Best Wishes and Merry Christmas!

 Hello dear friends! I was off to a late start with the Christmas décor this year, so no Christmas tour! Though there is a quick video tour HERE(if you want to see more). I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Sending you much love, and wishes of peace and joy this holiday. Be safe. xx

Tis The Season.

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving(those of us who celebrated in the U.S.) We had family visit and it was such a treat! But now it's time for my favorite Holiday season-tis the season and the most wonderful time of the year! It's countdown to Christmas time! I am currently covered in tinsel and playing Michael Bublé Christmas songs on repeat. I bought a pink Christmas tree this year and can't wait to show you decked out for the Holidays. In the meantime, I'll leave you to drool on this floral Christmas tree masterpiece installation from Hello Floral. So stunning!

 

I hope you have the best day! xx

images via Hello Floral

Our Smart Garage Upgrade In Time For The Holidays

This post is sponsored by LiftMaster 

We’ve been slowly and meticulously adding smart home devices to our home that not only enrich our lifestyle and help us to be more efficient, but also help to ease some of the stresses that come with busy parenting. 

 

I am never not multitasking and now because of the pandemic and working from home in addition to the children being home all day and virtual school, life hasn’t slowed down a bit. Now that we are in the Holiday season, things are even more hectic, so I was thrilled to partner with LiftMaster to help ease some of the Holiday stress and to simplify the Holidays! Our garage is now equipped with myQ smart access technology, thanks to the installation of the LiftMaster WLED Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener, LiftMaster Smart Garage Camera, and the Yale | LiftMaster Smart Lock. 

What does this mean for a very busy Mama? 

This means I no longer have to worry that I left my garage door open and about my Amazon Prime packages sitting outside for too if I am not home because I had to make a Starbucks run or if I’m too busy helping my kids with online learning to go get it right away. LiftMaster’s myQ powered devices all work seamlessly with Key by Amazon In-Garage Delivery to provide Amazon Prime members with a secure, contactless and convenient place for all of their package deliveries. 

An easy upgrade to an existing myQ connected garage door opener, the Smart Garage Camera can be quickly installed and connected for added convenience and peace of mind. The myQ app allows you to see and monitor what’s happening in your garage in real-time when you are not home, adding streaming video, recorded events, and 2-way communication to the myQ App. 

 

This holiday season will be different than any other because of the pandemic but having a myQ smart garage can help alleviate some of this season's biggest concerns - like protecting your holiday packages against damage, theft and weather. 

With a built-in wide-angle HD camera, I enjoy the convenience of being able to see as the boys play in the driveway. The real-time video monitoring lets me see if they are playing in the cul-de-sac as instructed if I am not readily able to go outside with them. 

Did I Close The Garage Door? 

No more wondering if the garage door was left open. Receive alerts or check the status of your garage door from your phone—no matter where you are. We’re really loving having our myQ Smart Garage. 

H&M Home Brings The Cozy This Christmas

It's been raining and cold here all this week, and I just want to dive into these cozy sumptuously layered editorial Christmas scenes from H&M Home...

very hygge, isn't it?

such a festive tablescape

I read somewhere recently that people who decorate earlier for Christmas tend to be happier...i think they might be on to something there:-). xx

images via H&M

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It feels like the month of December is flying by with lightning speed. I still have some last minute gifts to wrap for the boys, and will breathe a huge sigh of relief when they are all done. The house has been abuzz with activity and lots of noise but tis the season and I wouldn't trade this chaos for anything else. I would love to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may it be a very merry and bright one. I plan on popping in before the New Year so see you then. Be safe and enjoy this special time. Much love. xx

photo of the boys by Lea Hartman

5 Fun Holiday Treats to make with the kiddos over the Holidays.

The boys love to help me in the kitchen and these delicious holiday treats are just beckoning to us to give them a try.  These Santa Claus crackers look too cute to eat. Get the recipe here.

Ian has a thing for penguins, so he would definitely enjoy making these marshmallow penguins-so adorable! Get the recipe here.

These snowman cupcakes are a winner! Get the recipe here.

I am drooling over these snowman truffles. Delish! Get the recipe here.

Chances are you've probably seen or tried these reindeer rice krispies already. They are all over pinterest. Get the recipe here. 

Happy creating! xx

6 Last Minute Gift Guide Ideas for the Art Lover.

 I am still scurrying to get gifts wrapped and placed under the tree. Chances are some of you are nodding your head because you can relate... Today, I have rounded up some of my favourite art sources(mostly etsy shops/small businesses) for that art lover in your life. I believe we still have time today to get the perfect art gift and have it delivered it time for Christmas if we order today. Check them out below. They are all fabulous!

I have a thing for faces so naturally i love Hayley Mitchell Art pieces! This beautiful piece is available on here etsy shop here.

Abstract art is my first love and I want every thing Suzy Lindow, artist and maker behind Wink Wink Studio paints! So colourful and fun! I love how this piece channels Pantone Color of 2017(greenery) too. You can shop this piece here.

I'm a Mama of only boys, but this print speaks to me. I absolutely love it -available from one of my favourite etsy shops, Sascalia. Beautiful print shown is available here.

I have my own Kerrysteele art in my home and I am a big fan of her use of colours. Her figural pieces are also a fave of mine. You can purchase your figural choice or other type of art piece here.

I love the whimsical nature of Lacee Swan's prints. This one with all its pretty colours and New Year's Eve party vibe is a fave and is available here. 

This book is perfect for the budding artist in your life and can be purchased here. 

via

I hope you've gotten some great gift ideas for the art lover in your life. I'm off to finish up my last minute shopping! xx

Holiday Mantel Decorating Ideas with Stockings.

Are your holiday stockings hung already?  I don't always hang stockings on the mantel for Christmas but I do love the look. It's so cozy and conjures up that quintessential warm and fuzzy feeling that the holidays bring. 

schoolhouse

Happy new week everyone. xx

Holiday Kitchen Decor Inspired by Southern Living December Issue 2016.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Southern Living®. The opinions and text are all mine.

The holidays are here and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s my favorite time of year because it embodies a spirit of giving and love, spending time with family and loved ones, and gives me a reason to have twinkly lights everywhere!

Though I am not a seasonal decorator per se, for the holidays, I am always bursting at the seams with excitement to get all my holiday decor from the attic and to put up the Christmas trees. 

I love finding inspiration to switch things up a bit and was recently perusing the Southern Living December Issue 2016.  It’s filled with a wide range of holiday inspiration for decking your halls. I was super inspired by the holiday decorating tips, but even more so, I realized, that I needed to step up my holiday decorating game in the kitchen.  The Southern Living December Issue – “Annual White Cake” is currently available on sale now through December 23rd and can be found at stores like Target and Barnes and Noble.

Well, actually, I can’t recall if I’ve ever decorated my kitchen for the holidays. It could be because of our open floor plan which allows me to see the holiday decorations in adjoining rooms from the kitchen. Nonetheless, after reading Southern Living December Issue, this year, I am inspired to add some kitchen holiday cheer. In addition, we literally live in our kitchen, and this is the area where friends and family tend to gravitate towards. I’ve rounded up 5 holiday kitchens that showcase some of the ideas that I am considering- all inspired by the holiday tips in this year’s December issue of Southern Living Magazine.

Quick tip- If you have a collection of similar items, place them all together like the kitchen above to add visual impact. 

Holiday decor in the kitchen could be as simple as adding some fresh greenery and a paper star. It’s always great to keep the rest of your home’s aesthetic in mind when decorating for the holidays, so if your style is modern and simple, your holiday decor should be too.

A collection of wreaths is a simple and visually appealing way to add festive cheer and wow factor in the kitchen.

Aren't these kitchens lovely? My mood is immediately festive just by looking at them.  The Southern Living December issue is filled with lots more than kitchen holiday decorating ideas and is sure to inspire you, so be sure to pick up a copy if you haven't done so yet. 

Since we're talking about kitchens, (and you know how much we love baking desserts around here), there are a number of dessert recipes in this Holiday issue of Southern Living that will make your mouth water! If you have little ones who enjoy joining in on the baking fun, well, there are a number of child friendly quick and easy baking treats also included. We’re definitely adding a few to our "must try" list this Holiday and FYI, get your cookie cutters ready! 

Feeling Lucky? Enter the Southern Living Sweepstakes for a chance to win big!

Entry dates: 11/1/2016-12/19/2016

Enter to win one of two $1,000 visa gift card shopping spree grand prizes!

Seven First Prizes: Each first prize will be one $25.00 Visa gift card and one Southern Living Made Fresh Cookbook.

All entrants will receive a coupon for $1.00 off a Southern Living magazine to purchase in stores and a complimentary PDF copy of the Southern Living recipe booklet “10 Recipes Every Southerner Should Know”  (on the Thank You page of the sweepstakes entry). Also if you’re on Instagram, show how Southern Living December issue has inspired you and use the hashtag, #mysouthernholiday.

Have a great weekend everyone! xx

{images: 1, 3, 9, 10- Lea Hartman, 2-me, others-Pinterest}