Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Bits of here and theres.....

It appears Spring has finally decided to make an appearance!  In addition to the gorgeous sunshine we had yesterday and today, we got some nice rain tonight.  It'll be so nice to wash away all the dust and snow mold, and maybe get rid of the last bits of snow lingering.

One of my favorite things about Springtime are these babies:

For some reason, I only grabbed 1 bunch and totally regretted it when I got home. 

Thankfully, I smartened up and mom and I jam-packed three bunches into a bright turquoise vase and took them to my SIL in the hospital yesterday.  They ended up being her only flowers so far, and were the perfect touch to cozy up her hospital room.  Especially since I just found out, they weren't released today since poor little Phoenix has a bout of jaundice.

Sending warm wishes to their little family, holding up court in the hospital!

As for me, I renewed my library card this weekend and started loading up my queue!
I have a ton of books to get read before I see the movies (Water for Elephants and Something Borrowed  to name a few).  Until they arrive, I have these two that I am looking forward to:
I'll do a little review when I get them finished!

I'll have a few home decor items coming soon as I had a fantastic light bulb moment yesterday!
  Stay tuned!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Happy Easter (and a Birthday!)

My apologies for no Easter posts. However, as we didn't do Easter this year, and already celebrated Cory's sister's birthday on Thursday, there were no fancy tables to photograph or decorations about.

Besides, even if there had, I was too busy taking photos of my new nephew! Yup, we got the call Saturday evening and spent a good portion of the weekend at the hospital. It's safe to say that I'm pretty smitten with him.

Presenting Phoenix Cole. Weighing 7 lbs 11 oz.
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Saturday, April 23, 2011

FLOR Possibilities!

A couple weeks ago, I decided it was time to finally get rid of the rug we had in our living room.  While I loved the idea of it and how it looked in the room.  The poor cream shag was filthy.  Really gross.  Finley had used it as "grass" when she was still a potty training puppy and despite us cleaning it, I still couldn't get it out of my head.  Plus, since it was the only carpeted spot on the main floor, it's where she took to sleeping and also bringing her toys and treats to chew on.  So, yeah the outter perimeter (that wasn't under the coffee table) was looking pretty skanky. So, it was time to bite the bullet and get rid of it.

(here's what it looks like now without the rug)
Once I just about gave myself a heart attack, getting that thing out of the room, I really liked the exposed dark wood floors again.  Plus, it would be so much easier to clean the floors!  Cory however, was not on the same page.  He wanted a new rug, but man those things are so expensive.. plus I am pretty picky about what I like.

So, I've set about keeping my eye out for something to replace the old one, that doesn't cost a fortune.  Especially since we'll most likely have to replace it in a few years with three animals...

I did have a great idea the other night about using Flor Tiles (my idea way back before we moved into the house) to create the perfect rug that we can just add new tiles to in the event the thing gets stained.

So I set about to see what new styles they had since it had been a while since I perused the site or a catalogue.  Here are some ideas I liked for our space:

The bisque / moon faux bois carpet has always been a favorite of mine!!  I love the faux-bois look.  It's both campy and natural. In this color pallette, it'll be a neutral, but still adds some fun pattern and texture to the space!

They have it in other color ways, such as this bisque/raincloud style, which would pull in some of the blue accents we already have in the space.
The Moon Velvet twist carpet looks gorgeous here, but I think it might be a little too plain for me.

Graphite Posh Croc Carpet looks stunning.  Love the croc pattern, but not sure about the graphite color with our already dark floors.  Plus, eventually, we will be getting new sofas in here, and I think that it might be too much grey.


In this chocolate color, it might be too matchy, but maybe perfect for the basement?


My current fave, the Damaskus in silver.  I love how it's neutral, but not, with the metallic.  I love the tone on tone pattern to keep it from being too boring.  The damask is so pretty and fresh.  Plus, it would work well with current sofas and anything we like in the future.


Let me know what you think.  Or if there's another option you think would work better!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Bouclair Home

On a recent trip to the Northside this week, I couldn't help but notice the surge of billboards for a new furniture and decor place.
The advertisement depicts a picture of a vase + 2 throw pillows + a lamp = $ 79!!

To say I was intrigued was an understatement.  But I was a bit skeptical about the price, so I decided to look into it a bit online to see what I could find out.  Turns out Bouclair Home is new to us in theWest, but has been around for a while out East. 

After looking at the site, I was pretty sure that I had even seen some of the stuff mentioned in Style at Home!  The prices are totally reasonable and there are a few things that caught my eye:

This pintucked duvet set reminds me of a certain other set, that is at least twice the price...
The Midori bedding is the one I believe was mentioned in a recent magazine!


This felt looking throw cushion is the perfect tone on tone pattern.  I love the dark grey.


I can never get enough dark woven baskets, especially ones with attractive liners!


I think these would coordinate nicely with the blue and cream planters I already have.  Starting at $7.99, they are easy on the wallet too!


Available in other colors, this faux-leather ottoman is an interesting space, appears to have storage and is totally fun.  Maybe a brown or blue for our front entrance to replace the one that got ripped?

A pretty framed mirror for under $50!


This silver owl guy is too cute and only $10.99.


A great little pub-style patio set.  So simple, so chic!


And of course, to appease my love of white ceramic animals, this little penguin is a steal at $6.99!

I'll be popping by the store tomorrow to see what it's all about, gauge the quality of the products for myself and maybe do some shopping!  I'll let you know how I make out and what I find.

Happy Good Friday!

Beautiful Blooms

I'm off work today, which is such a treat, but unfortunately, Cory did not have the same luxury and works all weekend.  So I am using this gorgeous spring day to get some Spring Cleaning done.  Here's a little of my checklist so far:

~ Windex all mirrors, glass and windows on main floor (inside and out!)
~ wipe down all doors, baseboards and trim on main floor
~ clean main floor powder room
~ start dishes
~ wipe down kitchen counters and cupboard fronts
~ sweep and prep floor for washing

I still have a ton to do, but I will be spanning the cleaning over the entire weekend to give me something to do.  Since it's finally so nice outside, we will for sure we logging a nice long trip to the dog park in as well.

While, we're still waiting for my first nephew, "Baby T" as he's being called currently, to arrive, I figured I would share with you some photos of something that HAS bloomed.  This gorgeous arrangement I received yesterday from my bosses!

Yes, that is BLING on both the vase and the stems!!

Aren't they GORGEOUS??


I had to put them on the mantel, since the vase was so tall and narrow that I was sure the cats would end up knocking it over if I put it on the table or counter.


Here's a closer look at the stem jewlery which I think is such a cute addition!

What's blooming at your house?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Running Late...

Just a quick note to say that we're all anxiously awaiting this little Bean! He's running a little late, having been expected on Saturday... As the first baby in our family, I am beyond excited to be an auntie!

Dear Baby T,

I spoke to your mom and dad on the phone yesterday and they are issuing your eviction notice. They have however created a lovely little jungle themed space for you to nap/play/learn in instead. We think you would like it much better and I want to meet you and make you the best dressed little dude out there. Can't wait to meet you!

Love Auntie Cindy!
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Monday, April 18, 2011

A Very Slow Start to a Very Long Project

We have unofficially started the basement development! This project will take FOREVER! I am sure of it. Since Cory will be funding this project with cash, he will be "running the show" or at least that's what he thinks.

We'll be operating on his schedule so I know work will always get in the way, but I'm excited nonetheless.

The first thing to get done? The framing of the wall between the basement washroom and the laundry room. The builder never did it before we moved in and I noticed it on some blueprints so I had them out to fix it. It looks so much different down there now! This is just a quick photo taken on my phone, so I will share real shots when things get going down there.

What have YOU started on lately?
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Heavy Heart and Realization

This morning I realized I am a crap friend. I mean not really, but yes all at the same time.

I have three gfs who I haven't seen in what seems like ages, nor have I really spoken to them in almost as long. One is a single gal who lives downtown and travels a lot, so we see each other when we can.

The second is a gal who is married and the mother of two who moved out of the city... We do the best, considering...

The other is a gf I've known forever. We were besties for a while and then she started dating a guy I didn't care for. She also sort of adopted his sister in law as a new gal pal and I kind of dropped from the equation. It was no one's fault but neither of us really made the effort to spend much time together or contact the other.

The last I saw her, they were gonna try and have a baby. Then shortly after, I heard they were successful. I sent my well wishes and that was that... Until today!

I had to log onto my fb at work and noticed her odd status. At 5 months pregnant, they lost the baby. I'm not sure yet what happened, but I am devastated for her.

What sort of crap friend just drops off the face of the earth only to re-appear when it's needed? Mind you, I guess that does symblize a good friend...
Anyway, I decided today to re-connect with these three girls and anyone else I've fallen out of touch with.

This all made me realize that life is too short and precious not to spend it with those you love. While we all may be at different stages in our life, these girls all mean a ton to me.

So my goal for the week is to connect with these three and make a genuine effort to get caught up and active in one another's lives! Cause we all need a shoulder to lean on once in a while!
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Monday, April 11, 2011

A little something I like...

I've been a bad blogger, but for good reason: my mom's been in the hospital again, so I've been pretty consumed with driving her back and forth into the city and generally sitting in hospital rooms and the like.

She's doing a bit better now and while we still don't know what's wrong, so we're hoping for the best.

In better news, my first nephew is due on Saturday so I am anxiously awaiting his arrival.

This morning, we had someone over to examine and possibly frame out the half wall in the basement that was never done before we moved in. Upon further inspection it looks as though they may have to rip everything out of our laundry area and re-plumb the whole space. Though inconvenient, I am actually hoping this is the case. It will mean more space in the washroom next to it, and will eliminate a lot of the awkward plumbed lines that we weren't sure how to accomodate and work around... Fingers crossed.

Oh, and in addition to the new furniture we'll get for the basement when it's finally finished, our living room set will be replaced as well. It has been bumped up on the list due to it's awfulness.

So, I have started my search for a new set. Here's just one of the beauties that caught my eye (and my butt's comfort) this weekend!
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