Happy New Year!

What are you doing New Year's Eve?  We are heading over to our friend's Aaron and Kristina's house, where I will be sipping on tea since I am still recovering from an illness.  It is my sister's birthday on January 1st, so tomorrow we will be spending the day with my family.  It is a birthday tradition to go see a movie and have dinner- all her choice- so I'm looking forward to catching a cool flick since she and I have similar tastes haha.  (Maybe Hitchcock?)

2012 has been an amazing year.  Will and I got engaged while in the Bahamas, and I did lots of theatre, including a performance of Proof with my sister.  I am thrilled to see what 2013 will bring!  What are you thankful for this year?  What are you looking forward to next year?  Have a safe and happy New Year friends:) xoxo Erin

Above photo of multiple Times Square NYE balls courtesy of Focus Lighting Inc.

Etsy Love: Apache Moon

The Etsy shop Apache Moon has a wonderful mission: 100% of every sale goes to animal rescue and sanctuary.  Based out of Texas and owned by Verge and Nita, Apache Moon makes beautiful handcrafted jewelry, all to support rescued animals.  Once I found their shop, I knew I would find as many opportunities as possible to support their work.  I've already purchased this for myself:

Infinity Ring

And these for a couple of friends for Christmas:

Garnet Earrings

 

Baltic Amber Ring

Their tagline is "Jewelry for the joy of it! 100% to rescued animals" and I love that at the end of each listing, there is a picture of a sweet little cat.  Also, most of their materials are recycled! 

The couple explain in an excerpt from their shop site:

"100% of our profits benefit charity. For example, as members of Team EFA, Etsy for Animals, a portion of our profits get donated to animal charities such as WSPA in both Japan & Haiti, SPCA, World Wildlife, Sierra and the rest goes to support our own large family of rescues - currently 41 animals plus a feral cat colony which we spay, neuter and feed. We also donate to other charities such as the United Nations World Food Programme for Somalia."

Plus, the jewelry is just so lovely, it's hard to resist.

 White Sapphire Ring

Locket Ring

Flora and Fauna Pendant

Opalite Earrings

***Through December 30, all items are 12% off with the code SantaForgot***  Happy Shopping!

Wishing You a Happy Holiday!

What did you do to celebrate the holidays?  We got to spend loads of time with our families, which was a lot of fun despite a sinus infection for me (which then morphed into some sort of stomach bug, yuck.)  Hope all is well for you and yours- below are a few photos from our Christmas gatherings:)

Merry Christmas!!!

The tree at Rockafeller Center, from our trip in 2009.

Our family has always celebrated two days of Christmas.  Christmas Eve was always with my mom's side of the family, since in Germany, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th.  Christmas Day was split into mornings with just us, and then we would spend time with my dad's side of the family.  

 My brother, sister and cousin:)

Since Will and I have been together, we've had to throw his mom and dad's families into the mix as well- it can be a truly exhausting holiday!  But having too much family is a nice problem to have.  It'll be interesting to see how things change once we have little ones of our own:)  

Early December NYC trip, 2009.

Chritmastime also always makes me miss New York.  The tree at Rockefeller, the snow in Central Park, the kids playing at FAO Schwartz, the window decorations lining 5th Avenue.  There's something magical about Christmas in New York: it's as if Santa is truly waiting inside that giant Macy's to ask you what you want under your tree.

 Top: My immediate family and my mama's side.

Bottom: My brother and sister and I making fish faces.

Are there any special traditions you have for Christmas?  Any new traditions you plan on starting this year?  All of us here are wishing you the Merriest of Christmases, and we hope you enjoy a cozy day with your loved ones!!!

 WildLights at the Columbus Zoo.