Surprised myself....an unusual movie choice

I had my permanent filling for the crappy tooth that was causing me so much pain, put in after work tonight!  It left me pretty frozen for most of the evening, so I wasn't really feeling up to finishing anything on my plate.  In fact, I sat on the couch and didn't do much else.  But there wasn't much on tv, so I checked out what was new movie wise.....  The only one I was semi-interested in seeing was Julie & Julia....and even that was a stretch.

But I threw it on, and decided that if I hated it, I could always turn it off.... it just didn't strike me as something that would interest me.  Not sure why really.   Well boy was I ever wrong!

Great movie!!  It inspired me to start cooking.... at least a little bit... maybe......  we'll see...

But anyways, if you haven't seen it yet, do so immediately.  Although I am probably the only one who hadn't so I might be preaching to the choir.

That's all for tonight, hope you were more productive than I.

Tomorrow night, a progress report on the ottoman that I just about finished last week, but then there was an issue.... so I quit in frustration.. more on that tomorrow.

Have a good night!

Two Historic Hotels: A Chandelier Story

I hadn't been in either of these hotels for years, so it was nice to visit them this weekend and get some shots of the grand old interiors.

Most of it (the carpets) were a little gaudy and not to my taste, but the light fixtures were crazy beautiful.

Take a peek:

This HUGE beauty was the first thing we saw in the lobby. With gorgeous ladies holding torches of light!

These iron beauties were everywhere!!  I need something (smaller) like this for my dining room, I think!

These bucks were the perfect foil to the gorgeous feminine iron chandeliers!

This trio of flying people led the way to the dining room.

Love this antler one!  Very rustic considering the room you are about to enter features this:

I can't very well follow this with anything more dramatic... so I guess that ends this post.  While they aren't necessarily items I'd chose for my own home, it was neat to get some interesting photos!

Weekend Re-cap... Our Mountain Getaway!

Afternoon!  We got back from the mountains a few hours ago and now that I am done unpacking and cleaning up, I thought I would share some pics from the weekend.  We hit the mountains for a little "us" time.  There were no plans, or real activities, but it was the two of us together, taking in the sites. 

First up, we stayed at a new little condo resort just outside Canmore in Dead Man's Flats.  They were so cute!

Sorry for the crummy photos.  I knew Cory had taken them, so I didn't bother taking my own, which I see now, was a mistake.  He didn't take any detail shots, nor did he get the pretty washroom, or the little desk nook or anything like that... oh well I know for next time!

First day, we hit up Lake Louise and checked out the Chateau Lake Louise.  I hadn't been there since I was a kid, so it was nice to be all touristy and tour the hotel and grounds.

I took plenty more interior shoots but I will save them for tomorrow's post, since they seem to share a common theme!

It was a really pretty day out, and everyone was enjoying walking/skating/cross country skiing across the frozen lake. 

Since this post is already pretty photo-laden, I'll spare you every single detail, and just say we had a nice time.

Check in tomorrow for some great interior shots of the Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs.  They both had some great chandeliers!!

Weekend in the Mountains

Cory and I are heading off today for a nice little long weekend getaway in the mountains.  Once of the best things about where we live is that the mountains are only a few hours drive away.

We'll be staying here  in our own one bedroom condo.  I am beyond excited to get away and just spend the weekend alone with Cory.

Here are some pics off the website of where we'll be staying.  It has the perfect combo of modern luxury and cabin comfort.

Hope you all have as lovely a weekend as I plan on!

Perfect Porch Perch

I've been searching for something to add to our front porch.  I was 90% sure I wanted it to be a seat of some sort. 5% of me wanted a plant stand of some kind, the other 5% wanted something welcoming and ironic like a sculpture or some other sort of decorative element.

I am pretty sure a seat is winning out.  Partially cause I appreciate the coziness and practicality of it.  Also because I can turn a chair into a plant stand if I wish, and I can perch a vintage Welcome sign on it, or place a brass rooster next to it if I wish.... either way, it's a win!

Of the 90% of me that wanted a seat, 97% was sure it needed to be wicker or bamboo or something else "natural".  3% hoped for something wrought iron looking.

I've been browsing for a while now both vintage and new stores.  Yeah, yeah, I know that most places are just starting to get their seasonal stuff out, so I'm holding out.  Especially since HomeSense can have some pretty gorgeous, one-off things that I am sure I will love...

Anyhow, for the time being, these options are keeping me interested:

OR

OR

 

As of right now, I am leaning towards the wicker.  Because of scale, I am thinking the chair is the best option....

Thoughts?

Dental Woes.. an update

My root canal was scheduled for tomorrow at 9am.  Today, I had to leave work in so much pain that I called the dentist and told them that they needed to get me in right away or I would have to check myself into the hospital just to get some drugs!!!

Needless to say, 10 minutes later, I was there, and they decided to start part 1 (the opening up of the tooth) to relieve some pressure and of course the pain!  I came home and slept from 2 to 7pm, which was amazing!! 

I've got the rest of my root canal tomorrow morning, so wish me well.  If things go as planned, I'll even be able to sneak in a Spring mantel update, and some work on the ottoman re-cover!

Dining Room Delight!

Two years ago, when we first moved into the townhouse, I had a strange idea to add some artwork in our dining room.  I knew someone out there needed to carry what I was looking for, but I had yet to see it, and figured that if anyone did, it would be absurdly expensive.  I eventually found a cute, small version that was less than $20.

About a month ago, I heard from my boss' wife that she had found them a while back, but she mentioned they were HUGE in scale and insanely expensive, so I kinda forgot about it.... her decorating budget for the several million dollar home they just built, far exceeded mine...

Anyhow, a little browsing this week, brought up this:

OH MY GOD!!  I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!

These large fork and spoon pieces are exactly what I wanted!  (except hung right side up...)

How perfect that they are ON SALE! 

Even better that I decided last week that I hate the artwork currently hanging in the dining room.

I will be popping in this weekend when I check for ottoman cushions to see if they live up to my expectations!

Pier 1 , I LOVE YOU!!

Painterly Progress... an update on the Bamboo Ottomans

Who knew it would take so many cans of primer to get a nice, even coverage on my ottomans?

I have to go and buy a third can this weekend, so I can actually finish them this weekend!

In between intense tooth pain, migraines, working, some crazy family stuff and heading off to the cabin last weekend, I've been working on the ottomans.  The first one got it's 2nd coat of glossy white paint tonight.  I will have to check it in natural light tomorrow evening to see how it's turning out.

**No sneak peeks, as I don't want to ruin the big reveal**

The 2nd ottoman, had a small repair on the cane and a broken bamboo rung on the seat.  They were both easily fixed courtesy of my glue gun.  The 2nd coat of primer went on tonight, but unfortunately the cold weather returned today, so I want to make sure it's drying completely.

I've started browsing for some cushions online, but I haven't yet found any winners.  I like the shape of these ones from Pier 1 but I am not loving any of the colors or patterns I've seen yet.

I am thinking I want to keep them in the blue shades that we have everywhere else in the house.  They have plenty of blue fabric selections, like these, but I will certainly have to run down there and take a peek:

(This one's a bit too eclectic for me)

(This reversible option, might be too traditional)

If anyone sees something a little more contemporary, but the right shape, let me know!

Anticipating Alfresco Dining

I don't know about you, but we've been having some great weather lately (with the exception of today, and the random snow...).  I can't wait for sunny evenings, so that we can have dinner out on the deck.

One of the only things we bought for the new house last year was a patio set, but if we hadn't purchased one, I'd seriously consider snagging this picnic table from Coscto:

Cory pointed this beauty out when we strolled past the meat aisle.

(excuse the stuff piled on top and around it... it was the end of the night and the aisle were a mess)

Incidently enough, last week my boss asked me to source out some picnic tables for our new office's rooftop "green" roof.  I think 4 of these out there, would be perfect for lunch or even occassional happy hour.  I immediately grabbed my cell and snagged a picture for him. 

At less than $400 each, they're the perfect fit to our contremporary building, and will be great to lounge on for lunchtime barbecues and Friday happy hours!

Painkillers and a word of advice!

I took a little break and headed to a friend's cabin for the weekend.  All was well and good until this morning when my tooth pain came back and I was all but in tears on the drive back home.  Promptly after getting back into town, I got my butt to the closest dentist and had myself checked out.

Unfortunately, after putting off a crown on my cracked tooth for so long, the hole in my tooth has become a huge cavity that ow extends all the way down to the root!  So, despite my best efforts, I now need a root canal... sigh.  It's scheduled for the 23rd.  Until then, I am on antibiotics and painkillers.

The only problem, the painkillers give me about 1 hour of relief before I want to rip the darn thing out again.  Sigh!

Word of Advice:  DO NOT DELAY ON DENTAL WORK.  YES, IT'S EXPENSIVE, YES IT'S A BURDEN.  BUT WHEN THE PAIN AND THE EXTRA DENTAL WORK DOWN THE LINE, IS NOT WORTH IT!!!!

I doubt I will get much done around here for the next little while, but I just wanted to let you know I will be back as soon as I can to finish up a bunch of projects I have on the go, and share the reveals!

Hope your March is as lovely as ours!

Tulips & Bird's Nests... oh my!

This gorgeous flower arrangement nearly knocked me on my ass when I saw it!!!  HELLO GORGEOUS!!

It's no secret I love tulips, or bird-related items for that matter....

As soon as we get the landscaping done this year, I am making sure to load the flower beds up with tulips, so that I can source out a ginormous nest like this for next year.

For now, I will just sit here and swoon!

Thank you people over at Martha Stewart Living for making me so happy!

Fantastic Finds in Unexpected Places

This past weekend, while out searching for some new jeans, I hit up Superstore of all places.  Yes, the grocery store.  What can I say? I'm in-between sizes right now and refuse to spend a ton on jeans that (hopefully) won't fit in a few months! Plus their Joe-brand stuff is pretty cheap!

Well, not only did I get 2 pairs of cute jeans at $20 each, I also scored these beauties for my master bath:

They are GORGEOUS.

They are great quality.

They were 2 / $20!!!!!  FULL-SIZED BATHSHEETS!!!

I'm not a big buyer of towels or linens for that matter.  Infact, I usually only buy them when I've received a gift card, and since they're gifts, I usually spend a bit more and treat myself.

I can't wait to start using them.

Finally Found it!

Since I was heading out on Sunday to get more paint and primer for the bamboo stools, I figured I would do a little "browsing".  I had no intentions of buying anything, but it turned out to be a good day for looking.

I ended up finding the right sized foam to be able to finish the ottoman.  YAY!!  Now, I just have to sew the fabric for the base and staple it all together. 

Looks like I was not the only one who was happy with my find:

He unrolled it at the top of the stairs and took a nap!

Guess that means I will be working all week on finishing up this baby:

Reveal coming soon!

random heres and theres

It's another beautiful day outside and I feel that it would really be a waste to not get outside a little bit, even if that's just some driving around.  I had plans to hit the gym, but I'm not feeling so good, so I'll start fresh tomorrow!

Here's what I've been up to:

These beautiful carnations are sitting on my dining table right now.  (excuse the wrinkled tablecloth, the cat jumped up and the whole thing shifted as  I was taking the photo!) I always feel bad cutting down long stems, but I LOVE the way their ruffled heads fill out the top of the vase!

Painting has been taking shape.  The lamp got another coat today, but I am thinking since it's quite detailed, I may have to resort to using a brush afterall, it's just not turning out quite right...

The bamboo stool got another coat of primer, until I ran out.  It is sure drinking the stuff up.  Off to buy some more cans!

This stool is still sitting in it's original state.  It needs some repairs:

The cane has come unravelled in this corner.

There's also a bamboo area that has broken and needs some gluing before I start!

I am also hoping that Cory can help me eleviate the above problem.  I am soooo sick of having one teeny tiny towel bar for both of us to store our bath towels on.  We use big bath sheets that are far too big on the rod, so they overlap and never fully dry.  YUCK!!

I hope these babies can help us out instead.

Anyhow, I am off to do some shopping.  Hope your weekend was lovely!

Spring Wreath Reveal

It's a gorgeous spring-like day here today, so I figured it would be the prefect to reveal the new wreath!

As I stated in my last post, I fell for 2 great wreaths, but it was the one at Living with Lindsay that I thought best exemplified spring.  Plus I really have a thing for birds, eggs and nests, so it was perfect.

My eggs didn't turn out quite as I hoped they would, with that perfedct mottled quail's egg texture, but I love how the base colors turned out, so I am alright with that.  Plus, we get few visitors, so it's more for Cory and I than anyone else!

Anyhow, here's a brief description of how I made the wreath, and a cost breakdown:

Supplies

~ grapevine wreath form  $3.99 (Michaels)

~ 2 packages of large plastic eggs; 1 package small plastic eggs ( I tried to choose the most muted colors) $1.00 (Dollarama)

~ white spray primer (Walmart)

~ white spray paint (Walmart; already had)

~ Antique white acrylic paint (Dollarama

~ Greyish Blue acrylic paint ( I used a color called Blue Wisp mixed with Light Colonial Blue; different brands (Dollarama; already had)

~ 2 foam paint brushes

~ cheap skinny dollar store paint brushes (for mottling)

~ floral wire

~ scissors/wire snips

How To:

1. My eggs were attached, so I opedned them, lay them flat and gave them all 2 coats of white primer, especially for the more brightly colored eggs

2. Once dry them came inside and I coated half with Antique White acrylic, the other half with my Blue Wisp/Light Colonial Blue  mixture for a perfect bluey-grey color..  Each egg got 2 coats, to ensure proper coverage

3. Then it was time for the mottling.  I used a cheapie brush to paint splatter the blue eggs with Antique white and a light brown I had (Country Maple).  The Antique white eggs got brown and grey splatter.  Overall, I am not too happy with my splatter effect, but what can you do?  Maybe you'll have better luck.

4. After the eggs were dry, it was time to hang them.  Some of my eggs had holes at each end, some didn't.  It was easy enough to poke holes on each end.  I used a seam ripper cause that's what I had available.

5.  Then I cut stips of floral wire and poked them thru each hole, from the inside.  In hindsight, I wish I had another color wire than green, as I hate being able to see it against the brown wreath.  But I used what I had.

6.  Once your wire is pulled thru, just close your egg up.  Then you can simply wrap the wire around the branches wherever you want your eggs.  It's easiest to use the big eggs first, and then add in some little eggs.

** I hang my wreath on it's hanger, so that I can see how it looks when I step away.  This helps to determine where I have blank spaces, etc.

7. If you wanted to, you could add some feathers tucked in among the branches for a real, "NEST"  feel.  I had thought to do so, but didn't buy the feathers afterall, whoops! 

Since I was using a metal wreath hanger, there was no need for a ribbon, but you could add it as a hanger if you chose to do so.

I actually went with a lot less eggs than I intended.  I didn't want it to look TOO MUCH!  I'm pretty happy with it, I must say.  It's just the right touch for these gorgeous days.

Unfortunately, the scene surrounding my front porch, looks like this right now:

I am currently on the search for something to sit to the left of the door. 

Little bench?  Plant stand? 

Any ideas?