elianavagh

[elianavagh]

Going out to the market had always been something she had made time for during her few years since she had moved to Merrock. There was something about decorations, people milling around with the Christmas spirit high that just made her happy. It was what lead her into one of the stalls that had little figurines and crystal decorations once she had seen the sparkle. When she reached out to grab something she felt her arm bump into someone else's and normally she would have apologized as the guy next to her looked at her and said he'd fist fight her for it. She could tell by his face he wasn't serious, at least she guessed he wasn't. Eliana never one to back down from a challenge, fingers sliding under his to cup the small figurine carefully but not picking it up. "I could take you, bring it on." she grinned.

WHO: Ryder & @elianavagh

WHERE: Holiday Market

WHEN: December, 2024

Of course, his father had wanted to go see the great winter holiday market. He couldn't have just... stayed in the hotel, watching a movie, or decided to go out to eat. One hour into walking around, he had devoured a sausage, a cup of coffee... and was on the phone, talking business. It would be a while, and Ryder took advantage of that to slip away, wandering into one of the nearby stalls, looking over some hand-painted ornaments hanging on a make-shift tree, little ceramic figurines resting on the table, obviously lovingly made by someone with a lot of talent. He reached to pick up a little Christmas tree at the same time as someone else, brushing his arm against theirs, and glancing up with a faux-challenging look on his face. "I'll fist fight you for it. Right here in the snow."

[elianavagh]

A laugh left her lips, "Well I don't really love lying to children in general but also probably not given I'm here looking for my own tree and are lucky I'm not leaving with more than one." she admitted, "But I have artificial trees for my porch and bedroom so I don't need more than one." she admitted, the ones that were fake to put up were far easier than the one she'd bring home that was a real tree. "Not ten trees though, I have narrowed it down to just three between the porch, bedroom and now this tree, or one of these trees for my main tree." she admitted. "Have you thought about getting him one of those small artificial trees that he can decorate himself for his room or somewhere else in the house?"

Nathan lost sight of Micah for a moment. He was about to make another apology so he could try to find his son when the boy made himself seen a few seconds later, making his way back towards him before getting distracted by another tree. "I suppose you're the wrong person to ask if I need someone to lie to him and tell him that the place is about to close and we should choose one immediately?" he said with a small smile. He wouldn't really ask. Not to mention, Micah most likely wouldn't believe him. They weren't the only people there. "And, by 'the same way', you don't mean you want to get ten trees for your home? Or do you?"

[elianavagh]

Is there a reason that you're not a huge holiday person? Like any particular thing happen or just never been big into the holidays? Feel like it's hard to not be filled with the holiday spirit in this town once it's decorated to look like it does. That makes sense, wanting to keep it more family and low-key, nothing wrong with that. I'm honestly just glad to have everything all set up, because I do love having my home all decorated. There's something about all the lights and extra trees that make me feel happy. I'm a both kind of person, I have a real tree as my main tree but I have two artificial trees, one on my porch outside and one smaller one in my bedroom in the corner to fall asleep to the pretty glow ambiance. But I've always been into being a bit all out decoration wise, hence my job.

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge holiday person to begin with. I'm no Ebeneezer Scrooge, either, but I like quiet, laidback holidays. I'll be the first to cop to hiring a decorator to do most of the decorations in the office, and I toss in a little extra to work with what I have at home, too, but I will admit to enjoying it once it's all up. I think I just like the family and Frank Sinatra of it all more so than the commercialization, if that makes sense? Do you end up getting a live tree, or are you a fake tree kind of person? I know that's one of the more decisive holiday-related questions that you can ask someone.

[elianavagh]

"I do have quite a few decorations that could definitely fill in the tree, it's scary how many that I actually have." she admitted, but it was decorations she had collected through the years. "Poor tree, just trying to live his best life and only to be chopped down for fire wood." A soft laugh coming from her lips. "I do have a lot of lights, actually. Plenty to fill in a fuller or bigger tree."

"If you wanna use all your decorations, sure." he agreed, shrugging. She was probably right at the end of the day, stuff it enough but from all he'd seen today it was pretty bleak. "Yeah? Hey, don't worry either, these guys get the axe. Make for good firewood." He tossed the tree down, hopping off to rows of what would be more buffed up trees, though, tonight it was kind of dwindling with options, "You got a lot of lights? These are definitely bigger..."

[elianavagh]

There was something about a Christmas Market that just had the ability to make someone happy. To her it was officially the countdown to Christmas and she had made the executive decision to take a break from work from now until after Christmas, or a couple days after Christmas to just enjoy the holiday season.

With a cup of piping hot hot cocoa tucked between her gloved hands she made her way through the area looking at different stands. Picking up a few pieces here or there to continue to add to her home that was probably more than decked out, but she figured more was more this time of year.

Eliana meandered through different stands continuing to look at different things when she came across a younger blonde. Seeing she had some kind of charity thing up she wandered closer and took a look at some of the things. When the woman explained that all the money in the charity box went to help the foundation that helped her father and keep his memory alive she felt her heartstrings tugged on. "I'm not really someone who has a lot of boat enthusiasts in my life, I'll admit." she said as she shifted her bag down her arm. "But I do love giving to a good cause, especially to keep someone's spirit of who they were going." Eliana smiled, "What do you recommend for something general." As she pulled out some money and slipped it into the box, "Consider this just an extra donation, I can imagine this is a bit bittersweet to be doing something in memory while still trying to enjoy the holiday time and something like this." Gesturing around the Christmas Market.

WHO: OPEN (0/4)

WHERE: Hideaway market

WHEN: Winter Market, 15th December 2024

Sawyer adjusted the collar of her jacket, pulling it tighter against the chilly December air as she stood behind the booth, staring at the spread of nautical-themed trinkets and boat accessories. It wasn’t supposed to be her job today—Scott had insisted she take the day off, but, of course, he’d roped her into manning the booth for Bennett’s Boat Works & Repairs at the Merrock Christmas Market. "Just for an hour," he’d said. "I’ll be back soon." That had been over an hour ago, and she was still standing here, surrounded by wind-up sailboats, life vests, and keychains shaped like anchors. She sighed, casting a glance at the small charity box next to the booth, the one for the charity that had helped her father during his final months. The guilt crept in again, a dull weight in her chest. There was no way Scott would have asked her to do this if their father was still around, and while Sawyer appreciated the sentiment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it all just felt like one more thing she had to manage. A few customers wandered by, eyeing the items with mild interest, but no one stopped to buy. Sawyer was grateful for the quiet, though it only gave her more time to think—mostly about how she’d gotten stuck here instead of enjoying the holiday market like she’d planned. She glanced over the booth again, adjusting a few items as if the display could somehow fix her mood. "At least the donations are going to a good cause," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. A couple passed by, eyeing the keychains, and Sawyer put on a forced smile. She straightened up, trying to shake the nagging feeling that she should be anywhere but here. “Looking for something for the boating enthusiast in your life?” she offered, the words coming out more clipped than she’d intended. "We’ve got a variety of items, and all proceeds from the charity box go directly to the Foundation that helped my father." She hesitated before adding, “It’s a way to keep his memory alive.” As they nodded and moved on, Sawyer let out another sigh, glancing over at the street. Where was Scott with the rest of the stock? The market was busy, the holiday spirit in full swing, and yet here she was—still manning the booth, still waiting for him to show up. Just her luck.

[elianavagh]

Getting a real tree for the main tree in her home was going to be the most important thing. While she would have an artificial all decorated up in her room, and smaller ones throughout the house she owned, the main Christmas tree had to be real. Tilting her head, "I mean it's got character." she said, "And I kind of feel bad for the tree. Throw on the lights properly and decorations and you'll fill it right out." she said still looking at it like she was thinking. "But I suppose I can look at some other trees."

Who: Open (0/5) Where: Lavender Lane When: December psa: the girl in the gif is a tree THE GIRL IS A TREE (or plant, whatever you want)

Needing some pocket change, what little of savings he had were slowly but surely dwindling, Jake decided to put in for a seasonal gig at the tree farm at Lavender Lane. A couple shifts procuring trees here, helping old ladies to their car with their giant batches of poinsettias there— "You sure about this one? It's a little...skimpy. A little bit balding. A little bit browning, it's leaning a little, it's a little bit maybe just maybe a fire hazard..."

[elianavagh]

It was that time that Eliana could finally justify going and getting a Christmas tree. While she had been ready week ago, she knew pratically if she had gotten a live tree it wouldn't have lasted. She knew that her home would have multiple trees, her live tree for the main area, and a few smaller artificial trees throughout her home. One thing she loved was decorating for the holidays. When someone bumped into her she skidded slightly catching herself without falling, thankfully, before hearing someone. "It's okay, kids get so excited this time of year." Seeing a kid dashing around looking at trees. "Can't say I blame him, I'm the same way."

WHERE: Lavender Lane, December 2024 WHO: OPEN (4/5)

"Micah, choose one. One!" Nathan shouted, emphasizing it by giving a 'one' finger at the five-year-old even though he was almost certain that his son wouldn't see it. Micah, who was a good distance away from him, pointed at another tree that he thought would be a good choice for a Christmas tree for their house. "That's too big! Hey, slow down!" he yelled, and bumped into someone. It was inevitable, if he thought about it, with how fast Micah moved and forced him to move faster because the boy listened to nothing he said. "Sorry. My son forgets his small body lets him move around the trees easier than I can."

[elianavagh]

Not a early Christmas person? Are you like that with all holidays or strictly Christmas? Well now that Thanksgiving has come and gone will you start to make some plans? Or does it take you a few days to recover from all the delicious food consumed over the past few days? I know I can't wait to break out all the Christmas decorations, I only have small things out that could be more winter themed but could do both. I'm going with the flow, we'll have weddings and things that'll keep me busy but for the most part I'm trying to enjoy the full kick off and send of the holiday season as much as possible this year.

You're talking to the wrong person when it comes to early Christmas -- I'm very staunchly 'I don't want to think about it until after Thanksgiving.' So for me, if they wait a couple more weeks before they start putting up decorations, lighting the lights, towing out Santa Claus… I like to have a bit of time to enjoy the rest of November. But I take it as that means you're excited for the holidays? Got any big plans coming up, or are you just going with the flow and enjoying things as they happen in town?

[elianavagh]

Thrift shopping was something that Eliana had always loved, the things you could find, make your own, sometimes fix depending on the state it was in, and even add to things. For her she sometimes could find things for her business to add unique touches to weddings and other times it was things for herself and her home. Of course there was also finding lovely pieces for her wardrobe, and she loved finding those more vintage pieces especially. As she shifted through a few different things, eyeing a leather jacket that she was pretty sure was from the actual 70's she heard the woman and looked up. "It's perfect fall colors." Eliana pointed out. "I think you should try it on, we'll get a better idea. How about..." she looked around and pulled on a hanger. "Here a simple black tank to put under it. Go put this on in the dressing room with the jacket and we'll have a better idea."

who: CHLOE & OPEN.

where: Treasure Chest.

when: sometime during November.

Chloe loved going to thrift shops. It was like going on a treasure hunt every time she walked into one. She was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet as she looked around, rummaging through the assorted dresses and tops hanging on the rail. The main thing she was looking for was more fall and winter pieces to fill her wardrobe. "Do you think this would look good on me?" asked Chloe as she turned to the nearest person, holding up a flannel jacket that had the colors orange and brown throughout it. "I don't usually wear these colors, but this is kind of cute."

[elianavagh]

I know we're too early for all things Christmas, but can I admit, I'm a little bit surprised that we don't have places secretly starting to put up Christmas decorations in windows and other places until one night we wake up and suddenly we've turned into a Christmas town straight out of a Hallmark movie? Scratch that, I'm even a little bit disappointed. I've lived in this town over four years now and I still keep hoping for this kind of Christmas takeover to happen.

[elianavagh]

yoga classes and meditation was something eliana had gotten into long ago. with the stress of working with high demanding clients, having a way to relax and keep calm, was necessary, or else losing one's temper was possible. something that no one wanted to see in the wedding industry. a deep breath left her lips as she felt her body relax stretching her body up slowly before turning to face the woman next to her. "meditation takes time. sometimes if you do yoga first, it helps, your muscles are all nice and lose, makes it easier to relax."

Location: Breathe in When: November 2024 Who: Open (4/5)

Once a year, typically after watching clips of athletes at the New York Marathon, Noa tended to go on a fitness kick. It'd last a week. She'd get buoyed by a free class pass or a beginner discount and then fall off just in time for gingerbread season. With the stress of her latest renovations, she'd ended up at weekend meditations. (Which may not be fitness per se but did, according to google, did fall under the wellness umbrella.) After her second class, and while the attendees were filing out, she groaned as she pulled herself upright and said to the person next to her, "I am so damn far from nirvana right now."

[elianavagh]

I've struggled before. That's all.

Kennedy is a sweetheart, isn't she? We own a business here together though, like to say I'm her better half but she's probably mine.

You've come from a place where you've never what?

Oh, I've met Kennedy! Not through work, but we were chatting at the end of summer beach bash for awhile.

[elianavagh]

Sounds like you need a night in with the hubby just the two of you. which if you have a kid that does make it a lot harder. Do you have someone who can babysit to give you some relaxing time. At least you have some time before the allergies come in since we have a whole winter to get through and the rest of fall. Four kids? Wow! That's -- bless you... I don't know if I could do that. I think that's amazing, moms are amazing. Your sister's wedding was beautiful I was so blessed to get to help out in small ways with our wedding company.

You just described a wonderful night if my husband and I were alone in the house, bundled up together, keeping each other warm, but I won’t go into that topic. Allergies are horrible. My poor Allie deals with allergies as well. Hers hit her in the spring not so much in the fall. Meds can be tricky when it comes to allergies. Companies like to say they work and are the best on the market, yet they do nothing for your symptoms. Yes, four kids. Creek Fest was a blast. Now my full focus is on my sister’s upcoming wedding and ensuring it’s the best day of her life.

[elianavagh]

Eliana Vagh attends Cage and Cordelia's Wedding on October 19th, 2024 at the Newman Homestead.

[elianavagh]

Getting out to the bachelorette party had been a last minute decision. While they weren't manning the wedding, they were helping with little things, and she wanted to make sure she was focused, but everyone deserved to have a good time. After finding a perfect jumpsuit for the event, and glass of strong drink in her hand she heard a voice turning towards the blonde. "Clara." Eliana smiled, "How're you?" she asked before taking a sip of her drink, eyes scanning the crowd again before settling back on the woman. "Thank you! So do you! Honestly I just threw this on, this was a last minute okay I'll go kind of look." she admitted with a laugh. "I am, I'll admit, I'm curious about the entertainment, that was much to my surprise."

WHO: Clara & @elianavagh WHEN: Cordelia’s bachelorette

Clara had been helping herself to the open bar that had been created for the event, eagerly taking another premix before looking around the room. Music was vibrating throughout the barn, and suddenly she found her eyes settling on a familiar(ish) face. “Eliana,” she offered a smile as she approached, gazing up and down at her get up. “You look… insanely gorgeous, tonight.” She couldn’t deny that she stood out in the hot pink attire. “You having fun so far?”

[elianavagh]

Eliana attends Cordelia Browning's Bachelorette party at Harmony Ranch, October 12, 2024.

[elianavagh]

I'm sure I'm not the first to speak your language you just have to find those people. Sweet potato pie is delicious, and how people don't enjoy it is flabbergasting, but I'm a big supporter of all things sweet potato in general. No offense taken -- I'm typically busy working so I'm not always around. I'm newer to town in the last few years, I've only been here about four years. Typically our niche is weddings, I'm not saying we say no to other kinds of parties because we are good at what we do, you know? But our speciality definitely is weddings. I love all party planning aspects though, so I'm not really going to complain.

Exactly, and thank fuck, someone who finally speaks my language! Or at least dabbles in it, because holy jesus there’s nothing better than a sweet potato pie. Ah, that explains why I have no clue who you are — No offence. I’ve just never thought about any of that before. Do you guys do birthdays and other events as well or just weddings?