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...

Important question: When is it time to revamp your fashion?

It's coming up to the busy holiday season followed by a BRAND NEW YEAR. If you're experiencing the following thoughts, you should perhaps consider switching things up.

• Struggle on the daily to decide what to wear

• You have more worn out items than fresh items

• Your 'to-buy' list is 2 pages long

• You wear the same thing to every event

• You have things in your closet that you wore when you were 15

This doesn't mean you need to dish out all of your holiday savings to buy all new things for yourself. Here are some suggestions in regards to what you should make sure you have, and how you can make some improvements on a budget.

The Staple Items

• The favourite denim

• Basics (classic T, classic sweatshirt...etc.)

• Cozy winter sweater

• A “going out” top

• Every day boot

• Layering piece (tunic dress, over-sized vest, get creative!)

Invite a friend over (**IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure it’s someone who's style you're in to) and get them to take a peak in your closet. Sometimes all it takes is fresh eyes to put pieces together you never thought of! Try swapping some items with a close friend or head over to your favourite thrift store!

Start the New Year off with a freshened up closet. Get rid of the items just causing clutter and gift yourself a few new treats to put a little pep in your step :). You work hard, this season can get wild, so treat yo'self.

-the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

Praise Okwumabua’s go-to fancy hair styles

Hi there! I’m Praise and I’m the owner of Freshair Boutique! I’m also one of the three senior stylists that work at this shop and I have attended my fair share of fancy events and parties. While doing a little scavenging in my iPhone, (I’m a selfie connoisseur) I found some of my favorite ‘fancy do’ images.

In my opinion, what usually makes a hairstyle fancy is based on a few things. 1) Volume, 2) Stay in placeness (not a word…) and 3) Height. While I have seen many formal fashion houses and party goers rock the slick bun (no height OR volume), this look does have number 2, staying in place abilities.

So when you are styling your hair for your next fancy thang, remember my three points. Or don’t, I’m cool with whatever you’re cool with! Oh yeah, I forgot another really easy way to gussie up your hair do is to add a little something. Brooches, sparkly pins or even bow ties can really take a bland hair do to the next level!

Have a good time out there and remember to be safe!

That’s 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…

the fresh perspective...

How to look ‘cute’ and stay warm. Is it possible?

Ahhh the age old question! Can comfort be formal? Well, well, well…. I’m going to say this. “it depends". What kind of function are you attending? Are you receiving an award? Are you just a bystander? Are you outside or inside?

This time of year, it’s hard to navigate -55 with a ‘cute look’. I believe that one can look ‘cute’ and still be warm and comfortable but it just takes some conscious effort. If you are wearing Sorels, maybe have a full face of make up and a kick ass up do? If you’re in a toque, maybe some sky high boots to balance it out?

As long as you’re going with a look, it’s all good! Toques, scarves and a well fitting winter parka or coat can always look sharp. If you are recieving some award or are an honorary guest at an event, as long as you are inside, you’re good! Anything goes when there are controlled temps!

That’s the fresh perspective…