Category: Christmas

This year has been challenging to say the least. One great thing that may come from this strange year is a real and deep appreciation for our normal way of living. Looking forward to our post-Covid way of living to see what it will bring. Not all has been difficult for me, I for once have enjoyed the full time presence of my hubby and son and I have really loved having them both with me all the time.

Mid west interior designer, Julie Paulino Design

I know that many families may find having their family around all the time overwhelming, but I don’t. I love spending time with my hubby and son and Covid has given us no choice and the opportunity to do so. I just wish my other side of the family could also be here with us, but because of travel restrictions we will need to be remote this year. I’m also deeply thankful for the opportunity of starting Julie and Ev in the middle of this upending year. It was a long time dream of ours to share our worldwide finds with everyone who may be interested and combining our travel experiences with beautiful home aesthetics is a win win for me.

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This year we took a more relaxed approach to Christmas decorating. Instead of a front door garland, like last year, we opted for a wreath. We decorated every room in the house although lightly though. Small indoor planted Norfolk pine trees were displayed in the dining room and kitchen. While a bigger tree was decorated in our TV room where we spend most time at nights.

As the days approach for Christmas eve, fingers crossed a snowed one, I get more and more excited about this special time of year. It never gets old, everything from the Christmas carols, the rushing of Christmas presents, the planning of what to make for dinner to the expectations of the new year, every year is as new as it can get. And little other things throughout the year make up for this, the most wonderful time of the year.

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What is everyone agreeing on this year…? It is the unusual holiday season this year brings. During 2020, we have all collectively experienced the most appalling year in generations. I say that should be more of a compelling reason to give the right gifts to those we love and care about. In a year that has kept us apart from our near and dear, let’s let them know that they are still in our thoughts as well as in our hearts.

Here is Belle Vivir most complete gift guide for everyone of our family and friends. From the host who will for sure appreciate one of the chic gift sets from Julie and Ev to the kids in the family who can certainly used a laugh while playing with their new Squeakee the baloon dog. Here are our best git ideas for those you love.

Photo by Chris Craymer for Vogue Magazine
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Haapy new year 2020

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.  May 2020 be our best year yet, full of good health, happiness, and success.

 

It’s sad to see how every year, fewer magazines are showing Christmas decorated homes.  I understand they want to be politically correct and be respectful of other religions however I think that everyone can enjoy the pretty decor and the festive side of Christmas whether or not one believes in it.  These images were published back in 2014 and it’s amazing how relevant they still look today.

Christmas mantel decoration

The home was decorated by Bronson van Wyck for Christmas and it’s opulent but somewhat approachable.?  Beautiful magnolia garlands frame the impressive metal staircase and doorways, while my favorite part of this house is the library fireplace mantel which was draped in cedar branches interlaced with custom-made paper fans.

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I’ve been really into cooking lately.  Although I’m of course interested in cooking for taste, I’m more so into cooking for health, hence these healthy recipes of Holiday cookies.  There is nothing better than making a regular cookie into something not only decadently tasty but also healthy.  Since I’ve been gluten-free for health reasons for over eight years, way before it became fashionable, I’ve been forced to be creative and resourceful when it comes to gluten-free cooking.  Luckily, nowadays more than ever, companies have gotten on board and are offering a lot of gluten-free products.  However, not everything without gluten is necessarily healthy: it’s essential to look for the right ingredients in already available products.  Or, often we are better off cooking at home.  Once in a while, I’ll be sharing healthy recipes here, some of my own, and others from real professionals.

1- No-Bake Truffle Cookies

healthy cookie recipes

Enjoy these delicious soft cookies made of dried dates, cocoa, coconut, and reduced-fat peanut butter.   “Dates are an ideal food for improved energy and brain function. They are a good source of vitamin A & B-complex, and they are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, copper, and potassium. Dates are known to help build bone and muscle strength and have been used for thousands of years by athletes to improve physical endurance, agility, and stamina.”  Medical Medium

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