On the seventh day of christmas we recovered from our Christmas Party! That was the night of the big snow but everyone managed to arrive and have a great time. Anthony David’s served Lamb Osso Buco which was divine. We had a great night to cap off a really busy year.

My Eighth and Ninth Days of Christmas

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Purchase a gift certificate for a mini shoot in studio or beach for $395.00 or a full shoot for $750.

I ran into the city with the girls in tow. We hit the flower district and came home with swags and ropes of ferny greenery, magnolia and other scented goodies to dress the balustrade, railings outdoors and the christmas table. My girls were fascinated by a wreath tying demonstration and we have decided that we will make our own next year.

Must do, must see day in the city. I caved in at American girl, made a special purchase and then shouted the girls afternoon tea there much to their total delight. We zoomed across to Saks 5th Ave to see the gorgeous windows and lights, then across to Rockefeller Centre to see the tree which is totally divine this year. It’s such a charming scene with skaters and a definite nip in the air. We had a super day which I’m sure the girls will remember.

Fifth Day of Christmas

We exchange secret santa gifts which is hilarious.

Anthony David’s is doing the food for me this year, God bless them! Julie and I did it last year but we decided to take an easier approach this year and will enjoy not being tied to the stove.

We like to thank our staff each year with this party, we are indebted to their individual dedication to our business and our clients.

I’ll post photo’s after the party!

If you’d like Anthony Davids to cater your holiday bash click this link for info.

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Pop a gift certificate under the tree this year for a mini-shoot in the New Year or at the beach next summer.

Tis the season for dryness…whether you are prepping for your shoot at Hartshorn Portraiture of just trying to survive the dryness of the season , here are a couple of my favorites.
For years I have used Clarins HydraQuench cream mask. I put it on before going to bed and my skin feels fab the next day. I try to deep condition my hair once a week and love Kerastase deep conditioners- If you can leave it in for 15 mins you will notice the difference. It is a European product but you can get hold of it very easily.

Christmas traditions! Obviously, mine are from across the pond. (aka England!) But I’d love to share them with you.

Since I was a child we have been making a santa – a 2-3 day project that includes lots of glue, paper mache, red crepe paper and a lot of laughs.

These days, I pick up ‘Chrismas Crackers” from Marshalls or William Sonoma which we place at each table setting. During dinner we pull our crackers, the children love the ‘bang’,  share the terrible jokes inside and wear the funny paper hats. I still have great memories of my granddad nodding off to sleep in his chair, after Christmas dinner, with his paper hat still perched askew on his head!
 

My mother and I make a very rich fruit cake (nanny Eva’s receipe) weeks before Christmas -  which we poke tiny holes in and drizzle rum every day so the cake becomes very moist. Our Christmas pudding uses a similar recipe and tradition is that everyone in the family stirs the batter and make a wish, a penny is dropped in and whoever discovered the penny while eating had their wishes come true! In the ‘old country’ a pudding that is a few years old is like a fine aged wine and well appreciated!

Did you see the Macy’s and Saks 5th ave and Bloomingdales windows yet?

Apparently there is a postbox at Macy’s where your child can post his letter to Santa!

I have a friend visiting from Wilmington, N Carolina and she told me a wonderful story. Her daughter posted a letter to Santa at the N Pole and would not allow her to see what she had written.

Days later a letter came back from Santa addressed to her daughter. In the letter, Santa mentioned the toys that her daughter had requested and how they would have to get certain materials together to make them.

Evidently a group of retired individuals get together every year and answer all the letters that are posted by children in that town. What an amazing idea. Could your town put together a program such as this?

Hope, mother of Jillian, tells us about starting a family tradition these holidays.
 

“We have a new tradition of cutting down our own Christmas Tree! This is our second year to do so and the experience just can’t be beat.
 

We traipse around the Tree Farm (this year brought just enough snow to make it really authentic this past weekend!!), run races amongst the trees with Jillian and then pick our favorite, cut it, wrap it and it’s off the get some hot cocoa and warm up our hands!

There’s nothing better than the smell of a fresh cut Christmas Tree in the house either.

Thanks for sharing your must-do’s. I’m going to add some of them to our list. It’s all about the memories.
 

Merry Christmas!!”

Thanks to Hope for sharing this with us. Let us know your family tradition too!

Click this link to xmas tree farms in our area.

 

A visit to Quebec, just 6 hours drive from New York, is like a trip to France. I spent last weekend there and just had to tell you about this fab province.

French is the first language but don’t be discouraged, learn to say ” parle vous anglais s’il vous plait”, “bonjour” and “merci” to everyone,  ditch the burgers and fries then embrace tortiere, poutine and fois gras and make like a canadienne. Think divine pasteurized cheeses, french wines, Prince Edward Island lobster, oysters and mussels and pork, pork and more pork (they do it better than anyone), Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, maple syrup and Canadian bacon, french crepes with nutella and lots of snow!
 

Montreal, nestled at the base of Mont Royale on the St Lawrence river, is divine at this time of year. Huge lit angels line the front of the Notre Dame cathedral in the Vieux Port (historic old port). Undulating streets are festooned in blue lights with bohemian flair not seen elsewhere. Stroll down Place Jacques Cartier, take in a fireworks display over the river, stroll along Rue St Denis or indulge at the Marche Atwater or Marche Jean Talon where you can purchase croissants and coffee amongst Montreal’s fav farmers market. European flair oozes from the funky boutiques on Rue St Denis or St Laurent. Dive into L’express or famous Au pied d’cochon for lunch or dinner. For seafood try Garde Manger in the old port.

Skiers, drive up through Vermont, ski at Jay Peak then wend your way through the villages of the Eastern townships to Montreal, ski Mt Sutton or Bromont. Skiers and borders can choose from many resorts in the Laurentians but we love Mt Tremblant. Its super easy to get around, you can ski in ski out from great hotels and condos, dine and shop in the village, nibble beaver tails (delicious sugar coated pastry) on the slopes and enjoy the pretty scenery and lakes. This is a great family destination with European flair just on our doorstep.

Further north ski Mont Sainte Anne, thirty minutes north of Quebec city or Massif another 50 mins north on the river. Massif’s spectacular slopes mean you ski down to the river, (pack extra warm face mask and gloves as temps drop to -5 F in January!) buy a lunch voucher with your lift ticket and enjoy a luxurious, gourmet, silver service lunch overlooking the ski resort in chic surroundings. The experience is exhilirating all round.
 

My all time fav is Vieux Quebec, a two hour drive north of Montreal. We spent xmas there last year. It’s the only walled city in north America, this 400 year old fortified town was the birthplace of Canada and is truly French. Stay at the Chateau Frontenac or the Auberge St Antoine, sled down the cliff in front of the Chateau on antique wooden sleds, try frozen maple sugar rolled on a stick from a shack overlooking the mighty frozen St Lawrence River that dominates the landscape. The narrow cobbled streets, charming stone houses, pretty churches, impressive art galleries, funicular that connects the old town to the charming streets of the lower town make for a magical and romantic holiday destination. Visit the Musee du Fort, the kids will love the diorama that tells the story of the battles that won Quebec for the British in the 1700′s. Its a great story.
 

My outstanding memory of Quebec is that people look happy. Its freezing cold, you have to walk everywhere on slippery cobbles, but can skate under the stars and you feel apart of something old and precious. the locals race canoes across the frozen river, sleigh bells chime along with church bells. It’s extremely beautiful and everyone smiles. Vivre la Quebec!
 

This is a lifetime must do trip and its just across the New York border!

 

Over the weekend we were in Bay Head for their Shopping night/ Christmas tree lighting.We have come to love this charming little town and the people who live there.

Kim Morris, the owner of The Bee – a fabulous clothing boutique, was kind enough to invite us to attend the party she hosts on a yearly basis at her store. What a blast- something to consider for next year. The pancake breakfast at the fire station the next morning was charming too.
 

We are taking quite a few bookings for New Years card shoots this year. Just one less thing to take care of before the holidays and a nice suprise for family and friends when they recieve it.

Our cute photobooks have become an instant hit. Deadline for holiday orders is next week!

Treat the one you love to a Boudoir shoot for Valentines day. Create a personal photobook or album for his eyes only!

My girls are 7 and 8 this year and are really excited about Christmas. They are desperate to get out the Christmas decorations and I am always looking for ways to mix things up and be a little less traditional with our christmas decor.

Last year I bought a huge fir wreath,  nailed it to an empty wall and tied sea shells with raffia. We had a huge tree and we try to glue glitter on as many things as possible and usually make a paper mâché Santa. Mac even rigged a red flashing nose for him one year. Once the snow comes Mac carves an icy visitor on our front steps to greet our guests, the girls decorate him, then we trim the iron railings with garlands of fresh greenery

The romance of creating a glowing Holiday scene at home to enchant our girls is so important. I believe Christmas should be a magical time for them after a busy work filled year. 
 

Our must see is the Christmas tree at the Met. They have a beautiful nativity scene and we can’t wait to see it.

The girls are old enough (and well-behaved enough!) for the magic of the ballet so have just booked tickets for NYC Ballet – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. I adore this and hope they will too!
http://www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html
 

St Thomas Church on 5th avenue in NYC has the most incredible Christmas services. It has the only church-related residential Boys Choir School in the United States and whether you are religious or not – it is an incredible experience. Check out their site for the schedule of services.
www.saintthomaschurch.org/

While you are on 5th Avenue check out one of my favourite stores in the city Takashimaya. The flower department and the TeaBox are my favorite areas. The loose leaf tea is packaged so beautifully and makes great gifts.
http://www.takashimaya-ny.com

Our friend Haewon Shin has her luxurious draped or felted knitwear there too. http://www.onehaewonshin.com/

Julie sends her holiday wishes from Toronto. Her fav NYC holiday must see’s are  the windows and decorations at Ralf Lauren, Barney’s, Cartiers and Saks 5th Ave. She loved the big tree and ice skaters at Rockefeller Plaza and her favorite store for shirts, Anne Fontaine, is there too. rok@annefontaineusa.com  

Anthropologie’s holiday themes are always fantastical and this year is no different. Children will love the fantasy and sparkle of the woodland inspired tree decorations.

Look out for more holiday must see’s in my next newsletter.

Happy Tree trimming!

Let us know what makes the Holiday’s magic for your family. Send us your must see’s and must do’s!

email hartshornholidaycards@gmail.com

“On saturday November 21st Mac and I attended the inauguration of Mayor Dawn Zimmerman. The 38th mayor and first woman to hold this position.This was a great celebration and welcomed by her many supporters.

Cake Boss

Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro is a local celebrity and baker with a store right here in Hoboken. You can read more about him at this link.  We loved his stunning Hoboken cake made for Dawn Zimmer’s inauguration.

Carlos Bakery
95 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 659 – 3671 click here for website

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