Christmas: 16 Holiday Wreaths

Do you have a Christmas wreath tradition? Do you place one on your front door? Or on interior doors?

I have used an artificial green pine wreath on my front door for years. Since it’s plain, I switch up its decoration. For years, I used white pompoms. Recently, I’ve added a large, red bow. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it this year, so I’ve had a browse around for inspiration – to either add to my existing wreath or to consider a new option.

Here are 16 wreaths that would definitely bring a festive feeling indoors or out.

Kotinos wall wreath, $325CAD; Olea wreath, $125USD; lily of the valley wreath on stand, $185USD; golden lilies wreath, $58.95USD (on sale); golden wreath, $34.65CAD; glitter wreath, $32USD (on sale)

mini cone wreath, $28USD; starburst cone wreath, $38USD; double twig wreath, $98USD; pinecone wreath, $62CAD; pinecone wreath, $65.99CAD

frosty asparagus wreath, $68USD; wild cotton wreath, $98USD; glittered wreath, $101CAD; mixed berry wreath, $34.65CAD; artificial flocked pine wreath, $69.95USD

What is your favourite of this bunch? I’m leaning toward the Olea wreath and the wild cotton wreath.

Two for Tuesday: Black and White Cookie

When I used to travel to NYC regularly to see my sister and her family*, picking up a black and white cookie was a treat. I’ve made them a couple of times, too, but I haven’t found the most delicious recipe as of yet. Any recommendations? While I keep taste testing or wait for my next trip to Manhattan, these two black and white cookies will have to do.

black and white cookie ornament, $16USD, Anthropologie

black and white cookie, Sally’s Baking Addiction

*If you’re curious about how they lived in Manhattan with so many small children, check out their Manhattan home tour on Style Me Pretty Living.

Gift Guide: For Women

Have you been liking Daniela’s gift guides this year (for the host, for men)? She has a couple more to share, and I’ve had a sneak peek. Good things are on the way! Today she’s bringing us goodies for women, so you can get more things checked of your Christmas shopping list (or wish list).

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Hi everyone. I’m back with a gift guide for that lady in your life – your friend, coworker, mom, or wife. This list has something for everyone! As usual, I’ve included items at a variety of price points. Many of these items fit nicely in the “what to buy 20-somethings” category, so if you are looking for a gift for your older daughter or niece, you’ll likely find a great item here. Happy shopping!

Not only does this VitaJuwel water bottle raise some attention, it has healing benefits due to  crystals that are contained in a clear glass vial. There are a few types of crystals, but I like this one best as it is a blend of amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz. These are known for their mind-easing benefits. Let the water sit for seven minutes before drinking. If you’re not into crystals, you can still buy it because it’s a really really nice looking water bottle.

VitaJuwel 5 elements gem water bottle, $98USD (also available at Anthropologie)

Brunette The Label is a company based out of Vancouver whose mission is to empower women to empower one another. The classic “brunette” and “blonde” sweatshirts are awesome, and if you know a mom who has a daughter, the brand carries matching sweatshirts in the kids’ collection. Who doesn’t love a mom and daughter in matching outfits?!

Brunette crew sweatshirt, $79CAD

Want to add a little bling to your go to sweatshirt? Their holiday collection comes in gold foil.

Blonde crew gold foil sweatshirt, $88CAD

Do you know someone who wants easy, quick, and effortless make-up because they just don’t have time for more? If so, then this “stick” is the perfect gift. It comes in a variety of shades; however, I am featuring the “nude” here as I think it is a good basic for every day. The Bite Beauty Multistick will apply like a cream and wear like a powder finish. The best part is that it can be applied to the lips, cheeks, and eyes,, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Bite Beauty Multistick, $24USD, (also available at Sephora for $28CAD)

This next item on today’s gift guide is great for a person who loves bracelets (and especially “stacking” them!), and it also has healing powers. Handmade in the GTA and available at local markets across the GTA and online at Urth Elements Canada, these reiki-infused healing pieces promote healing, restoration, and uplift. In today’s hectic, fast-paced life, we sometimes need a little help to breathe and slow down to a calm state, so we don’t get overwhelmed. I think these are great gifts for the CEO – of a firm or of a household – in your life. These bracelets also make great gifts for teachers or university students who need to restore calmness in their lives.

natural gemstone bracelet, $25CAD, Urth Elements

see more of Urth Elements (including some great ideas for stacking) on Instagram

Okay. It wouldn’t be a gift guide if I didn’t include my second favorite beverage-COFFEE! (Water is my first favourite beverage.) Finding a good coffee bean is important to me. It is the fuel for my day, and I love the taste of a well-brewed coffee. Since I have been finding it hard to get to my favorite coffee place after having baby number two, my husband and I started buying Barocco coffee as it is closer to home. After trying a few of Barocco’s blends, my go to is the Alto. Barocco coffee is available at a few retailers and online. It’s great to have this option to feed my coffee addiction, and I definitely think it is an awesome gift for any coffee lover.

Alto espresso, $32CAD, Barocco

Iconic, Canadian jeweler Birks has received more attention ever since the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has been seen wearing some of the brand’s pieces. Birks has forever carried timeless, beautiful pieces, and it’s a Canadian company. This Christmas, for those of you wanting to gift your favourite lady a “little blue box,” opt to gift them a beautiful blue box from Birks…and make sure to pick out something beautiful to go into it! Here are a few of my suggestions.

freshwater baroque pearl and silver pendant, $350CAD, Birks

horizontal diamond bar necklace, $995CAD, Birks

My final suggestion is this beautiful organic Coyuchi robe that is perfection in my opinion. You may be interested to know that Coyuchi donates 1% of every purchase to help combat climate change. The company produces all of their organic natural products using minimal processing.

solstice robe, $73.50 (on sale), Coyuchi

Hope this gift guide helps you to find the perfect gifts for the ladies in your life.

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If you haven’t already gathered, Daniela is an expert shopper! She’s always on the lookout for cool brands and products that make our lives better – health-wise and luxury-wise. I love that Daniela included Birks in today’s gift guide. Long before Birks became a Duchess fave, I remember going to Birks Sherway Gardens (in Toronto) with my mom when I was so very little. At the time, I found it annoying to look-at-but-don’t-touch cases of jewelry. Now, though, I definitely appreciate a beautiful jewel or two!

The Friday Five: 5 Pretty Earrings

If you’re looking for a set of pretty earrings, I have five lovely pairs for you to consider. They’d make beautiful gifts for friends, family, or yourself. And they’d be great for holiday outfits, too!

Amariah flower earrings, $38, Bauble Bar

metal petal flower earrings, $265CAD, Moda Operandi

diamond pavé cluster flower earrings, $895USD, 1stDibs

BaubleBar Perla resin flower earrings, $38.40USD (on sale), Anthropologie

Italian flower pearl vermeil drop earrings, $151USD, 1stDibs

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Christmas: Holiday Decor Inspiration

December is right around the corner, which means it’s time for me to start my holiday decorating. I’ve collected these images over the last few weeks, and they certainly inspire me to include greenery and simplicity in my decor this season.

One Kindesign

Julie Blanner

Style at Home

Decorators Notebook 

Martha Stewart

Style at Home

204 Park

So Soft Sunday

My Scandinavian Home

via Svenngarden

100 Layer Cake

via Country Living

via My Paradissi

Style Sweet CA