My Ten Minutes in The Little Dollhouse Company

While I was in Toronto recently, I kept driving by the most intriguing little shop by the above name. Unfortunately, each time, we seemed to be driving to a destination and had a time line to keep. There is not a whole lot of shopping spontaneity when you are travelling with three kids and an early bird husband!

On our last day in the city, I managed to get my reluctant hubby to stop and let me out to take a look inside. Well, he had barely come to a stop before I leapt out (of a huge Suburban...our eco-friendly rental car) and nearly landed on my behind! Oh well, I knew my time was limited...what's a cracked tailbone in the pursuit of a great shopping experience? I felt like one of those contest winners at the grocery store who has 3 minutes to fill his/her cart before someone blows a shrill whistle and ends the fun. Well, my whistles were in the car feeling quite impatient and counting down my "ten minutes" (we were going to the mall of all places...blah...) so off I went.

From the minute I stepped into the store and heard that old-fashioned jingle as the door swung shut, I felt my breath catch: I was in a little girl's paradise and I had ten minutes!!!!!! Now, I love my husband dearly, but it is moments like these that I wish he wasn't such a non-shopper and that he'd understand my need to spend the afternoon marvelling over the authenticity of the miniature reproduction this and tiny vintage that. This place had piles of charm just peeking out from its shelves. Hand-crafted doll houses decorated with scaled-down versions of decorative perfection: tiny chandeliers dripping with tiny glass beads...that actually light up!!! Hanging baskets of flowers ready for the wrap-around porches, little lawn mowers, farm house sinks, baby cradles; if you can dream it, it's in that shop!!! Then there was me...with my meagre ten minutes...!!

Well, I snapped into action, allowing my eyes to dance over as much as I could when I spied what would be the purchase of my entire trip.........there in front of me, was the most realistic, scaled-down version of the fairy door of my dreams!! Now, it wasn't exactly a fairy door, but it would do a stand-up job as a substitute!! It had gorgeous moulding as the door frame, a tiny door handle, and...hold your breath for this one...a stained glass insert!!!! I dared not breathe as I asked the price. With the clerk's response, my excitement drained from me. It was well over one hundred dollars...definitely not qualifying as either a practical purchase (which it didn't have to be) or a purchase that I could sensibly justify to anyone, including myself. You see, I have problems with certain pricing points. If something is $19.95, no problem. If it is 17.95, the number doesn't sit well with me. If the price is $39.95, again, okay. If it is 52.95...it's probably not going to come home with me. In the same vein, I can buy five things for $20 each, but have a lot of difficulty buying something for $100. It's weird, and I can't explain it, but it just is. If I am going to spend $100 on a single item, it has to be big!! A fairy door for that price just doesn't qualify... The shop keeper, sensing my disappointment, laughed and reassured me that I could find a very similar unpainted version, sans the glass (which was fine with me), for next to nothing!!! Sure enough, at the back of the store, was a little display of unfinished doors with lovely frames and a selection of door accessories to purchase as well. I was thrilled to find the most beautiful wooden door and frame, handle with door knocker, and even accessories to set the scene scattered throughout the store. I paid in total, about $39.95 ( a good number) when all was said and done. That even included a little "cast iron" mailbox and some rubber boots for the "fairies" to slip on when they leave the house. In my efforts to be authentic to the fairy door people (who actually know the folklore behind these sweet, little doors) I decided to pick up a resin version for the inside of my entry as well. It was cheaper (in total, with accessories, $15) and painted up beautifully (using my Flik and Company Blue paint). Now, you all know I did this for my little girl,who unfortunately wasn't even with me, and I was dearly wishing she was as she would have been able to charm her Daddy into letting us stay a lot longer. Unfortunately, since this trip wasn't about the adults (is it ever?), I had to adhere to our schedule and take our boys to the mall! Sure enough, as I was paying, my dear, sweet hubby called me on the cellphone to "encourage" me to hurry along and let me know that the "bus" was leaving very soon...with or without me!!! The nerve! Do you honestly think the other man of my dreams would utter those threats to his wife??? I don't think so...!!!

With only seconds to spare, I hopped (climbed) back into our gargantuan vehicle where I had been unceremoniously relegated to the back seat while I was in the shop. The indignities I suffered just because my fellow travellers were mostly male!!!! You can just bet that the next time I return to Toronto, I will be the driver, I'll drop the the testerone at the mall first, and I'll save all my spending money for that adorable, little shop. You can bet your money on that one!!!!

Before and After...

While it is always fun (and enviable) to be able to simply go out to a store and buy what you need and want for your home, the reality is most of us can't always do that. Throw in a shaky economy, and this carefree spending can seem downright imprudent, if one expects to be at all impacted by the instability. Then there are those who get joy in achieving similar looks on a budget, choosing to instead transform what they already have, or can pick up at flea markets, yard sales, or thrift shops. Others still consider this the ultimate form of recycling - choosing to respect that which already exists, and restoring it to its former (or new) glory. I am a combination of them all: I love to save money, get a look for less, use what skills I have, and reuse the tired and neglected.

I have taken on a few of my own before and after projects, often with the help of my husband, who I often dub "the handyman" on this blog, just to protect him from the stalkers..ha! Have a look at the following posts, and have a look at my archives. You will soon discover that I love a bargain, and if I/we can make it myself, then that is the route I choose.

Besides, we all know it take more style and talent to pull off a great look on a modest budget. While we can envy homeowners with generous budgets, we are more apt to admire those who can do it themselves!!!

Facelifts are Good

Flippin' Out

Flippin' Out...cont'd

Sophie's Room

Fireplace Make-overs

Sprucing up a Camper

Exterior Lipstick

Porch Swing Make-over

Frugal Decorating

More Frugal Decorating...

Not Your Granny's Wallpaper

Slipcoverin' It All Up

My Master Bedroom Make-over

A Different Kind of Umbrella Stand

Silhouettes...the Profiler

Silhouette Tutorial

Ceiling Fan Transformation!

The Wow Factor

Top ten Projects of 2008

Small Aspirations...do you share them??

I tend to purchase my fair share of home decor magazines each month. A few like Country Home, Canadian Home and Country and House and Home are usually in my cart (among others), and Country Living usually has a very good chance of making it in there, but usually garners a quick glance-through first. Although it goes head to head with Country Home on the stands, it falls short sometimes. Personally, I have a lot of favourites over at Country Home (uhmm...can you take a guess...???) and one is the outgoing editor, Carol Sheehan, whose editorials I am so going to miss now that she is retiring. In fact, I feel obliged to dedicate an entire post about her and will do so later in the week.

I was, however, more than enticed to pick up the current issue of Country Living this month with its delightful pink cupcakes gracing the cover ...tantalizing me with their pink confection. Also, this month features the Country Living House of the Year and I never miss that one! Sigh...while it is indeed a beautiful home, I felt rather deflated that it was, again,a home that most of us could only ever dream of. Of course, I am not so naive as to think that they are going to showcase a tiny lacklustre home, but I was discouraged at the outright unattainablity of it. Everything high end, custom...perfect. Lots to love, but I was left with a plaintive voice in my head asking, "Why??"

Why do magazines almost never show us pictures of realistic homes? Sure, they definitely profile smaller-scale homes (and they consider 1800 sq ft quite small), but they are usually cottage-style homes that would fit perfectly in the Cotswolds of England. Again, full of architectural character and charm, perhaps rebuilt with 100% salvaged materials to retain the historical authenticity of the home...and we all know that isn't the cheap way to go about it (no matter what the homeowners say)!! Indeed, I am disheartened with never being shown a basic home that has been built in this decade (and not built to replicate the homes of yesteryear) that is simply decorated well. Not all of us can afford to install soapstone countertops, hand-hewn ceiling beams, reclaimed flooring, "walk-through" fireplaces... Why, some of us actually buy all of our building materials at places like Home Depot as opposed to being chuffed that we actually found suitable kitchen cabinets there...feeling like we found a shiny new nickel amongst a pile of pennies! For many of us, building centers are often our only source for materials.

Yes, I guess I am asking the question, "Are the homes that many of us live in so unappealing that they can never be deemed fit for print?" I understand the need to aspire to bigger and better-similar to preferring to see fashion models wearing haute couture instead of sneakers and Keds, but surely a little dose of reality wouldn't actually hurt anyone? I mean, we can keep it to one a year... that's tolerable, right? I know I can take the dose of normalcy. In`fact, I think it would actually be quite refreshing for the reader...and perhaps a bit trailblazing for the magazine(s) that takes on the challenge. For the record, I know some of you will be able to recall a featured house or two that actually might fit the criteria, but honestly, didn't you have to think about it for a while?? I know I had to!

In fact, I would love to hear your opinion on the topic: would you be content to see a basic home that was dressed up pretty as a package, but not your typical grand (expensive) home?? Let me know...who knows, maybe someone with the power to effect the change will be reading and your door just might get knocked on...!!! So, speak up and be heard!!! I'll be listening...

My daughter's dollhouse: definitely small and cute...

Think like a stylist...think like Matthew Mead!! (week two of our collaboration)

With the continuing trend toward plunging temperatures, those of us in colder climes are forced indoors to escape the freezing cold. This of course leads to thoughts of decorating, for those of us who share this passion. As we attempt to warm ourselves by the fire, we start noticing the predictability of our rooms, the tired arrangements, and the pillows and blankets that have seen better days. Suddenly, a lightbulb goes off: what if we were to actually add a little spark to our decor...add to our collections (or start new ones), and repurpose that which we already have?

Who better to look to for style inspiration than our good friend (and style guru) Matthew Mead? As promised, Matthew is back with another good kick in our decorating pants (although he's too nice to actually deliver a real kick) to spring us into action and vamp up our spaces.

Here is Matthew's tip of the week and for those of us who like to shop...well, we just have to follow his advice. After all, if Matthew Mead tells you to do it, that should be reason enough!!

He said: Collect something new

"There is no better way for me to rebound from a style slump than to get out and look for something beyond my comfort zone. I am a huge fan of British and Australian magazines and often try to emulate their exceptional sensibility for mixing old with modern. In that effort, I go on a hunt for items with a colorful and shapely pedigree from the 60's. Jenny (my wife) has a penchant for Eva Zeisle pottery and dishes... I always pick up Russell Wright dining sets in great colors (chartreuse is one of my favorites). I like art, Eames inspired chairs and tables and all types of modern hanging light fixtures and graphic objects (my new web site debuting in February will be a real glimpse inside how my style is influenced by this design period.) These scavenger hunts become an inspirational game for me as I search for these objects amongst the myriad of collectibles out there. Its fun to see how many of one thing you can find in a day to create an instant collection and to see how similar items can be priced so differently. So try it for yourself... purchase a few new surprise antiques that bring a breath of fresh air to what you already have and makes your vignettes a bit more unexpected."

Here are some fine examples of how adding to our collections can perk up our home. This is Matthew's weekend bounty...(all photos courtesy Matthew Mead, unless otherwise noted):

"I discovered these new modern elements on my antiquing foray this weekend. The colors and shapes are just the "kick" that my traditional collections need."


"This mini chartreuse vase is perfect for flowers or greens on my desk... look at how the shape and color mix well with an early yellow ware bowl, old porcelain knobs strung on string and a classic gold leaf picture frame... all the items in the mix get a breath of new life."


"The blue translucent bowl provides "pop" and relief for country transferware... I feel like I have a whole new set of dishes!"


"An Eva Zeisle creamer is at home with ironstone mugs made decades and decades earlier."


"I just love bringing in "new" old things to my collections... a great and easy tip for blending... think about coordinating colors for a seamless mix of generational items."...Matthew Mead


She said: Speaking of vignettes...

Enter the stylist...and in this case, I mean you! I have always thought that the stylists have the best jobs in the magazine world. Dreaming up themes for the photo shoot, hunting down the appropriate props and treasures, tweaking and adjusting, guiding the photographer...really who wouldn't want that job? Well, maybe it's not as glamorous as it seems, but there is nothing stopping us from being the creative director of our own home.

As Matthew suggested, have another look at what adorns your walls. Have you had the same tired artwork on your walls? Even if you love what's there, why not try something else for a short time? Artfully arranged plates, collectibles, even your child's framed artwork...you may be surprised at just how easy it is to change style directions even if it is just for a season or two.

Finally, never ignore the style impact of the vignette. Examine all your landing places: do your shelves, tables, dressers, sideboards and countertops simply serve as a holding spot for clutter, half-hearted attempts at accessorizing, or accidental displays? If so, think like a stylist: pretend you are actually thinking of photographing the vignette. Do the items displayed complement each other, are they to scale, or could they be rearranged to have more impact? Peruse your own home for items to try. Simply moving items to another spot can enhance their appeal. Think like a stylist when decorating your seasonal home! Seasonal decorating is not a permanent fix; rather a way to rediscover your treasures, the features of your home, and incorporate elements particular to that season. Embrace the season...and all it has to offer!

Here are some examples of great styling:

photo sources: (above ): Matthew Mead Style; (top right): source unknown

photo source: Pottery Barn

Winter tourists...

The view from the CN Tower..

First timers!!

Well, as I mentioned the other day,we fell off the turnip truck and landed in the big city of Toronto!!

What a whirlwind weekend!! We flew in on Thursday and out on Monday and exhausted are we...not to mention a wee bit more experienced (well, I am anyway). This was the first time our kids have flown and their innocence wafted from them like the smell of cut grass! In fact, my youngest son had two concerns about our plane. First, he wondered if our vehicle would be loaded onto the plane and then, on the flight home, made me alert the stewardess to show her what he felt was a safety hazard with the window next to him. He "felt a draft" coming from it, and not reassured by her (she did look a tiny bit concerned), settled for no less than the pilot himself to have a look!! All was well, and he didn't have to worry about getting "sucked out the window" and he excused the pilot to commence take-off. The funny thing is, he is my reckless, fearless child...

"Give me a quick rundown on flying this thing...with my memory, it should be a piece of cake..."

Before take-off, we got a tour of the cockpit. Just as I was squeezing myself into his cramped seat, the pilot instructed me to be careful to not "bang into any switches." Gulp... what if I already had? It would surely be my fault if we all went down!! The kids then insisted on chewing gum during takeoff and almost panicked when I couldn't find it in time. Honestly, I know they haven't led the priveleged life that some of their peers have, but do they have to embarrass me with their small town ways?? It was sweet to see my eldest just shaking his head at being above the clouds...saying, "I just don't believe it..." Personally, I grew up never doing anything, as we just couldn't afford to even think of family vacations and the like. It has made me very appreciative of anything we thus do, and although our children have experienced much more than we did, they still haven't experienced serious travel like kids today seem to take for granted. They truly appreciated this trip and we were so excited to be able to do it for them.

Like good tourists, we toured the CN tower (I even stood on the glass floor!) which is the world's tallest free standing structure. Then, while the kids and hubby toured the Hockey Hall of Fame, I indulged in a little retail therapy..which led to the sorest feet I have ever experienced. Like a fool, I wanted to look at least somewhat fashionable, and of course, I didn't really pull it off, and instead suffered in the pursuit! Which led me to the realization that I don't necessarily want to fit in with certain fashion styles. Especially the leggings + babydoll dress + bad eighties boots look I saw everywhere (on the young set)! Maybe if I was young and skinny again...but all I know is the good Lord meant for me to wear that stuff then, but not now. Besides, I am a preppy girl at heart...so the long duffle coats with black, square-toed boots suited me much better. Which is basically the other predominant fashion I saw floating around the city. I was actually a bit disappointed with the fashion and shopping! Everything was so spread out and when you finally reached your destination, the exhorbitant prices nearly knocked me over!! Just to prove my point, this store (Au Lit) had sheet sets that sold for $500-$1200 and I literally couldn't afford (in good conscience, anyway) anything in the store!! Personally I'd feel guilty sleeping on such pricey bedding while others don't even have a blanket to cover themselves with... I guess I just believe that my sleep needs (or skin) is no more deserving than anyone else's and some things are just so indulgent that they seem vulgar...but that's just me. Somebody has to be purchasing such luxuries...

The highlight for the kids was the visit to the Much Music studios (and meeting the veejays) and the basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks. What an exciting outing!! They do an incredible job at pumping up the crowd and if it wasn't for the drunk guys behind us with a proclivity for the F-bomb (lovely), it would have been perfect! Which leads me to my other observation in Toronto. While everyone we met was very nice, I encountered a certain lack of social niceties...which I'm sure is just a symptom of a faster-paced life and talking too much on cell phones as one walks... Indeed, I was bumped into many times and found myself apologizing (in true Maritime style) while the guilty party seemed totally oblivious, if not annoyed at me for being there! Where is that turnip truck when you need it?? My only other complaint was the way that the shop keepers in many of the more swank stores would size you up like a side of beef to see if you were worthy of their attention, and of course, me in my dull clothes and lack of chic, dark-framed glasses did not pass muster!! I went into a store called Teatro Verde and politely asked if I could photograph the most exquisite chandelier, and she sniffed, "Noooo... I don't think so..." in a very posh voice. Hmmph...I'd show her: I politely turned on my heel and as soon as I could get into running distance, snapped this photo!! I can be rude, too!!!

The ever so swank Teatro Verde: actually not that great...

Our hosts, my husband's brother and sister- in- law, were the most gracious hosts and we all loved spending time with them and their adorable daughter. Good food, good company, coupled with some great outings added up to a wonderful first trip to Toronto for the kids. I was fortunate enough that my good friend Chris met up with me for a day's shopping and we had so much fun navigating the shops on Queen St. East...especially our favourite, Flik and Company, where we met the super talented owner, Stephan, who has lovely manners as I mentioned in Tuesday's post.

Here are some photos I took. Now's the time to check out if you're not family (or bored... or just polite):

My BIL's beautiful home (this one deserves the beautiful label)

The "boys" looking entirely too happy...except for Gray...caught him in a blink...or stupor!!

Me and my posse at the Raptors game..so much fun!!

1st subway ride...don't they look impressed?

The Toronto Zoo: a wonderful place even in winter: just look at this mother gorilla nursing her baby...so sweet!!

mama chimpanzee and her baby...

Meet Charles...he was very shy...he'd sneak a peek at me and then look away quickly (although I didn't look my best, surely he wouldn't have found me that hard to look at it??). The gorillas were my favourite...they had to drag me away!!

Well, we had a great time in the big city and made lots of great memories. Toronto is definitely a beautiful city and is a great place to visit any time of the year!!

I want one...

I want a new sofa. I know that's not a very nice way to begin a new post, but I'm feeling a little furniture pang. I just want one. I need one for my basement family room as I'm tired of slapping cheap slipcovers on the ones I have down there. I can't even invest in custom made ones to thereby prolong the life of "their ugliness" as the springs are shot from years of jumping and training for the "high jump". When you sit on them, you sink in the middle...and not because you ate too much comfort food this winter. Will I get my way, you might ask? Nope...not unless I'm prepared to get a new hubby and heaven knows where I'd get one of those...Despite his frugality (he likes to call it common sense), he's kinda cute and useful and makes a good cup of tea, so the debate rages on between us and it goes something like this:

Me: We really need a new sofa and love seat downstairs.

Him: Don't start...(which is his favourite saying and annoys me to no end...)

Me: Yeah, but...(this is where he jumps in...)

Him: Please don't start...

Me: But the springs are shot, they're out of style, and we should get something that reflects our taste (which is where I really lose him...).

Him: We're not getting a new sofa until the kids have moved out and that's that!

Me: silent treatment begins...

Now before you think that I'm a major wimp and need to just stand my position, you have to remember I have my own version of the Tightwad gazette...or better yet: the Frugal Hack(I must remember this one).

I also know he is right. A new sofa would have busted springs in a matter of months, the cats would claim it, and we'd never actually sit on it anyway (given our tendency to flock upstairs). So, I give up the ghost, take a trip to Winners to buy some accessories, and never let on that I think he is even remotely right.

Still, it's okay to drool over pictures like this, no??

all photos: Maine Cottage.com

I know this isn't a sofa or love seat, but I want it too!! A girl can dream, right??

Style me Pretty...

photo: source unknown

photo: Country Living.com

Pretty...I love that word. It has such a sweet connotation to it...a simplicity, an innocence, an attainability. While we may not all be beautiful or live in beautiful homes, most people can have something about themselves that qualifies as pretty: pretty eyes, pretty hair, pretty smile, and so on. To be called pretty is so much easier to accept, even for those of us who brush off compliments. Pretty seems more believable, more honest... more genuine. Of course, there are many people who qualify as beautiful, but so many more that are more apt to be labelled pretty. We often hear the phrase, "the beautiful people" and we are prone to think that they are more vain, less committed to their relationships, and yet innately more happy. While this is obviously a sweeping generalization, these opinions live on.

When we think of beautiful homes, we almost always think of grand spaces, with heaps of architectural interest, reeking of quality and high mortgages. Even with homes, we equate beauty with perfection. Although we are very generous in using that descriptive when touring each other's homes, it is often more honest to deem a house pretty, or lovely, or charming...words that bring less committment to this supposed perfection. If a home is pretty, it has a definite aesthetic appeal; but it may also have nooks and crannies that are imperfect: rooms that are yet to be remodelled, paint that is chippy in spots, pillows that are imperfectly plumped, dust balls dancing across the slightly scratched wooden floors, creaky screen doors that slam too loud upon closing...perfectly imperfect.

My goal for my home is for it to feel/look pretty to me: hence my use of a soft colour palette; slipcovers; touches of sparkle and glitter; pom pom fringe; crisp, cotton sheets, whimsical light fixtures...basically anything that inspires me to think "pretty" when I look at it. What ever happened to being satisfied with pretty? Why must we covet perfection, streamlined beauty, high-end this and top notch that? Isn't pretty good enough??

photos: country cream .co/uk

In fact, my favourite compliment when someone visits my home for the first time, is that it feels comfortable and is pretty. Now, I'm not fishing for compliments here, I'm just stating my preference. Hearing that it is beautiful would honestly make me squirm a bit, as I am one of those people who equates beauty with grandeur. Certainly, I consider many things beautiful, but the word pretty just brings to mind fresh, natural, down to earth style. Simply put- white roses are beautiful... as they depict quality, simplicity, restraint. A daisy is pretty: natural, attainable. A peony defies all rules and is simply breathtaking, but in a fresh, pretty way. There is indeed a difference to how each makes me feel when I see it.

So, I say let's bring pretty back into our homes: let's not consider it the dowdy sister of beautiful, but rather the fresh-faced girl next door that we secretly know is nicer, self-deprecating, more natural and will put us more at ease when we encounter her. Bring on the unstarched white sheets, the chippy paint, the wildflowers, the pastels, the mismatched chairs, the dog-eared treasures that have been handed down through the generations. Let us forget about always wanting the best, and simply accept that good enough can be just that: apply that girl next door prettiness to our homes. Beauty fades, but even the wrinkliest of grannies can be pretty...

Some more examples of pretty...(again, not from my house)

photo: Sarah Richardson Design

photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Flik and Company

One of the shopping highlights for me was my visit to one of the shops on my "list", Flik and Company. I had seen features on this shop and its owner, Stephan Howard and his design partner, Mario Cote in just about every Canadian home decor magazine, and of course nods to them on HGTV Canada. Sooo, being a lover of all things modern country, I hooked up with Chris from Just Beachy (who also happens to be my sister's best friend's sister...) and we braved the frigid wind and set off in search of this hot spot. Flik and Company is located in the quaint shopping district of Queen St. East- a tony, but modest area of great breakfast spots and shops that offer more artistic wares than mainstream goods. Perfect for us and our quest for that perfect treasure to take home.

Chris, me and "the chaise"

After waiting for the owner to return from an errand, we tucked ourselves into his cozy, little shop. Well, it was definitely more studio than shop...at least from the point of view that his vignettes were artistic, inviting, and chock full of jaw dropping inspiration. He had me at the chaise (pictured above): pure watery-blue nantucket goodness... my mind was racing at the thought of it enjoying pride of place by my pool. Sigh...of course I couldn't have it...I was boarding a plane back to Halifax, and it would have to find its way home with some other lucky customer. I hope they give it a good home, because if it were in my (pretend) shop, I would find it very difficult to part with.

Stephan and me...

Stephan Howard, the owner of Flik and Company, was a very gracious "host". We introduced ourselves and he kindly posed for pictures with us and agreed to let us feature him on our blogs.His style reminded me somewhat of the Junk Market girls and the way they elevate old treasures to new heights by repurposing them, although Stephan has a more antique inventory and less "junque". Stephan and his partner have a recurring theme in their shop that I noticed right away: many of the items are painted the most beautiful shades of blue...ranging from a robin's egg to a teal, to a more watery hue that makes everything pop and call out your name as your eyes dance over them. In fact, they have partnered with Homestead House paints and developed a line of signature Flik and Company paints. Chris and I bought some of the Flik and Company Blue (a yummy robin's egg blue shade), but if I wasn't travelling by plane, I would have bought one of every colour! I also bought some random letters in their signature colour, but cannot stop thinking about the architectural piece in the same shade that would look so nice over my door. There is nothing worse than regretting not having made a particular purchase. I always tell clients this (because you can almost always return an item if you change your mind), but for some reason I failed to heed my own advice. So sad...

For those of you in Toronto who have not made the trip into Flik and Company, what are you waiting for? You won't be disappointed and for those of you planning a trip to Toronto, put this lovely shop on your itinerary. It is a destination not to be missed!!

Inspiration from Matthew Mead...and me!!

Well, I'm back...and no, I wasn't hanging out with the likes of Matthew Mead (unfortunately). Nope, I was hanging out in Toronto with three other hip and happening people (my kids) and one less hip forest engineer (my sweet hubby...). I will tell you all about it tomorrow, as I came back fairly enlightened in many ways, and will show you some pics of my destinations (shopping and otherwise). I did manage to "hang out" with a rather well-known who's who in the Toronto design world and he was charming and sweet and I even got a picture taken with him...right Chris?!

As promised, I will now deliver on my joint venture with Mr. Mead. He sent me an email a little while ago asking me if I'd like (are you kidding me?) to collaborate with him and run a series of inspiring posts aimed at jump starting us all back into rejuvenating our homes- despite the wintry challenges. Matthew shares my philosophy of tweaking what you have, adding to your collections and enjoying the seasons for what they are. We can look ahead to what the design world brings us, and yet treasure our homes and what we love about them. Here is what Matthew has to say:

"Dear Linda,
Starting a new year of style is much like starting a new year in elementary school or moving into a new home... where you came from is always so familiar and comforting and the warmth of the holidays against the starkness of the new year is scary and unfriendly. I know for me the post- holiday home seems bare and the schedule so empty of that palpable yuletide surprise and wonder. Your post about what I perceive as the holiday blues got me thinking that we aren't the only ones sensitive to these feelings... I think people of our ilk need a bit of a boost in these early months and I am all too happy to share some of my ideas for jumping into an inspiring new year. I have five action-able steps to set things in motion (I am sure there are more ) and definitely lots of variations of these ideas." (Matthew Mead)

Without further adieu, here is Matthew Mead's first step to inspiring a new look for your home (he said/she said style!!):

(He said): Change your perspective

Removing the Christmas tree and all of the holiday trimmings provides a real opportunity to change things around. We get so set in our ways about our surroundings, and our furnishings settle into place in such a familiar way, that we fail to notice the details of a carved bureau front or the shapely turn of a table leg. That's when it's time to mix it up and change things out. Consider a small-scale transformation like a newly positioned bedside table with drawers to conceal clutter or a small vertical standing shelf to hold your favorite books, magazines and journals... add a lamp from another room in the house... or dust off one of those lamps relegated to the basement. Gather mismatched chairs from around the house and pull them up around the kitchen table for something a bit more interesting and less matchy matchy, or arrange the living room furniture in a way that isn't focused around the television set (you'll be amazed that there are other, more interesting objects and accessories in your surroundings than the 32 inch flat screen).

(photo:Matthew Mead)

My own effort in this direction is to reclaim an enclosed glass porch as a dining area... we are having the neighbors over for a post holiday gathering and I have decided that our small-ish round dining room table just won't do. I'm repositioning an old table from the hallway and making it our dining table -surrounded by Jenny's favorite bow back Windsor chairs and bench. We will be able to comfortably fit everyone for dinner and will have a great re-purposed space for upcoming holidays... and, a room that I often look out upon as unusable storage space, will be a fresh and functioning space for gathering.

(She (me!!) said): Shake things up:

Well, you've done it. You've finally taken down the remainder of the Christmas decorations, dusted off the surfaces, taken that break from holiday clutter and breathed a sigh of relief. However, those of us who have permanent decorating fever rarely last with such a blank canvas. With Valentine's Day merely a blip on the home decor scene and Easter months away, that itch to decorate can just seem to get itchier. Sure you can dream about landscaping plans, summer paint projects, and bringing out the patio cushions and chairs...but for those of us who need to feed the fever, there is no time like the present!

Take a good look at your surroundings. As Matthew suggested, try arranging your furniture in new ways... showcase a different piece of furniture by putting it into the spotlight. How to do this? Lighting...accessories...angles...embellishing...or all four! For example, take your dining table: perhaps you have it arranged square on with the perimeter of the room? On the table rests a simple centerpiece, the perfunctory chandelier hangs overhead, and on the adjacent wall hangs a perfectly suitable, but predictable piece of artwork. Sounds familiar? Well, it may be time to shake things up! I admit to the occasional reluctance to leave be that which is not broken. It never truly stops me though! As someone who has never had a love affair with her own dining set, I love Matthew's suggestion to incorporate chairs from around your home. I love the idea of pulling up two wing back chairs in a forgiving fabric to the head spots at the table. I would then replace my chairs with rustic benches. Moving on to the centerpiece, I would fill an ironstone tureen with simple candles surrounded by faux snow (check it out in florists shops...you'll have to touch it to feel the difference!), a long wooden tray filled with pinecones and green apples...your imagination is your only limitation. If you want to up the elegance factor, try the juxtaposition of elegant clear glass, crystal, or silver candelabra (holding simple white or black candles) with the more rustic benches and/or casual chairs. Why not try implementing a modern twist to your chandelier? I am presently on the search for a sufficiently large, translucent drum shade to encapsule my sparkly chandelier. I love the idea of concealing some of the femininity of the chandelier, especially at a time when covering up is seasonally appropriate. So, have some fun, step out of your comfort zone, perhaps... and look at your home and blongings with a fresh set of eyes- ones that don't have winter blinders on them!

(above two photos: Sepia and Better Homes and Gardens, respectively)

***Matthew Mead will be back with more tips each week (and his own images for us to drool over!). I'll attempt to add my two cents worth and I am thrilled he is so gracious in sharing his great style with us!

I'll be back...

Just heading out on a little venture...will fill you in next week. I'll be back here on Monday afternoon, with Matthew Mead and a little shared wisdom...

Have a great weekend!

What's on my mind Wednesday...and Matthew Mead!

If you are a reguar visitor to my blog, you can probably tell that I am not one to have "Theme" days. I hate the pressure of having to come up with a certain subject on a certain day. I prefer to write that which flows from my brain (okay: lucky for you, I censor that a bit- because sometimes my thoughts are all over the map...) and I don't want the committment. I am committed to my blog for a variety of reasons and usually committed to the topic of decorating ( as my blog is linked to my business); but I decided to throw caution to the wind today, and ramble...even broke my rule about theming my post - although I make NO promises that I'll do it again...!

First, I'm going to throw a question out there: Why, when I visit blogs that use Typepad, does it take soooo long to upload? It drives me crazy, and then when I go and post a comment (which is the polite thing to do), I get sent to the SECURITY CENTER and have to type in a (sometimes) very complicated (i.e. hard to decipher) code. I don't know about you, but I don't have a security code thingy and I have only gotten two spam comments since I started this blog nine months ago! Are these codes really neccesary? Because it slows me down and if it is combined with Typepad, it takes even longer to get out of there and on my way again. Can't we do away with these codes, because (and I'm being honest here), sometimes it deters me from leaving a comment...and we all know how much we appreciate a good comment!! Just asking...

I also just found a fun way to workout your brain...no sweat involved...check out this website: http://www.freerice.com/index.php For every correct word (it is a test to determine your vocabulary level) you go up levels. I love stuff like this! I love words and think I have a fairly broad vocabulary. I scored a level 42, but I'm not sure how good that is. Anyway, for each correct word, they donate rice to a developing country, so you actually won't be wasting time on this internet activity! I also love to play Scrabble...but I can't seem to find a scrabble partner...Can't figure out that one. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a rousing good game of Scrabble??? Go figure...

Which brings me to my love of writing. I have always loved to write, but got away from it for..oh, I don't know...from the time I left university until I started this blog!!! I had forgotten how much I enjoy letting thoughts flow onto paper, and I love how my blog has become a journal of sorts for me. It helps jog my flagging memory, and I can then look back on what I was thinking and doing at a given time. I remember in university, I wrote a paper comparing Lady MacBeth to Cleopatra (I was one of those people who LOVED Shakepeare. I know- a rare species at that age) and I remember my prof at the time suggesting I submit it for publishing. It would have involved some tweaking, and as I was over-stressed by my nursing courses, I didn't take her up on the suggestion. To this day, I regret that decision because maybe I could have seen it through to the publishing stage. That would have been so cool...my writing...published!! Which reminds me that it is still a big dream of mine, but for now, I will enjoy writing for my blog and exercising at least some of the other areas of my brain that have been asleep for a wee while. Like with that word game...or playing, "What was I supposed to remember today?"

I also have some exciting news about my blog next week! The Matthew Mead (is it obvious that I think highly of this man?) contacted me about collaborating on some blog posts aimed at inspiring us into taking a fresh look at our homes in the new year. Basically, it will be a series of five posts intent on kickstarting us into loving our homes again by way of tweaking, adding to, rearranging, and rediscovering the houses we call home. He has some amazing ideas, and I'll be throwing in some myself...kind of a he said/she said approach!. So we'll consider ourselves lucky: we have one of the leading style editors (from Country Home magazine, no less) giving us hands-on tips to rejuvenate our homes...for free!!! No magazine purchases necessary! But, speaking of magazines, Matthew hopes to launch his very own magazine in the near future... You can just bet I'll be first in line for a subscription!!

Let the Sunshine in...

Mmmm yellow...while I have certainly used it plenty when decorating my homes, I just can't seem to get it out of my system. In fact, I almost painted my kitchen cabinets a buttery shade of yellow before settling on the icy blue shade I now have. photo: source unknown

Yellow is wonderfully fresh in all its shades: butter, lemon, wheat, daisy, from pale cream to a more vibrant sun shade- it brightens up a home by injecting an element of summer into it. Unless you really are misguided when selecting the right shade, it invariably succeeds in looking fresh, clean, natural...Pair it with soft or vibrant shades of blue, pink, white, greens, and more and you will undoubtedly have a cottage look that lifts your spirits when you open your front door.

all photos above: Maine Cottage.com

photo source: unknown

I got thinking about how yellow is the perfect shade to perk up your winter home, after seeing the latest Martha Stewart Living magazine at the grocery store. In fact, the way the colour seemed to leap off the cover boosted my spirits and inspired me to go rummaging through my linen closet for pillow cases and other bits and bobs to sprinkle some sunshine around my home. Even the whiteness of the season (via snow, of course) lends itself so well to a jolt of yellow(think eggs...sunny side up, or a tart slice of lemon meringue pie). In fact, let your favourite yellow food (at least aesthetically speaking) be your colour guide. Me, I'm partial to the custard yellows, the butter shades, and the occasional lemon drop to liven things up!! Oh, and I think I've changed my mind on my future kitchenaid mixer- that yellow one on Martha's cover is screaming my name...!!! All in good time, all in good time...

kitchen photos: Martha Stewart Living

Looking to downsize??

Well, if you are looking at simplifying and decluttering in a MAJOR way, here is the house for you! A friend emailed me the details on this unique home (located in Toronto, Canada) and I just had to share it with you.

This house, located near the intersection of Dufferin Street and Rogers Road is believed to be Toronto's smallest house. Occupying what used to be a driveway, it's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house that sits on a parcel of land 7.25 feet (2.2 metres) wide and 113.67 feet (34.6 metres) long and has an interior area of just under 300 square feet (under 28 square metres).The asking price is $179,900.!!!!Here are the house's listed features:

• a. 'Completely Re-Done Top-To-Bottom, Front-To-Back!'
• b. Tumbled stone entrance walk
• c. Renovated Bath
• d. Renovated kitchen with newer stove, new cabinets and new stacked washer/dryer. e.Bedroom with Murphy bed + 'Built-Ins' - doubles as den!
• f. Walk-out to fenced patio
• g. 100-amp service
• h. 2 satellite dishes and receiver
• i. 'Window A/C Available'

It would definitely require a small family (like you, yourself, and you...) and that notion that a small house sometimes can sometimes look bigger with large scale furnishings falls flat here...

Look on the bright side though, it would be easy to heat and keep clean!!!

Martha (who loves a good house tour), this one's for you!!!

Oh, and I'm happy to report that Angela gave me the following award...at least I make someone's day...and I am finally getting around to sharing some awards with others!! I pass this award on to Liz at Mabel's house, Julie at Nunnie's Attic, Paige at Simple Thoughts, Jen at The Cottage Nest, and Kim at Scrap-to-my-lu...all for different, great reasons!

And another: This award (right) goes to Martha at Elizabeth Hill Cottage for making me split my sides on a regular basis. Her humour is sooo mine and I appreciate a good laugh on a regular basis. I also hand it out to Chris at Just Beachy because any woman who can do what she does positively rocks in my books. My sister, Wendy, also gets it for making me look deeper at issues and also because she is a great friend, mother, gives THE best advice of anyone I have ever known, and decorates (check out her remodelling blog, too). She definitely holds her own!! Last, but not least, I give this to Terri at Windlost who I just know would be a friend I would love to hang out with if she lived nearer. We both hail from New Brunswick originally, and share a lot in common: including finding permanent rose-colored glasses a bit heavy to wear! She is a deep thinker and I look so forward to reading her posts and admire her great style and forward-thinking ways. Check her out!!

My top ten projects of 2007...

Following Manuela's lead, I have decided to do a retrospective of sorts of the home projects I feel most happy with. I am certainly not as creative as some, but I could definitely find ten that made me feel rather accomplished. Hopefully, by listing them for myself, it will inspire me to begin the other projects on my wish list.



#1 is probably the painting of my dining table and chairs. I would still give my (left) arm for my dream table and some great chairs, but it is sooo much better and will tide me over until I can get The Man (hubby) to agree to get a new one. Of course, as he tells it, apparently I'd have to agree to build again in order to get one...

#2 is my pool area...the faux iron fencing I thought of as a low cost deterrant to my youngest son (age eleven) trying to scale the fence...would you believe he attempted it anyway? And succeeded to get in...and still remains anatomically correct. He got into scads of trouble, though... #3 is the rustic bar I spent hours convincing hubby would work out great...and it did...

#4 is the fun patio umbrella stand I created. It never failed to make me happy...

#5 is the faux stacked stone skirting we installed around the base of our front porch. It looks great, and from the road (in my opinion) it looks like the real thing! It wasn't cheap either, but so much easier to do!

#6 is my bedroom. After years of never feeling happy with how it looks, I now have a place that feels like it is grown-up and suitable for both me and my husband. I am still thrilled with it!!#7 is my creative corner...carved out of our family room. Not ideal, but mine just the same. The pathetic thing is, I have yet to use it!! I am embarrassed to admit that, but it sits there all ready to go...just waiting for me to forgo my dining table as a work station...#8 is that crazy, blue, glittered pumpkin I made at Halloween. My living room just wasn't graciously accepting an orange one, so a little spray paint, glitter, and a crow, and I had myself a pumpkin to be proud of!

#9 would have to be my ottoman. Even hubby agrees he doesn't know what he did without it. Hmmm, let's see, he would lay his feet on me and plop his newspaper in a heap on the floor...

# 10 is a three way tie (I'm cheating here...). I equally love my wisp of curtains that my favourite seamstress made for me (they hang so delicately off the glass knobs), my glittered shadow boxes, and my stack of snowballs in each of my urns.

I guess I accomplished more around my home than I thought! Now, on to bigger and better projects!! Which projects are you most proud of...?

Snapshots of 2007

Too good to pass up...

photo: Ralph Lauren

There are a few things that I could absolutely be a spokeswoman for. I have a tendency to share my excitement for good things (to steal the catchphrase from Martha...) and I really can't help myself. When I find something that works great, looks great, or both...I can't seem to resist sharing the knowledge. I would also be well-suited to be a personal shopper: if you tell me you are looking for something in particular, I subconsciously add it to my list and root it out if at all possible. Like I said, I'd be a great spokesperson for that which I believe in!!

So, here is my list of that which is too good to pass up. Go ahead, try some of my suggestions...I'm not being paid to promote them...yet!! Ha ha!!

1. The Swiffer dry vac: I first discovered this wonderful cleaning tool when a friend, who had been recommending it to me, let me try it out at her home. Well, I transformed into that woman in the Swiffer commercial from a few years back: you know the one, all her other girlfriends are enjoying their coffees and chatting while she tries out her friend's Swiffer. She ends up dancing around, swiffering to an 80's tune...my kind of gal!! I LOVED it immediately and peeled out of there to go get one for myself! I loved mine so much, I got one for my mum and mother-in-law!! If you hate sweeping, have pets, and/or hate crumbs underfoot, this is the tool for you! It takes the disposable swiffer cloths, and you do have to spring for replacement filters, but the ease at which you "sweep" your wood floors will thrill you...that is, if you are as easily pleased as me...!! If you don't believe me, check out the excellent ratings it received at this site.

2. Hersheys candy cane kisses: run, don't walk to your nearest grocery or department store to see if there are any left. Hersheys brought these out at Christmas time and after I unsuspectingly popped one of these in my mouth, I thought ZI had died and gone to heaven!! It reminded me of Willy Wonka's bubblegum that fools you into thinking that you are eating a full course meal. In this case, it tasted like I was eating a candy cane ice cream cone!! Heavenly, I tell you...a real diet breaker!!

3. Oil of Olay: I basically wear this for its unmistakable scent...a scent that reminds me of my Auntie Jean, the only "grandmother" I knew. She was one of the most influential people in my life, and taught me that kindness and good manners matter. I am not in her league with regards to those, but I aspire to honour her memory as best as I can. She also had the most supple, lovely skin and she swore by her trusted Oil of Olay. Lately I have been wearing the version with SPF, and it is missing the classic fragrance. However, as she also had skin cancer later in life, I think she would be proud of my choice...

4. Benjamin Moore paint colours: While their paint is excellent, I often buy the more economical (read cheaper) paint from their competitors. However, their paint colours can't be beat. I always take their paint deck along on client consultations, and there are universal colours that almost everyone recognizes...Cloud White on your trim, anyone? What about Vellum or Dijon for those seeking an earthy yellow...? I like their tester samples, too...no sense wasting money trying out new colours!

5. Marc Jacobs perfume pour femmes: I first discovered this fragrance a few years back and have been unable to find it since! I stopped wearing fragrance for years as I always seemed to be nursing a child, and with the wave of scent-restricted areas, wearing fragrance seemed almost passe. If I could find this scent again, however, all bets would be off! A little subtle fragrance now and again perks a girl up, after all!! (If you ever see it...it is in a white square box with black writing on it... let me know will you??!! ).

6. Crocs as slippers: Now I know some of you are recoiling in horror as you despise these rather unflattering shoes, but listen: if you have bum heels like mine (plantar fasciitis) and need to wear orthotics~~shudder~~(sounds pretty hot, doesn't it??), Crocs are just the thing to put them in! My rule is that they are for in-house wear only. Problem is, I have forgotten they were on my feet and I wore them right out of the house!! Mine aren't the cute Mary-Jane ones so many of you have...no, mine are bright pink (as per Sophie's request...so we could match, of course) and I usually get a few snickers when I wear them out. I could be imagining that part, but I am hyper-sensitive to the total uncoolness of them...Still, they remain on my must-have list. It's my list after all...

7. Anything Seasons of Cannon Falls: you knew this would be on my list, didn't you? I think they should be paying me by now for all the free publicity and plugs I give them! Would you believe their name is one of the most common keywords searches that lead random visitors to my site? That and mudrooms...and Matthew Mead...I tell you, there should be some perks to all this free publicity! Like maybe the folks at Seasons could send me out some of their new collections...I could show you all it, and then keep it all for my troubles...It's only fair, right? I show them lots of love...!!!

8. Martha Stewart's line at Michaels: Can you believe I only recently discovered Michael's?? Of course, we don't have one in this town, but when I mosey on up to "the city" or to my mum's, Michael's is one of my favourite stops! That Martha, she has gone and outdone herself with her craft line...and those scrapbooking papers?! I get all excited just thinking about what she might bring out for her Spring collection!! If you have never gone, get going...and if you see me there, please remind me that I'm not made of money and to reexamine what is in my cart and to get back to reality!! Of course, I'll just think you're some nosy lunatic...after all, I can't be a spokesperson if I don't try out the product!!

So, that's it for now. However, being the good shopper that I am, I'm always discovering new treasures that thrill me to bits. Being the good friend I am, I'll be sure to share my secrets with you!!

New To Me...

I just thought I'd play show and tell for a moment with some little projects I have had on the back burner for a while. First up is the new slipcover for my ugly (but much-loved) pink chair. To me, nothing beats a slipcover, and I honestly believe anyone purchasing a sofa should take a good look at the kind that comes with slipcovered fabric and/or look into having one made as soon as possible to extend the life (and have a different look) of the piece. The seamstress I use is a brilliant lady who can make her own pattern for anything! My old slipcover (made by a different lady)was too tight and didn't have enough piping, but this one is divine!! My good, old chair has had new life breathed into it, and I am a happy girl indeed!

Next up is my little fairy door. I get my love of miniature anything from my mother, and had spied the beautiful fairy doors at Red Shoes. I hemmed and hahed about ordering one, but as they are in the U.S., with the shipping and duty, I was cooling my heels until I could be sure I wouldn't feel the guilt about purchasing something that really is not necessity (gulp, like most of my purchases...). I was about to bite the bullet when I wandered into a local florist shop and spied these little beauties hanging on one of her Christmas trees!! They were only $8 each, and even though they are not as authentic as the original (pictured left), the price is right and I can embellish them a bit for the seasons!! I attached a strip of velcro to the back and stuck it to my exterior trim. Now all the fairies can come in...and be eaten by my cats!! I tell myself I did it for Sophie, but well, I kind of like it, too!! The white one will soon be stripped of its Christmas wreath and given a more everyday sort of one. I probably don't dare ask hubby to make me some trim for it so it looks real (heh, heh, heh...), that would really put him over the deep end!! I really need to work on my "shop girl" skills. It's just that I'm so clumsy...and impatient!! Guess who sent me this GORGEOUS pillow?? The lovely Angela (from Cottage Magpie)! She is a kindred spirit and said she thought this pillow would be perfect for me...isn't that the NICEST gesture?? I hope the picture conveys the perfection of this pillow with its felted bird and the soft corduroy fabric...it is the perfect pillow for my sofa and I love it!! Thanks Angela for being so generous of spirit...!

Well, show and tell is over, but I might have to do it again soon after an upcoming shopping trip!!

What's new in your world...?

Snow Porch...

Everyone knows how much I love having a porch. Sure I love swinging on my porch swing, being sheltered while I unlock my door, but if I am to be perfectly honest...I really love it because it is one more place to decorate!! Because I am an avid seasonal decorator, having a nice long porch to add to and beautify is so much fun! I always marvel when I see other homes with front porches that are unadorned...bare...boring!! Why not use this prime real estate to show off who you are and what your style is? A bare porch looks, well, naked...and some things (and, gulp, I can think of a few) just don't look good naked!!
So, after bringing in my handmade Father Christmas and some of the other more blatant Christmas items, I reworked a few things, added a couple of my recent purchases and voila: my new wintry "snow porch"! I left up the icicles and snowflakes, the red lanterns from Homesense, and propped up my new sign that proclaims our home to be the spot for sleigh rides...Tonight...and apparently every night of the winter. Quite laughable really, because with our puny backyard, you couldn't even get a crazy carpet to go more than five feet!! Aah well, it's all about using one's imagination, isn't it? Oh, and the sign also promises hot cocoa...that I can deliver!! Pretty much every time one of my critters pokes a toe outside, they deem it worthy of a cup of hot chocolate!!
I made these snowball stacks myself (pretty impressive, huh?). I had made one a few years back, but the wind took it I think, so these are my latest attempts. I used styrofoam balls and then added that fake snow that comes in a bag and shook it on after spraying the balls with adhesive. I think my fingers are still stuck together, but they're pretty, so it's worth it!!


Here is my bench that is in dire need of a paint job, but will have to wait till Spring. I took an old tartan throw and draped it over the back, threaded lights through a grapevine ball, and placed a cedar swag (very dead by now) over the back. It's the perfect spot for you to wait for the horse-drawn sleigh that's coming tonight...and the next..and so on...
What is your porch doing right now? Is it naked...or all dolled up??!!
As the sign on the door says, Let It Snow...for now!!

Wintry Wonderland...

Well, it's over, and like many endings, the passing of the holidays can be tinged with a touch of sadness... BUT, if your sadness comes from the starkness of your home after stripping it of its holiday splendour, cheer up. Your home doesn't have to look naked, just because we are in-between holidays! Winter need not be as cold on the inside as it is outdoors! In fact, winter brings with it its own bag of decorating goodness.

Indeed, many of us enjoy the simplicity of our homes after we take down our decorations. Our homes feel clean again, but then, slowly...things begin to feel void of fun, interest, and sparkle. A sort of January blues for the home, if you will. While I can't help you with the real winter doldrums, I can offer some ideas to perk up your home. Of course, if you prefer the au naturel look, read no further!
(top photo:: Wendy Addison Designs)

The natural way to decorate your home after the holidays is to bring the snow indoors! Stores are filled with gorgeous snowy decor: snowflakes, icicles, white feather trees, sparkly clear garlands, snowball ornaments...Don't feel you have to pack all this up, too, when you take down all your Christmas adornments! My chandelier in my dining area remains embellished with my icicle garland, snowballs and miniature chandelier. My front window now has a large mesh snowflake hanging subtly in it. I kept the little tree in my bathroom up, as it is unadorned, but gives me that twinkly look I was missing after my (many) trees came down (in fact, adding candles to some glass candlesticks brings some sparkle, too!). In the kitchen, the little frames that say Let It Snow remain on my open shelving and other wintry touches abound. (candle photo: Better homes andGardens.com)

An economical way to add some coziness and colour is of course plump pillows, soft throws, and textured lampshades. They are easy changes to make with the seasons and dress up the home nicely. Something I have done before is to go to a thrift store and purchase cream knit sweaters to place over the backs of my dining chairs as a slipcover of sorts. It adds to the wintry theme and certainly makes them more comfortable to lean up against. Now is also the time to gather up all your good reading material and place them in baskets near your favourite arm chairs and bedsides. What better time than winter to nestle in and read a good book or two?

I am probably in the minority, but I actually like winter! Of course I despise the truly frigid days and the icy sidewalks as much as the next person, but I also love coming inside from the cold, lighting my fireplace, putting on my "flannels" and watching the wind and snow swirl outside...knowing that we are warm and "tucked in" from the elements. In fact, winter is probably when I love my home the most. My house stays cleaner in the winter: no dusty little footprints marking up the carpet on my stairs, my cat's paws stay cleaner, and less dust blowing in from the new construction nearby! Yes, there are snowy boots, wet coats, and mittens...but I am fortunate enough to be able to contain them to my mudroom.

(hot water bottle: www.decorativecountryliving.com)

Decoratively speaking, winter is the time when projects around our house get tackled. For example, I am hoping to coax hubby into finally install the wainscotting in our home. I am so anxious to see it up and now is the perfect time to do it. Of course, he will likely disagree, but I've got to nab him before the many landscaping projects beckon him. Also, our daughter needs some organizational pieces designed for her room. Little girls come with so many accessories, that her room is starting to burst at the seams!! So, for me, winter is a time to nest...and enjoy my nest. You're in anyway, you might as well spend some of that time decorating!!

photos below: Pottery Barn.com and BetterHomes and Gardens

I've been avoiding you...

Yikes, I've said it, and it sounds very rude!! But (sigh) it's true. I hit a wall, so to speak, and literally felt my mind dry up with regards to entertaining fodder for my blog. Since I hate to bore people (although I'm pretty good at it at times...), I simply avoided writing anything!! I am sick of writing about Christmas, and I'm sure if you see any more holiday pics of my home you will definitely run for the hills. Also, I have been very busy with my family and too tired to stay up late and write (which is when I normally blog). I thoroughly enjoyed just spending time with my "party of five" and was actually very sad to see them all return to school and work, and with all the running around we did over the holidays, I feel like we didn't have enough time! I did manage to get the tree down and the decorations away; however, I can't bear to turn off and put away my Christmas lights outside. I just love the sparkle and I will do it on my terms!

Monday will mark my first week without the kids and husband to distract me, and I have to resume my normal activities and duties and work schedule (which, of course, varies from week to week!). I look forward to the normalcy, and promise to get re-inspired with regards to my blog as well. As one friend put it: it has become a way to chronicle my goings-on and thus jog my dreadful memory and remind me of just how my life and business is unfolding. So, read what appeals to you, ignore the family pics I pop in for my own enjoyment and, if you get bored, click on one of the great links I have to the right. I truly love to write, but sometimes I wonder why I feel compelled to do so. I hope I can continue to provide you with the occasional laugh and decorating inspiration (although most of you certainly don't need it) and I look forward to gleaning some great inspiration from all the wonderful blogs out there. Some I read for their creativity, some for the good laughs they give me, and others ...just because I like the personality behind the words and pictures!

Sooo, that said, I'll be back on Monday. I'm sure you are waiting with bated breath!!!

FAVOURITE BLOG POSTS

A Pretty, Little Playhouse...
Keeping cool by the pool...
Style Me Pretty...
The look of love...
My Top Ten Projects of 2007
Cleaning Up Nicely...
A Kitchen Revisited...
Our Exodus From the Rain...
Tying one on...an apron, that is!
Treating Windows Right...
Blowing in the Breeze...
Dining in with Style...
To Theme or not to Theme...
Don't judge a house by its owner...
Picnickin'
Yellow houses...
She's Got Legs...
Choosing Colour Wisely...
Lemonade Stands
Slipcoverin' it all up
Take it outside...
For the love of Cupcakes
Great Mudrooms