
Retail therapy and Christmas, here we come!
It’s been bucketing it down with rain like only Vancouver rain can manage. (Nope, I’m sorry but Oxfordshire rain pales in comparison.) So on this dreary, cold day, mom came over to my side of town and we decided to have a little lunch, run a few errands and check out some of the stores.
It’s November 2nd, and this means it’s fair game for Christmas decorations in the Vancouver stores.
Fair enough. I only really have a problem if the Santas and sparkles and lights come out before Halloween, but then that’s probably just me.
But bring on November and bring on the Claus…it’s all good. So, what follows are a few of the best of the best that I found:
I wanted to show you these critter pillows. I LOVE THEM…OMG! Immediately I’m thinking of how I can make my own version for my bed. I could paint them, have some photos printed on canvas, or embroider them. Painting will probably win out. It’s easy to paint on fabric. I have a dress. It was made for my mother, and my aunt painted the bottom of it for a Halloween party in the 70’s. The dress and painted design of white spiderwebs and thistles is still fine despite being folded in the Halloween box and worn to parties by me or my daughters for years. Also loving that fake fur pillow.
How cute is this little deer next to the tree trunk vase. I loved these little deer and they are made from bits of bark. How hard can that be to make around a piece of Styrofoam roughly carved into a deer shape? Not too hard I think. Bet there could be 13 deer on the fireplace mantle in no time. π
I also loved these place mats and, actually, the modern dishes looked great on them too. I’m beginning to see a theme of clean, white, natural, wildlife for my Christmas this year. π
I found these two wreaths I liked very much. I liked the natural, snowy look of the pinecone wreath, (which I could make in no time), but I also loved the look of this silver twinkly wreath. I was thinking twigs sprayed white and glittered with silver glitter might look nice.
My last photo is from one on my favourite stores called Lulu Lemon. You might know it, and yes I know, the company is very good at putting their foot in their mouth now and again…no I’m not talking about yoga either…but I’m a fan of those clothes and the company would have to do a lot more than just come up with a stupid comment every once in a while to make me fall out of love, (because as every one knows, true love lasts for ever). Anyway, I’m coveting one of these gorgeous big gym bags. Wouldn’t that be the ideal thing to fly to England with? I think so. And also am coveting a couple of the hoodies and a new pair of yoga pants. (sigh) Maybe if I’m a really good girl…
Hey, my 31 days Nester challenge for October went well and I think I produced 31 posts in 31 days…please don’t go back and count and tell me I didn’t, let me live with my delusions of grandeur…lol…and so I’ve joined BlogHer and my friend Rarasaur for Nano Poblano, π Β Rara’s name for the November daily post challenge. So I think I’ll just keep going. π Β But then, we all know how good I am at keeping schedules and following rules.
rarasaur
Yay! I’ve been enjoying your daily posts! *hugs*
Veronica
Yay..too, because I just apologized for linking to you…lol. π
Judith at Lavender Cottage
I like the early shopping items you found and a nature theme could stay out all winter. Lulu Lemon makes good quality clothing and I have one daughter that pretty much only wears their line.
Veronica
I never thought of that Judy, but that’s so true, it would be wonderful to transition that decoration from “winter” to Christmas. I love it. I know what you mean about living in them. Chloe does too, and especially for her rock climbing and, for me, they’re the best clothes for yoga by far. I know they’re expensive, but so well made that you actually only need one or two pieces. But then they’re so cute…. π
hunteeboy
It’s too early to think about Christmas shopping lol. Shhhh. Don’t tell my my wife I said that lol. Thanks for sharing
Veronica
I know, I know David! While I’m perfectly happy to stay quiet on the subject, I have a feeling your wife will find out anyway. π
Joanne
Well, I’m looking forward to that twiggy wreath sprayed white and glittery!
If it works – I’m gonna go to the forestry and nick a few twigs myself!!
Spoonflower are great for getting digitally printed fabric – really easy and quick too…
xx
Veronica
Let’s give it a try. π Thanks for the Spoonflower tip Joanne. π I’ll look into it. π
DogsMom
Normally I don’t want to hear Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but there are some beautiful melodies that are considered Christmas that aren’t all religious or jingly bells. I can listen to those longer.
We stopped at a floral shop open house yesterday but yikes the prices! Like you I kept saying “I can make that” and for a fraction of the price. If only I had a few more hours every day.
I admire you taking on this writing challenge and I will be here often (not promising daily) to cheer you on.
Veronica
I have to smile DM because Robert has a habit of whistling Jingle Bells when he’s happy. I love it, even in July. I love seeing him feeling happy. Thank you so much for popping back and visiting me. I just know we’ll be friends. π
uppoppedafox
My cat sleeps like that!
Veronica
Your’s too? I’ve heard from so many people now who’s cats do this. I love how Dawn calls it the airing out position. π
Dewena Callis
I love going shopping, via blogs at least! and those modern dishes on the white placemats with three trunks sounds like a great inspiration for Christmas decor. My problem is that there aren’t enough rooms in my house for all the pretty things I’m seeing online now for Christmas.
Veronica
I know that feeling Dewena! Lol. Robert tells me that I could open a shop and stock it from my house and never have to buy any stock. π
Alynia
awwww the deer is so cute!
Veronica
It is, isn’t it? Can’t be that hard to make. π
Robbie
What lovely pictures! I’m with you I get sooo IRRITATED when retailers push holidays down our throats. I saw Christmas stuff out the first week of October.
Veronica
Hi Robbie, thank you so much. I know what you mean. I’ve boycotted Costco for that reason for almost all of October. It somehow takes the special feeling out of Christmas, doesn’t it? π I’m glad you left me your addy because now I can come visit you. π
Daryl
they’re lululemon (all one word) here and sorely over priced in my opinion … i popped in to find a pair of not leggings to use as pj bottoms and was amazed at how pricey they are and i really am not one to let price stop me if i like something ..
Veronica
It is here too Daryl, and I completely agree with you on the price. I know here one pair of yoga pants cost somewhere around $100, but then, they move with you and never ride up or down and hold your tummy in. And, actually one pair is all I really need. (and I have two) I’m just being greedy. π
Sara v
Veronica–I LOVE shopping with you, you find the Coolest Things!! I love how that owl face looks, but I think it might creep me out after awhile–and fluffy pillows? Yes. Please. π