Champagne favorites

While I definitely don't think champagne should only be enjoyed on New Year's Eve, tonight is undeniably synonymous with the bubbly stuff. I'm looking forward to 2010, but in honor of 2009, here is a recession-friendly list of great champagnes under $40. I haven't tried all of them, but of those I've sampled, my favorite is the Georges Gardet. It's available at my favorite wine shop in New York, Bottlerocket on 19th street. Happy New Year!

NYC in watercolor

A friend of a friend introduced me to Caitlin McGauley's gorgeous illustrations. She lives in New York and, inspired by the city, paints beautiful watercolors of her surroundings. Check out her amazing blog!!

As it gets colder outside, I'm finding new ways to warm up. The hot chocolate at Mariebelle in Soho definitely does the trick. I get the "spicy" one flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and chipotle. I know it sounds a little strange, but it's delicious. It goes perfectly with a few of their amazingly beautiful chocolates. My favorite is the champagne. It's a perfect last minute gift!

12 Drummers Drumming - Leaf Cross Necklace

The leaf cross necklace is becoming another very popular Cannon Lewis piece. It is so simple but the leaf texture adds a fine detailed element, and the little diamond is so understated but adds so much at the same time. The piece is available in 14k yellow gold and sterling silver.

11 Pipers Piping - Opal Matrix Necklaces

I love these opal matrix necklaces because of their individual personalities. Each one is one of a kind and the texture of the golden bezel is as if the stone was dripped on by the hot wax of a candle. The opals are all different, the one pictured above is engraved with the word "Glow" on the back. Others pieces range from witty to serious. I love them all.

10 Lords a Leaping - Tree Pose Necklace

The Tree Pose Necklace is a beautiful necklace that sparkles from within. Tiny faceted stones jingle from the inside and the word "tree pose" is carved into the gold, with an image of a tree with a diamond on the other side. This necklace is such a tiny treasure and those who love detail, subtle sparkle, various textures and hidden words will love this piece.

9 Ladies Dancing - Captivate Necklaces

The Captivate Necklaces are all one of a kind. I start out with the stone and do a drawing of a scene that I think best fits with the colors and fire in the boulder opals. Poetry or phrases are engraved on the back, and tiny sapphires and diamonds are set in the gold to bring out the brilliant colors of the boulder opals. These necklaces take a long time to produce, but the end result is truly a work of art, and a beautiful pendant to be enjoyed for years to come.

8 Maids a Milking - Silver Captivate Necklace

The Silver Captivate necklace with blue topaz is a beautiful, artistic statement. A blue topaz is encased in a silver frame, and a tiny diamond is set inside. Poetry is engraved on the back of the pendant to complete the necklace. I love the ice blue of the stone mixed with the brushed silver. A perfect pendant for those who like detail with a touch of drama.

7 Swans a Swimming - Willow Earrings

I also wear my Willow Earrings all the time. They are great earrings to dress up or wear daily, and the tiny accent diamond is a nice touch. I like the saying on the back, which reminds me to be flexible - its something my grandmother always says, "Be a willow, not an oak. Willows bend, oaks break." The earrings are available in two sizes, Medium, which is great for every day wear, and Large, which is a great size if you are looking for a larger statement earring.

6 Geese a Laying - Maltese Cross Necklace

The Maltese Cross is a new addition to the Trouve collection. It is very small and delicate, and perfect if you are looking for a small cross to wear. The necklace layers well, and I love the little accent diamond. Available in sterling silver or 14k gold, this is a great piece for those who like tiny necklaces with an artistic element.

5 Golden Rings - Flat Tree Ring

I am actually wearing this ring as I am typing this post. I love the flat tree ring because it lays flat on the finger. The shank has nice bark-like texture, and the tiny diamond adds a little sparkle. The word "Fly" is hidden in the branches, and I really just like looking at the ring. So, if you are looking for a nice ring that can be worn all the time but doesn't get in the way, with an organic yet refined twist, might I make a suggestion ...

4 Calling Birds - Sand Dollar Dove Necklace

The Sand Dollar Dove is a classic Cannon Lewis piece. I never take mine off, and its a great piece to wear alone or layer with. The dove is from the inside of a sand dollar. The texture of the wings is so detailed, and the little diamond adds just the right amount of sparkle. This necklace is available in sterling silver or in 14k gold with a diamond. There is another version in silver with a pink freshwater pearl. This is a great necklace for someone who likes delicate, simply jewelry and for someone who likes texture and tiny pendants to accent their other jewelry.

3 French Hens - Window Necklace

I know I am partial to all of my jewelry, but this is one of my new favorites - the 14k yellow and rose gold Window necklace, w/cognac diamond & pink sapphire. There are 3 panels depicting different layers of a scene that can be flipped to show each scene in front. The necklace hangs from an 18 inch 14k yellow spiral chain. Pendant approx .75in tall. Back panel is engraved: "Look Inside." The necklace is fun to wear and change the scenes that face the front. If you are looking to give a gift with detail, a little edge, and one that tells a story, this is an option.

2 Turtle Doves - Sand Dollar Dove Earrings

Many people have asked for an earring version of the classic sand dollar dove pendant. Here they are - available in 14k gold or sterling silver with diamonds, the beautiful texture of the dove wings and the dangling diamonds make a nice, versatile statement.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Hanging Tree Necklace

The Hanging Tree Necklace has edge. It explores the different looks of silver. An oxidized silver tree swings inside a silver boat that is high polished on the inside, satin finished on the outside. A diamond is set on the back of the boat, and on a branch of the tree. On the back it is engraved: "The smallest branch can start a fire." If you are looking for a gift that has detail, a little sparkle, and a little bit of attitude, this might be your option.

The 12 Gifts of Christmas Jewelry Event

On the website I have featured a collection of 12 styles that I think will make wonderful gifts this season for you and for your family and friends. Included are some classics, like the sand dollar dove necklace, and some new pieces like the window necklace, and one of a kind captivate necklaces.

You have from Wednesday December 2nd at 9am until Sunday, December 6th at 9pm, to buy these pieces online at a significantly discounted price. After Sunday, the price goes back to the original retail price.

I will be blogging about each of the 12 styles and why I think they will make wonderful gifts, so stay tuned!