Many of us aren’t able to spend the holidays with loved ones in person this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still make memories together!

I absolutely love gift giving, and I’ve found myself being much more intentional with my gift purchases nowadays. I try to think long and hard about what my loved ones will really use and enjoy. What’s something that will enrich their life and won’t end up discarded the week after Christmas? Beautiful products that are made to last and created both sustainably and ethically - that’s what it’s all about! Supporting businesses who care about the environment is important to me, so this year I compiled the ultimate eco-friendly gift guide. I own a good amount of the products on this list myself, and they bring me joy everyday! I encourage you to research these brands yourself, or any brand you plan on buying from this holiday season. Make sure they stand for what’s important to you - whether it’s natural, non-toxic ingredients, fair wages for workers, donations to a good cause made with every purchase, or zero-waste packaging.

I came to the sad realization this year that our Christmas ornaments may be gone for good. Wahhh! Eddie couldn’t find them in our garage last December, and this year I tore the place apart to no avail. I think they may have gotten thrown out by mistake during our move into the Hobbit House! But instead of buying a bunch of new ones, I decided to build on last year’s floral tree and add sunflowers to the mix. One of my fave flowers, they always make me smile :)

Our first Christmas in the new house! I’ve been excited to celebrate in our lil Hobbit House all year, and I’ve really been looking forward to having a Christmas tree in the living room. However, I was a little nervous about how we’d make it fit with all our furniture. I also knew I wanted to incorporate florals into the tree, but wanted it to be subtle and easy to decorate - while still fitting in with our current decor. Cue this fab White Rose and Calla Lily Garland. Faux florals already arranged so all I have to do is throw a few on the tree? Yes please! Easy peasy and reusable for future years. I purchased 4 of them and in hindsight, could have actually used 5 or 6 for maximum impact, but I still love how they look! I bought them planning on incorporating our holiday ornaments into the tree as well, but when I sent Eddie into our garage to find them, he came back empty handed. Haaaaa! Oh, Eddie. I didn’t have the energy to go hunting through all the boxes we have in there myself, and I actually really like the simplicity of the garlands alone with the tree lights - so this year’s tree is remaining ornament-less.