Farewell, 2013

This year had its blahs and TADAs, but I will look at it fondly and with gratitude.

I hope your 2013 was packed with good memories and life lessons.

2014...bring it on!

Glittery Snowflake

In New York City, where Fifth Avenue and 57th Street intersect, there a sparkly chandelier hangs:

It's the UNICEF snowflake. I think this is my favorite of all the holiday decorations on Fifth Avenue. It's attractive and bright. But it isn't about the commercial lure of the season that this famous shopping avenue promises. 

It's a reminder of all the children of the world that UNICEF aims to help: to stop these children from dying from preventable causes. Because really, all children deserve to experience many, many Christmases.

Light and Magic

Three weeks ago, we started our holiday tour of New York City at Macy's. I guess it's quite fitting to end here. Let me share its store windows on 34th and Broadway:

A night is full of DREAMS, little one. Reach up! Take one. The meaning of Christmas is revealed on this magical night. 

 A crystalline land, behind sleeping eyes, with one lovely rule above all: SHARING is the greatest gift.

In this realm, wonder produces every shade of JOY. Happiness. Bliss. Elation. Delight. Do you see it too? 

BEAUTY elevates all things. But what is real? What is a dream? What does it matter at this time of year?

Christmas waves its MAGIC wand over a secret landscape, and all is mysteriously transformed. 

What we BELIEVE is what is possible.

Sharing and giving, joy, beauty and magic -- these make Christmas dreams come true.

Holidays on Ice

Let's step into a magical world. Yes, it exists! It's on 5th Avenue, in a department store called Bergdorf Goodman. They have the most elaborate holiday window displays and I'm so excited to share these pictures:

A peek inside the store. Look at those light fixtures. Don't they look like strands upon strands of diamonds?

Thanksgiving

This year's theme is "Holidays on Ice" or those special days of the year literally touched with frost. Any Snow Queen would have a ball!

Arbor Day

Arbor Day

Arbor Day

New Year's Day

The 4th of July

The 4th of July

Mardi Gras

April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day (I love this giraffe with a hat!}

Groundhog Day

Halloween

Halloween

Halloween {a spider web made of chains and crystals!}

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

Oh Bergdorf Goodman...you blew my mind yet again! Bravo!

Merry Christmas!

Don't you love this Santa that's hanging out at the Lego Store in Rockefeller Center? Wishing that your holidays are turning out to be playful, magical, and maybe, you're being someone else's Santa -- making their Christmas wishes come true!

Christmas Nostalgia

Today, the store windows of Lord and Taylor:

If only you could experience the music and movement of these displays! All the intricate details and vintage touches are TADA! 

If you'd like to see a behind-the-scenes tour, check this out.

Journey Around the World

How was your weekend? This week, we'll continue our tour of holiday window displays around New York City. Are you ready for Bloomingdale's?

As I admired these windows, a homeless man walked by and said with a big smile, "China is my favorite! It even has the pandas on bicycles!" Isn't that what these store windows are about? To bring joy and cheer to everyone.