Tip of the week!

I was just reading Rambling Renovators blog where she lists her latest loves.  One of them is one of the best inventions I've seen in a long time.  Check out these picture hanging tacks at My Design Dump.  They are brilliant and a must buy for the new house.

Friday Night Cocktail & Setting

TGIF!!  I have approximately 50 minutes left of being in the office before I can head home and relax.  I won't be relaxing very long since I still have some work to do but at least I'll be in the comforts of my home and Lulu Lemon pants.  :) 

For those of you who don't have plans.  Here's a little Friday night recipe to enjoy. 

Mojitos!!!
1.25 oz rum
12 mint leaves
1 tbsp sugar (or honey to save calories)
0.5 oz lime juice
2 oz soda (I've also heard that using 1oz soda and 1oz white wine is a great mix)
Place mint leaves in bottom of glass. Add crushed ice, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, sugar, and lime juice, and muddle. Add soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
 
Enjoy drinking it on the patio...

Coastal LIving

 
with your favourite songs playing in the background and your loved one(s) beside you. 
 
Have a great weekend!! xo

Art Inspiration for our new house

I'm loving these water Colours from Bright, Bold and Beautiful by Laura Trevey on Etsy. The colours make me so happy!  (not sure why I'm typing in bold... it won't turn off for some reason)  The colours are perfect for the beautiful sunny Friday morning we are experiencing in Toronto today.  I'm headed to a client lunch which will hopefully be on the patio.  Fingers crossed!  I LOVE patio season!  Have a great day!! xo

Wish I was in a sun dress today.  Instead my ruffled satin salmon coloured top from J. Crew will have to do.  :)

Neutral is Soothing

Morning lovely readers!  I'm back at work today after spending the majority of yesterday on my back with a heating pad.  I pulled a muscle getting ready for the gym.  (Do you think that's a sign that I shouldn't go to the gym in the morning or is it a sign that I should go more???)  Any how, I'm feeling a bit better today.  I can finally take a deeper breath.  The chiropracter should help me a lot at lunch today. 

In the meantime, does everyone find this bedroom as soothing and lovely as I do?  I could easily end my days relaxing in this bed.  I love the shape of the headboard.  I would like to attempt making my own headboard this summer.  Once I'm in the house I will get started. 

Better Homes and Gardens

A hit of Blue and White

Loving this room by Timothy Mather.  Blue and white is definitely a classic and a favourite combo of mine.  I can't wait to incorporate it in our new bedroom.  42 days until we're in the new house!!  :)

I'm IN-LOVE with the double panel silk drapes and fabric headboard.  They are so luxurious.

Before & After

I came across this wonderful before and after on Stacey Smithers House and Home Blog.  It's just another  testament  to black doors.  I love the punch black gives this hallway on the doors and railing.  It's not overpowering at all in a small narrow hallway.  The floors also look phenomenal.  Stunning transformation! 

All photos Stacey Smithers for House & Home

Sofa on the brain

Today was a very busy day!  I'm finally at home relaxing and catching up on my blog reading.  Ah...  This week I finally started seriously shopping for sofas for the new house and can't stop thinking of them.  Check out this one from Ideal Home.  Isn't it gorgeous!  


I love a white room but I think this one is a little to stark!  

Niagara Falls Outlet Shopping & Weekend Recap

Good morning!


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I definitely enjoyed mine.  20 seconds after getting home on Friday I received a call from two dear friends who I haven't seen in over a month.  They were taking a walk with their 3 week old baby Jack who I hadn't met yet.  He is SOO CUTE!!!! A little fussy about which way we walked.  He seemed to like the more bumpy sidewalks rather than the smooth.  Odd... Any who, we had a great little catch-up before they were back home to feed Jack.  Luckily they live up the street from me so I think I'll be stopping by a bit more once Jack's 4 weeks old.


I didn't pick up the dresser on Friday.  It turned out to be a lot more scuffed up than originally appeared in photos.  :(  It would be a great piece to have but I don't have the time to refinish it right now.  We have 5 weeks left in our rental unit and then it's off to my in-laws/friends for 9 days before we move into the new house.  There is a lot to be done in the next 6 weeks and a lot of work to settle us in and get the house in tip-top shape.


Saturday was a glorious day of shopping.  It was seriously one of the best shopping days I've had in years!  Betsy thank you so much for inviting me along.  Laura, Besty and I shop the same way.  We're in and out of a store if we think it's a waste and we take our time in stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, J.Crew and of course Target.  We also split up several times for various time periods only to find each other when an opinion was needed.  We were meant to shop together.  Betsy and I did very well taking home more than we thought possible.  Shopped till we dropped at the Niagara Falls Outlet Mall from 10am-3pm purchasing everything from dress tops, casual tops, dresses, shoes, handbags, perfume and then thought it was best to keep the good shopping mojo going with a stop at Target (even though we had no energy).  As soon as we got out of the car at Target and inside those doors there was this magical renewed energy.  The store is amazing!  It was a complete gold mine.  We bought jersey dresses, t-shirts, shoes (5 pairs between the 3 of us), sheet sets, hand soap/lotion....etc.  We spent 2 hours wandering the isles giggling with happiness.  Every once in a while one of us would say 'I can't believe how good this is?!" :)  Don't you love those kind of shopping days? 

Here is a little snap shot of the shoes I purchased.  The first are from Kate Spade Outlet.  Amazing deals!!

The second is from Target.  It's as gladiator as I'll ever get. 

This cute pair is from an unknown store.  As soon as we saw them it was a must buy.  How cute are they?!

 

We didn't get home until 8:30pm. It was a long day but completely worth it.  I'll have to save up again to go in the summer.  Even with paying duty we saved a lot of money.

Craig's List Shopping! Help!

I found this dresser on Craig's list today.  I really love it but can't fit it in my car.  It's an hour outside of Toronto.  Do you think it's worth it for $295?  Should I rent a van?  Where is the cheapest place to do so?

Dimensions: 35"H x 40"W x 21"D

(UPDATE: I DIDN'T GET THE DRESSER BECAUSE IT WAS VERY DAMAGED)

For Sale

Good morning my lovely readers!  Thank goodness it's Friday.  I have big plans tonight - NOTHING!  :)  I might stop by HomeSense to check out the latest deals and then I plan on watching The Back-up Plan with J.Lo.  Ryan is obviously doing something manly- playing in hockey.   

Tomorrow I'm off to the US for a little shopping.  I figure it's time to start spending some of my hard earned dollars on a summer wardrobe.  It's been all about the house lately.  Not that I have much more to spend on myself because the list of needs for our new house is long and expensive! 

Today's post is to help me out.  I'm trying to sell our sofa and chair.  I love this set SOO MUCH but we can't fit it in the new house.  Our new living room is long and narrow. 

We purchased the set three years ago at GH Johnson in Toronto.  It was custom made with upgraded off-white basket weave fabric and comes with 8 pillows.  I have only displayed 2 on each piece.  The accent pillows are not included.  It's extremely comfortable and in perfect condition!!  Everyone who sits on it falls in love and never wants to get up.  We are asking $1,400 (Paid over $2,200).  If you live in the Toronto area and are interested please email at sarah.larose@hotmail.com. 

Dimensions:
Sofa: 88" x 44" x 33"
Chair: 55" x 44" x 33"

We're moving out May 31st and need it gone by then.

Thanks!!

Nate Berkus Rugs

You might have already heard through Marianne at Haven and Home but if you haven't Nate Berkus (my other love) has a new rug out called Dhurrie Rug with Fringe on HSN.  It comes in 4 different sizes.  I will definitely be keeping the 2' x 9' in mind for my long hallway. 

Inspirations For Our New House

Morning dear readers! 

I'm running on no caffeine or breakfast at this point so the post is short today.  I need to find more time to get my work done and grab some breakfast.  The pictures below were taken in Crate and Barrel on the weekend.  I loved the clean lines of this table for a kitchen or as a large desk. 

Depending on the type of table we purchase for the new house, I might consider this chandelier but with different shades.  The ones on it are a little too muted. 

I've mentioned these chairs before but I just love them so much!  I'm seriously considering them for the living room.  They are surprisingly comfortable with the down seat cushion and pillow back. 

I love them even more from behind! 

What have you found lately that has caught your eye?  Shopping for the house is my favourite hobby!! :)  xo

My New Dining Chairs!

I've never been a huge Craig's list fan... until now.  Ryan has purchased and sold golf items on there from time to time.  He found our apartment and sold his Jetta on it but I still never had any desires to go in search of treasures.  To be honest, I just thought it would be like shopping at Winners.  I love the idea of getting designer clothes discounted but just can't be bothered to search through all of the clothes.  That all changed when we started saving for our wedding and then the house.  Why pay full price when you can get so many items discounted.  I'm much better at finding deals for the house then clothing.  I love HomeSense! 

Ok, I'm rambling... The point is I finally started looking on Craig's list for furniture.  To my great surprise I found out it's a GOLD MINE!  I know I'm the last to know.  I knew I just didn't want to put in the time.  Today I'm so glad I did because we landed ourselves a great deal!  Eight cane back Louis dining chairs for $900!  There were 14 of them but we had no idea what we would do with 14 so we settled for 8.  These chairs are at least worth $250 each.  I'm so happy!!

The owner had just refinished them last year (stain guard and all).  The fabric isn't my favourite but it will certainly do for the first few years or until I can refinish it myself or afford someone else to do it.  How much would each chair cost to refinish (minus the fabric)?

Now it's time to find a dining table.  We want something like a harvest table or something that will age well.  We plan on having kids one day and I want them to be able to colour, draw and do crafts at the kitchen table.  Nothing high maintenance. 

Have a great day!!! 

Weekend Recap and Client Project Update

Good morning!!  Skip ahead if you prefer to see pictures instead of hearing about my weekend and ramblings...

Thank you to everyone who sent me such sweet and thoughtful messages after my bad day at the office on Thursday.  I'm happy to say that management realized their mistake.  They did not give us the full commission but agreed to at least half.  The reasoning makes sense.  It's the route they should have taken in the first place but that would have involved thinking ahead and sometimes that just doesn't seem possible for certain people.  It's frustrating that we had to go through the hassle and how dissapointing it was to hear they were renegging on what they originally agreed to.  However, I realize that mistakes are made and not done on purpose.  There have been changes made for next fiscal that I think will help end some of the problems.  I have no intensions of looking for work else where.  I've put in a lot of time and effort to back away now.  Not to mention there are some benefits to working where I do and I really like most of my colleagues.  We are a small office that acts like a family most of the time.  It can cause issues because of the lack of formality but it also makes most of us feel very comfortable at work and allows us to say what's on our mind (good or bad).  Now, that's done and it's a new week.  Time to start fresh. 

I had a wonderful weekend.  Friday was a bit of a write-off after taking an allergy pill that made me feel way too medicated to do anything.  I've decided I can't take them anymore.  They make me feel light-headed and empty inside.  It's a horrible feeling.  My colleagues were making fun of me all afternoon because I could barely function.

Ryan was off on Saturday.  We met up with my mom (in town for 24 hours) and sister Meg for a bit of shopping and lunch.  It was Ryan's lucky day!  I bought him a sweet looking watch for our anniversary and a blackberry and Lulu Lemon jacket for his birthday.  After that it was time for me and the house.  We wandered around 6th floor of The Bay at Queen & Yonge.  I was very impressed with the furniture selections from Gluckstein and a few other designers.  I will do a recap of it as soon as we figure out how to take the pics off of Ryan's blackberry.

In the meantime, I want to share my shopping trip with Paula (the friend who's house I'm decorating).  We had a blast at Elte yetserday! I told Paula that if I ever were locked in the store overnight it would be the best night of my life (apart from other momentous events in my life).  I would slide into every cozy bed and have a little snuggle in all the Sferra sheets, then I would sit on every sofa and chair while analyzing and cataloging all contents of the store in my brain.  (How crazy do I sound right now?) 

Below is the Lillian August sofa and chair we picked out for the living room.  As soon as Paula saw them she fell in love.  We had a lot of fun picking out the fabric.  In the end we went with the fabric that is on the sofa and chair and picked different fabric for the pillows. 

My camera does not do justice to the fabric for each pillow.  It's stunning in person. 

This is the fabric on the chairs.

That's all for now folks.  Have a great day!! xo

Bad Day....

Get ready for a serious venting session!

I'm having a terrible day! I work for a company that consistently goes back on their word. While that is typically a tough environment it's even worse when you work on 100% commission. I was told to help the company out and help work on a client because a colleague who was out of the office more so than in it and took more vacation than was allotted (this colleague is gone now). So because I'm a good employee I helped them out. I brought in the sale after working it from start to finish. I was told they would make my time worthwhile and pay me. Today, they went back on their word. It's not a surprise, which is a problem. How do I continue giving my all to a company that doesn't respect me or keep their word? There is no trust. I can't quit because I need the money. I want to rip management’s heads off right now. I want to kick and scream! Instead, I'm trying to put together a thoughtful rhetorical. The sad thing is I keep hearing 'we just need you to take one for the team. A bit of humble pie if you will...'  WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?  I'm certain I've heard this before and yet I'm still dealing with the same B.S!

I'm so mad I don't know what to think or how to express myself. I honestly can't think right now. Do I stay at the office? Or is that giving in? Do I leave to make a statement? Does leaving make it seem like I don't care? I do care! I care a lot! (for some reason...). 
I'm stuck in a bad place and really want out today. I don't like feeling unappreciated and I don't like not trusting those I work for. What are my next steps? I have to be strategic in how I talk to them and how I fight for what I deserve.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

A Modern Kids Room

Busy day!!  The sun is shining and I'm about to go eat my lunch on a sunny park bench. :)  Bring on the summer!

While perusing the website of Rees Roberts yesterday I saw this modern kids room.  I thought it was a great example of how crisp white walls (my FAV!!!) can make colour pop!  Turquoise always looks brighter next to neutral walls and furnishings.  Check out the very colourful chandelier!  It would not stand out as much as it does with colour on the walls.  I love it! 

Rees Roberts & Partners LLC

Backyard Beauty!

I saw this backyard and it immediately made me think of absolute piece and quiet... pure serenity! Mom and Dad I think you should do something like this (slowly!) in your backyard. You've already started with the pebbles. It's time to expand and go a little au natural! I could spend hours in this yard enjoying lemonade and a good book. Bliss! :)

Rees Robersts + Partners LLC

A kitchen I dream of...

I spotted this kitchen by architect William Hefner on the weekend and had to post it for your viewing pleasure.  I dream of having windows like the ones below. 

Loving the simple chairs, bench and table.  Stylish and easy to clean.  Definitely providing inspiration for our new kitchen.

I love the warmth of the Calacatta gold marble and the large hood above my dream range.  And I can't take my eyes off of Bryant Billiard fixture by Thomas O'Brien.

Have I mentioned how much I love the bridge faucet with the farmhouse sink?  The polished nickel goes well with the gold marble.

All photos from House Beautiful

Have a wonderful week!! 

Screaming with Excitement!!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to see the new Sex and The City II movie!!  I just found a clip on Elements of Style and screamed with excitement!!!  Aiden is back and looking hotter than ever.   Seriously HOT!

Please watch.  It will perk up your Friday just as much as it did mine.  I promise!!  If not, then go for a manicure like I did at lunch and I promise the combination will make you feel ready for the weekend.  :) 

xo Sarah

Take a seat!

Yeah it's Friday!  I have a busy day of work ahead of me and little motivation.  Thank goodness for tea!  :)  A colleague and I have a manicure booked at lunch and then plan on hitting up the gym after work.  After a good sweat session it will be back home to hopefully get lost in my latest book Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. 

It would be great to sit in this room and read.  How great are these chairs!  I love the hit of colour on the skirt and the detail on the ottoman.  This is where I would like to be right now.  And seriously how perfect would this little nook be off a nursery!  Add gliders to these chairs and it's a perfect spot for mom and dad to sit and enjoy baby.  All you girls who are pregnant take notes.  :)

Have a great day!  xo  Sarah

Traditional Home

Powell & Bonnell

Today I'm at an all day conference.  It is ALWAYS a dull day!  It's at these moments when I really want the iphone so I could still check up on my blog and visit my friends in the blog world.  Unfortunately, that's not in the budget right now.  So I'll leave you with these light filled rooms designed by Toronto's own David Powell and Fenwick Bonnell of Powell & Bonnell.  The last two rooms are my favourite.  The windows are amazing!

Enjoy and have a fabulously happy day! xo