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We can't believe we're a month out from Christmas! This year feels even more special because we'll be experiencing every moment through the eyes of our little ones (who were just a few months old last Christmas!). Because of our hectic schedules, we like to try to plan ahead as much as possible, and in our opinion, every good plan starts with a checklist. This week we visited CTV Morning Live to talk about "hassle-free holidays." While we mentioned a few tips during our segment, today we're sharing our full week-by-week checklist leading up to the big day!  Week One
Week Two
  Week Three
Week Four
 What to-dos are on your holiday checklist? We'd love to know how you stay organized during this busy time of year!
xo Jacqueline & Lindsay
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 We love seasonal decor. It keeps our homes from feeling dated and every changing season gives us the perfect excuse to shop for fresh finds. We're especially obsessed with all things Christmas and are pumped to share Lindsay's dining room decor for Christmas 2018. Check out the before and after pics below and let us know what you think of the changes! The mantle When I discovered the cutest faux grass pots at IKEA this summer, I filled my cart and went to town on our fireplace mantle. I said a (temporary) farewell to the grass for winter and opted for a classic green and red colour palette with pops of silver in the stocking holders. (How cute are those reindeer from HomeSense?!). The red berry garland was the perfect finishing touch to add warmth and tie everything together.   The bar area Our motto when it comes to home improvements: shiplap is always a good idea. We absolutely LOVED the wallpaper in the bar area, but when it came to decor we felt it overpowered most accessories in the space and we wanted to be able to play with more colour. So in came the white shiplap. It's a crisp and clean look and also perfect for our Christmas display. When we first started dreaming up this space we wanted it to feel like a modern Christmas village. The camper and silos were perfect for our desired look and then we went from there. We stuck with the red and green theme and it's the perfect pop against the shiplap.     What do you have planned for your Christmas decor this year? We're always on the hunt for inspiration!
xo Jacqueline & Lindsay  I work outside the home and mornings are precious to me. I love that little bit of time I have to spend with my son before I leave for work. Like most people, I really don’t like feeling rushed in the morning. It sets the wrong tone for the day. So, in order to have a smooth morning, I take care of a lot of tasks at night. See my nighttime routine here. I hit the ground running when I wake up. The moment my feet hit the floor, I am focused on accomplishing whatever I need to before my son wakes up. I quickly get dressed for the day and do a quick five-minute face. I’d like to tell you that I shed the mom look when I go to work by styling my hair, but that just isn’t the case. My hair is usually in a low pony. And thank God for dry shampoo. Amiright? Next, I’m off to the kitchen. I put my lunch (usually a big salad) and snacks (often apples, crackers, or nuts) in my bag and pack up my breast pump. I pump throughout the day so it’s crucial that I pack everything I need. (See our post on pumping at work here.) Around this time, my baby usually wakes up and we share my favourite part of the morning. I love how snuggly he is when he wakes up. I rock him in my nursing chair in his nursery and then get him dressed for the day.  Next, we’re off to the kitchen for breakfast. My son loves peanut butter on toast or yogourt and berries. He also likes pancakes or eggs. It’s such a win for me that he is eating eggs. He would not touch them for months and then one day he decided he liked them! This makes breakfast far easier because my husband and I usually have eggs on toast for breakfast as well. Once breakfast is over, I sweep under the highchair. If I have time, I make the bed and do one quick look in the mirror to make sure I am not covered in my son’s breakfast. If I haven’t put the dishes away the night before, my husband or I will unload the dishwasher and wash any other dirty dishes by hand.  After lots of kisses, I’m out the door with a large coffee in hand!
What works for you on a busy morning? Any tips to share?  We can’t believe it’s November already. This month we’re determined to get ahead of the game and do a little planning, a little goal-setting and most definitely a little shopping. Check out what tops our to-do list for November. Meal plan Real talk: We always have the best intentions when it comes to meal planning, but we tend to fall off of that wagon weekly. Despite the fact that we make our list and buy our ingredients, life gets in the way and that slowcooker ain’t gonna set itself. So this month we’re once again adding it to our list, but believe us, there are days when a pre-cooked roast chicken and a simple spinach salad make an appearance. Bottom line: make that list, but don’t worry if the Monday to Friday game plan hits a snag. (Side note: If you're looking for a quick and oh-so-delicious bite, we're sharing details of the yummy dish featured in the above pic at the end of this post, courtesy of Chef Craig Flinn.  Remembrance Day November 11 is Remembrance Day in Canada. Take a moment to reflect, honour and remember those who fought for our freedom. Set goals This sounds simple but it makes such a difference in the outcome of your day, month or year. We can be so hard on ourselves to get stuff done in a 24-hour span. Once we started setting small goals, we relieved some of that pressure. Get your winter reading list going The thought of a cold night, cozy socks, a weighted blanket, a mug of coffee (read wine) and a new book gives us all of the feels. Lindsay just started reading Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis and by the fifth page she was already on her second pack of 3-in-1 cleansing cloths. What books are on your list? We’d love suggestions!  Bring on the layers The Ruck sisters tend to run cold, so you better believe we pack on all of the layers once the temperature drops. How’s that winter coat from last year? Are your boots still made for walking or ready to be retired? Check out what works and what needs an update. Holiday plans We know it’s only the beginning of November, but December is just around the corner and it’ll be time to deck the halls before you know it. What’s on the menu this holiday season? How’s your gift-wrapping supplies? Know what you’ll be giving loved ones this year? And what about that must-do family Christmas card? Throw on those holiday sweaters, toss some tinsel around and say cheese to get your orders in on time! What’s on your checklist this month? Happy November! Mushrooms on Toast (simple and ridiculously delicious) Ingredients Extra-virgin olive oil Sliced bread Clove of garlic Mix of chanterelle, shiitake and sliced portobello mushrooms Few pats of butter Salt & pepper Handful of finely chopped chives Handful of finely chopped parsley Balsamic vinegar Parmesan cheese Poached egg Directions 1, Brush the sliced bread with olive oil and fry in a frying pan on medium heat. 2. Rub one side of the bread with a clove of crushed garlic. 3. Remove the bread from the pan and add the mixed mushrooms into the hot pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 4. Add a tablespoon of water and a pat of butter to glaze the mushrooms. Add chives and parsley to the pan and mix well. 5. Place the glazed mushrooms on top of the fried bread. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. 6. Top with a poached egg. Enjoy!  |
AuthorJacqueline and Lindsay are sisters and new moms living on the East Coast of Canada. |
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