I heart Christmas

I love Christmas, I love decorations, the planning, the cooking, the secrets!

This year, in particular, has made me ponder (more than once) about how our boys will experience Christmas. What it will mean to them in years to come, and what memories they will have. One thing we did decide was to decorate the house a 'bit more than usual', to try an evoke some festive spirit - and that in itself has been rather tricky...

You see, down here in the southern hemisphere we are in the beginnings of summer (well trying at least!), the days are long and our thoughts of what to do on Christmas Day extend as far as going to the beach. All this means that the snowy ornaments and flickery lights get kind of lost here - how do we decorate so it represents 'our' Christmas, while still maintaining the traditional 'magic' that the boys relate to?

Luckily, Living Etc has a wonderful Christmas Album, full to the brim of all sorts of ideas and inspiration. I've chosen a few of my faves to share.... if you are a bit 'stuck' like me, I suggest you head on over to the Living Etc site and immerse yourself in some festive glory : )

(images from Living Etc)

NOTES:
visit the Living Etc website

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I'm going to sign off for the year. My plan to keep writing daily isn't going so well, and I really do want to treasure this time with the boys as we head into the holidays.

I am yet to figure out when I'll be back - I'm guessing it will be early in the New Year, but I'll keep you posted : )

I just want to take a moment to thank you. Thank you so very much for being part of this alphabetical world. I so dearly love your company, your emails and comments. I wish you and yours a wonderful festive season, full of magic and fond memories.

From my home to yours, may the season be filled with

Peace, love and cheer!

Best wishes and the kindest regards,

Jo, Steve and the Boys

xxxooo

'tis the season...

Christmas at home...

Here is a tiny snippet of the decorating that has been happening here at home...

This vintage red-breasted fellow above was found in a thrift shop last week with three of his blue bird buddies... For the grand total of $4 (NZD), this has to be my Christmas 'Find of the Year' !

Hearts are very prominent on our tree - each handmade and full of love...

I was loving how the light was playing on the walls surrounding our tree - it looks so beautiful - and adds a bit of drama don't you think?

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How is your decorating going? If you are keen to share, I'd love to see!

have a wonderful day! xxoo

X marks the spot...

I have to say that (as you can imagine) X was a bit tricky! But I have managed to pull some together for you.. hope you enjoy them : )

Foxy and Winston

Established in 2005 by Jane Buck, Foxy and Winston is a super cute range of screen printed note cards, tiny apparel and Limited Edition Wall Art Prints.

When I look at Jane's prints, all I can think of is soft little critters scurrying around preparing for spring - her prints have such a 'freshness' about them.

Earlier this year Jane had her first solo exhibition of Originals and Limited Editions at Relish at Home in Berkeley California.

"Woodland creatures great and small, abundant flora and whimsical pastoral scenes galore!"

Have a peek...

(images from buckfoxy and mammalia)

NOTES:
visit the Foxy and Winston website
shop at the Foxy and Winston Etsy Store
read the Foxy and Winston blog
see Foxy and Winston for stockists

Xmas Decorations

There are just over 140 days (that's about 19 weeks!!) until the Big Guy in the red suit does his rounds. And even though I consider this to be FAR too early to be considering Christmas, there is nothing like planning ahead! I thought I'd put this out there, just so you can plan the gorgeousness of your Christmas decorating! Your Tree will sparkle brighter and mantle will ooze with loveliness especially if all your Christmas Decs were from this years Rice Collection...

The reason why I'm sounding so biased is because last year we had the pleasure of having the Rice Christmas Collection as part of our range over at Apple of My Eye - with a hint of handmade charm and a dash of Scandinavian magic..the collection is truly beautiful. The extra bonus is that all of the Rice range is ethically made and traded - yay!

Here's a snippet...

(images from Rice)

NOTES:
visit the Rice website
see Rice for stockists

Pixel Organics

We are so lucky that organic products have filtered there way into design savvy businesses. Pixel Organics is definitely one of those. With a range that is hip, stylish and fun! Pixel Organics is on a mission: "to leave tiny footprints on this planet while providing modern infant products that embrace color and innovative design".

The Pixel Organics range includes Gift Sets, Bedding, Clothing, and Mattresses - all organic and Eco friendly - "Happy products for a Happy Planet"... here's a tiny taste...

and there is plenty more!

(images from Pixel Organics)

NOTES:
visit the Pixel Organics website
read about Pixel Organics Philosophy
see Pixel Organics for stockists

I cant believe that tomorrow is the end of our first alphabet set.. tune in then for Y and Z and for a hint of what will be happening next week - see you then!