Snow Day

Thursday, December 31, 2015







Friends!  How are you?  I hope the holidays have been treating you well!  We have been enjoying a lovely holiday thus far.  Lots of relaxing and taking the days as they come.  It's absolutely wonderful to have no agenda and to be able to truly relax with our entire gang together.

Do you have any big plans for NYE?  We will be hanging out here at home and I'm excited that we can have a bbq thanks to the somewhat warm temps.  We did get a good amount of snow the other day, so the ground is now covered in a blanket of the white stuff, but it's not too chilly.  I love a fresh layer of snow!  Can't wait to go tobogganing!

This year was absolutely amazing.  I'm thankful for all of the opportunities that came my way and for the friendships I made.  I have to say that I'm really looking forward to the New Year.  I have some projects to finish and new ones to start.  Bring on 2016!

I also wanted to take a minute to thank you.  Thank you for reading and following along.  It means the world to me that you take the time to keep up to date on what's happening here at Elliven Studio.

Happy New Years, friends!  Make it a good one!

Cheers,

Cozy Walks

Wednesday, December 23, 2015








cowl (c/o) // boots // jeans - Gap Factory // vest 

These warm unseasonal like temps are pretty amazing, but I have to admit that I would love a good dump of snow to fall for Christmas day!

This comfy look was just that, super comfy for our latest trek through the forest.  I can't even begin to tell you how cozy this cowl from Talbots is and the quilted vest from Old Navy is perfect for these warmer temps as it's not too thick.

I'm off to pick up some last minute groceries!  So excited to enjoy the holidays!

Cheers,

Buffalo Check

Monday, December 21, 2015





I certainly love knits during the winter season.  I typically purchase them in neutral colours, which allows me to add colourful accessories or shoes.

This clutch from Talbots is a beauty! I love the fabric and the size and the gold zipper is a stunning added touch!






I have some last minute errands to run today, the countdown is on!  So exciting!

Have a fantastic Monday!

Cheers,

Cable-knit Cardigans & Red Toques

Monday, December 14, 2015


Did you guys catch my Gifts for Her post?  If so, then you know that I've been secretly wanting a cable-knit cardigan for some time now.  Well, Gap had a lovely sale and the exact style of cardigan that I've been looking for, so I bit the bullet and placed an order!











We trekked down to the river for an afternoon walk this past weekend, and the cardigan was perfect!  I paired with this infinity plaid scarf and red toque.  I've had my eye on this red toque from Chapters for a while now.  I love how it adds a fun (and festive) pop of colour to outfits!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Cheers,

Holiday Gift Guide For Her!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

12/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10/

Oh you know, just a few of my favourite things right now!  I thought I'd share a few items that have caught my eye and a couple of things that I currently have and absolutely love!

1.  This Leah Alexandra ring is absolutely everything!  I've been wearing every day and have received so many compliments.  It's not only adjustable, but can easily be paired with other rings for a beautiful stacked combo.

2. I've been coveting tassel necklaces for some time now, they seem to go so perfectly with almost any outfit.  This piece from Olive + Piper looks like a winner!

3. I just recently picked up these half mitts from Old Navy and love how they keep my hands warm, but my fingers are free.  Also, the colour combo is spot on!

4. You will find me wearing a cardigan 99.999% of the time when I'm in the house.  I just ordered this  honeycomb fabulousness from Gap after being jealous of the one that my husband has from Banana Republic for far too long.  Can't wait to get my hands on it!

5. It's time to ramp up your skin care routine for the cold and dry winter months.  The Olay Total Effect Holiday Gift Set has definitely caught my eye!

6.  There's no doubt that over-the-knee boots are in right now and I totally want to jump aboard the wagon! ha!  These Dyna boots from ALDO have been in my online cart for the past little while.  I'm thinking "yes".

7. Up your wrist game with this stunner from BRAVE Leather.  I adore the pendant and it's officially on my wishlist.

8.  It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Poppy Barley.  Love their products and the entire team behind the fabulous brand.  This wristlet!  #getintomycart!

9.  One word: cashmere.  That is all.  Roots, you've done good.

10.  I can't say enough about this Anna With Love Photography print pack.  I've included a few of the photos in the gallery wall in our basement. I love that they add a touch a of colour and wanderlust to your space!

So, if you were wondering what was on my mind lately, you now know!  What are you hoping to find under the tree?

Have a lovely day, friends!

Cheers,

Holiday Cheer!

Thursday, December 3, 2015


Hello, December!  Here at our house, it's time to start packing up some Christmas parcels to ship to family and friends who don't live nearby.  We love to add a few extras to each parcel and chocolate is most definitely always on the shopping list!





I think it's safe to say that that the holidays and Ferrero Rocher go hand in hand!  Beautiful packaged and absolutely delicious make these chocolate treats a go-to for this family!

I'm still finding it hard to believe that December is here!  We picked up our tree last week and it's all decked out.  I still have some more festive touches to add to the house, but we're almost there!  Looking forward to sharing some images with you in the coming week.

Have a lovely day, friends!

Cheers,

**Ferrero Rocher chocolates were kindly gifted, but all opinions are my own.  I love those chocolates!

#BlogPodium15 - The Recap

Wednesday, November 25, 2015



Though when I look at the calendar, it’s perfectly clear that BlogPodium was nearly 2 months ago, in my mind, it feels like it was last weekend!


This was my third time attending the day long blogging conference that is geared towards lifestyle bloggers.  This year, the conference headed out West for the very first time and was welcomed with open arms.  Vancouver is a beautiful city.


My favourite thing about BlogPodium is the energy that you leave with.  It never fails.  I always leave the conference invigorated and ready to take on my blogging goals and to set new ones.


One thing that kept coming up in regards to social media channels was to only sign up for as many as you can manage well.  Let's face it, there are A LOT of apps now!  Snapchat came up a lot and I’d have to say that there were mixed opinions as to whether or not this app was worth your time.  Again, it’s not black and white.  Certain social media channels work better for some than others and some people are just better at using Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, etc, than others.  The beauty of these social channels is that they all allow you to offer something slightly different to your readers and fans.  That being said, there is no value to them if you aren't able to update them on a regular basis.  So take your time to test them out and really think abut how each one can help you with your blogging.  If you don’t feel that you have enough time to use each one well, then decide which you love the most and which you will benefit from the most and keep those apps going.



I think that’s one thing that is often overlooked, how much work it takes to have a successful blog as well as successful social media channels.  Most of the time, the numbers don’t rise in a week.  It takes time and patience and though this can be frustrating, it’s somewhat comforting to be surrounded by likeminded people who get that “struggle”.  You no longer feel as though you’re adrift on a ice flow and truly appreciate the fact that you are understood and what you're going through is the norm in the industry.  This is so encouraging, to know that everyone in the business feels the same way and that you aren’t doing anything wrong.  Reassurance.  It’s pretty priceless.



That for me, is the best part about BlogPodium.  Being surrounded by a wonderful group of amazing Bloggers who are driving down the same road as you.  I know there is talk about competition and though this is true, it’s no different than any other industry.  Singing, modeling, acting, the competition is there as well.  But the thing is that we all offer something different, we are all unique and when we put that forth, when we write in our own voices, we take shots that we love, it shows.  Authenticity is so very important and I truly believe that this is what will set you apart from the rest and make you successful.




I’m so thankful to have had the wonderful chance to work with such an amazing and inspiring team once again this year.  I’ve learned so much from these lovely ladies and can’t thank them enough for their patience, their words of encouragement and listening ears.  Heart you team!




A huge thank you to the keynote speaker, Jillian Harris.  Jillian, you inspired all of us more than you could possibly know!  Your honesty was so appreciated as was your advice and encouragement.  


And to Jen, I can't thank you enough.  You are a bundle of talent and I'm in awe of how you juggle everything that you have on the go with such grace.  Thank you for bringing us all together each year!  I truly believe that I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for you!


all images courtesy of VancouverPhotobooth.com


So go for it.  Go for those dreams that you have jotted down or pinned on to your inspiration board.  You can do it.  Take those steps and don’t be discouraged by the hurdles that you hit on your way.  It’s not always easy, but with hardwork and persistance, you WILL get there.


Happy Wednesday, friends!

Cheers,


Walks Through the Forest

Monday, November 23, 2015






The other day we realized that we hadn't been for a hike through the forest for some time.  So we bundled up and headed for a walk after dropping the kids off at school.

I love the mornings that require cozy layers and bundling up.  Next time, we'll have to sip some hot chocolate along the way.

Have a lovely Monday!

Cheers,
 

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