With the Super Bowl behind us [maybe next year, Buffalo] it’s time to focus on Valentine’s Day! And I don’t know about you, but when I think of Valentine’s Day, I picture bunches of balloons, sweet cupcakes, heart-shaped confetti and streamers, garlands and bunting galore. So, in honour of my own love for swag, here are some awesome examples of paper and fabric garlands used to perfection at events! 

{photo credit: Mod Cloth}

This Grecian frock would look magnificent with gladiator sandals and a headband. Maybe this can be your something gold? Wait… that’s not right.

{photo credit: Mod Cloth}

{photo credit: theontariotable.com}

My boyfriend and I purchased this cookbook back in August at the CNE. In a week we had tried four recipes from it and after that running start, we haven’t looked back. We are giving this book to everyone on our list who enjoys good food, beautiful photography and keeping it local. Check out Lynn Ogryzlo’s website to purchase the book, or visit your local Chapter’s to find this well-priced gem.

[photo credit: PortugueseVintage}

{photo credit: starshapedpress}

I also love pigs… this one I blame on my gramma. How adorable is this handmade letterpress poster from starshapedpress? Perfect for that quirky locovore or design lover. Like, seriously perfect.

{photo credit: ella's Botanicals}

Great stocking stuffers or as a hostess gift, you might actually be tempted to eat this all-natural biodegradable soap it smells so yummy! All of Ella’s Botanicals gorgeous products are sensational quick gifts!

{photo credit: LCBO.com}

Beer connoisseur on your list? Get ‘em the Mill St. Brewery Seasonal Sampler Pack! You can’t really go wrong, there are 6 different types of brews inside the box, and everyone enjoys variety!

{photo credit: Martha Stewart}

• Champagne lover? Re-purpose those wire cages from the bottles to create adorable little chairs that would be perfect for place card holders or on top of the cake!- Martha Stewart Crafts
  
• Toronto’s charlie boutique shares their favourite holiday party dresses, great for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve and seasonal weddings!  – charlieluvsyou
• Getting engaged or ring shopping over the holidays? Educate yourself about conflict diamonds and certification processes- Brilliant Earth
  
• Many weddings create more waste than you can even imagine. Donate your extra, leftover and unneeded items after the big day - Eco-Beatuiful

Happy Hallowe’en everyone! I just love this day, I have since I was a little kid. I’d classify myself as a Hallowe’en purist, I prefer classic Halowe’en costumes,  movies and TV specials, activities, decorations and treats. Give me a black cat, witch or Frankenstein’s monster over the latest pop culture costume, tarted up fairytale character or ironic non-costume every time! So in honour of the classic spirit of this day, here are a few spooky images of Hallowe’en fun!

{photo credit: The Cookie Queen}

{Photo Credit: Pear Tree Greetings}

Photo Credit: Emily Berl for The New York Times

• Is working up a sweat with your besties the new way to celebrate your final days of being a single lady?- The New York Times
  
• Where to look for “Happy Meat” in the city of Toronto, perfect if you are sourcing your own food for a small DIY wedding or event!    – Julie Kinnear Team blog
  
• Beautiful urban Toronto Fall engagement shoot - Sam Obeid
  
• How AMAZING would an edible botanical garden be as a backdrop for your sustainable wedding or special event?! Bruce Botanical Food Gardens aims to produce just that – an agricultural edu-tourism destination that is completely one-of-a-kind! [But they need your support to keep the gears in motion!] - FarmStart News