Kristin Salazar’s slice of suburbia is an ideal place to come home to. This stylish blogger and mom to three fun-loving boys has used her love for DIY to transform her house into a beautiful and functional space perfect for a busy family.
In this exclusive interview, the author of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia tells Balsam Hill why Christmas tree decorating is her most favorite family tradition.
BH: What inspired you to start blogging?
Kristin: What started over three years ago as a little blog documenting our home improvement projects has become my passion. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined I would gain a readership, be given some pretty incredible opportunities, and make some really awesome friends. A true blessing!
BH: Do you have a signature ornament you use on your tree year after year?
Kristin: After my first son was born, we were given a very special Lenox ornament from his grandparents. It had the year he was born and the words ‘Baby’s First Christmas.’ After we had our two other sons, they also received a special ornament. We proudly display them on the tree every year, and they bring back wonderful memories of each of their first Christmas as a baby.
BH: What’s your favorite family holiday tradition?
Kristin: Decorating our tree. We turn on the Christmas music and make hot chocolate and the decorating begins. The boys usually last about an hour, but the excitement in their eyes when the tree goes up is amazing.
BH: What’s one of your fondest holiday memories?
Kristin: When I was a little girl, my mom would ask me to help her set the table. We would take her china out and decorate the table together.
BH: When you decorate for the holidays, are there any guidelines you try to follow?
Kristin: I try to keep things pretty traditional but give them a fresh new look every year.
BH: What’s your favorite spot in the home to decorate for the holidays?
Kristin: The tree since it is the first thing to go up.
BH: What is the most memorable Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
Kristin: A watch from my parents. It was gold with an oval face. I was eight at the time, and it was my first piece of ‘real jewelry.’ I kept it all these years, so I could give it to my first daughter. Since I have been blessed with three beautiful boys, I am looking forward to giving it to my first granddaughter.
BH: What do you look forward to the most during the holiday season?
Kristin: Making an advent calendar for our family. Each day, I have an activity planned for our family or a reminder about the true story of why we celebrate Christmas. It takes a little planning on my end as I have to make sure some of the activities would fall on a weekend night. Baking dozens of cookies with the kids definitely wouldn’t work on a school night, but reading a Christmas book sure would.
