CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS

“Some gifts are big, others are small, but the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all.”
— Tinku Razoria

If you are familiar with the 5 love languages, you know that one of them is gifts. For me personally, this one is second only to quality time, therefore right at the top of my list. When reading about this topic years ago, I discovered that the importance of a gift is less to do with the material item itself, and more to do with the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. A great gift shows that one is known, and cared for - it’s a visual representation of love shared. This is something that resonates with me greatly. When I reflect, my favourite gifts from my husband have always been ones that he has put thought into, or has went to a lot of effort to make happen, in order to show me that he knows my heart. And for myself, though of course it’s not possible all of the time, I always feel good about giving someone a gift that I have really thought about for them - that perhaps I have remembered something about them and what they enjoy, and have tried to be mindful about who they are as a person when finding them a gift. There is excitement in the anticipation of a loved one’s joy in receiving something you have thoughtfully chosen for them. Continue reading “CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS”

JOYFUL CHRISTMAS KITCHEN

Welcome back again, friends. We are officially in the first week of December, journeying through the season of advent, and that definitely makes the countdown to celebration feel very real.
Every year during the holiday season, I love to crank up the Christmas music and enjoy spending some time in the kitchen baking seasonal treats for my family. There is almost nothing like it to get you in the holiday spirit. For so many people, the kitchen really is the heart of the home. We spend so much time in here making meals, baking, washing dishes, and sitting on a stool and chatting at the end of the day while doing all of these things. Being a homemaker, I find that I spend a lot of my day in here, and for us, our kitchen literally is in the centre of our home. We see it from the dining room while sharing meals, the living room while sitting and relaxing, when walking down the hallway, and when coming down the stairs in the morning to start the day. Because of all of these reasons, I always want to bring Christmas decor into the kitchen, as well each area in my home, for the holidays so that it exhibits a hint of Christmas, and feels festive. Today, I invite you into my kitchen to see how it has been adorned this season. Continue reading “JOYFUL CHRISTMAS KITCHEN”

MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 2

It’s so nice to be sharing with you again so soon, friends. I find my creativity and motivation to do more writing, photography, and blog posts really comes alive leading up to the Christmas season. So, hello! As my American friends are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, it’s an indicator that December is right around the corner. I can’t believe beginning next week we are only a mere 25 days away. For me, it does kind of become “Christmas month”, as I am decorating, baking, listening to beloved holiday songs, and making plans for the latter part of the month in advance. My husband usually takes some extra time off work starting the week before Christmas too, so that we can soak up the season together. I am so looking forward to all of these things. We also just arrived home yesterday from a snowy mountain getaway, which definitely brings on the holiday feels.

Continue reading “MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 2”

MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 1

It’s that time of year once again - the season that so many of us look forward to all year long. I know I say it every year, but Christmas truly is my absolute favourite time. Strolling through Christmas markets hand in hand with your love, sipping a hot chocolate, observing all the hustle and bustle while bundled up to keep warm. Enjoying plentiful time with family and friends at holiday gatherings and family dinners. Watching from your windowsill as snow falls gently down, illuminated by the twinkling lights on houses up and down the street. Seasonal baking in the kitchen with a glass of mulled wine, and your favourite Christmas songs playing in the background. Watching Christmas movies while snuggled up under a cozy blanket. Giving gifts, thoughtfully wrapped up in pretty packaging. Sharing in meaningful family traditions that bring a lightness to your heart. This season is filled with an abundance of joy, and time to create memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Continue reading “MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 1”

WHITE & WHIMSICAL CHRISTMAS KITCHEN

Every year during the holiday season, I love to crank up the Christmas music and enjoy spending some time in the kitchen baking seasonal treats for my family. There is almost nothing like it to get you in the holiday spirit. And, as most of you know by now, we moved into our first home earlier this year, so it is an especially exciting time!
We were so grateful to have the place that we did for our first 6 Christmases together; it was the perfect home for us at the time, and we formed so many precious memories there together. Continue reading “WHITE & WHIMSICAL CHRISTMAS KITCHEN”

ARCTIC CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 2017

Well, friends, it’s that time of year! The season that so many of us look forward to all year long.
The time for bundling up in scarves and boots to stay cozy while out in the cold winter air. For strolling through the snow with some hot apple cider at a local Christmas market. The time for seasonal baking with your kiddies, and watching Christmas movies while snuggled up on the couch. For enjoying time spent with friends and family at Christmas parties and dinner gatherings. The time for watching from your windowsill as snow falls gently, illuminated by the twinkling lights on houses up and down the street, with your favourite Christmas songs playing in the background. For giving gifts, thoughtfully wrapped up in pretty packaging. And for sharing in meaningful family traditions that bring joy to your heart.
It’s time Continue reading “ARCTIC CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 2017”

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS

Hi, friends. Can you believe that Christmas is in just a few days?! 5 sleeps, to be exact. I am so beyond excited. This past weekend we spent some time baking, watching a couple of Christmas movies, and planning a bit of what our time over the holidays will look like with friends and family. My heart is so full.

The last couple of years I have done blog posts on my gift wrapping ideas (here is 2015’s post and 2014’s post). Wrapping Christmas gifts is one of my favourite things, and I have so much fun sharing my gift wrap style with those who choose to read Continue reading “CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS”

COZY CHRISTMAS BEDROOM TOUR - 2016

Hi again, sweet friends. I hope you’re having a lovely week, and a great December so far. As always during this time of year, I am feeling so festive and ready for the holidays.
Today, I am happy to share our Christmas bedroom with you! It’s all cozy and dressed up for the season.
Part of why I love decorating, and why I put so much care into wanting to set up our house in a beautiful manner, is that I feel our homes should be a safe haven, and a place we find rest and retreat. It is so important to me that myself and my husband feel truly at home where we live, and that is why I just love to create a lovely and peaceful space. This is what I began pondering when thinking of bedroom decorating, as those are our primary places of rest! So, I thought what better time to chat about that than our Continue reading “COZY CHRISTMAS BEDROOM TOUR - 2016”

JOYFUL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR - 2016

Merry Christmas!!!
Okay, so I know we aren’t quite there yet, but I’m sure we are all gearing up for the holidays, and no doubt feeling the buzz and excitement that comes with the season. Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year for so many reasons. Watching fun Christmas movies while curled up on the couch with my husband… bundling up in scarves and boots and drinking hot apple cider while taking a walk in the cold winter air… getting to spend so much time with family and friends, while feeling joy in giving gifts and in sharing meals. It’s all so wonderful. I also feel fortunate Continue reading “JOYFUL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR - 2016”

DIY CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR

Hi, friends! The Christmas season is upon us, and I am having so much fun getting the house all spruced up for the holidays. This really is the best time of year in my mind.

So, you know when you’re laying in bed at night dreaming up your decor, and suddenly an idea pops into your mind, and then you can’t sleep because you start thinking about all the details of it? No? Just me? I know, I’m a little crazy, but I’m sure my fellow home decor enthusiasts are with me on this one! Anyways, this DIY advent calendar idea was one of those times. Continue reading “DIY CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR”