Christmas Greetings

I love being home for Christmas.  Yes, spending time with loved ones is special, but there's also the time you get to spend by yourself - if you're lucky.  This is the time I get to do the things I might never do on any given day.  Once I get the initial "Ugh, I'm so bored!" out of my system, I get the notion to do the things I really want to be doing.  Out of boredom comes creativity.  And in my case, my second 'annual' Christmas scene in a mason jar creation. 

Isn't it cute?  I picked up an antique Crown mason jar from a flea market for $2.  The white sisal tree, snow and faux pearl beads come from Michaels, and the little deer is by Schleich Toys.  I cut up some antique Christmas cards for the banner and the little birdy, and voila.  I love the look of a vintage inspired Christmas decoration. 

And if you're really bored, you can take your little creation on a sleigh ride photo shoot...

...or take a drive and snap beautiful winter scenes around town...

...or take a billion pictures of your dog in the snow because he's so darn cute...

...or if you're really feeling up to it - build a snowman!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

J xx

Year After Year

Two Trees

Christmas to me is about that glorious feeling of nostalgia that intensifies year after year. I love that Christmas means more to me as I get older; the more Christmases, the more fond memories I collect. All contributing to the warm fuzzies that overwhelm me at this time of year. It's no wonder I like my ornaments and decorations to look handcrafted and old with a dash of glitter. After all, what could be more dazzling at Christmas than the traditions that manifest, the prevalence of good wishes, and the decorations that sparkle.

Starburst 

Deer

Gold Bauble

J xx

Balzac's

I'm all about a good experience, and if you throw in a delicious, freshly brewed coffee - life is good.  Such has been my experience at Balzac's in the Distillery District; the loveliest café in Toronto! I've also visited Balzac's in Stratford which is also highly delightful.  But the Distillery location is the most beautiful with its grey brick walls, haunting chandelier and vintage coffee paraphernalia.    This skull poster is 1 of 7 prints commemorating each of the Balzac's café locations in Ontario. The illustrator is Alayna Paquette of Rhode Island - check out her website, idrawdogs.com.  It only took seeing her skull poster a handful of times until I caved and purchased a 10"x14" print for my kitchen. Edgy? Yes, but more clever than anything as a dedication to Stratford's internationally-recognized Shakespeare Festival.  If you're a Hamlet fan, then you can appreciate this little nod to Act 1, Scene 5 of the play. Brilliant!  

Beautiful Chandelier

Vintage Coffee Paraphernalia

Yummy Pastries

Alas, it is mine!

J xx

Blackbird Vintage

It's official. I'm in love with a boutique called Blackbird Vintage located in the Distillery District.  It showcases everything that vintage is loved for:  character and nostalgia.  I was in heaven perusing through the Christmas baubles, vintage vignettes and strategically placed antiques.  Everything in this shop is a vision - you'll want it all.  It was vintage with an edge.  L.O.V.E.  For more on Blackbird Vintage, click here. 

J xx

Storefront

The Man of the House

Majestic Antlers

Vintage Christmas Tree Toppers

Vintage Vignette

Christmas Time in the City

It's Christmas time!  Things couldn't get any more festive than a cold, snowy night at the Toronto Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District.   I went on Friday, the opening night of the market, and I was enthralled by its old world European charm.  From Christmas treats and decorations by local crafters, carollers and a carousel, to food huts, warming huts and a 45 foot sparkling spruce tree - it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Despite what felt like minus 10 degree weather - the Holiday spirit kept me warm enough to last the night.  The Christmas Market is on until December 16th, so be sure to stop by (it's free!).  And as if it wasn't beautiful enough, the Distillery District dressed in Christmas will set your spirit in overdrive.

J xx

The Market

Beautiful White Lights Strung Overhead 

I'm Bundled (Brr!)

This way to Santa's Lane

Yummy poutine! Oh so Canadiana.

Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round

Holiday Carousel 

45 Foot White Spruce Tree donated by Trees Ontario.  So pretty!

Ruby Red Bauble

The Toronto Beach Chorale

An Old Fashioned Christmas