Page 14

Christmas Decorating at Home

After much dilly-dallying, I’m finally done with my decorating! Much of the decors I’ve put up have been recycled from Christmases past. (You can see my decors from 3 years ago here.) Also, you’ve already seen my Family Christmas Tree, right? A lot of the decors, though, I have only recently acquired. So let the tour begin!

You know how it’s sometimes so bothersome to pack your usual decors to give way to holiday decors? Well, that’s exactly how I felt with my husband’s toys– these Fiat Topolino and Mini-Cooper models. So instead of agonizing over where I should store them, I thought of just adding a little whimsy into our Christmas decor. I call this The Christmas Convoy. 🙂 Hubby approves!

christmas home adosofsimple_2 — I got my hubby this Fiat Topolino from a toy store in Paris a few years ago. It’s now the official Christmas tree transporter.:)

Meanwhile, I just realized (after all these years) that there’s a pine tree right across the street from our house. So I asked hubby to get me a few stems so I can decorate with REAL pine needles.

christmas home adosofsimple_6 — The Holy Family Christmas lantern

I have to say that from the point of view of a tropical native, decorating with fresh pine needles is really lovely. 🙂 Thank you, Mr. Pine-next-door!

Across the dining table, I’ve set up this red lantern on top of a side table made of twigs. I then filled the lantern with fresh pine leaves, pine cones and silver balls.

christmas home adosofsimple_15 — This lantern is from Ikea.

Meanwhile, I got these beautifully carved decorative balls from Our Home last year at half the price!

My Sagrada Familia is worth the investment.

These folkart ornaments are export overruns from Dapitan.

I’m so happy! Now I can relax and breathe in the holiday spirit!

Merry Christmas everyone!

christmas-bible-verse-isaiah-7-verse-14 — Image from Lovely, Lovely

My Family Christmas Tree

I have been feeling lethargic and exhausted lately, suffering from headaches, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath. A visit to my doctor and a couple of tests revealed that I have severe anemia. And I’ve had it for the past 2-3 weeks! No wonder I was feeling so weak!

So this explains why I haven’t put up my Christmas decors, at least not until a couple of days ago. I just couldn’t. Simply opening the boxes where I keep my decors left me breathless. It was really frustrating to not be able to do simple (and enjoyable) tasks such as decorating my home. And now, there is nothing else left to do but take my iron supplements, eat iron-rich foods, rest and wait until my energy comes back.

In the meantime, I try to sneak in a little decorating whenever I feel a little energetic. Like yesterday when I was finally able to put up my Christmas Tree. I’ve had this tree for five years now and it’s only this year that I’ve decided to make it a family tree, too.

Family Christmas Tree8

I got the frame ornaments last year during a sale. I was going to print photos of all the members of our family but decided against it since I wanted to keep the look spare and simple. So instead, I printed out the names of all family members and put these in the frames. Aren’t they pretty?

Family Christmas Tree6 copy

Family Christmas Tree11

Family Christmas Tree12

Family Christmas Tree9

Family Christmas Tree13

Family Christmas Tree1

Family Christmas Tree2

Family Christmas Tree15

Family Christmas Tree7

Family Christmas Tree4 copy

Of course our boys and girls have their very own frame ornament, too!

Family Christmas Tree14

I love the simplicity of my Christmas tree. What do you think?

Hopefully, I’d be able to finish putting up the rest of my Christmas decors soon. *crosses fingers*

By the way, the beautiful script font I used for the names is called Shipped Goods and was created by the talented Måns Grebäck. Download it for free here.

Food for Thought:

The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!

-Charles N. Barnard

The Weekend List: Neil Gaiman, Giant Snowflakes and Christmas Crafts

I know, I know. This week is far from over. But I would just like to share some lovely things that you can do over the weekend.

First, you can check out the love story of my favorite author Neil Gaiman and his lady love, Amanda Palmer. It’s a recording of Neil’s speech during his bachelor party. From reviews, I hear it’s quite touching and utterly romantic! One reviewer even said “I didn’t want it to end.”

Next, drool over this beautiful master bedroom makeover by designer Emily Henderson for Cup of Jo.

You can also teach your kids (or nephews or nieces) how to make a giant snowflake by following this super simple tutorial.

And while you’re having that special bonding session with the kids, maybe you can also do what this loving dad did here.

Lastly, since Christmas is just around the corner, you might want to do some Christmas crafting. I know I would!

There. That should keep you busy over the weekend. Or not! 🙂 Click on the images to get to the sources.

Food for Thought:

Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them.

~John Shirley

Inspiring Work Spaces

I have a confession to make: I can spend hours looking at other people’s workspaces. No, I’m not a stalker.:) I just find great inspiration in how creatives arrange furniture, decorate their rooms, and generally make their surroundings conducive for work.

I love bright, airy worskspaces with huge windows that bring the outdoors in.

I love walls that showcase their occupants’ personalities.

I love seeing cabinets or shelves that are cleverly organized.

I especially love it when a workspace reflects the creativity and ingenuity of the person who owns it.

Most of all, l love workspaces that tell a story.

Paul Cézanne's studio in Aix-en-Provence — Paul Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence

Pablo Picasso's studio, 1965. — Pablo Picasso’s studio, 1965.

Frida Kahlo's studio in Mexico. — Frida Kahlo’s studio in Mexico.

How about you? What kind of space inspires you?

As always, please click on the photos to get to the sources.

To see other Inspiring posts, click here.

Food for Thought:

“It starts with this: put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn’t in the middle of the room. Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”

-Stephen King

The Week on Instagram: The Top Shot Series

I once declared that I will ‘never use Instagram’. Ever. But due to a blog-related development, I ~~was forced~~ had to create an account. Long story short, here I am, using the application at every opportunity. The truth is, Instagram has become a great venue for me to practice photography. I don’t carry my heavy DSLR all the time (who wants to do that?). So with my handy phone camera, I am able to capture things, places and moments that would otherwise be lost forever.

So, among other things, I’ve been ‘instagramming’ about food lately. I don’t usually take photos of my ordinary/daily meals (unless I’m shooting really delcious food for Pinay Traveller) but it’s nice to practice my food styling skills once in a while. After all, I did take a food photography course a few years ago. So now, every meal is a chance to apply my unused skills.

I call this The Top Shot Series for obvious reasons. All photos were taken with my iPhone 4, with very minor editing (just adjustment on contrast and exposure). I rarely use filters on my food shots as I feel filters take away the beauty, color, and texture of the food being photographed. In some cases, I think filters can even make food look bland and unappetizing!

The thing about shooting using a camera phone (like my primitive iPhone 4) is that one has a very limited tool in one’s hands. I don’t use flash (even with my DSLR, unless it’s necessary) so for me, available light is very essential. Most of the time, I end up with very grainy photos. But that’s okay. It adds to the charm, don’t you think?