Living
Merry & Bright
The holiday season is upon us! 
 
With one less week than usual, it can feel a bit hectic. I'm walking that fine line between rushing to get everything decorated and savoring the traditions that make this time of year so special and dear. 
 
I've already been into NYC to enjoy the shop windows and some fun holiday Pop Ups! That definitely got me in the spirt!
 
We've traded in our annual tradition of a real tree and have finally gone faux! There was a bit of family debate about this one, but everyone is now on board and relieved that the set up is so easy. Are you team faux or team fir?
 
Whether it is cookie decorating, a Hallmark movie marathon or driving around to look at Christmas lights with hot cocoas…I hope that your holiday season is full of moments of wonder & delight…and merry and bright!
 
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This Month in the Garden
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'Tis the season
 
Winter is a LONG season in New York! It gets dark early and the temps make you want to linger indoors. Yet, I still want the outside of the house to be “dressed”. 
 
Decorating the pots and window boxes with winter greens and birch logs that can last past December, and don't read strictly “holiday” has become important to me. If we include ornaments, we'll just remove those in January. 
 
The one exception I make is the little lit Christmas trees that we often do. They make me happy, and I hope they are enjoyed by my neighbors. 
 
I've often thought of swapping out the ornaments for hearts for Valentine's Day…so I think that will be a goal this year!
 
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“The flames in our fireplaces are the tulip gardens of winter.”
~ Ancient Persian poem
 

 
 
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas
 
 
 

 
 
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TRAVEL
Botswana
A wild adventure
 
Last month, my husband and I joined some friends of ours on the trip of a lifetime. We traveled to South Africa and Botswana, where we visited 2 safari camps. Vumbura Plains and Mombo. 
 
In addition to incredible animal sightings, it was the warm hospitality, incredible accommodations and surprises at each camp that really made it memorable. 
 
A few things to know if this type of trip is on your radar.
  1. Prices drop at the camps beginning Nov 1
  2. You make 2 drives each day (morning & afternoon)
  3. The food is AMAZING
  4. Botswana focuses on conservation - no hunting
  5. There is time to relax between safari excursions
  6. The animals see the jeep (and people in it) as one unit, so they are not afraid & let you get close
  7. 3 nights at each camp is perfect
  8. There are many, many different types and locations for safaris all throughout Africa, so I recommend that you work with a travel advisor to explore what is best for you. I highly recommend SG Travel! Sandy has been there and knows the various operators.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SG Travel Advisors
 
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May your spirits be merry & bright!
 
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At Summit One Vanderbilt in NYC - a fun holiday outing
Happy Holidays from New York!…  xxElizabeth
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20 Thistle Lane
RYE, NY 10580, United States