Dear Diary

It’s really easy to fill your house with meaningless items, lining every shelf with bits and bobs. For my entire life I’ve been a maximalist, collecting pretty little things everywhere I go, but as I get older I feel more weighed down by all the items I have attached to my life. My taste has shifted from just “cute things” to timeless items that are built to last – investment pieces that both improve my life and can be easily carried from home to home until i finally settle.

As a reflection, this year’s home guide is a bit different than those that came before on my site. Though still pretty, these items are all about investing in your home and your happiness both through innovative tech bits that I have grown to love n 2017 and artisan wares that will stand the test of time. Happy shopping!

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1. Studio Arhoj’s Chug Mug / 2. Matcha Whisk / 3. Philips Hue Smart Bulbs / 4. Woodlot Essential Oils / 5. Linnea’s Lights / 6. The Laundress x Le Labo Santal 33 Detergent / 7. Lucky Iron Fish / 8. Nest Thermostat / 9. Google Home / 10. Saje Aroma Gem Diffuser / 11. House of Matcha – matcha powder / 12. Matcha: A Lifestyle Guide / 13. Smeg Kettle in Pink / 14. Maison Tess Sheet Set / 15. Woodlot Cinder Candle Not shown in graphic: Saje Safe Air Cleansing Room Spray

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Oh so Pretty

Okay, so we’ve put together a lot of fun gift guides this year, but we thought why not throw one last list together featuring all our favourite pretty little things (aka. beauty products, candles, and things that generally smell delicious). They make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and add ons to those gifts that are missing that one last special thing.

From candles to mascara, this guide is for those who covet the finer things in life and delight in details!

Herbivore Botanicals // All natural, cruelty-free, and full of magical powers, this brand uses some of our favourite ingredients like coconut and rose to make truly dreamy bath, body, and skincare products.

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Annabelle // Colourful and fun, this cosmetics line is super affordable and perfect for filling spaces in stockings. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which makes it a must on our list.

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Linneas Lights // I swear these are the strongest smelling candles on the face of the planet. They also come in delightful holiday scents like “Golden Plum” and “Pepperberry” which we can’t get enough of in the office right now.

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Bite Beauty
This lip-specific brand opened a shop down the street a few months back and we seriously can’t get enough. Their Christmas packaging is almost too pretty too open, and all of their products are technically edible they’re so natural!

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Smith and Cult // We’ve had a crush on Smith and Cult’s gorgeous nail polish collection for ages, and now that they’ve added eye makeup and lipgloss to the list we’re 100% hooked. Bonus points for all the glittering gold on the packaging!

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Tocca // “I have too many candles” said no one EVER. Tocca makes great little minis in seemingly endless scents that will cover everyone left on your list.

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Dear Diary

Merry Christmas week everyone!

Sorry I haven’t been around as much lately- I’ve been going through a lot of big changes over the past couple of months, and though I have a lot to say about all of that, I’m going to try and keep things as on-subject as possible today.

Well, to be upfront, I’ve somehow ended up with a boyfriend for Christmas.

As you know I try not to get too personal around here, but it feels odd not to share such a big part of my life with all of you, especially when it’s something that I’m so excited about going into the new year. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart, and to say I’ve fallen head over glittery heels is an understatement. I don’t want to get too detailed, but it suffices to say that I’m really, truly happy, and though I learned a lot from my breakup and being single, I think this new relationship is exactly what I needed to get my sparkle back.

Of course as a huge Christmas lover, finding romance just in time for the holiday season is a total dream come true, and my December has been spent cuddled up watching “The Holiday” with hot apple cider, and Christmas shopping hand in hand. The best part? I got a last-minute chance to gather all sorts of wonderful boy gifts, which happens to be my absolute favourite thing to shop for. Though my beau won’t be getting a peek until Christmas day, I figured I’d share some of my favourite items here with you in case you’re still on the hunt for your handsome partner!

scroll down to find the guide!

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In order of appearance from top to bottom, right to left:

Nike Tech Fleece Sweats and Roshe Run Sneaker Boot // When I hopped onto the mystery bus for the Project North trip my first thought was “Omg those boy outfits are way too good!” Seriously, this sweatshirt/sweat pant combo is the perfect gift for your partner, if only because you’ll definitely steal it to wear yourself sooner or later, and don’t even get me started on the fleece lined sneaker boots.

Richer Poorer inc. socks and boxer briefs // I’m a huge fan of Richer Poorer, and I seriously might have to buy their awesome socks for everyone at every special occasion from now until the end of time.

Commodity Goods Gin Cologne // I’m crazy about cologne, but Commodity Goods makes scent shopping so easy that even the most fragrance-phobic folks could find a perfect fit. Offering adorable sampler packs in case your partner is extra picky, Commodity is truly the best brand for scent gifting. If you’re feeling super confident, splurge on a full size bottle of Gin, Whisky, or Book– all three are irresistibly good!

Linneas Lights candle in “Vetiver” // There’s nothing more attractive than dating someone who not only smells good, but knows how to make their house smell fancy too. I’m a huge devotee to Vetiver, and Linneas Lights’ rich earthy take is the perfect fragrance to spice up a living space.

Muttonhead Toque // Designed and crafted right here in Toronto, Muttonhead is a unisex local brand with a super cute shop near my house and endless amazing gift ideas. I actually own this toque and I can safely say it will make anyone on your list warm and cozy.

Raised by Wolves Trap Life Tee // Another local brand, Raised by Wolves has that handsome woodsy Canadian thing down, and this holiday Trap Life print is so Canadian in the best possible way.

Ursa Major Trailside Candle and Traveller’s Skin Care Kit // I love Ursa Major’s all natural take on skincare, and their swoon-worthy packaging doesn’t hurt either.

Questions? Thoughts? Confusions? Let me know what you’re thinking in the comments and I’ll do my best to get back to you! 

*Note: Some or all of the items featured in this post were given to me as a gift from the maker, but I only write about products I genuinely adore, I promise!*