Monthly Archives: December 2012

Ever wonder what to do when 400 000ft (maybe a little less) of snow is holding your car hostage and the kids–or you–are getting a little too anxious for Christmas? Here’s our suggestions!

1. Sugar Plums

First of all, do any of you have any idea what a sugar plum is? I did not, but when I googled them I realized that I make them all the time! Technically plum is a traditional word for any type of confectionary. The sugar plums we hear of in the “Night Before Christmas” are pretty much Lara bars made into orbs! Here’s the recipe for the sugar plums I made this year (not knowing that’s what they were!) They’re super healthy and delicious!

Ingredients:

1 cup of dates
1/2 cup of nuts
2 Tbs of Peanut Butter
1/4 cup of coconut

Mix in a food processor and roll into balls. Refrigerate.

* This is my favorite combination, but you can add almost any kind of dried fruit to get different flavours.I know some people love dried kiwi and coconut. If someone is allergic to nuts, you could add some seeds or chocolate…m&ms…whatever you want!

2. Glitter.

Glitter can make ANYTHING christmasy and everyone (except the cleaner) likes sparkle!
-Draw a picture or write a phrase.
-Paint over your artwork with modge podge or clear liquid glue.
-Add some glitter. Shake it off and you’ve got a gorgeous Christmas decoration!

You can do the same thing to glitz up some tree decorations!

3. Old-Fashioned Decor

There’s something timeless about stringing popcorn and cranberries, making designs on oranges with cloves, or cutting paper doll chains! Why not make a few on this snowy day!

Popcorn and cranberry garland:

– thread
-needle
-popcorn
-whole cranberries

Thread your needle and stick it through popcorn, periodically adding a cranberry. It’s that easy!

Orange with Cloves

Take an orange and stick cloves all over it! You can spell a holiday word, make a pattern, or whatever you please! These will make your house smell so festive!

Paper Chains

Traditionally, these are made by folding paper, drawing little girls and boys, cutting out your doll shape and hanging them on the wall. I took a bit more modern approach, but it’s easy to adjust to your own style.

Find a large piece of scrapbook paper.

Fold it

Draw the shape of your choice. I went with Christmas Bulbs. I was wanting to use string, but if you don’t make sure you draw to the edge of your paper and don’t cut the edges! See the last picture for an example.

Cut them out!

Do any decorating you wish. I drew the top part of the bulbs.

Make little holes using a hole punch or needle and thread your string through the holes!

Hang them up!

Here are my trees made without the string!

I hope you have awesome snow days!

I swear my heart is shaped like the East-Coast! From relaxing on the beach, to surfing, repelling, skydiving, snowboarding, and sipping local brews or beans–Atlantic Canada offers something for everyone. This coast is vibrant, intelligent, and full of creativity. We’ve compiled a list (and checked it twice) of a few of the things we love here!

1. East Coast Candles

If I ever find myself near the Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton, NB, East Coast Candles is a must stop. I guarantee these candles smell better than any other collection EVER! The best part is that the scents last for years!

2. Magnetic Hill Winery

I’ve heard many friends rave about the amazing selection of “estate-grown strawberry, raspberry and local New Brunswick blueberry, cranberry and rhubarb” wines that this Moncton winery distills on-site!

3. Honibe

Another classic, East-coast trait is trust in home remedies. Honey is said to act as an anti-allergan, an anti-inflammatory, and a sore-throat soother. This PEI-based company has created lozenges to either replace traditional throat drops or to use as a non-mess, natural hot-beverage sweetener. Kelly uses them all the time and we think you might like them too!

4. Just Us Coffee

Located in the Annapolis Valley, Just Us was created to demonstrate that business can be done by putting “people and the planet before profits.” Just Us now offers a great selection of beans from different regions of the world, along with sugar and chocolate and are available at both Sobey’s and the Superstore. I can’t wait to serve their Holiday Blend this Christmas!

5.Serge Pottery

Looking for a new collection of mugs? These are, by far, my all-time favourite pottery mugs. I bought my first one about two years ago and it–along with a few others from the collection–have served me well. They’ve survived a few tumbles and look so rustic.

6. J. Day Designs

Julie Day is a designer and mom from Nova Scotia. She not only creates beautiful cards and jewellery, but offers tips on both of her blogs! Be sure to follow her and pick up some of her handiwork at Market Street Stamps or by sending her an email.

7. Viet Bistro

Nothing quite says Canada like international cuisine 🙂 This licensed restaurant offers a large variety of traditional Vietnamese food for a very reasonable price (apps $2.50-$10; main dish $10-$20).

8. Anabanana

For all things eco-friendly, trendy, safe, and innovative for the little ones in your life, check out this brand new business on Mountain Rd!

9. Two Women & Their Soap

My sister LOVES this soap. The two artisans are based at King’s Landing Historical Settlement near Fredericton, NB and take pride in making quality soap, creams, and lip balm through time-tested, quality assuring methods. All of their products are handmade in their kitchen and sold at a boutique at the King’s Head Inn and at various craft shows in New Brunswick.

10. Gifts Galore

If I forgot something super cool from the East Coast, I’m sure this little shop can point you in the right direction. They stock all things local from scarves to art to food, Gifts Galore is a one stop shop for all things Maritime. If you’re lucky, they’ll even be serving free cider!

When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas it can be a challenge to make everything flow like rooms tend to on Pinterest. That great magenta wall just doesn’t seem to match the stockings and Christmas tree. Though, eclectic style is beautiful most of the year, this neutral palette allows your seasonal decor to take centre stage.

One HUGE misconception about natural hues is that they are boring or dull. A mix of beiges and browns give you the option to incorporate elements that might make a more colourful palette appear chaotic. Exposed beams, a side table made of a smooth stump, and a curtain rod made from branches all look incredible against these woodsy tones. Another way to jazz up a neutral palette is by adding rectangular frames to the wall. This palette is the perfect for creating unique textured looks.

Would you add texture to a neutral palette?