prairie girl musings

Tag: christmas

  • PGM’s Local Gift Guide

    PGM’s Local Gift Guide

    My fondest memories are of family Christmases, whether at home for a snowy Christmas in Canada or in New Zealand for a BBQs and picnics on the beach. I’ve been looking forward to Christmas this year even more than usual because my parents are visiting! They’ll be visiting Christchurch, seeing our first home, and exploring the South Island for the very first time.

    Despite loving the holidays, I still struggle with gift-giving. There’s so much pressure to find that perfect gift, it sometimes puts me off gift-giving altogether. My family rarely does gifts apart from necessary household items and holidays/experiences together. For friends and Nick’s family, on the other hand, I’m always on the hunt for useful, quality goods.

    I partnered with Adairs to put together a Christmas gift guide to help you find something special for each person on your list. They have  recently opened stores in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, 

    I prefer to shop local whenever possible, so all of these items are available in New Zealand. I’ve broken my list into categories, focusing mainly on those ‘hard to buy for’ individuals who deserve something extra special. 

    For the new homeowner (or homewares lover, homebody, etc.)Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

    My home (like many of my friends) is starting to look like a greenhouse. With small plants left, right and centre, I immediately fell in love with this three-tier plant holder. Perfect for smaller spaces, it fits well in a corner or behind your couch.

    Another welcome addition to any living room is a shaggy, multicoloured cushion Whether for a pop of colour or a more-is-more bedroom, I’m all about mismatched pillows in various fabrics and textures.

    Adairs 3-Tier Plant Holder
    Adairs Cushion (SOLD OUT) – Similar here and here

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    If your loved one is a bit of a homebody, they will love the lush rose bathrobe (pictured above) for lounging around the house. I always buy my mum all-natural laundry detergent because it’s a treat I know she appreciates. A vibrant beach towel is another essential for a Kiwi summer spent at the beach.

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    Mercer + Reid Ultra Soft Bathrobe Rose
    Aroma Wash Laundry Liquid 1L Fresh
    Mercer + Reid Standard Velour Beach Towel Banana Leaves

    For the men in your life

    New Zealand mainstay, I Love Ugly opened a pop up shop in Christchurch – just in time for Christmas. On St. Asaph Street (wedged in between rows upon rows of car dealerships), you’ll find this lovely menswear shop. Stock up on goodies for the men in your life. I actually gave Nick his shorts a few weeks early and he’s been living in them!

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    Frankie Short Sea Foam
    Finley Short Black
    Initial Tee White
    Gentleman’s Brand Co – Face Scrub

    For the food and wine lover…

    Do you have a friend that’s obsessed with food and drink? How about a picnic in the park, a wine and cheese evening or a basket full of delicious goodies? These are some of my favourite items for that foodie friend who’s already eaten at all the best restaurants in town.

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    Black Estate – Treble Rosé
    Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter – HoneyFix & Fogg Peanut Butter – Honey
    J.Friend & Co – Lavender Honey
    Heavensent Relish – Aubergine & Chilli
    The Chocolate Workshop Salted Caramels
    The Fine Cheese Co. – Toast for Cheese (available at Fresh Choice supermarkets)
    Home Republic – Luna Salad Servers (Brass)

    For the resolution warrior…

    We all have one friend who is a machine – charging ahead at their resolutions with resolve and determination. If your loved one is fitspo AF, I’ve got a few gift ideas they’ll love. These items are also great for those who have vowed to hit the gym come 1st January.

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    S’well Drink Bottle
    Nutra Organics – Red Velvet Latte
    The Beauty Chef – Holiday Boost Pack
    ban.do Day Planner – available at Pepa Stationery

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    Adairs Wrapping Paper with Gold Spots
    Home Republic Festive Gift Tags
    Mercer + Reid Triangle Bauble Silver & Champagne
    Home Republic Wooden Hanging Houses
    Mercer + Reid Festive Lumiere Lights Copper

    Have you started your Christmas shopping yet…? What’s on your wish list this year?

    This post was sponsored by Adairs, but as always, all opinions are my own. 

     

     

     

  • 13 Things I’m Loving Right Now

    13 Things I’m Loving Right Now

    1. Lorde’s alternate universe in her new Team video.

    2. Thai Iced Tea and Massaman curry from Khao San Road

    3. These over-the-knee socks from American Apparel.

    4. Toronto’s Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District (they have samples of mulled cine and hot scotch cider!)

    5. Travelling. I am planning something for 2014 already.

    6. My family and having my sisters in Toronto. I feel myself becoming the boring sister, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.1174844_10201196570310700_1364538345_n
    7. December, it’s my birthday in two weeks, Christmas in three, and I have made a serious dent in my Advent calendar.

    8. Working from home, and achieving a work/life blend.

    9. #GivingTuesday because everyone was posting #unselfies and donating to worthy causes like Girls’ Education.

    10. Canadiana, Christmas pyjamas and ONESIES. Also, listening to Christmas carols at work. (I know, that’s technically four things)

    11. The upcoming nuptials of my friends, Jill and Riley.

    12. “Candles are expensive, and they don’t get you drunk.” Regardless, I’ve been burning candles like a madwoman.

    13. Awaiting a visit from my Kiwi friend, Ash!
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  • 8 Holiday Party Looks

    8 Holiday Party Looks

    If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started your Christmas shopping AND made a dent in your Christmas music repertoire. If there’s one thing I haven’t really thought about, it’s what to wear to the multitude of upcoming holiday fêtes. This year, I’m attending three work parties, planning a minor shindig for my 25th birthday, and attending the wedding of my dear friend, Jill on NYE. This gives me several excuses to get decked out like a disco ball, and continually refer and pin images to my Pinterest board: all that GLITTERS because I’m cool like that.

    Are you wondering what to wear throughout the month of December and well into the new year? Here are my favourite options, simply click on the photos to find out where to buy them:

    1. I promise I’m not sponsored by Club Monaco, although I do spend an average of 20 hours amongst these beautiful garments every week. Two of my favourite pieces for the holidays are the Hattie skirt and the Kaitlin skirt. They both are holiday essentials as far as I’m concerned. If you’re going out for a dinner, simply pair with a cable knit sweater to dress your look down.
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    2. You’ll wear this classic yet modern 3.1 Philip Lim dress long after the holidays are over. I like the neckline and sheer sleeves.

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    3. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of faux fur. Here’s an option that isn’t overwhelming but would certainly amp up your holiday outfit.

    4. Add a little bit of plaid to your outfit. I’m in love with this dress by Madewell.

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    5. If you’re wanting something a little bit more elegant, the Mia dress from Club Monaco is absolutely stunning!

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    6. You really can’t go wrong with a bit of lace, especially during the holidays. Aritzia keeps it festive with this cranberry-coloured frock.

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    7. Okay, just one more look from Club M. The embellished Rebecca dress is flattering and just glittery enough to help you stand out.

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    8. Leather is still very on-trend this season, as are skater skirts. The Tartine dress by Wilfred combines these two trends, which makes for the perfect holiday get-up.

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    Let me know if you’d like me to do a men’s guide, I’d be all over that!

    Happy holidays, friends! xoxo

  • Travel Wishlist

    Travel Wishlist

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    “If you’re twenty-five, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and wide as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live, eat, and cook. Learn from them wherever you go.”

    From a very young age, my parents instilled in me a love of travel and exploration. My sisters and I were enrolled in French Immersion from age five, and spent evenings and summers learning Ukrainian. While vacations to Hawaii and Mexico are a favourite among North Americans, my parents were far more eager to take us beyond what was comfortable. My most memorable travels include visiting the remote regions of Ukraine, where we connected with our cousin, Ljuba for the very first time, exploring the sacred (and relatively tourist-free, at that time) temples in Ubud, Bali, and navigating the poverty dynamics in a nation that was re-discovering itself post-apartheid. And so, as my 25th birthday approaches, I have been pouring over travel blogs, Pinterest, and friends’ travel photos. Here are my top travel picks for 2013/2014:

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    1. Bolivia

    A country unlike any other, Bolivia is a haven for adventurous travellers. With its arid deserts, tropical rainforests, snow-capped peaks, silver mines, and colourful inland lakes, there’s much more to this landlocked country than you’d ever expect! Not to mention, Yungas Road has been declared the world’s most dangerous road, a must for any daredevil!

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    2. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo)

    Rio is known for its stunning architecture, abundant museums, and delicious food. I’d also like to see the massive Cristo Redentor statue in person, and visit the multitude of beaches (there are 23 just in Rio!)

    I have a few friends who reside in the massive metropolis of São Paolo: my first RA at MSU is from Sãn Paolo, and four of my exchange friends are from Brazil. Latin Americans possess a loveliness and warmth that I’ve always tried to embody, the demeanour of my Brazilian friends is especially attractive to me.

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    3. Havana, Cuba

    I’ve had a strong desire to visit Havana ever since first watching Havana Nights. I’m kidding, but I do have a soft spot for any dance film. After discussing the lively locale with one of my most well-travelled friends, I am certain Havana and I would hit it off. Katherine spent a semester in Havana during her undergraduate degree, and described it as one of the most exuberant cities she’s ever visited. Not so secretly, I plan to extensively visit all the places Ernest Hemingway frequented while he penned two of his best novels. I’d even like to spend a night in the hotel where he spent his days producing the masterpiece, For Whom the Bell Tolls.

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    4. Japan 

    There are endless reasons why Tokyo is considered the greatest city in the world. Its public transport, for one, is efficient and sophisticated and it possesses more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris! It has taken over as the fashion capital of Asia, and the skyscrapers are remarkable! I could go on, but I’ll just say as an urbanite, Tokyo has topped my ‘must-visit’ list for awhile now. I’ve also heard wonderful things about Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, not to mention Mount Fuji and those cherry blossoms… Needless to say, I’ll be sure to do an extensive tour of Japan when I finally get a chance to visit!

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    5. Turkey

    I’m aware that this may be a controversial addition to the list. As of late, many travellers have been hesitant to travel to Turkey given what’s happening across the border in Syria. While each traveller has a different level of tolerance for risk, it’s important to remember that Istanbul is a long way from Aleppo. I’ve been reading a lot about Turkey for one of my jobs, and appreciate all the work that’s being done to provide equal opportunities for Turkish women. There are many organizations dedicated to helping educate and send Turkish girls to school. The more I delve into my research, the more intrigued I become with this transcontinental country. I’ve known a few people who have studied in Istanbul, and it’s a hotbed for culture and history.

    I haven’t planned any trips outside North America for 2014 yet, but I will be visiting Boston, Mont Tremblant, and New Orleans in the coming months. 

    Check out my Pinterest board, Travel o f t e n to see where else I’ve been (and would like to go!)

    Where would you love to travel in 2014?

    Need more travel inspiration? Check out National Geographic’s Tours of a Lifetime.