Nikki shares some of her favourite things for this time of year, both inside and outside the shop:

This time of year brings so many of my favourite things into play… clothes made of warm, rich fabrics that, quite frankly, the other seasons can’t match; cozy aromas, dinners with friends and family, gift giving, and some time for snuggling up with a good book, feeling a little nostalgic.

This very French bourgeois look of a skirt, sweater and boots is one of my all time favourites.

I  feel so chic in a beautifully tailored wool coat even if it’s paired with sweatpants and sneakers.

And I am always drawn to sparkles - Sparkles AND polka dots?! Yes, please! This outfit will look great at my holiday dinners, but I will also have fun rocking the skirt with sneakers and a sweater.

Ideas for small holiday gifts? I’m loving the Solace Ambré Blends perfume oil which is a warm sexy fragrance that I always get comments on.

The gorgeous beaded and embroidered brooches. You can choose one that has special meaning to you or your gift recipient.

And something a little more extravagant? These stunning earrings with a cascade of pearls. Wow! So elegant yet so unique.

If you have five spare minutes during this busy time of year, settle down with a cup of tea and read a book. Get lost in another time, have an adventure! Sometimes I forget that I love poems too - I would like to share with you a poem that I recently rediscovered.  It is special to me as a lover of travel and far-flung places.

I’m home sick for places I haven’t yet been,
My eyes crave the beauty of sights I’ve not seen,
Places unpronounceable are calling my name,
A fire I can’t see warms me with its flame,
My feet walk the same path when I leave and come back,
Where once there was nothing I’ve worn down a track,
And my ears they get tired of the same boring tune,
Where street lights are so bright I can’t see the moon,
I’m home sick for places away from my own,
Where the people are friendly, and my name is not known,
You can tell me I’m crazy but I’ll never forget,
I’m home sick for places I haven’t been yet.

~e.h.

Since it is the season, I will leave you with a family favourite recipe I make every Thanksgiving and holiday that I hope you will also love. Trust me on this - it is delicious!

Stuffed Pumpkin

1 large Pumpkin (I’ve also made this with butternut squash)
6 tbsp butter
1/2 tsps of salt, pepper, nutmeg
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1 bay leaf
1.5 cups soft white breadcrumbs
2/3 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp dried sage + fresh sage to taste
2.25 cups cream

Pre-heat oven to 380°F
Cut top of pumpkin - keep this as it will become a little lid
Scrape out the seeds but leave all the flesh intact
Spread butter and salt over the interior
Fry onions and butter till soft but not brown
Stir in breadcrumbs and let soak up butter
Add seasonings and sage
Remove from heat
Stir in cheese
Put all mixture into pumpkin which is on sturdy baking dish
Pour in cream to come within one inch of top of pumpkin
Put bayleaf on top
Cover with pumpkin lid
Bake 2 hours until inside is bubbling.
Don't forget to enjoy!

(and check out Nikki's t&o edit here!)