Restyled Home

Christmas 2011...in pictures.

2011-12-26T23:19:00.002-04:00

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And the last few days with our elf:

(decorating his tree...)

(haniging with JB...)

(reading the Night Before Christmas!)

And to all a Good Night!

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Elf not on the shelf...Week Three!

2011-12-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

Hitchin' a ride...

Making a snow angel:

Just back from a trip to the North Pole with his buddy, Buddy (my niece's elf, who was visiting for the weekend)!

Getting his text on...

Peeping Tom?

Only two more days till Christmas!!

Aren't you excited?!!

Christmas Craft Time...

2011-12-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

Every year, we girls gather to do a little crafting and sprinkle a little glitter. This year, the little girls made this craft, shared by my friend Matthew Mead here. It was the perfect craft for them to do and they turned out so cute! Mum and I worked on some glitter houses that needed some prettying up, and my sister made a shadow box, much like the ones I made here.

The next day, my mum and sister and I headed to Halifax for a fun and relaxing day doing the fun kind of Christmas shopping/browsing that doesn't include a mall or crowds.

We browsed thrift shops, specialty stores, and beautiful decorating shops like Hen House, Bellissimo, and more.

(Bellissimo)

Then we went for a delicious meal here where we shared a scrumptious ginger cake topped with fresh cream.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful women in my life and I know the importance of cherishing this special tradition with them!

Happy Christmas!

Signs of Christmas...

2011-12-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Right now I should be writing a story for the spring issue of Holiday with Matthew Mead (you can check his website to hear more about that next week). But as I sit here admiring my Christmas lights and tree I just have to take a teensy break and share my holiday decorations. This serves a two-fold purpose: it is my version of inviting you all in for a virtual cup of tea, and it allows me to look back next year and remind myself what I put where and if it looked good or not.

So here goes a quick tour:

A little village scene in my bathroom:

My holiday mantel (which I just noticed was on this website today):

A little close up of the details:

My holiday tree:

Simple wrapping paper adhered to my glass cabinet doors (to hide all of the Christmas clutter!):

My little kitchen tree, which I put up last night at midnight! I felt like I had better incorporate some coloured lights for my eldest son who loves coloured lights!

Some adorable little deer and toadstools that I purchased here:

Now....back to work for me!

(You can see my outdoor decorations here)

The Elf not on the shelf...Week Two!

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Our little elf has been busy. So busy, he forgot to move himself around the other day. Luckily, Sophie rolled with that and made him do a load of laundry. She's cool like that.

Check out his shenanigans this week:

Retro roller-skating!

Babysitting:

Casually hanging out beneath the mistletoe...

Looking through the kaleidoscope!

Doing a load of laundry, like a good, little elf!

Sending his Christmas list to Santa:

Playing an arcade game...Galaga. Do you remember it? It was my husband's favourite.

And that was his week!

How was yours?

Glass houses...for Christmas!

2011-12-14T10:34:00.000-04:00

As many of you probably know, I have a very talented friend who is a professional in the world of style and creates amazing things each and every day. Matthew Mead, of Holiday with Matthew Mead made me this adorable "snowman under glass." He knows how much I love shadow boxes: I made some myself a few years back.

Knowing how much I love easy-peasy projects, Matthew took some behind-the-scenes photos of just how easy it was to create this gorgeous project:

1. Start with a lantern of any size:

2. Gather your supplies: small collectibles like this little snowman, artificial snow and snowballs from the craft store, faux or real cranberries, or whatever festive embellishments you have on hand.

2. Line the bottom with a layer of sheet moss:

3. Fill a small glass jar filled with your favourite greenery or clippings (add water to prolong the life of the greens!) and nestle the jar into a corner of the lantern:

4. Set the scene by nestling in a favourite holiday ornament:

5. Add your own dash of style with a dusting of artificial snow, tiny "real" trees (I also love to use bottlebrush ones), cranberries, and display on a mantel or table. You could even "light it up" by tucking in a small strand of mini-lights - but if you do so, just don't use the real greenery and water!

Isn't is sweet?

Thank you, Matthew!

If you haven't already picked up a copy of Holiday with Matthew Mead then you are missing out on so many great holiday ideas just as easy and imaginative as this one. Find HOLIDAY on newsstands just about everywhere or by clicking here.

O Christmas Decorating...

2011-12-12T23:37:00.001-04:00

I am officially done decorating, save for a few little spots inside. I snapped this photo last evening at dusk, and I have to say my favourite element is the faux fireplace my husband built me for the porch. I tucked some red lights in behind it in lieu of flames. I know I am a lucky girl: he made the fireplace in just a couple of hours using scrap lumber and trim we had in the garage.

I love having a handyman!!

Oh, and did I tell you a little kitten has joined our family? She looks a lot like Ollie, our little cat that died this fall, and she is utterly lovable. She has taken a shine to our big boy, Jack:

She snuggles up to him to sleep and grooms him any chance she gets! She is a little mother and has brought a lot of laughs into our home.

(don't worry, the berries are faux!)

And...we are also happy to have an exchange student from Germany living with us until the end of January. We think he is pretty great, too, and are looking forward to incorporating some German traditions into our holiday plans!

Happy Decorating!

Dashing into December...and The Elf not on the Shelf!

2011-12-07T15:24:00.003-04:00

It has been a busy last few weeks, hasn't it? I think everyone is dealing with the busyness of their lives, which seems to be especially ramped up at this time of the year, naturally. I have been in a race with myself to "get everything done" and taking little time to just enjoy things, which is always a recipe for disaster. I vow to change that (I hope!).

Sophie turned eleven on December 3rd, which left me feeling a teensy bit blue. There are not many toys on her list and I am having a little trouble swallowing that. She seems to be more interested in clothes lately, which is fun, but not FUN!

Her cake started out as a fail, when I ended up making the icing a weird orange instead of a pale pink. That will teach me to read labels. I salvaged it all with some pretty pale aqua thingamadoos that you put on top of cakes to cover up mistakes that real humans make. Those and a whole lot of pretty candles cover a slew of flaws, right?

We had a sundae bar, played the shopping game, and ate pizza. I kept it somewhat simple this year!

Well, I have hopped onto the Elf on the Shelf craze, although I have given mine a bit of a twist. Sophie, being 11, is a bit old for the book and too old smart to be entertained by my simply moving the little guy around. PLUS, I found (to quote my husband) a "wicked" deal on a little elf without the book. He is actually a tree ornament, almost the same size as the original, and just as bendable/fun! And he cost me under $10, compared to the $35 they were charging at the store (and including the book).

Okay. So here is my take on week one of The Elf on the Shelf!

(clockwise from top left: "elfing" the family, checking out what is in the fridge, cuddling with the cat, and making Sophie a birthday card.)

(Vacuuming the stairs and enjoying some milk)

(Awaiting cake, served by a genie. The seven dwarfs aren't elves, but I think they all seem to be getting along.)

Sophie is loving this; she bounds out of bed every morning to see what the elf has been up to. She gets a kick out of it and I think it has made the build-up to the big day more fun!

What are you doing to kick-start the holidays?

Will you take the time to remember?

2011-11-11T12:11:00.000-04:00

I am reposting this entry from last November 11th. I think this song and video is the best nudge I know of to remind us all to take a break from our lives today and remember why we should be grateful to those who serve, and have served, for our country. It is our duty, our privilege to remember: Attend a Remembrance/Veteran's Day service, read a newspaper article about their experiences, talk to a veteran, say a prayer, watch a video like the one below.

But do something in memory and gratitude.

Like it or not, Christmas anticipation is all around us. But as Remembrance Day (Canada) and Veteran's Day (U.S.) are marked today, I hope that we all will honour it with the respect it commands. I want to share my favourite Remembrance Day reminder via this video, produced by singer/songwriter, Terry Kelly, who resides in Nova Scotia (my province) but is a native of Newfoundland. Please read the following background of the video before watching it. This song, its message, and the video itself puts such a lump in my throat and after watching it, you will be moved to truly remember those who have fought for our freedom and who continue to serve in battle and peace-keeping missions.

(From Terry's website - originally published in the Globe and Mail and written by Roy MacGregor):

It is a song that was intended as a rant, a little "venting" by the blind singer-songwriter concerning an incident he overheard seven years ago this coming week in a Shoppers Drug Mart in Dartmouth, just across the harbour from his home in Halifax.

He was in the store the morning of Nov. 11, 1999, when an announcement came over the public address system that the store would be following the legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative and fall quiet at 11 a.m. to honour those who had fought, and often died, for their country.

At the 11th hour, the store went quiet. Clerks stopped stocking shelves. Cashiers stepped back from their registers. Shoppers paused and lowered their heads.

Except for one man.

He was there with his young daughter, and he was in a hurry.

He demanded a clerk's attention. He insisted on going through the cash. He was loud and obnoxious and destroyed all hope of reflection for everyone within his sound range.

When the man completed his purchase, he hustled his little girl out the doors, but not before Terry Kelly - whose superb hearing compensates for his lack of sight - picked up her plaintive "Daddy - that was embarrassing!" as the doors swung back closed and, finally, allowed the store to fall quiet.

Outraged, Kelly went home, sat down with his guitar, and slowly worked out a tune and words:

"They fought and some died for their homeland
They fought and some died now it's our land
Look at his little child, there's no fear in her eyes
Could he not show respect for other dads who have died?
"Take two minutes, would you mind?
It's a pittance of time
For the boys and the girls who went over
In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died.
It's a pittance of time . . ."

In the song, Kelly unleashed his anger ("God forgive me for wanting to strike him") and celebrated the Canadian soldier, from those who sent letters back from the Great War to those who today send e-mails home from Afghanistan. He sang about the swift passage of time ("May we never forget our young become vets") and about the significance of that small moment we mark at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Please watch this video. I promise you it will serve as a profound message that you will never forget:

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T16:30:00.000-03:00

No, I haven't headed over to The Dark Side and entered Sophie into a Glitz Pageant (or any kind, for that matter!). Sophie and her friend gussied themselves up "Toddlers and Tiaras" style for Halloween this year. We got the skirts at The Christmas Tree Shop, the shoes at Payless, and made the sashes ourselves after a very disappointing attempt to get them via Etsy. :-(

(Only my second bad experience with an Etsy transaction, so I will remain a faithful Etsy addict!)

The boys dressed up with friends for a party Saturday night:

(Dog the Bounty Hunter and ???)

We carved pumpkins and ate lots of soup with friends on Sunday night:

And as Sophie sums it up, "Our costumes are perfect...we look PLASTIC!!"

Rollin' On...

2011-10-27T00:29:00.002-03:00

Fall has been good to me. It has been busy and unexpected at times, and full of clarity. To start, we took our home off the market after only six weeks. The market (in our price range) was fairly dead and I didn't feel like allowing people in any longer just to hear they don't want a pool. What the heck? Sure, realtors tell you that all the time: pools don't sell. But, WE wanted one...so surely someone out there will too? Anyway, it is a moot point; we will not take it down nor do we want to move in the winter, simply to languish in a crappy rental somewhere (do great short-term rentals even exist?). We will (we think) place it on the market next spring and I will continue to gather ideas for our next foray into house-building.

In the meantime, I think I am going to paint a chalkboard wall like this:

(image: via Pinterest)

I found some paint in a pretty pale blue; so although it isn't an original idea, it will be an unexpected colour for a chalkboard!

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So that leaves plenty of time just to experience life as the parents of two teenagers and one little girl. And raising teenagers well is a challenge we are focusing our undivided attention on this year as our eldest is in his graduating year. I have already had several very anxious dreams where I abandon him in various states of need, which (of course) is a direct side-effect of my struggle to accept that he will be heading off to university next fall. I honestly already feel like I am going to DIE with the stress and anxiety it will bring. Dramatic, I know, but I just love having him around.

(the boys)

In my attempt to shrug off things that just don't matter in the long run, I agreed (and persuaded his father) to let him get a tattoo. It is just a small one (the Chinese symbol for loyalty) and I accompanied him and photographed the event and offered up moral support along with his group of about eight friends. And they are good friends. I will even miss them next year, popping in and out of our home, and feeding them breakfast on various Sunday mornings.

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We are ready for Halloween. Well, sort of. Sophie has her costume all planned (it's a funny, tongue-in-cheek one!) and while we still have to carve pumpkins, toast the seeds, and get the candy, we have decked the halls to Sophie's standards...so all is well in her world. She creates Christmas (and birthday!) wish lists on a daily basis and reminds me how much she would like a new kitten to fill the void of losing Ollie. And I would also like to thank all of you who wrote us such heartfelt comments and notes after losing him so suddenly. I read every single one to Sophie and they helped so much.

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image: source unknown :-(

And I, in my usual habit of rushing seasons and holidays, am daydreaming of the Christmas season. I have purchased my latest "A Christmas Story" ornament from Hallmark, started Christmas shopping, and scheme as to how to find a Charlie Brown-type Christmas tree like the one below (without my family saying I am ridiculous).

And lo and behold, I discovered this Woman's Day special holiday issue on display at my local grocery store's checkout aisle:

My holiday home is featured on page 56-59 and I am so excited! Photographed by Matthew Mead, it brought me back to the excitement of the original shoot and how surreal it seemed back then. (I still need to be pinched, really!)

And now I just have to find this magazine on the newsstands:

We all worked incredibly hard on this magazine and I so hope I find it soon. There is also an expanded, keepsake issue of this magazine for sale and you can buy a copy here. Have any of you seen it yet?

And so, that's my life lately. What have you been up to?

Cheers,

Sweet Dreams, Ollie...

2011-09-17T00:48:00.000-03:00

Today was a sad day.

Sophie's little heart broke in pieces.

Her beloved Ollie is gone.

We discovered he had cancer after a very rapid deterioration which took us all by surprise.

He was only two years old.

I am sad, too.

We all are.

He was, in a word, sweet.

And little.

He never grew very big.

We used to joke that he must have been the runt of the litter.

Our sweet-natured, gentle little runt.

Sophie worried that we didn't take enough photos of him, so this is for her. I hope she will like it.

Goodbye Ollie.

We (especially Sophie) will miss you.

California Bound...

2011-09-15T19:14:00.001-03:00

I have been invited to attend a spectacular creative event in February, 2012:

I am so excited to share that I will be heading to the R and R conference held (on Feb. 10-11, 2012) in San Diego. Lyndsay Johnson and Sarah Bradford of The Blog Guidebook have teamed up with my favourite jewellery designer Crystal B. to host this wonderful creative weekend event. I am honoured to have been asked to speak at the event and am looking forward to experiencing some sunny California weather during what I am sure will be one of our typical snowy Canadian winters!

In a nutshell, The R and R event is a two-day creative gathering featuring guest speakers (Matthew Mead is also on the docket), fashion advice from stylist Reachel Bagley, great food, an evening of music from Sarah Sample, photography lessons from Wendy Whitacre of Blue Lily, a jewelry making class, led by Crystal B., a cooking class, led by Hollywood chefs Denise DeCarlo and (Season Two Top Chef's) Betty Fraser, and blogging tips from the pros, Lyndsay and Sarah...plus a whole lot more!!!

The deadline to register is October 15th...and we all hope you will join us. I am so excited to meet so many new people and I hope YOU will be one of them!

Register HERE.

Home, homey, homely...

2011-09-08T20:21:00.001-03:00

(my dining room, photographed by Matthew Mead)

The deep thoughts were flying today.

I am going to have a very large yard sale very soon: as in, sell anything and everything I don't truly love. Although our home is not yet sold, I am preparing for that day and going through each and every cupboard, drawer, and bookshelf and purging. My new criteria for each item is, "Do I want to pack it?" and more often than not, the answer is no.

Over a cup of coffee today, I told my husband, "You are going to be so surprised by how much I will get rid of." He stared back at me with a dubious grin, though I am fairly certain there was a glint of true hope in his eyes.

Later, while digging through the trunk at the end of my bed, I came across my collection of prints and paintings that I have been slowly acquiring via Etsy. Saving them for my next house, I envision a fun and quirky art wall, not-so-strategically hung to reflect my growing desire for spontaneity in decorating.

Which got me to thinking how admitting to an obsession/desire for decorating can sometimes get you pegged as, perhaps, a bit shallow. As in, sure, we all want our homes to look nice but do we really want to admit that it is a passion?

Then I went and checked my email, answering those that required direct attention, then casually filtering through my junk email folder. And then one caught my eye: it was from Cobi Ladner's Club Cobi newsletter.

Cobi Ladner was the genius editor of Canadian House and Home for many years but resigned from her position several years ago, much to my dismay. As much as I loved (and still love!) the beautiful photos and stories in its pages, I loved her editor's letter even more. Every word was genuine, interesting, and always filled with personality and tales of her home and her insights, rather than fluff. Cobi is no snob, and even flirted with the whole decorator vs designer debate with aplomb and her typical down-to-earth style. Can you tell I love Cobi?

Anyway, as I read her letter I was struck by a quote she shared (from design icon Iris Apfel):

"Self expression is the most important thing in life. If you don't have self expression you're all bottled up and you choke!"

And it is true. Everyone has a need for expression. Some write, paint, design, decorate, garden, compete, dance, sing, exercise, Tweet, blog, comment on others' blogs, etc. We all seem to have a need to express ourselves, to be heard, even if it is in a quiet way.

Which brings me back to my deep thought of the day: Will I be able to exercise restraint in my new home? Create a blank canvas, selecting furnishings, fabrics, and decor after long, thoughtful deliberation? Or will the empty spaces on the wall call out to me...begging me to fill them quickly so the house will feel like home? Will I be able to feel at home in a restrained environment? Will such a place feel homey (or homely, as the Brits like to say it!)...or barren?

Time will tell. As I am discovering lately on many levels, the need for patience is being imposed upon me. Certain things are beyond my control and I must wait to see how they unfold.

I wonder what Cobi would say?

Let's Get Moving...

2011-09-02T19:42:00.001-03:00

Happy September!

Swim, swam, swum...

I cannot believe that summer is drawing to a close (well, the kids are going back to school, right?). I am going to miss the little buggers, but I am really looking forward to getting back to my routine and not cleaning up the kitchen 48,569 times a day. It is one of my parenting shortfalls: I am terrible at getting my kids to truly pitch in; I am a bit particular and my kids play dumb when I try to explain how I want things put away, soooo...I usually wind up doing things myself.

Which kind of gives me license to be a martyr now and then, but most of the time it just makes me feel stupid.

Well, there are lots of things going on around these parts, one of the biggest being that our house is on the market. Anyone who has ever put their house up for sale knows how much fun that is, right? Don't you just looovee all the questions you get from people about number of showings, your reasons for selling, and what you are going to do once you DO sell? It is kind of like being in your final weeks of pregnancy when you feel like giving the stink-eye to well-meaning inquiries, but instead you just summon the same, practiced reply.

So, to answer the obvious question: we decided to put our house on the market because it just felt like the right time. We always knew we had roughly a five-year expiry date with this house, to coincide with making a bit of money for upcoming college tuition for our teenage boys. New reasons have popped up to reassure us it is the right time to make our move, so we are happy we "got off the pot."

(And no, I'm not talking about illegal substances!)

We have a tentative plan to build a new home; but with us and our penchant for spontaneity, I never commit to a plan of action. So, what will transpire is a bit of a mystery, even to me.

My eldest had a birthday in July, and I can't believe how quickly my sons are becoming young men:

As for the rest of our summer, August was a bit kinder to us, weather-wise. We did experience some high winds, courtesy of Irene, but she didn't hit us like she did others, for which we are grateful. I hope you and yours stayed safe, if not plunged into darkness for a wee while. All of my fellow East-coasters were on my mind.

Scratching away at The List, I also hosted a Fear Factor party for Sophie and a few of her friends a couple of weeks ago, which was fun. They did cold water stunts (our pool is unheated!) and had to eat some pretty yucky food (a "choice" of olives, dulse, or big dates). I was kind, though, and relieved their palates with some french fries and flower pot ice-cream cakes. I'm not cruel, after all....

She has a mouth full of crumbled Oreos, not dirt!

I have been having fun finding inspiration from many of you for my new home. I do know one thing for certain, I am going to be buying myself one of these gorgeous lights for somewhere in my new abode.

Have you ever seen anything so awesome?

I found it while perusing one of my favourite sites for design inspiration, House and Home. It is also, coincidentally, one of my favourite Canadian design magazines. If you have never picked up this magazine, you are seriously missing out. It just keeps getting better and better. I still deeply miss Canadian Home and Country, though Erin McLaughlin is doing a fabulous job transforming Style at Home to incorporate some of the winning elements of CH&C. I wonder if she still misses the magazine as much as I do?

I am also very proud to report that we have completed both Autumn with Matthew Mead (sold on the website) and Holiday with Matthew Mead 2011, which will be sold on newsstands throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is so exciting for all of us involved, and for the loyal readers who have supported us from the get-go. I hope you check out both issues and let me know what you think!

So, good-bye summer!

(But let's not make it official...you can hang around as long as you like!)

This and that...

2011-07-31T13:00:00.000-03:00

I am just going to pretend I haven't been AWOL around these parts and skip back into line with a little post summarizing my summer thus far. It has been a rotten summer, weather-wise, and not filled with a lot of time for fun. Still, we have managed to squeeze in some activities - which Sophie can scratch off The List - and I have been able to see almost all of my extended family during quick visits.

In late June, my brother and his family dropped in for a couple of days and Sophie and I were happy to be able to host my niece Sarah's family birthday party:

Denise and I posed for a rare photo together (I love her!):

And then I wrangled my brother, Alistair, into taking one with me:

Next up was our local marathon, which is a pretty big deal in our town, and everyone but me ran in different events. (I have decided I truly hate running and was on duty to replenish my husband's gel packs and water stocks every time he ran past our house (he ran the full marathon!).

The boys and Sophie ran the 5km event:

Next up was a camping FAIL (we were rained out and packed up on the second day!). Still, we were able to have a 3-family Mexican food night, which was on Sophie's to-do list:

Back home, we headed to a local strawberry field and picked 18 quarts of berries:

Swimming (when it wasn't too cold or raining!):

Sophie took part in the Kids of Steel Triathlon:

Next up, a trip to Fredericton, where we did more "it's all about the kids" activities and enjoyed a visit with family:

And that was July.

I am looking forward to sharing some news with you in my next post. Let's just say, I am ready for some change and getting itchy feet. The gypsy in me is starting to rear again...

Wish upon a raindrop...

2011-06-07T17:52:00.001-03:00

I wish I may, I wish I might.

Basically, I want two things: to go camping and to steal my daughter from school and take her on a full-fledged picnic, replete with a pretty picnic blanket, yummy chicken sandwiches, homemade cookies, potato chips, and a flask of a cold, sweet drink. I want to pack a frisbee, bubbles, sunscreen, and even a kite and just spend the afternoon revelling in a sunny afternoon. I want to stop on the way home for popsicles and return with newfound freckles on our cheeks and shake blades of grass from the picnic blanket.

Or maybe I want more:

I also want to have a barbecue and actually eat outside, hear the sounds of my kids jumping into the pool, and hang clothes on the line to dry in the sun. I want to plant my window boxes and not worry about them growing mouldy from the never-ending damp. I want to have to put my air conditioner in my window and (finally) paint my porch floor. I want to wear flip-flops and put my jeans away in the back of my closet. I want to think that cooking a turkey is a ludicrous idea and eat my first (and probably only) hot dog of the season.

Because, have you ever had the feeling that you are trapped in a time warp where the days literally resemble one another and you are in a state of suspended motion where someone has hit the pause button on the change of seasons? Where the picture outside your window never changes and that picture is grey and drizzly and, admittedly, a lush green but little else in the way of colour? While we are very, very fortunate that our weather complaints are mild (especially in light of others who have been faced with forceful and dangerous weather events), those of us who have endured a long, snowy Canadian winter are feeling the lack of energy and mood-lifting sun and vitamin D that normally comes with this time of year. For it has been over a month of cool/cold, dreary, uninspiring weather. I am literally craving the warmth of the sun and all the happy things that come with it.

And I will keep on wishing.

You can dance if you want to...

2011-05-24T12:12:00.000-03:00

I am so excited!

I once posted a photo just like this of a print I wanted with these lyrics from Men Without Hats' popular song, The Safety Dance. Of course, true to form, I misplaced the link so I couldn't find the source of the art. Lucky for me, Etsy posted this exact image and the shop where it came from on their blog last week and I whooped with delight!

I immediately contacted the seller, Marianne from The Color Bee, who agreed to make one for me in a cheery yellow and white, for the art wall I want to create in my home. I have been collecting some fun pieces from Etsy artists and have quite a collection of great finds. And as soon as I can figure out where I want this art wall to be, I will have a great way to showcase my finds.

But I LOVE this one!

Because really, if you won't get up and dance you really are missing out on all of the fun!

Treasure Hunt...

2011-05-23T15:57:00.001-03:00

(inspiration for my new chairs!)

On Mother's Day weekend I headed to Bangor with some of the women in my family for our annual shopping trip together. It is always a weekend of good (and too much!) food, laughs, and fun. It is also the time when I try to pick up some spring/summer clothes, just in case I will ever need them.

(Mum and me)

(my sister-in-law, Denise, and I after a breakfast of champions)

I love the affordability and feminine fashions found at New York and Company in the Bangor Mall (and online). The deals there were amazing and I came out with a bag full of spring clothes for just over $150. You can't beat that! While there, I found the best white jeans ever...perfection! I wish there had been other colors:

And some pretty new tops:

I also bought new lights for my hallway from Lowe's. They have pretty, pale grey linen-look shades:

And for my front porch: outdoor retro-inspired metal chairs, also from Lowe's:

I wish we had room in the van for the matching garden glider:

Now, if only the weather would warm up so I could paint the floor of my front porch, assemble the chairs, and plant some flowers in my porch planters. We NEED the warmth of the sun...any amount of it! I am itching to start a house-related project, if only I could decide upon one. It seems I am a bag full of lazy bones when it comes to getting motivated this spring. To be perfectly truthful, I just want to fast-forward to a hot day in July with kids cannon-balling around me into the pool as I keep one eye on them and the other on a great summer novel.

So, any suggestions for a great summer book?

Marketeering!

2011-05-11T18:08:00.000-03:00

Christine Chitnis, the winner of the holiday home tour contest for the Holiday with Matthew Mead 2010 issue, reached out to me with her good news that she has had a book published! I am happy to share her news and a little background about her book, Markets of New England, which highlights fifty of the most unique and vibrant farmers markets and art events in the region.

Writes Christine: " Combining my love of writing, photography, and travel, I set out to unearth the top fifty markets- both farmer’s markets and art markets- in New England for my first book, Markets of New England (The Little Bookroom, May 2011). Although this was to be a travel book, I wrote it with a greater purpose in mind.

When we use our collective consumer power to support artisans—beekeepers, cheese mongers, weavers, and woodworkers—we are insuring that our communities remain unique, thriving places to live. In this age of big-box stores and mass-produced items, it has become all the more important to invest in our local economy. . . one artist, one farmer, one shop at a time.

People worldwide are discovering the immense pleasure that can be had by living a thoughtful life full of farm-fresh food and handmade possessions. This return to the “good life” is reflected in our increasing interest in buying locally grown and produced goods, and there is no better place to ‘shop local’ than at neighborhood farmer’s markets and art events."

Chech out Christine's book...look for this cover:

(all images courtesy Christine Chitnis, and used with permission)

The sun only shines on T.V...

2011-05-02T13:04:00.000-03:00

After days and days and days and days of rainy, muggy, foggy weather - mixed in with damp cold and weather forecasters who downright lie to get your hopes up - I am bringing sunshine into my days all by myself.

"Me and my bad/frizzy hair" seek out anything that reminds us of summer. Because a big pffft to spring, we all know that isn't coming.

So, I have been donning yellow clothing, smearing on fake tanning products (orange beats white), and wearing shoes that leave my toes cold, all in the hopes that by sporting a positive attitude, I will bring. it. on.

I picked out this pretty dress from The Shabby Apple, which I wore for my story in the new issue of Summer with Matthew Mead. 

Although I also added a cardigan over top of it, it made me think summer as I smiled and posed and resisted the temptation of the beautiful food Matthew prepared for the feature.

Do you want to see a sneak peek of it?

Because it is gorgeous and centers around a summer tradition that I embrace each year with my kids.

I wasn't kidding about gorgeous, right? and that little girl? Well, she looks a lot like my little Sophie did when she was younger:

Funny, huh? 

You will have to wait and see the magazine for yourself to know which tradition I am talking about.

By the way, have you ordered yours yet? 

Because if you have (or haven't) you will be thrilled to know that Matthew is tucking a golden ticket inside ten of the magazines that are ordered before noon on May 6th! 

And what will those golden tickets be redeemable for?  

Well, go here to find out!

A hint though: one is worth $1000 of goodness!!! 

Which, if you are like me, will make you feel all warm and sunny inside.

Because lately, the sun really does only shine on T.V:

Shopping with a purpose!

2011-04-30T17:13:00.001-03:00

I love nothing more than buying gifts for my mum.

I think every mother should be gifted with a beautiful, heartfelt token of love from their children on Mother's Day.

It doesn't need to be expensive and if you are up for it, you can make something using your God-given talents.

(like a beautiful meal, flowers from your garden, a special photograph set into a pretty frame, or even a day's labour - like gardening, a DIY project, some spring cleaning - especially fitting, seeing as she gave up at least a day "labouring" to have you!)

I love buying my mum something pretty to wear, as she never really treats herself to clothes. In fact, when she does buy something, she usually hangs it in her closet for a suitable grace period until (and I am guessing here) the "newness" wears off. I didn't inherit that trait: As soon as I buy new clothes, they are on my back!

I have my gifts for my mother all wrapped and ready for when I go and visit her next weekend. I cannot wait! It has been four full months since I have seen her and I am so ready for one of her hugs.

Because I (like you) have the BEST mother in the world.

For real...

Now, if you want to win your mum a spectacular gift, then head on over here to enter to win the PERFECT present.

Did someone say, Anthropologie?

And while you're there, why not buy her a copy of the best magazine of the summer?

And I'm not kidding...it's really that gooood!!!!!!!!!!!

Bittersweet...

2011-04-29T10:28:00.001-03:00

Like many, I awoke earlier than my usual time to watch the royal wedding of William and Kate (Catherine). Sure, I could have waited and watched it via the internet, but I like living in the moment. I'm old-fashioned like that.

After watching William and the other members of the royal family arrive at Westminster Abbey, I rustled Sophie from a sound sleep to see Kate arrive at the church and get that first glimpse of the wedding gown.

To say I loved it would be an understatement. Very reminiscent of Grace Kelly's gown, and flawless.

It was very different from Princess Diana's wedding gown.

Even though I was an enamored young girl back then, I knew it wasn't the most fashion forward dress and very wrinkly...but it took my breath away. I thought she was stunning and magical as only she could be.

Which is why after watching the service today and witnessing not one, but two, brief and chaste kisses, I found myself crying. I am just so sad.

As a mum, I just wish that Diana could be here today to witness her beautiful boy's happy day. It breaks my heart that she can't and I can only imagine how much she is missed by her boys today.

In fact, while searching for images to accompany this post, I stumbled upon one of Diana and Dodi just as they were driving off on that fateful night and I wanted to will her to stop. It takes my breath away that one moment can change so much for so many people. Mothers shouldn't die. Shouldn't be taken from their children. It is cruel.

So, I picked up the phone and dialed the only person I knew who would understand and not laugh or roll their eyes as I choked out a hello through my tears:

My sister. And she cried with me.

Ans now I am going to call my mum (who is much more stoic) and we will have a proper chat about the fashion and hats, and we will drink our tea and chew our toast over the phone, which neither of us will mind.

Because my sister will have none of that: no eating while on the phone!

Easter...around the house

2011-04-27T10:26:00.001-03:00

Best Easter ever, without a doubt!

Spring, Sprung... I'm done!!

2011-04-14T19:26:00.003-03:00

(photo from the project that has been keeping me so busy!)

Sakes alive!

It feels like forever since I've taken a moment to update my blog.

To be perfectly honest, it has been a side effect of writing so many stories for the summer issue of Holiday.

I was "typed out."

But I am on a "pseudo break:"

I am focusing my week on cleaning my house, picking up things to put in my children's Easter baskets.

Because you know that teenage boys are so big on that! hah!

Thank goodness Sophie is till little; she loves Easter!

Today we decorated the house for the holiday and if it wasn't freezing out I would feel like spring is truly here!

Utah was wonderful!

(Can you believe those mountains?!!)

Meeting Stephanie Nielson and her sisters was amazing.

Stephanie is so kind and warm and has a quiet humor about her.

I think she was quiet because she was so exhausted by her week. She had spent the days preceding our visit being interviewed and filmed by Elizabeth Vargas for 20/20. It is airing some time in May, I think.

I also got to have a chat with Courtney, aka CJane.

She is every bit as funny and charming as she appears on her blog and vlogs. I had to tell her that I love her writing. Because I do. It is killer!

Before I went to Utah I made a pit stop at Matthew Mead's studio to shoot my story.

We had some great laughs at how some of my photos turned out.

You had to be there, I know, but I can be seriously unphotogenic.

It's why I don't load my blog with photos of myself.

Well, except for my fan photos, above!

Here is a very small sneak peek at my story. It involves a few of the traditions I have carved out with my kids for summer.. It is truly "me" and I love that.

I have also been doing a lot of Zumba lately, to counteract the fact that I am on my rear-end, sitting at my computer so much.

I LOVE it!

I can't believe I have finally found an exercise I enjoy.

I look like a dork doing it but I pretend I don't.

I have yet to find a pair of workout pants that don't fall down, though.

I even sprang for some Lululemon pants, but they manage to inch their way down, too.

And they are stupidly expensive. But Sophie thinks I'm cool, so that is worth something, right?

So I figure I burn a few extra calories by tugging at my pants as I dance/exercise.

You know, to hide my stomach...

And I am still afraid of my new camera.

I went from someone who took oodles of pictures to someone who never picks it up.

Isn't that stupid?

Why, yes. Yes, it is.

So, I am thinking of making a departure from my usual Easter dinner and recreating the luncheon that Matthew served Stephanie and her sisters. It was dee-licious!! Not that I got to taste anything. I was too busy schlepping stuff and being a good styling assistant. Believe me, there is nothing glamorous about assisting on a shoot. But it is FUN! I still have to pinch myself that I get to meet the people I do and be part of something I have always dreamed about.

Speaking of meeting people: When we were in Provo, we wre invited to dinner at the home of the amazing, renowned photographer, David Meredith. David has shot so many features for a multitude of well-known shelter magazines (including Country Home) and has photographed many of the gorgeous home interiors shots for Anthropologie.

Like this one:

And these ones:

His home was amazing and he and his wife made the most delicious meal...the mushroom soup and beef tenderloin...well, I still think about them and wish for that soup recipe!

David is a true jet-setter, flying across the country non-stop to photograph projects for Barbara Barry, Diane von Furstenburg, and Anthropologie, among many others. He and his wife and Matthew and Jenny had a great time catching up and sharing stories about work and the people they know while I ate as slowly as I could (didn't want to reveal my true self) and took it all in.

It was truly a fun but tiring trip!

Phew!

Long-winded much?

I do promise to check in more frequently.

I have a giveaway I'd like to do (and I don't do them often!) and some more news to share.

If you hung in for this entire monologue then hats off to you and I am grateful that anyone still comes here!

I have missed the interaction this blog gives me, but I have been peeking in on you.

And yes, I am bad not to comment as often as I should, so don't feel like you should comment on my rambling post!!

Now, back to sneaking chocolate eggs from my stash!!

Sure Signs of Spring...

2011-03-16T23:30:00.003-03:00

(all photos from summer 2010)

A couple of weeks ago, we had snowbanks almost as tall as me. And then, magically, it disappeared virtually overnight, revealing brownish-green grass and little deposits from my cats dotted about the lawn. The handyman hauled out his super-duper extending ladder:

~ the one we use to rescue cats and shoes off the roof ~

...and finally took down the holiday wreaths from the peaks of our home.

We were "that kind" of household this year.

The kind you drive by and remark, "Those people should have taken down their wreaths by now!"

Yep; we broke many rules on the ladder to classiness.

And I could care less. I don't know what's gotten into me.

But I have attempted a little spring cleaning. Living room slip covers got washed and I cleaned one shelf of my fridge. The downstairs slipcovers are so full of cat hair you could make an ugly sweater, and my onions are growing onion, but hey: I could care less. For now.

Because I know as the days get longer and the grass turns greener and my cats leave deposits in my flower beds instead of the snow, I will catch spring fever. And scrub my house from top to bottom and browse decorating magazines and all of your lovely blogs. And I have a LOT in my reader!

And then the handyman is in serious trouble.

Because then I start thinking of projects we can do.

Which means he can build and I can paint.

And I stumbled upon the photo of my patio makeover last spring (photo above) and it reminded me that sooner than later we will be eating breakfast outside and I will be hanging clothes on the line everyday. And the birds (or hornets) will return to my birdhouse atop my clothesline post. And I will begin receiving squirrel remains on my front step each day from my least admired cat. And we will put our porch swing and I will play hooky one day and spend the entire afternoon on that same swing and read a book almost cover to cover.

Because I can do that if I really like the book.

Can't you?

And I will wonder if every person who drives by will think I am incredibly lazy or just really smart.

Hurry up Spring!!

Excitement in the wings...

2011-02-27T00:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I have been kind of buried under a snowbank the last few months. Yes, the snow is ridiculously high, but the days, too, have seemed brutally long despite nightfall arriving just as we finish up dinner. So what have I been up to? Well, I have finished writing 144 pages of a gardening magazine (Container Gardening 2011) and gained experience writing everything from the table of contents to the final page. To be honest, I don't think I will even so much as read a plant tag this summer. Full sun, partial shade...I don't care. The magazine, however, is gorgeous and is certainly leagues above any gardening magazine I have laid eyes on! Of course, Matthew Mead shot and produced every story; so how can you go wrong?

The other day, I went for a walk with a good friend and we both felt a spring in our step as the sun shone stronger than it has in months. I could feel its warmth lift me out of the winter doldrums and we chatted about spring fashions and the return of brighter days with nightfall arriving when it should. I look forward to spring cleaning (really!) and clearing the cobwebs from my home and my head. And although we won't be heading anywhere exciting as a family this March break, I do have an upcoming trip to Utah to look forward to!

Last June when we shot Stephanie Nielson's family at Smeeks (in Arizona), we did not get the opportunity to meet her. While we filled her children and their friends with generous doses of sugar, she lay in a hospital bed battling a painful recovery from yet another major surgery. When she emailed me, fretting like only a mother does about whether her children had their hair combed and if we needed anything and how sad she was that she was missing out on the experience, I wrote back and reassured her that she would be front and center at the next one...that Matthew had big plans for her for the next (this summer's) issue. And here we are: this March we will head to Provo and photograph Stephanie and her sisters (yes, Courtney, too!) for a very special entertaining feature. And I cannot tell you what it means to me to finally be able to meet her, give her a hug and tell her just how much she inspires me everyday with her spirit, courage and determination to regain and redefine her life. My words will be nothing she hasn't heard before, but it means so very much to me to be able to say them. Can you believe she is skiing again??

Oh, and you can bet I will need to step up my wardrobe in anticipation of meeting the uber stylish Stephanie and sisters! Three more weeks and I'll be there...I can't wait! And fingers crossed, when I return it should be nice enough to hook up the porch swing for those April days when it is not raining!

Slip Slidin' Away...

2011-02-11T10:51:00.000-04:00

Life is so much more fun when you're a child.

I didn't have the courage to go down that hill even once.

I am officially stodgy.

I really am...

Isn't my baby pretty?

Her friends are pretty cute, too!

Saw a pretty funny (and fitting!) sign outside a church yesterday.

It read, "Whoever is praying to God for snow, please stop!!"

Amen to that.

The snowbanks at the end of my driveway are too tall for me to see over.

Are you jealous?

Does anyone else feel like they're living out the movie, Groundhog Day?

I just finished writing an entire gardening magazine. I am going out to our "big mall" to celebrate.

Sophie needs new gloves. She wore out her other ones.

Snow, much?

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.

2011-01-28T13:59:00.000-04:00

image source, Babiekins

Well, it's been roughly a month since I've signed into this blog to write anything. I can't really explain why it's taken me so long to get back to it except that I felt a need to be quiet and really had nothing overly interesting to share. Every time I thought about writing anything I was met with a blank wall, which may have been a reflection of my January state of mind or the fact that I was working very hard to finish up the gardening magazine I was writing...over 144 pages of container gardening stories and info and well, I think my mind went into sleep mode and so did I. It has taken several emails from sweet readers wondering where the hell I was to nudge me into logging in.

As I mentioned after Christmas, I received a new and improved camera as a present and it seems to have scared me into never picking up a camera again. I bought myself a new, pretty camera strap (which still hasn't arrived!), a camera bag, a 50 mm lens, and an instructional DVD. The fact that I did all that and still haven't taken more than a few photos speaks to my current lack of ambition/courage. I have vowed to at least put the DVD in the player and watch a few minutes as soon as the magazine is finalized. Then maybe I'll become brave enough to actually post a picture of something.

Until that time, I decided I am better off sharing a few photos and links of things I have found to be lovely, annoying or curious and see what you think. Some are things I purchased as Christmas gifts for others, others are pretty people or homes/decorating, and others are just plain dumb.

Please, January, just hurry up and be over already!!

****************************

The Good:

I bought this pillow for my house from Helkat Design and a green and blue one for my mum. I don't care if they are a fad; the Union Jack is special to me.

I love this blog. Her life seems so sweetly simple and back to basics, and I mean that in the nicest way, truly. Just look at this wonderful handmade Christmas she created for her "little one." And her kitchen is so pretty, too.

The Bad:

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this nursery. I have seen it floating around several blogs lately and while it is stylish, it just grates on me that a parent could so overtly choose style over safety. Yes, the yellow crib is beautiful and the room's vibe very Anthropologie, but that crib scares the heck out of me. Some may defend it, but if they do they have never had children and are glued to design sites where cutting-edge style is more important than comfort or warmth... or were the kind of parents who had a horseshoe kicking around inside of them.

I know you know what I'm talking about.

The Beautiful:

When I saw this photo of Jenny Holiday on her blog recently I was dumbstruck at how beautiful she looked with her pink hair. Have you ever seen a hair colour so perfectly suit someone? I will never have the nerve to colour my hair anything other than my assisted blonde, but for some people, it just works!!

And this blouse:

I want it so badly but the price stops me in my tracks. Plays upon all of my childhood hang-ups.

And add the high shipping charges and the taxes and duty that big U.S. retailers so thoughtfully pay/charge on my behalf and it just makes the cost prohibitive. And don't get me started on companies that won't ship to Canada!!

Yep. Beauty and the Beast, that blouse is.

And one of the most beautiful of all poems, perfect for those of us with children who are edging closer to flying the nest. My favourite line is:

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.

On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Top Ten Projects of 2010

2010-12-31T00:00:00.016-04:00

In keeping with tradition, I have created a line-up of my favourite projects (decorating or personal) that I tackled in 2010. I didn't do as many hands-on projects this year, which I think is a reflection of the fact that we have been in this house longer than any other home we've had AND my having spent so much of the year in front of my computer...working.

Here is my list:

1. My $65 bathroom make-over, inspired by the funky wallpaper, above.

2. My new "office", Les Nessman style:

(above photo, courtesty Matthew Mead)

3. Well, not so much a project, but still something new. My new Ikea chair, which my three cats haven't managed to ruin yet:

4. A little Halloween craft:

5. My dining area make-over. (Trying to get in touch with my more youthful side ;-)

With my new light from Ikea:

6. Decorating Sophie's playhouse for Christmas...why didn't I do this before now?

7. The ~~free~~ $10 light I made for my sister:

8. Christmas snow globes:

9. My Murphy Bed, built by the handyman!!

10. And last but definitely not least, I am so proud of my part in this:

I wrote a large number of the articles, tended the blog, tackled the many letters/emails and questions we received, and had so much fun on the photo shoots I was involved with here and here, and the many other duties that came with my position. Stay tuned to our blog for an exciting announcement (coming soon) about what is coming up next.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Thank you for following along with my decorating and family adventures in 2010 and I am so grateful for your kind comments, emails and friendship. That is what truly makes blogging a gift.

My Murphy Bed...

2010-12-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

I just realized I forgot to share the photos of my new Murphy bed the handyman made for me. With both our families living away, we really needed to eke out some sort of guest room and with no extra space hiding out anywhere, well, a Murphy Bed was our solution. Using the hardware kit from Lee Valley, the handyman loaded up his big a*s truck with wood and started working his handyman magic. I had shown him some photos of beds I liked, but he said he had it "all under control" and with the fancy pieces of moulding I saw poking out of his stash, I figured he just might.

Well, he worked away and before I knew it he was standing in front of me with a paint can and brush, passing off the proverbial handyman baton (he doesn't do paint), and with a sigh and a shuffle, off I went. I painted the outside, but the inside will have to wait. Also, I plan to wallpaper the area behind the bed, just to be all fancy-like. But I was too lazy to do it when I should have. Besides, Christmas shopping was calling to me, and would you rather paint/wallpaper or shop?

So here is the inside of the bed, in the "down-right" position:

And this is how the bedding stays in place:

And 2/2 guests report it is comfortable!

Christmas Wishes...

2010-12-25T23:43:00.002-04:00

Okay. This is supposed to be our Christmas card. Except Shutterfly failed to deliver (on time, as promised) so I won't be sending any out until AFTER Christmas. : (

Regardless, I think I have pretty great kids to pose for this photo. And it wasn't even my idea. This year, their father came up with the idea and I was SURE they would revolt. But, they know it is pretty much all I ask of them at Christmastime, so I am still amazed that this one goes down in history as the easiest Christmas card shoot of them all.

Go figure...

Our holiday table:

Oh, and I know you have all probably heard me bemoan my camera and the lacklustre quality of the photos it produces. Well, this year the handyman gave me such a surprise! We, who normally don't exchange much in the way of presents, actually surprised each other. I made a photo book for him commemorating his Ironman achievement and he gave me this sweet beauty:

So, after many hours trying to figure out how the heck it works, I should be able to shoot some better quality images for this old blog.

Just remember, I'm a slow learner, so don't expect too much too soon!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

And for your listening pleasure. This one gives me chills:

Christmastime's a Comin'...

2010-12-24T00:32:00.003-04:00

Christmas is nigh...

And I am as ready as I will ever be. Because, really, all of the little things we do are just extras, right? We don't have to attend every party we are invited to, bake at least five things, get gifts for everyone whose paths we might cross during the week of Christmas, or wrap gifts that look like masterpieces, do we?

I don't know if it is because my children were off for a full week before Christmas or if it's because I choose carefully that which I do to celebrate, but I find Christmas just getting easier somehow. And please don't hate me for saying that...it has just been about choosing what is worth doing and discarding the rest.

Basically, I choose not to try new, complicated (albeit impressive) recipes. I rely on everyday favourites, those which others have shared with me, or those which I know won't see me slaving over a stove for hours. This year, the only thing I baked was a batch of tiny chocolate cupcakes that were supposed to have a ganache-type icing...except I messed it up somehow. (Have I ever told you how much I hate baking?)
So what did I do? I simply dipped the cupcakes in the too-runny icing and sprinkled crushed candy canes on top. Who cares? I have better things to do (basically anything is better than baking!)

(our invitation: sparkling cider with personalized invitation labels found here)

As for our Christmas eve fare, which we share with our closest friends, I stuck with the old adage (but with a twist!): Something old, something new, something borrowed...comfort food!

The old: our annual offering, seafood chowder - chock full of lobster, scallops, salmon, clams and cream.

Something new: meat pies, made from my mum's recipe. easy, hearty, nothing fancy, but delicious all the same.

Something Borrowed: a recipe I haven't made in years, but shared with me by my good friend, Elizabeth, back when the boys were small. Chicken lasagna, made with hollandaise sauce, asparagus tips, mushrooms, and Mozarella cheese. Yum!

Comfort food: good, old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, from Tasha Tudor's cookbook. I am not a cheese lover, but the handyman loves it so this is his specialty (he doesn't put a crumb topping on his).

We (I) also make homemade egg rolls, which get gobbled up by the boys in no time. I rarely deep fry anything, so the good old "chip pan" is resurrected for this recipe. (Here is a great photo tutorial on making your own: Egg Rolls

As for today's celebration, friends will gather, we will eat and "make merry", head off to a candlelight service at our church, and arrive home in time to see Santa drive up and down our street atop a vintage fire-truck. If I remember, I will hide a pickle in our tree (which our eldest ALWAYS finds, which causes big fights), and go to bed too late only to awaken before everyone in anticipation of the kids opening their gifts. Does anyone else do that? I always tiptoe out before everyone else to turn on the tree lights, the Christmas music, and get the video camera ready. I leave our outdoor lights on all night so that Santa can find us and I marvel that no one else does the same! As soon as we begin opening gifts, Jack, our funniest cat, finds a box to curl up in and Ollie, the youngest, will be put out that his spot beneath the tree is no longer available. Other than cooking dinner (which of course is no small feat!), my biggest plans are to have a bubble bath and read a book I have been saving just for this occasion. We wear our comfiest clothes and go nowhere until Boxing Day.

Because aside from the shopping, Christmas can be made simpler. Maybe our family makes it too simple, but to us, it just feels right.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas. I hope it is all you wish it to be and that contentment alights in your soul.

Merry Christmas!!!

Wrapping Things Up...

2010-12-20T01:44:00.002-04:00

(my sweet sister ~~in-law~~, posing for Holiday with Matthew Mead...and holding some "dummy" gifts)

Do I have all of my gifts wrapped?

Hah! I wish!

But I'm working on it!

In the meantime, you can read my thoughts on the topic (and get some wrapping inspiration) here , where I am guest posting today.

Now, back to wrapping...

~Sigh~

All I want for Christmas...

2010-12-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

Snow softly falling...

2010-12-16T23:49:00.002-04:00

When life hands you rain instead of snow at Christmastime , there's only one thing to do. Create a snowy environment on your own. My holiday decor includes many shades of whites and cream and lots and lots of glitter. Glass icicles hang from my tree and I stacked mounds of faux snowballs in my outdoor urns and hung snowflakes and icicles from my porch.

But perhaps my favorite snowy finish of all this year is the craft I made with my mum, sister, niece and (of course) Sophie.

During our annual crafting session, we focused on crafts the girls could handle making largely on their own. We all share a love of glitter and whimsy so Martha Stewart's snow globe project seemed perfect for us all. I purchased miniature Schleich toy fawns and bleached the colour out of a bag of bottle brush trees, using the tiny ones for our snow globes. The tutorial is here, but basically all you need are some jars, distilled water, some glitter, and glycerin. And of course some tiny treasures to place inside! Sophie and I both used the sweet little fawns, but we have plans to use some more Schleich toys to make more globes. It was fun, easy, and something we have wanted to do for a while.

(the boys helping themselves to a snack while the girls work away)

We also made some other pretties, which I will share later, but here is a pretty wreath project the girls tackled.

It is from Babiekins magazine, which also features the most adorable Winter Woodland Party, produced by my friend, Debra Norton, of Vintage Paper Parade.

Here is my niece Ella's interpretation of the craft:

Although some accuse me of being "crafty", I really am not. I simply like to do a craft now and again for each of my favourite seasons. Four or five crafts a year hardly qualifies one as a crafter, now does it?

Here is my mum working away:

and my sister:

And here are the other finished snow globes. We think the one with the girl inside looks like she is drowning and pleading to be rescued. Not exactly the effect we were going for:

Just to be sure, mine is on the far left.

It is okay if you think mine is the best...

Now, get crafting! You will have fun!

I promise...!

All is Calm...

2010-12-13T20:37:00.002-04:00

This is my final week before the kids begin their Christmas vacation. I have lots to do, so the time will be precious to me. I so look forward to everyone being home, no lunches to pack, and staying in our jammies far too long. Hopefully, soon the snow will blow...making all of the Christmas lights in my town even more magical. Before you know it, it will all be over - so take the time to really experience the season and all of its joys.

In essence, be more like this guy, who has a good handle on avoiding holiday stress...

Free Lighting...made by me!

2010-12-10T11:46:00.001-04:00

This year, I resolved to make many of my gifts - at least the ones I could - and this gift is my favourite yet!

My sister recently did a make-over on her kitchen and eating area but decided to wait until she found the perfect light. I know what kind of lighting she likes, so I decided I would plan a way to make or buy her what she wanted.

While on a walk with a friend recently, we were discussing lighting and she told me she had seen an HGTV (I think) feature on how to make your own sphere-style light. She told me it involved a beach ball, some glue and heavy string. Well, she lighted a fire under me and I vowed to make one for my sister. It took me several weeks to finally gather all of my supplies and take the time to make it but it is now complete! Remembering her brief instructions, I used an exercise ball (one I had used when in labour with Sophie), some sisal twine and fabric stiffener.

I purchased the twine at the Dollar Store and had some fabric stiffener kicking around. So, for less than five dollars I made a replica of this beauty from here (retailing for ~ $160!):

I also used a light kit I had from one of those paper lanterns, so the cost to me was literally next to nothing! I do wish I had bothered to Google the instructions, though, as I found out later on you should run the sisal through a dish of glue or stiffener as you wrap it around the ball. I didn't do that so I slathered the stiffener all over the ball and hung it up to dry for ~ 36 hrs. Mine isn't perfect, but I think it is pretty good for the price!

I will also assure her she doesn''t have to hang it in her kitchen if it isn't what she had in mind, but I think it will still make a fun light for another area in her home.

Because I love my sister and LOVE making/buying her things!

O Tannenbaum...

2010-12-07T22:41:00.001-04:00

Remember when I vowed to recreate this beautiful tree garland from Pottery Barn?

Only I wanted to do it for a fraction of the cost? Well, I have been on a bit of an organizing, decorating, crafting frenzy and made them. They are not quite the quality of the Pottery Barn version...but they only cost me the price of a spool of ribbon: $4. One difference: I stamped out the verses from The Night Before Christmas:

(Oops! I think I forgot to add the word through!)

I have also been up to some other creative endeavours. I made something really great (at least I think so) for my sister's new kitchen and I will show it to you after I gift it to her on Friday. Again, it was a very budget friendly remake of an expensive find from a well-known store. As long as she can look past imperfection, she should like it!

I am having a lot of fun changing up my decor this year.

I decided to go with a vintage Santa theme in the dining area this year.

Because Christmas should be fun...and appeal to kids of all ages!

And when I look at that last photo, I wish I could ask Santa to bring me a decent camera!!

*************************************

Head on over to Kate's to see what others are crafting!

Taking it Outside...

2010-12-06T00:00:00.003-04:00

With my tree in its stand (and all lit up like a...wait for it: Christmas tree), and the image for our annual Christmas card taken, my energies are now focused on finishing up decorating my home's exterior. I have mounds of snowballs left to create for my lonely urns and I realized by looking at this photo that a few things are missing from my usual exterior round-up. I did pick up this adorable Santa cut-out at a local bakery/gift shop, and he makes me so happy every time I look at him.

I mean seriously: Santa on ice skates?

How perfect is that?!

Happy decorating!

A Merry Little Cottage...

2010-12-03T09:53:00.001-04:00

I had a lot of fun decorating Sophie's playhouse this year. I am not sure why, but this is the first year I have decked its halls! I found these adorable BIG colored lights for its eaves. They are actually pathway lights that stick in the ground but not anymore! I went with a candy cottage theme and the giant lollipops look so sweet in the tiny window box. The garland over the door resembles frosty icing and I added a Seasons of Cannon Falls bottle brush candy cane to the door. The frost and snow is courtesy of my favorite photo editing service, Picnik.com. Sophie loves it, but I think I love it more!

A Tiny Party...

2010-12-01T19:25:00.002-04:00

Sophie turns ten this Friday but we celebrated early and threw a party for her and her friends. The theme? All things tiny, which together added up to BIG fun!

The invitations:

I topped a little gift box from the charms I collect for my Chamilia bracelet and topped them with a pretty scrapbook paper, filled the inside with some pink glitter and this tiny message:

A tiny party

for sophie

on december one,

proving small is all

you need to have

a lot of fun!

****************

1:30 – 3:00 pm

It was so much fun to think outside of the box and imagine tiny interpretations of typical birthday decorations, games and fare:

Clockwise from center photo:

A tiny birthday cake from the grocery store with a miniature flag bunting made from scrapbook paper; playing the memory game and writing their answers; cake pops and mini ice-cream sandwiches; teeny tiny breakfast food made from...; cheerios/doughnuts, white candy wafers and mini M&Ms/fried eggs, stick gum/bacon, cinnamon toast crunch cereal/toast; memory game items: tiny items from around the house to be memorized and recounted later; the girls; table is set; tiny canvases from the Dollar store awaiting soon to be tiny painted masterpieces.

**(miniature breakfast idea found here)**

These cake pops gave me grief. I followed the directions exactly, but lo and behold if your cake is very moist, you need to really cut back on the amount of icing added. I found the how-to here.

I truly am not a gifted baker...

Holiday Mantel...

2010-11-24T11:10:00.001-04:00

Lo and behold, I got some Christmas decorating done! I conquered my mantel, which can sometimes be a challenge with its large scale/depth, and I hung my holiday "subway" sign, a gift from Matthew Mead for my holiday photo shoot. You can order one like it (it also comes in red) here on his website. I also picked up some glittery stags to flank it on the wall.

Who knew I'd ever have a deer's head on the wall? Hah!

Happy decorating!

I am off to do more and will be back to share it all soon!

Forty Years Later...

2010-11-19T00:42:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's true. I am forty today.

I should feel different, but I don't.

Forty sounds different, though.

I know it sounds totally over the hill to people 25 and under.

But I wouldn't trade places with my 20 year old self.

That would mean university classes, being separated from my man (he graduated before me), and too many unknowns.

I would still have to go through pregnancy and childbirth.

I loved both, but I did it, and it was hard, and sweet.

I don't need to repeat either.

I see young mums with little babies and I want to stop them and tell them how lucky they are.

To not always look to the future, rushing milestones.

I want to tell them to cuddle their babies even more, to not worry about it being "too much."

Can you ever breathe in the scent of a baby too much? I miss that.

I would trade places with my 27 year old self, though. Because I miss my little boys.

I want desperately to go back and scoop them up.

Because teenage boys are a far stretch from little boyhood when they stand taller than you.

I want to go back when everyone believed in Santa, not just Sophie.

I want to drink in her innocence, as she is still very much a little girl.

I want to freeze time and make her always love playing with her "babies", happy to hold my hand, and believing in Santa.

I want to tell all of the parents who are "done" with Santa to stop debunking ALL of the happy myths surrounding him to their children. Who, in turn, work very hard to convince my child to not believe.

I want to ask them to allow the rest of us to enjoy it, and enable our children to believe in magic for just one more year.

Is that too much to ask?

I am happy that I have learned that all that I want is not at all that I need.

That laughing with your husband over shared, inside jokes can make your day.

I marvel that I have become messier. That clutter all of a sudden means that my life is full.

That I no longer crave a "perfect" home, for that might mean it is empty, that my little birds have left the nest.

I love that I don't know all that lies ahead, but I feel better equipped to embrace it for what it is.

That I don't need to be surrounded by people to be content...that I can entertain myself.

For you can still, at times, feel all alone amongst a group of people, no matter how old you get.

I am okay that I will never conquer my curls and my freckles have merged into age spots.

I still dislike what I have always disliked about myself, but I like more things, too.

In essence, I am happier than my 20 year old self, and that is all I need to confirm that my forties are not going to be so bad.

Despite the cackling of my sister as she welcomes me into "the club."

The End

(Whew! I guess I had to mark the milestone somehow on my blog, right?

And I am not having a big Fortieth celebration, That is not who I am at all.

I can't think of anything more uncomfortable, actually!)

Then:

Now:

In a nutshell, being a good mum is all I ever truly wanted to be.

Everything else is a bonus...!

(above two photos: courtesy, Matthew Mead)

Saturday Projects...

2010-11-13T11:47:00.002-04:00

(this project can be found in HOLIDAY with Matthew Mead and is one of my favourite new decorations!)

It is a beautiful sunny Saturday which is perfect for:

Bringing in the remaining outdoor furniture, etc. for the winter

Tidying up the flower beds

Painting the Murphy bed (yes, I'm still working on it!)

and, my favourite project, making this garland for my tree:

(source: Potttery Barn)

Oh, and our town's Christmas parade is next weekend!

The taxidermy reindeer must be getting restless!!

Take a breather...and Remember.

2010-11-11T00:00:00.003-04:00

(From Terry's website - originally published in the Globe and Mail and written by Roy MacGregor):

Please watch this video. I promise you it will serve as a profound message that you will never forget:

Tale of a Kitchen Make-Over...Part Two!

2010-11-08T00:00:00.005-04:00

Remember a few weeks ago when I promised to show you photos of my sister Wendy's kitchen makeover?
Well, I drove three and a half hours for the reveal (and to be served the most elegant lunch in her new kitchen), only to realize I forgot my camera! Lucky for both of us, she has a good friend with a great camera and photography skills who snapped a few so I/we could share.

You might remember the before photo I showed you:

Well, here is one of the after shots:

Isn't is so fresh and pretty? My sister has an unfailing eye for putting together what the rest of us might think won't work. I always liken her style to that of an artist's; because don't they always have the most fantastic spaces? Sometimes more daring, but always edited with a knowing vision.

She and her hard-working (and handy!) husband did this make-over on a conservative budget and stretched their dollars as well as Wendy's design muscles.

It involved mostly paint, new counter-tops, HARD labour, one new appliance (an over-the-range micro-wave), and a new faucet.

And a whole LOT of style!!!

Small details can mean so much:

The new kitchen faucet is from ATG Stores.com (which I love for its one stop shopping when doing home renovation!) for her review, and you can read about it here. She is still on the hunt for her dream sink but was happy to find that a thorough buffing to her current sink was all that was needed to make it shine again. Another savings!!!

Head on over to Wendy's blog and check out all of the other photos and details of this make-over. Be sure to say hi and check out all of her other renovations at The House She Calls Home

*******************************************

The makings of a Murphy Bed...

2010-11-04T18:01:00.001-03:00

(source here)

I am a transplant.

Which, loosely interpreted, means that all of my family (and my husband's) lives more than three hours away from us. So, when they come and visit they are in need of a bed...or two. And we don't have a guest room...

In the past, they have rested their weary heads on our futon, a cot, Sophie's bed or ours. It all winds up feeling like a serious case of musical beds, and it really wasn't working very well for anyone.

The handyman to the rescue!!!!!!

(This is the handyman):

He is also my husband, for those who might have been

wondering.

Anyway, he is very handy. He buys us coffee:

He fixes things and, more importantly, builds me things:

And he is a very good father:

But don't go getting the idea that he is perfect.

He is very messy, and he can never find anything!

Can yours?

Well, this handyman is also a problem solver and to solve our lack of a guest room issue he has built us a Murphy bed!!

From Wikipedia: A Murphy bed (a North American term only), also called a Pull Down Bed, is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside a closet or cabinet. To achieve this, the mattress is attached to the bed frame, often with elastic straps.

I have secretly always wanted a Murphy bed. After seeing them on television shows in the late Seventies, I hankered for one of my own. And a futon just didn't cut it!

If you search Murphy beds on Google images you won't find anything all that inspiring. Because, let's face it, they are a hulking piece of furniture, aren't they? On a recent episode of HGTV's Bang for Your Buck, the homeowners spent more than $10,000 on making one that more seamlessly blends in to the room, mimicking an armoire/entertainment unit.

Well, ours is costing decidedly less than that (we purchased the mechanics at Lee Valley), and the handyman is going to do his best to make ours looks as handsome as possible. We hope to have it completed within the next two weeks and I will reveal the final product then. This is the only example that is appealing to me at this point:

(source here)

After costruction is totally complete, I will just have to paint it, dress it in pretty bedding and tell some guests to...

"Come on Down!"

Pumpkins and Spice...

2010-10-31T19:52:00.000-03:00

What a busy Halloween!

For some reason I was taken over by some crazy drive to pull everything out of my Halloween bag of tricks like some kind of superwoman. Not sure where that came from or what I was "possessed" by!

This is what I took on as my way to celebrate:

1. Craft time with the girls in my family:

2. Caramel Apples: using Werther's Originals and Honey Crisp apples...yum!

3. White Chocolate Ghosts for Sophie's Halloween party: (it was supposed to be treat-free, but when her teacher told the class that, Sophie piped up that I already had all the ingredients and would be "disappointed" if I couldn't send them in. Lucky me!

4. Craft time with some of Sophie's friends (too busy to take many photos!):

We made little Halloween trees with paint and glitter!

Annual Pumpkin Carving Party:

We had my spicy chili, rolls, delicious chicken soup and apple crumble pie made by one friend, and this decadent chocolate cake made by another friend:

And the annual stoop shot, posing with their pumpkins:

And last but not least, Halloween itself!!

Busy, but happy...

Happy Halloween!!!

Holiday Blogging

2010-10-30T14:37:00.000-03:00

Remember last year, when I sported a special holiday banner, created by my blog designer, Danielle aka The Design Girl?

This might jog your memory:

Well, right now Danielle is preparing her schedule for those wishing to do the same - have a specially designed holiday blog design or banner for their own blogs (check it out here). She also has pre-made blog templates for sale and they are really great!

So, don't forget: if you want a custom holiday blog design, be sure to act quickly. Orders are filling up fast!

Chatting with Nie...

2010-10-29T06:59:00.003-03:00

Come on over and read my interview with Miss Stephanie Nielson.

She is guest posting on the HOLIDAY website today, and I had a little chat with her.

She really is lovely...!

A Fabulous New Book...from Fifi O'Neill

2010-10-26T00:00:00.006-03:00

For those of us who embrace the pretty side of life and are fans of romantic style, this sneak peek of Fifi O'Neill's new book, Romantic Prairie Style will leave you wanting more! As editor-in-chief of Romantic Country, Fifi is an expert on all things romantic and feminine. She is also an engaging writer and intuitive photo stylist whose personal style is casually elegant with generous influence from her Gallic heritage.

Meet Fifi:

A little more about the book:

It's available for pre-order on Amazon, major book stores and through Ryland Peters & Small and Cico.

It features some of the homes of very talented bloggers!

And...from the book's introduction:

Romantic Prairie Style is much more than a decorating book. It is a way of life. One that reconnects us with what truly matters: family, home, and the earth. Honest materials, artisanal goods and time-honored objects are once again valued and create homes, not just shelters. The lessons learned come together in the celebration of a wholesome life. The spirit of prairie style drifts eternal in the romance of nurturing interiors and the abundant beauty of the nature.

Isn't it beautiful?

Watch for it!!

It's that time again!

2010-10-25T00:00:00.006-03:00

Well, it took me long enough.

Poor Sophie. What is becoming of her mother?

I finally dragged the Halloween totes upstairs and we set to decorating the house for the holiday.

I only used about 1/3 of what I own, though.

Now THAT"S scary!

I did keep with tradition, though, and had a little craft session with my mum, sister, and our little girlies.

I scoured the aisles of Michael's (love that place!) and picked up some 50% off Martha supplies and a few other ditties to make our crafts.

This is what my mum and I made (from an inspiration photo I found on the web, but forgot to mark the source! Drats!):

Easy peasy: A little glue, glitter, craft paper, and my mum's talent at paper cutting (she can draw anything!). It looks just like the inspiration photo, which I really wish I could show you but can't find it!

(my witch's get-away!)

Oh, and here is my spooky tree which lights up my dining area:

And some of these adorn the tree. We made them last year:

Lots of Halloween activities left to conquer this week! Sophie wants to make a craft with a few friends and we will likely host a pumpkin carving party on the weekend.

What are your Halloween traditions?

Best Seat in the House!

2010-10-22T22:08:00.000-03:00

I finally broke down and bought myself a new chair for my living room. While I loved my new/old chair, it just seemed too big and assuming in our cozy (read smaller) living room. IKEA to the rescue!

I bought this Jennylund chair and had it shipped to me.

I LOVE IT!

My mum bought me this beautiful wool blanket (from Homesense/Homegoods) for my upcoming birthday and I love its felted flower embellishments:

Is it strange for a chair to make someone so happy?

The Tale of a Kitchen Make-Over...Part One!

2010-10-14T21:41:00.002-03:00

(My sister's kitchen before its new makeover. Stay tuned to the big reveal next week!)

Are you living with a kitchen you'd love to make over? Do you mentally make lists of the things you'd like to change if given the money, time or DIY skills? Would it involve major changes or as my sister likes to call it, "a lipstick makeover"?

Because that is just what she did recently.

Hours and hours of painting, new countertops, sink, faucet, lighting, hardware and she is now the proud owner of a refreshed, beautiful kitchen - one to be proud of. I am heading her way this weekend with Sophie as my backseat passenger and we are going to be received for lunch in her new kitchen.

And I can't wait!

What can I say? I love it when anyone does any form of home improvement project! It is so fun to share in their excitement and see something transformed into something more beautiful. My sister and her husband have laboured over their makeover for many, many weeks. I will share photos with you as soon as I get the green light from her!

What would I do if I could create a new kitchen for myself?

Although I love my current kitchen, I would definitely change everything up if I were to rebuild (which we will at some point). In the meantime, this kitchen has some of the elements that I love. Because I, too, make lists of what I'd love in a new kitchen! Don't you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-11T01:28:00.001-03:00

Yesterday, we celebrated one of the most restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving days ever! We slept in, had a delicious brunch, watched HGTV and shows about animals and then repeated the formula again in the evening with a hearty turkey dinner. If only the feeling of utter fullness would stay with me for a week! But no, we'll all be circling the remaining turkey and stuffing like vultures later today! It was even cold enough to light the fire and bring out our slippers. It truly felt like fall.

After helping me set the table, Sophie got all gussied up and I just have to show you this beautiful hairband she received from WhippyCakes:

For a girly-girl like mine, this is the perfect accessory!

No sooner had we finished dinner than she began to inquire when we would begin to decorate for Halloween.

Indeed.

I could shake my head but I secretly know the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday weekend!!

Decor8-ing for the HOLIDAY...

2010-10-08T12:46:00.002-03:00

Check out a never-before-seen sneak peek of HOLIDAY with Matthew Mead over on Holly's blog, Decor8. The dining area of "yours truly" may or may not be the first photo that you will see! I am like a kid waiting for Santa and I just want the magazine to hurry up already and land in readers' hands so you can see what I'm so excited about.

But, I can be patient, -given that it is currently in the printing stage as I type this. Luckily, the book-azine will be in the mail soon and the wait will be over! Please check it out and be sure to get yourself a copy. It is not sold on shelves, so you will want to get your copy with the first shipment!!

A big thanks to Holly!!

Lost and Found...

2010-10-06T19:12:00.000-03:00

I can`t believe how long it`s been since I`ve written on this little ol` blog!

I guess I can blame it on all of the writing I have done to finish up my stories for Holiday. I honestly didn't have any more words to share. I am proud of what I have accomplished and have learned so much. Because we are a small team, we have all pitched in to copy edit, proof-read, voice our opinions on backgrounds for the front-of-book stuff, and more. I think I have frozen shoulder after all of that typing but it was for a worthy (and beautiful) cause. I cannot wait until you all see the magazine! And if you haven`t ordered a copy, be sure to head here to reserve yours!

Still, I missed chronicling the goings-on in my life and am itching to get going on some decorating projects of my own. Strangely enough, I am thinking ahead to Christmas and how I want to decorate, gifts I`d like to make, and my annual crafting session with my mum and Sophie (handmade snow globes are on the agenda). You would think I would be sick of even thinking about Christmas, but strangely, the opposite occurred!

Tonight I made beef stew and crusty French bread for dinner, and that - combined with the nip in the air - made me feel like I have my groove back. No more humid heat (I hope), I can look through my cookbooks and experiment with new recipes (my goal is to add three new dishes to our dinner repertoire), and I plan to root through my rubbermaids and bring up some fall decor. Because even though I have been transported to Christmas land via my work, it is not Christmas. And fall is here and meant to be enjoyed.

We Canadians celebrate our Thanksgiving this Sunday and I feel like I have a lot to be grateful for.

The most important "things" in my life will be sitting around our table, and I am happy to be able to fill their bellies and make them happy. We will head to a nearby ski hill and ride the ski lift, admiring the fall colors. At the top, we will hike back down - an outing that I have been wanting to go on for years. Our Thanksgiving is much simpler and uneventful than those of you who celebrate the American Thanksgiving in November. We eat, we visit, and some of us take a jaunt to a pumpkin field to buy a few for Halloween. There is no Black Friday, no shopping, and no trees set up and decorated as soon as the dishes are cleared.

And for me, stepping away from Christmas and back into fall sounds just about perfect.

Anthro Hack!

2010-09-20T20:45:00.001-03:00

(image: George Marks: Getty Images)

Everyone loves Anthropologie, including me. But not everyone can afford to shop there, including me.

Because the nearest Anthro is a plane ride away from me, I don`t have to be tempted too often.

I told you about my first ever visit to the store here, and believe it or not, I am still waiting to hang my $24 tea towel in just the right spot. And when I say hang, I mean as art. Because who buys $24 tea towels to actually use?

So, the whole concept of not being able to buy the cool things they offer really got me thinking. Everything one has a twin somewhere, we all know that. And if people can have clones, then so can beautiful products.

Now, I am not going to try to convince the die-hard Anthropologie faithfuls. And those who sniff at decorating with knock-offs will sniff at my hack job. But for the rest of us, who make it our mission to achieve stylish looks for less, we can have just as much fun saving our money!

Anthro Hack #1

Take these two gorgeous pair of boots...

and meld them into this pair:

Both pairs of Anthro boots are over $200 each. And trust me, I would LOVE to own the first pair with the ruffles. Love them so much my husband even encouraged me to get them. But I found these at Target.

Leather? No. But they are gorgeous and masquerade as distressed leather and I love the orange along the zipper. And they cost $35!! For someone who doesn't wear boots all that often, they are a happy compromise.

What else does Target have? Well, I love this bedding from Anthropologie, but again the price is steep.

So I rooted around on the Target website and found this bedding:

I actually saw this bedding on the shelves of Target and the quality is nice. The Dwell line is great and Anthro fans might also enjoy the Liberty of London line:

I also found this sweater on the New York and Company website:

Tell me it is not prettier than this one from Anthropologie:

And don't get me started on Ruche, where you can get crazy-beautiful clothing that gives Anthropologie a serious run for its money! Priced reasonably, their clothing and website will amaze you!

(And no, I am not being paid for any of my recommendations. I am simply calling it as I see it!)

Moving Backwards...

2010-09-14T14:55:00.001-03:00

(My new blue chairs, embellished with number decals from the fabulous Leen, the Graphics Queen!!)

I have had a style epiphany of sorts. It seems that at a time in my life when I should be seeking out quality and making furniture investments, I am doing a bit of a backslide. I read many blogs where they are purchasing "quality pieces for their home" and mulling over each buying decision with as much thought as they plan their retirements. Cheaper make-do furnishings are being given away or sold to make room for newer, more permanent, quality additions.

So. what is wrong with me?

Even if I could spend the kind of money to purchase "better," I am not sure that I would. With two teen-age sons, university costs are looming and, technically, I am not "there" just yet. It seems silly to wander furniture stores when real-life expenses like that are almost upon us.

But that's not the point.

This picture (I bought it from from Kiki and Polly.com) depicts me in this time of my life:

Need/Want, need/want, need want...

Sure, as someone who sees many things I like, I have pangs to actually go out and get them. But I have matured in some ways and realize that just because I want something doesn't mean I need it...or deserve it.

And then there is the simple fact that I am pretty fickle when it comes to style. I can easily become lured in by a beautiful object, fabric or piece of furniture and it can set me to daydreaming about change. Luckily, budget and good old common sense can keep it in check for the most part, but I LIKE CHANGE!

So, even if I could spend $300 (or more) on a chair for my dining table, well, I need six!

And then what happens when I get tired of that look and want or need change?

I think IKEA is the place for people like me. Sure, there is a snobbery to some that IKEA is for college students or those on a tight budget...those who don't crave quality.

But I say this: sometimes quality is (dare I say it?) boring. Maybe not at first, when its shapely form or plush fabric seduces you from across a room. But let's face it. The shine comes off everything after a while and becomes vegetable lasagna. And I haven't been disappointed by an IKEA piece, yet!

So what have I done?

I have embraced my inner college student and stored my perfectly fine but perfectly boring (read, unstylish) dining chairs and bought these $20 cuties from IKEA, in the softest shade of blue!

Seriously fun and sturdy, they can be easily cast aside and put to use elsewhere in my home when I fall for the charms of something else.

Something better? More quality, perhaps?

We'll see.

For now, I will go back to my flower and the want/need approach to decorating. Some things are worth the wait, for sure, and some things are just good, cheap fun!

Special Delivery!

2010-09-13T09:40:00.001-03:00

Mrs. Limestone's amazing designs!

I'll be back tomorrow, but for now, head over here to see Mrs. Limestone's take on doing Christmas cards right. She blows the roof off store-bought greeting cards! I LOVE planning my Christmas cards, so I just might take a page out of her book for mine this year. Good things are worth doing well!

Oh, and did I mention she is hosting a give-away of her custom-designed holiday cards?

Check it out!

Collections, Etsy and Distractions...

2010-09-09T15:08:00.003-03:00

As I find myself seated in front of the computer altogether *too much* these days (write, write, write :-), I am a bit like a kid stuck in a classroom daydreaming out the window and passing notes and doodling to pass the time.

I am easily distracted.

Because, I am a last-minute Sally, and was always the girl writing her essays at the last minute.
Indeed, I am an all-over-the -place kind of girl.
(At almost forty, can I still call myself a girl?).

Enter Etsy.

Enter the idea that I will search a single word on Etsy and see what comes up.

Enter the word matryoshka.

Or matriushka (the way I have always spelt it).

What is a matryoshka/matriushka, you might ask?

According to "take their word for it" Wikipedia: A set of matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure which separates, top from bottom, to reveal a smaller figure of the same sort inside, which has, in turn, another figure inside of it, and so on. The number of nested figures is traditionally at least five, but sometimes more.

As a little girl, I wanted a matriushka ever so much. I first saw these Russian nesting dolls on everyone's favourite, Sesame Street, which had a segment using them to help teach youngsters to count. I couldn't believe my eyes. I have always loved little things, and the way these little dolls could climb inside one another, ending with the mama, seemed magical to me.

When I had my daughter, I decided to order a matriushka for her/me and tucked it away in her closet for the day I could introduce her to its charms. Move after move, the little doll(s) made their way with us, unopened, until this year when she came home from school describing a friend's recent purchase of "little dolls that tuck inside one another."

So, out came my/her matriushka and my obsession was reawakened.

Thank you Etsy.

Or not.

Because now I am pining after this, these and this, and these.

In one of my fits of distraction, I decided to being a collection based on my girlhood quest to own one (which I never did until I bought the one for my daughter). Except, I didn't want a big collection of dolls everywhere. So, for me, the little matriushka collectibles Etsy turned up are perfect for me. I have also rooted out some other ways to satisfy my new collecting bug. Because, you know, I don't want my new collection to be tacky and all-consuming. What's the point of that?

I picked up these key covers at Smeeks:

These nesting drinking glasses at Biscuit in Halifax:

and these (measuring cups) at Urban Outfitters.

And if I had a baby, this would definitely find its way to me:

And I love this pillow, found here:

So, I think my collection will stay rather small.

Oh, and if you are thinking that matryoshkas are sometimes also referred to as babushkas, you would be right.

And while we are on the topic, the word babushka always makes me think of this Kate Bush song.

(Loved her, but could never quite hit her notes. Shrieked along anyway. My poor mother!)

An all-round trip down memory lane!

So, has Etsy forced you into a new collection?

B-b-b-Back to School Fun!

2010-09-03T18:35:00.000-03:00

Because of the heat wave we are having, we decided to have a back-to-school pool party. The girls had a great time and I kept it really easy. I filled little milk bottles I got at the Christmas Tree Shop with chocolate milk, served hotdogs with a side of chips and made ice-cream sandwiches using school bus cookies I bought at the grocery store. Little ice-cream cone shaped lip glosses and bubbles made for fun favors (both bought at Micheal's).

Kids here returned to school today (which I think is stupid, given it is the Friday before Labour Day), and we are preparing for a windy, rainy day on Saturday as we get the tail end of Hurricane Earl. Still raging hot, the kids did cannon balls into the pool the minute they got home. It is so hard to believe summer is "ending", but I am looking forward to the routine so I can focus full days to writing for HOLIDAY. As fall tries to rush in, some of the stores already have their Fall/Halloween stuff on the shelves, yet I can't even look at it.

I am so. not. there!

Now:

A fun back-to-school meal awaits and that rounds out the big events. What do you do to make back-to-school special for your kids?

My Blog Spot...

2010-08-30T10:26:00.001-03:00

(Cords? What cords?)

I am sometimes asked when and where I blog. With three children, a husband, three cats, a household to run and writing assignments, that is a very good question! Though I do most of my actual blogging when everyone else has settled into bed, I glean inspiration for my blog posts throughout the day. Sometimes a color will spark an idea within me, sometimes it is a conversation I have with a friend…other times I will post about a project I am working on or hope to begin. If I am lucky, paper and pen will be within reach; other times the idea will be lost amidst the sea of things to do and remember in my mind. I often blog at my desk area, surrounded by my notes or objects that inspire me; other times, I take my laptop and settle into my favourite comfy chair and type away. Blogging is now a part of my life, and I try to keep it easy and casual. We all know what happens when something becomes work…!

Today, I am hooking up to Censational Girl's blog-spot show and tell party and sharing a photo of where I while away my online/work time. You might remember I gained a new desk (built by the handyman) a few months ago. Well, it is working out great and I even splurged on a new apple green Dell laptop as my old one had a few glitches with some keys and that wasn't much fun. So, although I don't have an office, per se, I have a great space in the center of the action (which can be both good and bad!) and , well, I am getting "to it and at it and at it and to it" (bonus points if you know the song that phrase comes from).

What about you...where is your blog spot?

HGTV, me, and a fantastic potluck party!!

2010-08-29T19:54:00.000-03:00

Swing on over and check out just how to throw the perfect potluck party (and you know how much I LOVE throwing potluck gatherings). Produced by Matthew Mead and written by me, it can be found NOW over at HGTV.com

(And I'd be lying big time if I didn't admit it was a pretty exciting project to take part in!)

M.I.A.... and Mired In Action!

2010-08-27T11:01:00.001-03:00

Well, it's been a long time since I paid any attention to my blog...I am sure you all share a similar level of busyness in your lives right now. Back to school shopping, last trips to the beach, camping trips and some of you are actually back to school already and caught back up in the familiar routine of that and all it entails.

This summer has been a particularly hectic one in our home. We have camped, swam, had the photo shoot for HOLIDAY with Matthew Mead (so you can imagine what that entailed getting ready!), trained and completed a 70.3 mile IronMan race (the handyman, not me...Of course, you knew that already, didn't you!), and took various road trips including our most recent trip to New Hampshire to wrap up some HOLIDAY business...and watch as the handyman swam, biked and ran a ridiculous/admirable distance.

I could lie and say I will be back tomorrow, but tomorrow means back-to-school shopping, groceries, and maybe a bit of lounging around so instead you can read about my New Hampshire trip here.

And in my busyness, I forgot to share this video preview of what has been taking up all of my writing energies this summer, leaving this poor little blog languishing in oblivion.

But honestly, this magazine is going to be sooo worth every late night spent hovering in front of my computer and you - my crafty, cooking, stylish, holiday-loving friends - will LOVE it!!

And I WILL be back with a few new decorating projects I have managed to fit in and bits and bobs that made up my summer.

Enjoy the rest of yours!!