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Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season

December 16, 2016 by 2 Comments

As the end of the year approaches, I'm taking time off from blogging to restore and relax but also to focus on what matters most: family life and time with friends. 2016 Has been very good to me so there is much to celebrate and reflect on. I would like to thank all my readers and social media followers for sticking by me the past 5 years. I hope I have inspired you to find and enjoy the small and big luxuries in life. The biggest luxuries are, in the end, a warm and comfortable home, being with … [Read more...]

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Ombre Poached Pears in white wine and red port

December 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment
ombre poached pears

What is December without poached pears? The juicy and plum fruits are just the perfect side dish with slow cooked meat, and even a better winter dessert. I like to combine them with vanilla, pecan or cinnamon ice cream, but they also pair well with chocolate cake or brownies, or with crepes. The possibilities are endless. This year I made ombre ones, poached in spiced white wine and coloured in red port. It looks very fancy but actually is quite easy to pull of. And the syrup you are left with … [Read more...]

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The Perfect Gift: Pour Toujours perfume

December 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment

A few months ago I was gifted the perfume 'Bootylicious' which is part of the Pour Toujours perfume collection. Every time I wear the fragrance, I get lots of compliments. The scent is sweet and can be best described as fruity with a floral undertone. It is sensual, rosy and leathery. It exudes the delicate aroma of a roasted quince. Not surprisingly because it is buoyed on a waft of quince and the name 'bootylicious' refers back to the voluptuous, plump and fleshy quince as well. With tones of … [Read more...]

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Decorate for a Party

December 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

What I love most about the holiday season is that I get to organize and host so many parties. Besides Christmas and New Years Eve, December is also my birth month. Entertaining is definitely one of my  favourite things to do. Whether it is a Christmas party, a Chinese New Year party, or a Valentine's Day high tea, I always find a reason to host a festive gathering. So when I heard that Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring published a book about decorating for a party, I was beyond excitement, and … [Read more...]

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Adding Greenery to the Christmas Decor

December 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
christmas evergreen

Now that my tree is up and all my ornaments are in place, it's time to throw in the greenery. Using greenery not only livens up the place but also adds atmosphere because of the combination of the wonderful aromatic  evergreens. Eucalyptus, cedar, pine, juniper and balsam all have that distinct fragrance that draws you in the Christmas mood. By misting them with water daily you will keep them fresh so you can enjoy the scents for weeks. On average, the evergreen will stay good for about two … [Read more...]

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My Holiday Home 2016

December 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Christmas decor

I can't believe it's almost Christmas already. This year has really flew by. Like each year I would like to give my readers a peek into my home to show you how I've decorated for the holiday season. The decorations have been up a week now, and I'm still adding touches every day. I haven't styled my dining table yet so I can only show you part of my home. This year I opted for a white and gold theme with touches of petrol blue. Gold instantly adds chic to the decor, even though you don't have to … [Read more...]

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Christmas decor in the kitchen

December 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Decorating the house for Christmas doesn't stop at the living and dining area. In a few simple steps you can transform your kitchen to exude the holiday spirit. Put your Christmas cookie cutter on display in large mason jars. Or, inject your kitchen with the scent of fresh Christmas with a miniature pine tree or a bowl of greenery and pine cones. Use a wooden stick as a rod to hang small Christmas ornaments between your branches, or just use your utensils rod and combine the functionals with the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: *Thanksgiving and Christmas specials*, Christmas inspiration, Home decor Tagged With: , , ,
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