Merry Christmas from The Embellished Life

I hope you all woke up this morning to traces of Jack Frost on the window and cookies crumbs left over from Santa...but even if you didn't MERRY CHRISTMAS from The Embellished Life! I was up early this morning to Las Vegas for a much needed vacation with my family. When you live in NYC you don't get to see your family often and the break from the rushing city life will be a welcomed zen moment.

Source: themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com via [maisontwenty3} on Pinterest

What are your Christmas traditions? This is our family's first Christmas without my Grandma alive, we normally would all gather at her house for a feast. Santa would come and give the children one present each and we would have her homemade Krumkaka (Norwegian cookies...I'm half Norwegian) and rice pudding...whoever finds the hidden almond wins the prize. I never won. This year we are stretching our wings out to the West. I am very excited!

Source: somedaycrafts.blogspot.com via Kirsten on Pinterest

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ Jesus                 - Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas from The Embellished Life

Travel Home

The road home is never quite as fun as the road to adventure my dears, but one thing is sure... It is wonderful to sleep in your own bed again! Charleston proved to be a great trip as always, although it was more family wedding stuff then any tourist stuff...but I had a great time tearing up the dance floor in my bridesmaid dress!

Enjoy the Charleston photos from the weekend!

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Remembering 9/11 and Staying Strong

As I was still wrapping up emails last night (around 10pm) I heard a booming and turned around to see a fireworks show going on outside my office window! Hoboken, NJ put on a 9/11 memorial firework show remembering 9/11. It was nice to watch although I wasn't sure I was on board with fireworks as fitting the occasion....but the Twin Tower Lights were on tonight and people could see them from all around.

Either way I am praying for my city, my country, and all those affected by 9/11 today as we remember the terrible day that changed all of our lives for ever 10 years ago. Living in NYC and hearing the real stories of people that worked downtown and knew many, many people who were in the Twin Towers. Some awe inspiring, many leave you speechless and choked up, but all remind you of something very important we learned that day. Mankind can pull together in the toughest conditions and come out strong on the other side. Tragedy is hard to go through, and leaning on your neighbor for support, and reciprocating in return, is a beautiful thing to watch. Remembering 9/11 should keep us all strong together.

The plans for the 9/11 Memorial and new World Trade Center plan are very nice. I absolutely love the water installation leaving a footprint of the Twin Towers. I plan to go spend some time there myself in maybe a month when hopefully not as many tourists are around. After 10 years we have finally cleaned up the rubble, began construction on World Trade Center 1 which I believe is 80 floors up now, and have a beautifully moving memorial in place. I remember seeing the rubble, the notes and flowers, and the steel cross at Ground Zero just a year after 9/11 happened. For the last several years it has just looked like a construction site. It will be nice to have a proper reflection space for remembering 9/11 once more.

Love to you all mes cheris,

God Bless.

Goodbye Grandma

Mes cheris, I had a bit of a difficult day yesterday. On top of working 10-14 hour days, feeling exhausted but making it through, all in the name of New York Fashion Week, I found out that my wonderful Grandma had passed away. The news of her brain tumor hit my family out of nowhere last month, and now in a whirlwind of only 4 weeks she is now in heaven. Saying goodbye grandma is not something I was prepared to do.

Here is my Grandma and Grandpa when they were just dating in Brooklyn. I just love the classic style in this picture. My Grandpa died when I was 6 of colon cancer and almost a couple decades later my Grandma finally gets to join her sweetheart again in Heaven. My mother kept me up to date of her progress and said she was at peace, surrounded by her children, and ready to move into her mansion in Heaven.

My Grandma was a wonderful, encouraging woman that left every room exuberantly more happy than when she entered it. She always made you feel like a million bucks and gave you the confidence and support to pursue your wildest dreams beyond your greatest realm of imagination. I was so fortunate to have such a strong, loving Christian woman in my life as the matriarch of our family.

Goodbye Grandma, 

I love you so much and miss you greatly. 

Traveling Diva: Savannah, Georgia

My darlings, I had an absolutely wonderful trip to Savannah, Georgia for Memorial Day Weekend. Hot, sunny, and full of sweet tea, it was just what I needed for a good southern fix! Plus, it was so wonderful to get a nice break from the city rush and spend some quality time with the fam.

Our view from the hotel, overlooking Savannah's Historic District

(complete with a ferry boat to shuttle you back and forth)!

Savannah is like a canvas of inspiration, between the cobblestone streets and the 

swirly wrought iron work, every turn brings a new wave of artistry.

I just love how all the streets in the south are framed by massive sweeping oaks that hang Spanish Moss. 

It feels like you are walking through a movie set. 

So tell me mes cheris, are you jonesin' for a trip down to Savannah, Georgia now? 

I must say, I loved eating all my comfort foods I can't quite get in NYC, but man if I didn't have to eat salad the entire next week to feel like I wouldn't gain 10 pounds from visiting Dixie country! 

Y'all come back now ya hear?

God Bless America

A huge step in the Fight on Terrorism was made yesterday and God Bless America as we move onward. I had an entirely different post in mind for this lovely Monday morning, but when Osama Bin Laden is finally found dead...all else holds no priority.

{Thanks to Twitter last night}

Twitter was absolutely flooded last night with streams of comradery, support, remembrance of lives lost over the last 10 years, and live pictures of NYC as the news broke. Here is a video from Ground Zero last night. Running through New York this morning was like breathing in freedom. I never tire of hearing the amazing stories every New Yorker holds of their attachment to that fateful day when our skyline changed forever. And seeing the people gather together in Times Square and Ground Zero to celebrate this great feat was truly  moving.

{photos pinned on Pinterest}

God Bless America

Blogging has Heart: Support Japan through Tragedy

The tragedy that has unfolded day after day in Japan has been unbelievable. As bloggers, everyday we set out to share a little of what we love with the world; forming friendships and discovering so much along the way. Blogging is a community that is driven by heart...not faceless corporations with agendas but real people with compassion.

Hearing of the tragedy in Japan was overwhelming, how do you even begin to make a difference for people so far away that need so much? I was so uplifted to see the blogging community reach out with their hearts the way they did. Friday, March 18th was a Blogger's Day of Silence in an effort to raise money for Japan.

Originally started by Ever Ours + Utterly Engaged HERE

For Japan with Love has grown exponentially and now has its own website.

Please join in helping Japan through 

this tragedy by going HERE. 

Every little counts.

Violence Against Women: Fashion Organization challenging Sex Trafficking

Violence against women has long been a problem that has been fought hard in developed countries. And as much as I love fashion, and blogging to you everyday about the various ways it can inspire you, none will every touch me more deeply than living for a cause. In many underdeveloped countries sex trafficking is a heavy threat to women, and today I wanted to share with you an organization that is changing lives. I recently met Supei Liu and discovered her organization that I was quickly enamored with, as it helps rescue hurting women through fashion.

The Nomi Network was co-founded by Supei. After many years of working in fashion retail in New York City, Supei told me she visited various manufacturing plants in Cambodia for fashion buying, and was touched by the sex trafficking problem that was brought to her attention, and from there her direction changed.

Nomi Network is a non-profit organization that aims to leverage the marketplace, film, and fashion to eradicate human trafficking. We aim to increase the financial independence of women who are vulnerable to or survivors of sex trafficking.

Buy Her Bag Not her Body is created by Nomi Network. 

We've created a partnership between the fashion industry and cause-driven, well-designed merchandise made by at-risk women and survivors of sexual exploitation, providing them with fair, sustainable employment opportunities. Supported by people like you, our stylish, high quality products don't just look good, they do good. 100% of the profit is reinvested into training and career development programs for women. For more information about our work, please visit our website at www.nominetwork.org.

Repurposed from Vietnam Rice Bags these totes, cosmetic bags, laptop cases, etc. exemplify how fashion can have a heart. I personally love the top bag with the Nomi slogan because I believe it is very catching and concise as well as well designed!  But you may be in the market for a new makeup bag or gym bag....

The products are actually extremely well designed and well priced and 100% of the proceeds go to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating girls and women that are victims of the sex trafficking trade. The best part is, the women benefitting from this foundation...are making the bags you are buying! You are actually directly impacting their life! I personally can't imagine a better organization to support!

BUY HER BAG NOT HER BODY... TODAY.

Don't Forget to Vote!

Dear Lovelies,

The Lovelies Awards are getting closer to a close and I could really use some help s'il vous plait!
Bloggers are nothing without their community, in fact its the thing that keeps us going, and you Embellishers are fantastic! So please click me a favor that will take 2 seconds :) I appreciate it more than I can say!

Go HERE to The Lovelies: Fashion Blog Category

and Vote for The Embellished Life!

Enjoy the dreamy inspiration via Flikr!

Merry Travels and Happy Eggnog!

It's that time of year again... the roads are packed and the airports and trains follow suit. What is a fashionista to do? Well pass her over the knee boots and carry on LV through security and jet set off to see loved ones of course!

As I fly South with the birds for slightly warmer weather, I would just like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas full of love and good company!

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Fashion 101: Our Stylish Ancestors

A recent trip to Ellis Island had me overflowing with historic inspiration... As you may know fashion history (like fashion present) is something I really love. Something I always take away from museums and historic sites are the costumes of all the different places and times. The patterns, the colors, the culture of each time period that dictated the dress. It is so fascinating.

I can't even imagine the hope Lady Liberty must've given after being on a boat, miserable, forever, to finally feel free to live the life you dream. Walking these halls was awe inspiring. Most Americans can trace their lineage back to family that came through Ellis Island to settle here. I am one of them. Part Norwegian and part Irish I have many family members that checked in...and I was even able to find their names!

I've always loved vintage luggage, the main lobby is the room where all the belongings of the immigrants would be setting while they registered their families in the country. 

The few clothing displayed in the museum is what really got me. Attention Upper East Siders looks like your boots borrowed the fabulous style of 1906 Bohemia... good to know there's a little Cinderella in every walk down the runway. And how chic is this doctor's bag this woman is sporting? I really am on the hunt for one myself, it is my favorite closure for a bag... a bit hard to find since its not a fad right now.

Have you checked in at Ellis my dears?

Revamping in High Gear

I would like to personally thank you all for hangin' in there as I have needed so much time for transition. I am literally giddy every time I think about all the places I want to take The Embellished Life and cannot wait to set foot on this next leg of the adventure.

Blogging is very fulfilling to me. It allows me an opportunity to interact with wonderful writers, artisans, and fashionistas from all over the world and at the same time it gives me an outlet for my many passions. The fact that I get to write (which I love) about fashion and travel (which I'm obsessed with) and share beautiful things with you everyday warms my heart!

I have high hopes for The Embellished Life and cannot wait to see how the next year blossoms. But I know what I want...what I want to know is what you want to see from me?! How else do you want to be inspired to embellish your life? Here is your time to have your voice heard!

Please send me great vibes at ideas!

Pitch me your art, your shop, your fashionable ways!

Do you have a Travel Confession? Fashionspiration?

Life is beautiful when we are all in it together.

I look forward to hearing from you!

embrace being unique.

Jessica

Oh Happy Day

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather and plenty of pumpkin spiced things along the way. This photo made me happy and I wanted to spread the smile to you guys. All those crazy exes and playing the ridiculous dating game, this is it, this is what you are hoping for...someone to grow old with. Someone you can laugh with about not being able to get up from your rocking chair. Someone who can hold your hand as you walk down the street together. Always remember to never settle, because happiness is something worth holding out for.

{Thank you Tumblr}

Spread your smile around today.

Au Revoir France

Well I have made it, and I can't believe it has been a year. Living abroad has been the craziest roller coaster of emotions and experiences I have ever packed into one time period. I have stretched my soul past boundaries of comfort and learned to be an ever present outsider.

Living only in your home country, you take for granted the ability to express yourself and feel intelligent. You don't even realize the comfort you have that no matter where in your country you travel you have an immediate sense of community; an eternal sense of camaraderie. As you throw yourself into a different nation you suddenly don't get the jokes, you don't understand the culture's mentality, and in my case can barely speak the language. But let me tell you how rewarding it feels to complete a personal goal of this magnitude. I can speak French and its incredible and it still makes me smile thinking about it. I love being able to carry on conversations with strangers and switch between English and French with no thought. This year has been without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am stronger now that I have reached the other side.

France is a special place. I have loved it and hated it here, and pushed myself to be a more open minded, courageous person. The ability to travel at the drop of a hat is a dream come true and I have seen 6 new countries this year because of it. Trying to understand a culture that feels so alien to me has been very hard. I have expanded my palette to an array of new cuisine, some indescribably good, and some that still ties my stomach in knots. I will miss the smell of fresh bread from the millions of bakeries that rest in every town. And although I hate to admit it, I will kind of miss the laid back feeling of this nation. My internal clock is very New York, so its nice to live in a culture where being late is normal and it forces you to slow down and enjoy life.

Today I am flying home and there is a torn, bittersweet feeling lying at the pit of my stomach. I have missed my family, friends, food, and wonderful nation, but France has left an imprint on my soul. But, I know this will not be the last time I cross these borders and that makes me hopeful for the future.

Farewell France and thank you for the memories.

Where For Art Thou Shakespeare & Company?

Darlings, I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite places in Paris, The 5th Arrondisement. As you wander around the beauty of Notre Dame why not take a stroll across the street? Among a smörgåsbord of diverse cultural cuisine on a bustling fun street, here you will also stumble upon the world famous hole in the wall bookstore, Shakespeare & Company. Now for any bibliophile, like myself, you WILL be in Heaven. Serving as not only a bookstore but also a relaxing place to read, all day if you'd like, it specializes in English Language Literature and has a fascinating history. Now, as you all know I can't resist a unique boutique, but add a complex and fascinating story like this one and you will easily see why I am in love with this shop!

Originally started by Sylvia Beach, and expatriate from New Jersey, S&Co. has been around since 1919. Not always in its originally cozy corner along the Seine, before the last World War it was on the Rue de l'Odeon, and frequented daily by the greats such as, Ernest Hemmingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. S&Co at the time was the center of Anglo-American literary culture and repeatedly housed books that were banned in the UK and America. It closed in 1941 after, allegedly, Beach refused to sell a last copy of a Joyce novel to a German soldier.

But it lives on now, thanks to George Whitman, a Massachusetts boy who merged it with his book shop on left bank after the death of Sylvia Beach in 1951. George calls the bookstore a "socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore". The store also has 13 beds and over the years has housed some 40,000 young writers, called Tumbleweeds, who earn their keep by working in the shop a couple hours a day. George welcomes you to stay as long as you want and prop up your feet upstairs and read everything in the store, the only thing he asks in return is a one page essay about your life, he even provides a typing booth, complete with an old fashioned typewriter for you to tell your story on! At 96 years old, he remains the figure head of the shop but has past the legend onto his daughter, what an incredible legacy to keep alive.

*historic info is thanks to wikipedia and shakespeareandcompany.com*

Pretty amazing isn't it mes cheries?