What is December to You?

To me December is about family, extended family, friends, counting our blessings and giving to those less fortunate.  Sometimes distance (location), weather (road conditions), illness and finances can make it difficult for all the family to gathered at the same time in one place - but sending a hand written card is priceless and the phone, face-time, or skype make it possible to be together (even if for a few minutes) when you can't be.

Here is a little reminder of why we celebrate in December...
CHRISTMAS

The word Christmas comes from the old English "Cristes maesse" meaning Christ's Mass. The Holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The actual birthday of Jesus is not known; therefore, the early Church Fathers in the 4th century fixed the day around the old Roman Saturnalia festival (17 - 21 December), a traditional pagan festivity. The first mention of the birthday of Jesus is from the year 354 AD. Gradually all Christian churches,  accepted the date of December 25th. 
In American/English tradition, Christmas Day itself is the day for opening gifts brought by jolly old St. Nick. Many of our current American ideals about the way Christmas ought to be, derive from the English Victorian Christmas, such as that described in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." 

The custom of gift-giving on Christmas goes back to Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Kalends. The very first gifts were simple items such as twigs from a sacred grove as good luck emblems. Soon that escalated to food, small items of jewelry, candles, and statues of gods. To the early Church, gift-giving at this time was a pagan holdover and therefore severely frowned upon. However, people would not part with it, and some justification was found in the original gift giving of the Magi, and from figures such as St. Nicholas. By the middle ages gift giving was accepted. Before then it was more common to exchange gifts on New Year's Day or Twelfth Night.

SANTA CLAUS

Santa Claus is known by British children as Father Christmas. Father Christmas, these days, is quite similar to the American Santa, but his direct ancestor is a certain pagan spirit who regularly appeared in medieval mummer's plays. The old-fashioned Father Christmas was depicted wearing long robes with sprigs of holly in his long white hair. Children write letters to Father Christmas detailing their requests, but instead of dropping them in the mailbox, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draft carries the letters up the chimney, and theoretically, Father Christmas reads the smoke. Gifts are opened Christmas afternoon. 
From the English we get a story to explain the custom of hanging stockings from the mantelpiece. Father Christmas once dropped some gold coins while coming down the chimney. The coins would have fallen through the ash grate and been lost if they hadn't landed in a stocking that had been hung out to dry. Since that time children have continued to hang out stockings in hopes of finding them filled with gifts. 

Greenery and Christmas Tree

The hanging of greens, such as holly and ivy, is a British winter tradition with origins far before the Christian era. Greenery was probably used to lift sagging winter spirits and remind the people that spring was not far away. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is descended from ancient Druid rites. 

The decorating of Christmas trees, though primarily a German custom, has been widely popular in England since 1841 when Prince Albert had a Christmas tree set up in Windsor Castle for his wife Queen Victoria, and their children. 

As I googled and read, refreshing my mind about all the various elements which together fill the month of December with celebrations ~ it was interesting to note all of these elements come together (originated) from different parts of the world. Perhaps in a simple way - December is a time when knowing or unknowingly we all come together - no matter our background, religious or non-religious beliefs. 

Yes, opening a wonderfully wrapped box from a loved one is magical (and watching the excitement of small children as they tear into the wrapping is priceless), we do exchange gifts at the High Heeled Life home. But we are also remembering there is much more than opening gifts, in celebrating this time of year. One way we are trying to do this is - the children in our lives, along with their Christmas present from us - will be getting a special gift, inside will be a note with details on what was given to someone in need, instead of buying them (the child) another gift.

This year try not caving into the pressures of the media/society about more and bigger. Instead of emptying your wallet or swiping that plastic card, buy ONE gift with meaning. Spend time with family, loved ones and friends creating memories. Give a helping hand to those who truly need (shelter, food, clothing, friendship).

What ways do you help little ones understand why we celebrate Christmas, and that it's not just about getting/opening gifts?

High Heeled Life Wardrobe Organization

In North America the bigger the better and when it comes to closets this has become increasingly the norm. Take this closet for example - despite how well organized it looks - and many of us salivating and thinking if only we had this much space our closet would be this organized. Chances are the owner of this closet and all it's contents still says "I have nothing to wear"!  And she is probably correct, a huge wardrobe and space to store it does not automatically equal ease in dressing. Actually the more space one has the greater chance it is filled with pieces that make no-senses together or have been purchased because they "looked good on the store display" but do not coordinate with existing wardrobe pieces.

If you venture off to Europe, you will discover closets in most homes (and apartments) are not a standard feature. Like kitchens - closets are portable furniture pieces. We have all  Ohhed and ahhhed, at some fabulous armoire in an antique shop- well that is what most Europeans have in terms of storage for their clothing.  Perhaps this is where Europeans (and particularly the French) have gained an advantage in always looking perfectly dressed. Each piece in their wardrobe must look fabulous and make them feel wonderful when they wear it. They literally have no room to waste on pieces that may "one day" fit or pieces that do not work with their wardrobe basics or pieces that will have a shorter life span than a chocolate chip cookie in the hands of a two year old.

The average closet size and the look of it's contents in North America, probably looks a lot like this. Everything is crammed in together in a standard builder's closet - consisting of one shelf and one hanging pole. These closets of course are over-filled, with clothes that no longer fit (or were purchased - for when "I loose the weight" I will look great in this); clothes that never quite fit right but the "deal" was too good to pass up; and let us not forget with the economy so bad ~ the "I can't throw that out".
Now that you have determined your style,  edited (decluttered) your current wardrobe  and have been left with your basic wardrobe pieces its time to get them off the rolling rack and into your closet.

With your Basic Wardrobe pieces hanging on the rolling rack, and your closet empty, now is the time to get in there and give a little revamp. Here are some tips on things I have done over the years of living in small apartments (with some even smaller closets).

1) Create more space ~ often there is excess room at the top of the closet, which you either never utilize because it's difficult to get those items or you have piled on so much up there that should you move one thing it will certainly result in a clothing avalanche. Measure and determined if by removing the useless shelf if the bar can be moved up and a second bar added  or a various bars and extra storage spaces. The result you have just doubled your hanging space and added extra storage areas. Do-it-yourself kits ~ start around $140 for enough shelves, rods and accessories to outfit an 8-ft. closet.

2) Box it up ~ If you are a shoe connoisseur, instead of having your shoes all lined up against the wall, how about keeping them in their boxes. Take a photo of your shoes and attach it to an outside  end of the box. This will automatically reduce the space taken up by shoes, the boxes stack easily on top of each other and the photo lets you see exactly what pair is inside. You could also use clear boxes.

3) Keep the floor clear ~ this will encourage you to maintain a tidy, organized area.

4) Keep it visible ~ By keeping your basic pieces visible you will be able to easily coordinate outfits,  not forget what you have and YOU WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO WEAR. 

5) One in - One Out ~ (once you have your basic wardrobe pieces) for every new piece you put in your closet an existing piece needs to be removed (donated, sold, or discarded)

With careful planning (I didn't say it was going to be easy peasy) and staying true to your style your closet will go from the messy - disorganized disaster in the above image - to a calm, well organized closet like the image below. 

Would love for you to share your tips on tackling closet organization...

For previous posts in this series click links below: 

What's Your Style?, Editing (decluttering) Your Wardrobe ,High Heeled Life Wardrobe Essentials

Sharing this post with: My Friday's Fancies * Fashion Friday * What Inspires Me Friday Feathered Nest Friday ~ Show and Tell Friday ~ Inspiration Friday ~ Home Sweet Home Friday ~ Fridays Unfolded ~Potpourri Friday 2805
* closet make-over images via google search - image edits High Heeled Life

Cup of Tea & Scents for the Home...Thinking Out-Loud ~

When I sit down to enjoy my afternoon cup of tea, more often than not I seem to reach for a lemon or cinnamon blend of something or other. Without realizing it, this afternoon ritual of taking time for myself with a cup of tea inherently included a form of Aromatherapy ~ various scents can change our mood; making us feel better, more revitalized and relaxed. Lemon ~ is a scent that helps to get one's thoughts in order to be able to concentrate on them. Cinnamon ~ is said to assist in  regaining a little focus in your life. Interesting that these are areas that I continue to find challenging, especially mid-day when fatigue starts to settle in or it has been a day of chaos, noise and busyness.

This started me thinking on ways to increase the use of scents in our home in a natural way. Looking around I realized that I have been using our Lampe Berger lamps more for decor than there actual purpose and that I rarely burn candles anymore - evident by the drawer full of orphaned candles. 

Since enlisting the Lampe Berger lamps back into service, visiting friends have started commenting on how tranquil the air in our home is upon entering. Unlike plug-ins and spray air-fresheners, there are not heavy perfumed smells or chemicals being released into the air.

Lampe Berger ~ To cleanse and fragrance the air in our home we use various scents from Lampe Berger depending on season and the rooms. Paris Chic is a favourite for spring and summer , throughout the main living areas. For the kitchen I love Almond Pear or Orange Cinnamon; when cooking a delicious meal So Neutral is a great option (especially when cooking fish dishes) - removes odors without adding fragrance. To freshen up the air in the bedrooms (most important when it's winter and windows are rarely open) Lavender fields is our choice.


We are fortunate to own a few of the wonderful Lampe Berger lamps, some simple, and  a couple vintage pieces which I found via Mariette's Back to Basics boutique (a fabulous on-line boutique for exquisite gifts from time passed).  The Butterfly (pictured) and Four Seasons in the patterned collection of Lampe  Berger have waiting spots in our home ~ one day they will be added to our little collection.

A little background:The first Lampe Berger lamp was created in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacy dispenser, to purify the air in hospital wards.

Going through my "collection" of orphaned candles, and with Mr. G's nose sense (as you know from reading this blog - my sense of smell tends to come and go since my little detour in life). We discovered many had literally lost their scent, while others did not smell anything like what the description of their scent suggested. Having become more aware of the important role scent plays in our day to day life and it's ability to alter our mood, we started searching for candles that would also be healthy and provide a pleasing look. That's when we stumbled across Cire Trudon candles. On an outing to a local boutique that carries Cire Trudon candles we were able to sample various scents and have come up with one that I look forward to writing my letters by.


Cire Trudon ~ I recently discovered the world of Cire Trudon candles and to say I'm beyond excited is an understatement. These candles are known for the quality of their wax, which is made from rice, soy and copra (coconut kernal). It burns cleanly, doesn't drip, lasts a long time, is biodegradable and is particularly well suited to carrying pigment and scent. The glass containers used for the scented candles are hand made in Vinci, Italy.

Trianon is the candle from the collection which is most associated with Marie Antoinette and I will start my venture into the world of Cire Trudon with it. It is going to be my little luxury treat in the new year. Hopefully purchased at their Paris boutique location, but I would be happy to acquire one or two via a local retailer. 

A little background: In 1643 a salesman named Claude Trudon arrived in Paris and became the owner of a store in Rue Saint-Honoré. He was a grocer but also a wax merchant and supplied his customers with candles for lighting their homes and for the parish. Trudon grew and began supplying the French court and the most important churches. The Trudon company supplied Versailles until the very end of the monarchy. As Napoleon’s wax producer during the Empire, the company survived the arrival of domestic lighting and the birth of the "electric revolution" continuing to prosper.It is now the oldest and most prestigious wax manufacturer in the world.

My teacup today, is a fine porcelain china teacup from Teavana ~ a birthday gift from my brother and sister-in-love a couple years ago. The shape of the handle enables better grip of the cup- especially when your hand can be a little weak at times. The blossom tree design is slightly raised and the colour of orange/red with yellow brightens the day on cold winter like days. The lid for the cup helps to keep the warmth of tea a little longer, especially if one drifts off in a relaxing day dream.

I also like the strainer insert ... perfect for loose leaf tea or for holding the teabag placed on the small saucer.

Our snack with afternoon tea is a strawberry and cream flaky with a few cubes of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The tea is original chai from Pukka ~ an organic black tea gently spiced with cinnamon,cardamom and ginger.

What scents do you enjoy in your home?

What do you use to bring these scents into your home?

Sharing this post with:  Little red House for Mosaic Mondays ~Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday  Table Top Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~  between naps on the front porch Thursday My Simple Country Life for The Country Homemaker Hop ;Katherine of Katherine’s Corner for Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop; Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home; Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday;Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold; At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday; Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. ~  What Inspires Me Friday