White Christmas Tree

Kate, When I was on Instagram yesterday and saw Monika Hibbs white christmas (please click over to see it because I like this picture better than the one below) tree from last year I thought I thought it was so beautiful and dreamy.  It looked as though snow had just fallen all over it.  I asked Mike whether he would think I was crazy or going too far if I bought a white christmas tree to which he replied "uh, yeah" but then I showed him the picture and he said it was actually very nice and followed up with "why don't you just spray paint it."  We are big spray painters over here.  I actually love how the tree looks all lit up with out any ornaments but then again I love the whole "decorating the christmas tree" activity itself.  I have my christmas playlist, some champagne for moi and a hot chocolate for Peter and away we go.  Then I end it off with Love Actually once the kids are asleep.  Last year I kept everything silver, gold and white and I think I'm going to stick with the same this year with a few more natural aspects thrown in.  Boxwood, garland, branches.

As for Christmas, I'm the oppposite of you.  As you know the Christmas decorations are still up at New Years.  I just don't like to let go!  Plus we have Ukrainian Christmas so it gives me a good excuse to keep up the holiday spirit.

So, in a few weeks time I'll either be in my backyeard spray painting away or I'll have to source a white christmas tree because really, that tree is just too pretty to resist!

-Amanda

Lilac's

Kate,

My lilac tree has bloomed.  I know that purple is not your favourite colour but for me, in nature, it doesn't get much more beautiful than a lilac tree.  That pale purple and their smell is just enchanting.  I have lilac's all over the house currently.  On the kitchen and dining room table and in my bedroom.  I love flowers in the bedroom and have them in there all summer long since I just pick whatever is in season.

This weekend our deck was sanded, so I no longer have to avert my eyes from it's peeling horror, we have a few herbs and planters happening and I plan to get a whole lot more on Thursday.  I can't wait for impromptu summer bbq's and all that goes along with that.  This also means that I'll probably be drinking a lot more wine which is good and bad.  I've had a policy since Isla that I only have a glass or two on the weekends, unless out somewhere ,and I have a feeling that's about to go out the window.  It's so difficult to be strict with anything food/drink related. Someone's always inviting you over to their house or the opposite or to a patio.  Then I try and say I will order a salad and water and then suddenly before me lies a glass of wine and something carby.  It's also that time to switch up my closets to summer clothes.  I already changed my bedding and drapes in my room to reflect the season.  Oh summer, please don't leave too quickly.

-Amanda

Mint and Basil

Amanda,

I planted herbs today on our back deck. I opted for planters because I've been told that certain herbs can overtake your garden and I want them handy because I use them all the time. I've started with mint and basil - my two favourites. Rosemary is coming in later this week.

I've been meaning to try to make mint ice cubes ever since I came across the idea.

Recipe: add one mint leaf to each square in an ice cube tray. Fill tray with water. Freeze.

-Kate

Little floral gems

Amanda, When I was a kid I remember thinking, why do people spend money on flowers? Seemed like such a waste when you could buy something else that lasted.

Now I am thrilled to buy, receive, grow, display any sort of flower. A beautiful bouquet is such a treat. It transforms a room! So much so, that I now have to buy weekly tulips because my kitchen looks dreary without them.

I've been noticing a new trend in flower displays: the single flower in a little vase or jar. Mason jars are particularly cute with their vintage feel. Or even a leaf or a cutting from a plant if you need some green.

I played around today with this little floral gem idea. Here is what I settled on:

If you have a wilting bouquet but a couple flowers are salvageable, this is a great idea for making the most of your Flora.

-Kate