insulation or the political trends of the moment, these folks are peaceful, easy to please, fast to laugh and even faster to encourage. These traveling buddies are capable and composed, yet completely vulnerable and allow me to peel back their layers, ask tough questions and examine their experiences for myself. What a lucky girl I am. To be more of a traveling soul, well, that's my goal. And I've got such great role models to look to.

I believe you will find that any of the above gifts will add a little sparkle to your friends' lifelong voyage. So go ahead, give them a little something special that tells them you believe in their courageous journey, too.

Noel: Mary the Cookie Lady

Mary the Cookie Lady.

When I was a little girl, my Aunt Shirley used to come into town on Christmas Day. She flew in from Connecticut, which always sounded to me just like the North Pole (all that snow!) And my Aunt Shirley, my dear dear Aunt Shirley, would always come armed with a tin full of extra special cookies. These were no run-of-the-mill chocolate chip types, nor boring sugar cookies either. The confections Aunt Shirley brought with her in that special tin were decadent, spectacular truffles of majesty. Swirled with cinnamon, powdered with sugar, fluffy and rich with apricot filling. Oh these cookies! They were the best in the WHOLE WORLD. And my wide eyed sisters and I would exchange equally meaningful and sneaky glances as we attempted to take two, three, four cookies at a time, all the while my mother would cluck her tongue at us, “Girls, these are a treat! You only need one!” But we couldn’t bear it. We couldn’t resist the magical cookies from the magical land of Connecticut, which was probably something like the magical North Pole.

I love how romantic childhood Christmas memories can be.

Now, let me tell you, my Aunt Shirley does not bake. She doesn’t cook. There are no spatulas in her kitchen. She has no need for such tools, since her fingers can swiftly dial and she can have takeout from all her favorite places in 20 minutes. She would tell you this herself. She has her doctorate in psychology, she is the most popular professor at Sacred Heart University (and has a bevy of awards to prove it!), she has contributed to a number of humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts over the past 35 years. She has been, understandably TIED UP for quite some time. So baking? Eh, not on her list of to-do’s. She’s been saving the world. Which means that these fine cookies… they weren’t by the work of her hands. These cookies were crafted by Mary the Cookie Lady. AKA Aunt Shirley’s bestie. Mary is the genius mastermind, the true craftswoman behind these works of tasty art. Turkish Delights are a woeful knockoff to her baked glories. Mrs. Fields? Please. Ain’t got nothin’ on Mary.

People. I invited myself to bake with her. I went to Mary’s house. I BAKED WITH THIS GODDESS. I could cry at how amazing the experience was. Um… actually, I did. I got in the car and wept like a foolhardy little girl. Because baking with Mary was like playing onstage with a rock star. She is a rock star. I don’t know how else to describe it.

I asked Mary if I could learn from her, be an apprentice of sorts. I hoped she would be willing to share her generations-old recipes with me, a mere outsider, a non-family member. Not only did she invite me into her home, she welcomed me with the warmth of a queen. When I arrived, she had the kitchen set and ready to learn 5 different cookie recipes. Her ingredients were stocked, her tools were ready and there was a gigantic wrapped present on the counter for me. Seriously, is this woman an angel or what? Apparently she got the memo that I am a total gift hog. She presented me with all sorts of wonderful baking contraptions and ingredients so that I could re-make the cookies when I got home. What a woman. 

Photos by Shirley Pavone, AKA my hero

There is just something about Mary.

I'm sneaking bites, Aunt Shirley is playing with her pup, and Mary is busy working. A pretty accurate portrait of the day.

Herstory.
Mary was born in Croatia and grew up baking with her mother. On the day that we baked together, she pulled out a beautifully worn wooden pastry board that she inherited from her mother. Let me tell you, it was a beauty. You could see the markings of heritage, the imperfections in the grain, the evenly worn tone of the wood that could only be achieved over lots of time. I felt like I was stepping into her story as she unearthed the tools she had used for so many years to bake the magical cookies I had grown up, so tastefully admiring. This woman. She had baked her own legend into my life without even thinking twice.

Our works of art!

The day was more than a success. We laughed (obviously, I cried), we drank a lot of wine and Aunt Shirley was our culinary judge. In fact, she gave us all 10's.

Want to make some of your own famous Mary cookies? I've included one of her recipes below:

Ingredients:
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup (2 sticks) sweet butter
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups sifted, all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 3/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
- 1 tbsp. water

Method:
1. Blend cream cheese, butter and flour in a mixing bowl until dough ball forms.
2. Chill dough for 1 hour.
3. In the mean time, combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts and cinnamon until well mixed. Set aside.
4. Preheat the over to 400 degrees.
5. Grease cookie sheets.
6. Remove dough from the oven. Cut ball of dough into 4 parts.
7. On a floured pastry board, roll out each fourth into a 9-inch circle (as if you were rolling out a pizza pie.) Dough should be about 1/8-inch thick once rolled out.
8. Sprinkle dough with 1/4 the hazelnut-brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
9. Cut dough like a pizza, into 10-12 "slices."
10. Roll up slices, starting from "crust end" and gently fold into half-moon wedges. Place on baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove and let cool on racks.

Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to teach me your way around the kitchen! You are a joy and a total inspiration. And to all of you Oysters, I hope you enjoy your very own special Mary Cookies as much as I do! It's a Merry Christmas, indeed!

 

Noel: Gift Guide For the Homebody

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Homebody by knhale

// 1. Anthropologie Mr. Boddington's Pride and Prejudice // 2. Capri Blue Volcano Candle in a Jar // 3. Origins Lavender and Vanilla Body Souffle // 4. Scoutmob Coexistence Flower Art Print // 5. Anthropologie Amethyst Crystal Lamp Base // 6. Fortnum and Mason Royal Tea // 6. Scoutmob Pink Himalayan Bath Salts // 7. Free People Border Print Robe // 8. Kate Spade New York Larabee Road Coffee Pot // 10. Williams Sonoma Agate Gold-Rimmed Coasters // 11. Horchow Sferra Emma Pointelle Throw // 12. Piperlime Sabine Emerald Green Pave Stud // 13. UGG Ansley Women's Mahogany Slippers //

For the Homebody.

This gift guide is for that lady who chooses to (or needs to!) hibernate when the weather gets chilly. If you're ridiculously busy with all the reasons in the world that you have to stay busy, it's time for your reality check (and bubble bath!) Put down the iPhone and the to-do list and aaaaaaaaaallll the other excuses you have to NOT relax. And just take a moment for you.

If you know someone who needs a good vacation from the mind, this guide should steer you in the right direction. Your secret santa could use a relaxing soak in the tub with a classic read, a decadent candle and absolutely nothing on the calendar.

Happy gifting!