Living

In case you missed it, the holidays are here. With them comes the chance to celebrate in style, but there’s no need to break the bank. Here are some suggestions to help you make the right choices when it comes to planning your festivities.

Nomi pieces intended to motivate and uplift women

A Christmas classic inspires Clinique's holiday collection. The Nutcracker Suite, available only at Hudson's Bay and for a limited time, promises a dazzling dance of colour in two acts.

Christopher Stinson of the UBC Beaty Biodiversity Museum gives a free talk about reptiles and amphibians at West Vancouver Memorial Library on Dec. 6, presented in partnership with the Lighthouse Park Preservation Society.

Emma Dean, 15, Mulgrave School Art teachers: Richard Kristen and Brooke Wozny Favourite art: photography Favourite artist: Banksy Her teacher writes: Emma shows a love of art and this passion comes out in all her art projects.

Bird Walk: Join the Wild Bird Trust nature walks the second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at 2645 Dollarton Hwy., North Vancouver. 604-903-4471 wildbirdtrust.

Some gardening experiences are common to anyone who grows a garden. In a recent batch of emails from the readers of Dig Deep, I noticed a prevalent problem in the garden. Top among recent email questions was how to deal with chafer grubs in lawns.

I've always believed that Christmas trees should be sparkly and attractive but at the same time approachable and touchable. They should reflect the sentiments of the family while at the same time beckon a child's curious hands.

Does it seem that every time you turn around your children are asking for more and bigger gifts? The wish list just seems to explode until you are in a blind panic trying to figure out how to get your little darlings everything they want for Christma

The English Country House Garden by George Plumptre (Frances Lincoln Ltd, 208 pages) $43.