well, my friends, this is the last friday finds of the year and this one’s filled with lots of light — thinking towards a fresh, bright new start to the new year, i suppose. i can’t quite believe how another year has flown by so quickly — why is it as i get older the years seem so much shorter? alas, i digress — i want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season, one filled with lots of friends and family, as well as some downtime to reflect and think about your hopes and dreams for next year. i hope there’s time away from the computer and social media, and just some honest to goodness real time, face to face where you can feel empathy and kindness towards others, and feel it truly reciprocated. i so appreciate you still being here with me after so many years, and if you’re new to the blog — welcome! i plan on chugging along until the last reader has left, even if some say blogs are dead. i love it too much to give it up, so as long as you’re here, i’m here, too. we’ll be back to work in january, and until then, have a very happy holiday however you wish to celebrate it and a very happy and healthy new year.
xo, victoria
- i went light on holiday decor since i’m mostly all on my own this year, just adding lots of candles and putting up white fairy lights (if you spray paint them gold, they glow and look extra special!). that’s why i love this fireplace mantel so much — it’s elegant and yet simple and can stay this styled this beautifully all year round — light all these candles and i’ll bet it’s magical.
- i’ve always had a crush on vintage wall sconces, and often the tackier or ornate the better. i have a few i’ve found at flea markets and i love the way these look in this rustic kitchen — such an interesting and unexpected juxtaposition of fancy and practical. i may have to pull a copycat.
- you know i love mismatched dining chairs, and this look is perfect for this time of year when you’re gathering so many extra guests around the holiday dining table.
- this is one very beautiful light-filled space — supplied by those extra special stained-glass windows. i love the white floors and fireplace, too. all it’s missing is a big old tree all lit up in front of those pretty windows.
- this is a beautiful bright, light living room, too. what is it about those very European floor-to-ceiling glass doors that always make a room so much more special? i’d have them in every room if i could.
- big beautiful paned glass windows are pretty grand, too! i love this dining area — there’s so much empty space and yet it feels so inviting. perhaps it’s lovely chandelier taking center stage that makes it all just shine.
- i love the idea of decorating the christmas table ‘from above’ so to speak — hanging bits and bobs from nature along with some tiny white lights. this dining table looks so beautiful bringing in a bit of greenery in the form of foraged branches paired with a simple white linen tablecloth, candles, and natural stoneware.
- doesn’t this look like the coziest kitchen dining spot to wake up and have christmas breakfast? I love the rustic charm of it all! And apparently it’s available for photo shoot locations, as well.
Wishing you a lovely holiday, V. Thanks for another year of beauty and inspiration. Hugs, B xo
Thank you, Uncle B! Happy New Year to you! Lots of love, xoxo
Happy holidays Victoria. Thanks for another year of amazing inspiration. Hope you have a lovely week away from social media, doing just what you want to do.
Thank you, CeCe!! Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays! You’re one of my favorite bloggers.
Thank you so much!! I’ll be around for a while, like I said! :) Happy New Year!
Please don’t go, I love reading your blog :)
Okay! Thank you!!
I’ve been loving your blog for many years and so-o-o-o look forward to it every week! Have a great holiday break and enjoy the Southern California weather. I grew up down there and am now in the cool great state of Oregon. Miss swimming in the ocean. P E A C E
Thank you, Gwen! Much Peace and Happiness to you in the new year! Thanks for reading! :)
Happy Christmas Victoria! From a long time follower who adores the soulfulness and beauty of your images and words. Hope you’ve a lovely break xx
Thank you so very much, Cliodhna. I wish you a very happy new year!
I rarely comment, but often read. Thank you for chugging along, dear woman. Your work is a light in my days and I will be here reading and musing upon your thoughts and images for as long as you offer them to us. Happy New Year, Victoria.
Love,
Shannon
Thank you so much, Shannon! I so appreciate your readership and for taking the time to let me know! Happy new year!
Please keep blogging. Your blog is one of the few good ones left. Wishing you happy holidays!
Thanks for your commitment Victoria. Your blog is such a huge part of my Day to Day. It’s my little escape in to a space that is oh so very real. Enjoy your holidays. Can’t wait to check back in for some January inspiration.
J
thank you so much, jude! that means a lot to me! happy holidays to you, too!
Hi, just a quick one to say that pics were maybe mismatched, because #8 is most definitely the kitchen of Katrin Arens (https://www.katrinarens.it) – love your work, wish you a super happy Xmas and wonderful new year :) Marina.
thank you, marina – i got got confused there somehow as I found the kitchen here, but i see that you’re correct!:
https://www.turbulences-deco.fr/inspiration-deco-esprit-rustique-esprit-campagne/2018/10/
but i’ve corrected the post. thank you!
Hi Victoria. I haven’t commented in a long time but read you faithfully everyday. Thank you so very much for all your posts through the years, they are truly lovely. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Thank you so much, Patricia – and for continuing to read! Happy New Year to you!
happy happy holidays, victoria! your blog is home away from home. SFGIRLBYBAY is ever so comforting to me, more than you’ll ever know and for that i thank youuuuuuuuuu!
Thank you so much, Katrina! Happy New Year! :)
I’ll still be here! Have dropped some blogs over the past couple of years but yours always cheers me and gives me something beautiful to look at each morning. I hope you and Lucy have a calm and happy New Year, walking by the water and feeling the sand beneath your toes.
Thank you so much, Annie! I know you’ve been around a long time, and I so appreciate it. Happy New Year!
My idea of perfect morning consists of coffee and your blog. Thank you for freely sharing inspiring content. Yours is the only blog I’ve consistently stuck with over the years. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much! I love hearing that. Happy New Year!