Style-ING w/ Children

Hello Monday

2012-01-30T07:57:00.002-06:00

I don't have a proper post. With the blogland in both US and Canada abuzz with conferences and "how to improve things" tips and tricks, all I want to do is escape the pressure.

In reno related news, the wall in Baby C's room is almost done (thanks LORI!). Other than that, nothing was touched. We played outside, we made cars and houses out of LEGO, we drew, we glued and we watched movies. We didn't stick to a schedule and ate way too many grapefruits.

It was the best weekend ever. How was yours?

PS. These pictures are part of research I'm doing on urban condo living. Something that's been on my mind a lot lately.

Sources: HERE, HERE, HERE

Investment Pieces

2012-01-27T12:49:00.000-06:00

Last night I had my girls over. Among all the fun having my favourite pair of jeans ripped at the seam. Thankfully not on my butt, so I'm still going to be able to wear them in the summer. However, I"m due for another pair of jeans. And the search is on!

While I was going through the J.Crew catalogue these Café Capri pants caught my eye. Yes, exactly what I posted about a few days ago! Notice - bright bottom + black and white top! Do it :)

Anyway, I"m not sure I would ever be able to pull off pink. It's just not me... or maybe it is?? Either way, a great alternative to pink are the same pants in warm jade. Gorgeous!!

Something else caught my eye - these Scout Chinos in neon peach. I already have a chambray shirt to pair it with, but I could just as well pair it with some stripes, and I'd be good to go.

A saturated green is a great something something to have in your closet. Below is how I would wear it in the winter months. Perfect!

Can you tell how much I love black? :) Now I just need to get up the nerve to order clothes online. I'm worried about returning things. I'm worried about colours looking different off screen. You know, the usual things. These will definitely be my investment pieces for the summer so if they don't fit perfectly or if I don't love them to death they will have to go back. I'm thinking I will give ordering online a shot anyway.

Back to those ripped jeans. I'll be making shorts out of them to wear with black tights in the spring and bare legs in the summer. How teenager of me! Ha ha. Can you picture me in shorts and tights, with high heels on running after my 2.5 year old? CAN'T WAIT!

PS. This weekend I"m planning to do much more of Baby C's Marimekko wall. I'll show you the progress on Monday. Have a lovely weekend.

Source: images via J.Crew, Pinterest and PinkWallpaper

Gold + Silver = LOVE

2012-01-26T12:38:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I read a great post by Anne-Marie from 10 Rooms about mixing metals. I'm whole heartedly PRO mixing metals. I never really was before, but I've changed my mind over time. (PS. Anne-Marie is absolutely amazing. I learn so MUCH from her posts every time!)

Just look at the image of this kitchen. Such a lively and subtle mix. The chrome ovens, chrome or brushed nickel faucet, brass edging to the cabinets (oh, my god!!!) and a brass chandelier. Tasty to say the least!

I used to be strictly silver/white gold kind of girl. The good kind of silver, without nickel, the handmade variety that only gets more gorgeous with age. Anyway, until I started falling in love with a few gold pieces here and there. And limiting myself to wearing warm and cool separately was painful. All of my jewelry has a little story to it. Many things received as gifts from family or bought during a tremulous period in my life. There was no way I would not wear those pieces, so I started mixing them. And could not believe how much I loved the result. Now I'm ALL ABOUT MIXING!!!

As you can see, even my wedding band and engagement ring are a mix. And I love it that way! It feels balanced and personal.

Do you mix your metals? At home decor or in jewelry?

PS. Also if you take a look at the pictures of my nightstand, you will see that I'm mixing things there too!

Source: HERE

Chevron & Stripes at the Superstore

2012-01-26T10:55:00.002-06:00

On a mad dash to pick up some rice cakes for breakfast (breakfast of champions), I came across these pillows at the Superstore. I have to say that I really like the Joe Fresh line!

Something New

2012-01-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

One of my resolutions this year has been to work on my relationship with ME. Part of that relationship is getting back to the things I've put on the back burner since pregnancy/Baby C and house took over my life = dedicating time and budget to clothes.

Yes, self indulgent and kinda selfish and all that. But you need to know something about me. I drew outfits since the age of 9-ish. I used to spend my days dreaming up things to wear (instead of room design) well before I remember myself. I used to make my own clothes and considered fashion design as a career. This creative process is in my blood and I've been denying it for way too long.

So, some days I'll be talking about fashion. I've debated doing this for a while. Doing it here on the blog, or starting something separate. But the thing is, this blog here is called "styleING with children" and whether that's interior design, renos, party decor or clothes it is all style, it is all self expression and all of it is happening with a little one around.

So, the images. This spring/summer will be the time for deep saturated colours on the bottom, especially pants/jeans. Not a good look for me as my bottom is on the larger side. SO, to stay with the trend, and because I LOVE it, I found a few inspiration images of work appropriate bottoms that are less about tight spandex and more about italian cool. Something everyone can pull off.

Note: loose, falling away at the hips trousers, predominance of black and white on top, a showstopper necklace and a calm and controlled bag.

Something to keep in mind when shopping/dressing for spring.

Hope you enjoy this little addition to the blog. I'm still 100% commited to interior design, after all we still have 85% of the house to reno. But I thought these little fashion posts would be a nice way to let you guys in a bit more into my world.

PS. images are from pinterest, board name "holy chic", but I lost the actual link. Sorry!

Something Pretty for Your Afternoon

2012-01-24T11:39:00.000-06:00

It is gloomy, rainy and miserable here today. My head is spinning from some major changes that may or may not be happening on the home front. Change is good, sometimes it's painful, but still, always good. I'll keep you posted.

In the mean time I'm distracting myself by rummaging through pinterest. This image is so light and fresh and lovely. Makes me feel all fuzzy and hopeful on the inside.

Source: HERE

Room for Baby C: Update

2012-01-24T07:42:00.001-06:00

This is our progress so far in Baby C's room. I was so excited when the new Ikea opened in Ottawa so I could get THIS dresser. I really love it. We switched out original legs that came with the dresser for regular 4" CAPITA kitchen legs from Ikea. I really like them for any project in the house. I like the lightness that they bring.

And the map is up! ok, not up, but framed. I just need get hubby to actually hang it. I don't think we have anything hanging on our walls (with exception of the bathroom). I'm lazy and he's lazy. And I change my mind a lot, so this is the best way to avoid having to patch millions of holes every time! :)

Together with the dresser I also got THIS rug. And I love it. It is not the one I had originally wanted, but things never seem to look the same in catalogues/online as they do in store. I'm really happy with this rug because it has a strong presence of red/pink that matches my mural wall + a ton of other fun colours. I could put anything next to this rug that it will all work.

These pieces are a bit of a departure from my original plans for the dresser and the rug, but whatever. Rolling with the punches is the way to go :)

With the flu season here that humidifier is working non stop at night. It is a life saver for us.

PS. we've got a long way to go here, the mural is at a standstill. There's too much other stuff going on right now, so I've decided to be nice to me and take it easy. It will get done when it gets done. Period.

Happy Monday

2012-01-23T10:35:00.001-06:00

I spent the weekend organizing our house. I feel so much more grounded when i do that. Everything in its place. I have some progress shots coming your way later this week. In the mean time - Happy Monday!

Source: HERE

On Being Normal

2012-01-21T22:39:00.001-06:00

Thats right! From HERE

Quick Update to Lamps in Master Bedroom

2012-01-21T19:17:00.000-06:00

Do you know the feeling when you can no longer tolerate something?? Not one more single moment! Well, I couldn't look at the white shades on my lamps in the master bedroom any more. They were driving me crazy. After 10 years that I've had these lamps they were begging for an upgrade!

So, they went from this:

To this:

Ok, I'm not going to pretend that things are super balanced and proportionate at the moment. I put those magazines strategically under the lamp to give it some height to balance out the width of the drum shade. Right now all I can swing are these drum shades, bases will have to come later. I really like the updated shape, much more modern.

Some more pictures of my nightstand:

I was excited to use my new mother-of-pearl little tray from Provo. It is so delicate and has such a nice glow to it. Perfect to hold my everyday jewelry.

Do you think the drum shade was an improvement??

PS. the little lucite tray was from HomeSense too, and I'm going back to get a few more of these. LOVE them.

Found at HomeSense

2012-01-21T17:20:00.003-06:00

Something for your Saturday night. Yummies at HomeSense. I went today again :)

Changes to the Master Bedroom

2012-01-20T21:17:00.004-06:00

You like?

Found at HomeSense: Woven Baskets

2012-01-20T14:45:00.001-06:00

For those of you in Canada lusting after the Basay Basket from Crate&Barrel, I ran across a TON of woven baskets very similar to the Basay at the Innes HomeSense in Ottawa.

Priced at between $20 and $40 they are a steel! :) I would think that many of the HomeSense stores would carry a similar selection of items, so run run run to the store near you!

PS. I didn't get these for us, but I might just run to the store and get it anyway! For the toys! :)

Disappointed: Gossip Girl Plot Line

2012-01-20T07:28:00.000-06:00

NOT a design related post. And if you don't watch Gossip Girl, feel free to skip over :)

Last night I watched the lastest episode of Gossip Girl. ok, I have to say that I LOVE the show. For the clothes, for the bitchiness and for Blair. I'm a total Blair girl. Never was really into Serena.

BUT, what is going on with the plot line??!!!!!!! Honestly??? I was so disappointed. Sitting there almost wanting to turn the whole thing off. Blair: making deals with God (I'm still picking my jaw off the floor). Chuck: more like Dan than Dan ever was, yuck! Come on, ppl. It was absolute departure from characters. Where is the show's edginess?? Where is the tough love? Where is the plotting??

And there is no plot line for any of the other characters, they are just along for the ride. Boo! I'm still going to watch it next week. I just hope that the outfits make up for all the mush.

PS. and, excuse me, but will you show us how you brought down Gossip Girl?? no?? really?? that would have been a nice plot line, very much reminiscent of the earlier seasons of secrets and schemes.

xoxo Cranky Girl

Source: HERE

Our Trip to Provo, TCI

2012-01-19T07:38:00.002-06:00

She had so much fun. I think that was the best part of the trip - watching her discover the ocean.

Hello gorgeous ocean. Hello palm trees. Hello ocean breeze. I miss you already.

Every beach as if from a postcard.

There were breathtaking views and luxury villas left right and centre. Everywhere.

She came home tanned and sleep-deprived, but full of memories of the ocean.

My beach uniform - a belted flowy dress, hat and sandals.

And if you are lucky enough to stay at one of the resourts, it would blow your mind.

More beach, more turquoise water, more fun. The islands are THE place for water sports (waterkiter in the background)

Lugging around everything you need when traveling with a kid.

And don't forget toys.

You would not believe how hard it is to take pictures of this little monster. She's purposely looking away 97% of the time.

the ONLY decent picture of me.

Everyone there was with kids. You should have been on the plane there or back. It was a zoo.

I love the light in this photo. And the thunder clouds in the distance. It rained once, at night.

Last morning there. Mornings were the best time to take a stroll on the beach. I"ve never seen so many people out walking and jogging at 8:30am while on vacation :)

This was the place for shallow beaches that stretched for miles and miles and miles. Some with hotels, some deserted, where it's just you, the sounds of waves and the sand.

Besides the ocean and water sports, Provo (Providenciale) is THE place for the foodie in you. So many great restaurants. Hubby and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary at the Coco Bistro. If you ever go to Grace Beach, I would suggest this restaurant in a heartbeat. Amazing food, amazing service.

I should probably mention that we did not stay at a resort, but rented a condo instead. Having our own kitchen was really great and gave us so much flexibility to work with Baby C's schedule. Grocery shopping was really easy and convenient and helped us save a ton on NOT eating out 3 meals a day. The general abundance of this type of lodging, I think, is what attracts many young families. I would say 90% of tourists were families with kids. The islands are safe to wander around and explore on your own. Many many many residents are from US, Canada and the UK.
Now it's back to freezing rain, -25C and work work work. It almost feels like the whole trip was a dream and I woke up too soon. One thing I will say, I do feel much less agitated. I do feel much calmer.

Are you taking a trip someplace warm this winter? Where have you been that you absolutely loved??

...And We're BACK!

2012-01-18T18:09:00.001-06:00

yes, we are. I'm catching up on all of my reading and house work. It's great to have internet again :)) I'll be back soon with trip details!!!

A Little Time Away

2012-01-10T07:35:00.000-06:00

In another 24 hours or so I will be HERE. Sorry for the quiet, we've been packing and cleaning up. Back next week!

What to Wear this Spring/Summer

2012-01-06T11:19:00.003-06:00

This is what I want to wear this spring/summer. Long skirts in saturated colours with sailor striped t-shirts. Look at that sinched waist(!), totally my thing, totally! I might even go back to my roots and make a few of these skirts myself :)

The outfit in the middle reminds me of my wedding dress :)

PS. Joe Fresh has the most amazing selection of inexpensive striped t-shirts in for the spring. I already got one, and thinking of going back for a few more.

Source: HERE

Ask & You Shall Receive, & Thank You

2012-01-06T08:58:00.003-06:00

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone for your comments. I was leaning towards Option C myself. And, guys, it's not that much work! :)))

Than this morning I saw THIS post, and my jaw dropped. How amazing is all this trim (with bottoms + on alligator clips)!!! I especially love how the trim works with the length of the curtains. I think this might be the winner. A little MORE work, but hopefully worth it.

PS. This is what you get when you ask for input and inspiration.
PSS. MFAMB's painting ain't too shabby either :P

Customizing Ikea Curtains

2012-01-05T12:56:00.001-06:00

Since hammering hardwood and hanging wallpaper in the master bedroom, we've been pretty quiet on the renos. After all, we gotta rest (and get over colds). I find sewing to be really relaxing, so this is the perfect time to sit down and customize some curtains I bought.

I got white (for Baby C's room) and beige (for master bedroom) Lenda Ikea curtains a while back. I figured at $30 for two panels this was the most economical way to buy linen fabric. And I still have room in the budget for both trim and lining if I choose to put in some elbow greese.

I'm a huge believer in investing money into my curtain rods. Fabricland has an ok selection of these and I get mine during their 50% off sale. I also always use alligator clips. I've done grommets in the past, but prefer alligators.

The only curtains we have up are in Baby C's room, and this is how I "customized" them so far:

Which looks something like THIS (ok that's a lie, the wall is not done yet, but you get the idea):

The wall background is white, the window trim is white and the curtains are white. Blah! I knew this was going to happen, so I originally planned to add some trim to give the curtains/window definition and weight. (PS. that's a pretty accurate representation of the scale of those flowers on a wall that is 13 feet long)

Last night I searched pinterest for inspiration for curtains with trim.

Trim Inside

Trim Inside & Bottom

Trim Inside and Outside

Double Trim

Now, for Baby C's room I'm not looking to go all fancy (I might for the master) so the last option is out. But it's so pretty!!! :) And here's where I need your help. Which option to do we like best??

Option A, B, or C??? I would use 1.5" or 2" black cotton trim. Like I said nothing fancy. I'm leaning towards Option C.

YES/NO??

Hanging Wallpaper

2012-01-04T09:23:00.003-06:00

Some of your had questions about our experience hanging the lovely Bindweed wallpaper. Janice from Life Begins at Thirty, Right? wrote about their wallpapering experience back in August and it did not sound good. But, hello(!), they did an amazing job, their wall looks fantastic. So I was determined to give wallpapering a try.

BUT

I had something up my sleeve :) Hubby grew up in Europe, where wallpapering is as common as painting walls here is. And even though he's never done it himself, at least he's helped others. I was hoping he picked up some tips and tricks along the way.

Before beginning, we looked at the Wallpaper Hanging Guide AND watched THIS video provided by the Ferm Living website.

So, how did it go?

I'm not going to tell you that it was easy, and I'm not going to tell you that it was miserable. there are so many little things to consider when wallpapering that I'm not going to encourage everyone to go out and buy a roll today.

BUT

We did learn a few things long the way:

1. Check your humidity. If the humidity is very low, the glue will dry instantly and your edges will curl up. Since Baby C and I have been sick for a while (and we're now living with hardwood), we have our humidity set at about 40-45%. As a result, our glue did not dry very quickly and we had plenty of time to position our sheets.

2. It is a two ppl job, or even a three ppl job. While hubby was lining up the edges, I was holding the sheet at the bottom, away from the wall. This helped us eliminate some of the bubbles. And there's also the job of cutting each sheet to work as closely as possible with your pattern.

3. This tip is from Janice: don't mind the little bubbles, they will disappear when the wallpaper dries.

4. The biggest problem we had was with cutting the edges smoothly. Our regular exacto knife would rip the wallpaper. Which caused quite a few panic attacks and raised voices around here. I even ran to the store to look for a different knife. Which didn't work either. So, what did we cut our last piece with?? A kitchen knife. I kid you not. NOT with the sharp point, but with the rounded part of the blade. Just press hard and go over a few times. The excess wallpaper pealed on its own, leaving a perfectly cut edge.

5. If you look closely at the image above, there is a very noticable line were the two sheets meet. Because we overlapped the sheet a little bit. You're really not supposed to do that. More panic attackes on our part. BUT once the wallpaper dried, the overlapping became almost unnoticable.

6. DON'T FREAK OUT! Seriously. It will be good once it dries. Just do your best to line things up, remove bubbles and cut straight. It will be all good in the morning :)

So, there, these are my tips for hanging wallpaper.

I wrote with Janice last night. Her biggest frustration was with the glue/paste that dripped quite a bit. I'm not sure if this had to do with the brand or the humidity. We got our glue at Lowes and it worked well. I guess the biggest thing I can say is that wallpapering will always be tricky. And everyone might have different issues.

Just roll with the punches :)

PS. I would absolutely wallpaper again. While it is a pain, the result is worth it!

I Want

2012-01-03T11:31:00.001-06:00

I can't get over THIS bed.

Bedroom Progress, To-Do List and Happy New Year.

2012-01-02T13:55:00.000-06:00

Please ignore the horrible bedding and blanket situation. I'm winging it with what's not in laundry :)

This is what Happy New Year looked like around our house. We moved back into our Master Bedroom!!! I slept like a baby, for the first time in a long time. It felt so satisfying, after over a month of sleeping on the floor, to finally have a bed to sleep in. In a white painted room, with my own closet, with fresh new floors and the Bindweed wallpaper from Ferm Living that's been sitting around for close to a year and a half!

We celebrated New Years and our progress in bed with champagne and I couldn't have been happier.

While the larger work has been done, we still have a very long list of things to do here before moving on. So, the To-Do List:
- marble door seal between bedroom and bathroom
- hardwood in walk-in closet
- baseboard trim
- new doors, painted and installed
- customize and hang curtains
- hang mirror over the bed
- hang reading lights
- new nightstands
- new table lamps
- new bedding
- make pillow cases
- doors for PAX
- install hanging baskets in the walk-in closet
- hang mirror in walk-in closet
- hang artwork (!)
- bench (es) for the foot of the bed (or something else)
- new rug

and probably many other little things along the way. Some we will be doing shortly, others will take time, patience and room in the budget. Oh, and than there's still Baby C's room to finish :)

Thankfully we're now decorating, and I'm so excited. Things will begin to come together in real life, and not just in my head.

Here's to a great 2012 :)

PS. after all the worrying, the bed and the wallpaper work well together.

2012 Resolutions

2011-12-30T12:37:00.001-06:00

It is resolution time around here. And, outside of loosing those pesky 5 lbs, I've put down some more substantial goals for 2012.

1. Forget the glitz and glamour, and appreciate our lives as they are, unfixable squaky floors and all. (THIS post really hit home)

2. Between the stress of renos, Masters courses, work and Baby C set time aside for hubby and I to connect, have fun, show how much we appreciate each other. I would love for our children to describe our relationship THIS WAY in another 30-40 years.

3. Remember THESE 10 secrets to success in life.

4. I spent my teen years trying my best to fit in and always being heartbroken about failing. I've come a long way from that little confused girl and want to continue on the same path. I'm more sure than ever that it is the individuality in me, in you and in everyone out there that makes the world a better place. And it is this relationship with myself that I really want to continue working on, daily.

5. Make THIS(#5) or THIS announcement.

6. Take better pictures, like THESE.

7. Make a gingerbread something, like THIS one.

8. Make pretty things out of fancy fabric.

9. Finally redesign the blog, love THIS design.

10. You will notice that there are no resolutions around renos. Intentionally so. Renos are our journey, and not our destination. So while they happen and take a ton of our time and energy, life goes on. And I don't want it to pass us by while we're hammering in hardwood floors or laying tile. So I'm intentionally going to let things happen on their own. Let my control freak personality take a back seat and enjoy every minute of every day.

What are your resolutions for next year? Do you make resolutions at all?? Do you follow through?? I'd love to know :)

Source: I haven't been able to find a wreath that I love more than THIS one I posted last year.

I Owe You an Update

2011-12-29T11:48:00.000-06:00

so, almost a week of staying at home and I have no pictures to share. really... because it gets dark at 4pm and because we're either renovating or comforting our sick little Baby C. Yes, boys and girls, we're sick all over again around here. All three of us. Fun Fun Fun.

What we did manage to do was move mountains. Or in our case:

- lay hardwood in the master bedroom. yahoo!!!!! ok, yahoo, doesn't really cut it. We are super excited that this huge project is done. It was a lot easier 2nd time around and we're beyond in love with the results.

- we're almost done putting up wallpaper. ok, we're more like 1/3 way done. TIP: do not use an execto knife on wallpaper from Ferm Living. Buy the specialty knife for carpet/linoleum. We made the mistake of using a regular knife (with a fresh blade) and it ripped the wallpaper at the ceiling : (

- our bed was delivered, but not installed. Because we were not done the floor/wallpaper. It is sitting in boxes in our family room.

I was hell bent on having the master bedroom livable by Jan 1st. I had these big plans to start the year fresh, etc. And that's not going to happen. Unless I want us to completely fall apart from exhaustion. boo : ( I'm learning the hardest way there is that rest is IMPERATIVE to sanity/wellbeing. Please someone remind me of this daily! I tend to not know when to stop pushing myself and others around me. Oh... I feel resolutions coming on! But that's for another post.

Todays lets talk more about the master bedroom. Specifically - reading lights.

My first two choices were these Georgo Kovacs reading lights (HERE and HERE). Love them. Really love them. BUT: (a) with shipping/delivery/brokerage fees they were going to be on the pricy side of things; (b) I think I still want actually table lamps on my night stands. And I was worried that I might have too much lighting going on if I had both these reading lights and table lights.

So, while brosing the new Ottawa Ikea store, I ran into THESE really simple and cheap wall lamps. With their white details they will blend in nicely with the wallpaper and not detract focus from table lamps (still to be purchased). And you can't beat $19.99 price tag.

Hopefully at some point these babies will get installed and we'll move back into our master bedroom. Until that time I leave you with pictures of Baby C. Trying on her older cousin's snowboarding gear.

Isn't she so adorable?? Too bad we have to wait another year for her to get her own gear. I think the minimum age for ski lessons is 3yrold.

Source: HERE

2011-12-25T22:53:00.001-06:00

Baby C happened to get an EZ-Fort from Santa. It is the most magical gift for a little girl. Since she has the largest bedroom, there was plenty of space for a fort (or a teepee).

We had so much fun putting it together, and she had so much fun setting up house! I even put up some twinkle lights to make it extra special/cozy.

You'll notice that the flower wall is not done. Oh, well... we're enjoying the holidays, and I refuse to let unfinished projects make me feel guilty.

Hope Santa was good to you this year!!!

PS. sorry for the crappy iPhone photos. Also, I need photoshop + photoshop skills to work on my iPhone photos. But, in a way, I love the authenticity. I love the red backlight from the flowers on the wall and the pink fort sheet. It was magical. Period. No editing required.

Couldn't Stay Away

2011-12-22T08:45:00.001-06:00

When you take the pressure off, you end up having fun. As soon as I talked myself into letting everything go until after Christmas, I ACTUALLY got things done!

This year I decided that I was going to make all the gifts. I've been searching for recipes for yummy (and somewhat healthy) snacky food.

First up: spiced nuts. EASY to make. Taste great. Especially for those of us who tend to reach for the more uncommon snacks. These sweet/salty/spicy nuts are awesome! (I used honey instead of avage nectar). I've made a few batches before and they keep really well in the fridge.

Next up: oatmeal/pecan/almond/raisin cookies. I've adapted the recipe: (1) took out chocolat chips and replaced them with almonds; (2) took our cherries and replaced them with raisins. I'm not a huge chocolat chip fan so they had to go. These cookies turned out amazing. NOT too sweet, nutty and decadent. I'm making more tonight!

I scored this lovely wicker bowl. It is heavy, rustic and feels like I've had it for years already. Love unexpected finds.

PS. I'm also looking forward to making Cranberry Coins and Vegan Thumbprints. I'll let you know how the whole vegan thing goes :)

Off for the Holidays

2011-12-21T09:50:00.002-06:00

Boys and Girls, I'm off for the holidays. I hope you all eat a little too much, laugh a little too loud and feel a little too merry with the joy of the season.

Source: HERE

UPDATE: Painting the Marimekko Wallpaper

2011-12-19T09:44:00.001-06:00

Progress on the wall as of yesterday morning. I would say it took about 6 hours. With natural daylight, the colours are really what they are supposed to look like! Haha! NOT red, but a nice raspberry.

This is what the wall looked like yesterday when I was done. About 3 hours later. The flowers in the middle, the darker ones, have two coats of raspberry and are much closer to the finished product :)

So far I've learned:

painting by hand is hard work
but FUN work
I wish I had actually purchased the wallpaper, than I realize that painting over all of this in the future will be much easier than removing wallpaper
I'm a crazy person, and should stop coming up with insane labour intensive projects to torture myself with
All that red/pink is giving the walls this wonderful glow. NOT stark white, at all. Love it.
I really hope this room comes together before Jan 1st. Please please please.

Wrapping Christmas Gifts

2011-12-17T21:28:00.000-06:00

Something small I wrapped for tomorrow. Box from Michael's, yarn/twine from Michael's, green felt from the Dollar Store and white/pink felt from Michael's. Recipe via HERE. I went easy on the ginger and replaced curry with cinnamon (because I didn't have curry, and will be running to the store tomorrow morning to get some). They turned out yummy, hubby-approved!

I love the holidays, and went with the a very hand made feel for all my wrapping. Not to mention, I"m making/baking all of our gifts this year (with exception of Baby C's gifts). And I feel sooo very excited about that.

Wrapping inspirations via HERE.

PS. At the last minute I decided to add a few ornaments. Too minimal is just that - too minimal. A few off beat ornaments really give the little tree character and whimsy.

Room for Baby C: Painting the Marimekko Wallpaper

2011-12-17T10:47:00.000-06:00

First thing I did was copy the repeat of the wallpaper from the image above. From HERE. I chose this image because it gave me the full repeat of the pattern.

Than, I blew up the image. A LOT. Cut in out of paper and traced it onto the foam sheets. Once the pattern was cut out of the foam sheets, it was ready for tracing.

And so it got traced, and traced, and traced some more until I had the full wall covered with the pattern.

And than I started painting it in by hand.

It is taking me forEVER, and I"m nowhere near being done. But the progress is really encouraging. I can't wait to finish!!! The biggest issue is finding time when Baby C is occupied. We're doing our best, I'll keep you posted.

A Gift From Me to Me

2011-12-15T13:22:00.000-06:00

This necklace is my new weakness. I'll be wearing it with everything I own. It has the right amount of spunk. Appropriate for work and play. All year round.

I would pair it with a few more silver chains for a more layered look. I love how it gives the traditional top a little bit of attitude.

What are YOU getting YOURSELF for Christmas this year? :)

Inspiration: DIY Wreath

2011-12-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

Made out of white PVC. My mind is officially blown. LOVE it. Might even DIY it. Not this year, though.

Source: HERE

Yumm

2011-12-14T14:45:00.000-06:00

Source: HERE

So Last Week Was My Birthday

2011-12-14T11:26:00.000-06:00

So, it was my birthday last week. And hubby, the wonderful hubby that he is gifted me with these (HERE, HERE) things from my wish list.

For anyone looking for a practical purse, I would absolutely suggest a crossbody bag. They leave your hands free and are great for your posture. Also, I love that this bag is on the small-ish side so I don't have a choice but to pair down my daily "essentials". It is a lovely change from THIS bag I got last year.

What's on YOUR wish list?

Cushions from Ikea

2011-12-13T13:35:00.000-06:00

Ottawa has been finally graced with a nice and big Ikea store. The one we had before carried 1/3 of the collection. Seriously lacking in the textiles department. This past Friday I made a trip there to get all the things I needed to pull together Baby C's room before Christmas.

I was sick like I-don't-know-what. The store was seriously amazing and overwhelming at the same time. It is the largest one in Canada. Until next year when they plan to open a new store in Montreal that will be even bigger.

The store now has the full collection and I was in LOVE with their pillows. So, without hesitation (and I planned to only get things on my list) I picked up one cushion for Baby C's room and one for our bedroom.

And I love them. The fabric is heavy and nubby. The colours really bright and the pattern is happy. Black and white is obviously for our bedroom, and the colourful one is for Baby C :)

So far, the delivery of our bed has been pushed back until after Christmas and I've made some changes to the plan for Baby C's room. All in all, almost zero progress still. But I"m hopeful that before Jan 1 we will finish at least one of the rooms.

PS. so, bad luck for me. This fabric, that I've been drooping over for a while is being discontinued!!! And our new Ikea does not stock it. If you love it, run to your local store. And maybe pick me up a couple of metres??? :)

PSS. Apparently we have been having some technical difficulties here on the blog. What's up with blue font colour?????!!!! and blue background??? what the what!!! Anyway, I'll be playing around with the layout for a bit. We'll see where it goes.

Excuses Excuses

2011-12-13T08:42:00.001-06:00

No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Not quite. I'm still here. Just overwhelmed with birthday things and friends visiting out of town. I'll be back to posting regularly soon. I hope :)

Source: HERE

Christmas Tree - On the Bandwagon

2011-12-08T20:18:00.000-06:00

Hello, there, beautiful. It seems that this is the week of Christmas tree sharing, and I can't help myself :) I took the picture above a few days after the tree was set up. I love how sparkly it is even with the lights off. This year, like last year, I went with silver/gold/white theme. A little too little white, and very heavy on the gold side. It's like sparkles had a party and made babies in here and I love it. I think I'm so adamant about sparkles on my tree because the weather is just so miserable this time of year. And a little sparkle goes a long way to cheer me up.
My favourite ornament - Dollar Store find. I kid you not. These sparkle the best (and I like my tree extra sparkly these days). I got these when I was searching for non-breakable ornaments that would be extra baby/cat friendly. Surprisingly neither the cat or the kid have broken anything (what I've just jinxed myself!), but I love these little guys anyway.In the middle of gold/silver party we have a very colourful ornament. Made by Baby C. I think it makes the tree. Without it on the tree it wouldn't be Christmas around here. Also, I really love how these $1 silver and gold garlands from Ikea look in this image.
The tree skirt. Well... I'm too busy, or is it too lazy (?), to make a proper tree skirt. So I just took on of the curtains I had sitting in the basement (previously from our 1st house) and wrapped it around all the mess at the bottom of the tree. I think it works well with the gold/silver theme. And it was free, and took 2 minutes. Winner in my books every time.
This picture just makes me happy. This is a wreath I made last year and I have it out above our fireplace this year again. Very simple, very sparkly (again, I told you!) and very Christmas.

I'm linking with Honey We're Home for the Holiday Blog Link party.

Time

2011-12-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

I stress so much when things do not happen on the schedule I've made up in my head. I worry, and I freak out and I feel powerless. For all of you doing renos, here's something that I'm coming to terms with: some things take time.

As you've probably guessed, there's little progress to show. And even less inspiration to share. I hope to be back soon with some kick ass posts about Baby C's room. In the mean time, I'll just work on getting over my cold and drinking lots of tea.

I'll be back soon

Source: HERE

Found at HomeSense

2011-12-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

Morning, boys and girls. I'm back, did you miss me over the weekend?? We all got a cold and some progress was made in Baby C's room. Not enought to show off.

On Friday I took a little walk down to my local HomeSense (Bayshore) and found some really really great pieces! I guess my inspiration was the images I posted on Friday, because my eye went straight to the items that would have been perfect in these rooms.

Room #1:
My Finds:
I love the brass-iness of these tables and their delicate details.
This mirror would have been a perfect something sparkly. On sale. For like $19. Didn't get it. My house will soon be the house of million mirrors, so I walked away. Someone will be very lucky to snatch it up at that price. It is really such a wonderful statement piece.

Room #2. Ok, not really a room, but you know what I mean:
My finds:
The lamp could easily work in any number of rooms, but I would put it here. Also, for all of you who are still loving the ampersand, this one was really beautiful. Not too small, with lots of impact potential.

My last two finds:
The headboard was amazing. Very good quality. If you're looking for a headboard for a double bed, RUN. I think these lamps would be really great for someone who enjoys reading in bed. If they were the same finish I might have gotten them for our master bedroom. I love all the angles. Nice way to complement all the curves in the headboard.

Hope your weekend was fun!

Pretty on a Friday

2011-12-02T10:47:00.000-06:00

Have a lovely weekend. See you on the other end.
Source: HERE and HERE

Guest Post: Fishly News

2011-12-01T08:12:00.000-06:00

It is a very special day here at Style-ING w/ Children. First time hosting a guest post! Guilia from Fishly News is a truly special blogger. With two kids and a full time job she still finds time for crafts, photography and blogging. Her comments are always thoughtful and full of practical advice.

Guilia is also a wonderful photographer, and is almost at completion of her "one photo a week" project. Each photograph features every day things lovingly styled and curated.

Only a few weeks ago Guilia did a wonderful post over at Life Begins at Thirty, Right? with her suggestions on how to improve Janice's dining room, HERE. I LOVE every single one of her ideas.

While putting together the Room for Baby C, Guilia's daughter's big girl room was one of my inspirations. So it is only natural that I begged Guilia to do a blog post.

AND she's also from Ottawa :) I'll stop gushing now.
________________________________________________________
In Nat's post about Baby C's room, she talks about some key elements she was looking for.

(1) Room for books and storage
(2) Picture frames
(3) Colour and pattern with rugs and/or wall treatment
(4) Not girly or child-ish

I had just updated my daughter's room and am very pleased that I can share it with you here at Style-ING with Children. I think it ticks off some of the elements that Nat is looking for. My daughter wanted purple in her room and she wanted to keep some of the very pale pink we had painted her wall two years ago. We decided to paint the back wall of her room Benjamin Moore Darkest Grape for impact and to serve as a cozy backdrop. The change was instant - especially at night, her rather large room now feels more comfortable while having a great punch of colour. We re-arranged her furniture and put the bed along that accent wall as well as the Kijiji dresser that I had just finished sanding and painting white. The dark wall really makes the white of the bed and dresser pop.We had added some pink polka dot drapery panels and colourful IKEA bedding that she chose. The bedding has pink, purple, gray, orange and green relating to the wall, drape and rug colours, but also introducing some other cheerful elements. My daughter chose the dark purple accent pillow - you can see the faint fabric folds that create a circle like the pattern in her bedding. Her nightstand is a pale grey - again picked up the bedding and rug. We kept her lamp simple and light - making it versatile for later. The name art above her bed is a DIY we made for her nursery - we just adapted the last letter to include some of the new room colours.We added a small desk. My daughter chose the orange drawer front and again it matches the bedding. We kept the vintage chair for that pop of green. Her gallery wall is a collection of art I had, a picture of her, a tin plaque, clock, mirror and a birthday card my sister painted for her - it's the perfect spot to expand or switch around going forward. We placed the desk next to our DIY bookcase, which is the best storage for books - you can see them and the kids can put them away easily - for me these books are like an art collection. Her room also has a large closet which I painted white and stenciled in a dark gray for a bit of whimsy.

So, there you have it, a little girls room with lots of storage for books and other things, a collection of framed art and knickknacks, lots of colour - both subtle and bold. It's a little girly, but I think this can easily grow with her without switching out everything.

Feel free to check out FishlyNews for the DIY name art project, book case, closet stencil, dresser refurbish and other fun things we do in our Ottawa home.

Thanks Nat for having me and good luck with the room!
____________________________________________________________
I cannot decide what is my favourite feature in the room, but if I HAD TO, I would say--closet doors!! They are amazing and must have been a ton of work! Thank you Guilia for stopping by.

Table Settings

2011-11-30T15:51:00.001-06:00

Totally something I could do, from HERE.

Mirrors Facing the Bed

2011-11-30T13:45:00.000-06:00

You learn something new every day. The lesson today was to not place mirrors directly facing your bed. Weird, right? It all started with the image above, from HERE. Oh, so lovely! The headboard you see in the mirror is very similar to our new (not yet delivered) bed. The same palette of calm grays and whites. Similar furniture placement.

My mom has been "suggesting" (don't you just love when mothers do that??) (PS. mine tries to be super involved, and I love it, and she watches Baby C, so I respectfully listen and continue to do my own thing). Yes, she's been "suggesting" that we put mirrored doors on our PAX closets. Her reasons were that we need a full length mirror and this would be the most practical spot for it. I've resisted this idea, even though I DO think that it would be the most practical thing.

WHy have I resisted? I cannot tell you why. This is an irrational, I don't want to do it, thing that happens to me often. I get an idea into my head and I cannot explain why I'm adamant about it. But I sure am determined in my opinion.

Today, when I saw the picture above, HERE, I read the post comments. One comment in particular caught my eye: "You shouldn't have mirrors facing the bed..." from Isabel.

Ohhh.. you got my attention there!! Some simple googling later I find out that this is a common concent in Feng Shui. Until today I heard of Feng Shui, but for the life of me would not have been able to so much as spell it. And apparently it is true. According to this philosophy, you really should not put mirrors in front of your bed. So many my desire to not buy mirrored doors was not that weird after all :)

And here I was going to write a post on whether I should change my mind and actually do mirrored doors instead of high gloss white. All I have to say is thank you internet for all the info. Today and always.

Source: HERE

Christmas Crafts

2011-11-29T11:45:00.000-06:00

Isn't this print so lovely? Baby C and I did something similar this weekend at a kids' Christmas party organized by hubby's work. We used little foam stickers. I so should have taken a picture :)

Maybe it is something worth repeating for a framed gift to grandma, or a holiday card??

Source: HERE

Art for the Bathroom

2011-11-28T12:45:00.000-06:00

It has been almost six months since I ordered a remnant piece of the fabric above from Tonic Living. I was planning of using something different for the bathroom, but it would have been overkill. So, these little playful hearts came out to play. When I ordered them, I had no clue what I was going to do with the tiny piece. I was just in love with the combination of colours and the playfullness of the pattern.

Fabric + 2 Ribba frames = LOVE. They are the perfect subtle SOMETHING that does not clash with the shower curtain, yet stands its ground solidly. I kid you not, every time I walk into the bathroom I now smile doubly. At the shower curtain and at these frames.

Always do what makes you happy. You will have a happy moment every day. Look at me getting all mushy and poetic over two pieces of fabric in frames... he he :)

PS. I am guest posting over at Life Begins at 30, right? Janice has invited everyone to guest post and I have really enjoyed all the design and non-design related stories. Thank you Janice for this amazing opportunity, you're the best, as always :) And check our Janice's own bathroom reno HERE.

Christmas Tree

2011-11-28T11:48:00.000-06:00

This past Friday the Christmas tree went up. At least 2 weeks too early for me, but I couldn't help myself. Baby C has been asking when when when will we have a tree at home, when when when will there be snow! And since snow is not cooperating (astonishing for Canada), I decided that the tree will do.

Especially because the nights turn cold and dark by about 5pm. The tree, with its lights and shimmering ornaments, is now the heart of our home. We all eventually end up next to it. Taking in its warmth.

On a more practical note, I decided to bring in our outdoor acacia chairs and use them in the living room. Instead of living room furniture. Which we still do not own. I like them here. Ok, not LIKE them the way I LIKE them on the deck, but I don't hate them here in the living room. And that is good enough for now.

Hope your Christmas preparations are well underway :)

Room for Baby C - Weekend Non-Progress

2011-11-27T22:22:00.000-06:00

The floor actually has baseboards in some places :) Yes it does. This weekend has been a busy one, with many social commitments that kept us away from hardwood laying and Room for Baby C finishing. Oh, well... we're not complaining, we could totally have used a break.

Hopefully we are now back with a bit of re-new'ed energy.

PS. Tomato red, the colour reads TOMATO RED. The horror! It is not that colour, but every image I try to take turns out this way. Ugg. Picture it broken up by white shelving with little girl dresses, closed up by white accordion doors. Promise.

Room for Baby C - Planning the Room #1

2011-11-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

I've been putting together a list of things to get for Baby C's new room. I really don't want it to be too girly or too child-ish. But I DO want it to be fun and colourful.

First things first - room for books and millions of little art projects she brings home from daycare. This is the adult version that I love. The different colours frames are really tugging at my heart strings :)
The KID version.

I found these Ikea frames on sale, two for $2.49. And bought at least 16 of them. Ooopps... At least now we'll never want for colourful tiny frames. Also, I find that the Ikea LACK bookshelves are always a great investment. They are inexpensive, relatively well made and super versatile (and I already have colourful baskets that will go there perfectly).

Next, colourful rug in a white room. Adult version.
Kid version.Rug, Ikea again. Good price. Now that we'll have hardwood (at some point everywhere), we need to make sure that her bum is warm :) I'm torn on whether this will be WAY too much with the flowers on the wall, but we'll see. I will be toning the flowers down, and I do want to layer around them. And I can always return this rug and look for something else.

What do you guys think? What is your philosophy on kids rooms? And especially rooms for girls??

Source: HERE

Pretty Room

2011-11-23T06:43:00.000-06:00

I wish I was resting here today.... those FLOORS!!!

Source: HERE

Me, Complaining

2011-11-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

so... hardwood laying didn't go so well. It's not that we screwed up, we didn't. It's that it is taking an F'ING long time. And I'm tired and the room is now only 1/2 done (up from 1/3 done). Granted we spent only 1.5 hours on it tonight, but it feels like it was the whole day. Ugg.

Ok, I'll stop complaining now! Love this quote. Makes me want to get out of bed in the morning.

Source: HERE

More Hardwood Tonight & a Thank You

2011-11-22T14:10:00.000-06:00

Tonight after dinner we're going back to installing hardwood. Thank you, mom, you're the best for gifting us with your time and watching Baby C. I know you love to do it and it is as much of a treat for you as it is for us. But we thank you anyway. I only hope one day I will be as supportive and "there" for my kids, as you always are for my brother and I.

I just love the image above. I love the chair, so comfy. I love the pillow, NEED that fabric. Oh, and the lamp.... gosh, I can't wait to decorate!

Source: HERE

Inspiration: Setting the Table

2011-11-22T13:42:00.000-06:00

I could totally see myself doing either one of these settings. LOVE their decadence and simplicity.

Source: HERE

Wrapping Christmas Gifts

2011-11-22T07:17:00.000-06:00

Last night. 11:30pm. Through the fog of sleep I was wraping a gift that hubby's work Santa will be giving to our little girl this Sunday. It is a huge tub of play-doh that we picked up at Costco this weekend. I think wrapping it turned out quite well.

Do you have any interesting tips on wrapping irregular shaped objects? I usually take the lazy way out and shove everything into a pretty bag. Maybe this year I"ll make the effort to have everything looking extra pretty and put together.

And if you have a great (read = easy) cookie recipe to share, please don't be shy! I'm desperately in need of your help :)

Inspiration for a Fall Dinner Table

2011-11-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

I'm hosting a dinner party on Saturday. Low key, no biggie. But I"m dying to order some fabric, make a table cloth and napkins and set this table up right!

Of course right now that is close to impossible. Lack of time being one of the reasons this is a no go. But I am looking forward to getting my house back after all the reno maddness and setting a beautiful table for my favourite people.

I really love these simple place cards and the wimsy they bring to the table. I can see them with white round plates with a golden polka dot pattern all over. Lovely.

Sorry it has been very low on inspiration images here lately. I am so into the doing that it has taken over the dreaming and plotting! :) I'll try to remedy that.

What has been inspiring you lately??

Source: HERE

Room for Baby C - Installing Hardwood

2011-11-20T21:46:00.000-06:00

Sunday afternoon. God's given day of rest. We installed hardwood for the first time. I couldn't wait to post these pictures. We managed to do 1/3 of the room (13' by 9') in about 6 hours. Factor in that it took us at least an hour to set up the new saw that lets us cut planks lengthwise AND an emergency trip to Home Depot for a sander. A few frustrated and hungry conversations later we started making actual progress.

I was in charge of selecting planks. I can say I'm pretty good at it. We've been managing to do with VERY minimal cuts. Gotta keep that waste ration down! Have to say that the hardwood we bought is of excellent quality. So far we've had to set aside two or three planks because they were bent (but otherwise perfect).

I LOVE the colour, the texture of the grain and the pattern. I love how there are cleaner and busier planks. And how they give interest to the floor. LOVE IT!

And this is what the rest of the room looks like. Still LOTS of work to do. But it feel a lot less scary with every row :)

PS. I AM wearing my Christmas pj's. It's that time of year already, get on with your shopping! :)

PSS. You can read more about the kind of floor we bought HERE

Room for Baby C - Colour Cranberry

2011-11-19T18:37:00.000-06:00

Well, in an effort to show you one of the colours I"m using for Baby C's room (and because my camera totally screwed up the colour) I tracked it down. Pratt & Lambert: Cranberry (2 - 13). I did my best to go to BM to pick out my colours. I really tried. But I can't say I was impressed with the selection at my local store. So I went back to Randall's.

Anyway, back to the colour. It is so NOT communist-China-red. Not even close. It is a very rich and deep magenta. With no hints of yellow, with no hints of dirtiness. I don't know how else to describe it. We LOVE it. It is so awesome, I have no words.

The more we painted that closet (all f*ing 4 coats of it) the colour just got better and better. By the way, NO ONE TOLD ME that reds were one of the hardest colours to paint. Or at least that's what the sales girl told me when I called hyperventilating that their C2 paint was not giving me full coverage after 3 coats. To tell the truth, we could easily do a fifth coat. But I decided it would be overkill for a closet that will have drawers, and hangers, and white doors.

Painting the flowers on with a brush will be really fun... (!!!)

Room for Baby C - Progress

2011-11-18T23:06:00.000-06:00

We've been working hard on making progress in Baby C's room. As you can see above, you can't create something pretty until you've taken apart what was there before. The only memorable thing in Baby C's future room is this closet. So I wanted to make it into a jewel.

This is where I need to apologize, because my camera captured this colour as communist China/Soviet Union red. While in all honesty, it is a lovely, even if very saturated, raspberry red. A little more blue, a little less yellow.

And we painted her closet. Still needs one coat, but you get the idea. It is a punch of colour that will balance out the other side of the room with the Marimekko Unikko patters.

Speaking of making the stencil.... things are progressing, but slowly... I'll let you know how stencil making goes, because so far I'm up to blowing up the image.

Even looking at it in black and white I LOVE it!!!! Have a lovely weekend all!

BirthDay Gift #2

2011-11-16T14:06:00.001-06:00

Me want. HERE

BirthDay Gift #1

2011-11-16T12:47:00.001-06:00

My mom has recently asked what I would like for my upcoming b-day. I couldn't really think of anything until I saw this guilt. I think I want it. From HERE.

I wonder if it would be too much with my tufted bed...

Marimekko Unikko - History

2011-11-16T10:03:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry, you guys, but it is the Marimekko week around here. I was looking for the various colour combos in red and found a story on the HISTORY of the Unikko design. Read it :)

Since I have a sample of the wallpaper I was initially trying to match paint colours to it. Unfortunately, those guys at Marimekko are amazing at choosing the brightest most vibrant hues and I was having the hardest time matching them to the colours in all 3 of my decks :( Until I realized that while I"m technically stealing the design, I can take some artistic liberty. So I'm free to really choose the colours I want and love.

Speaking of stealing. I WAS going to splurge on the wallpaper. Until I couldn't find it on sale. EVER. And, frankly, I really don't want to have $149/roll wallpaper getting doodled on by my toddler. So, let's call it IMITATION. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?! Right??!!!

Room for Baby C - DIYing Marimekko Wallpaper

2011-11-16T07:01:00.000-06:00

Over a year ago I wrote about DIY'ing the Marimekko Unikko Wallpaper. And, boys and girls, the week has come when I'm going to do it.

So far we have ripped up more carpet (yay!), put down plywood, patched and primed walls. Hubby will be painting the ceiling tonight. Hardwood has already been bought. Last night I started working on my home made "stencil".

This is THE time. Now or never :) Wish me luck.

Room for Baby C - Marimekko Wallpaper

2011-11-15T09:53:00.000-06:00

A sneak peek at what I've been working on. Brimming with excitement and a little bit scared.

I'm in a Christmas State of Mind

2011-11-14T09:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Baby C and I did an Ikea run. Oh, the madness!!! The crowds!!! We walked away with a few of these ornaments that I intend to use as gift tags.

Some of these garlands, in gold. Last year our tree was all silver and gold. I'm going to build on that theme this year. That reminds me, I need to pick up some while ornaments to balance out all that shimmer.

Two packs of these lights came home with us as well. I really love them. And I can think of many ways to use them in Baby C's room once Christmas is over.

I wish I had gotten these candle holders as well! They are so yummy. Totally my cup of tea. But our Ikea doesn't carry them. YET.

And by YET I mean that the new and LARGEST IN CANADA Ikea is opening 5 minutes from my house in 3 weeks. I cannot describe to you how excited I am! Watch out, budget, I'm going to get all the things I've had my eye on for years now. Maybe not all at once, though :)

What did you do this weekend?? Are you in the Christmas mood yet?? I'm SOOOOO there! I think we're going to put up our Christmas tree sometime soon. Baby C has been asking and asking and asking for the tree. She's absolutely spellbound by them! This is the first year when she's ready to actively and cognitively participate in the Christmas madness and I can't wait! Must charge up the camera. I will be taking an insane number of pictures :)

This Week's Loot

2011-11-12T16:41:00.000-06:00

This week has been all about mirrors. I picked up a starburst mirror for above the fireplace (!). The fireplace is the first thing you see when you walk in the house and this mirror will set a nice tone for the rest of the house (after the fireplace gets a much needed drastic facelift).

I love it so much. I love how huge it is. I love the braided detail. Gives it just a little bit more character.

Funny how it happens, I ran into the image below on apartment therapy on Friday (I think). Exactly the same mirror (I think) Down to the braided detail.

The second piece I got this week was another mirror! Thankfully it is for the master bedroom. It is discouraging to get pieces for other rooms in the house, because they won't be getting installed (look at me all fancy using design talk, yuck) until that room is complete. So I'm extra excited that this mirror will go in a room that is 1st on our priority list :)

I have been thinking about what to do above the bed. Something that could stand its ground with the wallpaper. Something that was the right scale. And I found it!!! I think this mirror will be PERFECT. I love the antique-y details, I love the super thick frame. I love that the frame is not black, but a dark copper-y brown. Anyway, I love love love it! :) Even if I"m not super great at describing why.

PS. yes we have a very NON-me table cloth on our dinning room table. Hand-me-downs from my mom :)

PSS. I know I use the word "love" excessively :)

Room for Baby C - Toddler Bed

2011-11-12T15:50:00.001-06:00

The day after I got the spindel/Jenny Lind bed off kijiji, our neighbours gifted us with a vintage toddler bed. Apparently both their kids and grandkids had grown our of it and they were wondering if we would like to use it for our little girl. Hell YES!!! Please and thank you!

I started to paint the bed. Black. My mom had a little meltdown over that. Go figure :)

Art by COZAMIA

2011-11-10T19:50:00.000-06:00

Love the art. From COZAMIA, the art gallery of wonderfully talented Nancy, who just happens to write an amazing blog as well. I guess when you're talented, you're TALENTED! :)

Little Things on a Thursday Afternoon

2011-11-10T13:56:00.000-06:00

I'm around, reading, just not posting. There are million and one things going on, but nothing concrete to show or really mention. I will be back with vengeance tomorrow :)

But for today, this is what I've been doodling.

Weekend Progress - It's Not Much

2011-11-06T20:50:00.001-06:00

The walls got painted. It is a really great white. Warm-ish, greige in the shadows, velvety textured. Simply lovely.

The light was NOT cooperating this weekend, so I took the shots I could. We have the lighting finally up in the bathroom + mirror. NOT the custom cut one I wanted, just an Ikea mirror. But, girls and boys, it looks lovely. For its $60 (vs. $450 + tax), it does the job superbly!

We have been working on this custom closet for a few nights last week. I really love how it turned out. We still have a few shelves to install, but overall I'm really happy with how it turned out.

No wallpaper this weekend. Too tired. I'll keep you posted.

A New To Me Blog

2011-11-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

oh, my GOWD, this poster is awesome. I LOVE it. From HERE.

Introducing new blog: Because It's Awesome

This is Where I Overshare

2011-11-04T07:29:00.000-05:00

Shannon at 8foot6 awarded me with The Versatile Blogger award! Thank you so much, it is so very sweet of you :)

I've been a bad blogger and did not post about this for over a week!!! I'm not going to bore you again with my complaining about renos :) Just going to say that they take up way too much of my time and energy.

With this award I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself and I can't think of one! :) Lets try anyway...

- even though my posts are usually written pretty randomly with no editing/proofreading, I am actually considering a career change from Project Management to Information Services. Basically I want to write. Don't know yet how, when and where, but it is something I've been considering for a while.

- I'm the most insecure person on the planet. Seriously. I tripple guess myself all the time. Drives hubby up the wall.

- I'm desperately trying to expand my repertoire of recipes, so if you have a good one, please pass it along! Or suggest a food blog you enjoy :)

- I'm absolutely jealous of everyone pregnant right now (in the best way possible). I have the WORST baby blues. It doesn't help that Baby C is asking for a little brother on a daily basis.

- I'm feeling exceedingly guilty of NEVER being able to make time for crafts. I'm bound and determined to make lots of gifts for Christmas with Baby C. I've started buying supplies already. To that end, if you have a great cookie recipe, pass it along!!!

- Have you heard about the struggles Kim at desiretoinspire is going through with French language training in our fair federal government? Well, my friends, I'm in the same boat. It doesn't help that I have no time and absolutely zero desire to learn French. Yet I must. Ugg...

- last but not least, I'm in a total funk when it comes to clothes. I LOVE clothes, I LOVE dressing well and stylish, blah blah blah. Since the reno I've been so focused on interior design that my personal dress code has been reduced to jeans and random basic sweaters. SOOOO not me. And I don't really feel that there's anything new out there. Most styles either don't work for me or are recycled from a few years ago. Maybe I"m wrong?? Maybe there's hope?? Tell me Tell me Tell me!

ok, so my 7 things are pretty unrelated to interior design and a little too much on the personal side.

Now, for 15 blogs that have not yet been nominated... I clearly need to read more, because you guys have listed all the ones in my reader! :) I will share one though, found yesterday. I have not had time to read through the archives (first thing I do with any new blog), but it looks really amazing, the blogger is from Canada and I love her easy style.

Tah, dah!: House Pretty

Enjoy.

Weekend To-Do List

2011-11-03T09:27:00.001-05:00

I know it is not yet the weekend. Boo! Even so, it is perfect time to plan the weekend to-do list! My patience is thinning by the minute as things are not moving as quickly as I need them to. I'm sure you've all been here. The mess, the dust, the lack of time for regular housework. Every spare moment overtaken by a million and five hundred thousand little tasks.

In an effort to save our sanity and the sanity of our child, we have made a decision to slow things down. The renos have started to very uncomfortably take over our family time. Have made us all very cranky. And by us I mean Baby C. So the list for this weekend is pretty short:

- buy interior fittings for the PAX wardrobe and organize everything
- finish shelving in walk-in closet
- finish floor in walk-in closet
- finish painting the bedroom
- put up wallpaper

Should be fun! What are you doing this weekend?

Source: House&Home

Bed + Wallpaper

2011-11-02T08:11:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I took my eye-rolling mom with me to check the bed out. Wallpaper roll in hand. We looked at all possible fabric samples (there were a lot of them) and decided to stick with our original choice.

I really love that upholstery on the bed does not matchy-match the wallpaper. Instead it is a bit warmer, a bit shinier. I hope it will work. What do you think?? I still have time to change my mind! :)

Also, have to say that it is nearly impossible to get a good idea of colours in the showroom under fluorescent lights. The images above are also not true to the actual colour. Not quite. The best image to judge colour would probably be picture #3.

I like it. I think. What do you think??

Yummy Yumm Yumm

2011-11-01T11:36:00.001-05:00

Natural floor, white cabinets, dark counters and marble backsplash. Love-y love love. Too cottage-y, but my current colour combo.

Speaking of Bedrooms...

2011-11-01T08:49:00.001-05:00

I like the warmer hued beds next to white walls. I'm going back to Mobilia to see what the bed would look like next to my wallpaper sample. Lets hope my phone doesn't die on me so I am able to take a picture.

We originally ordered the bed in their stock colour. It is a lovely light honey tone. But being paranoid me, I need irrevocable proof that it is the right colour. So I'm going back with the wallpaper. Our purchase was very spontaneous and I was not 100% prepared to choose the colour.

Consequences of going with a custom colour are 3-4 months delivery timeframe vs. 4 weeks for stock. This is the crazytown reality of purchasing furniture NOT at Ikea. Ha ha

Gowd, this reno will NEVER EVER ever be over :((

Source: House&Home

Wall Colour Dilemma - HELP!!!

2011-10-31T09:15:00.001-05:00

Do you have a person in your life who comes in and messes up your plans? ALWAYS?? Well, for me that's my mother. My well-meaning, always looking out for me, making me want to rip my hair out, lovely, caring mother.

Last night she comes over and does the usual eye roll thing when I tell her that, yes, the bedroom walls will be white. Even though hubby has been saying that he hates white and: "please, oh please, don't do this to me". But I've insisted. I'm bound and determined to see white walls.

She comes over and goes: "well, lets look at the wallpaper again and see if maybe you should continue the gray background on the remainder of the walls". It just so happens that I have a perfect colour chip: Vancouver Day by C2, that matches the wallpaper background perfectly.The colour looks way too dark in the 1st image and way too slight on the wallpaper sample. And now I'm torn again. Note that I've already bought white paint (C2 Sheer), I've already exchanged it from eggshell to falt, AND started cutting in.

Now I ask you. Should I go with Vancouver Day? Or Sheer? Would I regret going with Sheer? Would I regret going with Vancouver Day?

I don't MIND the Vancouver day, my problem is that it is more on the greige side, while the bathroom walls are definitely more blue (Overcast, below). I'm not sure what to do. Sheer would give me continuity between the bathroom and the bedroom. Vancouver Day would give me a more classic look. And it would make hubby happy.

Some pictures to put all this writing in context.

I'm looking to you guys to help me out. Vote: Continuity? Classic?

PS. I have JUST noticed that Anna at DoorSixteen actually does not use white above the paneling in her bathroom! Something to keep in mind. Oh, I HATE it when my mother is right!

PSS. I am not ready to repaint the bathroom. I love it the way it is.

Source: HERE, HERE

We Bought a Bed

2011-10-31T07:27:00.001-05:00

After hours looking online, considering going custom, etc., we finaly bought a bed. It is from Mobilia. It looks surprisingly much better in person than it does online. I"m not too hot on the footboard, but overall this bed checks all the boxes. It is upholstered, good for reading and comes in about 100 different fabrics. It is masculine enough to balance out the flowerly wallpaper, yet soft and inviting. And it doesn't hurt that hubby likes it as well :)

I cannot say that this bed was a "steal" in terms of price. But I rationalize that some things are worth splurging on. As much as I hate to admit it, this house, as lovely as it is, will likely not be our forever home. And if I'm going to spend $$$, I want a balance between things that would stay and things that would come with us.

Too bad my phone died. You could have enjoyed pictures of me, on the bed, in my shoes, seeing how comfy the headboard is :)

While I Was Sick

2011-10-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

My baby brother came over and helped hubby install plywood in our master bedroom. One little step closer to hardwood.

Zero Progress

2011-10-30T18:57:00.000-05:00

I have been very sick for the last week. Fever, loss of voice, etc. Not FUN.

There hasn't been much progress. Hubby's been writing final exams, taking care of Baby C and me. Yay, hubby. He even got me flowers :)

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Using Full Height of Ceilings For Art

2011-10-26T07:38:00.000-05:00

I love these two images. I'm still thinking over what art should go in the almost-done master bath. I really want to use this space for family photos. Things that will put a smile on my face 1st thing in the morning. I also want the pieces to bring a new colour into the room.

Having said all that, i love how the images above use the full height of the ceiling. I want to do this throughout the house. With our low ceilings I think this will be one of my tricks to visually expand every single room :)

The 2nd image is making me think of when I took apart Vogues (back in the day) for reproductions of Manolo Blahnik watercolour drawings. They went into simple frames and made SUCH a statement. Especially because I used to be an insane shoe fanatic, so everyone who came over always said: "that is so you!"

I owned one pair of flat shoes when I got pregnant. Heels were the order of EVERY day. I still wear heels every day, I'm just not quite as obsessed with them as I used to be :)

HERE is a great post if you're looking for inspiration images of art in a bathroom.

Source: HERE, HERE

Searching for a Bed - Help!

2011-10-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

I`ve been looking at THIS bed from WestElm for a few months now. I LOVE it in jute, BUT the king size does not come in jute. What-the-what, right?? :( I have to call them and actually ask. My second choice would be Cotton Weave in Flax. HOWEVER, 3 months "custom" order delivery is not ideal. Baby C asks to come to our bed every morning around 6am. Sleeping the 3 of us on a "guest" double bed is NOT a good long-term plan.

I ask you, guys, any suggestions for a bed?? ?? Please please please! Help Help Help!

Source: HERE

Weekend Progress

2011-10-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

The master bath. We finally got the lighting split into two. A little more sanding, a little more paint, one mirror and we will be ALL DONE. Really?? Can't believe it. The bathroom reno officially started on July 1st and it is not done yet. But the end is near.

The walk-in closet is now WHITE (before image HERE). Blindingly, freshly and happily, W-H-I-T-E. I have to say that as much as I'm in love with images of white interiors, I was not so sure about how much I would like it on my walls. Well... for the closet, this was a GREAT choice. Now, lets wait and see how well this colour will carry the whole master bedroom.

oh, and the carpet in the bedroom is GONE :) we're down to OSB, with plywood (1/2") and hardwood on the way. We're exhausted, sleep deprived and excited. I have a bed to choose, wallpaper to hang and more walls to paint. oh, and another little project to photograph later in the week... :)

How was your weekend??

Swing-Arm Sconces In the Bedroom - One More

2011-10-21T11:31:00.001-05:00

Source: HERE

I purposely didn't look for images in big magazines, etc. We've already see all of those. I wanted solutions done by regular folks. I love this solution. A little too cottage-y for what I"m looking for, but so so lovely none the less!

PS. There's also THIS article on Houzz

Swing-Arm Sconces In the Bedroom

2011-10-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

Just because renos are taking forever doesn't mean I'm not decorating the hell out of our bedroom, in my head :) Right now I"m trying to figure out the lighting around the bed. I want the side tables to be free from lamps (at least for now), so wall sconces are the way to go. And I want to have adequate light to read in bed = swing-arm sconces.

Images 1 and 2 are more my cup of tea, but I thought it interesting the breadth of choices that are out there.

Source: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

House Rules

2011-10-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

I need THIS for my home. Right now. Ordered.

Making Lists

2011-10-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I've been running in circles making lists, checking them 3 times and making more lists. Basically all the things we need to buy/do to move our reno along. It is exhausting. And the mirror thing REALLY discouraged me for days.

Things on my mind:

--- the floor in the bathroom above, LOVE! - going to pick up tile samples to maybe do something similar in the 2nd bathroom
--- 1/2" vs. 5/8" vs. 3/8" plywood subfloor for under our hardwood. There are as many opinions as there are blogs, books, and sales ppl. Frustrating to say the least. Did you know that about 10 years ago the formular for OSB (that's your subfloor under plywood) changed and that in the newer homes you do not necessarily NEED plywood (though you should still get it) under your hardwood? But in houses pre 2000 you most definitely MUST get it?? yes, we're insanely anal about choosing proper materials. I warned you. Nothing worse than a squeaky floor we live with now.
--- Ikea bathroom sale! :) It's not much, but I'll take it.
--- Low VOC oil based paint for our popcorn ceilings
--- Designing a custom closet for the walk-in
--- Living in a construction zone (somewhat)
--- I made THIS vegetarian chili. It was AMAZING. Hubby, who can't live without meat was full and happy for DAYS. Hubby who doesn't eat leftovers, was happy to have chili for 4 days in a row. You should make it. Don't skip balsamic vinegar :)
--- Anticipating the pain I will be in from painting insane square footage of walls and ceilings (ugg!), while hubby's working on the 2nd bathroom.
--- I should really paint Baby C's toddler bed... sometime soon
--- Dreaming of family room furnitue. Ok, obsessing, I confess.
--- cuddling with our little girl

What have you been up to this rainy week??

Source: HERE

How Much Is Too Much??

2011-10-18T21:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I found out that the price on our custom cut mirror for the vanity has gone up, 1.5 times, in two months. The thing is, as much as I really want a custom mirror, I also want a feasible timeline for when this massive reno (that includes one more bathroom, kitchen, all painting and flooring) will be done. I want to decorate (read buy furniture) and I want to enjoy my house. More than I want everything to be the "way I want it to be", I want to have spare cash for things that don't involve grout, hardwood and appliances. Sometime in the foreseeable future.

So we're going with a WAY cheaper mirror. I can't say I'm happy, I can't say I'm even content. This is definitely not something I wanted to compromise on. But going custom is not in our price range. Period. And I'm dealing with it.

On the bright side, the bathroom might finally be done. And that's something in and of itself.

Thank You!

2011-10-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Monday will be week #3 of daycare and I wanted to do a little recap. First of all, I wanted to thank you all for your encouragements on The 1st Day of Daycare. Reading your comments really helped the 1st day go by easier.

I wanted to wait to write about daycare, to see how things would progress over time. I'm not sure that we're out of the woods yet, but things have been going well. She's happy getting up in the morning to go to daycare (so far), and seems to be sleeping and eating well while there. Little monkey.

Yesterday we waved our grandma goodbye. Her 6 month stint with us has ended, with everyone involved alive and on good terms. If you've ever lived with your own parents or your in-laws as a family with a kid(s), you would understand that this was quite an accomplishment for everyone involved.

There was a lot of thankful thinking going on last weekend over Thanksgiving. Here in Canada. I know what I"m grateful for, among other things: (1) family, the good, the bad and the ugly stuff; (2) finding a good daycare, with caring instructors, who daily report on Baby C's progress; (3) you guys, thank you for being here, for reading and commenting, and sharing our adventures.

Thank you.

Flat vs. Eggshell Paint

2011-10-14T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today I realized something... i bought EGGSHELL white paint. And my wallpaper has a flat finish. Opps. I guess I'll just have to use this gallon in Baby C's room and get flat for our master bedroom.

I just know if wallpaper and walls "clash" it will forever drive me crazy. And it is a safe place to try a flat paint (something new to me).

Am I insane?? What paint finish do you use??

Source: HERE

Hairpin Legs - The Possibilities Are Endless

2011-10-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

A VERY long time ago I wrote about wanting a Nelson bench (HERE and HERE). It seems like years ago, in another life. With all the planning that's going into the Master Bedroom I've been thinking that a bench for the foot of the bed would be a nice addition. And my mind went straight to the Nelson bench as my go-to dream piece (even a reproduction would be a dream piece at $600+).
Today I saw the bench (above) DIY'd, in an apartmenttherapy post, HERE. LOVED it. Right away made me think of THIS bench (below).
So I investigated further, and found a new blog KriselKeeper and a link to where I can get those hairpin legs! And they are inexpensive! Yay!

Something this rustic is not really the look I'm going for, but my mind is blown by the possibilities of coffee tables, side tables, and benches that could be made using these legs. I LOVE these legs. These legs are making me think of the Y-base coffee table from WestElm. It could just as well be hairpin coffee table....

oh, to be decorating....

White Paint

2011-10-12T19:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to match a white-ish colour swatch from multiple paint companies with the Ferm Living Bindweed wallpaper. Seriously, half an hour later, having looked at paint swatches that were too blue, too green, too yellow and too red, I made away with THE ONE. Or at least I hope that it is THE ONE.

What I really like about Randall's (and they really need to make their website cooler! It's embarrassing...) that they have all C2 colours in larger swatches, of about 24" by 24". The larger swatches really give you a true feel for the colour (and you can even borrow them to take home). I chose C2 LOVO eggshell colour called: sheer. Of course the online C2 "sample" (if you can even call it that) is horrendous, so you'll just have to trust me on this one. It is a lovely white with warm gray undertones. Yes, sounds absolutely contradictory. Yet, I hope it will work. I really do.

We haven't done anything since taking our closet apart. Hubby's in the home stretch for 2 of his MBA courses and, really, how much manual labour can I do on my own?? with a toddler in tow? NOT MUCH.

Hopefully this weekend will see some much needed progress. Until than, I leave you with this image I found this morning. At least white is easier to repaint if I don't like it :)
Source: HERE and HERE

Hello Walk-in Closet

2011-10-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

Next to the calm and white of the now-almost-finished bathroom, our walk in closet was the dark hole were clothes went to die, or hide, for months and months.
With one tall section of shelves, one hanger for dresses and two hangers for tops, this was IT. And it was not living up to my expectations. I'm not even talking about the oppressive dirty gray blue walls. Yuck!
So, this weekend, we attached our PAX frames to the wall and took all our clothes out of the walk-in. Some went to Value Village, some into the trash, some got stored away elsewhere.

On Monday, Canadian Thanksgiving, we ripped out whatever shelving was in the closet + ugly carpet (yay!) and fixed up our entrance to the attic. Now for the to do list:

1. patch and sand walls, multiple times :(

2. new trim for the entrance to the attic

3. plywood subfloor

4. DIY a closet solution with the help of PAX interior fittings

5. prime and paint everything white, he he he :)

Once the walk-in closet is done, it's on to painting our actual bedroom and hanging wallpaper. Last thing to do would be hardwood floors throughout the room + walk-in closet. Oh, and new furniture, but that step won't happen for YEARS. This blog will be all reno and no design talk for a while.

PS. We have some experience DYI'ing closets, THIS is the closet we built for our previous house walk-in and THIS is what we did for our entrance hallways closet in the same house. Of course now they look silly and amateur, so we're definitely looking to take it up a notch this time around.

Bathroom Progress - Finishing Touches

2011-10-09T14:09:00.001-05:00

These are the bathmats we're currently trying out. After buying $300 worth of different bath mats to try various combinations, I picked up these last Thursday at HomeSense, on CLEARANCE, of all things. I think they work really well with the shower curtain. And I'm happy I was able to figure out a way to have one for each sink.

Close-ups:

Also, while we figure out our mirror/lighting situation we're rocking THIS mirror bought last year at HomeSense. Hubby actually suggested putting two smaller mirrors instead of one huge one. But not, thanks, baby. I'm sticking with a large mirror.

Art & Loot

2011-10-06T12:49:00.000-05:00

Things I've picked up here and there. Table covered with fabric for the family room curtains.
This is a drawing that my kid did. I love it. It will be framed for YEARS.
For jewelry.
More milk glass. I love the larger vase. I also love the clay dish. I think it was a flower pot at some point because it has a hole in the bottom. I love how shabby it is, and I love the flower pattern. Just need to find good use for it.
And I'm in love with this server thing-ie... or whatever it is. We'll be using it for Baby C's drawing supplies. It should be pretty indestructible :)

Found at HomeSense

2011-10-05T13:34:00.001-05:00

I thought we could all use a laugh this afternoon. I love how these guys are just hanging out... I can picture them with a cigarette between their teeth, people watching, coffee (make that beer) drinking, chatting up the ladies

Master Bedroom Wallpaper and Flooring Plans

2011-10-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

The PAX frames are up. And I couldn't be happier. (I mean, the lack of symetry bugs the hell out of me, but this is as good as it's going to get, so I"m just going to have to work it) That tallboy is going to the future guest room.

By the way, I love seeing ppl's guest rooms because that's were all the "old" or "collage" or "before married" furniture goes to live (or die). Our's will be super mis matched, but something tell me it might just be one of the best rooms in the house. Anyway, moving on.

We had a lot of fun putting together these two monsters, really. I love how they go up all the way to the ceiling. We will have to work on all the gaps before painting to give it an even more built in look. These babies are staying here for good.
I'm really excited to finally wallpaper with THIS. Yes I AM! I know it will be a pain, I know I know, but the results will be absolutely worth it. Just check this same wallpaper out HERE. Too bad there are no good closeups. Boo :(
Tah dah! THIS is the floor we chose for the whole house. Natural Oak. I'm hoping for a tad more variation in our actual boxes (they promised 30%). I'm a bit worried that it would be too light, but we've looked at it from all possible angles in all possible rooms in the house and hubby swears it will be good. And really, everything else tooked... artificial. I don't know what stains are popular or why, but the colours look FAKE, synthetic! Isn't the whole point of putting down wood to have a natural look??

I think we are the only ppl I know who are choosing a natural colour + narrower planks. For us, with our low ceilings (93", I kid you not) wide planks would make the rooms look smaller and shorter. And narrower planks are more stable. And if I could, I would get 2" instead of 2 1/2". But I can't. Compared to 1 3/4" we have on the main level right now these will look positively WIDE! :)
This is the look I"m going for (I think it's from current issue of NEST, via apartment therapy, sorry no link). White walls, wallpaper, natural floor. Now only to find a good white for the walls and we'd be all set.

Stay tuned for the walk-in closet insanity/redo that's about to begin any day now. You will get a kick out of seeing my horrible pictures of our tiny closet, which is impossible to photograph (not that I'm good at taking pictures period). And will understand why PAX was a necessity.

Bathroom Progress - Vanity

2011-10-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

So, as you saw a little bit HERE, the vanity and toilet have been installed. Yay. We no longer are forced to use the 2nd bathroom in the middle of the night. Ha ha. Joking.

I have to say that after debating vanity colour for a bit, I'm really happy that I went with white. I really like how it just blends in and makes the space seem huge.
Here's a view of our sinks. We still desperately need to finalize our lighting (!) and order the mirror. One thing that we've discovered that there's no need for silicone caulking everywhere. There's such thing as sanded (or is it non sanded?) caulk that matches grout colours. I like it SOOO much better. No fake shiny silicone. I absolutely recommend it.
I guess I should have taken a better photo of the vanity door handles. I chose them because of their depth. It was important for me to be able to hang a hand towel on the handles to avoid putting yet another towel bar. I say this because we already have two towel bars, one for me and one for hubby. A third one would have been overkill.
And I have no idea why the image above is flipped like that, but I can't get it to turn landscape! Anyway, just a view of one of the drawers all organized. Needless to say I LOVE the fact that there's nothing but toothbrushes and soap sitting on the counter.

Had to Share: Baby C - 1st Day at Daycare

2011-10-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

It's a milestone we've successfully avoided for the last 1.5 years. Somehow she seems so young and so grown up at the same time. As much as the overprotective crazy territorial mother in me wants to have her all to myself, I'm more excited than sad seeing us reach this stage in her life. As much as I right now want to cry into my pillow about how time passes so quickly, how she's never going to be little tiny baby ever again, as much as having her kiss me goodbye without a second glance is painful, I'm so glad that we're here. I'm so excited about the individual she's going to become. I can't wait to see who my little girl grows up to be.

Making of a Shower Curtain

2011-10-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

So I made the shower curtain. There's a certain stigma with DIY. It has a silent connotation of being the "cheap way out". Well, let me tell you, this curtain here came to about $60, not counting my own time (which to me counts for a lot more than zero dollars). Nowhere near cheap the way I think of it. It would have been much easier to buy something off ebay, etsy or HomeSense.

I was hellbent on getting a very long curtain that would play with our tall ceilings. And this one just makes both hubby and me so happy every time we walk into the bathroom. Every time it just makes me smile and get all giddy and excited inside. Silly, I know, but here it is. And I'm sure it will give me this feeling every morning I see it.

The thing is, there's really nothing like having things in your home that you've yourself laboured over. This is a huge lesson we learned about this whole bathroom remodel, that there's something heartbreakingly beautiful about knowing every single corner and piece of your home.

PS. I sewed the much shorter plastic shower curtain insert to the actual shower curtain. It looks great, if I do say so myself. And I like that the colour of the plastic works with the wall colour. It's all in the little details :)

What the HELL is going on in my bedroom??

2011-10-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

So, one week after the PAX sale ended at Ikea, we (and I mean, HIM, hubby, the male around these parts) decided that our next project was the PAX closet I've been nagging him about for ages. Needless to say I was torn between being royally pissed off and happy. Pissed off because I TOLD Mr Mr. that we should get PAX like last week. And HAPPY because I'm finally getting the closet of my dreams (ok, not DREAMS, but realities of our bedroom remodel).

Anyway, this is what my bedroom looked like a few hours ago. Putting PAX together is a PAIN. That's why I"m so grumpy. But it looks fabulous. I can't wait for the next step in our reno project(s) to be finished!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

PS. It felt SO GOOD to rip up at least a few feet of that horrid carpet, I think I"m on a high. I can't wait for all of it to go.

PSS. In other exciting news we finalized our hardwood choice, so stay posted. After the closets are done, we'll be putting in the hardwood. Ourselves. Nailed down. Wish me luck.

PSS. Bathroom is not finalized yet. Because the light has not been finalized. So the mirror can't be ordered. So it's not done. Yet. For now.