Hello friends and welcome to a brand new week.
A moment in time
If you believe in Christmas miracles then let me tell you how I was certainly blessed with one this week.
As I was out enjoying an early morning walk around my neighbourhood, I had a chance encounter with a lovely girl named Nicole who was walking and snuggling her little fluff ball Penny, a new puppy that had joined her family six weeks prior. We struck up a conversation as I felt compelled to meet her and her puppy. On the previous evening, I had been thrown a curve ball when a friend I had lined up to care for my cat Chili whilst I was away on an upcoming family vacation, had unexpectedly become unavailable. Whilst contemplating my dilemma as I was walking, my chance meeting with Nicole and my observation of the care and kindness she displayed towards Penny, prompted me, in a moment of despair, to seek her help in becoming my cat sitter whilst I was on holidays. I cannot tell you how excited she was. It turns out that Nicole adores animals and to be entrusted to the care of my cat was the ultimate complement. It made my day that this chance meeting with this special girl had not only solved my dilemma regarding the cat, it had also created a beautiful story about human connection for each of us to share with others. Nicole truly was my Christmas angel.
A little fun and frivolity, my twelve days of Christmas Gift guide.
Oh deer, Christmas is almost here.
After what can only be described as a doozy of a year we all need a reason to get festive, so I thought we’d have a little fun this week as we countdown to Christmas. For the first twelve days of December I’d love to share a selection of beautiful gifts I’d be more than happy to find in my Christmas stocking or to give as gifts to my loved ones. Not withstanding that after the horrid year that most of us have encountered as a result of the dreaded ‘C’, I think first and foremost the most important gift for any of us, would be to give or receive a whole lotta kindness, love and companionship.
And now, let’s begin the Advent countdown.
On the first day of Christmas who wouldn’t love to receive a pair of Tropical Garden socks which can be viewed @hellojuliewhite These silky soft socks designed in Australia feature a hand drawn print inspired by plants and flowers in the Darwin Botanical gardens. They will be sure to ‘knock your socks off’!
On the second day of Christmas I’d love to gift a set of Flora and Fauna measuring cups and spoons which can be found @jumbledonline What a quirky and unique gift for the home chef in your family or someone who needs to be inspired to start baking.
On the third day of Christmas I’m drooling as I imagine sitting around on Boxing Day with my buddies watching movies and savouring the taste of decadent caramel flavoured popcorn. Think gingerbread caramel, rosemary caramel or good old chocolate caramel, there’s a unique flavour for every palette. Snap, crackle and pop, what are you waiting for? Handmade in Melbourne you can find them @cracklecorn
On the fourth day of Christmas I’m thinking of my six year old nephew. What little or big kid doesn’t get the giggles talking about ‘poo’? Surprise him with a game of Poo Bingo and see who knows there animal poos the best? Think you could be a winner? Head to @thepantonstore to shop now.
On the fifth day of Christmas I’m looking ahead to Boxing Day and making a beeline to the sand. A girl needs a pretty basket to pop her book and beach towel into and you can’t go wrong with a one from this collection of jute baskets ethically made and sourced from artisans in India. Head to @merchantcampbell to see the range if you are unable to visit the store in Yass.
On the sixth day of Christmas we’re back in the kitchen. Need to freshen up the linen for all those guests you’ll be entertaining over summer? Then look no further than these pure linen tea towels, screen printed and handmade in Sydney by Maya Muse Textiles. The designs are inspired by Australian landscapes and botanicals, are hand drawn and hand printed the old fashioned way with hand mixed inks. Have a peek at Maya’s beautiful creations over @mayamusetextiles on Instagram where you’re certain to fall in love.
Look out for next week’s newsletter for the final six of the Twelve Days of Christmas shopping where there will be lots more ideas on how to support local and ethical small businesses.
Until then, may your days be both serendipitous and enjoyable.
Eugenia
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