Into the Woods | DIY FESTIVE PINE CONE GARLAND

It's the first Sunday of Advent and Christmas season has officially begun - both on the blog and in my home. The most essential decorations are up and it looks so damn cozy! It's cold outside, baby, and snowflakes are twirling through the sky.

Now all I can think about is transferring my comfy Christmas corner - bed included and most essential - to a little cabin in the woods, being snowed in, and not leaving the house for the next few months; except for roasting marshmallows in the backyard, sipping hot chocolate on the porch and the occasional snow ball fight. I'd like a dog too for cuddling.

And Sondheim. Sondheim is on my mind also. Not for cuddling, but because of into the woods and all that.

Countdown to Christmas | DIY ADVENT CALENDAR PHOTOBOOK

I love the scent of cinnamon and ginger spice, twinkling lights, red ribbons and mistletoe. Yes, Christmas fever is spreading once again and I am one of the early victims. Decorations are well underway, Christmas sweaters are being sourced, gifts are being wrapped (yupp, it's happening) and I would love to be invited to a gingerbread house decorating party. So if you should have a last-minute cancellation, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm up for it.

No, really. This needs to be a thing in my life.

THOUGHTS ON A MONDAY MORNING X

Holiday Celebrations | DIY PAPER LANTERNS

I love that cozy time of the year when only the evergreens haven't lost their summer's coat and the sun decides to head back to bed a little earlier each day; the best time of the year for the moon to truly shine.

Speaking of shining, it is also the time for scented candles, twinkling lights and illuminated paper lanterns.

Late Autumn Glory | DIY PUMPKIN VASES

All Hallows' Eve is over.

Say good-bye to your vampire fangs, zombie bandages and witches brooms. Actually, you might still need those. For sweeping and the like.

But dressing up as a creature of the night has gone right back out of fashion. It's red coats and white beards from here on out.

10 BEST WAYS TO DESTRESS: AT THE OFFICE

No, I don't think knitting is the answer to stress caused by a dispute over which PowerPoint layout is more pleasing to the eye, or which colleague forgot to put the lid back on the coffee pot.

But similar to the wooly handcraft, it is essential to find a way out of that tangled mess and get back to being productive; you know, to making scarves and a pair of socks.

Sounds easy enough - and usually is, if you know what you're doing.