My love for Halloween has been well spoken about on the pages of this blog. Second only to Christmas, I embrace the fun and childhood appeal of the Halloween, and do not over-analyze the "meaning" of the holiday. For me, it is about kids, candy, costumes and light-hearted decorations. Halloween is a welcome break and a time for fun in the weeks leading up to the inevitable work and festivities that accompany Christmas. Please have a look through my Halloween archives, beginning with the most popular Halloween project to ever come out of this blog, my blue, spray-painted pumpkin. Happy haunting!
Mother Hubbard pulls through...
This is my fridge. 
Sure, it has the basics - like margarine, ketchup, four eggs, a splash of milk... oops, and some bubbly (it's the weekend, after all)! Everything else is on a list in my purse, waiting to be purchased. Today was supposed to be grocery day. Technically, I had every intention to food shop; honestly, I had zero intention. Instead, I spent much of the day with my handy man, who took the day off to work on a project (while I tidied up after him). He treated me to a lunch date, which was wise considering what is in the cupboards...
Sure, it has the basics - like margarine, ketchup, four eggs, a splash of milk... oops, and some bubbly (it's the weekend, after all)! Everything else is on a list in my purse, waiting to be purchased. Today was supposed to be grocery day. Technically, I had every intention to food shop; honestly, I had zero intention. Instead, I spent much of the day with my handy man, who took the day off to work on a project (while I tidied up after him). He treated me to a lunch date, which was wise considering what is in the cupboards...Then came that moment in the day when I had to face up to my shortcomings. Too lazy to go to the grocery store, I rooted around in our deep freeze and found some ground beef. A quick rummage in our cupboards yielded some pasta and a jar of pasta sauce. Bonanza!
I could make a meal I like to call Good Enough:
Good enough: AKA macaroni, meat sauce, a dash of Tobasco sauce and bottled crushed garlic, all topped with mozarella cheese. Everyone calls it something different, I just call it easy...
Good enough: AKA macaroni, meat sauce, a dash of Tobasco sauce and bottled crushed garlic, all topped with mozarella cheese. Everyone calls it something different, I just call it easy...Then, just to show off, I made this:
A nice, white packaged mix cake. I used two of the four eggs, and thankfully I had some oil. Presto! I decided I would garner some mothering brownie points by telling my eldest son that it was a cake to celebrate the completion of his first ever exam. In reality, I just wanted something with my tea, but he appreciated my lie!
I know many of you have a fancy pants Kitchen-aid mixer. But honestly, who needs one of those when you can get a pretty red hand mixer for $9.99 at The Superstore?
I might even dress it up with some pretty cherry stickers. Then again, I probably won't.
Either way, it was a perfectly acceptable supper...even if Sophie did pretend to gag on my splendid casserole. Apparently Good Enough, in her opinion, just isn't!!
It seems she would prefer to eat snow...
************************************************
What do you fix for dinner when the cupboards are near bare??
Design Crushes...
We all have them...
Considering I am a married woman, I figure a design crush is the safest, most appropriate kind of crush to have. After all, don't we all put some of our favourite design celebrities on a (beautifully designed) pedestal? And really, I have to somehow justify the ridiculous number of design magazines I have purchased over the years...
Enjoy the (growing) list of my favourites, and perhaps you'll develop your own crush on one or more of these talented individuals.
In essence, I believe in giving credit where credit is due, and the following industry leaders deserve the accolades I have given them:
Matthew Mead ...
(well, you knew he'd be at the top of the list, didn't you?)
Matthew Mead is a stylist, editor, and writer whose work I admire very much. I have had the good fortune to interview and do collaborative posts with him, and I can attest that he is as nice a person as he is talented. If you want great inspiration and style tips, read the following posts and be sure to check out his website: Matthew Mead Style.com . But first, check him out here:
Peter Fallico...Canada's favourite male HGTV designer. Sure, he may not go around flexing his biceps like Mike Holmes, but he doesn't have to do demo; he does design...cool, smart design. Plus he can make you just about anything you want made; or even better, he'll teach you how to do it!!
Sarah Richardson...if Peter is Canada's favourite male designer, then Sarah is Canada's interior design sweetheart. Though once more girl next door (when Room Service was her media outlet), Sarah Richardson is decidedly more sophisticated city girl now, at the helm of the slick, stylish Design Inc. Either persona, Sarah can do it all - from country cottages and get-aways (like this yurt), to industrial spaces, posh homes and her own decked out (though charming, coastal style) cottage...on its own island!
*****************************************
Keep checking back as I add more of my favourites to this list!
Pretty Houses by the Bay...
Last weekend, we travelled to a pretty little town called Mahone Bay. It is a small, colourful town that never fails to draw gasps, sighs and envy from me as I gaze open-mouthed at the colourful homes bursting with fanciful architectural details. Some are simple, modestly adorned Capes, and others wear their moulding and trims like fancy dress coats, beckoning the visitors to this pretty community to click away with their cameras, as I was inclined to do on a cold, winter's day.
Enjoy the tour...
and from the back:
Statelier homes:
Gorgeous details abound:
Every colour under the sun:
Stalking houses is a good way to pass time between basketball games...
...and my girlie even seemed to enjoy it!
Two coffees and a decaf Cafe Mocha simply added to our bliss...
Don't be fooled by his smile...he was just happy the shopping wasn't great!
Ending on a small note...
Well, so much for signing on to do a series of posts. Remember way back when I began my series on small space decorating and didn't finish it? I guess I'm too flighty to commit to a series of anything, at least on a daily basis...
I guess it also makes me a serial failure, or something like that...
Luckily for me, some of you came to my rescue. When I asked for reader input, I actually got a couple of contributions, which did well to prod me into finishing what I started.
Vee of A Haven for Vee sent me these photos of little tricks she pulled out of her sleeve to tackle storage issues in her lovely home. I don't know if I'd consider Vee's home small, but it is most definitely cozy!
As Vee explains, "I have a small home even though it has a basement and a second story...a story and a half house "the carpenter" tells me. Anyway, those knee walls can be interesting. One side of the roof was raised with a dormer that runs nearly the length of the house creating some unique spaces with unusual angles.
One of those spaces is behind my bed. I disguise and use it this way. A screen purchased from HomeGoods several years back sits right behind the bed.
Behind that screen is the awkward space, which proves just enough room for Christmas storage."
One of those spaces is behind my bed. I disguise and use it this way. A screen purchased from HomeGoods several years back sits right behind the bed.
Behind that screen is the awkward space, which proves just enough room for Christmas storage."Continues Vee, "Also included is the picture of an old handbag...broken zipper...that I use instead of a nightstand...it's just enough for the remote, a few tissues, my lip balm, even a book. This saves me a lot of room!"
While visiting my sister's blog the other day, I was reminded of this ingenious use of the space under the eaves, so common in Cape-Cod style homes. This little nook is a walk-in closet for those under four feet tall. It is like a secret little hide-away for little girls who love clothes!
Ohdeedoh is one of my favourite sites to glean inspiration when decorating a kid's space.
This home-owner made perfect use of the floor space in her child's room by elevating the bed and using the space underneath for cool storage. Can you say, Ikea storage unit? Brilliant!Many of you have seen this example of red and white perfection in the pages of Country Home:
It is my all-time favourite home office eked out of a living room, no less! I love it all: the skirted desk area (hiding the ugly elements of an office, no doubt), and the red storage boxes. Even bills would look pretty in those!Another of my readers was very generous with her small space living ideas. Jen of A Thousand Words is a South African girl living in England. She writes: "Organising is one of my passions. Since we live in England I've had to come up with creative storage solutions to maximise the limited space that the houses over here afford. I've been inspired by projects online as well as come up with my own ideas."
And great ideas they are!
Check out the little pantry she carved out of her basement stairwell:
I love these little buckets she hung in her foyer to stash keys, cell phones, etc.:
She also did this:
Says Jen, "I cut down empty 2-pint plastic milk bottles and used them (and a cut-down cardboard box) to organise our stationery baskets"
**Follow this link to see how she organizes plastic containers and lids.
This next idea is genius, yet simple.
This next idea is genius, yet simple.
(before)
(after) 
According to Jen, "It took me fifteen minutes to quickly put up a bar between the cupboard and the wall and add a hanging shoe organiser from IKEA. "
According to Jen, "It took me fifteen minutes to quickly put up a bar between the cupboard and the wall and add a hanging shoe organiser from IKEA. "Next Jen tackled the dreaded toy storage issue...even more dreaded when residing in a smaller home. 
The toys sit happily in this unit...just waiting to be played with.
This idea speaks to the importance of incorporating built-ins when living within a smaller blue-print.
The toys sit happily in this unit...just waiting to be played with.This idea speaks to the importance of incorporating built-ins when living within a smaller blue-print.Jen has more great organization and storage tricks up her sleeve. In fact, next time, I think I'll just hand the baton over to her and get her to write any further small space living posts. She is clearly the expert here!! In fact, read this post for more great organization tips!
So, that's it for now. I will return with more solutions for living large in a small home...I just won't commit to a time-table! Thanks to those who offered up their own inspiration, and for those who still think living well in a small home can't be done:
I mean that in the nicest way, of course!!
Baby, It's Cold...Outside!
Yesterday, my husband came in from outside muttering under his breath. Upon questioning, he declared, "I am sick of this cold!"
me: "Oh, do you have a cold?"
A heavy sigh later, and he clarified that he is tired of all this cold...weather.
It was quite uncharacteristic of him. In fact, neither of us are prone to complaining about winter. We are the rare breed of people who enjoy the fact that on a really cold day we can come inside, flick on the (gas) fireplace, and sip a cup of tea or coffee while we warm up. We consider ourselves lucky: 0ur boys play basketball, not hockey, so we aren't subjected to long spells of frigid weather and stinging toes.
I was quite intrigued by this change of attitude...
To make matters worse, I think I have now absorbed this new-found dislike of our winter. I am a bit of an absorber anyway. I pick up other's habits, moods, and imagine that if I spent a week in a foreign country, I'd come back with an accent. It's weird I know, but quite unintentional.
So now I'm cold. Really cold. Can't get warm...
Of course, a minus 32 windchill might be part of the problem...
(photo: Toast.uk)So, off I go to flick on the fireplace, put some slippers on, look through some cookbooks for a yummy meal, laden with comfort, and when my other half with the frostbitten attitude comes through the door, I'll plug in the kettle and warm his heart.
After all, there's a whole lot of winter left. No point in grumbling too soon...
Besides, the winter brought these beauties: bottles of Evian water designed by Christian LaCroix. I got mine right after Christmas for half price ($2.99) at a local grocery store. I think they are also at Target...
Now, off you go out into the cold and get some. I'll stay in...I already have three!!
Getting my Glitter on...
photo: Bethany Lowe CreationsWe all have needs. Creative needs. Right now, I am feeling the need to scatter some glitter dust and make something pretty. Luckily for me, my mum's birthday is coming up, so I think it is time to begin looking for inspiration.
photo: design shimmerThere are several ladies I look to for glittery inspiration. One, of course, is The Glitter Fairy (Laurie Davis). Laurie has spread her glittery wings and landed herself on the Martha
Stewart show several times. Wendy Addison is another glitter artist - one of the Seasons of Cannon Falls designers behind some of the most fabulous, sparkly decorations cranked out of that brilliant Seasons machine. Then there is the always lovely Jerusalem (don't you just love her name?), who right now is showing off the prettiest glittered and paper Eiffel Towers on her blog and Storia Home shop. Jerusalem is all about pretty, and you know how I love pretty...
**********************
I am sure many of you are familiar with Bethany Lowe Designs. If you're not, just look underneath some of your favourite glittered purchases. Chances are her named will be stamped on the bottom. You can view (and purchase) her work at Bayberry Cove, a smorgasbord of seasonal decor/creations by some of the most wonderful artists in the business.
I could almost be convinced to like Valentine's Day if I had these beauties:
above two photos: Bethany Lowe Designs
Other great spots to gaze upon the magic of a good dose of sparkle is Amy Powers of Inspire Co., and Heather of Speckled Egg. Naturally, you can purchase all of these ladies' pretties (and make them very happy in turn); but if like me, you have the urge to actually get glitter under your fingernails and on your eyelashes, draw inspiration from these glitter artists/purveyors of glitter. Then, look around your home, rifle through your craft drawers and cupboards, and see what you can sprinkle glitter upon. A little glitter always elevates the ordinary to a level of beauty one can never imagine possible. In fact, the end result is always far prettier then you could hope for.
Glitter anyone?
Has a part-ay, do ya?
Have you ever experienced deja-vu? Silly question, of course you have.
Have you ever experienced deja-vu? Silly question, of course you have.
(You know I had to do that, didn't you?)
It was one of those days. One of those birthdays. Not mine, but my husband's...the maker of all things in this house. For today only, I will hereby dub him the Old Man.
It was a busy day, for him and me. Work, kids, cleaning, fixing things, you name it.
While I knew what kind of cake he wanted - white cupcakes with white icing - I had no idea how else I was going to make the day special. The Old Man doesn't like presents; or rather, professes that he needs nothing and to buy him something assaults his frugality - making it not really a gift at all.
All The Old Man ever really wants is a really good meal. Unfortunately for me, that never involves going out for dinner. That would threaten his frugality, and how can you challenge a man's frugality on his birthday? I cannot.
So, did I make his favourite dish, "my famous meatloaf", whereby upon eating it he becomes putty in my hands and heads aimlessly towards the garage to make me something? Well, that would have been a great option, considering he has Sophie's project 3/4 finished....but no. I did not. We had meatloaf last week; so I instead made his second favourite, steak sandwiches...on Naan bread loaded with cheese.
This made the Old Man very happy. Sauce dripping out of the corners of his mouth and eyes out of focus, I didn't have the heart to bring him up to speed on the events of the afternoon.
You see, after school my perfect boys had a fight with each other. An all-out yelling match with the occasional push and even a misguided punch to the arm. Remember, they are 14 and 12. Hormones rage at that age, don't they? I marched down to the basement (their apartment, for all intents and purposes...which explains why you have never really seen that area) scolding, threatening, pleading for peace. After diffusing the situation, which admittedly, was not that hard to do as they are respectful boys (the Old Man insists on it) and sending them to their respective rooms to cool off, back up I went to our apartment to finish the cupcakes with Sophie.
Soph-ieeee! Soph-ieeeee! Where are you? Out of the corner of my eye, I spied my fledgling baker marching around in the snow outside. When I called her in, she announced, I'm only coming in if those boys are being nice. I hate fighting!!" Indeed! Back inside, she did a bang-up job of decorating the cupcakes using her new Easy-Bake icing tool. It's pretty slick, actually!
While I was putting the finishing touches on dinner, up slithered The Boys, with a plea of their own. They figured since it was Dad's birthday, and telling him would only ruin his day, perhaps I wouldn't tell him about the fight? They were sooo sorry, had made up and vowed to not fight over stupid stuff again (of course not!) and could they do anything to help make Dad's birthday dinner special? (My youngest son was the spokesman)
I agreed to nothing, but handed them a bag of pink balloons to blow up and hang, and we finished just as the Old Man arrived home, cheery and salivating at the scent of his dinner. He "just knew" I would make steak sandwiches!!
As we ate, the Old Man asked how everyone's day went. Sophie piped up with the declaration, "I almost ran away from home" and the look of horror on the boys' faces was all the satisfaction I needed. 
Here is where the deja-vu comes in: the Old Man looks up from devouring his plate (with both his eyes and mouth) and raises his eyebrows quizzically. Just like the wise mother in "A Christmas Story", I distracted him by simultaneously offering him another steak sandwich and shooting Sophie a silencing look. It worked like a charm...
Here is where the deja-vu comes in: the Old Man looks up from devouring his plate (with both his eyes and mouth) and raises his eyebrows quizzically. Just like the wise mother in "A Christmas Story", I distracted him by simultaneously offering him another steak sandwich and shooting Sophie a silencing look. It worked like a charm...
In the end, the Old Man got everything he wanted for his birthday: piles of food; white cupcakes with white icing; a peaceful, angelic family, and even a book about home improvement that appealed to his practical side (which sometimes beats down his frugal side).
And I am a good wife...
Doesn't he look happy?
Isn't he a cute Old Man?
*** (If you're wondering about the post title, it was the way my youngest son sang the Happy Birthday song when he was a toddler. It was so cute, it stuck. Now we always sing it...)