A Collection Of December Memories

      Guess who is back with the most random collection of things to share? It's becoming a sort of trend for me to do a blog post with a hodge podge of moments. 

I don't drink a lot of hot chocolate, but Dad gifted me a Timmies gift card for Christmas, and so I have actually been having some hot chocolates on the colder days. I like to get a drink and go for a drive to look at Christmas lights. 

A whole little sleigh-full of Christmas cards ready to roll out in early January. I hope they all travel super quickly to their homes, but knowing how backed up the system is, it may be Valentines Day when these arrive. 

I also took full advantage of the postal strike and got all caught up on mail! It felt amazing to write all these letters, and by hand too, and I cannot wait for them to start arriving at their new homes. 

Look at that whole little bundle of festive news! 

We continued on our tradition of going out for Dim Sum with Sonya. We always end up eating too much, but the leftovers are delicious. I didn't even get photos of everything we got. LOL 

One of my favorite captures of the week, because it looks so spooky and gothic, but still cozy. It truly does give the sense it's a Vampire's Dwelling. *cue the creepy music* 

Now this is what you call an entrance way! My goodness, the vibes are impeccable! 

You would never guess from all that spookiness, that we were on our way to a night of opera! One of my friends was performing which made the evening more special. 

The cathedral was decorated beautifully, with 5 Christmas trees! 

To wrap up this post up, I wanted to share a few snaps I took on one of many early, foggy, frost-laden mornings I experienced making my way to work. I love the colouring of this particular morning! 

I hope to return soon with more gorgeous hoarfrost photos, to bring us in January adventures. 

Decorating For Christmas & The Great Canada Post Strike (Again)

      Good Morning! How is your week going so far? I am returning to work after holidays, and I am also going back to 5 days a week, so guessing it is being quite an adjustment for me, as, per usual, I am posting all these way in advance. Who knows how I will keep up with everything after this! 

Y'all know that Remembrance Day hits, and your girl is full on into Christmas mode. Which is exactly what I did this year. I am nothing if not predictable. LOL 

Now, the lovely Canada Post union decided to make questionable decisions and go on strike late November, so despite me having all my Christmas cards ready to go early, they won't be going out until January sometimes. 

Which in some ways, is alright, because it does make Christmas last longer. 

It's become a sort of tradition for me I watch the animated Grinch movie while writing cards, as it is one of my favorite movies. 

This year I decided to not buy any new Christmas cards, but use ones I already owned, and just include a little note about how someone may be receiving the same card 2 years in a row. I really want to make a push towards using up what I have, less consumerism, and just living a little more simply. It feels really good to do these sorts of little things. 

Here is our lovely, little living room space, all cozy and bright for the festive season. 

And yes, same tree theme as always. I didn't add any new ornaments to it this year, and I didn't buy any indoor decor at all. The only decor I got this year was a few new outdoor pieces, which you will see in another post! 

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

I really love this soft, fleece blanket I got last year, and was so excited to pull it back out for another holiday season. I really do end up using a blanket every day and sometimes more than 1. We try to use as little heat as possible, to keep our power bill a bit lower, since the type of heaters we have in our basement suite really spike up that bill! Plus, one can always dress warmer! 

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.” ~Fred Rogers

“Christmas Day is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp! Christmas Day will always be, just as long, as we have we! Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand!” ~Dr. Seuss

Looking forward to sharing more cozy, holiday moments with you before long! 

Valentine Vibes

     Hello fellow romantics and dreamers! I have put together a bunch of cozy photos taken on and around Valentine's Day, and am pleased to finally be sharing them with you. 

We went to one of our favorite supper spots in town, Taverna. If you love Italian food, this is a pretty good spot to check out, but it is on the pricier end, so we only go for special occasions. 

The vibes are definitely cozy, and the service is usually really good! 

Love this drink so much that we have been looking into where to buy cases ourselves, as it would make the perfect summertime patio drink... So far, no luck, so let us know if you have tried anything similar! 

I went out of my comfort zone with these gel nails and got a more Barbie inspired set for February. Honestly, cannot say I am a pink girl when it comes to nails, but that deep maroon, I adore!

Then it was time to pack down the Christmas decor, which yes, I left up all the way into February, because why not? It takes a lot of work to decorate, pack down other decor, etc. Might as well get ones use out of it!

See all those snowbanks outside the window?

One pillow made by me, one made by my Mom!

I also thrifted these adorable curtains, which are now up in our bedroom, but I honestly cannot get a great photo of them in action, as our upstairs neighbor parked a BBQ directly outside our window. Our home is kinda an odd set up that lacks in privacy for everyone. 

I did send out some Valentines to close friends, and a few pink & red themed letters. This candle has a very springy smell, like a lemon cake almost! 

Unfortunately for my bank account and my book stash at home, I made a few trips to the romance bookstore, as I am midway through a lot of series the library does not have, plus I needed to reward myself, and they have really nice Sip & Shop nights! How can I say no?! 

Maybe I should a post just featuring photos of my book collection at home. All the bins stored away in our cupboard/tunnel, the overload shelves, the multiple stacks on the floor, the stacks on every surface and tucked into every corner... 

Well that concludes today's post. Plenty more to come soon as I am prioritizing this particular hobby! Be sure to check out my Instagram for more daily posts & fun stories.