'Tis the Season

Hurray, it's the holidays (even in blog land...I'm taking a short posting break)! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a chance to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with those you love. Thank you so so much for continuing to read my little blog.

Happy holidays!

Jenna

A Victorian Christmas

On Monday night, I finally got around to making one of my favourite blogger's (www.stephmodo.com) recipe recommendation - Fettuccine with Shrimp and Creamy Lemon Sauce. It was delicious and easy to make!




I'm guilty of eating in front of the TV most nights, with a typical rotation of Slice, HGTV and Food Network. But instead, I stumbled across a Victorian Christmas special that was so charming I watched the whole thing. Something about this time has always fascinated me, and the Christmas traditions, crafts, remedies and lifestyle were so humbly embraced by these three fun-loving historians. Visit their website if you're interested in seeing more (I realize I sound like a real old soul by recommending this, but it's worth a browse)!

It made me think about simple, traditional ways to decorate the home that aren't necessarily about sparkles, gold or excess. Here are a few Victorian Christmas-inspired photos from Martha Stewart, Habitually Chic, This Is Glamorous and Little Book of Secrets.

Of course, it's a little late to be changing up the decor for this Christmas, but even a simple touch like gift tags can bring some old fashioned charm. I'm loving these handmade fabric gift tags by Mademoiselle Poirot, and highly recommend visiting her blog and Etsy shop!

Zuny's

I really wish I had more little ones to buy for at Christmas (the day will come, I'm sure). I was out and about in the chilly weather today, skipping the malls and instead venturing inside charming shops for unique little items. Found an adorable stuffed toy for our one sweet baby this Christmas!

Then, as always, I finished off at big-box Chapters. I love browsing their design books, stationary and gift section (although I hear they have great novels?...sounds overrated to me...). Now, we can add baby section to that list. I felt like an expectant mother aw-ing at the toys, books, frames...Chapters has the best baby gift section!! I had to stop myself, I really did. My worst nightmare is to become one of those people who puts stuff away for their unborn babies before they're even married. So, I blog. I blog about the cutest children's room accessory around - Zuny's. These faux-leather animal bookends (mostly under $30) are just so darn cute.

Lonny's Holiday Home

My favourite home, by far, in this delicious Lonny holiday mag is that of Eileen Kathryn Boyd - colorist, interior designer, mother & wife. With her home all decked out for the holidays, this colourful family residence is so inspiring!

Eileen's website, Eileen Kathryn Boyd Interiors, showcases more of her artistic talent with colour.

Thoughts on a New Year

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, whatever you were celebrating! It comes and goes so quickly, and it's hard for me to believe that Christmas is already over! Lots of food, drinking and visiting, but hopefully my new pair of running shoes will motivate me to get back to the gym.


I'm veering off of the "design blog" theme today for a quick post about the New Year ahead. Rather than list off the standard New Year's resolutions (go to the gym more often, eat healthier...you know the ones I'm talking about!), I wanted to share some great quotes I found in an H&M magazine (of all places!). I do love a good word of wisdom, and what better time of year than now.


"Find yourself and your own unique signature style rather than trying to be 'of the moment'." Dita Von Teese, Burlesque Queen


"Don't dream it, be it." Stephen Jones, Designer


Go to the movies during the daytime.


Call your friends instead of texting them. (Agreed.)


"You have to take risks. We only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." Paulo Coelho, Novelist


Record the sound of the summer and play it in your iPod in the dark months.


"Wear a fabulous smile, great jewelry and know that you are totally and utterly in control." Donatella Versace, Designer


"Happiness is a state of mind. Joy is a state of heart. I prefer joy!" Elle MacPherson, Supermodel


Do things that scare you every once in a while - for the endorphin kick and the sense of pride afterwards.

If nobody buys you flowers - buy them for yourself.


"Be at least as interested in what goes on inside of you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place." Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual Guru



All quotes taken from H&M Magazine.

New Year's Eve Ball, 1978, New York Times

I hope that some of these quote resonate with you, and help make 2010 a fabulous year!

Nothing Better than a Great Package

(Oh, how could I resist? I will try to keep all future titles professional...)

Photo from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

Truly though, I find a beautifully wrapped present can be just as exciting to receive as what's inside! I often use Christmas bags to wrap gifts (the eco-friendly approach), but nothing beats a tightly wrapped present with a beautiful ribbon to adorn the top. This year, I think I'm going to take a more "polished" approach and try to put just as much thought into the packaging as the gift.

Photo by Polly Wreford.

On my weekly runs to the art supply store, I always admire the beautiful decorative papers they have on display. (After seeing several magazine shoots with old maps framed as art, I went on a bit of a hunt. Sure enough, I ended up finding a "vintage" map of Paris at Deserres that I love!) Around this time of year, they often have traditional Christmas paper and gorgeous wintry prints suitable for any celebration.

Another great supply store is Write Impressions. They carry a large variety of Cavallini & Co. paper products that make gifts look like a piece of art. Here are some of my favourite products for the season:

Decorative paper combined with fabric ribbon looks elegant and is simple to do, but if you're not keen on sourcing out the supplies yourself, people like Sande Chase will happily do it for you! Formerly an interior designer, Sande opened a A Gift Wrapped Life to offer her professional wrapping services. She has pre-made collections on her website, in addition to small gifts that match the theme. Here are some of her great collections:

Martha Stewart is a great resource for creative gift wrapping inspiration - check out her 74 ideas here. She even has fancy ways to make a gift card looking exciting.

Photos from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

I love these beaded monogram decorations! What a beautiful keepsake ornament!

Photo from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

When in doubt, there will always be Kraft paper and long strands of raffia to make gifts something special.

Trimming the Tree

Alas, it is officially the Christmas season. I spent yesterday decorating the tree and fireplace mantle, and even found a few cute new ornaments at the grocery store of all places! Houses are adorned with lights, including the mammoth Christmas tree outside of work. Today, I glanced out the window to see carolers and sleigh rides passing by on the street. It truly is a magical time of year.
Every few years, it's nice to change up the tree colours and ornaments, but it seems that this year, anything goes! I've seen a lot of blues, whites and silvers in magazines, but I think there's something to be said for sentimental ornaments, like the homemade ones from preschool or the family heirlooms on the tree. Country Living had a great slideshow of Christmas decorations, and they definitely got me inspired!

I hope these photos also get you excited about this wonderful time of year! Happy decorating!

One of a Kind

The One of a Kind Christmas show is being held at the Direct Energy Centre from November 26th to December 6th, and I have vowed to get down there this year.

I recently posted a link to Etsy, an online arts and crafts store selling the work of many creative entrepreneurs. I think it's wonderful to support local artisans and give meaningful gifts that have been created by these talented people. If you're hesitant to shop online, or just want to browse for unique gifts this year, I'm sure the One of a Kind show will not disappoint. They even have an online gift guide with a sneak preview of the goods!

But that's not the only thing I have to share....


How does an amazing day in Toronto with four of your girlfriends sound? How about the kind of day that involves a $1000 shopping spree at the One of a Kind Show, free show admission, lunch for four, afternoon tea at the 'King Eddy', dinner for four at AGO's FRANK and a room for all four of you to sleep like princesses at Le Meridien King Edward? Oh, and how could I forget that you'll be driven around in a limo! What a mouthful. Enter the contest HERE!


Good luck and happy shopping!