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Our new white Christmas tree…

Thursday ~ Posted by Karen Schravemade

White Christmas tree

This post was sponsored by Balsam Hill. You can see my disclosure policy here.

A new Christmas tree has been on my wish list for a long time now. Preferably a white Christmas tree.

I always think the scale of a tree is so important if you want to make an impact. My motto is “go big or go home.” But while our last tree nailed the grand scale I wanted, it just didn’t look… real.

The more I had to photograph the tree for my blog, the less I liked it. From a distance with my eyes squinted it looked great! But a close-up photograph does not lie. The tips looked fake, and I couldn’t get the fullness and fluffiness I wanted from the branches, either – it looked kind of sparse, no matter how I dressed it.

These are definitely first world problems. Which is why I put up with my old tree for many, many years. It was purchased in a post-Christmas sale for a pittance, and it served us nicely for well over a decade.

But as a die-hard Christmas loving gal, my secret dream of a full, fluffy, realistic-looking, dreamy white Christmas tree would not die.

Which is why when I came across the company Balsam Hill, I felt a little spark and an undeniable flutter.

White Christmas tree

Is it too weird to use romantic analogies for an artificial tree? Because if there was a Tinder for Christmas trees, I would’ve swiped right for these ones.

The photos I kept seeing all looked amazing. They were so full! They were so fluffy! They had so many tips and the tips looked so…. so real! What was this magic and how did they do it?

I didn’t know, but I wanted one.

And now that it’s here, I’ve fallen hard.

My new white Christmas tree from Balsam Hill is everything I ever dreamed of. We’ve moved past the Tinder stage and now we’re in a committed long-term relationship and very happy together. And I’m in the nauseating honeymoon stage of telling everyone exactly how in love I am.

Lucky you, you get to listen! I mean, just take a look at this beauty…

White Christmas tree

I know you must have all the details, so here they are!

I chose the Mount Washington White Christmas tree. It’s 210cm tall and pre-lit with clear LED lights. The fairy lights are quite magical – they are scattered perfectly throughout the tree, all the way through the fullness of the branches and not just on the outside.

I feel like my life has changed significantly for the better now that I no longer have to begin the month of December by untangling a rat’s nest of fairy lights from the garage and trying to wrangle them around the tree.

I was never very good at this part. In fact, some years our tree remained unlit altogether because it all seemed like too much effort.

These built-in lights give the tree a beautiful luminescent glow. The tree came in three sections, and it has an “Easy Plug” system so that as you slide the poles into place, the lights in the next section click on automatically.

I did not know this would happen and it was a nice surprise that made me very happy.  Obviously invented by magical elves.

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

The tree looks even better and more realistic than the photos gave credit for.

Look at the fine detailing on these tips. There are actually three different types of tips on the Mount Washington tree, and together they create the perfect combination of full + fluffy + realistic.

White Christmas tree

It is so full that you wouldn’t even need to decorate it, really. It would actually look beautiful naked, with just those twinkling lights.

Sorry, sorry, TMI, I shouldn’t have said it would look good naked. I told you we’re still in the honeymoon phase. I’ll try to be more discreet.

White Christmas tree

As I mentioned, I’ve loved white Christmas trees for a very long time. There is just something so pure and fresh and magical about them.

And from a decorating point of view, they are a dream! – the clean high contrast of white means it’s so easy to make a statement with any colour scheme you choose.

Balsam Hill supplied me with the most beautiful ornaments to decorate this tree with. I fell in love with the Georgetown ornament set. They are hand-painted glass ornaments and they are simply exquisite.

The shades of indigo, copper and turquoise look absolutely stunning against my white Christmas tree. Each piece is unique and there is such a variety – from gem-encrusted baubles to jewel-like prisms and elegant finials. I used two sets of ornaments to cover the tree.

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

I also selected these stunning indigo magnolia picks, which came in a set of 12. The petals are lush and velvety with gilded edges, and they come in a loose bud that you unfurl and shape. I just love them!

White Christmas tree

The gold berries are another set of picks which you can find here. I love the texture and movement they add to my white Christmas tree.

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

Balsam Hill also supplied this luxurious faux fur tree skirt.

I feel like a real adult now that my tree has a skirt.

No more sitting on the floor for my gifts, no way. We are fancy around here. Our gifts sit upon the softest fur.

They may be poked and prodded by the grimy fingers of multiple curious children, but they shall not touch the ground, no sirree.

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

Speaking of curious children with grimy fingers…

White Christmas tree

I had a “helper”.

Oh, he was EXTREMELY helpful.

In case you’re wondering, yes, two years old is a FABULOUS age for “helping” Mummy decorate a tree with very expensive glass ornaments. I highly recommend it. It is not stressful AT ALL.

White Christmas tree

Please note the red bucket full of balls in the next photo, which Charlie was flinging randomly around the room at this point while I desperately tried to intercept any missiles heading in the direction of My Precious One And Only.

(I’m talking about the tree here, not the child.)

Okay, he’s precious too. Although my appreciation for his preciousness was somewhat lacking at this point, at least until I bribed him with a movie and a bowl of snacks to STAY AWAY FROM THE TREE.

White Christmas tree

There is a reason that I set this tree up at my parent’s place and not my own.

They only live 5 minutes down the road, and My Precious white Christmas tree has more chance of surviving intact until Christmas Day without the daily presence of a toddler bent on mayhem and destruction.

As a bonus, this means we will set up our old tree at our house this year, and the kids will have free agency to decorate it however they please with every last ornament they’ve ever constructed from paddle pop sticks, toilet rolls and pom poms. I won’t even go around behind them rearranging their ornaments, and that is legitimately a first. Win/win.

Let’s take a look at the other side of the room. Balsam Hill also provided me with this very pretty LED birch tree. This is the 120cm size, which is a nice height for a console. You can also use these outdoors! They come in sizes up to 180cm.

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

White Christmas tree

Have I shown you enough pictures yet? It really is like a honeymoon album. Can’t. Stop. Taking. Photos.

White Christmas tree

On a deeper note, I was thinking today about the sweet, almost old-fashioned notion of Christmas spirit.

As the shopping centres get more crowded, parking spaces vanish, and the rush and overwhelm sets in, it’s easy to become tense and impatient with strangers.

Today, in a very busy car-parking situation, a stranger held back and waved me in front of him. I remember thinking how such a simple act felt like such a welcome kindness. And how that really sums up the Christmas spirit. It’s a happy time of year and we have so much to celebrate in the birth of our Saviour. He is our Joy come down to earth.

Let’s gift small acts of kindness to each other this season. A cheerful smile to a harried stranger in the shops. Holding back instead of pushing and jockeying for our position. Small acts that shine our light and spread joy.

White Christmas tree

I hope this tour felt as magical for you as it has been for me to put it together! Many thanks again to Balsam Hill for supplying our gorgeous white Christmas tree and the other beautiful products for this post.

Let me know in the comments, do you prefer a white or green tree? Do you have a favourite product from this tour?

And how do you plan to spread some Christmas spirit to those around you this season?

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, friends!

 

 

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Categories: Christmas

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Lovely comments

  1. Elise Jeanne Laney says

    Thursday at 4:42 am

    Gorgeous!!! You know I love the blue/teal-ish ornaments. 🙂

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Thursday at 11:35 pm

      Of course! Girl after my own heart! ? xo

  2. Ellen | Ask Away Blog says

    Thursday at 10:10 pm

    It’s soooo pretty and I love how it helps lighten up the room!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Thursday at 11:34 pm

      Thank you Ellen, that is so sweet! It really is so fresh and bright! xo

  3. Tonia says

    Friday at 10:09 am

    Beautiful tree! And those glass ornaments are drool-worthy! I love how the colors really “pop” off your white tree. Funny about the bribing to stay away from the tree, lol!
    Two years ago, my son (2 yr old at the time) would take off the glass bulbs, remove the hangers and throw them on the floor, watching them explode as if they were grenades. Ugh!
    Last year I almost didn’t put up a Christmas tree. The last week before Christmas, I put up our artificial pre-lit tree – with no ornaments at all – added a red bow to the top and that was it. It gave enough sparkle to give a cheery vibe for the holiday.
    This year I bought 50% off wired ribbon from Hobby Lobby and $13 dollar tree shatter-proof ornaments, snowflakes, and bells. For less than $20, we have a stress-free and beautiful tree 🙂

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 1:15 pm

      Thank you, Tonia! ?Oh my goodness – he sounds like my son!! ? What is with boys and their destructive ways, lol! I like the sound of your kid-proof tree. It’s nice to still be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere even when our kids are little and getting into everything. Good solution, mama! xo

  4. Tessie says

    Friday at 3:11 pm

    This tree is gorgeous!! I am loving the bold colors against the crisp white! ? And that little helper sure is adorable too!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 3:18 pm

      Aww, I think he’s pretty cute too! ? Thanks, lovely Tessie! The colours make me happy ? xo

  5. Tracey Slaghuis says

    Friday at 3:16 pm

    Oh my goodness this is beautiful. It does look peaceful. Have an amazing Christmas and I hope Santa puts something special for you under this beautiful tree.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 3:17 pm

      Thank you lovely!! Oooh, I hope so too! ? Wishing you the most beautiful Christmas also xo

  6. Katherine McKamey says

    Friday at 3:17 pm

    O M G!!! I ❤️ this tree! I have always loved green trees but this beauty has changed my mind! So fluffy and snowy white… so many possibilities!! I.Must.order.one.now!!!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:26 pm

      Haha, love it Katherine! Glad to have inspired you with something a bit different! xo

  7. Denita Canipe says

    Friday at 3:21 pm

    Girl, you had me at the white tree. I have ALWAYS loved white trees. The way they make colors stand out. It’s a very beautiful tree. Currently I can’t decorate my own as our son and his family is currently living with us and we only have room for one tree. And since they have 3 kids we let them do the tree and decorate it. And Balsam Hill has beautiful trees as well. Christmas has always been a special time for my side of the family. And since both my parents have passed I try to continue to pass along the same traditions.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:59 pm

      Oh hey there fellow white tree loving friend!! There really is something extra pretty about a white tree, huh?! So sweet that you’re passing on those family traditions to your grandkids, I love that! Those trees decorated all colourful and higgledy-piggledy by kids will always have a special place in my heart! ?

  8. Wahyu Eka Saputri says

    Friday at 3:23 pm

    It’s so Beautiful or in indonesia, we say “wahh sangat cantik” ?

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:56 pm

      Love it! Thank you Wahyu! ?I was in beautiful Bali earlier this year – my first time, I absolutely loved it! xo

  9. Michelle Jojola says

    Friday at 3:41 pm

    Beautiful tree, and beautiful photography of it! I hope to make my home feel that photograph worthy someday! Maybe that tree will do it lol

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:27 pm

      What a kind thing to say, thanks Michelle! It might just do the trick, lol – hard to go too wrong with a tree this pretty! xo

  10. Sam Chrzczonowicz says

    Friday at 3:41 pm

    You have adulting down pat! Christmas goals right here.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:55 pm

      Haha!! Now THAT’s a compliment. ?? I’ve always wanted to nail adulting. Feels like all my Christmas dreams have come true, lol! xo

  11. Hope says

    Friday at 3:42 pm

    This is such a beautiful tree! I personally always love the white trees on display in various stores, especially with the pink or gold or silver ornaments. I think when I have a house of my own I want one like this, so hopefully they will be in stock for a while!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:53 pm

      Yes! White looks so beautiful with pinks and metallics!! I’m already planning what colour scheme I’ll try out next year, lol. I believe the Mount Washington tree has been quite a favourite, so I’m sure they will continue stocking it for a long time to come! xo

  12. Kit says

    Friday at 3:53 pm

    Stunning – what a beautiful color combination.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:52 pm

      Thanks Kit, it was a bit of a bold move, I’m so happy it worked out! xo

  13. Sherylee says

    Friday at 3:54 pm

    Haha, the tinder references were funny and made me smile! 🙂 So you have spread some more Christmas cheer now. I didn’t even realise Balsam Hill were in Australia! Their trees look gorgeous – and gees, you have me majorly wishing that I could be a real grown up and get one with lights attached! But I would get a green one – it would match my house colours better.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:30 pm

      ?Well I made myself giggle with my silly sense of humour, glad I’m not the only one! Ha! I know, I’ve been seeing Balsam Hill trees on American accounts for years and was so excited when I realised they’re in Australia too! Green trees are always so timeless and they do some beautiful ones!! xo

  14. Sandi says

    Friday at 4:03 pm

    Beautiful tree. Especially love the indigo magnolias in contrast to the white branches. Fabulous.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:51 pm

      Thanks so much Sandi! Those magnolias are my favourite too! ?

  15. Bec says

    Friday at 4:16 pm

    Wow, what a stunner Karen! I think those magnolia picks are my favourite but everything is just exquisite and I can see why you are so love!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:31 pm

      Thank you Bec! ?I agree with you about the magnolias, so pretty! xo

  16. Crystal says

    Friday at 4:16 pm

    Beautiful!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:51 pm

      ?? Thank you Crystal! xo

  17. Rachel Bagwell says

    Friday at 4:22 pm

    Karen,
    Well done, beautiful tree, my friends in Washington state had their tree professionally flocked every christmas and it was stunning. I love the white christmas tree. Keep up the greatest works my dear, you are also stunning!!!
    Rachel

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:51 pm

      Oh goodness, you are the kindest soul!! Thank you for that sweet comment! ?? Wow, I love flocked trees too, I can just imagine how amazing that would’ve looked! xo

  18. Monique says

    Friday at 4:39 pm

    Beautiful! I love the magnolias against the white. Don’t think I’ve ever seen such a dense, fluffy tree! It’s hard to believe how big your ‘baby’ is now. He seems like a bundle of sunhine all on his own!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:50 pm

      Thank you sweet Monique! ?I know right, it really is so full and fluffy, I just love it so much! And YES – my baby is growing up far too fast!! ?

  19. Tracey says

    Friday at 4:42 pm

    This is lovely and the decorations are quite different which in itself is nice. I’m a red fan so would have to get a bit of red on there. Great job Karen!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 4:48 pm

      Thank you so much Tracey! ❤️<- see what I did there? Lol! Red always looks so good at Christmastime! xo

  20. Janine says

    Friday at 4:54 pm

    Absolutely beautiful tree and those decorations are gorgeous. Awesome job. Hopefully will make the hose seem cooler over summer too. Have a great Xmas with your family

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:00 pm

      Thank you Janine! It does make everything feel so light and cool and fresh! Perfect for the beach location. Wishing you a wonderfully happy Christmas as well ?

  21. Victoria Rodriguez says

    Friday at 5:07 pm

    I love it! I am very traditional… so it’s green for me. Especially because I live in an area where we don’t see snow…. I also love that it is not overdone with ornaments. Mine is full, but the tree isn’t as full as this one is so it kind of needs more or there is too much empty space. The blues are magical!! Beautiful!!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 5:24 pm

      Green is so timelessly beautiful! ?And yes, you can get away without too many ornaments when the tree is this full and fluffy! Thanks for the sweet words! xo

  22. Teresa says

    Friday at 5:28 pm

    Karen I too love those magnolias, just stunning! I love your tree! I am just slowly warming up to white trees! Just recently I was shopping, and saw one I was attracted to. Yours is magnificent! I will be putting up a green tree, after having real trees for the past few years. I have seen Balsam Hill trees before and have gravitated toward them. Someday I hope to be able to afford one. I love their love and detail they put into each tree. The look so real!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 8:00 pm

      They really do have that authentic detailing! I so much prefer it to the “bottle brush” look of many artificial trees. It’s the next best thing to a real tree in my opinion – and less messy too, which is always appealing. ? Wishing you a beautiful Christmas, Teresa! xo

  23. Judi Johnson says

    Friday at 5:29 pm

    I love Christmas trees. I have a rose gold one, a green one, a blue and orange one (bronco tree), and a white one. But I do have to say I am partial to white. Although am looking for a red one for next year. I love the colors on your tree.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:58 pm

      Oh WOW Judi, how fun!! My goodness, I am so intrigued, I have never heard of some of those colours before on a Christmas tree! The rose gold sounds particularly pretty, I can just picture it! Love the creativity. xo

  24. Rachel Sulhoff says

    Friday at 5:30 pm

    My favorite part was about your two year old helping. “Not Stressful AT ALL!” As mother of four, that is a language I truly understand! Merry Christmas to you, Karen!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:56 pm

      ??Haha! We’re speaking the same language. The happiest of Christmases to you too, Rachel! xo

  25. Claire says

    Friday at 5:56 pm

    I’ve always thought I preferred a green tree (suitably frosted at the tips) and that a white tree would look fake but I love this! And would go so well in anyone’s house

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:55 pm

      Thanks Claire! Yes, it’s a bold move, but I’m loving how clean it looks! And I agree – would suit so many different types of decor. xo

  26. Regina says

    Friday at 6:47 pm

    I’ve always had a green Christmas tree but your new white tree is quite beautiful. I’m definitely going to consider a white tree in the future.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:54 pm

      How fun Regina! Glad you found some inspo here! xo

  27. Julie Dixon says

    Friday at 7:13 pm

    Love it. Looks great. As much as I would like a white tree we already have a green tree with built in lights and about twenty boxes of various decorations that we store in the loft space. So, I think I’ll have to stick with my green tree. At lease for now.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:54 pm

      Haha, well that’s fair enough! ??I too tend to hoard Christmas decorations… ?

  28. Angela says

    Friday at 7:30 pm

    Oh G!! A Balsam Hill Christmas Tree has been something on my wish list for the longest time!! I love the pre-list natural looking trees ? Gorgeous!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 7:43 pm

      They really are such beautiful trees! Thanks for the sweet words Angela! xo

  29. Inna says

    Friday at 8:30 pm

    Very beautiful tree!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 8:40 pm

      Thank you, Inna! ? It really is a stunner! xo

  30. Monica says

    Friday at 8:30 pm

    Beautiful, beautiful tree! Not completely sure, but I think the magnolia picks are my favorite and so lovely. The birch tree complements your decor perfectly too! Beautiful decorating!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 8:40 pm

      Thank you so much, Monica! ?

  31. Elaine says

    Friday at 8:41 pm

    The tree is beautiful! And your sonny is adorable! Thanks for your inspiration and may you feel the joy of Jesus in your heart! I just stumbled across your blog the other week when I was browsing for some treat bag toppers ? …

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:50 am

      Oh how lovely! So happy to have you here, Elaine! I’m blessed! xo

  32. Luz Sepe says

    Friday at 8:45 pm

    Spectacular!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:48 am

      Thanks Luz, so kind of you! ?

  33. Maria says

    Friday at 8:47 pm

    Wow thats awesome and beautiful!!! ??? We have a white Christmas tree, too, not the same brand though and if comparing, yours totally wins! But I love my tree anyways and now I got some inspiration to change/ make new ornaments because I really fell in love with those Magnolia ones!!! ? I read your post about the situation of your blog by the way and I need to apologize!!! You have given me tons of inspiration and it really just didn’t hit me to share it and for that am so sorry! ? I don’t use social media but Pinterest and now am gonna share this post and my other favorites from your blog in there for sure! I hope you keep on inspiring us and I wish you and your family all the best and an amazing Christmas time!
    Sending you lots of love from Finland! ❄️❄️❄️???

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:47 am

      You’re a sweetheart Maria, thank you for all your support! I truly appreciate it! No need to apologise whatsoever, it means so much to me that you are here reading along! So glad I could give you some inspiration today! xo

  34. Alicia says

    Friday at 9:02 pm

    It’s beautiful! I love the contrast of the shades of blue against the white tree.

    Wishing you a joyful season and much Christmas spirit from Germany!

    Alicia

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:46 am

      Thank you Alicia, so happy to have you following along all the way from Germany! xo

  35. Kyle Eileen says

    Friday at 9:15 pm

    I’m not fond of white Christmas trees, but yours turned out beautiful. Love the colors you used to go against the white. I would have liked a picture at night with the lights on. I do love the birch tree. Thank you so much for sharing with us all your projects. Love getting my emails. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful happy and healthy New Year.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:45 am

      Thanks Kyle! A night picture is such a great idea! I need to figure out how to photograph it properly at night so I can share with you guys. So glad you enjoy getting my emails, that means a lot to me! xo

  36. Charlie Kaplanides says

    Friday at 9:52 pm

    Oh this tree! It is so beautful & the ornaments are gorgeous! I could totally see this tree in my living room! ? Even the color scheme matches my house… this might be love! ? Thank you for sharing! Love to follow you!

    Every time I see a pic of a room you’ve decorated, I think this what I want my home to look like!! ?

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:44 am

      Awww that is just the absolute sweetest thing to say! ??

  37. TianeNicole says

    Friday at 10:22 pm

    Love the tree! So beautiful! You decorated it just perfectly!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:43 am

      Thanks Tiane, so kind! ?

  38. Roxana says

    Friday at 10:46 pm

    Lovely tree and very inspiring photos, Karen! You’re great! Thank you! Merry Christmas!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 5:07 am

      Thank you Roxana, what a sweet comment! Love having you here! Hope you have a very happy Christmas as well! xo

  39. Angela says

    Friday at 10:52 pm

    Loving the birch tree!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 5:07 am

      It’s so pretty, isn’t it?! xo

  40. Natalie Robinson says

    Friday at 10:59 pm

    Very beautiful Karen, with restrained, beautifully coloured ornaments. A green tree is still my preferred option. We bought ours post Christmas from Coles (believe it or not) 7 years ago for $70. It has lovely long, fine needles and has such a beautiful shape. A couple of years ago, I bought a glittered paper banner from Pottery Barn that says “A very merry Christmas’ which now wraps itself amongst the boughs of the tree each year. I love it.
    We’re reading “Discovering The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp at the moment. A beautiful collection of Advent Readings that bring us back to the heart of why we celebrate Christmas. So, so easy to make other ‘stuff’ a priority in our lives, isn’t it? In all your recent blog anxiety, don’t ever forget to cast all your burdens on Jesus. His love never fails and he doesn’t measure your worth by how many likes you get!! ?

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:43 am

      That is so true, Natalie! I’m a huge fan of Ann Voskamp! I must check out that book! ?

  41. Therese Wilmoth says

    Friday at 11:36 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! I would be afraid to breath next to it as I can trip over my own two feet. Lol! The kind of tree dreams are made of.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:41 am

      Hahaha, I hear that! I’m not known for my co-ordination either. ?

  42. Vickie says

    Friday at 11:40 pm

    You had me sold with the lights! I always hate dealing with lights on a tree. Love the fluffiness of the tree. Great choice on the blue ornaments, love the blue tones.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:40 am

      The built-in lights are the BEST THING EVER!! Thanks for the sweet words, Vickie! xo

  43. Jess B. says

    Saturday at 12:09 am

    You’ve turned me! My grandma used to have the saddest, scrawniest, plastic-iest white Christmas tree and I’ve been unimpressed with white trees ever since. I was a little skeptical at the title of this blog post, but…… WOW! Your white tree is so full and fabulous and I LOVE the ornaments you paired with it. What a beautiful display! Now I need a picture of it at night! Just gorgeous!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:39 am

      Awww, what a sweet thing to say! I’m glad I helped change your opinion, lol! Yes, a picture at night would be so magical – I must try that! xo

  44. Wendy McSwain says

    Saturday at 12:43 am

    You did a beautiful job decorating the tree! It creates a very warm, wintry feeling. Love it!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 5:08 am

      Thanks Wendy, that’s a great description! So glad you like it! xo

  45. Ashley Borgerding says

    Saturday at 12:59 am

    Oh my goodness it’s gorgeous?? I bought a white tree last year and I guess I just didn’t know how to style it right because I was fairly disappointed and went back to green trees this year. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this though!!! I think it’s the non traditional Christmas colors that make it so unique. Taking notes ? lol

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:38 am

      Ha, so glad to help salvage the white tree for you! ? I agree, I think non-traditional colours work best on a white tree for some reason! xo

  46. Jessica VanMersbergen says

    Saturday at 1:07 am

    I love the navy color!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:36 am

      Thanks Jessica, I’m a huge fan as well! It’s such a lovely rich colour ?

  47. Julianne says

    Saturday at 1:36 am

    Absolutely beautiful!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:35 am

      Thanks Julianne! ?

  48. Carrie Ypma says

    Saturday at 1:46 am

    Your white tree looks ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! What a head turner! I especially love how it makes those gorgeous blue ornaments and baubles POP, when they’d hardly stand out on a green Christmas tree. Nice job, Karen!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:35 am

      That’s exactly right! It’s the contrast that really makes my heart sing. What a sweet comment, Carrie! xo

  49. Andrea McAdams says

    Saturday at 1:53 am

    Never thought I’d join the white tree crowd (pretty regal) but this year–I finally hit 40–I think it is quite magical! An “acquired taste” maybe, but you make it look exquisite!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:34 am

      Thank you Andrea, I so appreciate that! There really is something so dreamy about the white ?

  50. Tracy says

    Saturday at 2:11 am

    BLUE! I love Christmas blue! Our yard is all blue lights (idea from a house that was decorated in all blue when growing up). The white tree truly highlights the deep blue of the ornaments and matches your home beautifully. I love our tree but yours makes my heart melt. Stunning!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:33 am

      Thank you Tracy, what a kind comment! My heart beats for blue at Christmas time! ?

  51. Rachelle Williams says

    Saturday at 2:12 am

    Beautiful! I’d like a white tree myself. The turquoise, indigo, and gold are gorgeous!! I wonder if I can make it into a farmhouse type tree after we rearrange or build an addition to the house.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 5:10 am

      I’m sure you could! I saw a lovely white tree on Instagram yesterday with blue ornaments and plaid ribbon – so a really similar colour palette to this but a farmhouse style. The account was Making Home Base – you should look her up for some inspo! xo

  52. julia says

    Saturday at 2:33 am

    The perfect tree for that house.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:32 am

      Thanks Julia! It really does suit they beachy vibe so well! ?

  53. Shirley says

    Saturday at 3:03 am

    Gorgeous tree. It is beautifully decorated. And that is one beautiful child. I do believe he outshines the tree. lol

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:32 am

      Haha! I love that! He is SO cute, for all his rascallish ways! I’m a bit partial to him myself ?

  54. Vicki Cooke says

    Saturday at 3:06 am

    Absolutely beautiful.I love white treasurer to always have traditional green. Maybe if in at the talent you do to create such a lovely tree I might try one. Keep sharing your projects and allow us to share a little of your life. Merry Christmas to you and your family and prayers for a joyous and prosperous new year.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:31 am

      Thank you, sweet Vicki! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas as well! xo

  55. Jacque Lopez says

    Saturday at 3:37 am

    Beautiful! Gorgeous! Stunning! Never thought I could really like a white tree…… until now!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:30 am

      That is high praise, Jacque! Glad to have helped change your mind! ??

  56. Regi says

    Saturday at 4:35 am

    I’ve always loved flocked trees, but have never been a big fan of the all white trees – until now! Oh my goodness! Not only is the tree full and beautiful, but I absolutely LOVE the way the ornaments pop against the white background of the tree. I never would have thought it could look so gorgeous, but here you are, showing me how wrong I was. Good job!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 4:50 am

      Haha, I’m happy to have changed your mind! ??Thanks Regi, what a sweet comment! I do love the contrast of the ornaments against the white, something about it just sings to me! xo

  57. Kimberly Norman says

    Saturday at 5:07 am

    Your tree is gorgeous! I love white trees, but have never stepped out the box to purchase one. Your tree is definitely making me re-think buying one. The colors are so gorgeous against the white. I can’t wait to try one.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:46 pm

      Yes, I love how the colours really pop against the white! We’ve always used green before, but I’m so glad I took the plunge this year! xo

  58. Belinda says

    Saturday at 6:41 am

    Beautiful decor. Love those colors! I, too, am glad you decided to continue your blog. I enjoy reading it, & getting inspiration from your posts. Thank you so much!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:45 pm

      I appreciate that so much, Belinda! xo

  59. Janet says

    Saturday at 8:20 am

    I love the white tree and I am a little surprised that I do 🙂 It is so elegant, especially with the fur tree skirt.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:45 pm

      Why thank you so much, Janet! ?

  60. Paola Quintero says

    Saturday at 9:10 am

    Omg, I love this post so much!! I loved it so much that now I want to redecorate my house with another christmas tree! Similar to this onee

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:45 pm

      Haha, love that Paola! So glad you liked it! xo

  61. Linda says

    Saturday at 9:40 am

    The ornaments are beautiful! If I could find a place to set up a tree that my dogs couldn’t get to, I’d love to have one like yours.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:44 pm

      Oh yes, I imagine dogs are on the same level as toddlers when it comes to tree destruction! ?

  62. Rachel says

    Saturday at 10:49 am

    I love this tree and set up!
    So fresh and gorgeous ????
    I want one!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:49 pm

      Thanks sweet Rachel! So glad you like it! ?

  63. Alison Empey says

    Saturday at 11:11 am

    I wondered how you kept your house looking so nice with a toddler. LOL! Your mom has a lovely house. I love the white tree. I didn’t think I would, but I do! The ornaments are gorgeous and you’ve positioned them so well. I really love it. Its are true “decorator’s” tree. But I also like our green fake trees…one with, like your family, all the kids’ handmade pre-school and elementary school Christmas projects, as well as some that I made as a teen and young woman, some my grandmother made, as well as other handmade ornaments. The other tree has all the commercial ornaments…reminders of trips, gifts, and friendships. Both trees are loaded to the gills with well over 100 items (and memories) each. They are tacky…but soooo much about family. Eventually, I would love to have a “decorator’s” tree like yours, but by then grandkids will likely exist and their tacky Christmas projects will simply be added to the collection. Merry Christmas!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:44 pm

      Those kid-made and sentimental decorations hold so many memories. They are so special and beautiful simply because of that! You must feel so blessed as you look at your trees every year! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas celebrating with family. xo

  64. Sami says

    Saturday at 1:46 pm

    Beautiful tree, and being a lover of all things blue and turquoise I loved the tree decorations.
    The magnolias and the gold berries are a nice touch.
    Keep up the good work Karen and have a wonderful Christmas and 2019.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 7:42 pm

      Thank you Sami, and same to you! xo

  65. Carolynn Williams says

    Saturday at 11:44 pm

    Karen, I love the tree. It’s beautiful. I no longer put up a tree because my boys are grown and gone. And, being typical men they think it is a waste of time. Saying that, to answer your question. I prefer a traditional green tree. Although, yours is gorgeous and looks like something from a magazine. “Different strokes for indifferent folks”.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Sunday at 8:13 pm

      I totally appreciate that for sure! And I’m glad you still like it! ? I saw a black Christmas tree in a shop the other day – now that was different! I thought it was quite dramatic looking, even though it’s not something I would ever have thought of doing. It’s good that we all have such different tastes, it keeps the world such an interesting place. xo

  66. Heidi says

    Sunday at 7:52 am

    Wow! This looks so dreamy! And the ornaments are so beautiful too!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Sunday at 3:31 pm

      They really are the prettiest ornaments I’ve ever seen! Thanks, lovely! xo

  67. Dee Epp says

    Sunday at 9:45 am

    I love the way you have taken just a few Christmas item’s to make your house into a beautiful home, our family go out and cut a tree. but i would take a Break too use a white tree. thanks ill be using a few designs in my home

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Sunday at 8:10 pm

      I love that tradition, Dee! I’ve always thought it would be so special to cut your own tree! Thanks for your sweet words. xo

  68. Dianne says

    Monday at 6:29 am

    The tree looks so beautiful – thanks so much for sharing! Also, I love your newsletters!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Monday at 9:50 am

      So glad to hear that, Dianne! That makes me happy! Love having you in this community. xo

  69. jenn says

    Monday at 7:49 am

    wow I have never seen a white tree before and this is truly gorgeous! makes the space look so festive and also a touch of elegance. reminds me of growing up in Canada where our trees were all white from the snow!
    merry christmas

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Monday at 9:49 am

      I love that Jenn! Thank you so much for those truly kind words! Merry Christmas to you too! xo

  70. Rekha says

    Monday at 11:36 am

    I love the blue and White combination. Very beautifully decorated. Serene and elegant at the same time. Merry Christmas! Stay blessed, stay precious!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Monday at 11:44 am

      Thank you for those kind words Rekha, you’re a sweetheart!

  71. Chantelle says

    Monday at 1:04 pm

    Absolutely stunning! What a beautiful tree, thank you for sharing it with us Karen.

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Tuesday at 3:19 pm

      Thanks Chantelle, that’s so kind! xo

  72. RR says

    Monday at 11:35 pm

    Karen, love this look and it ties in perfectly with the room. I love the aquas and blues with the deeper accents, with the white tree it looks like a snowy magical Christmas tree! Great job!!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Sunday at 8:44 pm

      What a sweet comment, thank you! I think your description is perfect – it really does look snowy and magical! xo

  73. yearbook says

    Thursday at 7:58 am

    Wһen I originaⅼly commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
    chеckbox and now each time a c᧐mment is added I get tһree e-mails with the
    same cоmment. Is there any way you can remove me from that serviⅽe?
    Thank you!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Tuesday at 12:55 pm

      Hey there! I’m so sorry I’ve only just seen this, that would be really annoying! Unfortunately this is not something I can fix on my end, you will need to click the link at the bottom of one of the emails you received – it should say something like “edit subscription settings” or “change notification settings” or something to that effect! Hope that fixes it for you! xo

A blog by

Karen Schravemade

welcome!

Hi friends! So glad you're here! I'm Karen, Aussie stay-home Mum to four littlies, former teacher of Creative Arts, agented writer and interior decorator. I'm on a journey to bring beauty to my home and enjoy a more creative life with my kids - I'd love for you to join us. (Curious? Read more here!)

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INSTAFEED

ahousefullofsunshine

5 years ago, I was struggling with social media ad 5 years ago, I was struggling with social media addiction.⁠⠀
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My compulsion to scroll on my phone was making me deeply unhappy, but I couldn't seem to stop. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
It feels incredibly vulnerable, but for the first time, I'm sharing my raw and honest story about how I became addicted to social media, and the exact steps I took to break free. ⁠⠀
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I've gone from wasting hours on a mindless distraction that only ever made me feel worse about myself, to falling in love with God's Word and finding true rest + peace in his presence.⁠⠀
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I'm a speaker at the 2020 Christian Women's Self Care Conference, and the topic of my session is "Stop the Scroll and Feed your Soul - how to break social media addiction and find rest in God's presence."⁠⠀
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There are 55+ speakers in total, speaking on a wide range of topics relating to self care. Registration is FREE, but only for a couple more days until conference starts on November 9th! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
If you want to hold your seat, just tap the link in my bio and select "Self Care Conference", which will take you to the registration page.⁠⠀
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I hope you'll be blessed!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Meanwhile, please tell me I'm not alone - has anyone else ever struggled with this?? Do share. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
PS... You can read more of my story in my latest blog post! (Link in bio -> Visit the blog). ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I also shared this super cute DIY phone box to help you interrupt the pattern of mindlessly picking up your phone!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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#selfcare #christianwomen #christianlife #socialmediaaddiction #phoneaddiction #selfcaresistersociety
If there's one word to describe how many women hav If there's one word to describe how many women have been feeling this year... it would be "depleted."⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I mean, for real. Who would've guessed back at the start of this year that we'd be dealing with a global pandemic, homeschooling our kids, financial uncertainty, and a total lockdown on many of our most comforting routines?⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Ladies, it's time to refill those emptied-out tanks before this year is out. I'm so excited to share that I'll be speaking at the 2020 Christian Women's Self-Care Conference, alongside 55 other bloggers, authors and speakers. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
It's totally online, and our aim is to bless you with help and encouragement for your 2020-wearied soul! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Even better, registration is FREE until the conference begins on November 7th, so make sure you hold your seat today! Just click the link in my bio and choose "SELF CARE CONFERENCE".⁠⠀
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Hope to see you there!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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P.S. Swipe - do you recognise one of those Day One speakers...? More on what I'll be speaking about, very soon! It's a goody!! 😉 😍⁠⠀
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#selfcare #selfcaresistersociety #2020⁠⠀
It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right now my heart is so heavy with the injustice in the world that I’m struggling to even find the words.

Knowing that I’m inherently complicit in that injustice because of my privilege is sobering. At times I’ve been silent when I should have spoken and at other times I've spoken when I should’ve shut up and listened to the only voices in this narrative that really matter - the voices of those who’ve experienced this sort of prejudice from inside their own skin.

Racial injustice has always grieved my heart, but there’s a difference between empathy and kindness. Having empathy is important, but it’s not enough. Kindness speaks and acts. And right now I don’t really know what to say but somehow I feel it’s important to say something anyway, however imperfectly. Because there is nothing as deafening as silence in the face of systemic suffering.

I don’t know a lot. But I do know that Jesus was always on the side of the oppressed and marginalised. And the Bible tells us that one day, the last will be first and the first will be last. To me that means that in God’s new restored kingdom, these corrupt systems of the world will be turned on their head. In that day, those who’ve benefited from a system of white supremacy (myself included) will be the least. Those who’ve been oppressed and mistreated in this life will be honoured and elevated with the nobility they deserve. What a day that will be!! 🙌

But it’s not enough to know that someday it will all be made right. I hope to see heaven come to earth. I hope to see more black leaders, politicians, policy makers, authors, artists, influencers, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, bank managers, lawyers, judges, scientists and professors. The system is unfairly stacked and our privilege is self-perpetuating. I pray for it all to be turned upside down within our lifetime.

In the (paraphrased) words of MLK, let’s not prefer a negative peace which is an absence of tension (aka passivity, complacency, complicity, silence), over a positive peace, which is the presence of justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. Sc We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. School closures will last at least five weeks. I will not lie, I was anxious about how I would cope. But we are slowly finding our rhythm and perhaps one day in the distant future I’ll even have time to start scheduling posts to Instagram again. For now, this is a random mid week check-in to say, how are you surviving, friends? I’m thinking of you! Wishing you an oasis of calm in the midst of everything, whether it means getting up half an hour earlier than the kids for a morning walk alone, or locking yourself in the bedroom at night with a good book while hubby puts the kids to bed. #doneboth #wewillsurvive 💗
Easter iso style - camping on our land! When so ma Easter iso style - camping on our land!
When so many are feeling hopeless right now, we are thankful for the hope Jesus brings. 💚🧡 Happy Easter, friends!
There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠ There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠
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I've felt led to share some hope and peace with you this week. That doesn't mean you need to put any extra pressure on yourself if you are struggling to tap into peacefulness right now.⁠
⁠
I'm an Enneagram 4, so I am well accustomed to getting trapped inside my own feelings. For the feelers, the weight of the world's problems can sometimes feel intense and overwhelming.⁠
⁠
I was on the beach the other day, praying for a "4" friend who is struggling with this exact thing. And all of a sudden, all of these butterflies started flying from the sand dunes toward the sea, and out over the waves.⁠
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It was a windy day and they were being buffeted around. But I was so intrigued that despite their fragility, they stayed on course, flying directly into that strong wind to get to where they were headed. It started with one, then two, then dozens upon dozens of them. None of them were blown into the water or whipped out of sight. They just flew straight on, above the waves.⁠
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And it made me think of the sensitive souls of this world. Our "butterflies", who bring so much beauty with their creativity, perception, and deep compassion for others. ⁠
⁠
Our butterflies are being extra buffeted right now by the winds of change and pain. That doesn't make them weak. In fact they have within them a surprising strength, to stay the course and to fly above the waves.⁠
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The thing is, you don't have to change who you are to be strong. You don't have to be something you're not. Your sensitivity is not a weakness - it's designed into your DNA by God. With so many people hurting and afraid at the moment, we need your compassion more than ever.⁠
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If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to not be okay. Just trust that even if you feel buffeted by the winds, you are lifted by his grace above the waves, and you will not be drowned.⁠
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And even if you feel like you're flailing around out there, you never know, someone else might just be watching you, admiring your beauty and your grace. 🦋
I was reading a random little story the other day I was reading a random little story the other day from the book of Numbers, in the Bible. ⁠
⁠
A king was scared of the Israelites and so he paid a prophet to curse them. Except every time they tried it, the guy spoke blessings instead. This is what he said:⁠
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"God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king." (Numbers 23:20-21)⁠
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Even the curses of the enemy will be turned into blessings for the people of God. ⁠
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He has given us an inheritance that cannot be shaken. ⁠
⁠
💜 What blessing are you thankful for today? ⁠
⁠
I'm thankful for the leadership of my local church, who continue to minister to peoples' needs both spiritual and physical. Our pastors have their own families and needs, yet they consistently look outward to care for their flock. ⁠
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Let me know yours below! Let's name as many BLESSINGS as we can!⁠
⁠
xo Karen
Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠ ⁠ For famil Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠
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For family and a home and a table to gather around with our loved ones.⁠
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Thank you that when so much else is changing, you remain the same.⁠
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Thank you that you are for us and not against us. That your heart is toward us. That in you is all we need, now and always.⁠
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We pray for those who are lonely and isolated and anxious and unwell. For those whose jobs and livelihoods are lost or threatened. Give us creative ways to reach out with kindness, that we can be salt and light in a dark world. ⁠
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Let kindness for others not feel like a drain on our limited resources, but a natural outflowing of your continuous, abundant supply. ⁠
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Shelves may be bare, but you always have more than enough.⁠
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Every blessing comes from your hand and we are grateful.⁠
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Amen
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind an “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27⁠
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There is truly nothing like God's peace.⁠
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The world can offer mindfulness and yoga and candles and calming diffused oils and self-help. Nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact they can be beautiful tools - I use all of them. ⁠
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But I can say from genuine experience that the peace God gives is not like the peace the world gives. It's on a whole new level. ⁠
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It's the peace that he gives when you're in the middle of a storm and the world is turning to crap all around you and you're at the very end of yourself and self-help has begun feeling like trying to drag yourself from a pit via a rope around your waist that you're tugging on with your own two hands. ⁠
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We can't always lift ourselves out of anxiety or fear. So drop the rope. Stop striving. And ask God for HIS peace. He has an abundant well of supply for you to draw from. ⁠
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Fear is trying to hold tight to control in a situation we can't control. ⁠
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Faith asks us to let go, to repent of our fearfulness and surrender it all to God.⁠
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How do you find this miracle of peace? In the letting go.⁠
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We were never meant to carry this burden anyway. ⁠
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How are you doing today? Let me know how I can pray for you. ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me th I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me that it's time to make a transition. Instead of being a person who looks for support from others in times of stress or uncertainty, he wants me to offer support TO others. ⁠
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I've often felt like I don't quite have it together. I'm sensitive, I feel things deeply, I tend to get trapped in my own head and in negative thought spirals.⁠
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But I felt like he was saying that I have something to offer, anyway. Just because I've always been a person who views myself as needy or weak does not mean God views me that way. He can see the strength that is in all of us and he delights in calling it forth. I love how when Gideon was hiding in fear in a winepress, God's angel greeted him by saying "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."⁠
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He was the furthest thing from a mighty warrior at that point. But God knew the battles he WOULD win in his future. He saw what did not yet exist and spoke about it as if it was already a reality. He saw Gideon's true identity and spoke directly to that buried and hidden place within him.⁠
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So. Maybe all I need is a shift in perspective. From looking inward at my own lack, to looking up at him. HE is the source of any hope and help I can offer. And if he wants me to share that, it would be my privilege to obey.⁠
⁠
So let me know... is there anything you're particularly struggling with right now? If you're feeling anxious or burdened, I would love to support you in prayer. 🙏⁠
⁠
xo Karen
We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but I know many of my American friends are stuck at home right now. Either way - sounds like a good chance to do "one thing for the home."⠀
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If you're feeling anxious, it can really help to get out of your head for a little while and do something practical. We can't control anything in the outside world right now, but we CAN complete one concrete task to make our immediate environment feel calmer and function better. And sometimes just having that one little win is all we need to break us out of a negative thought-spiral and restore some equilibrium. ⠀
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If you're feeling a bit helpless and panicky, I hope this helps. It's one thing you CAN control. And doing something with your hands will give your mind a much-needed break. ⠀
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🌟THIS MONTH'S PRIZE: A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD! 🌟⠀
⠀
Here's a reminder of how to play:⠀
⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
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I hope you join us! This will be fun!
I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux or stress my tendency is to withdraw and process. (I’ve learned this is very Enneagram 4 of me.) I also feel major reticence about adding to the current noise. I feel there are enough voices talking loudly all at once about the same thing and you don’t need one more.
So I give you instead a prayer for peace. If you are feeling anxious, let this be your exhale today. 💙
Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... 😉⁠
⁠
What are you up to this weekend, friends?⁠
⁠
xo Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
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3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
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4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
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5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
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I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⁠⠀
⁠⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythingandeverythinginitsplace
We are getting closer on the home build front... a We are getting closer on the home build front... after two years of sketching dozens upon dozens of floor layout ideas and ultimately trashing all of them, I finally have a plan I LOVE!! ⁠
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It ended up being a highly collaborative effort between our architect and myself - he came up with a general concept and gave me external parameters to suit the contours of the block, and I then designed the internal layouts to fit. ⁠
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Turns out that is exactly what I needed - some guidelines! Amazing how much better our creativity flourishes within constraints. It was way too open-ended before our architect came on board, and I was flailing around in all that freedom like a tadpole in the ocean. Within a day or two of having a blank footprint to work within, I actually had a decent plan. We've tweaked it a little since then, but it's virtually the same.⁠
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I love it when something you've struggled with for the longest time suddenly just clicks. Has this ever happened for you?⁠
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Now we just need to draft it up properly and then see if we can actually afford to build it. Lol. ⁠
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One step at a time... 😆Celebrating progress today!⁠
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xo Karen⁠
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P.S. Let me know if you'd like to see a sneak peek of our plan in stories!!
So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on f So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on from yesterday's chat! This is just off the top of my head, so please take it with a grain of salt - there is SO MUCH more to each type than what I can sum up in a sentence.⁠
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Here are the 9 types:⁠
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1 - The Moral Perfectionist: self-critical, organised, driven by the desire to make things right and good⁠
2 - The Helper: relationally driven, people focussed, places others' needs ahead of their own⁠
3 - The Achiever: success driven and ambitious, gets things done, image conscious⁠
4 - The Romantic Individualist: creative, driven by the desire for uniqueness, feels things deeply⁠
5 - The Investigative Thinker: introverted and analytical,  detached from emotion⁠
6 - The Loyalist: community minded, a team player, driven by the need for security and anxiety about the future⁠
7 - The Entertaining Optimist: positive, energetic and playful, driven to squeeze as much fun out of life as possible⁠
8 - The Protective Challenger: a natural leader, confrontational, confident and determined⁠
9 - The Peaceful Mediator: conflict-avoidant, gentle and steady, driven to seek inner peace⁠
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I'm a 4 wing 5, married to an 8 wing 7. They do say opposites attract 😆⁠
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Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
ENNEAGRAM⁠ ⁠ Where are my fellow Enneagram fan ENNEAGRAM⁠
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Where are my fellow Enneagram fanatics??!⁠
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I've only recently "discovered" the Enneagram, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a game changer. ⁠
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If you're not familiar with it, it's a personality typing system.  I've always been interested in personality differences and human behaviour - that's probably the novelist in me. But none of the other systems I've come across have resonated with me as deeply as the Enneagram.⁠
⁠
It is so accurate, it's almost uncanny.⁠
⁠
Basically, there are 9 types, representing 9 different ways of looking at the world, each with different motivations, behaviour traits, strengths and flaws.⁠
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I'm an Enneagram 4. That's the "Romantic Individualist". It's an artistic temperament driven by creativity, love of beauty, a desire for uniqueness, introspection, and authenticity.⁠
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I guess it's no surprise that when I had to ask my friends and readers to sum up my strengths for an assignment I was given, the two words that came up most frequently were "creativity" and "honesty".⁠
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Enneagram 4's feel deeply and are very connected to our emotions. We'd  much rather have a meaningful conversation about deep feelings than make small talk about trivial things. ⁠
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Each type can pull a little more to one or other of the numbers beside them, giving a different flavour. I'm a wing 5 (the "Investigative Thinker") which means I tend to be less temperamental/ moody, and more steady, reserved and analytical. ⁠
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I'm also daydreamy, a big-picture thinker, and despise administrative details. My "fatal flaw" (each type has one) is comparison and envy. Ohhhhh yep, that certainly rings true. Because while we want to stand out and be special, which can be prideful, we also struggle hard with insecurity and feeling like we never quite measure up.⁠
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Yes, yes and YES.⁠
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If you haven't done the Enneagram test, do a search online - it's honestly so interesting and self-revealing.⁠
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If you know your type, what number are you? xo
So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I f So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I feel less like a whiner - if I get sick I usually shake it within a couple of days, so I was starting to feel irritated with myself for still being crook after three weeks!⁠
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Anyhow, could be worse, and I do feel like I'm starting to pick up again now. ⁠
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This buffet in our living room holds a changing arrangement of mostly-white vases, with a bit of blue glass and green foliage thrown in for good measure. ⁠
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Are you a chronic re-arranger, or do you prefer to leave things as-is? ⁠
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To be honest, I've always been a "get it exactly how I want it then leave it like that forever" type of girl, but I've been loosening up and playing around more with my décor this past year, and it struck me that my buffet has gone through several style shifts now. I actually like it a little bit better every time I make a change! ⁠
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Hope this new week will be an awesome one for you, friends!⁠
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xo Karen⁠
BLACK vs WHITE⁠ ⁠ Let's talk kitchens! Our hou BLACK vs WHITE⁠
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Let's talk kitchens! Our house build is on my mind, and even though we're only at the plan stage, I'm trying to nail down my ideas in a general creative direction. ⁠
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The last three kitchens I've designed have been all white, with accents of grey. I really want to use black in my next kitchen. I love the drama of it (as we already established, I like a bit of drama. Ha.) I keep veering back and forth between all black, or some combination of black and white. ⁠
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I'm interested to know... what would you choose? My guess is that white-on-white is still gonna be the most popular choice, and black will probably be controversial, but I could be wrong! ⁠
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So let me know - I'm keen to hear your opinion!⁠
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1. All white⁠
2. All black⁠
3. Black + white⁠
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🖤♡🖤♡🖤⁠
Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⠀
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You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⠀
⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⠀
⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⠀
⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⠀
⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⠀
⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⠀
⠀
xo Karen⠀
⠀
P.S. You can decorate, declutter or organise anything you like. No task is too small! Tackle a drawer, a shelf, or a storage tub. Do that niggly little job you've been meaning to get to. Hang that picture. Paint that stool. Sort through the kids clothes. We’ve all got that “one thing” - let us know yours! xo⠀
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#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythinga
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