Drumroll…I give you the Petrone Family Christmas tree:
This is 2020. One silent night our beautiful evergreen came crashing down and took some precious ornaments along with it. Annoying. We bought our tree right after Thanksgiving and she just didn’t last this year. So we went with plan B…
We brought in an artificial tree from another room and it worked! I think our tale of two trees is kind of a metaphor for this past year. You’re happily chugging along and then the tree and its ornaments come crashing down! You are forced to make other plans. This year has taught me much about flexibility, creativity, perspective and gratitude.
I’m grateful we had that other tree. And I’m grateful for my health, family, friends, clients and a job I love.
I know this year has been a difficult one for so many. My Christmas wish for you is to celebrate brighter days ahead and find peace in the “plan b.”
The holidays are upon us. The hustle and bustle in a pandemic! Ahhh! The stress for all of us is very real. Now is the time for self-care!
Here are some ideas for self-care with a Rochester twist.
Get Outside and Take a Walk.
Genesee Country Museum (photo from Facebook page)
Bundle up! I love to walk around some of the local villages and look at the decorated homes. The Bird Song trail in Mendon Ponds Park is a favorite in the winter and an easy enough walk that is wide enough for social distancing! The Genesee Country Museum has their last weekend of Yuletide Open House 12/20. You must purchase tickets for this one but it’s a treat to be able to walk back in time and look at the charming old homes and winter decor.
Write A Letter.
They say the best way to feel better is to do a good deed! Write a letter and spread some holiday cheer. Here are a couple addresses to local nursing homes:
-Friendly Home, 3156 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
-St. John’s, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
-Kirkhaven, 254 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607
Treat Yourself.
Custom print I treated myself to from Amie Freling of Meme Hill!
Better yet, treat yourself from a local merchant. You will be helping out a neighbor and helping yourself!
Listen to Music.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is streaming! (Photo taken from website)
And if you’re inclined- the RPO and the Little Theater offer virtual concerts you can enjoy from the warmth of your living room!
Redecorate a Space in Your Home!
I love doing this. Rearrange a shelf. Declutter a closet. It’s so satisfying to move things around and end up with a new look! Bag up things you no longer use and take them to one of these local places: Open Door Mission , Saint’s Place or Goodwill.
Cook or Bake Something.
Wegmans Menu Index – (Photo taken from Wegmans Website)
Wegmans has an awesome recipe index with lots of different ideas like favorite soups or holiday favorites. The best part is they make the shopping for the recipe super easy (less stress)!
FaceTime a Friend or Family Member.
Connection is everything right now!
Watch a Movie.
Whether it’s Hallmark or holiday or Marvel – watch something that makes you smile!
Speaking of gratitude–I’m always grateful for all of you! The real estate market has kept us on our toes this year. It is always moving, always changing. We continue to work hard to help you! Thank you for your continued support. Remember to take care of YOU this holiday season!
Recently I shared a blog post with you guys about some favorite local businesses (restaurants, gyms and spas)! This week I’m back with more local treasures in honor of Small Business Saturday on November 28th! Please consider purchasing local from our community. We are so fortunate to have these amazing shops and they could use some extra love this year! #shoptheroc
This is a Rochester institution! They have the best, most unique gifts. They always make shopping a fun experience. I love their signature gift wrap and bells!
On one of our summer shopping excursions a couple years ago!
Stevers located at 623 Park Avenue (photo taken from website)
The Stever family first opened a Rochester chocolate shop in 1946! They have delighted the community for years with their delicious confections. Their molded chocolates are so fun for gifts and stockings! Check out the chocolate chicken wings and peanut butter dip! Hah!
ReHouse on West Ridge Road. (photo taken from website)
Looking for something fun or vintage for your home? ReHouse is a treasure trove of home parts…from cabinets to door knobs to fixtures. They even have a presence on Etsy and Craigslist if you are interested in shopping from your couch!
How amazing is my custom sign?Lots of gorgeous holiday treasures!
Many of you know I adore Amie Freling! Her talents are immeasurable! And, great news, she’s opened up a new studio to further share them with all of us! Meme Hill Studio is located in Fairport Office Park at 1387 Fairport Road, Fairport NY building 1000 Suite 1000-A-2. If you’re looking for something fun, colorful and chic, make sure to check out her shop. She also does custom projects (see Petrone print above)!
A Different Point of View. (photo taken from Facebook)
Located in Brighton, this shop is all about unique, luxury gifts! Treat a friend and treat yourself. Their website is pretty great if you’re more inclined to shop from your living room! Some of their brands include Eileen Fisher, Hobo, Thymes and Simon Pearce.
11th Hour is located in Brighton and is brimming with goodies. Doesn’t the picture above get you in the mood for the holidays? I love the vintage feel of the snowman and Santa. Lots of fun, eclectic finds…something for everyone!
Peppermint is located in the Culver Road Armory. And talk about Rochester love? This shop has some cool ode-to-Rochester items. They have clothing and jewelry and cards and prints and candles. Very hip! Check it out! They even offer CURBSIDE pickup! WOOT!!
Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport (photo taken from FB page)
This bookstore is a Brockport gem! They have the best displays and best suggestions. They offer curbside pickup, shipping and free delivery in Brockport.
And finally, the best toy store! Hobby House Toys has several locations and is always a fun visit! They have the coolest finds! They will gift wrap your items in their signature bags and fun ribbon! And, the owner goes above and beyond to help you out! They also have inventory online so you can shop remotely! Curbside pickups and free delivery for purchases over $25 to Pittsford, Penfield, Victor, Fairport and Brighton.
There are so many special local businesses to celebrate and share. I love this community! Let’s help give some extra love to all these places that make Rochester so great! And remember – restaurant gift cards make awesome gifts (Owl House, Joe Gatt’s, Pittsford Pub…yum). Here’s a list of some additional local businesses! Spread the word and the love: #shoptheroc
