There is something exciting afoot….or perhaps I should say, aDRIFT! More and more people are choosing handmade gifts for their holiday gift-giving.  People at my office are crafting on their lunch break, friends are sharing their plans and progress when they meet on the ferry, I am meeting with another mom to do secret sewing, my kids are posting handmade cookies and ornaments to their great-grandparents (they also made enough stuff to host a table at a local craft fair, more on that in another post), even my hubby is going to help me with the scroll saw project I am planning.  And many of us are buying handmade creations from others who make it their business to make amazing stuff!

I am so excited that this approach to holiday shopping is gaining momentum!  More and more people are choosing gifts that are handmade and locally created. It is good for our neighbours & our communities (which means it is good for all of us), and of course the planet. It is enjoyable for the gift-giver (mall or craft fair— is there really any choice?) and appreciated by the giftee (they will feel the LOVE).

This year, I am making many of my presents, buying some very special items at local craft fairs and ordering in a few unique items from Etsy (an international, online marketplace for handmade goods, sold directly by the makers).  I have the perfect, unique gift for everyone on my list. Well, almost everyone….and that is why I am heading to one more craft fair this weekend.  I am sure I will find something just right for my mother-in-law at the DRIFT Indie Art Market & Show at the Nanaimo Art Gallery.  I am excited to meet new artists and support my friends that will be selling their wares at this event .

Opening night is tomorrow! Where do you plan to finish off your holiday shopping this weekend?

P.S.  For a sneak peek of some of the handmade goodness you will find, check out the DRIFT event page on Facebook.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.    Inspired by Soulemama.  

Please feel free to share your photographic moments,                                                    leave a link in the comments section for all to find and see.

I had to share a view from my kitchen this week. My baker hubby has pulled out the Tartine Bread recipe book with thoughts of making his hand-rolled croissants again. Must be since we have France on the brain!  The plans for a trip to visit his family next summer are ramping up and we will book our flight (yay, airmiles!) any day now.  In the meantime, I will hope his croissants materialize and am pleased with the amazing French Onion Soup he made using the recipe from this book. Especially pleased that my hubby went on a thrift store hunt for the bowls and made this yummy meal for all of us (topped with bread he made to fit perfectly his thrifted vessels).  Oh the joys of living with a baker!

I also thought you might like to see the Nikki McClure art card I found this week and tucked into a frame.  I love her stunning paper cut art and bought a poster and some cards while in Seattle last year.  The unearthing of this card, while purging in the studio, was like a surprise gift (I had forgotten all about it) and the purge also resulted in a tote full of empty picture frames.  Et voila, instant steamy tea cup art to make me smile as the tea drinking wintery weather arrives! In this photo also, the dregs of a tea party with the girls and some of their little friends (the only time I let them add sugar to their tea – not a surprise that they LOVE having tea parties when guests come over).

What are you making in your kitchen these days?  I will leave you with some action shots of the French Onion Soup making.  Somehow we were too busy enjoying this soup (possibly THE BEST soup I have ever had) to take an photos of it being devoured Perhaps it will inspire you to try a new recipe (or, better yet, your husband!).

These days I am trying more often to “go to my heart place”.  When stress is building and I want to yell and pull my hair out, I am sometimes able to avoid the storm by breathing deep, closing my eyes, and feeling the peace that is at my centre.  When I can do this (for I admit I am definitely not always able to rein in my temper), then I can feel the love and peace soothe me and can breathe into the next moment with a juicy shift of perspective.

The other day, needing a break, I took it one step farther and literally went to my heart place – the beach.  When I am by the sea I automatically breathe more deeply, worry less, see the beauty around me, and feel the peace that is deep inside my heart.  The shining sun revived the light deep inside and as I walked I found so many hearts.  It was like the universe was agreeing that this heart place of mine (at the beach and inside) is so very present.  Now, all I need to do is remember that for more of the moments in my busy and sometimes challenging days.

Sending you beach love and heart peace.  XO.