Wishing everyone a prosperous and happy new year!
I am looking forward to the year ahead and to see what is in store for our life. The new year always seems to bring about renewed energy and a hope for better things in store.
XO Barbara
Merry Christmas!
Wishing all my fabulous readers and friends a wonderful, warm and merry Christmas.
Thank-you so much for sticking with me through thick and thin!
I heart you all.
I will be offline for the next week enjoying peace and quiet at home with my family. I am excited about the new year with an interview with one amazingly talented Canadian design superstar to kick things off!
Sending you all hugs.
XO Barbara
Christmas Around The House
With a full and eventful fall, I kept my holiday decor simple. I purchased nothing, simply re-using what I had in different ways.
We have also had a hard time getting excited for Christmas, with all the life changes at our house. My husband is still not working (but with his severance) gives him time to re-evaluate life. My teaching assignment has been extended until spring break so I continue to teach second grade full time, hence the lack of DIYs and blog posts. That has been such a huge adjustment, working full time after 18 years.
Mentally I am drained, so Christmas for us is not about the "stuff" but more about downtime, family time and just cherishing every moment. With the recent tragic events in the US, my only desire is to hug my family tight. My heart goes out to those families whose lives have forever been changed. Being a teacher, I can't imagine what went through the minds of the teachers that were there that day. I would of done the same for my class too. My prayer is for those families and community to find peace and healing.
Mentally I am drained, so Christmas for us is not about the "stuff" but more about downtime, family time and just cherishing every moment. With the recent tragic events in the US, my only desire is to hug my family tight. My heart goes out to those families whose lives have forever been changed. Being a teacher, I can't imagine what went through the minds of the teachers that were there that day. I would of done the same for my class too. My prayer is for those families and community to find peace and healing.
******
My home is finally decorated. Simple and sweet.
I have been waiting for a sunny day to take photos, which has not happened, so my pictures are at a minimum. Using my 50 mm lense without a tripod that works {ehem....Santa} only a few photos turned out.
On a side note: getting great shots in really bad lighting conditions, getting bokeh or nice close-ups, a 50 mm lens is the way to go!
Enjoy!
Pillow I made last year.
There was a glass ball wreath but it met it's fate mid-week.
Only one more week until the big day!
I can't wait until this week is up and Christmas vacation begins! Two whole weeks off!
I have to finish up my baking, my baby comes home from college and I need to finish my shopping.
Can't wait for some R&R.
XO Barbara
I can't wait until this week is up and Christmas vacation begins! Two whole weeks off!
I have to finish up my baking, my baby comes home from college and I need to finish my shopping.
Can't wait for some R&R.
XO Barbara
*Linking up at Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes
Green with Envy
While this is not earth shattering news for most of you since the colour of the year by Pantone has been circulating around social media outlets, but for me it is! The last two years' colours have not really tickled my fancy.
Tangerine, meh....Turquoise...meh...
But this year's colour - Emerald- I like it.
Deep down I am a red girl, so when that becomes the colour of the year, no one will be tooting red's horn loader than me. But lately I have been thinking of injecting a bit of green into our home. This new trend came along at just the right time. A great way to give me the "kick-in-the-pants" to step out of the whole black, white and red colour scheme. To try something new.
I think green complements red quite nicely. I am itching to paint something green, but with our chilly temperatures, I suspect I might have to wait until early spring to whip out that roller and paint brush. Plans are brewing that may or may not involve an Ikea Rast hack!
Tangerine, meh....Turquoise...meh...
But this year's colour - Emerald- I like it.
Deep down I am a red girl, so when that becomes the colour of the year, no one will be tooting red's horn loader than me. But lately I have been thinking of injecting a bit of green into our home. This new trend came along at just the right time. A great way to give me the "kick-in-the-pants" to step out of the whole black, white and red colour scheme. To try something new.
I think green complements red quite nicely. I am itching to paint something green, but with our chilly temperatures, I suspect I might have to wait until early spring to whip out that roller and paint brush. Plans are brewing that may or may not involve an Ikea Rast hack!
This is the colour that I heart by Benjamin Moore:
How about you? What are your thoughts on Pantone's colour of the year? Yay? Or nay?
XO Barbara
Novica Giveaway Winners
Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!
I have drawn two winners, each receiving a $50 gift card code to spend at Novica. Just in time for Christmas!
Congratulations to.....
XO Barbara
So Canadian eh? How 2 Home
This week we have the DIY dynamic duo of How 2 Home!
Please welcome...
They are ....
Sarah and Franky pen the blog, How 2 Home, a DIY go-to source for those looking for some fabulous DIY tutorials and design inspiration. Their blog is a unique one, as it is written by both Sarah and Franky, you get to see the world through each of their eyes, whether is be a walk through their favourite shop, a night on the town, a recipe, DIY project or simply a round-up of their favourite reads of the week. There is never a dull moment around their home!
Here is a round up of some of my favourite posts:
Tell us a bit about your background? Your
education? Has design always been in your blood?
Franky: I am in the real estate profession.
My work deals with the appraisal of real estate. I used to do contracting so I know the
construction side of property as well.
Sarah: I am currently working with
Ephra Event Design as a Junior Event planner/designer. I graduated from the
Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) program at Seneca College and fell in love with
the idea and creativity behind designing store windows. After graduating from VMA,
I was accepted into Seneca's Event Management and Exhibitions Design program.
When I started the events program that’s
when I realized this is 'it'. I found what I love to do. Planning, managing and
designing a space (wedding or corporate event) to make someone's day extra
special! Heck Ya!
What made you decide to start a blog?
Our blog began as a simple "How-to" site.
With the work we are involved in, we often find ourselves asking the Golden
Question, How do I do this?
Whether it be event styling,
construction, décor, or decking, there are always unique situations that call
for creative problem solving. We wanted to start a record of tutorials for our
‘little’ everyday challenges that people can find useful or inspirational.
You both contribute to your blog, who decides what
each will write? Do you each play a different role on the blog? At home?
Sarah: Ummm…We both like to come up with
ideas. Usually we bounce them off each other to see what the other thinks. Sometimes you just get that 'light-bulb'
moment out of nowhere. We both share an equal role writing on the blog. I write
some of the posts, Franky writes some and we usually sit down to discuss and
edit them together.
A) Franky = Boss at Work
B) Sarah = Boss at Home à Boss at Home = Franky’s Boss
What have you enjoyed about blogging?
Blogging keeps us grounded. A lot of
the work we deal with doesn’t keep to your usual 9-5 schedule. Having a blog is demanding. You have to
constantly update, but its a fun way to reflect on our day. People are so darn
creative in the blosphere and networking with them is really quite interesting.
How would you describe your design style?
Sarah: Vintage Mix with a modern
twist
Franky: I like what the
designer likes. (Good answer Franky!!!)
What is one thing you feel that one can do to
inject style into their home without breaking the bank?
To us, style is not always about the
bucks. It sure helps, but colors, arrangement, lighting, all very important and
definitely within the budget to work with.
Many décor pieces can be hand made.
That’s the best way to do it. The guys know what I’m talking about. My favorite phrase “I can make that”.
Where do you find inspiration for your projects and
your blog?
We get our inspirations
from anything really. Just last week when we were having Dim Sum, I (Sarah)
thought of a really cute DIY project with dollies. Totally random, I know J It could be on the drive to work with Franky, or during the walk with our dog Sammie.
We see, We like, We make
Some of the blogs that have played a
big role in inspiring the direction of our blog: Young House Love, Rambling
Renovator, hodge:podge (gosh - thanks!), Recreated Blog, Aubrey and Lindsey's blog
What is one design faux pas that you wish could be
banished?
Franky: I’m not a fan of chevron. (aak - I am covering my ears) Sarah,
however... loves chevron.
Sarah: Chevron is
awesome; I don’t know what Franky is talking about! (yes....)
What do you like to do in your free time?
Franky: Free time? What’s that?
Sarah: On our free time, we like to drive
around Toronto and other areas just to check out real estate. Most of our spare
moments are spent hanging out with our pup Sammie. She is very, very energetic
and requires LONG walks. And if we can find a weekend that isn't totally booked
up, antique shopping for wedding props is my Fave!
Franky: See…. What free time?
Tell us one thing that would surprise us!
Franky: Nothing’s better than a good Romantic
Comedy.
Sarah: I LOVE Oreos with peanut butter J
What goals or aspirations do you have for your blog?
There's a lot we want to do with the
blog. We have some new design and layout plans in the works and we can’t wait
to share with everyone!
And update more, more and more!
Ideally, we want to keep updating the site with new material to keep the blog fresh
all the time.
Like we said before, we started the
blog as a how-to resource. Hopefully one
day we can accumulate enough material to be the go-to spot for finding budget
friendly home renovations/décor.
If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what
would it be?
Sarah: ELLEN DEGENERES.
She is too awesome and I'm such a big fan. I love her personality and
energy. If and when I do get a chance to
meet her I'll definitely be one of those crazy screaming happy fan! I love
her!!
Franky: I would want to meet the genie from
Aladdin, so I could ask him for 3 wishes. J
What are your views on the role of Canadian design
on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style,
the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us
apart?
Canadians have amazing style. I think we’re definitely starting to get a
little more recognition. We have beautiful homes set on even more beautiful
landscape. Our design is like us, of course. You know, the welcoming, friendly, cozy feel J.
I am so flattered that my blog was one of a few inspirational blogs that got you going even though lately it is a bit quiet on the DIY front.
And Sarah, we need to work on Franky regarding chevron....
Good luck with the endeavour and happy DIYing.
XO Barbara
Giveaway: Two $50 Novica Gift Certificates!
Just in time for Christmas,
I am giving away two $50 Gift Certificates to Novica to two lucky readers!
Novica is where you can buy a unique handmade gift made my artisans from around the world, right at your fingertips!
Last year I bought a gorgeous handcrafted owl, that we LOVE!
Now Novica features Gift Finder, a fabulous way to sort through hundreds of gift items.
A quick and easy way to shop.
Want a gift under $50?
Or how about under $100?
If you could use a little help with your Christmas shopping, Novica could be your answer.
Novica has kindly provided me with TWO $50 Gift Codes for TWO lucky readers!
How to enter:
1. You must be a follower. Just hit "follow" on Google Friend Connect.
2. Go to Novica, using their Gift Finder, let me know what you would buy for $50!
And leave me a comment.
Easy peasy!
This giveaway is open until noon PST, Wednesday, December, 12, 2012!
Good luck!
XO Barbara
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