A NEW YEAR & A FEW THOUGHTS...

Well, friends, we made it to 2020!!! While the moment that we entered into the year 2000 really doesn’t feel that long ago (I was celebrating in Copenhagen, Denmark that year and remember it well)…it is hard to believe that was 20 years ago and we are now in the year I wrote about as the far distant future when I was a child. Crazy.

While 2019 was a year I will never forget (we lost my brother-in-law), I am entering the year 2020 with a few new thoughts; mainly with the intent that I share way more of my work, even if I don’t feel it’s ready or PERFECT. Sure, when I share client spaces, I am of course proud of the rooms we have created, but this year, I’m ready to share more little projects, ones from my crappy rental house and really just a little more of the every day that I hope will inspire you and give you the motivation to try in your own homes. I’m trusting you can keep me honest with this because truly, it’s so easy to forget intentions once the year starts to roll.

So that’s it for now. Later this week, we are installing the first playroom of the year and I honestly can’t wait. Here’s wishing you all a beautiful year in the making…starting NOW!

5 WAYS TO HELP DURING A TRAGIC TIME

It is with so much sadness, that I share what’s happened in my personal life over the past week. My brother-in-law had a sudden heart attack and died, leaving behind my sister (& best friend) and her three kids, aged 9, 14 and 17. This is them last summer.

I have never written a post like this before, but through the process of loss, there have been a few things that have come up that I thought might be helpful to share.

1. Take SO many photos (& videos):

   My sister is a photographer and if there is anything she feels grateful for right now, it is for the hundreds of photos she has of her husband and her family. Her kids have photos to tell stories about, pour over in their darkest hours and memories to hold forever. She has had family photoshoots taken by professional photographers and these sessions are valued beyond belief. Videos capture voice and personality in an even greater way. So, get our your cameras and snap away making sure you and your partner are in the shots too.

2. Stay organized:

   Having important documents labelled and organized helps those around you at all times of life, even when you are no longer here. When systems are clear and in place, it makes the inevitable process of form completion and documentation so much easier throughout the most challenging times. Digital organization is just as important as paper-based.

3. Food is a fabulous love language:

   Within hours of the tragic news, close friends dropped off a block freezer and started filling it with food. Hot meals, freezer meals, general groceries and fresh food platters started to arrive. In that moment, I realized, food is the most logical (and such an appreciated!) way to show love. It is so helpful. If you have a friend or family member going through a heartbreaking time, dropping off a meal that can be enjoyed now or used later is such a great way to give.

4. Play:

   While each child copes differently and processes at different times, play is a beautiful way to connect. With younger kids, reach out and set up play dates. With older ones, invite them for a movie date. Any distraction that can allow a break for the mind is a welcome way to show kids that you care and a great way for them to connect with their friends.

5. Think longer term:

   While the initial outpouring of love is amazing, I can’t help but think of ways that will be helpful longer term. Set a reminder once a month over the next 24 months to drop off a meal or have a grocery gift card or gift certificate to a local restaurant mailed to the family every 3 or 6 months.

Most importantly of all, just be. Be you - the sibling, parent, child, or friend you are. Your friendship is what is most valuable of all.

In search of ways to help, I’ve set up a GoFundMe page for my sister and her family. Thank you to those who have already reached out. Your kindness and generosity is so very much appreciated.

THE STORY BEHIND WINTER DAISY

Photo by Amanda Haddow

I’ve held off sharing my story about how my business started, mainly because I am no where near where I hope to be one day! I’ve learned though, that it really doesn’t matter; we are all just living our own journeys at our own pace.

Winter Daisy started when I was laying on the couch (for weeks!) while pregnant with my identical twin girls. I couldn’t find a designer devoted to children’s spaces and knew there was no way I could finish their nursery myself (I could barely move). The lightbulb clicked on and I knew there must be others out there who, like me, didn’t have the ability or time to get their kids rooms finished in the way they wanted to.

Fast forward a few years(!), then working back at my job as a Management Consultant, and decorating any space I could on the side, to finally realize the time was right. I wanted my children to see me working in a role that I LOVED and where my time away from there felt purposeful. My son was born 23 months after our twins and when my son was two, I left my corporate job and launched Winter Daisy!

I am so thankful to have you here and absolutely LOVE designing dreamy spaces for the little ones in our lives.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS + SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!

The time has come to say goodbye to another year and I look back at 2018 with so many wonderful moments! Grateful, as always, for my amazing clients and also to my readers for your continued support of my work and the blog. Thank you, thank you thank you!!!

I will be taking a break with my family and will be back here on the blog the week of January 7th.

Happy holidays everyone!

If you’re looking for some inspiration over the holidays, please see some of my favourite posts from the year below:

ROOM REVEALS

1. Kids’ Creative Art Studio

2. Miles’ Room

KIDS ROOM DECOR

1. Baby Nursery Inspiration

2. Shared Room Inspiration

BOOKS

1. Art Books for Kids

2. 15 Calming Yoga Books for Kids

DECOR FAVOURITES

1. 8 of the Best Play Kitchen for Toddlers

2. Beautiful Toys You’ll Want to Display

3. The Definitive Guide to Dressers for Kids

HELLO...I'M STILL HERE!

If it’s seemed like I’ve been on hiatus, nothing could be further from reality! In the midst of a VERY busy month, yes, I’ve blogged less. But, I’m still here.

Amidst everyday life of running a business and being a present Mom, we’re currently in the middle of packing up our house of 8 years, doing a refresh on the little rental house that we’re moving into and slowly getting move-in ready! At the moment, there isn’t one ‘finished’ room so it feels a little hectic! The exciting thing is that there will be a few ‘before and afters’ to share here on the blog and hopefully the afters will provide our family a home that we’ll be settled into in only a few more weeks.

As always, thank you for your continued support during this extra busy time.