Dirty Laundry

TGIF!!!  This has been a very good week but also a tiring week.  I just haven't been in the mood to write anything and then last night while doing laundry I thought of how lovely it will be to have my own laundry ROOM (we do laundry in a closet right now)!  Here are a few of my inspirations.  They are just so spacious, clean and organized!

Decorpad

Hampton Design

Hampton Design

House and Home

Sarah Richardson

Style At Home

I have a busy weekend ahead.  Tomorrow we celebrate our niece’first birthday at a country fair and then I'm back to the city to watch Sex & The City 2 with my sister Meg.  Sunday will be busy packing up the rest of the house and then we move on Monday.  Actually we move into a truck which will be parked at my in-laws for 10 days and then we move to the new house June 9th.  Ah, I can't wait!!!

Have a great weekend folks.  xo

HomeSense

While I was in Kingston a few weekends ago I stopped by HomseSense.  I like to go there as often as possible.  They had so much to offer with garden furniture and accessories.  It's so very difficult not to purchase everything even without a garden of my own.  Soon, very soon!

I did purchase this beauty for $39!!!!  I love the Moroccan feel.  HomeSense is too good to me.  You should go check out your neighborhood store for great deals!

It will probably go in our master bedroom next to the chair I purchased a few weeks ago (after it's refinished).  Now I need bedside tables, a dresser, curtains and art.  Oh lord this will take a while... I've got quite the task ahead of me because it all needs to be done on with zero dollars a TIGHT budget!

Enjoy the beautiful summer weather we are experiencing (if you're in Southern Ontario).  xo

Weekend Recap

Hello darling readers.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  It was absolutely marvellous weather wise in Toronto.  It felt like summer.  I loved every minute of Sunday/Monday!  Saturday (as you know) I was trapped in the house packing.  Most of it is done except for the stuff we need for the next 6 days. 

My parents flew back from Scotland on Sunday night.  They stayed overnight to catch up with me, my sister and husband.  It was soo good to have them back on Canadian soil safe and sound (with chocolate flakes in hand) :)  (Dad I think I'm becoming you).

Ryan was off work on Monday.  We went for a big bike tour of one of the wealthiest areas of Toronto (the Kingsway & houses around St. George Golf course).  One of our favourite past times is to point out our dream homes and what we would do if we ever won the lotto!  Haha... a couple can dream.  About 3/4 through our tour I got a flat tire on my bike.  We pumped it up and then it went flat again causing me to walk the bike home.  :(  No idea what caused it.

Ok, I'm at work so I best get at it.  I had a new purchase to show you from HomeSense but forgot to download it.  So instead check out this hot little number from J Crew.  I would kill a few sales in this outfit.  It's on my must buy list. 

Have a great day!!  xo

Life In Transition

The major packing has begun.  It's going to feel like a very chaotic house over the next week.  I can't believe we move out in 8 days!!  I love this place.  It was the perfect spot for Ryan and I to start our life together.  We'll have such wonderful memories here.  I can't wait to move into our new house.  Until then, this is my life and the view we'll have to deal with for the next week. 

Sorry about your room Don!  My uncle is staying with us while his family moves up from Virginia.  We love having him here and I'm going to love it even more when I put him to work in the new house! :) 

I'm back to packing so more and then dinner at The Keg with my in-laws and Ryan.  It will be a great way to end the day.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

The heart of a home!

Kitchens are always the heart of any home. I absolutely love big kitchens that can accommodate a lot of cupboards, feature an island, two sinks, industrial size fridge, stove and range with an eat-in dining space.

  

But I also adore a galley kitchen made for cooking and only cooking! A space that is all yours to make as much of a mess or not (I hate messy kitchens). Galley kitchens are made for a maximum of two cooks and no more. Everything is at your fingertips here. The stove, sink and fridge are in close proximity and there is plenty of long counter space. I love the one below.

Grant K Gibson

Have a great weekend!! 

Starting My Portfolioi

Hello!  I'm sorry for the lack of posts this week.  Life is very hectic with the move only 10 days away, packing still in progress and work pressure rising!  Not to mention I'm trying to take photos of my place for my porfolio.  I can't afford to have a profesional take them so I'm trying my hand at it.  What do you think of the bedroom shots below?  I need your help to make them better!  I think I'm on the right track but feel the need to tailor the shots a bit more. 

Please be constructive in your feedback (best time of day to take photos, best settings on a digital camera, things to move into place or take out, etc).  It will help me greatly and be much appreciated. :)

I think I like the way the bed looks most in picture #2.  I'm just not sure about the sun shining in at 6:15pm and how the pictures are slightly slanted. 

p.s. These are not final.  It was a test run to see how I should go about it for the final run.  I will need to iron everything to get a crisp look.

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(Please ask me to use any of my personal photos. Thanks.)

All that comes with buying a house

Today flew by and before I knew it I had not prepared any posts. Ryan and I went to the mortgage brokers this morning to sign our life away all the papers. It was exciting! The house is almost ours.  Three weeks tomorrow!!! :)  

This afternoon I spent researching mortgage insurance.  It's crazy how much insurance a person can/should have (life insurance, mortgage insurance, home insurance, car insurance, health insurance...etc).  It's kind of sad to think a person is worth more (financially) dead than alive.  How much insurance is too much? Adding up the monthly costs is bloody scary!   

I'm pooped tonight.  I plan on spending the rest of the day hanging out on the sofa watching Gossip Girl and reading the blog posts I missed today.  

Have a great night! xx

p.s. Mom and Dad if you're reading this while in Scotland/Ireland, I miss you!  I also hope you're having the time of your life!!  Hugs and kisses to the family!  xoxo

Monday Morning Recap & The Ideal Patio!

Morning readers! It's going to be a gorgeous week in Toronto. With all the good weather I keep thinking about patios, cool drinks, friends and family hanging out and steaks and peppers grilling on the bbq! Instead I'm at work. Haha! 5 more days until the start of the summer (or at least May 24 is the start of my summer). This year I plan on making use of as many cottages as possible (Nana & Grampy's out east and my sister/brother-in-laws up north). It's going to be one of the best summers in a long time!

We have two weeks left in our rental. Over the next few days I need to start packing and take photos of the place for my portfolio. I should have done that a long time ago. Ideally before it's filled with boxes but it's now or never! I will need to purchase a lot of fresh flowers, move the boxes and start snapping. I won't be able to get a professional in but I'll ask a friend to help me with their good camera. Life is hectic!!

I was in Kingston visiting friends and family. It was a bit of a stressful weekend with a tad bit of drama but that's what you get when it's all girls and no men in the picture. All is good with the family. My friends however need to talk. The best advice I can give anyone is to speak up. If something is on your mind, say it. Otherwise it will fester and become a problem. Communication is key to any relationship. I hope they work it out. Other than the drama it was good to see everyone! I love visiting Kingston.

To start our week I thought we could picture ourselves here in this glorious outdoor living room.  Can you imagine this being your own space?  I love the neutral brown whicker and white cushions with hits of dark orange accents.  The rug pulls it all together.  I'm sure some of you look at the white and think 'Oh god it will get so dirty' but fear not.  This is outdoor fabric and an outdoor rug.  Everything can we wiped or washed.  It's ideal!  Looks beautiful and it's easy care.  Now, I just have to figure out where this is so I can visit... or move in.  :) 

Have a great day!! xo

House Beautiful

Just in!

Sorry for the late blog post.  I honestly had nothing to say this morning (gasp!).  However, that changed quickly this afternoon.  I was catching up on some reading and found out that this year's Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Home Lottery is based on “A House in the Hamptons,” theme which was inspired by the famous beach house in the movie Something’s Gotta Give (MY FAVOURITE MOVIE!!) pictured below. It will feature a big front porch, wood-shingled exterior walls, big windows, plantation shutters and classic interiors featuring a great room and eat-in kitchen.

I just know it will be my dream home! Keep your eyes and ears peeled for tickets. I know I will definitely!!

Have a great weekend!  I'm off to Kingston to enjoy some time with my sisters, grandma and friends. 

xo

Furniture for the new house

Good morning! 

I'm very excited to show you my latest purchase for the house.  The chair is from The Elegant Garage Sale on Bayview.  This store is a gold mine if you have an open mind.  Most of the pieces you'll find there will have to be refurbished.  Just like my new chair.  Picture it spray painted black, charcoal or white with a down filled seat and down filled pillow for the back in a neutral linen.  I'm not sure if I want any pattern.  I'm going in search of fabric over the next few weeks.  I'm so excited for this project!  The seat cushion and pillow will be sourced out. I will strip it and spray paint it on my holidays once we move into the house.  Yeah a new project! 

Question, when you bring home an item like this does your husband/partner see the potential or it something you usually have to convince him of?  Ryan's not as excited as I am.  I hope the finished product will change his mind. 

What do you see in a mirror?

I spotted this mirror when I was browsing the West Elm store earlier this week.  It's completely striking in person.  I absolutely love it!  Now I just have to think of a place to put it (not to mention the money to buy it...).  One step at a time.  :)

Massucco Warner Miller

Morning darlings! It's one of those weeks. I'm struggling to get out of bed and to find drive this week. It has been very cold, raining and dull in Toronto. So instead of fighting it I'm relishing in the laziness - sleeping in, enjoying a few good books and internet browsing. :)

While perusing online I came across a few Massucco Warner Miller Designs which led me to their website. This triple threat design team are incredibly talented and very diverse in their backgrounds. Julie Massucco studied Environmental Design from Syracuse University and then honed her skills while living and studying classical design in Florence, Italy. Melissa Warner studied Business at University of Colorado and then went on to earn her Interior Design degree at FIDM in San Francisco. Carrie Miller developed her architectural eye while living and working abroad in Fashion. It was in Europe that she developed a love for antiques which led her to open her own “Paris flea-style” boutique in Marin County.

I'm crazy about their style and in awe of their careers.  The rooms they design are a testament to their enormous passion and talent.  I love the fresh and vibrant feel of their rooms.  The pictures below will provide a lot of inspiration for the new house.

All pictures via Massucco Warner Miller Website

A new Gadget

Morning!  I'm not feeling very inspired this morning because I really need to go back to bed for more sleep.  I'm not use to getting up at 5:45am to go to the gym.  It takes a lot out of you.  Especially since I can barely move from my workout on Fridyay morning!  I'll try and surprise you with something this afternoon. 
For now, I want to tell you about my new steamer.  It's the travel size hand-steamer by Rowenta.  It works like a charm!  Simply hang your shirt on the back of the door and steam away.  It's much cheaper than buying the full stand up steamers and packs away easily. 

Happy steaming!!  xo

Lunch & Architectural Poster

I just had one of the most disgusting lunch experiences at a local pub.  A couple of my colleague's and I are enjoying our lunch and wine and then one of them starts to pull out feathers from his chicken wings.  It was revolting!  I almost hurled my lunch right there and then.  I'm never going back!  It was Betty's on King by the way.  

One of the good things about lunch (other than the roaring laughter from jokes) was discoving that I would really like to incorporate architectural posters in our new house.  Especially blue and white ones like the one below. 

Anyone know where I can get them in Toronto or online???

 

What's black, brown, white and cream with hits of pink?

It's my favourite house designed by McGill Design Group.  They are a very talented team.  Every room they touch turns to gold.  Check out a few of the rooms in this house.  I've featured the living room before with a different angle. 

I'm in love with the window in the shower and the marble walls!

This living room gives me lots of ideas for the new house.  I think I'll definitely place mirrors on the walls flanking the fireplace to help open up the room.  I'm undecided on weather to get leaning mirrors or to affix mirrors to the walls. 

This dining nook is perfect!  It provides function with the shelves above, drawers below the bench and the corkboard behind.  Check out the chevron rug!  Loving it all!!!  I could easily spend my mornings having breakfast and evenings hanging out here with a glass of wine while Ryan cooks (That's right, my man is a great cook! I'm the luckiest girl alive). 

I'm not sure if the ceiling has been painted a deep chocolate brown or black.  Either way I love it.  It draws your eye up and allows you to take in the architectural details.  The only thing I do not like in this room is the Ikea 3' paper chandelier.  I feel as though it's there because they couldn't find anything else.  It doesn't fit in my mind.

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I went to a GoodLife body pump class with a colleague this morning and feel my muscles tightening and tiring as I type.  Even my fingers are sore from this class.  It was an intense workout which I needed.  I'll have all weekend to recover.  :)  Enjoy yours!  xo

Moth Design Give Away

Erica Cook at Moth Design is hosting her first give-away.  She's made a beautiful pair of earings (that would look great on me) but I still thought I would spread the word for everyone to have a chance.  ;-)

Check out her blog and enter the contest here.  She is so lovely and sweet and deserves all her success.  Congratulations Erica on 200 followers! 

A Fresh Approach To Dining

I came across this image (not sure where though...) on one of my many quick blog glances throughout the day.  I didn't record who designed it so if you know please let me know.  I love the fresh crispness of blue and white especially when paired with light reflecting mirror and glass.  I think they have also done either a midnight blue or black on the bottom half of the walls.  It's absolutely striking!  I would love to be enjoying a breakfast of tea and scones while reading one of my favourite decor magazines.  Ah... it's a nice dream...

Have a great day!

Serena & Lily

Have you heard of Serena & Lily?  I remember seeing a post about their Prague Market Sling but didn't know anything else about the store until I toured last night.  It's an online store offering stylish accessories, furniture and linens for baby and moms.  Some of the products are organic certified. 

I adore the baby bedding collection.

Ben

Kate

Marlo

Natasha

They have a great selection of throw pillows in bold and classic patterns.

I go weak in the knees for a good throw.  It must be because I'm always cold and like the punch they can give a neutral backdrop (sofa, bed, chair, outfit...)  I love them in all different colours and if they are soft then I'm a sucker.  I'm thinking of buying their Alpaca Throw in periwinkle blue. 

What are your weaknesses?  Have you discovered any new online stores?  I'm always on the hunt. 

Have a great day!! xx