the fresh perspective...

You’re probably all desperate to find out what all of us here at Freshair LOVE about the holidays… So, ask no more. We’ve got all our favourite parts listed right here!

Kitty: “Waking up & going to my stocking to see what Santa left… Also pouring a coffee with Baileys & Boney M.”

Kiah: “Listening to vinyl with my family and taking turns choosing the tunes!”

Danika: “I like Starbucks holiday drinks. hehe… And spending time with family or whatever.”

Niasha: “Having the whole family together and eating ALL the food and baking.”

Olivia: “All the nostalgia! Bing Crosby, Home Alone, Shortbread cookies, all the good, cozy feelings.”

Chelsea: “Everyone’s jolly Christmas ‘spirit’!! Christmas music, being with all my loved ones and looking back on the past year and looking forward to the next. Oh the memories!”

Praise: “I like to eat, drink & make merry! We watch a lot of sports and stuff our faces with random foods that I make.”

Leah: “Getting together with family & friends and letting good times flow with endless food and bevs! Watching my nieces & nephew have the time of their lives on Christmas morning always makes my heart melt

the fresh perspective...

There is no denying that the holiday season is largely about giving and receiving gifts. At least in our part of the world. Whether we like it or not, society seems to shove it in our face, everywhere we go, as soon as November 1st hits. As much as we all know that these holidays did not originate this way, this has been the portion of these holidays that we have latched onto and emphasized.

Sure, most of us have very fond memories of opening gifts or wrapping presents for our family and friends. I would have to call bluff on anyone who tried to claim they hate the gift part of the holidays. But can we still enjoy the season sans presents?

There are definitely many other magical parts of the holiday season. Walking through your neighborhood with some hot chocolate to check out all the lights, a big fat feast with all your favorite humans, those classic holiday songs that bring back all the nostalgia, the list goes on. Seeing a tree with gifts underneath does instill a feeling of excitement but at the end of the day, is never the best part of the holidays. If I had to choose between watching Home Alone and giving up gifts, I would choose Kevin McCallister every time.

Memories with humans and nostalgia from those memories are a feeling that can never be replaced by receiving an object. I’m not trying to convince anyone to give it all up but we do tend to get a little carried away. Try choosing an activity to do with your loved one in lieu of purchasing something. Those memories will last way longer than an Apple Watch.

-the fresh perspective

The fresh perspective

So here we are again. Somehow it’s the end of 2018 and we are approaching another holiday season. It seems like the stores start promoting decorations and holiday deals earlier every year. Even though we know this is just a marketing tactic to get you to start buying gifts earlier, it can be a good reminder to get a head start on your shopping.

December can be a hectic month as it is. On top of your holiday shopping, you may have parties and get togethers which can be tiring. Squeezing some shopping into all of that can become quite stressful. Step foot into any mall after December 1st and you will see the evidence of that. Malls do not become more cheerful amongst these festivities. People. Get. Cray.

Thankfully we are now living in a world where you can do most of your shopping online in your own home. No need to stand in line or talk to a single person. You can even get your gift wrapped and shipped directly to the person you are purchasing it for. Even though we are not American, Canada seems to have embraced Black Friday as a “holiday.” The timing couldn’t be more perfect for your holiday shopping. It gives you enough time to order online and get your goods before the holidays.

Take a browse on Amazon or Etsy this week to get some inspiration for your holidays gifts. Avoid the malls at all costs if you can help it. The holidays will be here before you know it and nobody needs that extra stress this time of year!

-the fresh perspective…

Be Awesome This Season - Shop Local!

LOCAL LOCALE LOCALEEEE.

One of my goals every holiday season in regards to gift giving is to source as many local gifts as I can. The idea of supporting someone who is working so hard to create something unique makes the gift seem infinitely more special. You can find just about anything here in Winnipeg, and these are some of our favourite shops. Check them out this season and give a gift that is unique and contributes to our local economy!

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The Cheesemongers

The new (ish) independent fromagerie in friendly Winnipeg. All the cheeses they carry have a rich history. They are a labour of love, created by the dedicated farmers who believe in producing the highest quality milk; and the cheese makers, who pour their heart and soul into everything they mould. 

Check out their gift packages - An awesome idea for a host gift!

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Poppie Clothing

Poppie is all about helping women feel their best. With helpful, hands on staff, you’re guaranteed to find something you love. This store offers a wide range of options for people so that they can get as much of their shopping done in one stop as possible, get on with their lives and feel great doing whatever it is that they do best.

Go on, get a gift card!

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dconstruct

dconstruct designs and manufactures unique, eco-friendly jewelry. dconstruct’s jewelry is handmade from leading architectural materials and each piece contains a minimum of 40% pre-consumer recycled material. The recycled content would otherwise be waste from producers of sky lights, store fixtures and vending machine covers.

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Tiny Feast

Their shelves are stocked with an incredible selection of greeting cards, notebooks, writing instruments, and modern office supplies. You will also find a curated selection of housewares, accessories, lifestyle publications and children’s books.

Check them out - you won’t regret it!

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Commonwealth Mfg.

Commonwealth Mfg. specializes in handmade collared shirts. Everything is constructed in small batches in Winnipeg's exchange district with fabric sourced from the best mills in Japan, USA and Europe. Transparency, benevolence and due diligence are Commonwealth's guiding values.

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Do you have any favourite local shops? We want to know!

- Freshair Boutique

Holi-what??!

 

December is here!  Are you ready for the holidays?  I find it funny that we use the word to commemorate a season and also use it as a meaning for rest.  HA!  There is hardly NO REST for most of us this month.

There are parties to attend, and random bakings to make/consume.  There are presents to buy, and family trips to be made.  During this time let's try to remember that it indeed is a holiday, and you should spend it doing whatever makes you feel good... You know I'll be having the time of my life!

Peace

the fresh perspective...

Season's greetings to you all!   Once again here's a snap from our Christmas card this year! The girls had fun and we are very excited for the holidays.  All the best to you all!

That's the fresh perspective...