PMQ for two

Bold, Bright and Colourful Home Decor & DIYs

  • HOME
  • ABOUT ME
    • WORK WITH ME
    • POLICIES
  • BUSINESS BABES
  • PROJECT GALLERY
    • backyard
    • bathroom
    • bedroom
    • dining room
    • kitchen
    • office
    • Nursery
    • living room
    • DIY and craft projects
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • spring
    • easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Summer
    • Cocktails
    • Decor
    • Parties & entertaining
    • recipe
    • Furniture DIY
  • PRESS
  • SHOP
  • WHAT IS A PMQ?
    • THE DUPLEX
    • The Row House Tour

Merry Christmas from PMQ for two

December 21, 2018~ Christmas, lifestyle

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Happy Holidays! Feliz Natal! All that jazz. This is me signing off for the year, and wishing you all a very lovely holiday season, and a happy new year.

MY 2018 READER SURVEY *see deets at the bottom*

This is me, trying to tell Dan to pet the Flamingo and not look so upset about it. See, we planned this silly little shoot in our front yard with the inflatable flamingo so that I would have photos to put in this post, and instead of JUST showing you the perfect pictures, I’m going to share the outtakes as well, because they sum up my year the way words can’t.

“PET THE DAMN FLAMINGO DAN! PET IT LIKE YOU WOULD PET BRUCE!”

You’ll notice that we are standing in our front yard, it’s very cold (it was -20c that day), and Dan looks the way a kid looks when you tell it the dog won’t bite. He’s not into it, but to be fair, he did pose for me with Bruce for a few wonderful shots, and that’s all I wanted. But if I was to sum up 2018 in one shot, it would be this. We’re trying.

We’re trying so hard, we’re almost there, and most importantly, we’re having fun — so what more can you ask for?

This is the year Dan and I got healthy (with our Ketogenic eating), it’s also the year we got in front of the camera more, and this was a big stretch for Dan. He doesn’t want to be in the pictures, but he does it for me. He’s a good sport 99.9% of the time (like with our Beach Picnic this summer), but sometimes I think my requests go a little too far (Like when I asked him to try and put reindeer ears on Bruce).

She’s down! Mayday!

Then there’s this photo where I fell, face first into the snow. I was in a completely upright standing position a mere second before, and somehow just got carried forward. This is how I would describe a few parts of 2018. I got knocked down once or twice, but I got up each time, and that’s what matters. 

After a dark winter (with my brother passing last summer) I found ways to create joy where I could through my work and friendships. This spring I opened-up about my fertility issues, and you guys were so amazing and supportive. Thank you.

It doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a teensy weensy bit hard watching everyone announce pregnancies, and births, and first Christmases. But now, with our newfound health, things are looking up. And most post importantly, I have my own family unit for which I am SO eternally grateful.

My anxiety hit a peek this fall, and made getting through some days super challenging. Some times it took the wind completely out of my sails and felt like I was shoved face first into a snowbank. With the new house, and Dan being away, and a super heavy workload, I struggled. But it was also fun, and I did have help, and guess what. I had a good laugh about ending up in the snow, and got right back up.

Nothing to see here! Please, good neighbours, drive on!

Because I’m now appearing in my photos and posts a heck of a lot more, it means I need my studio assistant more than ever. Kelly has been a real treat to work with, and I will absolutely continue to work with her in 2019. I may even get her to finally start her own blog.

She has been there to help with set-up, and production on larger scale shoots where I can’t be holding the photo trigger the entire time (like this one!) She’s also been there during anxiety attacks, for long days of set-up and cleaning, and to drive me around while I answer emails. Get you a Kelly! <3

Having Kelly to help, also means I’ve ended-up in some pretty silly situations which I’m sure my neighbours will never understand (or ask about). Like that time I was in my driveway with a snowblower and a backdrop tree at Halloween, on my front porch pretending it’s Halloween on September 7th, and now — my yard — posing with an inflatable flamingo around my waist, while Dan tosses snow in the air and Kelly takes a picture. #glamsquad

In this photo, our neighbours are literally driving past the house and wondering wtf is going on. Wave and smile.

Bruce is a huge part of PMQ for two

The fluff nugget aka diva extraordinaire aka Princess, aka Bruce.

He continues to be a huge part of PMQ for two. Now that I’m moving the studio home, he’ll be even more present in my pictures and styling, but mainly because it’s going to be hard keeping him out of the shots.

You know the pink Christmas tree shoot? I had to lock him out of the dining room because he wanted to be in every single photo. No bueno. He was more than willing to play ball this summer with our new lounge chairs, or the painted patio though, but come fall he was having none of it and needed much cajoling.

Working with Bruce on shoots is always fun though, and usually requires 2 other people – one to hold the Jerky off camera (as a bribe), one to take the photo, and one to keep him where he’s supposed to be. By the time we’re done with him, he’ll be ready for Hollywood!

2019 holds so much promise!

I’ve spent so much of 2018 honing my small business skills, and was able to start mentoring others with everything I’ve learned. This has been so incredibly rewarding, and is something I’m very passionate about.

Small business mentorship groups are something I’ll be pursuing even more in 2019, in addition to all the exciting business ventures I’ve been able to line-up. So stay tuned!

As always, thank YOU for tuning in. Thank YOU for hitting like, clicking through, and for being the people with who I get to share this crazy, maximalist, and colourful world I create.

I would be so grateful if you could take my 2018 survey, and help me get a better idea of what you’d like to see in 2019 (and what you thought of 2018). I’ll be drawing three 10$ Starbucks gift cards from those who complete it! Deets at the bottom of the survey.

MY 2018 READER SURVEY

✨Are you signed-up for my new post updates? ✨

* indicates required
Email Format

Share this

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr

16 Comments

Toasted Marshmallow Salted Caramel Coffee »
« Fabulous people posing next to Christmas trees

Comments

  1. cassie bustamante says

    December 21, 2018 at 6:27 am

    happy holidays- you guys are the cutest and i am sure your neighbors are like, we have GOT to become their friends!!!! loved this fun recap!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 21, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Hahaha let’s hope that’s the angle they’re taking!

      Reply
  2. Jessica | house homemade says

    December 21, 2018 at 6:55 am

    So cute! Happyholidays!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 21, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Thanks! To you as well!

      Reply
  3. jean c says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:02 am

    The candid photos are the best! most of all, i can tell how much joy and fun you have in your lives. i wish i had neighbors like you!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 21, 2018 at 9:05 am

      I wish we had neighbours like us too!

      Reply
  4. Angie says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:10 am

    This was by far my fave post! And I was Geary eyed by the end! I am so proud of your perseverance, strength and get er done one way or another attitude! I wish you and your family blessings and continued success for the new year! Big hugs! Xo

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 21, 2018 at 9:11 am

      Aww Angie! I wasn’t trying to make anyone cry! 💗 wishing you all the same in 2019 and beyond!

      Reply
  5. Ainsley says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:06 am

    You look so cold!

    You are going to rock 2019 and I can’t wait to watch!

    Reply
  6. Ann says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:28 am

    The first set of holidays r the most difficult to adjust to after the loss of a loved one. Wish u both serenity
    And success in 2019!
    Your vibe rocks
    Best
    Ann

    Reply
  7. Cindy@countyroad407 says

    December 21, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    When I met you at Haven this summer I was so enthralled by your enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to help others (like me). Since then, I have loved getting to know you better through your IG account and blog posts. I love this post more than any other! I adore you, your wit, your personality and authenticity. I wish you and your family all the best and am Looking forward to 2019 as well – mine and yours! 😉 Merry Christmas

    Reply
  8. Tricia says

    December 22, 2018 at 2:06 am

    Your blog makes me so happy, Thank you so much! I am looking forward to see what 2019 brings, cheers to you and have a very merry christmas! 💝

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 22, 2018 at 11:37 am

      thank you so much Tricia! I’ll be here, so get ready!

      Reply
  9. Kristen cain, md says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:13 am

    Thank you for the courage you have shown about discussing your fertility issues. So many of my patients feel so alone, and the more people talk about it, the more power we all have to get better treatments and insurance coverage for infertility. Baby dust to you in 2019! Love your blog.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      December 22, 2018 at 11:37 am

      Absolutely! It’s just like mental health – ain’t no sense keeping it quiet, especially when there is so much to be gained from talking about it. I love the idea of “baby dust” – I’ll take some!

      Reply
  10. B says

    December 23, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    I wanted to thank you for the wonderful ideas this Christmas, I have incorporated many into my home and gift giving this season!

    We also have the same pair of glasses, and mine do the same thing yours are doing, where they sit crooked and frequently slip down. I thought I would pass on the advice an optometrist friend gave me that fixed my problem. I blasted them with my hair dryer at the nose area for 30 seconds then softly bent them together. I did the same thing to the sides. I didn’t think anyone had noticed, but once I fixed them my girlfriends at lunch all commented “oh gosh you finally fixed those!” Lol goodness. Anyway they’re very chic glasses and I hope this helps you too!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

woman in red dress on counter

Hi! My name is Ariel and I'm the voice behind PMQ for two. I create bright, bold, colourful, and eclectic home decor, DIYs and lifestyle content.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

PMQ for three

Time For A Cocktail

pmqfortwo

Instagram post 2197281245222564406_483183181 AD: Ya sure, I can peacefully watch JB snooze from anywhere in the house with our new @letsvava baby monitor, but I can also set it up to catch Santa in the act when he stops by on the 25th! The handy infrared video monitor means that JB and I can spy on him from the bedroom when he goes for his cookies. Pretty slick eh? What else would you use your baby monitor for? •
•
•

#vava #babymonitor #santacam #christmastree #whitechristmastree #babysfirstchristmas #pocketofmyhome #familymatchingoutfits #christmasjammies #matchingjammies #mommyanddaughter #babyessentials #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecor #christmaseve #santaclaus #letsvava #eclecticdecor #eclectichomemix #bhghowiholiday
Instagram post 2196555291982441586_483183181 Decorating for Christmas is something that brings me great joy. Placing colours and textures in contrast scratches an itch, and then appreciating it all on a daily basis is even better. Today in my stories I’m sharing pics and tips from Christmases past, so make sure you go tell me how amazing it all is. My ego needs the boost! While you’re at it, check out the other colourful bloggers in the IG only tour (tagged in this photo). Happy hump day! •
•
•
#chinoiseriechic #chinoiserie #retrokitchen #retrochristmas #vintagechristmas #vintagechristmasdecor #bhghowiholiday #ihavethisthingwithcolor #christmasdecor #kitchensink #vintagekitchen #eclecticdecor #bluekitchen #poinsettiasforchristmas #poinsettias #abmhappylife #pocketofmyhome #atomicranch #kitschmas
Instagram post 2195829762291490111_483183181 We have one nutcracker for each year together. Should I add one for JB? Would you believe that I themed our house tour around different materials!? (Because I have a lot of time) The entryway is wood, the bedroom is yarn, the nursery is metallics, so on and so forth. Go check it out on the blog! Tell me what ya think. @raintinroof @ourfifthhouse and @camilapavone are also sharing theirs today! •
•
•
#nutcracker #nutcrackers #christmasdecor #christmasdecorations #christmasdecorationseverywhere #abmlifeissweet #12daysofchristmas #eclectichome #eclectichomedecor #curatedvintage #pocketofmyhome #fleamarketdecor #kitschmas #retrochristmas #nutcrackercollection #anthropologiehome
Instagram post 2195107465469473095_483183181 Wipe your paws on the way in! AD: Using our @fiskarsamericas multipurpose garden ships to cut through a doormat, I hacked the Anthro gingerbread house doormat for 5$. Full tutorial is on the blog for the curious!
•
•
•
#anthropologiehome #anthropologiehack #retrochristmas #retrochristmasdecorations #gingerbreadhouse #gingerbreadhouses  #anthropologiechristmas #ihavethisthingwithcolor #abmlifeissweet #pocketofmyhome #retrokitchen #kitschmas #christmastime🎄 #ihavethisthingwithfloors #fiskars #christmascrafts #christmasdiy #wipeyourpaws #anthropologiechristmas
Instagram post 2192932954456261636_483183181 New boobs - who dis? Pregnancy and now maternity have brought some *interesting* changes to my body. Boobs being the biggest variable. I don’t love them, but hey, they’re part of the gig for now. AD: I’ve been dying to try the @knixwear maternity bra because it’s billed as leakproof, and all my other maternity bras are meh. They sent me one to try, and here’s my review: I like how it shapes and supports them. I look the most “normal” wearing it. The clasp is easy to open and close. I don’t like how the little cups inside aren’t fixed and move around, so when I fold it under during a feeding, I find I have to re-adjust before closing it. All things considered though, it’s the best I’ve tried so far, and the leakproof is true! No leaks.
•
Have you tried it? What did you think?
Instagram post 2192206267112323470_483183181 Send eggnog! 🥚🍼🐔 Our Christmas party season starts this weekend! For the first year EVER we have to negotiate schedules and appearances based on babysitter availability. It’s like a board game based and negotiation and money. Fun eh? •
•
•
#christmaspartyideas #christmaspartydecor #eclecticdecor #eclectichome #myhomestyle #bhghowiholiday #smallspacesquad #sideboardstyling #sideboarddecor #christmasdecor #christmasdecorations #abmlifeisbeautiful #sillyseason #christmasgiftideas #maximalism #styledhome #bhgholiday #fleamarketdecor #spoonflowerwrappingpaper
Instagram post 2191484958258745569_483183181 Uncle Eddy made it! If you think I spent 2hrs during JB’s naptime creating a cake topper inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then you’re 👏🏻absolutely👏🏻 right👏🏻 Check our the whole thing on the blog.
•
•
•
#nationallampoonschristmasvacation #christmasvacationmovie #christmasvacationquotes #whitechristmastree #whitechristmas #christmasdecorations #caketopper #kitschmas #shittersfull #iamcreative #clarkgriswold #retrochristmastree #retrochristmas #christmasmovies #christmasmoviemarathon #livingroomdecor #bhghowiholiday
Load More...

- THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -

Cookies 🍪

This site uses cookies: Find out more.