Christmas Day

Monday, 29 December 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Christmas Day

' Holly asked me to come early and help trim the tree '

(^ Decorating the Christmas Tree in December with our Rockefeller Center Bauble.)

Christmas Day - an eagerly awaited event that sadly, has flown us by in the twirl of a bauble. However, unlike other events that usually fall flat in the aftermath, we still have the leftover Turkey (which btw tastes even better on Boxing Day with Cranberry Sauce and bread), the Christmas Sales and of course the New Year.

Here are three reasons Christmas Day deserves appreciation:

1. The revelation of the inner 5 year old in us all. 7:58a.m and I've never been so happy to leave the warmth of my bed - but perhaps that's because I'm giddy about delving my hand into my stocking hanging on my door. The pile of presents we all carry as we approach the dining room in our dressing gowns, the fire crackling and the waft of fresh pines dancing along the hallway is a guaranteed formula to make anyone smile.
2. The non stop flow of canapés, crackers and Christmas cheer. BANG!SNAP!CRACK! - no one likes the golf tees, nail clippers or hideous jokes inside the cracker, but somehow there's something rather satisfying pulling that cracker with a family member across the table.  
3. The effort that everyone puts into it. Everyone contributes something towards Christmas - whether it's your parents preparing the dinner, brother topping up everyone's glasses or Grandpa cracking jokes that has everyone in stitches - it's a day of appreciation and living (until you hit the food coma that is).

' It would have taken a Rockefeller to decorate it, for it soaked up baubles and tinsel like melting snow.'

(^ Christmas Card & our lil reindeer decoration)

(^ Baking I did for Christmas Day: Iced Gingerbread biscuits and Gingerbread Winter Wonderland Cake.)

I hope you've all had a Holly Jolly Christmas, after all, it is the best time of the year... 

(^ and always remember, the Holly bears the crown)

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Christmas in the City

Sunday, 21 December 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Christmas in the City

"What I've found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's."

With only 4 days until Christmas, the festivity of the Season is at it's peak. On Friday I was lucky enough to travel by train to London for the day; primarily to soak up the jubilant atmosphere.

Usually, as soon as it hits Winter, Christmas consumes all my thoughts. However, this year I didn't feel it until walking into Foyles bookshop (between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square). It reminded me of the bookshop "Fox & Sox" in the film "You've got Mail". Trimmed up with trees, tinsel and twinkly lights and about five floors high, it was packed with customers all eagerly searching for a Christmas read... Whether it be a present wrapped in their red ribbons and sparkly paper or something to read for the journey home.   

(^ Left: You've got Mail. Right: Foyles bookshop, London.) 

Amongst the other tube trips to Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street, a window visit to Tiffany's was of course inevitable... 

(19.12.14: Tiffany & Co. - 25 Old Bond Street London)

(Left: Enjoying Breakfast at Tiffany's. Right: Admiring the Window Displays at Tiffany's.)

Stood outside Tiffany's, it took me back to New York in Winter. The window displays never fail to disappoint so, if like for myself, the items inside Tiffany's are a little out of budget for you, it's definitely still worth a trip just to admire those.  

(Below: Winter Wonderland)                                                  (Below: Oxford Street)

During the evening, we also dashed to the Winter Wonderland before our train home. There's such a relaxed vibe there, with Beer Halls for the older members, an ice rink, big wheel alongside hundreds of wooden huts serving multicultural foods and drinks (and much more)!

If you're fortunate enough to get yourself down to London during Winter (this year or next), it's definitely one of the most memorable things you will do! Even if you can't get there, go to your nearest city or town as most hold events like Markets and almost everywhere throw up some lights... So why not take a flask of Christmas Cheer down and share it amongst friends and family, before clinking cups and wishing each other a very Merry Christmas.

    

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Winter

Sunday, 14 December 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Winter

' Holly lay back and yawned."It must be Winter sometime." '

 Like marmite, you love or you hate Winter. Me? I can't think of a more uplifting season. 

Here are 3 reasons why Winter is so lovable:

1. The chance to wrap up in bulky knitted jumpers, chunky tartan scarves and puffy coats are not only acceptably stylish, but we also have an excuse to indulge in the lavish (and excessive) amount of Christmas food - and blame our 'plumper figures' on the style of clothing... Result! (NOTE: if people don't accept this theory, claim you're storing up puppy fat for the cold months).
2. As mentioned in #1^, there is of course the changing of food stock in supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. The aroma of Gingerbread from coffee shops, the hearty pub meals advertised on chalkboards and the gust of warmth when stepping into a cafe is enough to convince anyone to love Winter, surely?    
   
   (^ I tucked into this delectable brie and pickle toast alongside a Cappuccino as a Birthday Lunch treat this week.)   
   
   
3. There's an endless list of must see attractions to attend, no matter where you live or your budget. For me, the official declaration of Winter can only be described as stepping outside when the overwhelmingly numbing sense hits your nose and cheeks; making even smiling a challenge. This week has been no exception with frosty lawns and icy pavements! 

But even if you're not a lover of Winter, with Christmas fast approaching, it's difficult not to be absorbed into the spirit of it. With only a set number of days until the 25th, it's that hectic time of Christmas Cramming; to buy presents, meet friends and watch as many Christmas films as possible.       

      

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Welcome !

Monday, 1 December 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Welcome !

! welcome, bienvenidos, benvenuto !

If you're wondering who Holly Golightly is:

1. Read Breakfast at Tiffany's (a timeless classic) by Truman Capote. (I honestly can't think of a more uplifting book.)
2. Watch the classic film, featuring the one and only Audrey Hepburn; first shot on Sunday October 2nd, 1960, 5:00a.m outside the world renowned jewellers, Tiffany & Co., 727 57th Street at Fifth Avenue.
3. Imagine a blonde, sophisticated, (shy of two months) 19 year old who hosts elite cocktail parties in her brownstone apartment, New York, in the hope of finding somewhere that makes her feel as at home as Tiffany's does. 

...Need I say much more? 

Hollyday: "A day in the life of Holly..."
I don't have much to brag about, but as a lover of travel, the seasons and words I aim to deliver posts of heartwarming tales and pictures. So, upon a new blogpost, you can refresh this page and read all about what's on my mind that particular day.
(All alongside references to Breakfast at Tiffany's.)

"Miss Holiday Golightly, and underneath in the corner, Travelling. It nagged me like a tune: Miss Holiday Golightly, Travelling."

- Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote 

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