Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Goodbye 2008... Hello '09!


Times Square, New York City

I almost can't believe 2008 is over, and that this is the last day of it! 
Always at this time of year, I stop and take time to think about all that's happened in the past 365 days... and what I was doing this time last year.
Of course, with that, I wonder where I'll be this time next year.. and what I will be looking back on then too..

Tonight I'm off to a dinner party, which should be fun! As most of my family, and some of my friends, are in the UK, I'm sure to be receiving 'Happy New Year' texts by 7pm tonight!

It's snowing today in NYC... and I'm sure I've said it before, but I'll say it again, New York looks beautiful when it snows. I hope it carries on until that Times Square ball drops at Midnight.

And so I'm off to decide what to wear! But I wish you all, a very Happy New Year. May 2009 bring us all a smile or two.. xoxo

Saturday, December 27, 2008

I'm Back!



Hello! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Holiday!
I'm back in NYC after visiting my Dad in Michigan for the week, I had a really great (and white!!) Christmas, and I've got lots to share about it all!! As well as finally being able to share with you what's been keeping my hands busy over the few weeks leading up to Christmas!

But for now, It's an early night tonight as I was off to catch a plane this morning at 3am!!
I wish my holiday could have lasted longer, but I'm glad I had my furry adorable Oscar to come home to!

Updates, pictures and stories soon!!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Window Watching..



New York City is well known for their Christmas Store windows, which take months and months of planning and a lot of hard work... but they always come up with something new and worth a look! Now although I haven't had the chance to check them out myself yet, but on cruising 1st Dibs (which I lovvee! And which is actually based out of the same Chelsea building I work in!) I found a great spread of photography showing off these famous windows! Check out 1st Dibs for a browse yourself, as well as the usual treasures on their site!!
Here, I've posted my favorites... but my most favorite are the next two images with the woman walking the snail, and the next two windows - one of which, with a woman sitting on the moon. Even for just these three windows, it's worth a trip up to Bergdorf's!!


Bergdorf Goodman


Bergdorf Goodman


Tiffany & Co.


Bloomingdales & Saks Fifth Avenue

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Twinkle Twinkle...



Ah, Twinkle lights.... and since I found the picture of the dog covered in them, it seems tree's aren't the only thing people like to cover in lights!! Courtesy of Flickr, here are some great photos....
Love the one below with the cat!!.....Oscar, where are you??! I've got some twinkle lights for youuuu!!!








Let It Snow...



I LOVE snow!!!! Today, New York is facing it's second (as far as I've seen!) sprinkle of the wonderful fluffy stuff.... I think watching snow fall is one of my most favorite things.

New York looks so beautiful when it snows too...glowing in the street lights. So I thought I'd post a few beautiful pictures of the city in snow! I'm sure there will be more of these from me over the next few months - after all, the serious snow probably won't arrive until after the holiday's, as usual!
And as I'm spending this Christmas in Michigan, where it's hard to escape the snow! I'm hoping for a throughly white Christmas too!!

My Dad has a wonderful German Shepard/Black Lab mix Dog called Rufus, and I'm seriously considering taking inspiration from the above image and covering him in twinkle lights!!!! Ha!!!


Madison Avenue


Central Park


Lower East Side

Monday, December 15, 2008

Monday, Monday...


House to Home.

It's Monday evening... and boy, oh boy, am I tired! It's been such a busy weekend I feel like I need another one already! Right now, I wish I had a warm cracking fire to curl up next to, blanket and cup of tea at hand, with a great book.... like the picture above, that warm, worn leather.. the rustic charm...
But for now, I'll have to go without those comforts... and just be happy with a cuppa tea and great book - which is right now one by Eustace Mullins, a Christmas pressi to myself!
So I'm off to curl up, relax, and probably fall asleep very soon!!
Happy Monday!!

Sad Times...



Unfortunately, these days, this is only too true...

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Hippo!!

I just heard the best and funniest Christmas Song!! So of course, I have to post it!!!



'I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas' By Gayla Peevey

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Treetops Glisten...



For my Sister, Kathryn. Because no one loves this movie as much as she does!

Bryant Park, NYC



This is my third Christmas in New York City now, and every year I always, without fail, have to go up to Bryant Park to wander around the ice rink and the little stores camped out just for the season.
As this is my last weekend before I'm off to Dad's for the holidays I had to go and check it out! Above and below are a couple snaps I took of my visit. Hot coffee in hand, I got soaked up in that wonderful Christmas feeling and hummed along to the Christmas tunes flowing from the little shops..

I have a soft spot for Bryant Park. I sat on one of their green chairs in the early Spring of 2006 on a weekend visit to New York. Although I had it in mind before that I would move here, it was in that park at that moment, looking across the square of green while the buildings towered around it on all sides, giving that patch a sense of protection, that I decided NYC was going to be my new home. A month and a half later, I was here...

Maybe thats why I go back every year, not just for the Christmas cheer but to remind me of where it all began, and how far I've come... Bryant Park always makes me smile, at any time of the year. 

I watched 'The Bridges Of Madison County' tonight, a movie which I love, and makes me cry! But there was a line that Robert (Clint Eastwood) said that rang out to me, and I'd like to share it...
"Change is one of the laws of nature. Some people fear change, but if you can look at it like something you can count on, it can actually become a comfort"


Friday, December 12, 2008

Busy Hands Keep A Calm Mind...


John Singer Sargent, Nonchaloir, 1911

I've come to discover that the best way to keep a mind calm, is to keep the hands busy.

This week has been really busy, at home, and at work. And I'm not complaining! This week, our accountant's husband lost his job - after 13 years at the company, my Roommate Kim lost hers, and Habitually Chic lost hers too. NYC is taking a pounding... But then, it's amazing what fear can do.
I count my lucky stars I still have my job.. that and work is so busy right now too. This week I had to style our Park Avenue Apartment project for a big meeting with a magazine - she loved it too! So more on that when it comes to fruition!

I've got a busy day in front of me, so I thought I'd share with you my favorite lines of the mix CD which has kept me company in my evenings all week... Next week I'll be hitting up those Christmas songs full throttle!

now your here now you away, I don't want this, remember that, I'll never forget where your at
Glycerine, Bush

And I am finally seeing, why I was the one worth leaving.
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, The Postal Service

Because I came here with a load, And it feels so much lighter, Since I met you, And honey you should know, That I could never go on without you
Green Eyes, Coldplay

And -- each night and day I pray, in hope, That I might find you, in hope that I might, Find you, because hearts can do no more, It always ends up to one thing honey, still I kneel upon the floor
How Can I Tell You, Cat Stevens

I'll find you, In the morning sun, And when the night is new. I'll be looking at the moon, But I'll be seeing you.
I'll Be Seeing You, Billie Holiday

And it can't be bad, all the love I've had, Coursing through life, Down in the pass where the wind blows fast, And mellow's feeling right
Mellow, Elton John

So goodbye yellow brick road, Where the dogs of society howl, You can't plant me in your penthouse, I'm going back to my plough
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John

I'll never be your beast of burden, My back is broad but it's a hurting, All I want is for you to make love to me, I'll never be your beast of burden, I've walked for miles my feet are hurtingAll I want is for you to make love to me
Beast Of Burden, The Rolling Stones

When I turn around you're there, Should I ask for more, I feel like sugar on the floor, I feel like sugar on the floor
Sugar On The Floor, Etta James

On a railway New York bound, Took all except my name, Another alien on Broadway, There's some things in this world, You just can't change, Somethings you can't see, Until it gets too late, Baby,
baby, baby 
Bright Lights, Matchbox 20

Looks like you got the best of me, Mocking Bird singing his song, Well Mocking Bird mocking me now that you're gone, Mocking Bird high in a loof, Well he's blowing notes on top my roof
Mockingbird, Tom Waits

He's got a broken voice and a twisted smile, Guess he's been that way for quite awhile, Got blood on his shoes and mud on his brim, Did he do it to himself or was it done to him?
Broken, Norah Jones

If the sky that we look uponShould tumble and fall, And the mountain should crumble to the sea, I won't cry, I won't cry, No I won't shed a tear, Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Stand By Me, The Temptations

My baby dont care who knows it, My baby just cares for me
My Baby Just Cares For Me, Nina Simone

When you sail across the ocean waters, And you reach the other side safely, Could you smile a little smile for me? 'cause I'll be thinkin' about you
Thinking About You, Norah Jones

At last, the skies above are blue, My heart was wrapped up in clover, the night I looked at you 
At Last, Etta James

Monday, December 8, 2008

Christmas Shimmer...



For a little bit of Fashion Inspiring Interiors....the wonderful Roberto Cavalli... And for the Christmas touch, in shimmering goldie silver!... Now, the interiors!!


House to Home


House to Home


Living Etc

A Cowboy and his Brandy...



I know I haven't been posting recently - even my Mum commented on it! Still, it's been a busy week at work, I've had a lot on my mind, and well, my heart has been very heavy... so sadly leaving little time to blog.

Above is an image I'd like to accompany with the song below. It's from the new Baz Lehrmann movie 'Australia' with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Now, I'm not running off to the cinema to watch it, but I do love the image above. Even if I do dislike Nicole's boots! I love their pose, the masculinity, the femininity....

As for why I'd like like it in the same post as this song.... well, thats for me to know, and you to guess.
For my Marlboro Man....


Friday, December 5, 2008

Two weeks and counting...



I can't believe Christmas is only two weeks away now! When I was little, it couldn't come fast enough, now it comes around wayy too fast!! 
This year things have unfortunately changed in my family, and for the first time, in my lifetime, we won't all be together for the holidays. You see a big fat ocean lies between my Mother, my Brother and my Sister in England, and my Father and I sit on this side. Fortunately however, at least all of us will have some family. I'm jumping over to Michigan to spend it with my Dad and his dog Rufus, and probably a whole chunk of SNOW!! I haven't been back there for two years! I can't believe how they can vanish so quickly...

But... I LOVE Christmas!!! And I adore Christmas music!!! 
So, the above song is Judy Garland, singing 'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas', which I just love. It must be one of my all time favorites, so beautiful, so classic... it makes my heart melt..

Then there's this one, Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' is to keep my lonely heart cheerful...and for my Family, who could do it better than Bing Crosby? 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'... if only in my heart.




All three images from Living Etc.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Fall Back Down...


living etc.

Fall is on it's way out...and winter is coming in. Today I heard more Christmas songs than usual, and it's not even December yet! With three more work weeks left before the holidays, it's going to be intense, and I'll be rushed off my feet I'm sure.
So for now, I'm sucking up these last few days of relaxing time for myself, soaking up the last of Fall and the slightly not so freezing weather before the ice and snow take over, even if I do loovvee snow!
Time for me to have a cuppa tea..... It's what we Brits do, init?!


I think this is Domino, correct me if I'm wrong!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Honey! I'm Home!




First off, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! NYC right now has that lovely holiday feeling, it's only a little chilly, and everyone has smiles on their faces. Today was my first day back in the city after my trip to Las Vegas with my Dad on our usual Thanksgiving tradition! But more about that in a bit... 

NYC

Although I LOVED getting out of the city, and I had an amazing  holiday with Dad, there isn't anything quite like coming home. That little speck of the earth you can call your own (even if you do rent it!).
So as I sat in the cab from the airport, driving over Manhattan bridge, I looked over the skyline I call home, the Empire State Building lit up in red, orange, and yellow for the holidays, and I smiled. Like most, I have a love hate relationship with NYC.. but it's still home, and because of it's own little ways, I love it more than I hate it!
Reveling in those moments, I thought of my cat Oscar, I know he'll be at the door meowing away before the key is in the door! Beaming, I can't wait to see the lil fella, holidays are for family, and my lil boy is very much part of mine.



Vegas with Dad this year was one of the best yet, we had such a great time!! We stayed in the hotel and casino 'Paris', and following in that theme, it certainly doesn't do it by halves! With the classic tacky Vegas twist, 'Paris' is my all time favorite...I love it there! Dad and I are even recognized by the dealers and pit bosses! Still, for us, the gambling is paying for the entertainment. The house does always win, so it's about having fun, rolling with the highs and lows and meeting all the great people (even if there are a few crazies too!) that Vegas unsurprisingly attracts! 
Above and below are a few pics of the 'Paris' interior, and you might just see what I'm talking about! Sitting down and having the Blue Cheese burger (which was heavenly by the way!) in the restaurant below, is like sitting outside on a street! To enjoy Vegas, you really have to embrace the high end of tacky too!! Ha!

Oh, and while there, I had a funny realization. Conversation in Las Vegas isn't so different as NYC ya' know. There are two questions you are guaranteed to be asked in NYC. They are; 'Where do you live?' and 'What do you do?'. In Vegas, they are; 'Where are you staying?' and 'How long are you in town?'. I just wonder what the two golden questions are for other cities in America!



And just one more thing for this Thanksgiving post......



Two years ago tonight, I walked into the restaurant and bar called Gusto on Greenwich Avenue. I was meeting a man there I'd only met once before, and that was after I'd imbibed a bottle of red wine and two cosmopolitans... so at any rate, and embarrassing to admit, I was unsure I could remember what he looked like.. but I did remember our first encounter back in September vividly.
I remembered the conversation, that I said "I don't know much about politics to say" and he replied with, "you know enough to have an opinion". I remember being surprised by that, that only in just knowing this man for a few minutes, he had already made me feel confident in myself, and for no apparent gain for himself. We talked about the Hopper painting in the bar too, and about art in general... I suppose thats why I have a softer spot for Hopper than I ever have before...and funny and telling that it should be Hopper too...
So Thanksgiving, months later, I text him. The next night (tonight), we meet at Gusto. I'm nervous as hell. I spoke to my friend Miriam with a last cigarette just outside the place before I ventured in, just as we girls do... Stepping in, my heart is pounding with nerves, questions running through my head, "do I look okay?", "will he recognize me?", "will I recognize HIM?", "am I early? - oh no, did I get here first??!"...... anyways, after arranging to meet at the bar, I didn't have to scan the tables at least. Expecting to see a man alone at the bar of course would be a helpful hint, or at least make my nerve ridden brain calm down a little and focus... But instead he was with the manager whom he knew, so as I walked to an open seat further down the bar, I yes...... walk right by him!!!! ARG! 
Flushed with embarrassment on him catching me, what else could I possibly do but laugh at myself?!! Seriously, it was way too typical and funny for me not to have some entertainment in my fumble! After that, my nerves were washed away.... his handsome smiling face came flooding back to me from months before, and we settled into drinking too many gin and tonics (for me) and vodka OJ's (if I remember correctly!) (for him).
Somewhere in the conversation, a metaphor for something else, he described two flies. One leaving California and the other leaving NYC...both buzzing towards each other and with the likelihood of them meeting up in Chicago... to which I added, "where they would buy a condo and live happily ever after!".... I will never forget that smile and laughter in his face....

Back then, I didn't realized how my life would change on agreeing to meet him that night. I never expected any of it, I never thought I would find someone like him, and I never thought I could, or would, feel anything so great.
My life was opened up to me, and through my own doing, but I would have never seem the possibilities of my life without him. I am grateful every day for even just having known him. He is one of the best men I have ever met, kind, generous, intelligent, and full of those flaws we all love to put up with! But sometimes, there still has to be a goodbye.

And even though I will probably never rest my eyes on his smile again, I wish him my very best wishes and the greatest of thank you's... Happy Thanksgiving.


Gusto Interior and Bar

Friday, November 21, 2008

VEGAS BABY!!



The time has finally come!!! Tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn (and I mean the crack of dawn!!!!) I'll be making my way to JFK to jump on a plane for 5 1/2 hours to arrive in LAS VEGAS at about 10:30 am (LV time!).... and..... I. CAN'T. WAIT.!!!!
Seeing Dad again will be just fantastic, It's been wayyy too long as it is. It's also been wayyy too long since I got a break from NYC (even if I do love it here!)
Also, we're staying in my all time favorite hotel "Paris" with its cloud painted ceilings and faux cobble stone pathways... HaHaHa!!!

So maybe I'll get to meet Lady luck again, and even if I don't, hanging out with Dad again will be absolutely perfect, and really, I couldn't ask for anything more than that.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!!! I wish everyone a most wonderful holiday, whatever you do!!!


Blog find!



I just love it when I stumble across a blog that I totally fall for! Today it was Leah Hennen's blog "More Ways to Waste Time". It's probably one of the best blogs I've seen!...And now to take place on my daily reading list! A feast for the eyes, and with serious amounts of inspiration, I love it. She also has an Etsy site showcasing all of her Etsy favorites...what a great idea!!

Thank you Leah!

Lotus Love...



Talking of lighting, one of my all time favorites is the Lotus Flower Chandelier....I totally adore this. So beautiful, so feminine, so delicate, and such a show stopper!!

The light is created by artisans combining hundreds of hand-cut capiz shells edged in metal together into large pearl and smoke colored spheres. When lit from within the pendants shimmer and shine like stained glass and look just stunning. Available in different sizes from Vita Terra or Graham and Green.

I am in lovveeee....



Light Bulb?


Ernesto Gismondi

I LOVE this Miconos light series designed by Ernesto Gismondi for his company Artemide. I like the twist it plays on the conventional light bulb fixture. It's simple, clean, beautiful, and so powerful in it's presence too... I want one... hey, I want all three! But maybe thats overdoing it... Ha!




take. a. breath.



More from Jen Gotch... Because I should remember to do this much more often.