2018 Christmas Gift Guide : For The Littles

Christmas really is all about the littles.

Watching my own children's eyes light up on Christmas Eve - barely able to make it through dinner because of the pure excitement of what's to come - this is what it's all about.

As they get older, I try to hold onto tradition.

Chocolate advent calendars.

Pajamas always.

Plus a few other ideas I might have up my sleeve.

1. Tell me this is not the cutest little thing you ever saw? TELL ME. Ava and I attended a super fun media preview last month and she was nothing shy of enamored with these little bundles of light aptly called Sunny Bunnies (ps - this is Iris).
Yes, she bounces AND she light ups. Available exclusively at Walmart. $9.94

2. I couldn't resist including the coziest slippers ever by Ugg on this list and if yours is like mine, she loves herself some cozy. This shade is perfect for the little girl in your life although they're equally adorable in the tried and true Ugg beige. $59.95

3. I'm all about robes at Christmastime and this one by Tucker + Tate SO fits the bill. What little boy wouldn't want to look like a snowman this season? Exactly, none. Also available in the cutest unicorn version. $45

4. For the little footballer on your list, this ball by Tangle might just be the coolest thing I saw this year. The more you throw or kick it, the brighter it glows. Bedtime may never be the same. $24.99

5. When I was a kid, I always wanted a sleeping bag. The problem you see, is we never went camping. Plus, I'm not sure my mother even knew what a sleeping bag was - bless her heart. These are available at FAO Schwarz (now at The Bay!!)  and I thing the boy and girl versions are both equally fabulous, n'est pas? $85

6. Another fun new toy of 2018 (we saw it, we tried it) is Tic Tac Tongue by Yulu. With masks that had us looking like we had lizard tongues, laughs were had all around. Board games always have a way of bringing the entire family together. $14

7. This might be the most annoying toy I'll buy this Christmas but that won't stop this girl. Each of my kiddos had one and loved it. Ava will be no exception, of that I am sure. FAO Schwarz, $14

Just call me Clause.
Ms. Clause.
xo

2018 Christmas Gift Guide : For Him

I like to think I'm a pretty good gift-giver.

Mostly, I try to buy things people might love to have, but never think to buy for themselves.

These are often the best kind of gifts, n'est pas?
I think men are the all-around easiest to treat.
Because let's face it, not many of them are going shopping for themselves anytime soon - which leaves you with well, endless possibilities.

Here are just a few ideas for the special men in your life -

1. I ask you, who doesn't love a good cashmere sweater? This one gets bonus points for
 two reasons.
1. The waffle weave (love, love) and 2. I could totally steal it. (you know you were thinking it!)
At Nordstrom. $179

2. Here's something - If I were a boy? I would wear Chelsea Boots every.single.day - I love the colour of these by Rail. And the price is right. $99

3. Most of the men I know don't really care for jewellery. That said, I think just about all them might give this multi-wrap leather bracelet by Miansai a go.
 Decidedly masculine and super on-trend right now. $95

4. If he doesn't have this already, chances are he wants it. It's voice-activated which means he won't even have to get up from the couch. #winning Google Home, $129

5. I love the story behind the Jack Mason brand {read it here if you're so inclined}almost as much as I love the design of their watches.
I really like a chrono, larger face, big side buttons and a solid leather strap. This one checks off all the boxes and looks much pricier than it is. And, it's on sale. $165

6. Truth here is, I just really love this bottle. And can you ever go wrong with fragrance? I say nay.
Grey by Dolce & Gabbana, $80

PS - I didn't include above but if you are on the hunt for pj's, robes and comfy slippers, definitely check out the entire new UGG Shop. Think everything feels like your UGG boots feel = best.thing.ever

Happy Shopping
xo

2018 Christmas Gift Guide : My Wishlist

I can't believe Christmas is just over a month away.

It seems like as soon as Halloween is over - boom, it's Christmas.

Maybe because it got so cold in Toronto so quickly.

Maybe it's the bit of snow we wake up to almost every morning.

But I am SO feeling in the spirit this year.

In fact, I may or may not have just brought up the tree.

Here are a few of the things on my neverending list - although I'll likely be giving more than receiving.

And that's just fine by me.

1. This beauty has been on my radar for a while. The price tag is steep - and reviews are mixed but I'm still all about this Dyson hairdryer. Because, no one has time for an hour each time she washes her hair. Least of all me. $499

2. My dad and I recently found a box of my old records. I must say, it was like taking a trip down memory lane. I might like this to give them a listen again on this Crosley portable turntable. And this colour is too much fun. $82

3. Ah, the elusive Michele Sport Watch. I own one already but really like this more casual version - swiss-made and I love the square face. Also, #navyforthewin $395

4. So, this will likely never be mine. Mostly because it is a ridiculously crazy amount of money to spend on perfume. I was in Holt's last year and got a couple of samples of Ex Nihilo's Fleur Narcotique - still savouring every last delicious drop. $325

5. Oh, Aesop body cream. Hand lotion. Aesop, anything. $32

6. Tell me these aren't the cutest thing you've ever seen? I love a clean white sneaker and these by Comme des Garcons Play x Converse are no exception. Perfect for warmer days ahead - if they ever come back. $135

Lots more gift guides coming your way right through to the big day.

Although, if you're like me, everything you could possibly want doesn't come from a store.

Feeling blessed, staying present and doing my best to remember the reason for the season.

xo

From our family to Yours

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday and all the best in the coming year 2013!

Last Christmas

The older I get, the faster the years seem to go by.

Another Christmas.

Gone are the braces. And the bottle. 

The wide-eyed smiles remain.

I hope they always do. 

Santa is almost here.

And we believe. 

Continued tears and prayers for the families in Newtown. 

Countdown to Christmas :: Traditions

It is almost Christmas.

Here's what we do around here.

every.single.year

10. The exact same decorations go up throughout the house. Including this nativity set that was sent to us from the husband's family in Rome. If anything and I mean the tiniest thing is missing from somewhere, Julian will totally realize it and go crazy looking for whatever it is he thinks it might be. He is always right.

9. Notice the baby Jesus is missing. He is hiding under Mary's dress. And does not make an appearance until Christmas morning since, you know, he wasn't born until then and all.

8. The kids get chocolate advent calendars before December 1st. I don't care if Isabella is 13 now - she still got a Tinkerbell calendar and will until she is married. Maybe even after that.

7. They also get new pj's every year and open these on Christmas Eve. Here are two of them in last year's. Smooching even.

6. We celebrate with my family on Christmas Eve and the husband's family on Christmas Day. It works out perfectly.

5. We eat only fish on Christmas Eve. Not sure if everyone does this. Basically, I starve.


4. I choose a color theme for gift wrap each year (this years is all about candy colored sparkle :: all wrap is from here) and almost all of our wrapped gifts include an ornament. My mother does this too. As does my brother. Usually something to do with the person who is getting the gift. Sometimes not. 

3. The kids have their own little tree in the basement. They decorate it however they like and I don't help in any way. This way they don't get to touch mine. Can you say brilliant?

2. We don't do Santa pictures. I never have except for last year when there was a free "fishing with Santa" thing in front of Bass Pro at the local mall. Free is good :: so was no line ups.

I don't want to talk about that elf's hat. 

1. Santa visits us every year. And he is real. We know this because the wrapping paper that his gifts come wrapped in is different than our's. And the kids at school? Their gifts are also wrapped in green please don't ever let me run out Santa decorated paper. Julian asked. And they confirmed. So there.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays.

Last Year

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart...

What a difference a year makes.

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Ava is the star of our eco-friendly cards this year ~ truth be told, I captured this shot quite by accident.

She climbed onto the coffee table and grabbed both Christmas balls off of the angel candelabras they were placed on. I scrambled to get my camera and capture the moment. Et voila.  Christmas magic.