As we wrap up our holiday shopping and head into a new year with high hopes for better days ahead, I have to ask for one last thing to top off my wishlist… and you, my dear readers, are the only ones who can grant it. (Are you comfy? Grab some cocoa… this one is a bit long, but worth the read…)
Let’s be honest, friends, 2008 was… well, bumpy to say the least. The economy tanked. And then it tanked some more. And to top it all off, we’ve got snow storms across the country stopping people from getting to their favorite local spots to actually finally spend a little money. So you can guess where these wishes are going…
My family owns a restaurant. Every night, my dad comes home and we ask, tentatively… “How was it?” Tonight, he said, “Not so good.” Which tears my heart up. Because one of these nights I’m afraid he’ll say, “I can’t do this anymore,” and I might die. Our family’s life has revolved around this restaurant – around the food and family, and the regulars whose lives we’ve become a part of. So…
Christmas Wish #1: If you live in Seattle, come eat at my dad’s restaurant. It’s called Rialto and it’s tucked into a cute area of Fremont where he serves the most fabulously affordable authentic Italian food you’ll ever dine on. He himself uses all local vendors for his meats, coffee and ingredients, and makes the pasta in house, so I suppose a little karma isn’t too much to ask for? Oh, and this year he’s even doing a special New Years Menu! (I recommend the Salmon Ravioli in a Pesto Cream Sauce. YUM.)
Christmas Wish #2: Just keep me in mind. The next time a friend says, “I know what I want my wedding to look like, but I don’t know where to start.” Or, “I need to totally redo my house, but I don’t want to pay someone else to do it… just to design it.” That’s what I do. Of course, I can do it all, but providing creative direction to enable people to achieve their own look and style… it’s so fun. And, I can do it from anywhere. So tell ‘em to come to me.
And now for the story of Gypsy Tinker and the Christmas Senorita (which is actually where the idea for this whole post started).
Once upon a time a stylish little gal (that’s me kids) was shopping on Etsy when she stumbled up on the sweetest little Senorita she ever did see (yep, that’s her above). Packaged with bits of fringe, sparkle and ribbon, the girl just couldn’t resist the purchase. So, click click click she went, and waited in anticipation for the package to arrive from the mysterious Gypsy.
And arrive it did! With a sweet little surprise…
A sweet little lover for her little Senorita! Along with a note of thanks that inspired her so, she decided there was only one thing left to do…
Christmas Wish #3: Shop. So many beautiful stores have shut their doors this year, that I couldn’t complete this post without a plea to support the local shops that mean something to you. There are stories behind these doors. Like the Gypsy who thanked me for a small little purchase during hard times. Or Carol, who is my newest sponsor here at coco+kelley whose store will make a gorgeous addition to our little blog family…
And not just because her taste for black Christmas trees has me swooning! But because her shop, Gatherings, is just another example of someone following their dream. And someone who needs the same support we could all use. A little thoughtful purchasing goes a long way these days..
And if you needed incentive, dear readers, she’s taking 20% off all purchases from her store if you mention coco+kelley through December. Because in these tight times we could all use a little bargain too!
So there it is, lovelies. My Christmas Wish. To get out and support your local stores. Because the GAP isn’t going to fold tomorrow. Because the stores that count are the ones with heart behind them. The ones that have a story to tell, and families to support. So go go go! Spend spend spend (where you can!). And a very very Merry Christmas to you all…
Luv&Ciao,
Cassandra
image credits: john dolan, mikkel vang, rodney smith
Wonderful wishes and such a timely message! Thanks for reaching out and reminding us to use our hearts and wallets together. Merry Christmas!
Inspiring.
Happy Holidays Cassandra.
Thanks Cassandra for this thoughtful and reflective post. You’ve really hit the nail on the head–thanks for putting into words what so many of us have been feeling this season!
Have a wonderful holiday and thank you for all the inspiration now and in the future!
xo
Anne @ The City Sage
Beautiful post!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and hoping all your dreams come true in 2009.
xoxo
What a perfect Xmas Eve post! I wish I lived in Seattle so I could eat at Rialto
Merry merry to you and your family.
xo,
Susannah
This is such a wonderful post! I always try my best to support “the little guy”. Here’s hoping that 2009 is a better year for all of us.
Merry Christmas!
That is what I love about Austin – Local business is so valued by the community – it’s amazing, I buy local for everything and the stores really appreciate it. Plus as a customer, I love that I can go into a place and they remember me. Shop local! It’s so special!!
Lovely Post. Thank you for a wonderful year of coco + kelley, and the happiest of holidays!
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s troubles at the restaurant–I wish I lived in Seattle. Also, congratulations on your company–I think you’ll be tremendously successful !!!!
Merry Christmas Cassandra,
Thanks for entertaining me this year, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.
Being Christmas and all, I thought I would do my part to try and grant you a Christmas wish. I passed along the info on your father’s restaurant to a great community of Seattle ladies
http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/7990237.aspx
My family also owns a restaurant so I can sympathize, we also had to ban smoking indoors in our restaurant this year. We’re still trying to recover a bit from that blow (its got a large bar scene at night)
Anyway – Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Stacy
Website: http://www.kidsstuffworld.com
This was such a touching post! It’s true–while many of us don’t have much $$ to spend with these days, we can still be thoughtful with our purchases. Thanks for the reminder!
Have a merry Christmas!
Thank you for the heartfelt post. I hope all your Holiday wishes come true.
Looking forward to a better and brighter 2009.
Such a beautiful post.
I wish you and your family (especially dad!) health, happiness and prosperity in the new year. I’ve loved finding your blog this year…so thank YOU for always brightening my day!
Another fabulous post!! I hope that the new year brings lots of changes to many people. We just have to believe and support each other,through these hard times. I hope to visit some friends and Seattle in the summer, so maybe we can get together and have lunch at your dads restaurant. Merry Christmas Girly!!
Perhaps we will have to make dinner a regular thing after the new year.
hahaha. I just posted the comment above but my husband was signed in. Ha. How creepy would that comment be if it wasn’t me. Ha.
Happy Holidays! I really hope your wishes come true. I will definitely be going shopping! And I wish I lived in Seattle so I could eat at your father’s restaurant – it sounds delicious.
so many of you have left such wonderful supportive comments, i don’t know where to start, so i’ll just say THANK YOU!
thank you for reading a whole long post all way through. thank you Stacy for posting on my post – that was so thoughtful and sweet of you! and to the other stacy, yes, it would have been a creepy comment from your husband! HAH! i cannot wait to have dinner with you soon though!
merry christmas, happy holidays, and here’s to 2009 my loves! you’re all fantastic and i send you big hugs
xo
I couldn’t have said it better!
I wish I could come check out your dad’s restaurant- sounds yummy!!
Have a wonderful holiday!
xxMelissa
you know there’s no place I’d rather be on New Years or any night of the week. I can feel big things comin’ for you in 2009 missy. This is THE year! xoxo
Nice post!Wish you a nice and peaceful x-mas-time! Greetings from germany, geisslein
Merry Christmas! I just looked at Rialto web site…..my husband and I are making a trip to Seattle soon and I know where we will be eating at least one meal. The food looks wonderful. I wish you and your family all the best in 2009. Krystal
Your father’s restaurant sounds wonderful! Your post really exudes the true spirit of Christmas. Thank you Cassandra for a lovely year of inspiring and beautiful posts! Merry Christmas! xx, blair
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Cassandra! Best wishes to you and your’s in the New Year!
True dat, sister. support intimate shopping! shopping with a story!
i really hope this message gets to seattle folk and they eat at your dad’s restaurant!!!
merry xmas
my boyfriend’s family has been going to Rialto for years and now I love it too. small world…
Cassandra, what a truly meaningful post. If I were close to Seattle, I would certainly stop into your father’s restaurant- it sounds wonderful! And I always try to shop local (or Etsy) when I can! Thank you for this post and for all of the beauty that you bring us during the year. I hope that you had a most wonderful and Merry Christmas! xo
lovely photos!!!
Such a beautiful post! And I agree, support your local small business, they are the ones that really keep the economy strong.
I will be happy to check out your family’s restaurant…my family plans on going to Seattle in the next week or so
I live waaaay over in New England, but I am sending my Seattle friends to Rialto.
Love this post. I couldn’t agree more about supporting local business. And no that doesn’t mean WalMart, who seems to be putting every local business OUT of business. =(
p.s. I would totally love to eat at your dad’s restaurant! If I’m ever in Seattle I’ll know where to go =)
Inspiring POST! Best of Wishes for the New Year!
<3
this little here post is so fearless and inspiring.