Faceted Vase DIY

As if there was any question, I am officially in full-on holiday mode (as of November 12, to be exact). This means there are decorations up in my house (for real) and that I'm lining up my holiday craft projects in an attempt to get organized before December 1. I love the idea of incorporating items you already own into holiday installations; it's cost effective and leaves you with minimal items to store.

The modern faceted vase tutorial on Oh Happy Day is this kind of project. I think it would be a perfect centerpiece for a holiday table or mantel decoration for New Years Eve, don't you?



(tutorial + photo courtesy of Oh Happy Day - photo by Kate Nicholson).

gift idea: for your favourite crafter

In the event you prescribe to the same let's-get-organized-sooner-rather-than-later school of thought as I do and/or you want to brighten the day of your favourite crafty friend and/or you’re looking for a few cost-effective and thoughtful gift ideas, you’ll be interested in the digital craft book A Hip Handmade Holiday.  Alison + Susan have compiled 18 original holiday craft ideas with tips, instructional videos, and printables.  Buy it here.  

Thanks to Natalie (of Nat the Fat Rat) who featured the book yesterday for the great gift idea. 

(image + digital craft book courtesy of the craft pack).

Late Christmas Wishes & New Years Dishes

Wow. There went Christmas. Ben, Bauer, and I have made it to and from Vancouver safely after celebrating Christmas with our families. It was a whirlwind but it was so great to spend time catching up (and eating) with family.

I have one more work day this week and then it's more celebrating. Car loads of our beautiful friends will be making their way to Kamloops to celebrate the second annual New Years Bash with us this weekend. This year's theme: Mad Men. It should be good.

Whatever your plans are for New Years Eve, I hope you're safe and surrounded by people you love.

Caio, 2011. It's been real. I'm excited to start wedding planning and goal setting in 2012!



[Our 2011 Christmas card was designed by Kal Barteski].

gift guide: stocking stuffers for him.

Well, as previously mentioned, I had great intentions of creating a gift guide palooza; however, this year we're going with stocking stuffers (mostly $20 and under) for her + for him.

For the gentleman in your life...

1. I saw this at Chapters and laughed out loud. If I hadn't already co-ordinated the perfect gift for my little brother he'd be getting this in his stocking. There's nothing like a silly-yet-tasty treat. [coal candy, $8 at Indigo].

2. Fact: I steal Ben's socks 4 out of 5 mornings during the winter months. I'm planning on picking up a few pairs of thick wool socks for him/me. I wish I saw these earlier to order them in time for Christmas. [Camp socks, $19.50 at J. Crew].

3. I think Ben would do less complaining about my tea addiction if he tried a mug of chocolate chili chai. [Chocolate Chili Chai, $13.25 for a 100g tin at David's Tea].

4. Everyone (and some people's dogs) seem to have iPhones these days. What's more fun than having a second case to change it up from time to time. I love David Bushell graphic illustrations; don't they make great cases? [iPhone cases with David Bushell's illustrations, $39.95/ various at Uncommon].

5. The album that should be on everyone's wish list: The Black Keys, El Camino. That's all. [Album, $14.99].

6. Another gag gift that was too awesome not to include. Bathroom humour at its finest. [Matchboxes, $7.00 by dippy lulu on etsy.com].

7. On our Oregon trip last summer we learned that there are many delicious bottled root beers that we just. don't. have. here in Canada. This one was our favourite and I plan to pick up a case next time we're south of the border. [Bulldog Root Beer, various].



In case you missed it...

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

Wintery Weekending + Holiday Link Love

It's Friday and the last weekend before Christmas! (Wait, what?!?!) This weekend B and I have some holiday fun planned including some last minute shopping, lots of gift wrapping, some christmas movie snuggling, and maybe even some holiday baking.

I've been trolling the internet flagging all things Christmas & awesome. Here is a list of my favourites:

• The ever-fashionable Dallas Shaw has compiled a hostess gift guide for the holiday parties ahead (Psst... remember the hostess gift guide I put together for the Anthology last year? Part 1; Part 2).


• Speaking of Gift Guides... Joanna is at it again. The 2011 instalment of A Cup of Joe Gift Guides are fun & original.


• In case you're on the ball and already wrapping gifts, check out this amazing DIY Gift Bow guide by 100 Layer Cake


• Feeling crafty? I really like these DIY Sequin Ornaments featured on Made By Girl


• I want to make these glittered deer and have them around my house all year through.


• I'm altogether loving ALL of the holiday tips, party ideas, and DIY projects on Valley & Co. Lifestyle blog.

What are you up to this weekend, friends?


Merry Christmas, love Bauer.

Snow Moose.

Even though he won't fit it in a stocking, this snow globe is sure to make anyone smile. We purchased one for our mantle as an early Christmas gift to ourselves and I love him.

Moose Snowglobe by Indigo.

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

I had great intentions of putting together a collection of gift guides this year a la Joanna; however, I've been too busy enjoying various holiday festivities and nursing a head cold. Subsequently, what I'm offering you, my faithful blog readers, is a collection of my favourite stocking stuffers for him and her.

Ladies, first...

1. Voluspa Candles are my favourite and the holiday sent Frost Pinecone is deliciously festive. [Mini Tin Candle, $7.50 at Indigo].

2. As previously mentioned, salted caramels rule my world. This stocking stuffer is self-explanitory. [Ooh la la Salted Caramels, $20 at Indigo].

3. These little books have been popping up all over blog land and I understand why: who wouldn't love a small notebook to stash in your purse for sporadic note taking (or blog loving, in this case)? [Archie Grand for J.Crew notebook, $12 at J. Crew]

4. The last time I was at Sephora I fell in love with the wall of purse-size roll on perfumes they now offer. Brilliant and practical, pick one in her favourite sent or a new, fun, one like Kate Spade's twirl. [Twirl By Kate Spade Roll-On, $18 at Sephora].

5. Everyone should have at least one of these little pots of salve in their purse to combat chapped winter lips, add a little glow to cheeks, and moisturize dry cuticles. Best bang for your buck. [Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora].

6. My love for ban.do pieces grows with each addition they make to their online boutique; however, their signature sequin hearts are the simplest way of adding a little glamour to a tee or a tote. [ban.do heart, $15 at shop ban.do].

7. The Bay has played its cards right and has introduced a Top Shop in its Pacific Centre store. Lucky for everyone, they also offer pieces online. I love this crochet headband and the brilliant orangey-red colour it comes in. [TOPSHOP Carmine Crochet Cinch Headband, $18 at the Bay].

8. Mimosas and Christmas morning go together like Chocolate and Valentine's day. Why not gift her a mini bottle of your favourite champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco to toast the season? [Freixent - Carta Nevada Brut, $4.72 at BC Liquor Stores].



What is your favourite stocking stuffer to give or receive?

Fleur de Sel Caramels

Apparently I'll be spending my weekend in the kitchen preparing deliciously sweet treats with the perfect hint of salt!

As a huge fan of salted caramels (I have been known to eat an entire bag) this recipe for homemade caramels rocks my world. I am thrilled that Emily shared her interpretation; the perfect way to share them!



(Photo courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere; recipe courtesy by via the New York Times).

Dark Chocolate with Pistachios + Sea Salt

My Christmas baking mojo was a bit bruised after I made too much last year and had no one to eat the finished product. Maybe this year I'll stick to something that is sweet and bake free!

Lisa of with style & grace has adapted a delicious sounding recipe from Whole Living Magazine into this amazing treat. I'm no chocolate lover (gasp!) but the photos alone made my mouth water. Perhaps I will prepare a batch for our New Years fête.

'Tis the season for sweet treats.



(Photos and recipe courtesy of with style and grace).

DIY Christmas Carol Garland

Isn't this garland just perfect? This DIY project is creeping its way up my ever-growing Christmas-craft-to-do list; I would like to hang one in our hallway.

Visit the sweetest occasion for the DIY tutorial and template.


{update} here is one of my completed garlands:





(top photo by lovely indeed for the sweetest occasion; bottom photo taken on my iPhone and processed via Instagram).

Green Christmas

Nothing says "Christmas" quite like fresh boughs of pine and the smell they fill the house with. Although many of us have opted for a faux pine Christmas tree this year, there is no reason why we can't enjoy traditional holiday greenery on a smaller scale. In fact, last night I realized I had subconsciously been researching ways of doing just that (evidence can be found on my holiday pinterest board).

If you're looking for ways of adding a little green to your home this holiday, here are a few simple & cost effective options. Bonus: they're low maintenance, allowing you to enjoy green without necessarily having a green thumb.

[1.] tree seedlings in champagne flutes are a unique, sustainable, and practical favour option for a holiday party or winter wedding.

[2.] simple arrangements of white roses + pine look beautiful in small cups, jars, or vases placed throughout the house.

[3.] rescue a fallen (or pruned) bough and put it in a large jar or vase to be enjoyed for weeks.

[4.] why not give out cards that double as decor? these mini wreath holiday cards are beyond sweet.

Do you decorate with greenery?



(Images courtesy of: Plant a Memory via Little Winter Bride; Better Homes and Gardens; photo by Patrik Hagborg for Hus & Hem via emmas design blog; photo by Lisa Warninger, concept & crafting by Tokketok, floral and styling by Chelsea Fuss for Frolic!).

Holiday Soundtrack: Contemporary Christmas

I am one of those people who has Christmas music playing awkwardly relatively early in what is considered the appropriate "Christmas season" and I am often asked what my favourite Christmas albums are.

With so many Christmas albums out there, it's easy to become overwhelmed; I'll also be the first to admit that there are many-a-version of the classics that you should avoid [cue shopping mall PA music]. With that being said, I wanted to share a few of the albums on my holiday soundtrack. I play these contemporary gems on repeat between late November and New Years Eve. If you're looking to beef up your playlist I suggest you start here.

In no particular order...


A Very She & Him Christmas: How excited I was when I heard one of my favourite duos was coming out with a Christmas album; how happy I am to say I wasn't disappointed. This album is smokey, vintage, and altogether dreamy. Best served with a cocktail or tree trimming party.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Songs For Christmas - Sufjan Stevens: This beauty was recommended to me last year by a blogger friend (thanks, Diana)! The album is 42 songs deep and perfect for playing as background music while you clean the house or drive between Kamloops & Vancouver. At least I enjoy it for those things...
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs: I love this compilation of amazing female voices, especially the title track by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson and the closing medley of "Auld Lang Syne." Per-fec-tion.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



It Snowed - Meaghan Smith: Another new addition to my playlist, Meaghan Smith's album is very sweet. She's Canadian & adorable; you can't help but smile and bob your head to "It Snowed" and "Silver Bells."
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



The O.C. Mix 3 Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah: This has to be my favourite contemporary album because there are so many awesome songs and if I started listing them I would list the whole soundtrack. Bonus: it's a great album to dance around to & the kiddos love it.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Christmas - Michael Bublé: I'm including this album for two reasons: (1) my bridesmaid Angela would probably refuse to stand up for me at my wedding if I didn't and (2) it's a great traditional Christmas album. All jokes aside, I love the fact that his version of "Jingle Bells" (featuring the Puppini Sisters) sounds like something straight out of the past & that he and Shania Twain make a sweet Canadian duet on "White Christmas."
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



There we have it: my favourite contemporary Christmas albums. Stay tuned for my favourite classics which will pop up on the blog next week.

What are your favourite Christmas albums, contemporary or classic?



(All images are courtesy of the artists' homepages and have been linked to within the post).

Christmas-Palooza

In the event you were wondering what I have been up to... I've been a tree trimming, card writing, santa spotting Christmas elf. I've sorted a few things out which should enable me to post more regularly. Thanks for checking in & stay tuned for some Christmas and wedding fun.

What have you been up to?

xo,

C.

Deck the Halls

Happy Monday! While our neighbours to the South prepare for Thanksgiving (and the disturbing phenomenon "Black Friday") Canadians are in full-Christmas-holiday-mode. Today, B and I are both off (woot!) so we're tacking a lengthy to do list. Hopefully we'll get to lugging out our Christmas decor and start decking the halls.

Have you decorated yet? When do you 'allow' yourself to embrace Christmas/ decorate/ start Christmas shopping?

As always, I am inspired by West Elm's Holiday line. These three are my favourites.




(Images courtesy of West Elm: feather wreath, felt garland, + papier-mâché reindeer).

Happy Christmas Eve Eve

Wow. Where did this week go? There were so many things I wanted to post before Christmas and I'm almost out of time. The last few days have been spent cleaning, baking, packing, wrapping, and shopping in anticipation of our trip down to Vancouver today!

If I don't make it back to blogland before the twenty-fifth, I want to take a moment to say that I hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas. I am so thrilled with where my blog journey has taken me over the last year and I am so luck to have met some fantastic people. I appreciate all of your support - those that know me personally and those who read the blog on occasion. Your comments and emails put a smile on my face daily.

Happy Christmas, all.

With Love,

C.


Photo: Our 2010 Christmas Card.

An eco-fabulous wreath.

As I previously mentioned, Vancouver's body politic has one of the prettiest wreaths around. They've just shared a few shots of this year's holiday decor on their facebook page and the store looks absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to visit during my Christmas trip to Vancouver.

Follow up note: Check out the rest of the decorations on bp's blog.

Silver + Gold

During the holidays many of us naturally gravitate to metallics and sparkles. This year, I've found myself particularly smitten with anything silver & gold. The following are some of my favourites that I've flagged over the last few weeks that would be perfect gifts or embellishments to deck your halls, tables, or selves!









Are you gravitating towards a specific colour or palette this season?



{SILVER} Single Image: Ornaments. Clockwise from top left: wine/ champagne ice bucket; Tarnish Stone Station Bangles; OPI Swiss Collection; pinecone place card holder; square table; Glacia Bird.

{GOLD} Single Image: Tablescape. Clockwise from top left: Wishbone (via coco + kelley); Etch Pendant (via Rue); Twirl Bow Cuff; Edible Gold Stars (via Oh Happy Day); Short Gold Tumblers.

Gift Wrapping: Fabric

Moving right along with more holiday-themed posts (I do hope you understand how much I love this time of year)... in addition to repurposed embellishments, there are many creative ways to wrap and adorn your gifts. One of my favourite, sustainable, options is fabric!

Poppytalk featured this awesome DIY gift wrapping project by Arounna of Bookhou and I just LOVE how it turned out.



If I received such a pretty package I would be tempted to turn the wrapping into a pillow case. It's fantastic.

DIY, here.


Photos by bookhou via poppytalk.

Holiday Craft: Yarn Ball + Ornament Wreath

I found it very difficult this year to find the perfect wreath for our newly painted door. I ended up selecting a 'natural faux' (yes, this is the oxymoron of the year) evergreen number in the meantime; however, I'm still on the lookout for a more unique option.

The yarn ball and ornament wreath tutorial featured over at life through the lense captured my attention. Although this beauty would be hung indoors (yarn wouldn't react too well to the cold Kamloops winter) it has a spot on my craft to-do list. Now, whether I tackle that list in its entirety is another question...


Click here for the tutorial.


While we're on the topic... if you're in the neighbourhood of Main + E 12th in Vancouver, make sure you stop by body politic. Their homemade wreath is out of this world.

Photo via life through the lense.

Adorn Your Desktop

Just in case your desktop is in need of a festive pick-me-up, check out these fabulous (+ free!) holiday desktop wallpapers that you will not get sick of before the end of the week.




Check out fossil (top image) and [i] Love Life (bottom image) for more awesomeness. Thank you to the artists for spreading the holly jolly love.