For the past month I have been listening to this song on repeat. It’s a dreamy country duet between Patrick Watson and Katie Moore. The anxious ‘pitter-patter’ piano melody triggers a vision of the sun rising and a warm breeze on a new momentous day. Can you feel it yet?

Patrick Watson - Big Bird in a Small Cage

{image from Erin Purcell on Flickr}

Burlap is usually associated with potatoes or rug making. And for a long time that pretty much summed up its uses. But recently artists have been making this material pretty and functional in more ways than one. Was anyone else floored by the designs on episode 2 of this season’s Project Runway? Well that’s what sparked the idea to make it a feature material for a blog post. Just check out Amanda’s shop on Etsy called Funkyshique. It features original burlap banners and other handmade goodies, like these painted gift bags and wall pockets below. A fresh look to an old material. Genius!

{images from Funkyshique on Etsy}

Katrin Schwulst creates simplistic compositions with intricate handdrawn patterns and muted colours, and the outcome is rather charming. I almost feel like I’m back in the 1970s again… oh wait, I was never around for that decade. Nevermind. Her illustrations are still super sweet though.

{images from seasprayblue on Etsy}

Alright, let’s be honest here. The holidays are fast approaching. I know, I know… it’s like Halloween just happened, but come on folks. Look around. The stores are already getting out the decorations and gift packs. So you should be prepared too. Beat the rush! You’ll be sitting back laughing, sipping some delicious hot cocoa in your Lazy Boy, while others are out sweating in their snowsuits trying to buy those last few items on their lists. (Snowsuits mainly apply to those who are Canadian, and to a few others around the world who happen to be blessed with the gift of snow during the last few months of the year). Anyway,… I thought of the perfect gift idea to start you off with, whether you’ll be in a snowsuit this year or not.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes… dun dun dun, the new home. What better to fill a new home with than the gift of scent? And delightfully comforting ones at that! Well Bliss Candles offers just that, in a massive range of fragrances. I was literally scrolling the page for 12 minutes. No, okay… that’s a bit much, but I scrolled regardless… a lot.

A few fragrances I was enticed by for the season: Amaretto Nog; Autumn Toddy; Baked Apple Pie; Black Cherry; Butter Pecan Pie; Buttered Rum; Chai Tea; Chestnuts & Brown Sugar; Cinnamon Coconut Cream; Cozy Home; Holiday Lights; Gingerbread Pumpkin; Jack Frost; Scotch Pine; Sugar Plum; Vanilla Hazelnut Mocha; White Ginger and Amber; Victorian Christmas.

Okay, so obviously I had a hard time slimming my list down. You try going through them all and not wanting to smell at least a dozen. I dare you! And they come in a variety of rustic, country mason jars, which happen to be all the rage right now.

So… start writing down all the ones you’d like to purchase and for whom. And if it is in fact a wedding gift, I’m sure the new couple will sincerely appreciate the wonderful touch you’ve added to their home.

{photos from blisscandles on Etsy}

So I thought I better post this now (the last day of October) since this month marked the anniversary of my close friend Victoria and her husband Wade. They were married last year in Caledon, Ontario in a sweet, small church ceremony where the groom’s family had been going for centuries. The family owned a beautiful farm close by and that is where all the photos following the ceremony were taken.

I was thrilled to take part as a bridesmaid, as well as custom design and print all of the wedding stationery. It was the least I could do for a dear friend on her special day. I also played the role of songstress, although that is in no way my claim to fame.

So once again: Happy anniversary Victoria and Wade! I’m so glad I could be a part of it with you.

{photos 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 7 taken by Jenn Kavanagh; photo 3 & 8 taken by Bob House}