Design & Decor Blog

Well, it’s the first of December and that means the Christmas season has officially arrived. I love this time of year and the multitude of things to do across the country, that contribute to that feeling of holiday cheer. I scoured the Internet for a few events I thought were worth checking out, but feel free to leave a comment and tell us what’s going on in your corner of the country, too!

VANCOUVER
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical
When: Now until December 27
Make your days merry and bright by warming to this unforgettable musical about love and friendship. Based on the classic holiday film, this tap-dancing delight brims with tunes—including “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and the ever-popular “White Christmas”—that will fill you with the joy of the season.
Click here to buy tickets.

CALGARY
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
When: December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 2009
Celebrate the magic and wonder of Christmas Past. Tour the beautifully decorated Park on a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit Santa and his reindeer, and take a spin on the magical Town Square skating rink. Roving entertainment, hands-on Christmas activities and festive, holiday traditions will awaken your Christmas spirit. Celebrate the magic and wonder of Christmas Past. Tour the beautifully decorated Park on a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit Santa and his reindeer, and take a spin on the magical Town Square skating rink. Roving entertainment, hands-on Christmas activities and festive, holiday traditions will awaken your Christmas spirit. Click here for more information.

TORONTO
An evening with The Priests: Harmony
When: Friday, December 4, 2009, 8pm
Enjoy a very special musical evening with The Priests, the singing clergymen superstars who broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time. This celebration features songs from their second album entitled Harmony, released November 23rd, and conversations with Classical 96 FM Program Director John Van Driel. The event will assist in funding the St Paul’s Christmas Family Program, feeding local families in need this season. The evening is produced by Sony Music Entertainment Canada and will be recorded for broadcast on Classical 96 FM and Salt + Light Television. Performance takes place at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Powers Street, Toronto, M5A 3A8. Click here to buy tickets or call 1-866-9-GET-TIX; visit amazon.ca to buy their album.

MONTREAL
Christmas in the Park
When: Now until December 24, 2009
Christmas in the Park is a magical site where world music, opera, songs, storytellers, circus artists and street performers all come together in two festively decorated parks.
Click here for more information.

HALIFAX / DARTMOUTH
TD Bank Financial Group Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting
When: December 5, 2009, 4:30pm
This event features live entertainment, free hot chocolate and cookies (while quantities last), free Kiwanis Club “Santa Express Train Ride”, free Candy Canes (while quantities last), and a visit from Santa Claus at the HRM Fire Truck and fireworks. Nova Scotia Power is partnering with The Dartmouth Tree Lighting in order to promote energy efficient Christmas lighting and will be offering an exchange program during this event. Bring two sets of your old Christmas lights to the tree lighting ceremony. Nova Scotia Power will exchange your old Christmas lights for one set of energy efficient LED Christmas lights. Quantities are limited, and based on first come, first served.
Click here for more information or call (902) 490-6776.

I’ve already had lunch but suddenly, I’m ravenous again …

Recipe: Flourless chocolate cake

Recipe: Mint and zucchini pasta

Recipe: Spinach, ricotta and dill pies

All recipes excerpted from No Time to Cook by Donna Hay. Copyright 2009 by Donna Hay. Excerpted with permission by HarperCollins. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Today’s real estate market is proving stressful for home buyers and sellers. How do you know when to buy and when to wait? What upgrades are worth the investment to attract potential buyers? What are the key considerations you should keep in mind before you buy or sell? styleathome.com checked in with Linda Turner, a real estate agent with Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty in Mississauga, Ont. and she revealed some secrets that will help you make the most of your move and get the most bang for your buck. Read the full story here: 10 secrets from a real estate agent. Plus, check out these gorgeous photos (below) of a Surrey, B.C. home that was designed on a budget to sell. You’ll want to check out those great ideas, too! Read the full story here: Sell this house: Budget-friendly decorating ideas

P.S. For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

They say a picture speaks a thousand words and this one says ‘cold nights and hot drinks’. Summer isn’t even over officially yet but I’m not fooled. Autumn is on its way with winter quick on its heels. I can see them both, just waiting around the corner, giggling and waiting to pounce the moment my back is turned, those sneaky little devils.

Get your home ready with beautiful fall and winter accessories like these gorgeous Lima Alapaca throws from Crate and Barrel. Handwoven in Peru, these beautiful blankets come in a variety of cozy colours like plum, chartreuse and charcoal.

Available at: Crate and Barrel
Price: $169