jillivictorio@gmail.com /

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

https://youtu.be/u8_4knRjKPo

My favorite part of the season is when we transform our home into a Christmas wonderland: putting up the Christmas tree, decking the front porch with lots of  prelit garland , pulling out our favorite decor from past years, and keeping it fresh with the prettiest pieces from (where else?)  Target’s New Holiday Collection .  We love lighting the fire and cranking up the Christmas tunes to turn our holiday decorating tasks into a festive occasion — with hot cocoa for the boys, and beer and wine for my hubby and me.

 

LIGHT IT UP

Nothing says “the holidays are here” like twinkling lights. Thanks to Target’s festive decor, greenery and prelit garland  my home will have a warm, cozy glow all season long.

shop the look: Phillip’s  prelit garland ,  Flocked Pine & Pine Cone Wreath

 

CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS

One new family tradition we started when Jonah was born is that each Christmas, we get a new family ornament to hang on the tree so that our collection grows with meaningful pieces. We’ve also gifted to our boys their own customized embroidered stockings that they love to put up each year. We have one stocking made for Gir (RIP) and Chaka that we will continue to proudly display for years to come even though Gir is no longer with us. It’s a special way for our family to remember her.  The kids love having their own little Christmas tree and a mantle in the family room where they can add their own creativity and fun touches.

Kids’ Family Room Tree

shop the look:  White Berry Pine Needle Wreath ;  prelit garland ;  3ft Prelit Balsam Fir Christmas Tree ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ; kids and pet wool stockings are from Garnett Hill;  Toy Christmas Telephone

 

 

 

Main Living Room Tree

WINTER WONDERLAND

I always start my holiday decorating process by laying a foundation with lots of greenery – garlands on the mantle, wreaths on the doors and windows, and of course a towering Christmas tree and the kids’ own tree.  I’ve been sticking to a single color palette over the years with wintry shades of white and frosty sage warmed up with cozy faux-fur, rich velvets, and pinecones, while letting the kids go wild with color and fun decorations on their tree.

shop the look:  Gold Wire Wreath ;  Candlestick Holders in Gold ;  Eucalyptus Pinecone Garland ;  prelit garland ;  Faux Fur Christmas Stockings ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ;  Letters to Santa Mailbox

 

BRING ON THE COZY

When relaxing at home, I’m all about the cozy vibes. To make the house feel extra inviting, I love layering a few extra throw pillows and draping big fluffy blankets over couches and arm chairs. I also like to add a few seasonal pieces such as art, objects and figurines to my bookshelves that I can rotate throughout the year.

shop the look:  Faux Fur Throw Pillow ;  Faux Fur Throw Blanket ; Framed Art Trees ; 

Holidays, we’re ready for ya! I hope that you all have the best time decorating your space this year and enjoying the holiday magic all season long.

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

 

As a child, Easter season was always a special holiday growing up. Coming from a Catholic background, it was always a sacred day but there was also the fun anticipation of the easter bunny leaving special treats and the excitement of egg hunts.

With kids and a little family of my own now, I’ve enjoyed starting our own new Easter traditions and continuing old ones. I’ve loved putting together an easter basket for Jonah over the years, and recently for Baron.  I probably have more fun putting them together than my kids actually do opening them. I like to keep the baskets simple, carefully choosing age-specific gifts and special treats, and it’s a tradition I always look forward to continuing now that I’m a mother.

Whether you incorporate religion into your Easter or not, here are a few ideas for making Easter special and fun for your favorite kiddos:

  • Decorate an Easter Tree: We started this tradition at our Issaquah home on a tree outside our front yard.  Jonah always enjoyed hanging egg ornaments from the bare branches. You don’t have to use an outdoor tree. A faux brand inside your home with a few plastic eggs strung on for ornaments adds instant spring style to any space.
  • Cook a big Easter Brunch:  I like to go all out and make a hearty breakfast with the usual pancakes, eggs and bacon, while adding some special dishes such as quiche, fruit tarts, special pastries and fun drinks. I love dishware so Easter is always a fun occasion to bust out the pretty plates and special cups.
  • Create a Fun Tablescape: Add fresh blooms or faux floral stems, add fun spring themed plates, napkins and cups to make your Easter meal more fun and out of the ordinary.
  • Egg Hunt: On the weekends prior to Easter Sunday, we always loved attending a private egg hunt hosted by a local farm where kids have free range to roam the fields or gardens adorned with colorful eggs.  You can create the same spring magic at home by scattering plastic eggs filled with treats around your yard or garden for kids to find and discover at their own pace. Hiding the Golden Egg is always exciting to see who finds it! The golden egg is usually filled with lucky money.  This year on Easter Eve, we’ll be going to an Easter egg hunt at a vineyard and winery – I can’t wait!  Then on Easter Sunday, we’ll have an egg hunt in the backyard for the boys.
  • Easter Crafts: Egg coloring or egg decorating, there are tons of kits out there that are easy to use and minimal on the mess!
  • Easter Baskets: I love leaving out the kids easter baskets by the door step or by the fireplace scattered with eggs to show the easter bunny came to visit.  Some fun and small gift ideas to add to baskets:

* A golden egg

* Flower seeds and garden shovels

* A new book

* Stickers

* Bubbles

* Sidewalk chalk or crayons/drawing pad

* Their favorite candy and chocolate eggs

* A small toy

* A spring accessory or outfit for church or spring occasions

  • Religious Ideas: Attend Easter Sunday Mass, read a religious or spiritual Easter book with your children, tell the story of Easter through Resurrection Eggs

I hope everyone has a joyous Easter weekend! What are some of your favorite Easter activities or traditions?