Christmas Time, Oh Christmas Time!

Things I've loved this Christmas season: 

• Baking a double layer pecan cake to kick off the Christmas treats (which included a large amount of cookies eaten so quickly that no camera could capture them...)
• Crocheting my very first blanket! 
• A fresh snowfall right in time for Christmas
• Exploring classic Christmas treats with marzipan fruit creations. Apples, oranges, plums, grapes, pears, and bananas!  
• A family Christmas dinner with a plethora of vegetables and creative dishes

This Christmas time has been a very peaceful and rejuvenating season, filled with excellent food and time spent with loved ones. I have begun reading an annotated version of Emma by Jane Austen, and oh my, the eloquent sentences and 19th century humor is fantastic. I officially start the final semester of my undergrad degree this Tuesday, so I'm indulging in all of the leisure reading I can fit in before textbooks take over... :) 

Much love, Vivi 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 

Christmas Bits & Pieces (But Mostly Food)

Christmas this year was simply beautiful. We woke up early and started the morning off with tea, coffee, and British mince pies, a family tradition we have enjoyed for years. We made our home in the living room for a few hours of joyful present opening, laughing, and eating Christmas goodies, sharing the story behind each gift. 

2015 has been a very eventful year. Having a peaceful Christmas like this one was an amazing blessing. I love my family. We're a closely knit, quirky, silly, unique, conversation-loving bunch, I must say. And I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Much love, Vivi 

Snippets of Christmas

Merry Christmas, beautiful people!

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. It's the day that we rejoice in the salvation we have in Him. It's the day we reflect on His mercies, grace, and the amazing lives that we have in Christ. It's the day that, no matter what the year has brought us, we are reminded of Christ and His peace that passes understanding. I hope that your Christmas was filled with so much love and peace.  You are SO loved!

Much love, Vivi 

Scenes of Christmas break

Christmas baubles// tea cups// decorated candelabras// books packed away for a much needed break// watercolours// the shining Christmas tree in the evening 

Much love, Vivi 

Scenes of Christmas

the sweetest of cupcakes

presents (now opened) wrapped beneath the tree

mom sipping coffee in the early morning light 

more festive cupcakes! the eggnog flavor gets my vote

brother's new snowflake bedsheets

and mmm, our annual tradition mincemeat tarts on Christmas morning 

it's a good life. full of food and festivities and flavor. 

thank you God, for your constant supply and love, you are good.