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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Christmas in paradise

The Jakarta Post | Fri, 12/24/2010

Indonesian Christians hold candles as they pray during a Christmas eve mass
at a cathedral in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on Friday. (AP/Firdia Lisnawati)

Related Articles:

President attends national Christmas celebration

Demonstration Forces Bogor Congregation to Hold Christmas Service on Sidewalk

Peaceful Christmas across the country: police

Jakarta Catholics attend pontifical mass at Cathedral

Little Santas

Children wearing colorful farmers’ garb stroll around their village to give away gifts to neighbors at Gledek village, Magelang regency, Central Java, on Friday. The children activity is held as part of Christmas celebration in their village. (Antara/Anis Efizudin)

Candle Lights: Thousands of Christians lit up candles during a Christmas mass at Bethany Church, Surabaya, on Friday night. (Antara/M Risyal Hidayat)

Muslim youths guard Christmas celebration in Kupang

Antara News, Friday, December 24, 2010

Kupang, E. Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - Muslim youths in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, joined security personnel to secure Christmas and New Year`s eve celebrations, a police spokesman said.

A total of 530 security personnel consisting of policemen, servicemen and members of the society, including Muslim youths, had been deployed to guard the celebrations, Kupang police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Bambang Sugiarto said here Friday.

Those involved in this joined security scheme had agreed to set up security checks in 14 security-prone locations with each secured by four guards, he said.

Besides this, 116 churches in the East Nusa Tenggar province`s capital of Kupang would also be secured by policemen and servicemen to ensure that they were free from security disturbance, he said.

The security personnel would effectively work from Friday to December 31, he said.

"This security measure has been taken in response to the national police chief`s order," he said.

The security threats and situation that need to be anticipated included acts of terrorism, conventional crimes, traffic jams, use of fire crackers, and natural disasters, he said.

The same security procedures were also taken by policemen in the West Java town of Cirebon.

Each church in the town would be guarded by ten policemen to secure Christmas eve and celebrations, Cirebon police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Herukoco said.

At least 600 security personnel had been deployed to secure Christmas and New Year holidays in the city, he said.

In Tasikmalaya, West Java, 17 churches were also secured by 481 security personnel ahead of Christmas eve.

The presence of policemen and servicemen was expected to create a secure and peaceful condition for church goers, Tasikmalaya district police`s spokesman Commissioner Yono Kusyono said.

Indonesia has been fighting terrorist cells since 2000. On December 24, 2000, a string of attacks on churches were carried out by terrorists on Christmas eve in several Indonesian cities.

The attackers targeted a number of churches in the Indonesian cities of Batam, Pekanbaru, Jakarta, Sukabumi, Pangandaran, Bandung, Kudus, Mojokerto, and Mataram.

Two years after the Christmas eve bombings, terrorists attacked Bali Island in 2002, claiming 202 lives, including 88 Australian holiday makers.

The latest deadly incident happened on July 17, 2009 when two suicide bombers attacked JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton hotels in South Jakarta.

Fashionspiration: Mistletoe Kisses

Ho Ho Ho my darlings...

Mommy Kissing Santa by fashiondiva304 featuring an underwire bra

Carine Gilson Thème Céres silk-satin kimono, $1,012
Elle Macpherson Obsidian Rita Underwire bra, $90
Elle Macpherson Obsidian Rita thong, $40
Lace Top Thigh High Plus, $14
Stuart Weitzman Women's Straples Evening Slide, $398
Berkshire Electric Fireplace - Antique White : Target, $700
Wake Up Frankie - Parisian Love Seat - You Think, Hot Pink, $579
Amazon.com: Good Tidings Vail Artificial Prelit 7-1/2-Foot White..., $50
Home Accents Holiday Lighted Decorative Gift Boxes, Set of 3 - 5554724..., $40
Pack of 6 Gleaming Silver Mirrored Glass Disco Ball Christmas..., $3.99
1-1/2" Vintage Look Heart Skeleton Keys - Pkg of 2 - Table and Shelf...
ego espresso cup & saucer, $44
Creative Imaginations - Narratives by Karen Russell Collection - 12 x..., $1.89
PINK HEART
Sweet/Dessert - Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies - Photo Gallery - CHOW
Emine Saner: Mistletoe: endangered species or ripe for the picking? |...
Eggnog

An Indonesian Take on Christmas

Jakarta Globe, Sylviana Hamdani | December 17, 2010

Christmas is just around the corner. While it is certainly not Indonesian in origin, more and more people in Jakarta are celebrating the holiday by shopping for gifts, spending time with loved ones and decorating their homes. But just because Christmas is not Indonesian does not mean we cannot give our Christmas decorations a uniquely Indonesian touch.

Christmas trees decorated with cookies in Surabaya.

“Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paulus Lekenila, from Bumi Surya Decorations. “And he was not born at the North Pole or in the US either. So, normally the celebrations and decorations depend on each country’s unique traditions.”

This year, consider creating some Indonesian-inspired Christmas decorations that are creative and inexpensive to brighten up your home.

The Christmas tree is the traditional holiday centerpiece for most homes. But to make things more interesting, you can try making one yourself with used or recycled materials. It will definitely take more time, but it’s a fun holiday project that you and your loved ones can work on together.

You will need four or five boxes worth of used plastic water cups to create a Christmas tree approximately 1.2 meters tall. The first step is to wipe the cups clean and remove the labels. Draw a circle about 60 centimeters in diameter on a piece of cardboard and glue the cups, upside down, within the circle.

Place the next row, using fewer cups, on top of the first, and continue to create the classical conical shape of a Christmas tree.

You can also create your own star to go on top of the tree. All you need are a few red and green plastic straws, glued together, side by side. Twist the staws into the shape of a star or glue them together. Then cut a hole into the bottom of the plastic cup at the top of your tree, making sure it is just big enough to hold your tree topper up straight.

To decorate the body of the tree, you can cut figures of Santa, angels and candy canes from old Christmas cards and magazines and stick them onto the cups. As a final touch, drape a set of blinking Christmas lights on your tree.

“The clear plastic cups will reflect the lights beautifully at night,” Paulus said.

If you’re too busy to make your own Christmas tree, you can buy one at many of the department stores in town and decorate it in your own unique and personal way.

‘’Make it Indonesian by decorating it with materials from our own country,” said Anita Buntarman, an interior designer at Millennia Tata Aria.

For example, you can use bits and pieces of old batik to create colorful bows to adorn your tree. You can also hang some gold and silver wayang (Javanese shadow puppet) ornaments, which can be found at department stores around town.

“To make it more special, tie seashells together with thin wires and hang them on your Christmas tree,” said Suhaili, a designer at Satu Daun Interior.

“The glossy surface of the shells will sparkle beautifully when the Christmas tree is lighted.”

Instead of covering your Christmas tree with ribbons or tinsel, the interior designer suggested using shredded raffia in different colors. You can also use vibrantly colored textiles from Indonesia, such as songket or ulos, to cover the base of the tree.

Traditional fabrics are also great for making your own Christmas stockings to hang on the walls of your living room.

“It’s the creativity that counts,” Anita said. “When your friends and relatives come to visit, they’re going to be impressed by the unique and personal touch reflected in every Christmas decoration.”

Besides the living room, the dining room is also an important focal point in the house. For Christmas luncheons and dinners, you can decorate your dining table with a beautiful centerpiece made of red poinsettias and asparagus ferns.

“If you have a long dining table, you can put a large pot in the center and two smaller ones on either side,” Suhaili said.

To give it a touch of Indonesia, put a long strip of batik under the centerpiece as a table runner.

As for the napkins, Suhaili suggests tying each of them with a golden ribbon and a small bell. “The sound of the bell as guests untie their napkins to start lunch or dinner will make the occasion so much merrier,” she said.

To make the dining room even more vibrant and festive, you can also tie alternating red and green bows onto the back of each chair.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment,” Anita said. “Use your imagination with the items you find.

“I’m sure you’ll discover lots of fun and surprising ideas to decorate your home for Christmas.”

NYC Digs: Big Apple Lady

There are an unending amount of things you can dive into in this wonderful city at any time of year... but Christmas gives everything a magical spin. Twinkling streets that sing joyful music to you as you skip along 5th Ave in your button up Balmain Boots! But with so many options, how is a fashionista to decide?

You can start by leaving Manhattan for a smaller island dedicated to one lady that has had her share of dazzling magazine spreads over the years... Lady Liberty! Long before the ladies of Sex and the City, Our Lady has touched people with her independent spirit... not to mention her classic Greek fashion (that she always knew was stylish).

It is inspiring to see that New York never lost its zeitgeist as the place to go to make your dreams come true. I found 3 of my ancestors listed at Ellis Island signing in for the American Dream after a haul from Norway! But we'll dive more into the gateway to America soon enough, for now lets visit Liberty Island.

Liberty is full of history and things to explore literally! The museum sits inside our statue! But word to the wise when planning to rendez vous with this Lady... plan ahead! To tour all the way up to the crown (which is of course the raison d'etre to visit her) you must BOOK IN ADVANCE! This lady's fabulous headpiece is booked months in advance... she's like the next hot restaurant in Manhattan... no exceptions!

How to be fabulous for Our Lady? Easy for a snappy dresser like yourself right?! Climb those stairs in style with some comfy flat boots with a fancy flair like these Chloe Cutout Boots. Fight those harsh Hudson winds in something ultra warm and soft like this Karl Donaghue. And of course la meme chose pour ta tete! Try this Diane von Furstenburg beret bien sur!

Have you met Lady Liberty?

FPI Promises No Disruptions Over Christmas in Indonesia

Jakarta Globe, Zaky Pawas & Ulma Haryanto | December 15, 2010

Jakarta. In a surprise move, the head of the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front on Tuesday said Christians should be allowed to celebrate Christmas in peace and happiness.

Rizieq Shihab, who heads the organization better known as FPI that has been behind attacks on churches and minority sects in the past years, also gave the assurance that his followers would not disturb or disrupt Christmas celebrations.

“I think, let Christians celebrate Christmas in merriment and happiness. That is their right of worship, right of faith that should be respected by all of the Indonesian nation,” Rizieq said at the Jakarta Police headquarters.

However, he said that guarantee of peacefulness came with the conditions that the celebrations should avoid controversy.

“As in the past years, we are calling on the Indonesian Bishop’s Council and the Indonesian Church Union to celebrate Christmas according to the procedures and rules; there should nothing that invites controversy,” he said without giving details.

Rizieq said the conflict between the FPI and believers of other faiths was not over acts of worship but rather had to do with the building of houses of worship that did not follow the rules.

“I call on believers of other religions not to violate the SKB,” he said, referring to the joint ministerial decree that regulates the building of houses of worship.

The regulation demands that houses of worship be built in areas where their religion is the dominant one.

They require a host of approvals from residents and officials.

Rights activists have lashed at the decree as being discriminative and restricting the right to worship as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Rizieq acknowledged that the Constitution guaranteed the right to worship, but added: “Do not forget that the Constitution is implemented through the SKB.”

Ramlan Hutahaean, national secretary general for the Batak Christian Churches (HKBP), with which FPI has clashed, said he expected religious tolerance all the time, not only during Christmas.

He also bristled at Rizieq’s used of the word “controversial” during Christmas celebrations.

“I don’t think there’s anything controversial during Christmas. It’s a celebration of peace. From his statement it seems that he simply does not want his Christian brothers to celebrate Christmas,” he said.

“In this world we don’t live alone. We have to sit down with others who might not have the same faith. It’s the essence of living in a pluralistic society. If he can’t accept someone from a different faith, that shows the quality of his own,” Ramlan added.

Jakarta Police Spokesman Sr. Comr Baharudin Djafar said Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen Sutarman took the initiative to meet with the FPI at the headquarters.

“This is an important form of coordination so that we can together work for a conducive situation,” Baharudin said.

Between 10,000 and 20,000 police personnel would be deployed to safeguard churches during Christmas and New Year, he said.

NYC Digs: Christmas is Chocolate!

Christmas in NYC is the most magical time of year, beautiful window shopping, ice skating, and Christmas music heard near and far. Well this past weekend was no exception, as Santas of all shapes and sizes filled the city streets full of booze aided holiday cheer for Santacon! I personally love the girl's santa costume that both these ladies are sporting for the event. It's always fun to make the holidays fashionably festive!

After much exploring the past couple weeks a friend and I ventured upon this lovely chocolate shop at Bryant Park. Lily O'Briens Chocolate Cafe lured me in with promises of Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate... and they did not disappoint! I just love here how they've decorated the store for Christmas using their chocolates as ornaments.

This chocolat chaud was of course after a dazzling whirl around the Bryant Park Ice Rink! Nothing beats ice skating in New York, its always one of my favorite things to look forward to. Bundled in a winter white pea coat and catwalk worthy trapper hat you begin to feel like you are starring in your own holiday chic flic... now where is that prince charming?

How do you hit the ice my dears?

Santa Claus

The Jakarta Post, Antara, Ambon, Maluku | Tue, 12/07/2010

Santa Claus: Some people dressed like Santa Claus and Black Pete wave their hands in Ambon, Maluku on Monday. Dozens of these Santa Claus came into the town last week to distribute gifts to kids as a part of Christmas celebration.  (Antara/Jimmy Ayal)

Cyber Monday DEAL!

Did you have a fabulous Thanksgiving break darlings? I hope you got to eat a great meal and then shop to your little heart's content. I certainly enjoyed my break and am energized to be back to work and routine!

Here are some of my favorites from Embellished. I hope they start your Cyber Monday off right!

Something for the Fashionista...

For the Anthropologie Fanatic...

For the Rockstar at heart...

Mention this post and get 10% off your purchase!

Noel en France

I love Christmas. Mainly because I have free reign to sing fun songs, attend parties with friends and family, eat a lot of cookies, and of course exchange presents. I am enjoying learning new Christmas traditions here in France. Here is what I've gathered this month.

First of all "Christmas Season" starts later, unlike in August in America. Every town has their own Christmas Market filled with handmade vendors, crepe stations, and hot mulled wine. I have really enjoyed visiting these.

I loved the aerial views of Lille, that's one of the great things about ferris wheels! Anything exciting in your area that you look forward to each Christmas?

Ice Ice Baby

Today was the first morning I had to start the grueling process of leaving time to scrape the ice off my car windows. It got me thinking about winter, and the things I love about it. Although it is my least favorite season, there are a few things that keep me going.

I love ice skating, even though i have only ever been on artificial rinks. In fact, it was not until I was older that the thought even occurred to me that it was possible to be so cold, one could ice skate on a natural lake or pond! That astounded me. Growing up in the South does not exactly grant that kind of thought process.

Nonetheless, I think I love how romantic it feels to be outside on ice and gracefully gliding along hand in hand with someone special, surrounded by trees and stars...sigh. Even though I prefer hot to cold, ice skating is something that gets me through the cold months of winter, something to cling to while I am eight layers deep in sweaters and coats desperately trying to stay warm!

*photos compliments of aroundapplegate.blogspot and myupperwest.com*

What keeps you warm in the winter?

For Him Gift Guide

So we all have that special someone in mind this holiday season. The person who runs through your mind all day for no apparent reason. The person whom you catch yourself smiling about when you spot something that reminds you of them. Now...what do you buy them for Christmas?

I have always felt that shopping for men is much harder than shopping for women. What do you get them...a baseball hat? So here is a lovely gift guide to ease the pain of your search for the perfect gift. Enjoy.

*Photos courtesy of their respective shops*

1. iPhone Case:: Full Give...Utah $34

2. Bottle Opener Belt Buckle:: Metalogical...Palm Beach $25

3. Fleur de Lis Tie:: Embellished...Charlotte $40

4. Duct Tape Mustache Flask:: J Duct...Portland $20

5. Bar Towels:: Branch Handmade...New Jersey $12

6. Guitar Pick Necklace:: Metal Pressions...Savannah $60

7. Motorcycle Tie Tack:: Dabble Designs...Pasadena $9

8. Sports Pillow:: T Shirt Memories...Naples $25

9. Rocker Ring:: Happy Go Licky...Kentucky $70

10. Rock On Tee Shirt:: Dowdy Studio...Dallas $22

11. Vinyl Album Decorative Bowl:: Odd Bob...Montreal $15

12. Leather Money Clip Wallet:: Broundoor... Montreal $40

13. Hand Gun Cuff Links:: Pink Top Hat...Las Vegas $35

An Embellished Christmas

The countdown is officially on for the biggest shopping weekend of the year! Its time to start thinking about your wishlists and gifts for this holiday season. After the rough economic year we have had, everyone has learned how important it is to act locally. Small business owners are what keeps America afloat, plus they provide something unique for you to own. Since Embellished readers come from all corners of the globe, I'm making an international wishlist.

*photos compliments of respective shops*

Las Vegas: Circle Line Studio, wall decal

England: Eclectic Eccentricity, feather bracelet

Canada: Beadsss, Fleur de Lis Necklace

Brooklyn: Pink Baby Mouse, Daschund Pillow

Indiana: My Lavalier, Je t'aime Necklace

South Carolina: A Heron Designs, Shakespeare Ring

New Jersey: Urban Heirlooms, Skeleton Key Clutch

Colorado: Tha Meow Designs, iTouch Case

Israel: Tattoo Socks, Tattoo Stockings

What's on your wishlist?

Something for the Mailman

As most of you know, one of my favorite things to do is peruse around Etsy for interesting items. I recently had the pleasure of discovering a wonderful stationary shop on Etsy that got me totally stoked about the upcoming holiday season. Crafterall is a handmade stationary shop with an interesting style that is simplistic and modern and leaves you wanting more! *photos compliments of Crafterall*

I had a wonderful chat with Marnie, the brains and creativity behind the paperworks, and she is so sweet. I always love learning people's passions and process. Enjoy her shop, interview, and maybe an exclusive reader gift below...hmm...what could it be?

1. What initially interested you in making stationary?

One of the things I love about paper is that it is everywhere. It's a very affordable, if not downright free, material. On top of that it's incredibly versatile. I've always had a fondness for paper, for what I can do with it, and for the words that may fall upon it at some point. I've been creating cards since I was in high school, and as familiar territory, it was a natural progression to move it into a business. Because every card and piece of art I make is unique, there's enough variance to keep the actions fresh and not get burned out. And honestly, because I tend to "re-invest" in my work (materials, storage, packaging, marketing, etc.) my business still tends to feel very much like a hobby.

Choosing a name for my shop was like choosing an image for a tattoo -- I wanted it to be meaningful, easily recognizable, and something that represented what I do. Since I have a pull towards all things crafty, I created a name that alludes to multiple media, purpose, and price. In a nutshell, I hope to create items that appeal to a diverse group of people who share one common trait: the appreciation of handmade works. I've started with my most familiar territory: paper. I like to fold it, cut it, and share it. In the near future, I hope to also offer fabric pieces and sketches as well.

2. Your TOPOgraphical style is very unique, how did you arrive at this for your designs?

Trial and error, experimentation, and happy accident all conspired together to allow me to ultimately arrive at the topographical style of my work. I incorrectly assumed that there would be only a little interest in the style, or that people wouldn't think it as interesting as I did. Instead, cartographers, graphic designers, golfers, abstract artists, and lake lovers from all over the world have come of out of the woodwork to check it out, and I could not be happier.

3. Shop Stats: How long have you been running, how long before your shop really took off, etc.

My first twenty listings on Etsy were unlike anything that is currently there. Simple cards made from patterned scrapbook paper with a stamped greeting didn't exactly make the front page. My first sale was two weeks after I opened. From there it was fairly slow until I started listing original papercut art. Once I started listing the first versions of my topo cards, the selling began to pick up and I felt the first inklings of a shop identity. These days, I see more of a direct correlation between listing and sales than anything else. Still, I try to keep the shop fresh with new designs, new experiments, and I'm always open to custom orders.

4. Any interesting tidbits?

I am grateful every single day for the kind of life I live. I'm able to stay at home with my youngest while my older daughter goes to school, and my husband works from home, so we exist together in a pretty idyllic little bubble. Every once in a while I'll get down about something: toddler spilled juice on the carpet, kids argue over a toy, I've got a big order to fill, I need to rush to get to the post office before it closes, etc. And then I snap out of it and realize that I am "living the dream", and that life is way too short to complain. I once heard Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies fame respond to an interview question about the hardships of touring with the band. He said he dislikes it when bands complain or even write ballads about being on tour. Touring is a benefit of being popular and successful, as well as part of the job bands "sign up" for when performing. This struck me as an honest truth that easily transcends the world of rock bands.

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Well said indeed, Marnie always has a passion for helping the planet and therefore sends all Crafterall scraps to another great shop on Etsy where Kendra Zvonik makes products from the remains of Crafterall projects! These projects are fun, useful, and green. Great combination! Be sure to check out Green Post for great present toppers and gifts for Christmas. *photos compliments of Green Post*

And get excited readers because Marnie is offering an exclusive discount

for you! From now until December 15th, Crafterall is offereing all Embellished readers a 25% refund on any purchase! Just be sure to mention "Embellished" in your note to seller.

You can also check out Crafterall's fun blog here, and follow Marnie on Twitter here.

Happy Christmas Card shopping!