Christmas: Advent Calendars

Tomorrow is December 1st! Eek! Have you begun decorating for the holidays? Besides the wreath on my front door and ordering my Christmas cards, I haven’t yet decorated*. I’m eager to decorate, though, as I love when my house is full of the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and the look of twinkly lights.

One of the first pieces of Christmas fun that many people go for is the classic advent calendar. When I was a kid, we always had simple chocolate advent calendars, but these days, there are so many ideas for more involved and creative calendars.

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I love the last one, and it could be easily recreated in your preferred colour scheme. I think red and white would be really pretty.

See more advent calendars here, here, and here.

*I’ve been busy with this project.

Fashion: OOTD in Charleston, NC

In between taking photos of pretty buildings and gorgeous scenery in Charleston last month (full report to come), my sister and I had fun taking some fashion-y posts. Yes, that’s right, with a Starbucks cup in hand, and backdrops that matched our outfits, we just kept on snapping. Oh, what fun!

White-Cabana-Charleston-fashion-bloggingJordana: grey on grey on grey on white
outfit details: Gap top, J.Crew jeans, Bass shoes, Oliver Peoples sunglasses

White-Cabana-Corie-Charleston-FashionCorie: white on black on on black on pink
outfit details: JCrew pants, JCrew top, Kate Spade purse

Event: What’s Happening These Days in Kitchener-Waterloo

Anytime is a good time to visit (or move to!) the Waterloo region (see my Design*Sponge Waterloo city guide here), but Christmas time is especially charming. The streets and stores are decorated, and it seems to me that the people around town are happier than their usually happy selves.

Here is some of what is going on in the next few weeks in the region. If you know of any other events, please add them in the comments!

What: Tree trimming party
Where: Langdon Hall
When: Nov. 25th (tonight!)
Cost: Bring an ornament for the tree at Langdon Hall, then enjoy a drink and music. Learn more about Langdon Hall’s tree trimming event here.

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What: Christkindl Market – At this traditionally German market in downtown Kitchener, you’ll find wooden German ornaments, delicious treats, and plenty of Glühwein.
Where: Downtown Kitchener – City Hall
When: The market is on from December 3rd to 6th.
Cost: free to attend

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What: The Grand Philharmonic Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah
When: Dec. 12th, 7:30pm
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $24-$74, tickets can be purchased here

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What: The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s Yuletide Spectacular
When: Dec. 18-20, various performances
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $19 and up, tickets can be purchased here

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What: Christmas at Castle Kilbride – Marvel at the gorgeous Victorian decor at Castle Kilbride. Go for a tour or enjoy an apple cider and entertainment at a Merry Victorian Christmas
When: now until Jan. 3
Where: Castle Kilbride – Baden, Ontario
Cost: tours – adults $6.50 (see more here)

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