We’re in the home stretch of my Windows of Wonder holiday project.

Today and tomorrow will be the last day of my holiday posts and I have to say I’ve had so much fun with it. I haven’t quite been able to post daily as I had thought. That ole’ “work thing” just gets in the way sometimes, family’s needs that tend to be more important  than my social media output and then there was the terrible tragedy in Newtown that truly took the wind out of my sails with grief and overwhelming sadness. I felt paralyzed to do much of anything and really felt as if “my little project” wasn’t so important at the time. It was comforting to have both my boys home for the holidays and I knew just how fortunate I was. I think for many it was a sad day of awakening about many things in our lives and the importance of how we spend our days and what seems like precious time.

As we move forward and consider what our  New Year’s Resolutions will be, try to remember what is really important. Let us not to be too hard on ourselves, in fact being more mindful of ourselves and our own personal care is exactly what those around us who we love and depend on us need. They need us to take care of ourselves so we have a lot to offer them in the way of time and energy, thoughts and words.  As I always say and earnestly try to do, there’s always next year to -”Do it better”, “Get it right”,”Try harder”, “Be kinder”, “Move mountains”, etc….  and the list goes on. Move forward into 2103 and be gentle to yourself as it’s the only way we can be gentle with others.

Set sail now for a Nantucket Holiday.

There’s really something there for everyone to enjoy from fantastic eateries, decorated holiday windows, incredible shopping and their annual Holiday Stroll  which caters to children’s events and just great family fun. If you’re lucky and the weathers at all cooperative then a beach walk and collecting shells to decorate a fabulous children’s tree is in order. Although many of you know how I love the  amazing California coastline, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod have undeniabely some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline vistas in the country. So take my advice and put it on your list to enjoy for next year. Winters light at the shore is magical. Now for some local magic.

Nantucket Harbor anytime of the day is beautiful. Thanks to Jane Beiles, my friend and my talented photographer from New Canaan, Ct., Jane was on location in Nantucket shooting a fabulous and very well-respected antiques shops , Nantucket House Antiques , a leading dealer of fine English and American antiques and home to fabulous finds for many of the incredible homes in Nantucket. Please read a fun article from Architectural Digest about one of their projects for none other than The Kopelman residence, former CEO of Chanel. I was so please to see that they really cherished keeping the classic bones of this home. Their shop is truly an incredible resource for stylish designers with great taste and a real sensibility for connecting old & new.

One of the great things about hunting for antiques around in New England is the unique treasures that just make you wonder. So…. Nantucket Antiques, is this a Sea-faring captains wife awaiting his return or a mythical mermaid?

As Jane strolled up and down the center of town, here are just a few of her finds. Thank you Jane .

Craftmasters of Nantucket is always a fun shop to find quintessentially New England crafts most notable the Nantucket basket. The art of Scrimshaw is alive and well and always a classic gift for any home.

In many small New England towns, some wonderful bookstores still exist thank god.  I for one just love to meander for what seems like hours in them and as long as they’re around I’ll be there. Mitchell’s Book Corner is just a perfect example of what makes our small towns friendly. Many of them tend to be charming gathering places for locals to meet and chat. Business owners have been very involved in the efforts in Nantucket, fondly known as ACK in preserving the existence of this charming town and supporting local small businesses.
A group called Remain Nantucket  is spearheading this effort.

Nantucket Chocolatiers – always the best sweet treats. Its a go to on every trip.

Another favorite gift shop is Anderson’s

Other local images including Island Breeze which is another must to stop into for the classics in island clothing.

I hope you all enjoy a safe and fun New Years Eve.

                                                                         Until we meet again in the New Year!

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