It's the most wonderful time of the year! Not only is it the holiday season - but it's also engagement season! The holiday season between Christmas Eve and New Years is one of the most popular times to get engaged (I, myself, got engaged on Christmas Day). I know there will be a lot of newly engaged folks ready to start planning in 2013 - so please get in touch if want some help getting started, planning the whole shebang, or just some month-of assistance. Speaking of engagements, the latest issue of Washingtonian's Bride & Groom just came out (if you're unable to find it, check out Whole Foods - a lovely twitter friend gave me that scoop and I was able to grab a couple copies!). I was really thrilled that so many of the real couples they featured in the magazine got engaged at home. I've always been turned off by the strange pressure for people to have "engagement stories" or elaborate plans, as if that's what will make the marriage great. I think choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone is really all that matters - doesn't matter where or when or how that decision was made! Anyway, it's a great issue, as always - so check it out (and their blog is a wonderful resource as well).

For my Brooklyn readers, Brooklyn Magazine had a great feature by the always excellent Brooklyn Bride about brooklyn wedding essentials.

Moving on to the holidays, I love this "no buy" gift guide. I always love giving experiences - there are some great ideas here!

I'll be taking some time off to enjoy the holiday season with my friends and family. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy, happy new year! Leaving you with my favorite holiday song of all-time (no joke), True Blue Miracle from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. Apparently, Sesame Street is near 86th St. Who knew?

Happy Holidays!!