Easton Place

holiday

December Desktop Wallpaper

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Happy, happy holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Or perhaps you're more of a "Festivus" fan? Whatever you like to celebrate this month, I do hope you have a lovely time. My family celebrates Chanukah and Christmas, so we'll be extra busy on December 25 since this year both holidays happen then. 

I have been in such a Christmasy mood this year! Last year I discovered a candle that I LOVE! It's by the company Illume, but it's sold exclusively at Barns & Nobles. The fragrance is "Cranberry Spice", it comes in a gold metal tin with a lovely red tartan design, and it smells SO good. It's not too sweet, nor too tart, but just right. I was thrilled when I saw it had returned this holiday season... so I purchased eight of them. Everyday, I bring my cup of Irish Breakfast into my studio, put on Christmas music, and light my favorite candle. It makes me feel so happy! Does anyone else have a scent that just makes them feel content and happy? I sure hope you all do, because this feeling is too good to have it be mine alone!

I've put together a Winter themed wallpaper for you to download. It's just a little reminder that "Today is a gift". It may sound cliche, but it's true. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so enjoy this day to the fullest. Wishing you and your loved ones a very sweet holiday season, and a happy, healthy New Year!

Click on the laptop above to access your downloadable image. Once downloaded, you can set it to your wallpaper on your computer. Feel free to share this post, but be kind, and link back to this original post. Thanks so much! Cheers!!

Summer Holiday 2015: Amsterdam

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This is the second year my husband and I have been able to take an extended three week trip to Europe without children. Don't get me wrong, I love my children and actually love traveling with them. That being said, they are teens now and would rather do their own thing in the summer. One spent seven weeks at his favorite camp while the other one spent six weeks studying at Cornell University in their summer program. Both were happy as could be and so were their parents!

The view from our Amsterdam apartment's dock.

The first stop of our three week journey was Amsterdam. We were originally suppose to stay for three nights, but my husband got a 24-hour bug/fever and so we left a day late. Sadly, once we arrived I got said bug and so Amsterdam wasn't really a great visit for us. Still, we did manage to walk around much of the city, enjoy the canals and relax. Not too difficult to handle. I especially loved the thin buildings lined up, looking like books on a shelf. Often buildings seemed to be sagging and even the windows followed suit. 

I'm sure we'll visit Amsterdam again, and when we do, we'll be sure to stay longer and be healthy!

A Guest Room Checklist

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There's nothing quite like going away on holiday. One gets to relax, read, have a sleep-in and just enjoy being pampered. When you're hosting overnight guests, set up your guest room to welcome your company with all the special amenities of a five-star resort. I've put together a checklist that will have any guest asking to stay just a bit longer.

First, the room basics; A well dressed bed, fresh linens, a reading corner, extra linens in the wardrobe and a clean side table for your guest's belongings.

I prefer a neutral color palette for a guest room. 

I prefer a neutral color palette for a guest room. 

Offer your guests basics as well as specialty soaps, body scrubs and moisturizers! 

Offer your guests basics as well as specialty soaps, body scrubs and moisturizers! 

I like to offer full size bottles of basics like shampoo, conditioner, shower gels, etc. Extra special goodies, like under-eye creams or night oils for the face can be had for free at the makeup counter of your favorite department store when you ask for samples. It's fun to share brands that my guests may not be familiar with, like Organic Bath Co., which makes wonderful bath goodies that smell amazing and are gentle on your skin. 

Be sure to include items that your guests might need in a pinch.

Be sure to include items that your guests might need in a pinch.

Even if you don't have a designated "guest room", you can still put together a care package for your guests, and let them know you're happy to share your home with them. 

What are your favorite items to offer your guests? And what items do you love finding on your holiday when you're staying in a lovely hotel or friend's home? Let me know in the comments below.