Happy Halloween!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!


Our pumpkins are ready.  Ryan and I took Friday night to carve a pumpkin each.  He took about 30 minutes and I was at it for hours because surprise surprise I choose a more difficult design. Camera isn't working right now so I'll reveal them later. 


I'm taking it easy today.  Yesterday was a very busy day of brunching with a friend, shopping with my uncle for furniture and hosting Aaren and Mike for dinner.  I served a new appetizer.  Three different types of bruchette.  Cut a french loaf into slices and toast them in the oven.  Add ricotta cheese, chive mixture to the top of one of them and then poor honey over it, ricotta cheese and hot salami to another slice and regular tomatoe bruchette mixture with pine nuts to the other slice.  It was delicious!!  I should have taken a photo but wasn't that organized.  You'll just have to imagine how delicious they looked.  


Have a great Halloween!!  xo

Ashley Goforth Design

Yeah it's Friday!!  I have no official plans this weekend other than brunch with a friend tomorrow.  I'll shop for furniture (my place, the uncle's and P&J's), invite Ryan's sister and husband for dinner and take it easy!  And of course we can't forget handing out candy on Halloween to the adorable kids in our neighbourhood.  I can't wait to see all the costumes. 

I gave you a teaser of Ashley Goforth Design yesterday.  Today I'm featuring a selection of her work within dining, living and bedrooms.  I love her use of neutral paint, neutral fabric, down-filled cushions, comfortable furniture and modern lighting!  She knows the perfect mix of modern and classic design. 

Enjoy!  xo

Hello Gorgeous!!

Yesterday was a busy day at work.  One of these days I will get my act together and finish posts ahead of time.  Although, with all that I have taken on - pregnancy, prepping babies room, finishing house tasks, decorating P&J's place, decorating my uncle's loft, day job which includes longer hours now and the blog - it's probably not going to happen anytime soon.  Ryan says I should give something up but I just can't imagine doing so.  I'm just meant to be very busy.  It feels like a lot right now but it also makes me feel really good!  Especially decorating my friends and uncle's place.  It's so rewarding to see a room come together and a house become a home. 

Ok, not sure where I'm going with this post today...

I came across Ashley Goforth on DecorPad.  She is incredibly talented!  So far I've only had a chance to look at her bedroom designs.  I've fallen in love with this one.  One day I would like our master bedroom to look similar to what Ashley has accomplished in her rooms - elegant, cozy and classic. 

I'm having computer issues and can't seem to load any other pictures.  I will be back with more of her work tomorrow. 

Have a great day!!  xo

Dream rooms for Kids!

Baby brain has fully kicked in so I have no idea if I showed you these two rooms or not.  I did a quick browse of the blog but couldn't find them.  I'm obsessed with childrens rooms and designs focused around modern childrens room.  Pamplemousse Design Inc is the brilliant team behind them.  Genius as usual!  I would be here all day if I went through why I loved them so I'll just leave you to enjoy.  The second is my favourite!

Fresh Start - Style at Home Living Room

Morning!  I don't know about you but my weekend flew by too quickly!  There is so much to get done between now and Christmas.  It seems each weekend for the next 5 weeks is jam-packed with events, to-do list tasks and preparing for the Jelly Bean's arrival.  We purchased the crib on Saturday.  It won't be set up for another few weeks as we still need to paint the stripes.  I've narrowed my selection down to 3 green paint colours.  I'll take a picture tonight if the light is good. 

Today's fresh start image is by Virginia MacDonald.  She is a very talented Canadian photographer who works for many of my favourite magazines - House & Home and Style at Home.  This living room was featured in Style at Home last month.  I  love it all!  The simple drapes, large gold mirrors (exactly what I need in our living room), and jewel toned accents and a minimalist look.  Well done indeed! 

Have a great week!!  xo

I'm back with a nursery update!

What a week!  It has honestly been one of the most insane weeks I've experienced in a long time.  I've been swamped with client requests (yeah!), dealing with what I'll call 'communication issues' and long hours.  I wish I could give you a run down on how each day has gone this week but I think that would be going overboard.  If the show, The Office didn't already exist I would put a request into MTV to tape our daily work life.  You would be amused!  


Now let's get to something inspiring and exciting.  Our nursery is coming together slowly...  Well maybe I should say the ideas are coming together.  


Ryan has finished painting the chandelier from Home Depot.  It looks much better in person and will look amazing in the room. 

The room has been painted white and is still being used as the laundry room. 

I still need to decide on the colour of the horizontal stripes to be painted in the next week or two.  Green is out.  I'm looking at the light turquoise shades.  

I purchased a table lamp from HomeSense but need to replace the shade.  

The bedding has been delivered and we are going to purchase the Jenny Lind crib from Dear Born Baby on Saturday.  I'm still deciding on which Best glider to purchase - the Rena or Hagen.  The fabric selection is horrible!  Do I go with white or buckwheat? 

I have also purchased these drapes from Pottery Barn.  I plan on adding green grossgrain ribbon to them in some way.  Can I just iron it on with double sided tape or do I need to have my MIL help me sew them???   Has anyone done this before and had success?  

We still need a rug.  I haven't seen any that I love and are cheap beacause I'm running out of money.  I want to buy a shelf or two from Ikea.  We still need art for the walls and I would like to make a cork board covered in fabric.  

So far I'm happy with the progress.  I'll keep you posted on any updates.  

It feels so good to be communicating with you again.  I missed the blog world this week!  

Have a great weekend!!  xo

Update

Sorry I've been MIA this week.  Work is mental!!  It feels like management wants to chain us to our desks and put recording devises on us.  The mood in the office is horrible!  No one feels trusted or respected.  I've been working at night on proposals making no time for the blog.  I hope to be back on with something by Thursday. 

Thanks for understanding and have a great day/week!!!

Fresh Start - High Gloss Bathroom

Good morning my lovely readers!  Another weekend has come and gone.  Mine was filled with eating!  I ate out for dinner Friday, lunch Saturday and dinner Sunday.  If you live around Toronto I highly recommend checking out School Bakery & Cafe in Liberty village for brunch.  It was delicious!!!

My uncle has asked me to help him decorate his loft.  I'll show you the before pictures later this week.  We'll be making progress quickly as he wants to get it done ASAP!  The main sources of furniture will be from Crate & Barrel and West Elm.  

Today I'm featuring a high-glam bathroom by Pamplemousse Design.  I fell head over heels for this bathroom the second I spotted it.  Can you imagine starting your day in here?  I think I would jump out of bed every morning to enjoy a cup of tea on one of those lovely chairs taking it all in.  I love everything about this room!!  The walls must be done in a high gloss marble because they are perfection.  The sconces next to the mirrors are simply divine! Two sinks is something I dream of having one day and that huge mirror extends the beauty of the room.  I think I could honestly work all day from this room.  Talk about an inspiring room to start our week! 

Enjoy!!  xo

Pamplemousse Design

A Desireable Bedroom

Yeah it's Friday and sunny!!!  I'm working from home today as our office is under renovations.  It will be a busy day of getting ideas out to my clients, revising proposals and setting up a few meetings for next week.  I'm also going to stop by my sister-in-laws for lunch to snuggle my new nephew who is 3 weeks old.  I can't wait to see how much he has grown.  This weekend Ryan is off to Michigan with 50 golf pros from around Toronto to watch the college football game tomorrow.  I'm on my own so it's time for some girlie time.  Tonight, dinner with a very good friend. My sister Katie is coming for a visit tomorrow.  We'll shop, eat and have some one-on-one time together.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Now for my post.  Today I wanted to show you a simple bedroom by Pamplemousse Design.  Here is what I love - the cubes at the bottom of the bed in purple and orange, the bright pink throw, the column of art above the tulip table and the unexpected placement of such a large sconce.  Very cool!

Have a great weekend!! xo

Chocolate Brown Living

I discovered Elaine Griffin through Erika Ward at BluLabel Bungalow.  Here portfolio is filled with gorgeous liveable rooms!  I especially fell for this small chocolate brown living room/office.  I LOVE everything about it.  The walls wrap around you like a warm blanket, the window covering combination is streamlined and lets in a lot of light, the neutral pallet of chocolate brown, caramel, cream and a hit of orange is sophisticated and cozy, and the curves of the sofa and chair are classic!  It's my new favourite room. 

All photos Elaine Griffin Interior Design

Today is a special day!  It's by 31st birthday.  :)  It feels a bit more special this year (even though I'm not doing anything spectacular) because I know in just 12 weeks I'll be a mom to Jelly Bean.  Carrying JB has been a gift that I cherrish everyday.  Even those times when it feels like JB is trying to burst out through my skin (his/her movements are very strong!).  haha! 

Have a great day! 

Painting Horizontal Stripes

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did.  It was a busy one filled with a lot of family time, a lot of turkey and a bit of sleep.  I honestly loved it all.  Best weekend in a long time.  Today is a busy day at work so I'm going to get right into my post. 

As you know, I have been toying around with the idea of painting horizontal stripes around the nursery.  After seeing the white walls, I know they need something to liven them up.  I was also thinking of adding a tree decal with leaves falling.  Not sure if this is still a go.  I need to make the stripes work!  So for a little inspiration I have uploaded these photos for us. 

via houzz.com

via weedecor.com

via furniture4world.blogspot.com

via projectnursery.com

via Southern Hospitality Blog

via Southern Living

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine.  At least in Ontario we will! :)

Ah, the long weekend!

Hi folks, sorry I didn't post yesterday.  The Friday before a long weekend is always hectic in the ad world with last minute requests.  I love it!  Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well yesterday so it made for a hard day.

I'm back feeling great today.  Currently relaxing in bed with a fruit and protein smoothie catching up on all that I missed this week.  Including catching you up on the progress of our home decor.

• Living room rug arrived from Mat King.
• Living room lamp shades were replaced with ones from Pottery Barn.
• An old mirror, candle stick holders and plant pot found a new home on our mantel. 

We still need to purchase or do:

• Purchase a floor lamp for behind the sofa because there really isn't enough light from behind at night.
• Art for the walls flanking the fireplace.  I was thinking of large floor mirrors but think blank and white art would also look very good.  This will take time and a lot of saving.  The less expensive version will win out. 
• Curtains!  I don't forsee this in our near future but over the next year it will get done.  
• Spray paint the ottoman tray a colour that has yet to be chosen.
• Hang the TV on the wall.
• Drill holes in the back of the console table to place the cable box, DVD player and modem inside. This is a must over the next few months. 
• Evenutally have another pillow made or bought with a little more pop of colour!  I haven't yet decided what the second accent colour should be.  

Here is the latest photo taken this morning on my iphone.  I appologize for the poor quality.  

I'm off to finish laundry, colour my hair, run a few errands, purchase the crib, cook potatoes and mash them up for dinner tonight at the in-laws.  I can't wait to have my first bite of Thanksgiving turkey tonight. 

Have a very happy Thanksgiving weekend!  xo

Elte Clearance

If you live in Toronto or anywhere near Toronto then you need to go and check out Elte's NEW Clearance section.  A friend and I had a lot of success shopping at this store on Saturday for her home.  This hide rug pictured below was found in the bedroom section at ridiculous price but we fell hard for it!  Or at least I did.  Then we headed to the clearance section and saw the same rug but slightly smaller for thousands less!!!    My eyes almost popped out of their sockets.  No damage, no real reason other than they have new stock and wanted to get rid of the old stock.  WOOHOO!!!  Needless to say you'll see it featured in a living room I'm working on shortly.  And sadly not my own.  My rug is berber nothingness but it fits the purpose.

It is finally sunny in Toronto!!  I'm still very tired but at least the sun is out providing vitamin D.  Jelly Bean has been moving around a lot this morning.  Sometimes I think I have a mini boxer in my tummy.  What will he or she be like?  I'm so excited to find out.  :)

Have a lovely day! xo

Decor Progress at P&J's House

Morning readers!  It's another grey day in Toronto.  I think we're all going to go nuts if we don't see the sun soon.  So to cheer us up I thought I would let you in on the progress we are making at my friends P&J's house.  We are working on the decor of the family (tv) room, living room, dining room and master bedroom.  It's a big project and it's going very well! 

The family room is almost complete.  Here is a selection of what has been purchased.  All we have left to do is organize and arrange the shelving units and add accessories. 

This isn't the exact sectional but it's very similar.  Picture it without the lounge chair. 

Crate & Barrel

Urban Barn

Urban Barn

Pottery Barn

Elte

Pottery Barn

Crate & Barrel

Urban Barn

Pottery Barn

What do you think so far?  We haven't determined the accent colours but now that I see the red throw I think that could be a great idea.  I can't wait to take pictures of the finished project and share them with you.

Have a great day!! xo

Modern Girlie bedroom & Little Boys bedroom with an update from Moi and Baby.

Morning!  Sorry about yesterday.  I had many plans to post and work on all my postings for the week but then I went through a huge dizzy spell, felt like I was going to faint so I took it easy and rested in bed.  Looking at the computer screen was not an option as it only made me feel more light headed.  I hear this is normal during the third tri but I'm still going to talk to my doctor about it this afternoon.  It was a bit scary.  Luckily Jelly Bean made me fully aware that he was ok by moving around jabbing mom a few times.  :)  (so odd to call myself mom).

Monday afternoon I spent running errands for the house.  We are almost done (for now).  I purchased drapes for the kitchen which Ryan put up last night.  It was quite the difficult task and a good lesson on patience for both of us.  My uncle started to trim out the walls in the nursery.  First coat of paint goes on tonight.  We are using Behr Ultra White.  After trying BM and Para my uncle (the painter of our house) prefers Behr.  I'm going to add a horizontal strip of colour and want a sharp contrast.  If anyone has tips on how to create large horizontal stripes throughout the room please let me know. 

I have rugs for the living room and master bedroom on order from Mat King.  Other than that I just need to hang pictures, put up the bathroom hardware in the powder room, paint the trim in the powder room (not me of course) and maybe buy a plant for the living room.  Then that's it for the down stairs.  I hope to paint our bedroom before Christmas to freshen it up but that's it. 

Today I'm featuring two beautiful bedrooms, one for a modern little girl and the other for a modern little boy.  The first bedroom was featured in Elle Decor.  I think it's absolutely spectacular!  I've always loved grey and pink together but never thought to add yellow (drapes) or green (side tables).  It's so sharp!  Seeing this room makes me want to add grey to our nursery.  Maybe in the rug and glider?  We'll see...

This is the room that made me consider adding horizontal stripes to our nursery.  I will only add one colour to make it as simple and sharp as possible.  The decor is a real contrast between a little boys bed set paired with such dark romans and rug.  The decor will grow with him as he gets older. 

Cookie Kids

I have a busy day (half day) at work and then I'm off to the doctors.  The appointments have increased to every two weeks now.  Today I get tested for diabetes.  Fingers crossed that I'm all good. 

Have a great day!

Turkey 101

I'm still thinking about Turkey so to continue on yesterdays theme, here is a recipe I found on House & Home.  I think it reads very tasty!!  Even though I have plans to go to my in-laws for next Saturday night Thanksgiving and then home to Kingston on the Sunday morning to celebrate with my family, I may try and make this myself in a few weeks time.  Who's in for a 2nd or 3rd turkey dinner?  Maybe I'll wait till November.  We'll See...

Ingredients:



The most important step in roasting a perfect turkey is purchasing a quality bird. This is about 90% of the work. You can order fresh naturally raised or organic turkeys from independent butchers. Brining is a restaurant trick for intensifying flavour and improving texture, and this "dry" brining method is easy and effective. Using kosher salt is essential; be sure to rinse all traces of the sugar-salt mixture from the bird before roasting.

Turkey Brin Ingredients:
Turkey
3 cups brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 cups kosher salt
2 tbsp dried sage
2 tbsp dried thyme
2 tbsp dried savoury
1/2 tsp allspice
1 13-15 lb. turkey
1 bunch fresh parsley
3 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

Brin Instructions:



Step 1: Combine brown sugar, salt, herbs and spices in a bowl. Rinse turkey and dry very well with paper towels. Place turkey in a large pan or even a plastic bag, then pack brown sugar mixture all over exterior of turkey, and place some in cavity as well. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours.

Cooking Instructions:

Step 2: Preheat oven to 450°F. Rinse brining mixture from turkey, inside and out, gently rubbing so it all comes off. Pat dry. Stuff parsley into cavity.

Step 3: Place turkey on rack in roasting pan, bend and tuck wings under the body and loosely tie drumsticks together. Rub all over with butter and tent loosely with foil. Roast 10 minutes, then reduce oven to 325°F and roast another 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thighs (test both, do not touch the bone) reads 175°F. During the final hour of cooking, remove foil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.

Step 4: Remove turkey to a platter, tent loosely with foil and let rest at least 25 minutes before carving.

Step 5: To make gravy, carefully spoon most of fat out of drippings remaining in roasting pan, leaving behind about 4 tbsp, as well as all the browned bits. Place pan on stove over medium-high heat and stir flour into drippings until completely incorporated. Cook for 30 seconds then whisk in 2 cups turkey stock and wine (if using). Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, scraping up and incorporating all browned bits from pan. Reduce heat to low and whisk in additional stock to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Now I couldn't possibly leave you without showcasing a mouth watering turkey or a beautiful kitchen to cook it in. 

Photo by Michael Graydon

The floor is very cool!  Not everyone could live with a patterned floor but it sure does look good.  I love the old harvest table, double oven and huge stainless steel fridge.  It looks like  a chefs kitchen. 

I hope everyone's weekend is wonderful!  Relax and have fun.  I took Monday off work to relax and work on the blog.  See you next week.  xo

Check out the tip left in the comments by Lifebegins@thirty.  It's awesome!