Home for
THE HOLIDAYS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
EDITOR'S LETTER
from the editor Dear Readers,
I’m sharing this gift guide with you with the simple hope that you might find inspiration,
As the time approaches to say farewell to
whether an idea for a present to gift the
2018 and we immerse ourselves in the
special people in your life, or that you might
festive season with our loved ones, my heart
try one of my favourite Christmas cookie
is full of gratitude. I am so very grateful for
recipes!
the community that supports The Best of this Life. To my family, friends, and wonderful
I love this beautiful season we’re in, and I
readers - I am so blessed and thankful to be
truly believe it can be a most joyous and
part of your lives. My hope is that this
mirthful time, especially when we share our
holiday season is filled to the brim with joy
blessings with those around us.
for you and your loved ones! From my family to yours, we wish you a Looking out from my family room window at
Merry Christmas! May the cheer of this
the Christmas lights glowing up and down
season be with you now and into the new
our street, I can't help but reflect on the
year!
best things this year has brought to my family and me. On the list, is the privilege and joy it is to connect with you.
E. Smith
EMILY SMITH THE BEST OF THIS LIFE
Winter florals pair nicely with textured fabrics, such as this knit skirt. photo credit: Hello Lovely Ottawa
READING SOCKS
Adorable reading socks from Indigo
STYLE
GIFTS
$34.50
$125
LAYERING NECKLACE
BLUE CHALCEDONY EARRINGS
Channel Stone Layering $62 Necklace from Station $62 Banana Republic
wearemovingmountains.com
$62
CHECK PRINT PONCHO
A chic layering piece from VERO MODA | thebay.com $48
IPHONE CASE
Quilted north south crossbody from Kate Spade New York $210
Don't forget to pause & enjoy the simple things this season photo credit: Hello Lovely Ottawa
DALLAS HIKER BOOT
These boots are made for walking! cougarshoes.com $200
DUBLIN HI-TOP SNEAKER
Stylish winter sneakers to keep toes warm and dry. cougarshoes.com $150
Boots, jeans, and a cape, let's go! photo credit: Hello Lovely Ottawa
HARD CANDY
Good Vibes Only Travel Bath Kit $5
BEAUTY
GIFTS
HARD CANDY
$24.97
My Bag Of Tricks Holiday Kit
his & h LE MALE + CLASSIQUE ers Limited edition Jean
SPA COLLECTION
A pampering gift set from Burt's Bees
Paul Gaultier scents $108 -$128
$35
DR HAUSHCHKA MAKEUP SET
The new Eye-Catching Make-up set is perfect for holiday lips.
$19.99
LAURA MERCIER MASTERCLASS ARTISTRY HOLIDAY EDITION $160
mate the ulti t gift se
$86
STARLIGHT MINI LIP GLACE
A beautiful collection by Laura Mercier BIOTHERM BLUE THERAPY RED ALGAE UPLIFT CREAM
$67
A fun faux fur coat elevates your holiday look, while keeping you warm! photo credit: Hello Lovely Ottawa
KUSMI TEA
Tsarevna holiday edition
FOODIE
GIFTS
$39.99
$39.50
INDIGO
Cut Glass Coupe -Set of 4 SIMONS
Foodies bamboo utensils - Set of 5
$20
PURDYS
Holiday Tree Gift Box, 22 pc $30
FRUIT COUTURE
Celebrate the holiday season with a beautiful assortment of macarons from fruitcouture.ca $93.75
Fruit Couture has a wide selection of delicious treats you'll love for the holidays and all throughout the year!
Holiday Photo Tip: whispers and giggles are a great way to capture candid memories! Photo credit: Ina Soulis Photography
STRIPED CREW SWEATER IN DEEP WINE
Such a handsome winter sweater
MINI HOLIDAY
STYLE BOOTS + BOWS
Don't forget the cute accessories!
MID-TOP BRADLEY BOOT
A classic boot for special occasions.
METALLIC CABLE KNIT SWEATER DRESS
This dress is cozy & cute for dressing up!
All pieces can be found at The Children's Place
Santa's WORKSHOP
JUST
SUR
PRIS
HAVE
FUN!
E!
HOURS
AY! OF PL
1. HEXBUG Off-Road Truck 2. Fingerlings Hugs - Bella 3. Kerplunk 4. Air Chargers 3 in 1 Stunt Loop 5. Crate Creature Big Blowout 6. Massive Monster Mayhem Power Punchers
Massive Monster Mayhem toys are fun for active and imaginative play! Read my full review on bestofthislife.com Available for purchase at Toys R Us Canada.
GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE COOKIES
These Christmas cookies are fluffy, moist, decadent, minty, and super chocolatey! 2 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup baking cocoa 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 cup coconut sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup crushed candy canes Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If your candy canes aren't crushed already, prepare them by putting them in a ziplock bag and  crushing them using a rolling pin. In a medium mixing bowl, blend together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa. In a seperate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream butter and both kinds of sugar together until smooth. Add in eggs, mix, then add in extracts and mix once more. Gradually add flour mixture to wet mixture and beat until combined, don't over blend. Place the crushed candy canes in a small bowl. Using a tablespoon, spoon the dough into rounded balls and lightly dip the tops of the cookies into candy cane pieces. You just want enough pieces for a nice topping (none on the bottom). Place cookie balls on prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and gently press the top down slightly. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a baking rack to cool. Enjoy!
HOLLY
JOLLY
CHRISTMAS
merry christmas! Thank you so much for taking the time to read The Best of this Life's Home for the Holidays gift guide! I hope some of these gift ideas have inspired your Christmas gift-giving. Many of the items I've shared in my guide, I've also written blog posts about if you'd like to learn more about them, visit bestofthislife.com. I look forward to sharing in the joy of this season with you dear readers and friends.
From my home to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
With love and gratitude, Emily xx
#BOTLjoyfulchristmas The Best of This Life | bestofthislife.com Instagram | instagram.com/bestofthislife Facebook | facebook.com/bestofthislife Twitter | twitter.com/bestofthislife Email | emily@bestofthislife.com
