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Home & Garden December 3, 2016

DIY gift ideas for the not-naturally crafty

If you are looking to add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year, you can join many other Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts in creating amazing homemade presents that will wow your family and friends. On the other hand if you are like me and lack artistic sensibilities, don’t expect the hand-painted tea cup craft idea you found on Pinterest to look identical to the one you create (I ended up with a pink blob on a cup).

Instead, if you are not naturally crafty, but (for some reason) want to make your gifts this year then you have come to the right place. Here is the how-to on how-to make homemade gifts that won’t come out looking like you crafted with your eyes closed in the middle of a park on a windy night:

When planning your homemade gift ideas, remember to keep it realistic. Don’t plan to make 20 homemade coffee cup holders unless you have a sewing machine and ample experience. Not that I would try to lead anyone astray from learning a new hobby, but trying out a sewing machine for the first time during the holidays can be a stressful way to learn.

Let’s look at a few easier gift ideas to begin with. Why not try homemade camera straps or chalkboard painted coffee cups. To make the camera strap, you paint and decorate cotton webbing with acrylic paint and use glue to attach two hooks on either end. Make sure the hooks are flexible (or swivel) for easy use. The supplies to make the strap are easy to find and the decorative process is fool-proof; however, if you aren’t a painting-type of person, you can always use wool or other materials to create a braid.

Chalkboard paint is a fun way to decorate a low-priced coffee cups, trays, or even computer cases. Decorate the object and write loving messages on it for your friend or family member.

It is also important to keep your budget in mind. When I design my DIY present plan, I write down everyone that will receiving a gift and then begin jotting down ideas for each person. By making a gift that I can give to many people, it cuts down on costs and time, and my gifts will still well-received by my loved ones. I then budget out how much the materials will cost before purchasing the craft supplies for the gifts. Going out to buy materials without a plan often leads to overspending and planning often helps to avoid superfluous costs. Remember, if it costs more to make your gift then it would to purchase it, you may want to reconsider your DIY plan.

Food gifts are often a good way to save money on DIY presents because you can make multiple batches and save money by buying ingredients in bulk. Purchasing a few flats of jars and make a variety of jams and preservatives. Making holiday cookies and other treats for friends and family is also a good option. Lastly, soup in a jar with all of the dry ingredients layered looks lovely in a glass jar and makes a yummy soup once you add water and boil. Don’t forget to decorate the jars with ribbon for a festive feel.

There are so many benefits to DIY gifts. First of all, they are made with love, something that can’t be said of that Old Navy sweater you may have wanted to pick up. You also get to avoid the consumerist train spectacle in malls across Canada. Just make sure that the gifts you make are useful and catered to the people you are giving them to, and you are sure to get a good reception!

What are your favourite DIY gifts to make for Christmas? Let Women’s Post know in the comments below.

Health & Fitness November 16, 2016

Embracing the quiet of November

Winter is cold and formidable, with seemingly endless dark days mixed with the dread of venturing out into the windy snow-blown streets. On the other hand, it is also a time of quiet thought, where the snow creates a peace that summer has never known. Saying that, my favourite month of the year is November. The ushering in of winter is also a silent reminder to take space and revere in silence is a blessing in disguise, something we all tend to forget in the warmer months.

As the longer nights settle in to stay and the clock turns back for the winter ahead, I’ve always felt a change of pace in November. People seem to push each other less on the subway and there is something absolutely adorable about everyone donning their winter layers and looking strikingly penguin-like. I believe with our inherent connection to Mother Nature and the earth we live in, most of us experience a sort of metaphysical pause when the fall fades into winter. Whether it be drinking a slow coffee at the shop instead of rushing out the door with an iced latte or writing in a journal by the fireside, the elements force us to consider how vital it is to slow down and relax every once in awhile.

Even the land reflects a more relaxing setting for breathing deeply and sleeping in that extra five minutes. The leaves fall from the trees and orange, red, and yellow fade from the landscape only to be replaced with a snowy landscape and a beautiful grey and purple sky. If you luxury of a skyline view of downtown every day at work, you can see the mauves and blues of this sky hinting at winter, and reflecting against the buildings. The November city skyline glitters with silver and purple, and temporarily I can forgive the sun for not showing her illustrious golden hues.

Instead of fearing the emerging winter cold, pull your scarf close and take a deep breath of the fresh air. After you do that, grab a coffee and walk down the street while wearing fuzzy red mitts from Hudson’s Bay. Listen, and what do you hear? Nothing but the sleeping sounds of a city retreating for a moment to relieve itself from the hustling and bustling of spring, summer and fall.

This is also the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed, the memories you made this summer and the love you felt. It is also a time to nurse your heart from being broken if it had been, and forgive yourself for your mistakes. In these moments, you can also dream about your future. What will the next year bring? Who will you meet? Where will you be at this time next year? Before the Christmas craziness takes over and the winter hustle and bustle begins, drink in the meditations of sweet November.

Embrace the quiet of winter for a moment. You won’t regret it.

Living December 21, 2015

How to rock this year’s holiday fashion

It’s the week before Christmas, and that means last-minute parties and get-togethers with friends. But, what should you wear? It’s the typical dilemma: We don’t want to dress to casual, but we don’t want to overdress either. Yes, the ugly sweater may be all the rage, but for those of us who don’t want to look like a knitted nightmare, here are some festive options for your next work party or holiday smash:

The glittery shoe: It doesn’t matter if you wear a simple black dress or a pair of jeans — the shoes make the outfit. Dazzle your friends with a pair of silver or gold-studded heels and watch as all the attention is drawn towards you. The best part about the particular shoes pictured below is that they have mesh, which will give your feet a bit of extra support. The glittery shoe does not have to be ten-inch stilettos. As long as they sparkle, you are golden (pun intended).

The classic red dress: You can’t go wrong with the red dress — it’s sexy, flattering, and eye-catching. Most people would go the ‘little black dress’ route, but not you! You are daring, confident, and sexy. And you want the world to know you are here.

BTKA_14495192548311_1442e6beb5b369232d3522b0f24b69 — Rosie the Rebel, $95

The sleeveless party top: Sometimes, a dress is just too much. If you are heading to a semi-casual party with some friends, this top is the perfect festive attire. Pair with a pair of black dress pants or with a ripped pair of jeans. It’s perfect under a nice jacket or blazer as well.

The handbag: A purse is just too much during the holidays — people bump into it on the bus, crowded streets are a nightmare, and you have to weave in and out of stores holding it close to your chest so you don’t accidentally break a priceless item. We are all better off with a small handbag, especially in the evening. This bag is typically only big enough for the essentials: cell phone, money, ID, and emergency lipstick.

Knitwear: If you must wear something knitted, make it something unique and stylish. A knitted shirt or dress can be paired with funky tights for colder weather, or with boots as seen below. It’s a great casual outfit that just screams “I just threw something on, but look how fabulous I look.” Much better than the ugly sweater!

What’s your favourite holiday outfit? Let us know in the comments below!

Living December 14, 2015

What’s the deal with ugly Christmas sweaters?

“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There’s a feeling
of Christmas”

What exactly is ‘holiday style’? Well, thanks to a generation of men and women who are on the lookout for everything that goes against society, we can now celebrate the era of the ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’. Hipsters are the cause of everything overpriced and overhyped, but ugly sweaters are something we can actually thank them for. While we’ve all been subjected to an ugly sweater at some point in our lives (sorry, grandma!), over the last few years people have deliberately sought out these sweaters instead of stashing them in the back of the closet where they belong. The ugly Christmas sweater tradition has come into our lives and fortunately, it is here to stay.

And thus, I have some good news for you, ladies. Tight cocktail dresses are a thing of the past. Despite the effort designers have gone through to introduce a new line of holiday-themed, sequinned ensembles and comfortable high heels (yeah right), looking presentable is one less thing we have to worry about during the holiday season. Because now, it seems that everyone is on board with the ugly Christmas sweater bandwagon. H&M, Urban Outfitters, Etsy, and a search on Amazon can lead you to the most elaborate, over the top designs of some pretty amazing, ugly sweaters.

The phenomenon behind this trend is simple; donning a sweater so visually unpleasing is well, adorable. It takes away from the pressure of having to look ‘party-ready,’ and the theme brings people together as a happy group of very poorly dressed people. The focus is taken off of your work and school life, and it takes Aunty Em a much longer time to bring up your love life. Instead, questions now sound a lot like ”where on Earth did you get that?” to ”Did it hurt to put that on?” These questions might have hurt you on an emotional level before — when you wore that sexy red and gold dress you loved so much — but now it can be taken as a compliment.

The trend is also great for those with a competitive edge, who want to express their creativity and come up with outrageous ways to make their ugly sweater just a little more ugly. We have been stuffed animals, ribbons, ornaments, and other Christmas-themed decorations attached to these ensembles. So, there’s no longer an embarrassment towards sporting an ugly sweater similar to one you may have been forced to wear as a child to make your grandmother happy. Now, you are no longer a child who is being dictated what to wear and when to go to bed. You are now in a society where everyone is collectively ugly. And that’s special. Also, it’s warm. (unlike that $250 dress you had in mind)

The only feeling of regret you’ll feel at your next Christmas party is not wearing something uglier. Flashing lights on a sweater may seem a little too ridiculous, but Sally over there seems to be rocking it at the drinks table. So the question is, how can you wear an ugly Christmas sweater to its full potential?

Well, the characteristics of a good ugly Christmas sweater, first and foremost, is the colour. You want to wear a colour that screams Christmas; red, green, or anything that comes in the form of an ornament. Next, its important to look for a sweater that has elements of winter and the holidays on them. Whether that’s a gingerbread man, a reindeer, or Santa Claus himself, your sweater should make people look at it and exclaim, ”yes! Just yes.”

That’s not to say you can’t sway from the Christmas theme. Hotline Bling sweaters are wildly popular this year thanks to Drake’s dad moves. Essentially, the point retailers are trying to make here is that anything works. Whether you want to splurge $100 on a three dimensional sweater or invest a modest $30 on a simpler piece, the key to owning the ugly in your sweater is to just let it be ugly. Put effort behind your sweater. Throw some nice pants on and touch up your makeup with some matching colour on your lips. Wear your sweater like it’s a ball gown. Only then, can you let the sweater be ugly to it’s full potential. (Also, it distracts everyone from the bags you’ve acquired under your eyes instead of under your tree from the holiday stress.)

How-to books are now on bookshelves and on publishing desks, making the ugly Christmas sweater phenomenon that more legitimate. Pinterest has boards on how to make them, your Instagram followers are having photoshoots with them on, your Facebook friends are updating their profile pictures, and other women are currently sitting somewhere on their kitchen table with a hot glue gun. It’s really a beautiful thing; unified ugliness.

So, what I’m trying to say is, it’s time to throw a Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Tomorrow? The expensive one’s don’t even itch! Don’t forget to send me an invite, my sweater is ready to go. Because whether you agree to it or not, the holiday sweater has become as important as drinking eggnog and ”singing” carols by the fireplace. And for that, we are thankful.

Images

Living December 4, 2015

5 Drinks To Keep You Warm This Holiday Season

It’s December! The countdown to the holidays has officially started. You’ve (hopefully) put up your Christmas Trees by now and are looking for ways to gather your friends and family for some quality time. With carols blasting, your uncle attempting to sing, and the presents scattered under the tree, it seems like the perfect time to sit around the fireplace with a warm, holiday drink. Whether it’s hot chocolate, eggnog, or a fancy latte — we’ve gathered some of the best recipes for you to try.

Candy canes aren’t just meant to be ornaments and stocking stuffers. Add a hint into your favourite hot chocolate recipe for a nice minty taste:

1. CANDY CANE WHITE COCONUT HOT COCOA

3 Cups of Silk Coconut Milk
1¼ cups Ghirardelli Classic White Chocolate Chips
½ cup Andes Peppermint Crunch chips or ¼- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract.
1 vanilla bean, split and scrapped or 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Add coconut milk, Giraradelli Classic White Chocolate Chips and vanilla bean to a heavy saucepan.
Heat until chocolate melts, whisking to keep the chocolate from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
Whisk until the chocolate has melted and the cocoa is hot.
Add Andes Chips or peppermint extract ( start with ¼ tsp and taste, then adjust).
Add vanilla extract if you didn’t use a vanilla bean.
Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream. Garnish with a candy cane and a sprinkle of Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips or red and white sprinkles.

Too old to build a gingerbread house? (We disagree!) Bring the same taste and tradition into drink form with this decadent latte:

2. GINGERBREAD LATTE

4 shots espresso (or ¾ cup strong-brew coffee)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1½ cups milk (for foaming)

Directions

In a glass measuring cup, combine the coffee, spices, sugar and molasses. Use a whisk to dissolve the spices in the coffee very well. Divide between two mugs.
Steam or froth the milk in a milk frother (or just warm it on the stove).
Divide the milk between the two mugs, and serve immediately.

You can never have too many truffles! Never. Especially if it’s in your hot chocolate:

3. TRUFFLE HOT CHOCOLATE

2 cups 2% milk
6 ounces 70% cacao dark baking chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash salt

DULCE DE LECHE WHIPPED CREAM

3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan (do not boil). Remove from the heat; whisk in the chocolate, brown sugar, espresso powder, vanilla and salt until smooth. Return to the heat; cook and stir until heated through. Pour into mugs; top with desired flavor of whipped cream.
To prepare dulce de leche whipped cream: In a heavy skillet, melt sugar until golden. Gradually stir in cream; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Skip the traditional eggnog this year and spice it up with some cayenne pepper:

4. SPICED CHOCOLATE EGGNOG

2 quarts whole milk, plus more if needed
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped and pod reserved
4 cinnamon sticks
12 egg yolks
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
3 ounces milk chocolate, melted
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups brandy (optional)
Whole nutmeg, for garnish
Cayenne pepper, for sprinkling

Directions

Heat two quarts milk, the sugar, salt, vanilla seeds and pod, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is heated through. Remove from heat. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Prepare an ice-water bath. Whisk yolks in a medium bowl until pale, about two minutes. Whisk one cup of milk mixture into yolks in a slow, steady stream. Whisk yolk mixture into remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture registers 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 6 minutes. (Do not boil.)
Remove pot from heat, add melted bittersweet and milk chocolates, and stir until incorporated. Discard vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks. Pour mixture into a large bowl set in ice-water bath, and let cool, stirring often.
Whisk cream until soft peaks form. Pour cooled eggnog into a large serving bowl, and add brandy if using. (Add more milk to eggnog if necessary to reach desired consistency.) Top with whipped cream. Grate nutmeg over top, and sprinkle sparingly with cayenne. Serve immediately with churros on the side if desired.

Opt out of the cream and cocoa at least once a week (if you must) and curl up with a cup of cider:

5. WARM MULLED CIDER

1 navel orange
1/2 gallon apple cider (not juice)
2 tablespoons honey
5 whole allspice berries
6 whole cloves
pinch ground nutmeg
11 1/2-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced
8 cinnamon sticks

Directions

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the orange to create long strips.
In a medium pot, bring the cider, honey, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and orange zest to a simmer. Do not boil. Heat, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Ladle into cups and serve warm with the cinnamon sticks.

Mmmm…. we don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to try these! Let us know how you like them in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook @Womenspost!

FEATURED IMAGE

Recipe December 3, 2015

Sassy vegan red and green Christmas tarts

Christmas dinner can be difficult for vegans. Many traditional dishes are topped to the brim with eggs, cheese and milk not to mention chicken or ham. Dinner can quickly become a plate with a bun (if you’re lucky) and some green beans if you aren’t prepared. This is why it is essential to plan a great meal that will have any meat eater ditching the turkey stuffing for a delectable vegan alternative.

The amazing Katherine Kooks created a fantastic recipe for Red and Green Christmas Tarts and posted it on her blog, My accidentally delicious vegan cuisine! These tarts are delicious and a great choice for a potluck because of their holiday appropriate colour palette. They are easy to make and, surprisingly, taste similar to stuffing.

By combining cranberries, broccoli, Portobello mushrooms and sundried tomatoes with spices, almond milk and tahini, it creates a colorful and healthy food mixture. The combination can then be placed into mini pie shells and baked for 25 minutes. This recipe is easy, quick and healthy with a holiday twist. It is a great food option and will bring festive vegan cheer to the dinner table this Christmas holiday.

RED AND GREEN CHRISTMAS TARTs

Ingredients:

Fresh cranberries

Broccoli ( chopped into flourettes)

portobello mushrooms

Sundried Tomatoes

garlic

coconut oil

rosemary

thyme

almond milk

Tahini

green onion

sea salt

pie shells * Our compliments makes vegan pie and tart shells!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat pie shells for seven minutes and they will expand slightly.

While shells are heating, sauté minced garlic and Portobello mushrooms with coconut oil.

Add a pinch of rosemary, basil and sea salt.

Chop broccoli florets and saute with sundried tomatoes.

Grab that bowl with mushrooms in it! Toss in 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, 2 tbl spoons of tahini. Chop in green onions, black pepper and a dash more rosemary.

Stir the mixture and add in the broccoli/sundried mix.

It will almost solidify in the oven. As for the cranberries, take the partially toasted shells and drop it in the bottom of each tart. Spoon the mixture on top and added one more cranberry to the tops of each tart.

Bake them for about 25 minutes., just keep an eye on them if the tops feel too soft they need more time.

For more delicious vegan recipes, visit Katherine Kooks food blog and enjoy!

https://katherinekooks.wordpress.com/

Living December 1, 2015

10 creative DIY advent calendars for the family

Kids — and let’s be honest, a few adults to — look forward to December 1st. Not only is it finally socially acceptable to play Christmas music in public, but it’s also the first day of the “Christmas countdown.” I’m talking about the advent calendar.

Personally, I love the chocolate advent calendars. My Christmas is not complete without one. However, there are quite a few creative options for those who want to think outside the box. Here are a few do-it-yourself calendars for those who want to make their countdown a bit more personal:

The clothespin advent calendar: This is an absolutely adorable way to count down the days to Christmas. Attach a small wrapped bag to a clothespin and let it hang using ribbon or colourful string. Not only is it visually appealing as a Christmas decoration, it’s also quite functional.

The surprise-in-a-box advent calendar: For those who don’t want to have 24 small bags lining their wall, this is another option. Wrap a few special prizes in paper and put it in a decorative box. Each day, your child can open the box and dig for their daily surprise.

The decorative advent calendar: It’s not always about the gifts. In this advent calendar, each day reveals a tree ornament that the family can then place on the tree. This particular one is made of felt, but it can be done using any material on hand.

The toilet roll advent calendar: Why waste some perfectly reusable toilet rolls? All you need for this DIY project is a glue gun and some extra cardboard for the roof. If you want to make this more interactive, make a box to slide the toilet rolls into, and then hang it up. You can even fill the toilet roll with a little surprise or note for your kids, and they can pull it out each day.

The card-stock advent calendar: Not every advent calendar has to be big and loud. This version is simple, understated, and beautiful. Write some specialized messages for your family and put them in a sleek envelope.

The towering advent calendar: This one is not for the faint of heart—expert crafters are required. This involves making small, but highly decorated, cardboard boxes and placing them strategically in a tree shape. I think it is absolutely gorgeous; but I’m not sure if I have the skills or patience to put it together.

The mason jar advent calendar: This one is more my craft-level. It’s brilliant in its simplicity. Wrap a few candies, stickers, and notes. Give them each a number. Stuff them all into a decorated mason jar. Done!

The good-things-come-in-small-packages advent calendar: This advent calendar is all about the decoration. Wrap 24 items in equal size boxes or bags, and then stick them onto a board using double sided tape. Make sure the treats aren’t heavy.

The ornament advent calendar: Do you have a small plant just sitting in the corner of your living room? Turn it into an advent tree by attaching small numbered bags to the branches or stems.

The “for the adults” advent calendar: This one is a party! Wrap 24 small bottles of alcohol in Christmas colours, making sure to label them clearly so there isn’t any confusion. Remember, you can only have one a day!

Note: If partaking in number 10, remember to advent responsibly!

Home & Garden November 23, 2015

5 unique christmas trees to put up this year

Poinsettias, wreaths, and ornaments found their way into malls and stores way back in early September. It seemed a bit early to be celebrating the holidays, especially considering it doesn’t start to feel like Christmas until November. The days get shorter, the air gets chillier, and the sweaters just get cozier. It’s the perfect time to blast some Christmas carols and put up the tree. However, instead of the usual green tree, red ornaments gig, try something new this year! We’ve compiled a list of unique yet totally doable Christmas tree decorations that will get you so excited for the holidays—you’ll want to start now.

1.Keep It Cool

Who said coral blue was just for the beach? Add a pop of summer to your winter by going with a silver and blue colour scheme. Great for large living rooms with white walls and cream decor, this Christmas tree will have your place looking minty fresh. Besides, opting for an artificial tree will help you avoid the sadness that you’re overcome with when your tree is in its last stages of life.

2. Rockin’ in a Candy Wonderland

Christmas is all about the sweet stuff, isn’t it? Gingerbread cookies, fruit cake, and all that sugar and icing is just as fun to eat as it is to make. Take the fun out of your kitchen and into the living room with this funky candy-inspired tree. The pops of colour and the quirky tidbits will make your place the hot spot during the holidays. The best part? Your tree could possibly be edible.

3. I’m Dreaming of A White Christmas

If Olivia Pope had a Christmas tree, it would be this one. This elegant look will make your window the brightest one in the neighbourhood. Not only does it look grand, it’s super easy to pull off. With only one colour to deal with, you can’t go wrong. It’s certainly a great idea for your loft or home and will match living rooms of any colour scheme. If you’re prone to spillage and are concerned about bringing in white furniture, indulge with this tree! Pop open that red wine bottle and take in your masterpiece.

4. Classic Yet Modern

You can never go wrong with a standard, green Christmas tree. It reminds us of our childhood, creates a sense of familiarity — and grandma will always approve. However, this year, spruce up the tree by deciding on one specific colour. The key to a classic, yet modern, look is contrast, as shown above with the gold accents. Make your ornaments pop in midst of the greenery by choosing the appropriate colour. The world is your oyster.

5. Christmas Present: Christmas Tree

It’s easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas in midst of all the shopping, sales, and new Apple gadgets in stores these days. This tree is certainly a reminder that the holidays itself are a gift. It’s a time to celebrate with family and friends and rejoice the fact that everyone is together. Use a bright coloured ribbon to wrap your Christmas tree and tie a decorative, grand bow at the top. The tree itself will be a gift – to the eyes and the heart. Besides, you can never complain about having too many presents!

Good luck and happy decorating!

Images: Pinterest

Home & Garden December 19, 2014

Decorating for the holidays

By Leslie Whatmough

The season for entertaining is upon us. Although I enjoy taking time out of my regular routine to get together with friends and family, I find the thought of entertaining a little daunting. It is not the menu or the music that concerns me, rather it is simply the concern of how to fit everyone in, comfortably. Indoor entertaining raises a host of logistical problems for many households . Homes that easily accommodate the everyday functions of a family may be inadequate for entertaining larger groups. The secret to a holiday of stress-free entertaining this year may just be a little creativity.

For me, food and drink are the backbone of every great get together, so my holiday preparations focus on the dining areas of my home. Our kitchen has a small breakfast counter which can double for a serving area for buffet functions. Otherwise we use the dining end of the great room. This grandiose term does not adequately describe the unused end of the living room that we chose to use for a dining room. When we first planned the room arrangements of our new house we realized that our home office needs would be best suited by reassigning the dining room. Then we divided the overly large living room into two separate spaces, visually, to gain a dining area with a lovely view of the backyard. The space is compact, but functional for everyday use. We chose an oval table with sentimental value as the heart of our room. My father built the pine table top when he and my mother needed space for their five children and they couldn’t afford to purchase anything fancy. It has been the centre of many a celebration. I am a big fan of oval tables, especially ones with a pedestal base. There are no legs to get in the way of the dining chairs and no one feels like they are hanging off a corner. The one drawback with them is that they do not easily connect with another table if more seating is needed. Should you be in the market for new dining furniture, current trends in design feature tables with leaves or other expandable designs to solve space problems.

Another trend that appeals to me is the demise of the matching dining suite. It appears that more people prefer to find individual pieces that suit their unique spaces. Mismatched chairs around the dining table are becoming common, though there is a preference for matching the two end chairs. My first consideration for a chair is comfort, second is size. Tiny chairs are not practical or comfortable for most people, but space does dictate that smaller chairs will allow more people around the table.

The dining room needs to be a functional food service space, so additional surfaces are needed to store dishes and act as the traditional sideboard. Non-traditional pieces are my preference for this function. Old hutches reflect a country decorating style while dressers and other low pieces like old stereo cabinets could be incorporated to evoke a retro feel in a more modern setting. The choice of lighting also helps to define an era or evoke a mood. Chandeliers are popular right now and as a result there is a wide assortment available, from traditional to modern.

I have noticed that many people seem to be afraid to treat the dining room like other rooms in the house. There is often either a lack of decoration or an overly formal mood that does not match the rest of the home. I find it helpful to examine the decor in my favorite restaurants when I think about decorating the dining room. I believe that form follows function. If the room is inviting people will naturally gravitate to it. A room does not have to be large to be effective.

So as this holiday approaches I will have to make some decisions about whether we follow the tradition of a sit-down dinner or perhaps a buffet will be more practical. I prefer to sit at a table so maybe I will rearrange my “great room” to accommodate a number of smaller tables and really go with that restaurant feel. The possibilities are intriguing.

Love & Sex December 18, 2013

Christmas shopping: Can I find the perfect gift for the perfect guy?

Normally I love shopping for Christmas presents. I like finding the perfect gift for each person and I consider it a personal triumph when I make someone cry; tears are a clear sign of victory. But Boyfriend is impossible to buy for and he’s far better than me at getting presents because everything he gets me is something personal and deeply meaningful; at this point I wish he’d show up with an iPod shuffle and an ugly Christmas sweater in a box that says, “To: Janet.” At least then I wouldn’t feel like such a failure.

For our anniversary Boyfriend made me, literally made, a Zombie Boyfriend Munny doll that he had hand drawn and coloured in. For my birthday he had someone make me a one-of-a-kind Sasquatch stuffed creature wearing a red vest because when he sat next to me in the hospital and I was doped up beyond recognition I told him I had a conversation with a Sasquatch wearing a red vest.

See?! There is literally no competing with him at gift giving.

I wanted to get us a trip to somewhere warm and toasty for New Years Eve, even if it was just a couple days, but then I took a new job and a last minute trip seemed like a pretty terrible idea. Boyfriend has never been on a vacation, ever, so it would have been the perfect gift for him but unless Flight Centre wants to gift us three days in the Bahamas I don’t think that’s happening this year. I’m back to square one.

After the vacation idea I thought I had found a great gift, a comic book artist who would make a print based on our story; beautiful, simple and so very perfect for my comic book loving manfriend. But I didn’t think far enough ahead so it wouldn’t arrive until after Christmas and that’s just not going to work, maybe I’ll do that for his birthday in April.

Right now I’m out of ideas, I’m 100% sure that he’s ordered something or made something that is brilliant, sweet and something I didn’t even realize I needed in my life. At this point I’ll probably end up getting him something he wants but wouldn’t buy for himself, like a new TV he needs a new TV. The worst part is that he will probably love whatever I get him, he’ll probably think it’s great but so far there’s nothing I can think of that will even compare to the things he’s already given me.

Is dating always this hard? We did the, “I love you thing.” Shouldn’t I be calmer about what gifts I get him? Shouldn’t holidays be easier now? Maybe it never gets easier, maybe when you love someone you spend the rest of your life trying to make theirs better whether that’s a gift, a favour or a phone call to check in after a bad day.

I guess I’ll spend the rest of my days wondering if I’ll ever be able to beat him at gift giving.

Challenge accepted.