My work space

Here it is! My little work space where I study, do homework, type articles and browse pinterest. ;) Needless to say, I spend a lot of time at this space, so making it pretty has become a priority. I've hung water colour and pastel art on the wall in front for a pop of color and it works wonders! I also added a mason jar that I plan on filling with everything good that happens in 2014 to remind me to continually be thankful in the everyday! More than excited to read them all when 2015 comes around. ;)

Much love, Vivi

2014//

I love looking back on memories. You could say I'm a big culprit of nostalgia. ;) 2013 in three words would be: transitioning, challenging, and peaceful. Graduating from high school, beginning University, getting my braces off and chopping off 18 inches of hair were big transitions in my life. There were stretching, more challenging times where all I wanted to do was cry, and cry I did. But amidst any tears, there were peaceful times. From sitting in the garden with my family, going to the mountains with my Grad class, and baking treats in my faithful kitchen, to learning to drive (okay not so peaceful) and a healthy dose of yoga.

Okay, nostalgic essay finished! I'll be short and sweet now. 2014, thanks for coming! I think you and I will be dear friends. :)

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.

Windy & Wonderful

My friend Shelby and I took these photos back when fall was still in full swing, with orange carpets of fallen leaves and stunning trees. Today, any sign of autumn has been covered by rain, rain, and more rain! The leaves may have been washed away, but looking at these pictures brings me right back to the crisp, windy air of a November morning.

As much as I love Autumn, I couldn't be smiling wider at the fact that Christmas is so very close. ONE WEEK. Wait, didn't I, uh, just start University? Or, uh, turn 18, yesterday? Wowza.

Much love, Vivi

Gingerbread adventures!

Last night my friend Hannah and I spent hours and hours creating the most unique gingerbread creations we could. Happy, confused, monotone- all sorts of gingerbread men were brought to life. ;)

 ^^this little guy is going for swim and happens to be my personal favorite ( shh... don't tell the others)^^

Much love, Vivi

things to love this winter

lights strung along the fireplace

a messy, vibrant water colour palette

Candy canes! Sugary, festive, what's not to love?

winter melon for a late night snack

taking time to relax and unwind with my sketchbook & most favourite paints

the best way to use said candy canes: white chocolate bark! this stuff is hard to stop at one piece...

my beloved tea pots atop the mini literature section of my room: Jane Austen and the Oxford library of classic poetry.

               What are you loving this winter time?

Much love, Vivi

Christmas & pumpkins

When thanksgiving celebrations are over and Christmas fills everyone's hearts and minds, I find it hard to part with the mini pumpkins and gourds of autumn. Silly, I know, but I love autumn. Instead of letting the pumpkins and gourds find a new life in the garbage, I thought that a little face lift could help ease them into Christmas time. All it took was a coating of silver spray paint and these guys are Christmas ready. I decided to spray only the mini pumpkins to let the gourds give the display some natural color. On top of a few doilies and with candle sticks and sparkly leaves in between, these almost-tossed pumpkins make a fantastic transition into winter, I'd say. :)

Christmas decorating going on in full force over here! (no complaints here.)