Holiday Traditions

Charly Brown Christmas Tree Circa 2013
"Give a skinny tree a chance"

Growing up our holidays were always spent with family. This usually meant that we drove 7.5 hours to Cape Breton to be with my grandparents or they made the trek off the island to come visit us. In most cases when we went to visit them, the holiday seemed rushed and the spirit of embracing the "family love" sometimes felt lost due to the traveling. There just never seemed to be enough time. So needless to say the holidays hold an odd spot in my heart.

More than anything I believe in the generosity of giving during this time of year. I take great pride in finding meaningful gifts that the receiver will appreciate and remember me (us = Adam and I) by. Because my holidays have always seemed hurried and the time with my loved ones seems to fly by, it's always been important that I spread the "love" of the holidays in different forms.

* I must side note that I married into a family that is EXTREMELY traditional when it comes to the holidays. As in the cookies they bake are usually the same, they attend the same Mass every year, they make the same Christmas Eve dish, they gather at my in laws to open presents and it is known that everyone should make it home for the holidays.

* Another side note to mention is that my family has had some "non traditional" holiday experiences. While traveling one year there was a major snow storm and we had to pull over and spend the night at a shady motel. We were quite young and my brother was tremendously concerned that Santa wasn't going to find us. We woke to snow completely covering our room door and what should have taken 30 minutes to get to my grandparents took us 5 hours!!! The chocolate bars for breakfast made up for the stressful/painful drive.
In 2005 we took off and spent the week in NYC, there my or may not have been a poop/plunger incident on Christmas day that the hotel staff had to take care of.

Anyway, Adam and I have started some small but meaningful traditions that we each look forward to and can be done anywhere we might find ourselves over the holidays.

1 - We were gifted a pop-up book of "Twas the night before Christmas" a few years back. Each December as we decorate our place, the book gets placed close to the tree. On Christmas Eve we read
it, then sign it. Hopefully, one day to add our children's names to the book and eventually to pass it along.

2 - With all the hustle and bustle of the season, we like to take a few minutes to really appreciate the time of year. On an evening days before the big guy arrives, we change into our pyjamas, load Ollie (our dog) into the car, grab some hot chocolates and seek out all the beautiful decorations and Christmas lights. We chat and reminisce about our past holidays and wonder what others are doing this time of year. We take time to appreciate how lucky/blessed we are, and thank each other for the support over the last year. It feels special to share the magic of the season.

3 - Christmas dinner. I know a lot of families that share in this tradition, and although it can sometimes be overwhelming it's delightful to mingle with your "crazy" relatives over the holidays. Last year, Adam and I stayed put for Christmas and invited friends over to test our first ever attempt at Christmas dinner. It was interesting, changing things up, I definitely missed the laughs I would have with our families but took time to appreciate the present moment. I'm thankful we chose to share our day with friends and we didn't even have to order in, the food was edible!!!

Where ever the holiday season brings you, take time to reminisce on 2015. Share some laughs with loved ones, express gratitude, take a drive and sing in the spirit of the season.

Merry Everything, And A Happy Always.
Erin

BLOGMAS 2015

Blogmas artwork by Adam Terrio

We are in the last month of 2015 and what better way to end the year than with copious amounts of blogs?!?

NAT and I have teamed up to bring you a blog everyday (weekends excluded) until Christmas. She kicks off December 1st over at nathennessey.com, talking about her go to Christmas playlist. So cue the tunes and enjoy our festive approach at blogging.

xo Erin 

Mini Sephora Haul

While traveling through New Brunswick I made a 15 minute pit stop to pick up some birthday presents (not shown) and to grab a few bits and bobs for myself (shown). 

I'd been in need of a new super nourishing lip balm and wanted to pick up one of the Sephora sleeping masks as it sounded intriguing. I'm a big fan of Sephora's face masks so snagged another one in the "moisturizing & brightening" range. 

While Adam browsed HMV, I rushed around Sephora looking at all the fancy makeup. I came prepared and had a list. A few things weren't on the list which was okay as I found a couple extra pieces and have since tested. 

The first was the Sephora Luster Matte Lip Color in Rose Luster. I've worn this a number of times, and although the product claims to be matte, I'm pleased that it really doesn't dry matte. What I mean is that the product is a little glossy on first application, and as it dries it sinks into your lips but you can still feel the product as your rub your lips together. I love that it is non drying because this time of your my lips don't need to look cracked as I wear bolder lip colours. I'd like more time to check out the other colours as they have a really pretty range. I was happy with the results and impressed that a little bit of product goes a long way!

The second impulse purchase was the "day to night" hair clip by Sephora. They came out with a few cute clips/barrettes and I thought this one was the most versatile ... hence the name. I've been using it quite a bit and have my eyes on the "feelin' fancy" one too. I'm pretty slack when it comes dolling up, but think these clips add just the right amount of "I put some effort in" without actually having to do much.

The Sephora VIB sale is happening now. I've added a few things to my shopping bag and will hold off using them until my birthday or even Christmas. I'd love to hear what is on your wish list at Sephora. I was tempted to purchase a $80 face moisturizer but held off ... it is said to be wonderful with fantastic results but I held off and stuck with Origins. 

October Trash Talk

 I can't believe how fast I'm going through products! I swear I took pictures of this "now" trash (mostly recycling, don't fret) and 2 days later I was adding things to the bin again! I love it. 

 1. Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash was a little delight I enjoyed in the shower. It was extremely soft on my skin and the subtle sweet aroma made me gravitate towards it. I only used it as a wash, knowing that if I washed my hair with it the product would disappear faster. I purchased this on sale when Target closed and would repurchase again if the price was right. It was gentle and lathered nicely. 

2. Another exfoliating brush used and abused. I which I knew about these sooner. I love using mine and miss it what I forget it places (back in NB for example). When I repurchased after leaving it behind, I made sure to grab an extra. They are approximately $2.50 and my favourite so far are the ones from Sally Beauty Supply as they have softer bristles. The size is perfect, allowing you to get around your eyes and the bristles don't tug at your skin. Can't recommend this enough. 

3. Sample of Marc Jacobs Mod Noir was a great little scent that worked in the warmer summer months. With notes of gardenia the scent is lightly floral. I was happy with the fragrance, but the staying power wasn't the best. It comes with a hefty price tag ranging from $34 - $110 and although it was a nice sample it's not worth the money for me. 

4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet  was a decent moisturizer for the Spring/Summer.  It was light weight and felt really fresh on my skin. It had a pleasent smell of shea butter and had a interesting cooling effect once on the skin. Very fresh feeling. My only gripe is that if I didn't let it sit long enough (20 minutes) before applying my SPF then little white balls would form. Not sure what that was all about but other than that I will probably repurchase next Spring. 

5. Quo Nail Polish Remover worked as I needed it to. It was probably on sale and I tend to buy bottles like this so that I can refill the bottle that has a pump top. 

6. Finesse shampoo was quite the throw back for me. While walking the isles of Walmart I stumbled upon this shampoo and decided to give it a go for under $3.00. It didn't add anything significant to my hair, or take away for that matter. It lathered nicely and if you can stand the smell (I can in doses) it works and is worth the price. I haven't found a holy grail shampoo product yet. Please let me know if you have suggestions on a volumizing/moisturizing shampoo.

7. LAVANILA healthy deodorant. GOOD LORD, if "huffing" was acceptable, this would be my huff drug of choice. I freaking love the smell of this deodorant! As an aluminum free deodorant, that is 100% natural and safe this deodorant is totally worth the $17 price tag at Sephora ... if you are an inactive human. For me, this just didn't work the way I needed it to. I'm relativity active in my day to day activities and sadly this deodorant just didn't have the lasting power I needed. I sweat and workout and need something that is going to keep me covered and not reeking of rotten onions half way through my day. So sadly, I won't be repurchasing because wearing $17 deodorant to bed isn't in my budget.  I'm sorry LAVANILA, I really am!!!

Damn You LAVANILA, everytime!

8.  Yes To Cucumber Wipes were on sale and I decided to give the wipes a go as I've heard decent things about this brand. I was not a fan of this product at all. Sadly, they hardly did anything to get rid of the little makeup I do wear, and the product burned my eyes. I'm never sensitive to products, but after using them to clean my face a handful of times, I gave up as my eyes would water and sting. Will not repurchase, and quite frankly, I'm turned off trying anything else from the brand. 

9. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment was a sample size birthday gift I received from Sephora a few years ago. This one is in the tint "rose" and has a faint blend of "rosiness" that shows on your lips. As a balm it is prefect as it enhances the colour of your lips with a pink/red tone. I was literally scooping out the remainder of the product before I tossed it in the bin. I really enjoy these lip treatments, and have been giving them as birthday gifts to friends and family. I have a few shades and find they are a great alternative to use when you don't want to wear lipstick but need a moisturizer with a slight colour. Highly recommend!

10. Secret Deodorant is a necessity in my everyday routine. I'm a fan of all their scents and have a plethora of these deodorants around my house (mostly in bags but the occasional one is found in a drawer). 

11. Another Montagne Jeunesse mask in the bin. I pick these up at Lawtons for $1.00 and while looking them up online I see that they have changed their name to "7th Heaven" because people have a hard time pronouncing Montagne Jeunesse. Funny, but true. 

This particular one, was a peel off and I throughly enjoyed it as it dried quickly and peeled off nicely. I try and use a mask twice a week and enjoy switching it up, so these are fun to try and play around with. I always moisturize really well afterwards and I've never had an sensitivity to this brand.

So there you have it, another "Trash Talk" in the bin on the blog. 

Let me know if you have had any luck with LAVANILA ... if you have, I'm jealous. Not going to lie I really want to retrieve the used product just to smell the lingering bits that might be left. WEIRD, I know... okay, bye!

DIY ~ up-cycled chair

Favourites week wrap up and GIVEAWAY!!!

I hope you all enjoyed favourites week and caught Natalie's posts over at nathennessey.com. We wanted to end on a high note and decided what better way than to have a giveaway. Check out the two videos below for further details.

Natalie and Erin's Favourites Video

Natalie and Erin's Favourites ~ Giveaway

To enter the giveaway you need to follow both Natalie and I on Instagram. Then leave a comment on one of my photos and one of Natalie's, suggesting blog posts you would like to see in the future.

If you have any further questions feel free to get a hold of us. The contest runs from Oct 2-16, 2015.

Erin

Jewelry Favourites

Jewelry is such a great way to accessorize. For as long as I can remember I've always worn jewelry. When I was just two, a friend of my parents was watching me and took me out to get my ears pierced without my parents consent... back 30 years ago you could do such a thing. My parents were shocked and probably grateful in hind sight. I don't remember that day but I do remember being 4 years old, playing tee ball and telling my coach to be careful putting my helmet on/off because I had pretty earrings on... sometimes boys just don't understand!

Growing up I admired my mother's jewelry collection. I loved opening up her jewelry box and delighting in all her jewels. The stories she would tell about heirlooms caught my attention and further intrigued my interests. I'd stare at my baby bracket and open the wee box that held my "chewed" baby ring. 

On special occasions I've receive meaningful pieces to add to my very own collection from my parents and grandparents. Over the years Adam has also caught on that I love simple, special pieces and he also treats me to some wonderful gifts that hopefully someday will be passed along to our daughter.

Before my grandfather married my nanny, his previous girlfriend gifted him this watch. My nanny only let him wear it for so long before he had to put it away for safe keeping. It's over 60 years old and still works. I've had it for about 7 years and love wearing it with modern straps. The hands are made of paper and are slowly disintegrating, which gives it tremendous character. Every time I wind it up, it reminds me of my Grampy and my love for him. 

The ring on the left was a gift from Adam. I admired this ring by Jonathan Corey of Masterworks Jewellery for a number of months. Something about the two tone (gold/silver) and the pearl, really caught my eye. I love the added detail with the gold drops on the pearl and the thickness of the band really appealed to me. This ring is called "Heaven and Earth 2" and I now have my eye on this one !!!

Chocolate pearl ... yes please!

The ring on the right I had made. As a baby I had an initial ring but as I stated, I chewed it, oops! So while in St. Andrews, NB, I stopped at a little antique/trinket shop and found this stirling silver ring for $10. It was my size and I knew a written "E" would jazz it up perfectly. I wear it on my ring finger and I adore it's simplicity!

Both sets of earring are by the artist Tori XO. The ones on the left were a gift from Adam for our 1st wedding anniversary and on the right were a birthday gift from a friend. The pieces are handmade with stirling silver and embellished with vintage French lace. I really appreciate the uniqueness of these earrings and enjoy that the artist lives in Nova Scotia. Support local.

I'm someone who feels naked if I don't wear earrings or a watch daily. So a big portion of my collection is earrings. My parents gave me the hoops for Christmas one year from W. Smith and Co and what's really neat is that they are white/gold so you can change them around depending on your mood. They are also great for travelling, because it's like having two pairs of earrings in one.

The other two pairs my mom gifted me and they both came from a second hand jewelry store. Mom and I love visiting this shop because there are some really unique pieces. The first pair she bought are stirling silver studs with pearls inside. They are great because they are a classic design and can go with anything. And the other pair are vintage etched stirling silver are great for everyday wear as well.

My last favourite is a necklace that is a legacy piece. My great grandmother gave my mom the round jewel which holds a mustard seed in it. The seed is to be one of the smallest in the world but can survive in many climates. If a mustard tree is cut down to the truck, it can still grow back again. The seed represents that even in the hardest times, you can still bloom. 

The silver dollar was my grandmothers which she had it gold plated and the purple amethyst was my mothers. Amethysts are known to bring balance, peace and patience and although unconventional I love wearing all three pieces together. 

There you have some of my favourite jewelry bits. I'm often found with out makeup and its these simple, timeless pieces that make me feel feminine and beautiful.

Don't forget to check out Natalie's blog, and continue to read as we have a special surprise coming up.

Erin.