A new blog

Hey folks.  I've started a new blog!  Head on over to Life with the Rosie's to follow our family.

A change and a bit of fun!

Hey folks!  Thanks for sticking with me through my lack of posting.  :)  I'm struggling with how to continue this blog.  My passion for interior design just isn't the same.  I love it and am definitely interested in it but I have a new passion - Thomas, being a mom and taking care of my family.  Something has changed in me since having Thomas.  Time is limited and therefore I want to spend it wisely - the energy I give out needs to come back to me.  I also want to document more of Thomas' life.  So this blog will now be more about my family, Thomas, being a mom, wife - essentially what makes me happy and what brings me energy.

Now onto what I want to share with you.  Aaren (SIL) introduced me to Pinterest this afternoon.  I've just spent the last two hours browsing the website.  It's genius.  It's similar to facebook or twitter but with picture updates instead of text.  I found this fantastic print by Kiki Creates.  I sing this to Thomas every morning and he just looks up at me and smiles.  Just one of the many moments during our days together that make my heart melt.  I love him so much.

Here is a shot of Thomas after his morning bottle last week.  He was sitting on my lap hanging out.  The morning tends to be my favourite time with him.  He sleeps twelve hours a night now - bless him!  So after all that time apart, we get excited to see one another.  After his bottle we have a cuddle and a bit of play on his mat.  I love this time.

A Touch of Gold

I love the warmth gold brings to a room.  It is definitely one of my favourite colours to use right now.  Each week I'll try and bring you a room that uses it well.  Today's room is from Lonny's current issue.

As usual I have a million things to do around the house.  My plans to complete the gallery wall and Thomas' picture frames this weekend did not happen.  I really need to get them done.  It's driving me nuts!  I'm a pro-procrastinator!!  

It's raining again in Toronto!  So far this spring is horrible.  I just want the sunny hot summer weather to arrive already.  I'm sick of the rain and cool temperatures.  

Before I was a mom...

Before I was a mom I never knew...

...what it was like to jump out of bed after hearing Thomas stir in the middle of the night.
...what it was like to wake up every three hours for months and still function during the day.
...how much fun playing peek-a-boo with Thomas can be.
...how much you can accomplish before 9am (if Thomas is asleep or being watched by someone else).
...that I would be part of a mommy's group that sings songs to their babies together for 45 minutes each week.
...that I wouldn't mind being puked, spit-up and drooled on.
...that I would become a cheerleader for Thomas - 'Yeah Thomas you picked up your toy!! WooHoo!! (insert high kick and pom-poms here)
...that cleaning my house would become a race.
...that singing nursery rhymes and clapping by hands would be essential to preparing and making meals.
...that I could smile this much. :)

...what unconditional love felt like.

...how Thomas' cry would make me cry.

...how my heart can break when Thomas is in pain.

...how a smile from Thomas melts my heart.

...how much I love being a mom.

Thomas is definitely the most precious thing about life.  Everything has changed for the better.  I could not be happier.

Cheers to all the moms out there (especially mine)! I have so much respect for you.  I never knew how much you truly did for me until I took on this role.  You are amazing! 

Have a great week everyone.

Elte

I just received an email regarding today's opening of Elte's second floor.  This is my absolute favourite home store in Toronto!!  It's filled with so many brand names such as Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.  I'm so excited to go and check out their new line of furnishings set at reasonable price-points (there words... not mine).  Will let you know what it's like when I visit next week.

Final touches on Thomas' nursery

If you haven't discovered Penny People Designs yet then you must head on over to shop.  Lindsay the owner is an incredibly talented designer.  She creates posters for the kiddies, stationary, business and personal calling cards.  I have been lucky enough to meet her personally.  Thomas and her son Oscar hung out last month while Linds and I chatted about everything!!  She's so easy going, sweet and generous.  We were sent home with these prints.  I love them and have big plans for them in Thomas' nursery.

Ikea Ribba Frame

You'll have to wait for the finished product.  :)

  

My little man...

Thomas is growing far too quickly!!  He had his four month check-up yesterday at the doctors.  He is 16 lbs and 25.5" putting him in the 75th percentile.  I always new new he was above average.  :)  So far he's reacted well to the immunization shots.  He slept twelve hours last night!!  I woke up in a panic this morning thinking something was wrong.  I was paranoid but also annoyed that I was 'that over-reacting mom' who always thinks the worst.  I argued with myself internally until I went and checked on Thomas in his crib.  He was sleeping peacefully.  Very sweet!!

These photos were taken around Easter weekend.  I have more recent from my iphone but they won't upload.  I have just spent the last 45 minutes trying to figure it out.  I swear I almost chucked the computer across the room.  Thomas will be waking up any minute now and I haven't gotten anything done.  Very frustrating!!!  

Be back tomorrow.  Hopefully with a video of him.  

Have a great day! 

Kelly Green Dining

Two days in a row! Woo Hoo!!!

While reading Isabella & Max I spotted a room by Katie Rosenfeld that sparked an interest.  Her portfolio is full of bright beautiful rooms.  Take a look at this stunning kelly green dining room.  A very talented designer.  I love how fresh the green is against the white paneling, modern chairs and traditional table.

Thomas has his four month check-up and shots at the doctors office today.  Last time they made him sick to his stomach for three days.  I really hope it won't happen again.  I also hope it doesn't effect his sleep.  He slept through the night last night and I would love it to happen again, and again and again!  :)  

Wish us luck!  

Have a great day!!!

Laundry Day!

I was a bit lazy on Sunday and left the laundry for today.  I don't mind doing laundry but I really hate doing it in our laundry room because it's down in our unfinished basement.  I dream of having cupboards and a large folding table/counter, tiled floor, bead-board walls in a warm white and blue green painted ceiling.  Ah... it sounds so lovely!

For now, lets enjoy this laundry/mudroom by Hardrock Construction.

All photos via Houzz

Thomas is sleeping soundly in his crib.  This is the first nap of three for the day.   Now that we have a nap schedule I think it will be easier to post on a regular basis.  Yeah!!!

Happy Monday!

Royal Wedding... Ah... What a day!

Lucky for me, Thomas slept right up until 4:15am yesterday morning.  We had a quick bottle, back to bed for him and downstairs to watch the Royal wedding for me.  I'm so glad Megan and I woke up early to watch the festivities.  It was a true fairy tale and very romantic.  I was in awe the entire morning.  Kate looked breathtakingly regal and William was beyond handsome in his uniform. It will be a day I will always remember.

Martin Meissner Photo via CTV

Today I'm hosting afternoon tea for me and two friends.  I will try and take a photo. Have a great one folks!

Rob Lowe's Santa Barbara House

Hello!  It's been a while.  Thomas, Ryan and I have been enjoying a lot of family time.  I've been keeping busy with two Mommy and baby classes, hanging out with other moms, running the household and just daily life.  Life is great!  I honestly didn't know I would love being home with Thomas as much as I do.  The idea of going back to work Jan '12 is depressing.  I try not to think about negatives and only think positively now.  How could I not?!  I have a loving family, the world's best husband, an adorable little baby boy, wonderful friends.  :)  I'm a happy camper.  

Tonight our friend Megan is sleeping over.  We plan on waking at 4am to watch the Royal wedding.  I'm giddy with excitement!!  Will recap later tomorrow on our scones, tea and wedding party for two.  Right now, I need to share photos of Rob Lowe's house which was featured on Oprah today.  It has also been featured in Architectural Digest.  It's stunning!!  Rob, his wife worked with interior designer David Phoenix.  It's absolutely stunning.  Check it out for yourself.  

All photos above via David Phoenix portfolio

via www.oprah.com

via www.oprah.com

Easter Dinner Table Setting

This year I'm Ryan and I are hosting Easter dinner for my family.  It's our first holiday event in the new house and with Thomas.  I'm very excited!!  Mostly to have my family here for the weekend and partly for the chance to use my (I know I should say our but let's be honest I'm more interested in it) china set.  I've purchased a new table cloth which is turquoise and gold and have been researching ideas for table settings and centre peices.  Here are a few beautiful tables to start the juices flowing.  

p.s. Thanks for checking in!  I will eventually get back into the swing of things.  Until then I may have more posts on Thomas than interiors.  :)  xo

I'm still here... just taking my time getting back into the blog world.  I'm actually feeling like I've lost my interior design blog mojo.  It's not just in the blog world.  My favourite home decor magazines lie unread each month.  Who knows... I still have plans for the house but everything seems to be on hold right now.  Maybe I just need to dive in and see how it goes.  

Debating on starting a mommy blog as my life is all about Thomas right now.  We'll see...

xo

Always remember this...

This quote is for my sisters, especially my little sister Tara.  I love you very much and want you to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  X

Off to bed

Thomas and I are still trying to find the right schedule.  Well let's be honest, I'm trying to schedule a routine and Thomas is doing the complete opposite.  Some days he will nap and other days it's like a nap would be sheer torture.  On the positive side he's a very good night sleeper.  We're down to two 5 minute feedings between 8pm and 7am. Unfortunately, this is still not providing me enough time to do everything I need to do like blog, return emails, clean, prepare meals...etc.  We're slowly getting there.

I officially became the classic over-reacting first time mom today.  My mom and the doctor basically told me in a very sweet way that he's perfectly fine and to call the doctor if he gets a fever.  Haha!

This is going to be a short post but at least I'm posting.  I found this room while browsing James Michael Howard's profile.  I thought it perfect since all I dream of these days is more sleep.  A finished bedroom like this one would be an ideal retreat.

Mummy & Thomas

Thought you would enjoy seeing a pic of me and my little man.  I love this photo.

9 1/2 Weeks!

I can't believe our baby boy is almost 10 weeks old now.  Everyone says it goes by fast but this is ridiculously fast.  I'm trying to record as many moments as possible.  Thank goodness for the iphone4.  I haven't picked up our ordinary camera once because I get great photos with the phone and it's always with me.  Here are a few of our recent moments.  Thomas is laughing a lot now!  He loves when we blow air on his face and make motor sounds.  Seeing him smile melts my heart.

My dad (Grampa Mike) spent some time with us last week/weekend.  Each morning he and Thomas would have a good cuddle and conversation.  Below is one of the best photos of the two of them having a conversation.  You can tell Thomas adores his Grampa!

Last night Thomas slept 9 1/2 hours straight!  I'm hoping for the same thing tonight but won't count on it.    We'll stick with our routine and see what happens.

Have a great weekend!!

Good to know...

After finally getting caught up on a few of my favourite magazines, blogs and discovering a few new ones I decided to put together a post on what I loved and what I have learned from other bloggers.

Jason at 'These Roving Eyes' has a beautiful blog that must be checked out!  He lives in Toronto (I love reading Canadian blogs) and gave a great tip about an airline out of Buffalo (he said Niagara Falls NY but I assume it's Buffalo airport).  It's called Spirit Air and offers incredibly cheap tickets to Florida among other destinations.  Good to know for next Winter when we go to visit Ryan's parents down south.  :)

Camila over at Effortless Style gives a step by step on how to spray paint furniture.  It's a must read for anyone wanting to do this themselves...aka, me.  I still need to refinish the chair I purchased last summer.  It won't happen until sometime in the spring.

One of my favourite Toronto bloggers is featured on Style at Home's blog.  Congratulations Aubrey & Lindsay!! If you don't follow their blog, then your missing out.  I met Lindsay at a blogger party and discovered she is as sweet in person as she seems to be in her blog writing.

Chatelaine is one of my new favourite magazines.  I think when you become a mom you instantly want and need a subscription to this Canadian essential read.  It has great recipes and tips!  Check it out online if you haven't already.  Check out their online article How to decorate an open space with elegant accents.

I also recently discovered Dabble.  A brand new CANADIAN online magazine devoted to design, travel and food.  What more could a girl ask for in a magazine?  Well, maybe if it delivered chocolate and a glass of wine with every issue.  ;-)

Enjoy these finds!  xo

A little green and a bit tired!

Hello!  The last week has been crazy. I had such good intentions of posting but never even got a chance.  Thomas had his first set of immunization shots last Tuesday.  Since then he has been a bit cranky, had an upset tummy and very tired.  During the day he has refused to sleep on his own.  He only wants to be in my arms and will sleep for about 10 minutes at a time and then he cries again and we have to go turn on the stove fan (it's very loud and calms him down).  Over the weekend he slept longer in my arms but would not sleep on his own for very long.  I think I've gotten into a bad habbit because he wouldn't fall asleep on his own last night in his crib (he normally goes down before 8pm and falls asleep on his own). Last night he cried, fussed, cooed... it was a long night.  Finally at 10:30pm we had to let him cry it out.  It only took 15 minutes of us letting him know we are there for him without picking him up for him to fall asleep.  It was hard on me!  Hate to see him cry.  I know it was a good thing though.

It's amazing how exhausting caring for a nine week old can be.  Some days I have done nothing but rock him to sleep during the day, hold him all day long, calm him down, play with him, feed him, change him, sometimes change myself because I have puke on me, and put a load of laundry on.  That's it!  These tasks sound like they wouldn't take much time but they do.  It's my entire day! I have so much respect for all moms around the world.

Today was my first day of exercising in 10 months.  I woke up at 6:15am for an hour of yoga.  Exactly what I needed.  I feel great now.  It will help me throughout my day.  The plan is to exercise 4x a week.  Wish me luck!

Right, the little man is getting upset.  Time to play with him. But before I go, I leave you with this kitchen.  I love it.  It's not a big grandiose designer kitchen.  It's achievable for us every day folks.  I love it's simplicity and the beige and green scheme. Mom I thought of you when I saw it.

Have a great day! xo

Aaren & Mike's Nursery

Good morning!

We had a great night of sleep.  Thomas went to bed at 9pm and slept until 6:45am with feeds at 1:15am and 4:15am.  There was a bit of crying at 3:15am but some shushing from mom and a pacifier he was back to sleep.  I was so happy!  This is the first time that he's gone back to sleep without being rocked. WOOHOO!!!!! I'm also working on getting him back to feeding every 3 hours instead of every 2 which he was getting accustomed to.  We are making progress. :)

We have a busy day ahead - nap, bath, play, hosting my SIL Maria and her kids for lunch and then off to the mall where Thomas will sleep in the stroller and I will get a bit of down time.  Right now he's trying to fall asleep.  We'll see if that happens.  I hear a few weak cries and then he's quiet again.  All I want to do is rock him to sleep because it's warm and cozy for both of us but I know it's a bad habit to get into.

My SIL Aaren and her husband Mike are expecting their first child in the next couple of weeks.  Hopefully soon as I know how uncomfortable she is right now.  Those last few weeks are brutal!

Here are pictures of their gorgeous nursery.  They did a wonderful job creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for baby.  Thomas and I have christened the glider.  He was mesmerized by the mirrors behind it.  Mike painted the two canvases above the crib.  LOVE THEM!  I've already put in an order for Thomas' nursery.  Will post pictures once they are completed.  The bassinet was Mike's as a baby.  His mom refinished it and passed it onto them.  All of the kids in his family including his niece and nephew have slept in it.  I think that is incredibly special.

Feature Walls

We went home to Kingston this past weekend.  It was Thomas' first trip.  He did really well.  Slept the entire trip there and back with one stop on the way there for a feeding.  I don't blame him for that since we were in the car for 5 hours!!!  Not ideal but it was a quick two and a half hours trip back to the city on Sunday night.  

I'll post pictures later this week.  Right now I want to tackle the 'feature wall'.  I'm only a fan if it's done properly.  What I mean by this is please do not ever make one wall a totally different colour than the other three walls in the room.  It needs to blend it.  Essentially, the background of the feature wall should be the same or similar colour to the other three walls.  This way it doesn't look so out of place.  That's just my opinion though... you can do what you like.  

This first room doesn't do it for me.  I love the idea but think they would have nailed it if the feature wall colour was flipped around - gold lines and cream background.  

This one is perfect.  The background colour is similar to the other three walls with the image being a different colour.  Love it.

This is another great example.

This is a recent room from Candice Olsen's Tell All show on W network.  She has two feature walls which I think work because they act as art.

Candice Olson

This one has to be the worst!!  I absolutely hate the feature wall.  It's completely different than the other walls.  This is a how-not-to-do.

All images via Decorpad

What are your thoughts?  Do you like a feature wall or hate them?  

x Sarah

Thomas Update

Here is Thomas making friends with his stuffed animal.  We've named him Cooper Jr after my parents chocolate Lab Cooper.  

The picture quality is crap but I think Thomas looks so adorable in his duck onesie.

Thomas will be 7 weeks on Monday.  He's growing so quickly!  The time is flying by too quickly!  I'm trying to take in every moment with him (minus then ones where he's crying).  I don't want to forget anything about our time together.  I feel so blessed to be a mom and to have Thomas in my life.  Right now he's sitting in his MommaRoo chair listening to waves crash, enjoying a little motion called the Kangaroo (his favourite) and watching mom blog.  I'm grateful for the moment he's given me.

Have a wonderful long weekend!  I'll be back on Monday or Tuesday.  xo

What's White, Blue and Brown?

Good morning!  I hope everyone is doing well.  Thomas and I have just finished breakfast and had a little cuddle and bath.  Now he's sitting on my lap (well leaning against my tummy) watching me write the blog post.  I have to admit, it's a perfect morning.  :)  

I spotted this room on google images last week and immediately loved the crisp contrast between the white wall and chocolate brown background of the shelves and touches of blue.  You can tell this room gets a lot of light from the french doors. I dream of having beautiful french doors leading out to a gorgeous backyard where Thomas will be playing.  Until then I will set for drooling over this room.

We are off to my physio appointment now.  Lets hope my shoulder is improving again and has not regressed like it did at Mondays appointment.

Jeremy Samuelson

A Room Full of Passion

Red, the colour of passion.  This kitchen certainly makes me think the home owner is serious about cooking and is a very passionate person.  It's stunning.  Definitely an head-turner.  I love the double height cabinets, the chandelier and row of windows.  This is definitely an inspiration to my future dream kitchen.

So, I'm back to the blog world.  I have a few posts planned for this week.  As mentioned previously, my goal is 3x a week.  Thomas is 6 weeks old today and keeping us VERY busy or should I say me very busy as he sometimes wants to feed on the hour.  We love our time with him and are absolutely amazed at his growth!!  I'll post a picture later.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  xo

My little man is keeping me busy

I'm sorry for not posting as I had hoped to do so.  Thomas is keeping me quite busy!!  I also injured my shoulder - tendinitis in my shoulder.  It's very painful!  When I'm not holding our little one or feeding  him every hour or two, I'm resting, icing and going to physio.  Not what I had planned for our first month together but we're dealing.  Give me a bit more time to heal and get Thomas into a schedule.  I promise to be back.

For now, check out his latest photos.