Time to Smell the Roses...

This photo was taken of my and my girl almost five years ago. I have decided it is time to take another ride on a carousel and this time she won't need me to hang on to her.

All the more reason to take another ride...

Indeed, I am hooking up with my sister and her little one later this week and we are going to shop for shoes, swim and have a girl's sleepover in a shared hotel room. We are going to eat somewhere "fancy", drink Starbucks (us) and wear matching bathing suits and jammies (them). We are going to ride that carousel, take photos, and make memories that we won't soon forget.

Besides, who needs elaborate trips to Disney when you can have the fun that we are going to have?

(and we won't be asking the girls that question...)

Small Treasures with Big Impact...

I have followed a beautiful, inspiring blog for some time that showcases classic shabby chic style. Her blog is charming and fun and she has the sweetest little girl, so we have that in common :  )

Check out her fresh take on a shabby chic garden getaway:


And then her kitchen, with is just so cheery with its skirted sink:


And she obviously has great taste because look which magazine she is perusing:


Are you noticing something?

These adorable rooms are all done in MINIATURE!!!
(did you like my irony?)

Mercedes writes the amazing blog Liberty Biberty (named for her daughter, Liberty) from her home in New Zealand. She has been a loyal reader of my blog and I hope she knows how much I love hers, and if she didn't before, well, this is my loving tribute!

Can you believe she made a miniature copy of the magazine??!!! I am so honoured and she wrote a little post about it here.

I have very sweet blogging friends...

Thanks Mercedes!!

(You just know I am going to have to try to make my own miniature magazine!)

A Seinfeldian Influence...

As an avid Seinfeld fan, sometimes I see glimpses of their lives reflected in my own.

For example:

Remember Jimmy? Who always referred to himself in the third person? As in, (Jimmy to Elaine): "You know...Jimmy is pretty sweet on you."

 Well, my Jimmy (The Handyman) refers to himself as "a fellow", as in "A fellow probably shouldn't eat three hamburgers in one sitting," and "A fellow should fire all of your junk in the garage onto the back of his truck and take it to the dump!"

 It makes me laugh every time!
(but not the junk part...)

And I also have a friend who has a "patented move" that she likes to bust out every now and then. She knows who she is; but like Elaine, she is pretty convinced it's a cool move!

 
And I have a favourite coffee shop with a favourite table...and I get quite put out when someone is sitting at it when I arrive. I have been known to race towards it if I see someone eyeballing it from their place in line.
 

Only mine's called Tim's and not Tom's (aka Monk's Cafe).
 
And remember the Soup Nazi? Well, my kids were so nervous to buy lunch from their elementary school cafeteria that they rarely did. My eldest used to stress about the "lunch ladies" and would be very careful to hand the exact change and step down the line quickly to avoid their wrath. They have my daughter so spooked, that she has NEVER ordered anything from the cafeteria!!
 
 
And Kramer is in my house sometimes. He comes bounding up the stairs when he wants "some food" and then disappears again with a huge thump, as he jumps the last two stairs...
 

And George? Well, remember George's noisy corduroys? I tease my friend when we walk because her sneakers squeak so badly that it always makes me think of George and his corduroys.


 
And I have a puffy coat, that really doesn't flatter me...
 

And everyone has a Bania, or can be a Bania, from time to time.

 
What about you, which character do you relate to most?
(My husband thinks I'm definitely an Elaine now and then)
 
Or does your life resemble another sitcom?
 
Everybody Loves Raymond?
Modern Family?
The Brady Bunch?
 
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And yes, I am fully aware that this post has nothing to do with decorating. But if you need it to be, then what do you think of Jerry's kitchen?
 

One more thing:
Please check out my friend P.J's new bathroom remodel (which she did a bang-up job on, I have to say!) and check out her give-away contest for up to three great prizes!! 

Ever so Blue...

While reading this month's issue of Country Living, I was pleasantly surpised to see a lovely kitchen with blue-grey painted cabinetry. It was so comforting to know that there are others out there who share my affinity for sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone and doing what I want, instead of what I should.

And finding this photo of another gorgeous blue kitchen (from the movie, The Holiday) made me feel down-right normal!

Now, for my own kitchen, the only thing left to do (and it's only coming on five years later) is to add the "furniture feet" I have always wanted to add. Don't you think they will add a nice detail?


I'll be putting the Handyman on the case as soon as I can clear out the mess I like to call our garage.

~Sigh~

I feel the start of spring projects coming on...!

And heck, if a blue kitchen was good enough for Julia Childs, then it surely is good enough for the likes of me!!

Adding cheer to my day...

If you want to see more of Sophie's playhouse, featured in the magazine, well, here is a little sneak peek of the intro to the story:


And head on over to our Flea Market Style blog for the last of a week's worth of give-aways! You still have a chance to enter each give-away draw, and all winners will be announced this evening!

(contests now closed)

If you would like another chance to win a copy of the magazine, head over to Kim's (Today's Creative Blog) where she is giving away a copy for her Feature Friday give-away. To catch the fast train there, just click on the button below:







And Linda Crispell, a blogger featured in the magazine, is giving a copy away, too!
 
Go here to enter!
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Thanks Ladies!!

Underneath it all...

As I look out under the piles of snow I had been fervently hoping for all of January, I find myself daydreaming of spring. This has not been a harsh winter here, by many standards, but it has been a dull one. Wildly fluctuating temperatures have felt like Mother Nature teasing us of what is to come. And so, as I walk through slushy streets and shovel off the porch, I allow my mind to wander to thoughts of winter's end.


photo source: Country Home.com

This will be the summer of backyard landscaping: those corners we have left untouched and where weeds have taken over the grass. I want flowers to flourish and mingle there instead and sweet pea to grow on a trellis. This will also be the summer of "the swing" and I will pester my husband to seek out strong beams from which to hang Sophie a swing from the porch ceiling. A paint job for my garden bench is in order and my urns to fill, yet again, with daisies.

 Maybe I will even plant a little of this:

Are you with me? Are you ready? Have you had your fill?

Ruffles...bet you can't have just one!

Ruffles...nothing makes me happier lately (on the home decor front anyway). I have had a style crush on them for some time, and it doesn't appear to be fading. They offer just the right amount of femininity, without having to plaster oneself in flowers. They fall beautifully, whether on person or objet.

What do you prefer? In your home or on yourself?




And another:

Or this?


It's a tough decision, isn't it?

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photo sources: clothing: anthropologie.com

Give-away Week at Flea Market Style!

Be sure to head on over here to enter a week's worth of give-aways, starting with this:

And some fun insights about the magazine process, too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Surround yourself with the ones you love...

We keep it simple around here. The handyman is getting his favourite meal, and gifted us (his girls) with Chamilia silver charm bracelets. Gourmet jelly beans for the boys and a homemade cake rounds out the festivities.


Winner, winner, and a Q&A...

Thanks to everyone who entered my give-away to win an issue of Flea Market Style. My own issues finally arrived late last evening - after some Fed Ex difficulties - and I am still a bit awestruck that I had a part in this beautiful magazine! Thank you to all who sent me such kind wishes and words of congratulations. It has been a very exciting week full of anticipation and a nice feeling of accomplishment. Your support and friendship has been priceless throughout this blogging journey...

Now, on to the winner:

Denise, please email me with your address and I will ship your magazine out on Monday!

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I have received a few questions lately in my inbox and in the comments of this post, so I thought I would take a minute and try to address them. For those who asked me questions pertaining to their own spaces, please have faith and know that I WILL get to them. Soon, I promise!


What colour is your living room?

I used my all-time favourite colour, Silver Sage, by Restoration Hardware. Except you just know I didn't splash out for RH paint, don't you? If you want to read how I get fancy paint colours on a dime, go here (scroll down to the fourth question). If you want some more of my painting tips, read this. Oh, and I also used Silver Sage for my master bedroom, hallways, and dining area. It is such a great neutral, in my opinion.


Where did you get the grey pillow on your sofa?

I got it at Winners/Homesense, the Canadian equivalent to TJ MAXX and HomeGoods.

How do you get your floors to be so shiny? How do you clean them, and where are all the dust bunnies?

Well, as much as I dislike my camera, it sure did do a good job making my floors look great! To be honest, they came with that sheen (we purchased them from a local mill) and are actually a source of contention for us, as they scratch incredibly easy, despite being hardwood. When the sun shines in the window, you can see not only numerous scratches, but also nice puffs of cat hair - white like a bunny. It seems they just had the good sense to hide under the sofa, I think, when I snapped this photo. As for cleaning, I use vinegar and hot water and clean themwhile  on my hands and knees. I'd be lying if I said I do it often... I am more of a spot clean girl, which I blame on a bum knee and a real lack of motivation. Appearances are deceiving, aren't they?!


Watching and Waiting...


Dear Mr. Fed Ex guy,

How you torture me so. I waited all day for you yesterday and, alas, you stood me up. Some silly excuse about clearing customs - that's what they all say...Still, I know you have something good inside (your truck), so I will give you another chance. Because I know you are worth it. So, I return to my perch, behind this window, full of hope and anticipation.

But I want you to know it hasn't been easy for me... this blind faith and trusting. Today, I could be out buying lollipops for Sophie's valentines, picking up bread and milk (the poor children), even getting myself a coffee. But I have put you first.

And you better deliver!
Or I will deliver an earful!! Demand my life back!

I continue to trust in you, confident that I will be curled up with this, tonight:
Patiently yours,
Linda

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disclaimer: Dear friends, I promise I will be back to normal soon. Call it an extreme case of cabin fever, if you will!

Talking to Tricia Foley...

Head on over to the Flea Market Style blog to read my interview with the oh-so-talented Tricia Foley. Have you seen her work? Well, if you were a Country Home fan, you surely know Tricia!

Read it here!!

But, be sure to enter my magazine give-away contest first!

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(Image, courtesy of Tricia Foley. Used with permission)

Magazine Give-away

Well, it wouldn't be right if I didn't offer to give away a copy of our new magazine, would it?
In case you haven't seen it, here she is:
Leave a comment and I will draw a winner on Friday!!

The Big Unveiling!


Head on over to Flea Market Style where an early delivery prompted an early cover reveal.

Soup's On and Mush, Mush!

 If you are like me, you are doing what you can to survive the winter. We are going through a stretch of particularly cold weather. To keep warm, the handyman took me out for coffee yesterday, and this is what we saw on our drive over:

Well, I exaggerate, but not by much. Indeed, walking on the side of one of the busiest roads in town was a woman with a pack of sled dogs (five, I think) tied to her waist. And, boy, did they want to pull her! I figure that's what I would need if I decided I wanted to take up running again. A good pull. Or maybe a push?

Anyway, just in case any of you are thinking dog sleds can be seen in any of Canada's town or cities, this was a rare sight, indeed. It was one of those moments I wished I had my camera on hand to capture the actual scene! I am fairly certain she must be lost and yet to realize it is at least another twenty minutes drive to the North Pole from here...

Well, back to the soup. Every Sunday, I cook a roast turkey, chicken, beef or ham and use it later in the week for soup. Soup works very well for the afterschool onslaught of activities that keep the kids (and us) hopping.

The latest offering? Creamy turkey soup, which looks very much like the soup above, except with turkey, of course. Warm, hearty, creamy and full of good things. It is my version of take-out/eating on the run.
It must be why the handyman (aka Canny Scot) keeps me around.

Want the recipes? You can find them here and here.

Stay warm, everyone!!

Want a Prize?

Last chance to enter the give-away over at Flea Market Style. There are five great prizes for one winner, and your odds are very good.  Head on over here!

(contest ends at midnight tonight)
Okay. Remember that movie, The Birds?

Ummm...what does it mean when 52,000 crows fly over and around your home cawing and screeching and circling and diving?

I missed watching that movie, so is there something I should know about?

I know one black raven (I know, I know...they're all black, right?) circling overhead is a bad sign. Fifty-two thousand seems like a bad sign, too.


So, should I stay home this weekend?

All You Need is Love...


Valentine's Day...it brings out the scrooge in me. To me, it is the ultimate in commercial holidays. Because I love and feel loved every day of the year, I don't see the need for it/ But even I am tempted to play around with the odd Valentine's craft if it means putting  a smile on this little girl's face:

And Martha's Valentine's card ideas? Well, she just might have made this old scrooge drag out the coloured pencils, construction paper and glitter for a little mother-daughter craft day.

A little glitter always makes me happy!!

Do you believe in Valentine's?

The View From My Chair...

There is a big lump of irony in my stomach and this is what it is:

I write a blog that's all about creative decorating ideas and the ironic part is I haven't had any lately...well, not for my own house, that is. Other things have filled my plate and the cold weather has me at a standstill. It wouldn't be fair to send the handyman out to the unheated garage to build something from my wish list, and I feel like my walls and crannies have been filled. I long to get outside and do something creative out there. All of you who enjoy a warmer climate, take advantage of it! Because this is what I see when I look out my window, from my chair...

So, I think I'll just turn my head and look this way:


See any empty spots?

Nope?

I don't either!

What are you working on?