Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your families a wonderful, prosperous, and healthy 2017!
Celebration
What’s your approach to wrapping Christmas presents? Do you plan a theme? Do you use wrapping paper or bags? Is everything colour-coordinated?
As for me, I keep things simple (are you that surprised?). I use one wrapping paper design and just a few bags. I keep ribbons and tags simple, too. My wrapping is basic, and Pinterest certainly makes me look like the worst wrapper ever.
Just look at these five beautifully wrapped gifts. Wouldn’t you love to receive one of these? I think I may consider improving my approach to wrapping next year.
The Cross Design via Erica Cook
via 30s magazine
via Homey Oh My
via Style At Home
For the third Christmas gift guide, I opted for items that would make for amazing gifts for those who love Christmas!
GlucksteinHome glitter snowflake, GlucksteinHome polar boar ornament, GlucksteinHome Starry night tabletop tree, owl snow globe, countdown calendar, time capsule ornament, snowball wreath, disco ball topper, channel quilted velvet stocking, reindeer, menu cards, snowflake hurricanes, paperwhites, merry and joy soaps, winter cottage cookie jar
Other 2016 gift guides: for the design fan, for the cook
It may come as a surprise to many of you, but when it comes to Christmas, I am quite traditional. I am always eager to get a real tree in my home (usually around December 1st), and I decorate with ornaments I’ve collected from my travels, and a few that I pick up locally each year. Other decorations around my home are from my childhood, belong to my growing collection of reindeer, or are part of my growing Christmas Spode collection (Am I too young to have a Christmas Spode collection? Nah!). You can see some of my decorations on this guest post I wrote for Rox-Anne at Celebrating This Life last year.
All this said, I’ve noticed a lot more white trees and Christmas decor floating around blogs, Instagram pages, Pinterest, and magazine spreads. They’re absolutely beautiful, and I commend those who embrace an all-white Christmas!
via Cat Therrien
via Kaatje Karin
via Blount Designs
via Rach Parcell
via MK Interiors
What do you get when you bring together some sparkle, shine, and a good cause? The Shop for Gen1 collection at Winners and HomeSense, of course! Proceeds from this celebration tableware collection go to the Canada’s Women Foundation – “Canada’s only national public foundation committed to improving the lives of women and girls through economic and social change.”
set of party horns, $7.99 
clink paper party cups, $4.99 
set of paper polka dot party straws, $4.99 
set of 8 party plates, $4.99 
set of party hats, $7.99
I was debating creating Christmas gift guides because I know there are so many wonderful guides already floating around the internet, but then I thought it might be fun to see what I could come up with all-in-white. I’ll be publishing a few guides over the next couple of weeks so as to not overload everyone, but to also get us into the generous holiday gift-giving spirit.
I’m kicking things off with a “for the cook” guide. While I adore my kitchen, I’m not much of a cook. My go-to handmade pastas and pizzas are top-notch, but beyond those staples, I’m just an average cook. I do like to bake though, so some of these items are good for both the chef and the baker in your life!
Le Creuset dutch oven, Le Creuset large spatula, Martha Stewart kitchen towels, Kate Spade polka dot apron, KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer, KitchenAid pasta attachments, Peugeot salt and pepper set, GlucksteinHome linen napkins, Sophie Conran for Portmerion pie dish, OXO produce keeper, Stelton ice bucket, marble bowl, Godinger marble cheese board, Cuisinart knife set, Joseph cutting board
After a very eventful weekend (attending fun Halloween event for the Red Shoe Society, antiquing at Aberfoyle and Southworks with Rox-Anne, getting pampered at the Langdon Hall spa, and feasting on an incredible 10+ course meal with Chef Jason Bangerter of Langdon Hall and Chef Jackie Lin of Shoushin), I have a bit of catching up to do work-wise, blog-wise, and life-wise. Don’t be surprised if posts are light this week.
For now, here’s a cute (not spoooooooky) easy Halloween DIY:
Happy Halloween!
My family has never been an all-out-for-Halloween-decorations type of family. Growing up, we always had a couple of pumpkins to carve (usually one for me and one for my sister). A couple of times, we created scarecrows for the front yard. That’s about it. Halloween decor doesn’t quite do it for me, and while there are incredible ways to cover up the orange, I’m still not motivated to do much more than carve a pumpkin in terms of decor (for Halloween or fall, actually).
That said, two photos on Instagram recently caught my attention. They veer toward the Halloween Chic category (I’ve stolen the term from my sister…not sure if others use it).
The first floral pumpkin from Sarah Gunn is simple but dramatic. I just could not stop staring at it when I first saw it on her Instagram feed.
via Sarah Gunn Style
The second googly-eyed pumpkin (see it there in the corner) by Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day is part of a googly-eyed theme I can handle. Honestly, I actually laughed out loud when I saw it. So funny! (I saw large, sticky googly eyes at Dollarama last week in case you’re looking for them.)
via Oh Happy Day
If I ever throw a Halloween party, one of these two options may very likely be the decor.
Who else thinks that skeletons are creepy?
Jean Pierre gold skeleton, $675, One Kings Lane
party skeleton platter, $41 (on sale), Pottery Barn
life-size skeleton, $55.68CAD, Target
skull and crossware holiday invitation, Minted
skeleton stud earrings, $4.17CAD, Amazon
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Today’s my birthday, which means it’s basically a free day for me – and everyone else, too! Right? Right!
cake by Alana Jones-Mann
Hope you have a great Monday!
Happy Canada Day! What goodness are you planning this weekend?
I’ve said it so many times here and in real life – I really enjoy living in Waterloo. This city – and region – has so much to offer, and I live such a happy, rich, and pleasant life here. Summer, of course, makes everything that much better, and this area has a lot of offer its residents and guests.
As we have just begun a long weekend here, I’m offering up five suggestions of things to do this weekend.
1. Go for a bike ride.
The Spur Line has recently opened up, and it’s a great way to take a ride to/from Kitchener/Waterloo. The trail is smooth, wide, flat, and lit, so it’s ideal for daytime or nighttime rides.
Alternatively, take a cruise down the classic Iron Horse trail to/from Kitchener/Waterloo. This was the first path I went on when I moved to Waterloo, and it’s still one of my faves. It’s great that it takes riders from uptown Waterloo (e.g., take a gelato break at Vincenzo’s) to downtown Kitchener’s Victoria Park in no time at all. The trail is smooth, flat, and surrounded by greenery.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventures, and are looking for more nature, then head over to Cambridge and ride to/from Cambridge to Paris along the Grand River. The ride is easy, but long (maybe 40+km). I suggest wearing padded shorts. 🙂
Here I am riding my oldie-but-goodie bike down the Iron Horse trail in Waterloo. It’s such easy living!
Here I am last summer on the Cambridge to Paris trail with the same oldie-but-goodie bike. I earned my lunch calories in Paris that day!
2. Stay cool at a public pool.
I grew up at public pools…first, as a youngster taking lessons, then, as a teen hanging out with friends, finally as a teenager/adult teaching swimming. I love having access to a pool, and luckily, there are few great ones in the region.
Moses Springer outdoor pool is large, clean, and definitely worth a visit.
The lifeguard tower at Moses Springer.
3. Celebrate Canada Day with fireworks at Columbia Lake.
Although this will be my third summer in Waterloo, I have yet to enjoy Canada Day fireworks. Tonight, however, I’m hoping to head over to Columbia Lake to check out the action and colourful sky show.
Canada Day Celebration – UofWaterloo Field Map
4. Try a new café.
My two current favourite cafés are the Berlin Bicycle Café in Belmont Village the Smile Tiger Coffee beside the Via Train Station. Both are accessible via bicycle, and both offer good coffee and atmosphere. The food at Berlin Bicycle Café is fresh and delicious, and I always find something good to eat. The egg salad is delicious, and the croissant sandwiches are good, too. Both cafés have outdoor patio space, so they’re great options for sunny days.
The Berlin Bicycle Café
5. Take a drive into the countryside.
There are so many options for short road trips in the region.
- Stay close and head to St. Jacob’s for a visit to the market.
- Take a ride to Elora, pop into the sweet shops, and walk along the water.
- Drive to Cambridge and pop into Monigram Roasters for a treat.
- Drive over to Stratford and check out the first Balzac’s or grab a chocolate treat at Rhéo Thompson, then stroll around the lake.
- Eat ice cream in any of the above towns!
If you’re looking to learn more about what to do in the Waterloo region, please check out my Waterloo City Guide over on Design*Sponge.
Have a wonderful long weekend, everyone!
Happy Canada Day!
Today’s two for Tuesday is extra special because it’s my dad’s birthday! This styling man…
has gone from hiking in suits in Italy as a teenager to…
hanging out in baseball-style tees in Toronto and texting local and international family and friends on his iPhone.
And he’s the most photogenic out of anyone in our family.
Seriously.
My Dad continues to have bursts of energy (in between resting, of course) and has helped me with countless reno projects at my home…you’ve surely seen shout-outs in these posts! Soon we’ll be off to Italy on our father-daughter trip of 2016. Bring on the gelato (you’re paying, right, Dad?)!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
I’d like to wish my sister a very happy birthday today!
Happy birthday, Corie!
I hope your day is super fun and fabulous! If only you had this tiara to go with your t-shirt and jeans, right?
Bailey Banks and Bittle diamond tiara, ~$56K, 1st Dibs
What do you have planned for the next few days?
Easter bunny candy dish, $19.96US (on sale), Williams Sonoma
I’m taking a few days off to enjoy some feasting and family time. Have a great long weekend and happy Easter, everyone!
Oh, St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve never been into the ol’ St. Patrick’s Day parties, and around these parts, the university kids pretty much go wild, it’s all very chaotic, and I think it’s bizarre (yeah, yeah, bah humbug).
But…
At the St. Jacobs market last weekend, I couldn’t resist buying a sweet shamrock plant for only $2 (!). It’s just so delicate. I can totally get behind St. Patrick’s Day green when it’s as pretty as this!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! May the day be a lucky one for you!
I can’t help it. I need to showcase more hearts. I thought I had corralled enough hearts for this Valentine’s Day gift guide, but I hadn’t. I have five more heart-filled items to share with you to end this week.
love struck round floor bin, $19.97 (on sale), Land of Nod
black sequin heart pillow cover, $19.97 (on sale), Land of Nod
I Love You heart dishes, $19.95, Crate & Barrel
For Heart’s Sake stationery, Minted
heart tote bag, $22, Sweet Escape Creative
Have a lovely weekend, dear readers!
I’m of the mind that champagne (whether from Champagne or not) should be consumed during celebrations both big and small: closing on new house, having a great day at work, meeting with a friend you haven’t seen in ages, a new baby, or a school graduation*.
I guess with Valentine’s Day around the corner, bringing out the bubbly is very à propos. Heck, whether you’re in a relationship and you celebrate this day of love, or you’re single and avoid the commercialization of it all, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t toast you and your loved ones with a glass of champers**.
It’s not too often that I actually get spoiled with some of the popular champagnes like Moët or Veuve Clicquot***, but maybe 2016 is the year that I bring this luxury to the forefront of my life (maybe to go with my future luxurious but affordable bed makeover?).
Just look at this work of champagne art:
And the Moët & Chandon bottle is so beautifully classic.
If you’re looking to pair this with food, the Moët & Chandon team tells me that the Impérial Brut (feature in the photo above) pairs particularly well with sushi, scallops, oysters, white fish, and white fruit (e.g., white peach tart), but I’m pretty sure my tastes buds are also happy when I pair champagne with the goodness of homemade pizza. Who’s with me?
Or, if you’re looking for a way to switch things up with your champagne, you might opt to try the following recipe for the Moët Ruby Red (festive for Valentine’s, the Oscars, etc.):
Moët Ruby Red
Ingredients
3/4 oz. Lemon
3/4 oz. Tarragon, Raspberry, Citrus Shrub (see below)
1 oz. Vodka
2 1/2 oz. Moët & Chandon Brut
Directions:
Serve over ice in a white wine glass. Garnish with fresh tarragon and citrus.
Tarragon, Raspberry, Citrus Shrub
Ingredients
2 cups Raspberry Purée
2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
4 cups Cane Sugar
1 Lemon Peel
4 sprigs of Tarragon
Directions
Bring ingredients to a simmer on a stovetop, then remove from heat and let cool.
This drink seems to be right up my alley – even though I generally prefer to drink champagne in its original state. I tend to take my champagne in a coupe, maybe with a raspberry thrown in for good measure.
What about you? How do you take your champagne?
* Maybe this is one of the reasons why I have pursued more than one university degree (I’m on lucky #5!)
** Is this a word people use, or is this just a word I use with my friends. Blurred lines.
*** Toasting my PhD achievement was probably my most memorable Veuve occasion (see this and this and this).
Images via Moët & Chandon.
So I’m not getting married. And I don’t work for Langdon Hall. But…seeing as I love pretty things, delicious food, flowers, gorgeous interiors, and parties, it seems very fitting that I bring you news of weddings at Langdon Hall. Right? Yes!
Last weekend, I was invited to attend Langdon Hall’s wedding preview day – a day where Langdon Hall dresses up in its best wedding attire, hosts vendors (makeup, music, florals, planners), and brides, grooms, and their families can tour the grounds and book (or confirm) a Langdon Hall wedding.
Or, if you’re like me, you’re a local blogger who can’t seem to stay away from Langdon Hall, so you attend the event and snap a gazillion photos of all the beauty.
This visit was extra special because Langdon Hall’s new event space, the Firshade Room, was finally revealed! This new addition can host parties up to 120 people. I was impressed that the space has the traditional coffered ceilings, traditional furnishings, and walls of windows that make the space bright, modern, and inviting. Well done, LH crew!
Any good party has a dessert table, am I right? Kitchener’s Cake Box – and owner Yvonne – were showing off some beautiful creations. The sugar flowers really caught my attention, and the cake “dripping” with icing was my favourite. I learned that there are many couples who are very much interested in the chalkboard effect on their cakes. I thought it was interesting how the chalkboard trend is popular in home and cake design.
creations from Cake Box
Chef Jason Bangerter took me on a quick behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art kitchen in this building (still a bit of a construction zone – I wore a hard hat). The kitchen is done in stainless and white Corian, and the industrial stoves, fridges, and ovens are mighty fine! Chef has big plans for this kitchen, and I’m definitely looking forward to following along.
GE appliances will be working hard in here
I lost count of how many burners and ovens were in this kitchen
a brand new kitchen (still covered in packaging!)
Chef and his team were serving up several delicious nibbles, including mini croque madame, beet-dipped quail eggs, and cucumber soaked in rose water and topped with powdered raspberry.
Chef Bangerter serving up his creations
Beyond the new Firshade event space, other areas of Langdon were decked out for the day. The Orchard Room was bright and inviting with florals created by Tina of Living Fresh.
guests can be spoiled by gorgeous views and fresh florals in The Orchard Room
a special table set-up for the happy couple
Tina and Katrina of Living Fresh
me and Tina (loving our black and white)
delicate calligraphy on the prettiest paper by All Things Lovely Paper Co.
the makeup artist’s tools – makeup application can be arranged for bridal parties via Langdon Hall’s Spa Services
Vendors were set up in other rooms around the property, and I was drawn into so many of the florals! I appreciate floral design so much!
by Inspire Event Rental and Design
Inside the main house, two rooms were done up beautifully by Elaine of From the Potting Shed in Cambridge. Elaine is the house florist for Langdon Hall, and I very much enjoyed chatting with her about flowers, Paris, food, and the parts we love most about Langdon Hall! I hope to visit her studio soon, so stay tuned.
In Colonel Langdon’s dining room and conservatory, Elaine set up a lush floral garland down the centre of the dining table and had blooms in old-world vessels throughout the room. The conservatory was set up as it might be for a ceremony with chairs and a rose petal-lined aisle.
ranunculus place settings and a garland (or flower train!) filled with hydrangea and roses
Elaine and Chef Jason
picture perfect florals
The Conservatory – all florals by From The Potting Shed
Elaine also worked on the decor in the Red Room and conservatory, and while the space is much too colourful for White Cabana, it was stunning and made quite the impression. You can see Elaine’s creations in this Instagram photo and this one, too.
So much gorgeousness, right? It was so nice to wander through the rooms, see the decor, and enjoy the new event space. On top of all this goodness, it was a pleasure to meet Langdon Hall’s elegant owner, Mary Beaton. One of the things that I really enjoy about Langdon Hall is that it’s absolutely normal for the owner and the head chef to be mingling with their guests. On top of this, the staff I have met on my various visits are friendly. I am impressed when I am greeted by name, and I enjoy learning about each staff person’s role at Langdon Hall.
If you are planning a wedding – or a party – Langdon Hall might be one to consider (and book!). Its weddings have been featured on Style Me Pretty here and here and here.
Thanks to the Langdon Hall team for extending a warm welcome to me!
Photos by me.
See you later, 2015!
I’m quite excited to ring in a new year! I’m hoping this year will be filled with glitter and glam and flowers and balloons!
via French By Design
via Design*Sponge
And maybe a trip (or several), a bed, and lots of laughs, too!
As with many years past, I’m aiming for happiness, good health, and lots of reasons to cheer in 2016! And I wish the same for all of you!
via Design*Sponge
via French By Design
Anne Ditmeyer via Medium
Happy New Year!
Wishing all of you a wonderfully happy Christmas! Thanks, as always, for making time in your busy day for a little White Cabana!
I’m taking a few days off from blogging to spend time with my family, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see an update. I’ll leave you with one of my favourite Christmas Cabanas this year:
my sister and brother-in-law’s gorgeous home
Jordana
Minted has expanded their collection into home wares. These paper table runners, for example, would be really easy to lay out before a big party.
snow dot silver foil table runner, $18, Minted
I know, I know, we haven’t even reached Halloween, and I’m already talking about Christmas! I realize that this is too early for some of you, and honestly, it’s a touch too early for me, too.
But…
When it comes to Christmas/holiday/New Year’s cards, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. It takes time to choose, write, and address cards, so why not start early? Who’s with me? I’ve just placed my order through Minted (this seems to have become my new holiday tradition…and it’s a good one if you ask me!), and the collection this year is a good one.
This year, Minted artists seem to be offering quite a few watercolour-inspired designs in mint and pale pink. Traditional green and red cards are plentiful, too, as are beautiful golden ones. And, as always, there are several black and white designs that catch the attention of people like me.
Lettered Thanks by Dawn Jasper
Paperclip Snowflake by Hooray Creative
Modern Angles by Peony Papeterie
 If you’re looking to send out very personal cards, you may opt to turn your child’s drawing into a card or if you’d rather send online cards, Minted will offer this service soon as well. I’ve enjoyed watching this company expand its services, and its growing community of artists continues to impress me. I’m thrilled with my card selection this year, and I know you will be too if you head on over to Minted to place your order!
Thanks to Minted for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Halloween is 2 weeks away…are you ready? Do you decorate? Do you dress up? Do you greet the trick-or-treaters?
via Glorious Treats
Wishing all of my Canadian readers a very happy Thanksgiving!
My cousin is getting married this weekend, and I’m so excited to celebrate with her and her soon-to-be husband. The ceremony and party are going to be just beautiful, and I’m looking forward to spending time with the ol’ family. We are going to get our dancing on, aren’t we, team?
As expected, Kate Spade’s wedding collection has some really happy and fun pieces to help the bride (and happy couple) get ready for the big day.
happily ever after flip flops, $68
ampersand clutch, $368
wedding belles love owls, $398
wedding belles stirling clutch, $548
Mrs. studs, $48
cake topper, $50
Sweet items, right? What do you think?
Spreading some love for Canada today!
Canada Tee, Joe Fresh
Canada hoodie, Joe Fresh
Province of Canada everything tote
Canada mason jar mug, Drake General Store
Canadian maple syrup, Drake General Store
Canada baseball cap, Hudson’s Bay
I’m wishing all my Canadian readers a very Happy Canada Day!
How long does it take for something to become a tradition? For the last two years, my mom has shared her top blogs/websites with White Cabana readers on the Friday before Mother’s Day. She’s ready to take over the blog again today. I’d say that this has now turned into a traditional post, wouldn’t you?
When I asked my mom for her top five blogs, she obviously could not resist expanding her list to her top six. Such a classic Italian mom – always filling your plate with more!
Here they are, in no particular order:
via Mark. D. Sikes
August Wren via Summer in Newport
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Thanks for sharing your reads with us!
I wish you all a wonderful weekend!
It’s my sister’s birthday today. Hope she has a sparkly day!
Midaircondo Part III, Ida Borg, via Citizen Atelier
My cousin and soon to be cousin-in-law are in the middle of planning their summer wedding. I love hearing about their plans, and I’m certainly looking forward to celebrating with them at a fun party. Today I’m taking a moment to share some wedding-friendly items from around the marketplace.
Wedding Belles license plate clutch, $398, Kate Spade
Sugar Paper letterpress card, $8
Just Married window cling, $18, Kate Spade
Amore dish, $14, BHLDN
eyelet chair banners, $68, BHLDN
ring holder, Paloma’s Nest
Minimergency kit for grooms, $16, Pinch Provisions
It’s my oldest nephew’s 6th birthday today! He’s super sweet and smart, and he is very much into books, batman, and lego. Happy birthday, Duke!
Do you decorate your home for Easter? If so, I think this jar would be a nice addition…filled with chocolate eggs, of course!
large bunny jar, $15 (on sale), Chapters Indigo
I don’t actually decorate for Easter…but I do enjoy eating my share (and more) of chocolate, filling my house with spring flowers, and eating a delicious meal with my family.
Christmas and New Year’s seem like they were ages ago, don’t they? We’ve then had Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day is in just a few days. It seems as though as soon as one major holiday is over, another one is around the corner. Whether or not you celebrate all of these holidays, I don’t think that the celebrations should be on hold for special holiday days. Enjoying cocktails, dinner parties, or brunch with family and friends is an excellent way to reenergize and toast everyone’s successes! A beautiful table setting – for small and large gatherings – provides a warm welcome for your guests, and is a lovely preview for a delicious meal!
via Style Me Pretty
via Style Me Pretty
via Weddingomania
I know pink and red usually invade stores and homes at this time of year, but I really like the graphic black and white of this easy DIY.
via Oh Happy Day
A couple of years ago, I learned about Danish chef Trine Hahnemann as I was munching on some simple vanilla cookies that a friend made from Trine’s recipe. The little white rings are full of goodness – they’re perfectly sized and have just enough sweetness.
I didn’t make them in time for Christmas, but I did bake a batch in time for my family’s New Year’s Day feast.
before –Â little ring cookies ready for the oven
after: little ring cookies ready to be eaten
Trine Hahnemann’s Vanilla Danish Butter Cookies
375 g butter
250 g sugar
1 egg
2 vanilla pods
500 g plain flour
1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the egg and continue beating.
3. Split the vanilla pods lengthways and scrape out the seeds with the tip of a knife. Stir them into the flour.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. (I knead the dough a little bit so everything sticks together.)
5. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and chill for (at least) two hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (I set mine at 390°F).
7. Roll the dough into very thin sausages about fix or six centimetres long. Curl each on into a ring and press the ends firmly together.
8. Place rings on a parchment-lined baking tray (I put the trays in the fridge for a few minutes before putting them in the oven. This helps them keep their small ring shape).
9. Bake for about eight minutes (I baked mine for about 6 minutes.)
10. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
11. Store the cookies in an airtight container and do not mix them with other types of cookies or they will go soft.
*Instead of converting the measurements into cups and tablespoons, I used a scale and weighed each of the ingredients.
Thanks to Emmy for teaching me about these delicious Danish cookies. Recipe via Red (original recipe is in The Scandinavian Cookbook). Photos by me.
It’s 2015! Woohoo!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I need a year supply (or longer, really) of this:
Chandon limited edition blanc de noirs
Bring on the bubbly!
Merry Christmas!
DIY doily Christmas trees, Oui Oui Oui Studio
I spent several holidays in Manhattan while my sister and her family lived there, and I always loved walking through the AOL Time Warner Center. The view is awesome and the star decorations are lovely. This photo is a few years old, but the stars – and the view – remain pretty darn special.
stars at the AOL Time Warner centre, photo by Jordana
December 1st is right around the weekend corner…time to get those advent calendars ready! Here are some of my favourites from Etsy.
minimalist advent calendar, $80.11
advent calendar pouches, $69.66
advent calendar kit, $27.44
hanging advent calendar, $88.00
advent calendar reindeer parade, $31.77
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hope your Friday isn’t too spooky!
via A Beautiful Mess
via Glorious Treats
via Target
via A Beautiful Mess
Have a wonderful weekend!
I cannot believe it’s October and I opted to write a holiday post. What has come over me? I’ll tell you what – Minted has come through once again this year with a beautiful selection of amusing, traditional, and whimsical holiday cards.
My order arrived last week and I am thrilled (once again) with the design and paper quality of these cards. The cards are also very customizable – flat, folded, booklet, photos, curved edges, gold foil, etc. There’s no reason not to order holiday cards now.
I hope all my Canadian readers are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Puglia’s Masseria Cimino, photo by Carla Coulson
My sweet niece is one year old! She loves walking and playing with her three older brothers. She also loves laughing and smiling. Life is good for this little one!
Look how happy she is in white! We’re obviously related!
Happy Birthday, Giselle!
It was my birthday last weekend, and while there were no balloons or sprinkles à la every-Pinterest-party-photo, I had a few days of celebratory fun.
my birthday crown
lazy morning patio time
a birthday selfie – wearing my new favourite sweatshirt
Cutting pizza with scissors – doesn’t everybody do this?
flowers from the Kitchener market
homemade chocolate cake by my mom – delicious!
Elora, Ontario
horse & buggy parking only – Elora, Ontario
Party! Party! Party! It’s my birthday and I can do what I want to! Yay!
 via Video Gaga
via French by Design
Towards an Architecture by Alexandros Papathanasiou, via Saatchi Art
via Favor Affair
