Willow Wisp Cottage

I shall call it: Farmhouse meets Rustic meets Folk Art...?

2012-02-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

Whatever the style of this armoire is called, I love it. I have now banned myself from surfing Kijiji (for now =). Really, how much furniture can fit in this house without it busting at the seams?

But this one called out to me. I had to have it.

I have yet to style the top, and we have the other pull from the lower drawer.....just have to put it on.
It looked like a piece that someone painstakingly chalk painted and distressed to look old.

The best part? It actually was already like this. Not trying to look old and chippy....is old and chippy. Oh that's the best type of chippy out there!

It was bought at auction in New Orleans by a furniture refinisher here in Alberta. She brought it back up with her, using it for storage in her shop, but decided to sell it (lucky me!). Ironically, she's the local chalk paint dealer, so I had seen this piece before when at her shop, and admired it longingly (before it was for sale). She was told it was 80 years old, and while this paint finish isn't original, it was done many moons ago.

Love the funky colour, love how rustic it is. We had a young girl over when my hubby brought it into our basement. She looked at it like I was crazy to want this old, chipped up armoire. I explained to her, that when I was 13, I would have likely agreed with her, but my tastes have changed and I love 'cool old stuff'!

How about you? Have you always loved old and rustic with patina, or has your taste evolved over time (or do you not see the appeal of vintage even now?).

Linking up to my Favorite Parties!

Sweet Silhouettes

2012-02-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

I am so anxious to show you the nursery! It is my favorite nursery from the 3 that I've been lucky enough to decorate for my 3 girls. Very girly, very pretty.

However, I really want to wait until it's 100% complete before I do a full reveal, and since the last two projects are a bit time consuming, I'm not sure when this will be-could even be after babe is born. The nursery is basically ready for baby, though, with all her little clothes washed and put away, diapers bought and arranged in baskets, and pictures hung.

In the meantime, I thought I'd show you a silhouette project that I made for the room.

I bought these wooden 'frames' from Michael's for around $3 each. I then painted them Antique White with regular ole acrylic craft paint, and gave them a soft gold glaze.

I found the silhouette pictures at The Graphics Fairy site. I was originally looking for more of a baby theme, but I'm actually happier with the children theme as this way I won't have to replace them as soon. One of the last two nursery projects I refer to above is a decorative, narrow ledge for the top of the board and batten. It will really finish it off. Looking at this picture, I realize just how much it needs this =)

I placed a pewter coloured bow on the top (which you'll see I've used this ribbon throughout the room) and hung them between the battens.

Today we're doing some simple last minute Valentine's prep. Nothing at all elaborate this year, just a favorite homemade dinner and dessert and of course a few chocolate goodies =)

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

A nursery sneak peek (and a big belly)

2012-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks, we've been busy working on the nursery.

First, my husband installed board and batten, and the same colour scheme as my older daughters room. We still have the top trim to do, but for the most part, it's done.

Secondly, we put in the antique dresser set which I refinished for my youngest daughter. We are sorta doing a big room share. The nursery is technically shared with my 4.5 year old, but there isn't room for a bed and a crib. Since my 4 year old sleeps each night in her big sisters bed, this isn't a problem (although I was sad to move her beautiful antique iron bed downstairs to make room for the crib!).

My nursery inspiration is this gorgeous nursery created by Jennifer at Dear Lillie. Isn't it amazing?

What I love about it: The neutral colour scheme, the antique crib, the decor, well, everything =)

One big difference between my room and hers is that I will need to use my old crib, which is a brown Sears special. Certainly not what I would pick, but it was bought for me when my first daughter was born, and was a generous gift! I don't want to have to spend the money to replace it now, especially since this is our last baby. I hope to dress it up (or hide it?) with bedding and accessories. I thought about painting it, but in the end decided I could resell it better as is, so I'll work around it.

I also didn't want to spend a lot on this room, but use mostly what we already have, and include some projects to make it special.

Here are a few sneak peaks so far:

Antique furniture that was stripped (it had leaded paint), and repainted in a creamy white. I lightly distressed it and applied a very light glaze. We still have the mirror, stool and dresser doors to finish before I show you the full pieces.

Accessories in silver, and creams and pinks.

Handmade pieces and craft projects, such as this handmade Bunny that I made for my 2nd daughter. I also have a pretty silhouette project in the works.

Inexpensive curtains, embellished to spruce them up. I also made these pretty pillow cases. The room will have plenty of pretty trims and ribbons, and while keeping a neutral base, I seem to be incorporating some pink in as well.

I will be sure to share the entire room once it's completely done! One thing is forsure, I sure hope the ultrasound was right about this baby being a girl, otherwise, if a boy, he'll grow to love pink, lavender and pretty =)

A now for the big belly part:

Now that's a belly! yikes!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Some Lovely Surprises at Ikea

2012-02-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, we took a trip to Ikea for a few things for the nursery. Now, I don't want to be an Ikea snob, and I've talked about this before on my blog, but I always associate Ikea with a more contemporary style which isn't exactly to my taste. Having said that, I do think they have some great buys. For instance, I buy all my feather pillow forms there. The price can't be beat. There is also that little detail of my entire craft room being outfitted with Ikea furniture. I love it, and could not have done it any cheaper.

When waddling down the Ikea isles, I was shocked at how many designs they have out for spring with a more traditional twist. There were pretty toiles, country stripes, even chintz!

Here are a few things I picked up:

Love these embroidered pillows, and at $25 each (including the form), you can't afford to leave the store without them!

I added pom-pom fringe and the sweetest fabric to embellish these Ikea white basic curtain panels. $19.99 for both panels, $29.99 for the rod.

I hope to have a Nursery update for you soon. It's coming together nicely, but still needs those special touches before I call it done. Looks like I'll be spending a lot of time at the sewing machine this week!

These country stripes are just what I needed for this sofa. I had no pillows on it previously (it was sadly neglected) and the casual stripe is great for the Family Room. $14.99 each for the covers (I already had the forms).

Been to Ikea lately?

Have a wonderful day!

Potty Talk

2012-02-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Our new home has a bit of an odd feature. The one and only guest bathroom on the main floor is also the girls bathroom. Also, it's teeny (making for a very difficult photo shoot, especially since I'm rather rotund at 8.5 months pregnant).

This has posed a high degree of stress for me (seemingly, I stress out easily). The bathroom needs to be kid friendly, but heaven help me if it's not also super posh for our guests. We don't want to get the guests talkin about my less than posh potty, now do we?

Here's what I came up with:

The walls were previously a mustard yellow. We repainted in the same colour as most of the main floor, Horizon Grey (Benjamin Moore).

A pretty ruffle shower curtain, from Pottery Barn. Peek behind the curtain, and you will see a plethora of bathtub toys.

The sunburst mirror is from a small local store. I love the combination of silver, white and black against the Horizon Grey walls

I love this silhouette and the quote. It's also from a local decor store. The quote says "Whatever you are, be a good one." Abraham Lincoln.

I picked up these hooks from Pottery Barn for $6.00 for both, on clearance. Unfortunately, they only have No 1 and 2, so kid No 3 will have to use the hook on the back of the door =). The hooks are tucked behind the door so as to make the Tinkerbell towels less obvious. My girls love their towels, so changing them to something more 'decor' worthy was out of the question. Just be glad that I talked them out of Justin Beber. Tink is far cuter.

Finally, I spent way too much money on the blue and cream towels from Pottery Barn. Unfortunately, us Canadians pay a premium for ordering from their online store. Not only are the prices far more expensive, but add duty and shipping, and these are some precious towels! I looked around for weeks trying to find a less expensive option, but in the end, I knew these were exactly what I was wanting, so I splurged.

Up next is the nursery (almost done). After that, while we have many more projects lined up, it will all depend on when babe decides to make an appearance. While not due until March, the Dr. thinks it will be anytime now. That may prevent us from starting any big projects (however, when our second was born, we did tackle laying hardwood flooring in our previous home since hubby had time off, and we did it while baby slept. They mostly just sleep for the first few months anyhow =)

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Craft room: The Details

2012-01-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

Wow! I never thought I'd get such an awesome response on my craft room! Don't get me wrong, I LOOOOOVE my craft room, and spend many an hour in there, but I figured it would be a bit boring to show. You know, more of a utilitarian space, not all pretty and cute. Boy was I wrong. Seems you girls love a great craft room as much as I do =)

I have received many questions about it, and while I've responded to you each individually, I thought it was worth a post on its own.

Firstly, what's surprised me the most about the comments was how much you all loved the wall colour. And here I was thinking of repainting it. Perhaps I'll rethink that now =)

It is a pretty blue colour, but it is VERY blue. I thought about toning it down, but you all have me thinking that it really is a pretty, peaceful colour, and the walls are in perfect shape, so I'll leave it for a while. Besides, painting this room is just not on the top of my priority list these days.

As far as the colour goes, that's where the bad news comes in. It was this colour when I moved in. The previous owners are actually now our neighbours, having built another house on the acreage next to us. I asked her, but she can't remember. She does think it was a Benjamin Moore colour, though. I have checked it out, and it seems fairly close to Benjamin Moore's Grey Wisp. Grey Wisp is a tiny bit more toned down and grey than this blue. It looks quite different on my computer screen, but when I hold up a sample to my wall, it's pretty close.

I also thought I'd show you just how I (ie really my handy hubby and I) put together this cutting table. All components (so far, which I'll explain in a minute) are from Ikea. Here's the recipe for this particular table:

1. 2 Vika Amon table tops (47 inches by 23.5 inches) $19.00 each
2. Aspelund Chest with 2 drawers $99.00 each
3. 2 Vika Kaj adjustable legs, $15.00 each (optional if you use 2 dressers)
(all prices are Cdn $-likely cheaper in the US)

The two table tops need to be secured together, so they don't slip and slide. We used a small metal bracket, found at Home Depot, or any hardware store. Simply screw the two together from the bottom. The dressers provide extra support for the table tops as well (or the legs, which I'll explain more in a sec).

I have since made a few modifications to this cutting island. I added a second dresser unit, as I figured that I could also use my cutting table as a wrapping table. I store my quilting supplies in one dresser, and now my wrapping supplies in the other. I would not have needed to buy the adjustable legs if I just bought the two dressers at the same time.

My hubby is making one more modification to my table: A wrapping paper storage shelf, which will go in between the two dressers. It will be great for storing paper, but also fill in the gap between the dressers. I'll show you once he's completed it. This will be the only non-Ikea component.

Keep in mind: The height of your table is dictated by either the height of the components you place underneath (ie the dresser), or by the adjustable legs. My table is a tad too short, but for 2 inches, I was willing to go with this height as I liked the style of this dresser the best. If you want taller, you'd either have to use 4 adjustable legs in addition to the dressers, and therefore have a gap between the dresser and tabletop (which I don't see a problem with-it may be a great place to store paper or other flat objects), or use a taller dresser. This combination is 33 inches tall. I'm 5'6'' and find it fine, but like I said, a few inches taller would have been perfect.

If you rest the table tops on the dressers, you'll need to use one of those clear round doo-dads on each corner (or more, if you use larger table tops to create your craft table) to prevent the desk top from slipping around. I couldn't find any to take a picture of, but they are the same things you use under decorative objects to prevent scratching and shifting on tables. You could also screw the dresser top to the table, but this now will ruin your dresser top, which I don't think is necessary.

Another key thing to keep in mind is that this style of table (ie with dressers) does not allow you to easily sit 'under' the table. I wasn't concerned with this, as I wanted hidden storage, and had another large work surface to sit at and craft. You could easily modify this design, if you require a more multi-purpose table, by using a different base. How about something like the expedit on either end? Use baskets for storage in the cubbies, and the narrow-ness of these units should allow for a stool to easily slide underneath the table. The options are endless!

Hint: Don't limit your search for desk components in the office section. I found the options for 'bases' in that department limited, and much more expensive. Search in the bedroom area (ie for dressers) and the entertainment and storage areas for cubicle type shelves. The are cheaper and generally work better for this type of craft table.
I may actually add a second work table in my space, but this time use the expedit system vs drawers as my base. I have yet another hobby that I want to get back into that I would love having another dedicated work table for. Now, if someone can just tell me that I'm crazy to add in another hobby in my life seeing as how I'm about to have my 3rd baby, and I'm already up to my eyeballs in obsessions, I mean hobbies =)

I hope this will give you ideas on how to set up your craft space!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Putting it to a vote

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Choosing a baby name is such a personal decision. So, naturally, I'm asking my nearest and dearest bloggy friends for their input!

You see, with our other two girls, we had no trouble choosing a name. It came easily to us, and we just knew it was the right decision. This little one? Not so much.

We have narrowed it down to 3 names (so far). You may love them all, or hate them all (if you hate them, please don't tell me....I'm awfully sensitive with all these pregnancy hormones raging =).

We've asked friends and family and had everyone pick a different favorite. My hubby and I are leaning to one of them, but aren't quite convinced yet.

Howza bout a fun little survey? I may pick the one that is most popular, on the survey, or I may not. We may choose an entirely different name, if one comes to us, but I would sure love to see what you all think of our (so far) 3 finalists:

We tend to like more classic names, that aren't too strange, but also aren't too common.

Here's a bit of background on the 3 so far (in no particular order):

1. Ella
-love this name, and thought it was so pretty when I first heard it.
-hesitation: It's becoming quite popular, and we don't want 5 Ella's in her grade 1 class =)

2. Amelie
-we have always loved this name, and seriously considered it for our second daughter. It's unique and pretty without being too different.
-hesitation: Confusion with Emily (she'll always be correcting people).

3. Violet
-I like this name more than my hubby, but it's growing on him
-classic and pretty
-hesitation: I knew a Violet once, and she was nicknamed Violent Violet. Also, Vi for short reminds me of a name for someones great aunt.

There you have it. If given those 3 options, which is your favorite?
Oh, what fun! I look forward to seeing what you think =)

Darn it all, I wanted to put in one of those polls in this post, but I can't figure out how to do it, so if you could just put your 'vote' in the comments, then I'll tally them from there =)

Have a great Monday!

Contemplations on Wood Trim

2012-01-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

I adore painted trim work and doors. Thick, chunky moldings and base boards, creamy painted mantels, luxurious crown molding. Love it. Raise your hand if you agree. Check out these beaut's:

Images: Pinterest

However, I find myself looking up from my computer screen at a house full of wood trim. Wood doors. Wood baseboards. Wood is a predominant feature in our new home. You probably think I'll be painting them, right? Wrong. I love them.

But hold on a sec, didn't I just rave about the virtues of painted millwork?

Well, there is a certain type of wood trim that works. 90% of the time, I would say paint out wood trims, but here are my thoughts on why I think the wood trim in our house works:

1. The type of wood used.
Our door trim, doors, and baseboards are fir. It's beautiful, almost with a rustic, West Coast quality. Not to be a wood snob, but I've seen many a 70's-80's era home with oak trim. Oak just doesn't do it for me. When I see Oak trim, I think sponge painted walls and balloon curtains to go along with it. Check out this example of wood done right:

Lovely, thick door trim. I think this would be perfect in a rustic country home. (pinterest)

Our yet to be decorated mudroom. Fir doors and trims.

2. The style of millwork.

Our millwork is a shaker style, with thick, substantial moldings. Narrow/thin wood trim? Thing of the past. If you're going wood, go thick. As a matter of fact, I'd say the same for painted trim. The bigger, the better.

Our Great Room. You can see the thick moldings around the doors. It may be hard to tell in this picture, but they are 6 inches wide.

3. Mixture of wood and painted millwork.

You don't have to do your entire home in either painted or wood millwork. In fact, our house has a mixture and it works. Painted trim around windows and feature walls (board and batten in the sunroom, bedroom etc). I wouldn't have thought this would look right, but this house has taught me otherwise.

Pinterest image. Wood door and white trim? It works!

Our Sunroom. Notice the wood french doors, but white (actually cream) window trim and board and batten. In fact, with the exception of the basement, all of our windows have white trim. It's the same style and thickness as the wood trims, just painted out.

4. The style of the home:

If I were to put a label on our home, it would be "West Coast Farmhouse". It is on an acreage, surrounded by other farms, horses, tractors, farmy smells on a windy day...you get the idea. The style, with the use of a lot of natural elements, such as local woods, wrought iron etc, is also quite West Coast (oh, how I miss our West Coast roots!). These huge beams that flank our entry, and are also a feature in our basement, would look oddly out of place if all the rest of the millwork was painted or more traditional in style. Wood trims just seem to fit the style of our home.

What do you think? Still a die hard fan of painted trim, or do you love wood trims of any sort? Or are you like me, and while you may generally prefer one style over another (in my case, painted trims), can you appreciate a different style when done right?

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

It's a Fairy's World

2012-01-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

Surely you've been to Fairy World? No? Well, you really should go, it's a place of magic.

You see.....

My girls have been highly involved with Fairies since a young age. First there were the Potty Fairies, who brought them a small token each time they used the potty. Then, the Night Time Fairies, who did the same when they slept the night through on their own.

Let's not forget about the Garden Fairies, Snow Fairies, Santa's Fairies and so many more. All of these wonderful Fairies reside in Fairy World.

My daughters and I talk about what we'll do in Fairy world each night at bedtime.

When you fall asleep, if you think happy thoughts and think of the Fairies, you too will go to Fairy World, where magic abounds.

Oh, and you can ride Unicorns in Fairy World too.

One secret to gaining entry into Fairy World, is the Fairy door. Every house has one, but in order for the Fairies to want to open it, they must be inspired.

Inspiration comes in many forms: A good girl who's done her chores, a little one who's tried hard at something particular that day, but most importantly, the fairy tokens left in the room. These tokens can be pictures of Fairies, books about them, or anything Fairy related. It makes them feel loved.

I had a concern when recently decorating my 7.5 year old daughters room. While Fairies have always been a huge part of her life, she more recently talks more of Justin (as in the Beber), cell phones (pretend, of course), dsi's, wii's.... Oh, and I was just told that Justin is no longer cool, now we're moving onto Cody. Cody who??

Really? At 7.5 years old? What happened to princesses, pink, dress-up. Gone, and all too fast.

Back to her concern: If we were to only have 'big girl' decor in her room (such as her horse paraphernalia and posters of Selena Gomez), how would the Fairies find their door?

Good point. Mom agrees (secretly dreading removal of all 'little girl' from her room).

That's it, she declares, we can have both! She'll have her horse things in here, since Fairies love Unicorns, and they are a type of horse, you know, but she can also hang her Fairy pictures and other Fairy tokens, so they know she still wants to see them and be a part of their world.

Phew, dodged that bullet. Maybe at 8 she'll have a change of heart, and leave Fairy world for her little sisters to visit, but at 7.5, gosh darn it, she's still an honored guest in their magical land.

So, I ask you again, have you ever been to Fairy World? Now you know how to get there. I highly recommend it...whether your 7, or 37 =)

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

This Week....

2012-01-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

1. We'll (by we, I really mean my wonderful husband =) be finishing off my daughter's room and moving onto the nursery......

Board and batten is up, and filled, now awaiting final paint touch ups, then we move in and decorate (that's the fun part where I come in!).

2. I'll be spending a lot of time here:

Avoiding this:

A few projects I'm working on are a quilt in watery blues, creams and greens, and making another one of these cuties:

Next up in the quilting department is a baby quilt. I need to get on that, as there's not much time to go now!

3. I'll be continuing to work on growing this baby girl #3 of mine, although I'm not sure how I can get much bigger! I'm very edematous with this pregnancy-no wedding rings for months now, and my legs are like tree trunks. ugh!

4. I'll be propping up aforementioned tree trunks and starting to watch this:

I've heard so much about it, and can't wait to see it!

I think my nesting instinct is starting to kick in =) What are you up to this week?

Our Newest Addition

2012-01-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't give birth (yet!). We have 6-8 ish more weeks to go in that department (and let me tell ya, I'm soooo ready. Well, maybe we should finish the nursery and buy some diapers first, but then, me and my old bod are ready to get this kid out of the booth!).

Back to our 'other' new addition =)

I search Kijiji everyday. Most days I find nothing, some days I find beautiful things that we either just don't need or are the seller is asking too much money.

I came upon a blurry ad of an antique dresser and it piqued my interest. It was hard to see on the picture, the drawers were partially opened and it was obviously stuffed in a closet. There were kids toys and mess everywhere. No wonder it hadn't sold quickly (I'm sure if they would have staged that picture better, they would have had a better response!). You see, Kijiji-ers can be a brutal bunch. If there's a great piece for a decent price, you need to be first in line or you will not get it. It's happened to us before, and it's upsetting to lose a great, unique piece because someone called a half hour before you. Anyhow, I sent hubby cross town after work one day to check out the piece.

I had a few things for him to confirm:

1. All the drawers fully opened and closed, and did so smoothly
2. All the hardware was present (in the picture, several of the handles were half on, and one seemed to be missing it's pull. It isn't missing the pull, but needs one screw to put it on-something my hubby can easily do).
3. It didn't stink
4. The marble top was in decent shape-patina is good, cracked and totally stained is bad. There is one chip out of the front, but I could live with that.

All checked out and it turns out the people selling it had bought it at an auction house in Victoria that both my hubby and I are familiar with (we both lived in Vic for years).

He brought it home and we were excited to examine it closer: square head nails (ie ooooold and a 'true' antique), dove tail joints, great shape for it's age, and just in need of a little tlc to bring it back to glory.

I washed with Murphy's Oil Soap (oh was it grungy!!!), then decided to rejuvenate the wood (which was so dry, it was like running your hands over firewood) with Tung Oil. I applied two coats as per the instructions and the difference was amazing. The wood just soaked it up and it brought out the grains and features of the piece.

Lastly, I cleaned the marble top and used a marble sealer, which also made a huge difference. It didn't make it 'shiney', but just brought out the lustre.

I have lined the drawers with paper, and now it happily resides in our Master, filling a space that bothered me as it really needed something there to anchor the picture above it.

I love it! I quickly 'shopped the house' to pull out some accessories. Not sure if they'll stay or if I'll find something different, but for now, it's good enough. I've been checking out terrarium inspiration on pinterest for some ideas for this glass one that my Mom found at the thrift store.

Do you regularly scan Kijiji or Craig's list? Have you found any great pieces lately?

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Craft/Sewing Room in Progress

2012-01-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to show you my finished guest/kids bathroom earlier this week, but a snow storm had a very different idea for me. Dang snow blocked my way for shopping for those finishing touches. Today, however, I should be able to make it to the city and finish in time for a reveal early next week. In the meantime, I'll show you another space you haven't seen much of. Way back last summer, I gave you a glimpse of our sewing/craft room/office. While still not completely 'done', it is coming along nicely. I may re-paint the walls eventually, and it's still needing some accessorizing to add in some charm. Come on in for a tour!

The main functions of this room are an office, and sewing sanctuary (yes, the hubby is allowed in here to use the computer, but I've definately claimed this room as mine). One must have, when we were house hunting, was a space for me to quilt and create. I am soooo thrilled with this huge bonus room above our garage. It's just perfect! I feel so lucky to have a room like this!

Here is my cutting island:

I created it with two dressers and two desk tops from Ikea. It was done for less than $150. The center area will be a shelf type unit (built by my hubby) to store my wrapping supplies. The dressers hold my quilting supplies on one side, and wrapping supplies on the other.

This bank of simple desks (again from Ikea), is where my sewing machine is located, and a large work surface for general crafting (for both myself and the girls).

We put 4 dressers together along this wall to hold crafting/sewing supplies, and all our office supplies (such as file folders and stationery). We have a lot of office supplies, and even more craft supplies, so a large amount of storage was needed!

Finally, we used one desk and drawer combo for the computer, printer etc. I was originally looking for an antique table, or something with at least more character. However, after all the rest of the space was put together, I realized that just a simple Ikea desk would look more in keeping with the rest of the space.

I did manage to place a few antique and collected pieces around the room to add character and charm. This nook is perfect for reading or sewing. The fabric cabinet is from a garage sale, and is awaiting it's coat of Chalk paint (in a deep red colour). The wingback and side table were given to me by my Grandmother. The wingback is awaiting a slipcover, and I've already stripped and painted the sidetable once (yeeeeeaars ago), but I think it's going to get another makeover soon.

I bought this funky old jam cupboard at an antique store, and it holds many a crafting goodness.

I also have my Grandma's sewing cabinet tucked under the eaves in this little alcove. I found the child's old chair at a second hand store. I have a most amazing embroidered pillow project that I need to finish to adorn the chair.

There's also a bathroom up here. It's still awaiting some special touches before I show it off =)

There you have it; my second most favorite space in our home (other than our sunroom). I just love coming up here with a cup of tea in hand, and having a space to create in, or even just to sit and read, and daydream about all the projects ahead =)

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Thrifty Decor Chic's Office/Craft Room Party

Sometimes It's ok to be Fake

2012-01-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted an orchid in my bedroom. In fact, I needed an orchid here. You know how you get a vision of how something will look, and you need to make it happen, or it will forever bug you? Well, there just isn't enough light to keep an orchid in here, and while they do fabulously in my sunroom, they quickly die in my bedroom.

The search for a good fake was on. It had to be very convincing, as there's nothing worse than a fake plant that looks fake!

I found this one at Chintz and Co, a store that has amazing fake plants and flowers (among a ton of other treasures). This store can be quite pricey, but this little fakey was $26, which I figure isn't too bad since it will last forever =)

Some sheet moss, and a pretty urn later, and it looks perfect on my bedside table. Ahhh, my need is satisfied!

Have a wonderful day!

Home Goals for 2012

2012-01-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Ohhh, the excitement is in the air! All over both blog land, and in stores, I see so many projects on organization, reno's and projects for the home (and body, but that's a whole 'nother story!). I have quite a few projects to jam into a short amount of time! You see, I'd really like to be done many of these before baby comes in mid-March. Once babe is here, I want all focus to be on her and our other two girls, without distraction of 1/2 completed projects!

Anyhow, without further ado, here are (some of) our homes 2012 project list (I have many more ideas in my head, but I'll start with these =):

1. Girls Rooms:

-paint, board and batten in both rooms-in progress, as you can see from our mess!
-incorporate the nursery into one of their rooms (they will now be sharing rooms)
-(sniff, sniff) taking away the 'little girl fairy theme' in my older daughters room, and turn it into a bedroom a 7.5 year old would love (think horses, as this is her utter obsession).

2. Mudroom:

-I am searching for a durable (possibly outdoor?) fabric to make into a cushion for the built in bench.

-we have a great foundation, but I want to make the room really special (and more functional) with board and batten (on the wall above), a fabulous stencil, and some decor.
-I ordered this stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils:

-the background colour will be a blue/grey (Horizon Grey by Benjamin Moore) and the top (stencil) portion will be a 1/4 tint of this colour. The stencil will be on the top portion of the wall with the board and batten.
-think B/B with pretty wrought iron hooks, and fancy corbels holding up a shelf which can display pretties. Very roughly, it will be similar to this:

(Image: Pinterest)

3. Laundry Room:

-goodbye mustard yellow. goodbye ugly wire rack (new shelf is on the counter, waiting to be installed)
-paint, beadboard wainscotting, and accessories to be added.

4. Hall and stairway:

-paint (Horizon Grey as is the rest of the main floor) and accessorize. Any ideas for this huge wall? A gallery wall may be cool, but I was thinking more with mirrors or clocks rather than pictures. I also need something for the shelf where the clock is sitting. Maybe a funky, vintage piece?
-stain baby gate (an unfortunate design element, but a necessity when you have youngins)

Phew! Not sure that we'll be able to tackle it all, especially seeing as how I'm WAY more limited in what I can do, now that I'm close to 8 months pregnant! Let's just say that any form of bending just isn't my forte at the moment =)

Of course I'll be showing you each step of our 'reno's'!

We have just completed a mini-redo of our daughters bathroom (which also serves as the guest bathroom), and will show you just as soon as I pick up their new shower curtain at PB tomorrow. I love how it's turned out!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Nester's Home Goals Party!

Junk Gift 2011

2012-01-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

While the kiddos are still out of school until next week, this holiday season is quickly coming to an end for us. My Mom returned home after a month long visit, and all the Christmas decor is packed away for another year. Normally I get a bit of the post Christmas blues around this time of year, but this year we're so busy preparing for baby (due March 17) and getting the house ready for some big projects, that I haven't had time to mourn the passing of Christmas. I can't wait to show you what we have in store! This house is really starting to feel much more like 'us' with all the finishing touches we're putting on it =)
Last year, I wrote about our families tradition of gifting 'junk' to each other at Christmas. This years junk gifts were a hit also!

My Mom knows how much I'm loving silver, and found this treasures at a thrift shop:

I just love the acorn and oak leaf pattern on the spoon. She says she has another at home, but it wasn't in great shape. I'm on the hunt for more!

My favorite junk gift was this huge wooden container. She bought it at a store that sells both new items and antiques. It is perfect for this corner of my Great Room. Now I just need some more time to quilt so I can fill it up =)

Did you receive any 'junk' this year?

Favorite Posts of 2011

2011-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

2011 was a bit of a wild year for us. We had a big move, some projects to prepare the old house for sale, and then getting settled into our new home. My favorite posts are all related to our new home. Honestly, it saddens me to look back on our old home-I miss it! Anyhow, here are a few of my favorite posts of the past year, with a link to the full post:

1. A Blank Slate:

The first day we took possession of our new home, I took some pictures to show you around.

2. The Sunroom:

My favorite room in our new house was finally ready for it's photo op:

3. Master Bedroom Reveal:

We quickly focused on our Master Bedroom in the new home and decorated it basically starting with nothing:

4. Great Room Reveal:

Christmas decorating gave me an opportunity to show you our new Great Room:

This year, we have 3 large projects slated for early in the year (including setting up the nursery!), and then I am focusing on adding accessories and little tweaks to really make this new home feel like ours =) I will share the details of these upcoming projects with you soon, when I do a post on my 2012 home goals!

Sharing at Savvy Southern Style
Southern Hospitality

The Playroom in Progress

2011-12-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

What a Christmas! We had our quietest Christmas in a while since we moved far from family =(. However, it was filled with friends, new and old, plenty of children running around, and a horrible flu. Yup, while I usually tend to get sick around New Year's (an annual tradition of mine it seems), this year I managed to mix things up and got sick on the 24th. I managed to survive until yesterday, when I crashed and spent the entire day in bed. This morning, I'm itching to get out and hit some after xmas sales, but we'll see how the day progresses. Unfortunately, sickness and pregnancy make for a bad combo, and I tend to pass out when I do too much. Anyhow, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! I am getting (already) geared up (at least mentally) for some new projects around the house. Our latest deadline is March, when this baby is due. We have kids rooms to paint, and a nursery to set up, amongst a few other projects. The hubs is going to be one busy guy =)

Today I wanted to show you the Playroom, even though I haven't quite completed this area. I can't tell you how much I love this room; not for it's decor or prettiness, but for its functionality! The girls adore it, and with everything all organized, and in one place, they are able to enjoy all their toys and crafts.

I love my new pillow for the settee. It's from Heidi Devlin designs on Etsy.

This portion of the playroom consists of a wall unit which houses most of their toys, a 'dress up' area, in the form of a clothes rack that came from my Grandmothers house, and a cushy carpet to play on.

As you can see from the light fixture, this is meant to be a billiards area, with the bar off to the right. We're not the type to play pool, and this area is SO much better served by using it as a playroom!

We scored this wall unit for free from Kijiji. It was brown and orange (funky 70's orange, not a lovely harvest hue). My hubby added a beadboard back, picture frame molding on the doors, new hardware and a fresh coat of cream paint. I wish I had a before picture-you wouldn't believe it's the same piece!

The other half of the playroom has their craft table, all sorted and organized, their kitchen set, playdough (which is what my daughter is playing with in this picture) and a big ole roll of paper for colouring. I've placed a plastic cover over our antique pine table to protect it. The girls are usually painting and colouring here on a daily basis. It's also the perfect table for those family games and puzzle nights!

Still to do in this room:

-Hang some great vintage animal encyclopedia pictures and a huge map that we have waiting for a frame.
-Paint and reupholster the chairs around the table. I'm thinking black chairs, lightly distressed, with a durable and easily cleanable fabric in a fun pattern.
-a new sofa table which will still house the craft and colouring supplies, but supplies will be hidden in drawers rather than out in the open. That way I can pretty up the top a bit, since this table is right next to the family room. I've been eying up a great and affordable option at Ikea. (UPDATE: we found a great option at Ikea, and will show you just as soon as I have time (ie get out of the sick bed) to style it and take some pictures! It looks so much better than the old table you see in the picture above!).

Thanks for coming along on this tour of our playroom =)

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #9

2011-12-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorites #9
Family

Afterall, what is a celebration without friends and family to share it with? This is without a doubt, my absolutely favorite part of the season. Seeing your child's faces light up when they first see under the tree on Christmas morning. Sharing a wonderful feast with children, parents, grandparents and more. Passing your families traditions onto your children, so they can pass it along to theirs. Absolutely precious, and worth the 364 day wait until the next year.

Merry Christmas! May all your favorite traditions be shared and honored, and your wishes for 2012 come true.

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #8

2011-12-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorites #8

The Christmas Feast

What dinner is more special than a table full of delicious offerings and family favorites, served on Christmas Day? We are traditionalists, offering Turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings! I also love leftovers and turkey sandwiches for days on end afterwards.

I hope you too, enjoy the spoils of the Christmas table, come this December 25th!

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #7

2011-12-22T08:38:00.001-08:00

Festive Favorite #7

A Beautifully Wrapped Gift

I have a confession. There is one (and only one) thing that I don't love doing at Christmas: Wrapping Gifts. I have no patience for it, and while I try to choose beautiful papers and use ribbon, rather than a pre-fab bow, that's as far as I go.

I do, however, love and appreciate a beautifully wrapped gift. My mother has an incredible talent for wrapping (she's renowned for it) and I delight in seeing her wrapped creations each year. Her gifts are often adorned with ornaments, embellished with greenery, or tied in the finest ribbons:

Are you an elaborate wrapper, or do you prefer the ease of a gift bag?

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #6

2011-12-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorites #6

Christmas Decorations

My second most absolute favoritist(ist) part of Christmas! You've probably seen many of my decorations and tree already, but I can't resist a few more pictures for you.

Many of my friends don't understand why I spend so much time decorating my house, but it's one of the most special parts of the season for our family. I love it when a child (or adult for that matter) comes into our home, and their eyes widen in delight at all the pretty, sparkly things. I know my children will remember it fondly too.

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #5

2011-12-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorites #5

Stockings

Yes, we do stockings for everyone in our family (even our four-legged members!). They are such fun! Gifts small, yet no less special fill these beautiful socks. Certainly my favorite part of gifting on Christmas morn.

Madelyn, Christmas morning 2009. I think stockings may be her favorite part too!

Does everyone in your family enjoy the fun of the Christmas Sock?

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #4

2011-12-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorite #4

Cozy Nights by the Fire

When else do you have a license to laze about longingly staring into a blazing fire, for hours on end? I find it mesmerizing to watch the flames lick the logs, and feel the warmth on my cheeks. Ok, ok, so we have a gas fireplace in this house, but we get a similar feel!

We love to watch our favorite Christmas movie (Alastair Sim's Scrooge is an annual Christmas Eve tradition), play a family game, or work on a jigsaw puzzle. I long to sit under a cozy blanket and cross stitch, or perhaps finish that binding on my latest quilt. Lights are dimmed, and sweetly scented candles are burning. Oh, how I love these cozy wintery nights.

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #3

2011-12-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorite #3

Baking

Each year I spend the weeks before the big day baking up sweet and savory delights, and this year is no exception. On the list today is Christmas Sandwich Cremes, Butterscotch Icebox Cookies, and Browned Butter Sugar Cookies. I usually bake about 6-10 different types of cookies, homemade Nut's and Bolt's (not exactly a baked good, but worth a mention as it's sooo buttery delish!), and many other delicious bites.

I try to add a few new recipes each year, but am sure to keep the family favorites also.

Some of my clearest memories of Christmas at my Grandparent's home is the glorious food and baking that was created lovingly by my Grandma. I hope that my children too, will think back fondly on Mom's Christmas baking!

What do you bake each and every year? Do you have treasured family recipes, or try new each year, or say to heck with it and buy from the bakery?

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate #2

2011-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Festive Favorite #2
Christmas Carols

I utterly love Christmas music. While I enjoy all types, this is, afterall, a list of my favorites, so while difficult to narrow down, here they are:

Diana Krall's jazzy melodies are the perfect backdrop for a soiree with friends. I also love Michael Buble's Let is Snow, and Sara McLachlan's rendition of Noel.

I absolutely love Celtic Woman, and their Christmas album is no exception.

I love Classical Christmas music. The staff at my clinic make fun of me for this, as they all prefer more light hearted renditions of Frosty and Rudolph. I listen to these as well, more for the sake of my children, but a good ole classical piece really gets me in the Christmas spirit.

If asked what one Christmas song is my favorite, it is without a doubt, Carol of the Bells. It gives me tingles whenever I hear it.

What is your favorite Christmas music? Classical, or the Classics, fun and lighthearted?

Enjoying the Season: Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate

2011-12-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

As the Big Day quickly approaches, I thought I'd bring back a series I wrote last year. This week we have several visitors, a little Christmas Eve party, and of course the unwrapping frenzy on the big day! I'll be visiting you all as much as I can (lets face it, my morning routine just isn't complete without my blogs n' coffee!), and want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!!!

Without further ado, I present to you Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate: A mini-series:
I'm now at the point in the season that I can actually slow down and enjoy the Christmas festivities. Gifts are bought and wrapped, house is decorated in all it's sparkling finest, cookies are baked, and advent is in full swing.
Over the next few days, I will share with you my favorites of the season, for it is all too short, and soon it will be on to planning for the New Year ahead!

I present to you, in random order, my favorite things that the Christmas season brings to our family each year:

Festive Favorite #1:

Brandy Slush

Oh so sweet, oh so delicious!

Recipe:

8 cups water
1.5 cups sugar
6 teabags
1 lg can frozen orange juice
1 lg can frozen lemonade
2 cups apricot or peach Brandy

Boil water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Cool.
Steep teabags in 2 cups of boiling water. Cool.
Put all ingredients in ice cream pail, or large container and stir. Place in freezer for 24 hours.

Put 2 scoops of slush in glass, and fill with Sprite or Ginger Ale and enjoy!

I have many friends who insist on this seasonal favorite year after year. Try it this year, and tell me what you think!

What are you favorite seasonal drinks?

As a side note, when one must prepare a Brandy Slush at 8am in order to take a blog photo, it is only appropriate to drink aforementioned slush so it not go to waste. It works in delightful combination with toast! (edit 2011-sadly, this year I will not be able to partake in any Brandy slush due to babe on board. However, this certainly didn't stop me from making it for others to enjoy!)

Our Family Room at Christmas

2011-12-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

The final room on my Christmas tour is the downstairs family room. I love this room. It isn't fancy, it has mainly the 'excess' furniture, or older pieces that we have yet to replace, but it's cozy, warm and represents family time.

Most of the Christmas decorations are more fun, and child like. It's all the fun, cutesy ornaments that my girls love.

I hope to pick up another larger tree to replace this small tree (which will go in the sunroom). I'll wait until the after Christmas sales =)

I love the colour of this huge pointsettia.

We're still working on furnishing and decorating the theatre room. It's quickly becoming a favorite hang out in the house!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-12-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today I'm joining Sarah for her Tree Party!

Last year, I had the perfect spot for a tree in my old home. It's hard to beat that! However, I'm happy with how the tree turned out this year. I added a few new touches to the tree.

Here's it's new home in the Great Room. I love that I can sit in the Sunroom (just through those french doors) and see the tree from there also. I spend a lot of time in the Sunroom!

It is a good ole fashioned tree, with ornaments collected over the years. While I do have some sets of ornaments, such as the new mercury glass ornaments I bought after Christmas last year for a steal, most of my ornaments are one of a kind.

I brought back a similar tree topper to last year, but left off the bow this time. I like it both ways.

I've noticed an unintentional theme starting on my tree with mainly silvery ornaments. I do have the occasional splash of colour in there also =)

I just adore hanging out by the tree....especially at night when the lights glow magically!
Linking also to my Favorite Parties!

The Kitchen and Dining Room at Christmas

2011-12-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Kitchen and Dining room. I haven't yet shared much of these spaces. To be honest, there's a good reason for this. The kitchen in our new home is my least favorite space. I think I was spoiled by our old kitchen which we had custom designed and built exactly the way we wanted it.

I have some plans for this space in the future, but for now, it will have to do as is. I don't want to sound like a complainer; it's a perfectly fine, functional kitchen, just not very me.

I do love the countertops, stainless appliances and light fixtures. I hope to change up the cabinets and hardware (paint? refacing?).

I added some greenery to the tops of the cabinets, which I think fits in nicely with the wood tones.

Our dining room, is more of a dining nook. Although small, I do like the features: a coffered ceiling, bay windows, the light fixture. I am on the hunt for fabric to make roman blinds for these windows. I'm also contemplating a change in the dining set.

So there you have it. A little tour of our Kitchen and Dining room, decked out for Christmas.
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Christmas Home Tour

2011-12-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

I'm joining in several parties with a tour of our home at Christmas. I've posted most of these pictures before, but have condensed them here in one overall home tour. I can't wait to see all the wonderful homes on the tour!

Our front porch:

The Great Room:

The Mantel:

The Sunroom:

Our Tree:

The Kitchen:

The Dining Room:

The Family Room:

You can find more details and pictures on each of these spaces in my past posts =)
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Holiday Home Party at Nesting Place

Hooked on Houses Holiday Home Tour

Jennifer Rizzo's Holiday Home Tour

Our Christmas Mantel(s) 2011

2011-12-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

Today I'm joining My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for the Mantel party, and tomorrow, Rhoda for her Mantel Party! This year, I had two mantels to decorate: one in the Great Room, and one in the Sunroom. These two mantels are actually part of the same fireplace, just on opposite sides of the wall.

Fist up is the Great Room mantel:

I went with a woodland type theme, with plenty of natural elements. I used Pheasant feathers, pinecones and greenery.

I adore this icicle garland, I purchased last year at Chintz and Co. It is the perfect bit of sparkle to compliment the rustic elements.

I have a little more bling in the urns on top of the mantel.

We have small hooks on the board, used for hanging the stockings. While I love our stockings, I actually prefer the look of the mantel without the stockings. We don't hang them up until Christmas Eve.

And now for the Sunroom mantel:

I kept it very simple, in contrast to the more elaborate mantel on the other side.

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful mantel inspiration at the party!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Christmas Tablescapes

2011-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today I'm partying over with Layla, showing off a few of my tablescapes around the home.

I have seen so many beautiful tablescapes around blogland. I'm afraid I'm a placematt, plate and utensil kinda gal. I really need to step up my game! While I don't have a dining tablescape to share today, I do have many vingnettes on tables here and there throughout my home.

Here are a few:

The paperwhites are just on the verge of blooming (only took 2 weeks!).

I kept it very simple for the dining room table. I love my new tablerunner, chickens and all!

I love all things Santa, including these Fritz and Floyd musical Santas.

I look forward to stripping/refinishing this Welsh sideboard. I don't like using strippers (even the 'safe' ones, while pregnant, though. It will be a spring project just once this Bambino is born.

Love these sparkly Candy Canes and snowballs, I ordered last year from Heidi Devlin design on Etsy
.

I can't wait to see all the other inspiration at the party!

ps I'm recovering from a doozy of a cold I had last week. It's certainly not fun having a cold at any time, but especially when you can't take any meds (due to baby on board)! I'm happy to report that I'm on the mend, and ready to tackle the BUSY week ahead!

Christmas Boxes

2011-11-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Over the years I've found some pretty Christmas boxes here and there. This year, I seemed to hit the mother load at Home Sense. I literally filled my cart with them, but at $2.99-7.99 for these beautiful boxes, I couldn't resist. Here are a few of the ones I picked out:

I use them to put gifts in, tied with a ribbon and gift tag, and they make a pretty display under the tree. I then use them after Christmas to store our ornaments in.

I selfishly use them mostly for our immediate family so I can reuse them year after year, but if you have a special friend or family member whom would cherish these boxes as much as their gift, then wouldn't it be a special way to present their gift?

While I still love a beautifully wrapped gift, these boxes make a lovely compliment to your wrapping needs!

Do you use gift boxes, or good ole wrap and gift bags?

I've been spending the past few days baking up a storm. I'm trying to get it all done in time for a large Christmas/housewarming party we're hosting at our house this Saturday.

Christmas in the Sunroom

2011-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

I had planned to share my kitchen and dining room space next, but due to a frenzy of baking, it's not quite ready for it's photo op yet =)

I kept the sunroom quite simple, adding in a few festive touches here and there:

I love my new pillows from Dear Lillie.

A very simple mantel:

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

I hope to be back soon with our Kitchen and Dining room tours!

The Best Rum Ball Recipe Ever!

2011-11-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

I've tried many a Rum Ball recipe in the past, with mixed success. This year, I tried a recipe that my quilting teacher gave me....and my.oh.my. YUM!

Image: Pinterest

I didn't take photos while I made them, as I wasn't sure how they'd turn out, but I would still like to share this recipe with you. A word of warning: They are easy to make, but a bit time consuming, and the cost of the ingredients will be more than your average cookie. It is well worth it, though, trust me!

Without further ado:

RUM BALLS EXTRAORDINAIRE:

12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup almond paste
1 cup sour cream
pinch salt
8 cups finely crushed Mr. Christie Vanilla wafer cookies (I used the 'Nilla' vanilla cookies from Mr. Christie)
3 cups icing sugar
1.5 cups melted butter
2/3 cup cocoa
1.5 cups white rum
2 cups almonds (or pecans), crushed finely
chocolate sprinkles (or icing sugar to coat finished balls)

Combine ingredients 1-4. Cream well and set aside. In separate bowl, combine wafers and rest of ingredients except choc. sprinkles. Mix until it holds shape. Add 1st mixture and knead until soft. Refrigerate until firm enough to form balls, yet soft enough to pick up sprinkles. After making balls, refrigerate overnight. Allow 2 weeks to mature (preferably in fridge, but I place mine in the freezer and they taste wonderful too). Freezes well. Makes 9-10 dozen.

Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think! Enjoy!

Master Bedroom Reveal

2011-11-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

When we first moved into our new home, I was at a loss for how to decorate the Master Bedroom. You can read about my ideas for our new feminine Master here. However, this large, square, boring room was just not speaking to me. We started with just an armoire, handed down to me by my Mother, and our bed, with no bed frame. Once we rearranged the furniture we did have, this room really started to come together! It's amazing how just a change in layout can change the entire feel of the space!

We are now 90% complete. We just need a chest for my husband's bedside table, some crown molding and a new ceiling fixture. Here is where we are at so far:

The bedside table and headboard are Kijiji finds, which you can read about here and here. The bench at the end of the bed was a wedding gift. It is craftsman style, upholstered with William Morris fabric, from Charles Rupert and Co (a very cool store in Victoria, B.C.!).

The wall colour is Monroe Bisque from Benjamin Moore. It's a very nice, neutral yet warm cream.

We found all the smaller prints from an antique dealer who was selling off his collection as he was moving to Europe. The frames are from Michael's.

I love these pastoral scenes that flank the armoire. All the pictures are original engravings circa late 1800's.

More equestrian themed prints.

You can read about our Pottery Barn bedding here. I adore the $2 lights on the nightstand (a garage sale score).

You can read about the larger prints here, and the small needlepoint chair here. I'm looking for something to go above the picture in between the two windows. I'm thinking small mounted antlers, or perhaps a small mirror?? I'll know it when I see it =)

I spent weeks sewing these curtains. It was so much more work than I thought, but I love how they turned out! The fabric is Bosporus Flax, ordered from Online Fabric Stores. It was a great price, and came very quickly after I ordered it. I was nervous about having to pay huge duty fees, but only had to pay $15 of federal GST tax on top of the price. It's always a bit risky ordering from the US to Canada. I've been hit with huge duty, fees, and shipping before! For all you Canadians out there, I found the key is to request USPS, NOT UPS. Canada Post and USPS have a deal where they will take care of eachothers duty and brokerage fees. However, if you order from UPS, unless the item you ordered is listed under the free trade agreement, you may get a shocker when your package is delivered and they won't give it to you until you pay a huge fee (usually more than you paid for the item!).

We love our new Master Bedroom! It's just the right amount of feminine and pretty that I was looking for!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Our Christmas Great Room

2011-11-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our home....this is what you'll see upon entering the front door:

The entry is simply decorated, with sleigh bells on our front door, and festive berries and bobbles in the umbrella stand:

You then enter into the Great Room:

Just through the french doors, flanking the fireplace, is the Sunroom:

Our next project is painting and decorating the stairway. You can see it just to the right on this next picture:

I love our antique armoire. So glad we went with this option! You can read more about the armoire here.

I'm still looking for a new mirror for above the fireplace. This one is far too small, but I need something fabulous, so I'd rather wait to find the perfect one, than to settle, so my old one will have to do for now!

I'll be sharing more about our Christmas tree, in more detail, soon!

Can you spot the special 'present' under the tree. She blends in well, so it is tricky to see her. Hint: She's black and orange, has green eyes and loves to purr =)

The coffee table is simply decorated with Paperwhites, just starting to grow, candles and chestnuts.

I hope you enjoyed your look around! Next on the Christmas tour is our kitchen and dining room.

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Our Christmas Porch

2011-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our home. Come on in....there's plenty of Christmas cheer inside!

Here to greet you, is an antique horse feed sack propped on our bench. I originally wanted to hang it on our door, but the style of our door makes it tricky to hang a wreath or other decor, so I figured the next best spot is on this bench. It is also very heavy (metal), and the sack part inside tends to fall through the bottom when hung, so this is the best solution.

Our urn is filled with Cedar and Pine boughs and plenty of Christmas sparkle.

Next up: Our Great Room and Front entry. I hope you'll stop by for a visit!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Equestrian

2011-11-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

I am loving all the Equestrian style that I'm seeing in homes. Perhaps it's my daughters obsession with horses and her involvement with Pony Club:

Or perhaps it's all that wonderfully equine style, readily found on Pinterest:

Source: Saavy Southern Style

Recently I found this beauty for our home:

It is quite large (about 1.5 feet long and just as tall) and very heavy. He's perfect as a 'door stop' for the French door in the sunroom. I will definately incoorporate more pieces with Equestrian flare as I find them. In fact, I was given an antique equine feed sack which I plan to fill with Christmas greenery....I'll share when it's done!

How about you? Do you love Equestrian style too? How do you incoorporate it into your home?

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Decking the Halls

2011-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! We painted, we cleaned, we organized, we Pony Clubbed and Christmas Marketed. Amongst all that, we started to Deck our Halls.

The tree is up and adorned with it's Christmas finery:

The Mantel is prettied up in it's Woodland sparkle:

There are snippettes of Christmas cheer here and there:

We are not done yet, but hopefully this week, it will all be done, and then it's on to baking! It may seem early, but we have a Christmas party in late Nov to prepare for, and once Halloween and Remembrance day is over, I'm rearing to get on with the festivities! I realize a lot of you wait until Thanksgiving is over, but in Canada, our Thanksgiving is in early Oct, so I'm good to go =)

What about you? Have you started your decorating yet? I will show you it all in full detail once I'm all finished!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Ramblings on a Monday morning

2011-11-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

This morning I find myself amongst a plethora of partly completed projects and I couldn't be happier about it. This new house of ours is finally starting to feel more like us. While our old house was, well, old-er, and had many downfalls to it, I absolutely adored it and miss it terribly. Why? Well, mostly because we spent 5 years making it ours. This new house is bigger, near brand new, fancier, and has a fraction of the character and charm of our old house. Things are slowly changing, however, and I no longer see this as the sellers home, with their furnishings and taste, but more of our home, complete with the character and charm that I so crave.

Here are glimpses of some of our projects in the works:

1. Yes, Project sew your own curtains continues. I have 1 panel (which took me utterly hours to sew, thankyouverymuch!) done and hope to finish the other 3 today (now that I have a system worked out =). We are making our own rods with some finials I had, so I need to cut the rod to size and stain to match the finial. I hope to have a reveal this week (but don't hold me to it!)

2. The shameful secret we hide in the basement, known as the Toy Beast, is almost tamed and caged in the 'new' wall unit. Wow, has this come a long way!! I can't wait to show you what an awesome job my hubby did of taking this from tres ugly to fab! Completion estimated for Thursday-Friday.

3. I was thrilled to find these herb crates at a local shop over the weekend. I've loved them on Layla and Kim's blogs. Only trouble is, the perfect spot for them is in the sunroom, but on the wall with the hardiplank siding. This is cement board and my hubby is not keen on putting holes in the siding. I don't blame him, however, as the holes can not be easily filled/touched up if we change our decor. I'm thinking command adhesive in ORB may do the trick. I just need to check on the amount of weight they can hold.

4. I have about 5 pieces of furniture ready for either paint, refinishing, or both! I found this piece on Kijiji, and my hubby bought me this antique table for my Birthday. Furniture stripping will need to wait until after baby is born (unless I can beg and plead for hubby's help), but chalk paint is fair game!

5. Call me crazy, call me silly, but I've actually started on a bit of this:

You may scoff now, but it usually takes me a few weeks to get it all 'up', and then I can sit back and relax and enjoy the season!

I've rambled long enough....perhaps I should get off the computer so I can actually finish some of these jobs!

Have a wonderful day!

Curtain Marathon

2011-11-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

For the past few days, I've been working with a whole lot of this:

And these:

In hopes of creating some beautiful, lined, pleated curtains for the Master Bedroom. As soon as those babies are up, I'm ready for her big reveal! Everything else is done and in place, with the exception of my hubby's bedside table and some future crown molding.

Stay tuned (although seeing as how it's taking me a full day per panel, and I have 4 to do, it may be next week before I'm done...ugh!)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Some Halloween Fun!

2011-11-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had a Cupcake by day:

And two Peacock's by night:

Fun was had by all! I hope your Halloween was also a delight!

Orchids

2011-10-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have not had great success keeping orchids in bloom in my last home, mostly because they didn't get enough light. Here, in the sunny and warm sunroom, I think I'll have a lot more success.

I adore Orchids, who bring such elegance and beauty to a room! Any tips for keeping these in bloom for as long as possible??

Have a wonderful day! We have a preschool Halloween party, followed by some pumpkin carving fun!

Lovely Heirloom Pumpkins

2011-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have seen so many of these Heirloom, or 'Cinderella' pumpkins all over blog land as well as in magazines. I adore them! The colours, the shape, they are so beautiful! I read, with jealousy, how they are even sold at Walmart in some cities, but alas, a Cinderella pumpkin was not easily found locally 'round here.

Images: Pinterest

I managed, after searching high and low, to find 2 orange Heirloom pumpkins. My hubby just about fell over when I told him they were $12 each, and we were NOT carving them...decorative purposes only =) He then started to think, that perhaps we should save the seeds and try our hand at growing them on our acreage. Apparently they do grow here, so it's worth a try!

Here's my very simply autumn front porch:

My Cinderella pumpkins sit in our urn, and look wonderful in all their lumpy, bumpy glory.

We just used regular ole sugar pumpkins for the rest of the space. The girls will carve their pumpkins this weekend. I don't expect many trick or treaters since we live on an acreage, but I wanted to decorate the front more for our sake (mostly the girls)

Did you use Heirloom pumpkins this year? Were they easy to find? Expensive? My guess is they will become more and more popular and readily available in the coming years!

Happy Fall!!

The Kijiji Stalker Strikes Again!

2011-10-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we did a lot of projects around the house, but none that are very pretty or blog worthy. The hubby installed our speaker system in the basement, as well as set up our Hot Tub and our theatre room. I tell ya, while I wouldn't have thought we'd really use a theatre room, we love it! The home builder already built one, so we wanted to put it to good use. It is so much fun, and the girls adore watching their favorite movies on the huge projector screen. I'll do a post on this room once we finish furnishing it (which honestly isn't a priority right now....there are too many other empty spots in this house!). We did manage to take a trip into the city to pick up a few Kijiji finds. These could well be my favorite finds yet. I have always wanted a frenchy settee, and I lucked into this one:

It was beautifully re-upholstered for a child's room. We plan on using it in the playroom for now. How precious is it?! The pink, the bows, the french provincial style.....adore it! I am trying to resist the urge to reupholster it for my sunroom =)

The same person had this old pine table for sale. Perfect for our craft and games table in the playroom. My husband will make a leaf for it, so we can extend it out for those puzzle and game nights! We had a perfectly functional, but very cheap and ugly (an old college days dining set) table already in this space. For not much money, we now have a gorgeous, solid, antique table (from 1910) with gorgeous patina and character. So much better!

Our playroom/gamesroom is in a large open area on the bottom floor. Although it is a space for the kids, since it's in such a visible area, I want it to be stylish as well. We scored a free wall unit this past summer, that we're now repainting and adding trim and beadboard to it. I plan to do a post soon all about the progress of the playroom so far. Be warned, however, it's very much a work in progress! This room is coming together slowly, but surely!

Have a wonderful day!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

My Dear Friend, Kijiji

2011-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

I had planned to do this post earlier this week, but my plans got foiled. You see, it was shaping up to be a great week: I'd find out the gender of the baby (I am far too impatient to wait until babe is born, and I need to know how to decorate the nursery!). I awoke on Tuesday with wicked morning sickness (when, for the love of God, will it end?), which promptly morphed into a migraine. To top it off, hubs was away on business for a few days, so I had to tend to the kids solo (who were lucky they even got dinner). Today, I'm happy to report, I'm in tip top shape. I'm also very happy to report that come mid March, we'll be seeing more pink around here. It's girl #3 =))))) I was really hoping for a girl, but I also thought a boy would be nice for the hubs. He's happy either way, and to tell you the truth, boys scare me. Girls are all I know; they're in my comfort zone, and they are just so dang precious! Anyhoo, onto the post at hand:

My new friend, Kijiji and I have been getting along so well these days. Craig's list isn't as popular here it seems, but I'm sure finding some great things on Kijiji. My hubby and I scour the new ads each day, and have been rewarded with some great finds.

Most recently, we found these over the weekend:

A sweet needlepoint chair that will be perfect tucked beside our armoire in the Master bedroom. It fits in well with the feminine vibe I'm going for in that room. (Master Bedroom reveal coming soon...I just need to get the fabric I ordered and sew the curtains, and then I'll show it off....it's looking so great!!!)

An oak desk, with great lines to it. I'm not a fan of the golden oak colour, and the finish is peeling up in spots, so it will be refinished. I'm not sure yet if I'll paint it, restain it, or a combination.

Original circa late 1800's engravings:

We bought them from a dealer who was selling everything he owns and moving to Europe. He had some fabulous antiques, and literally thousands of these engravings, which he'd collected over the years. My hubby was there alone, so I asked him to look for animal/farm type themes. He did very well! They were $2 each (!!!) and $30 each for the framed prints (these are the $2 prints which I framed myself).

It's become a habit of ours to check Kijiji every night for that special find. Have you found any great deals lately on Kijiji, Craig's list, etc??

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Home Tour: Our Entry

2011-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Our entry really isn't a huge space, but I thought it was worth showing you anyhow.

Come on in....

I love the architectural detail that the builder (who was the previous homeowner) did in this space.

The wall colour is the same as most of the rest of the main floor, Horizon Grey by Benjamin Moore. I love this colour; the perfect shade of grey/blue with undertones of green depending on the light.

I bought this rug at Pier 1. It still is a bit 'wrinkly' but they say that should work itself out.

The only other thing we have is this rustic farm style bench, my wrought iron coat rack, and my umbrella stand.

That's the extent of this small but functional entry, but I'm happy with how it's turned out!

Thanks for visiting!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

The Sunroom Part 2: The other side

2011-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our sunroom is almost like two separate spaces, separated by a corridor. You've seen the one side, many times before. I found this area easy to decorate as it had such a fabulous focal point in the stone fireplace. I've struggled with the other side. It is a larger space, and I really didn't have much furniture for it, so I was starting fresh.

Here is the 'corridor'. I have a fireside bench here, which is a perfect spot to sit and storm watch with these crazy lightening storms we get here!
Over the past week, I bought a chair and chest for one side of this area. Both are from Pier 1. I was actually drawn to the chest when I saw it on the blog, Between Naps on the Porch, in Susan's fab new office. I also loved her Pier 1 chair, but it wasn't in any Pier 1 store that I checked. It may have been in the US only as none of the stores I looked in had even seen it before. While looking at the chest, which luckily is in our Canadian stores, I saw this chair. I immediately loved it, and it was so comfy. Perfect for the space, and the soft blue/cream ticking would look great with the colours of this room. I was originally looking for a chaise for this space, but the only ones I loved were very expensive. I went for the chair, and am happy I did so! I have two lovely ottoman's downstairs, ready for a redo, one of which will eventually be paired up with the new chair.

Sorry for the bright picture, but we're getting so much lovely sunshine!
I also have a small secretary desk in here. Another piece from Grandma's house (I think at least 1/2 of all my furniture is from my Grandma's!).

I have yet to finish the other side of this space. The furniture in there is temporary, being stored there for now. I'm just not sure what to do with it yet. I do have my collection of orchids in here, and am looking for a nice table to display them on. Other than that, I may do another upholstered chair, or perhaps a round table with two wooden chairs. I'll know it when I see it, I suppose! I am also looking for a small round rug for here.

If you have any ideas on how I should finish this area, I'd love to hear it!

Thanks for stopping by!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

A very simple fall mantel

2011-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

My mantel in the sunroom had a autumnal flare to it already. Natural wood tones, curly willow branches....it just reads fall. I did very little to it to give it a slightly more harvest feel.

I added this simple bittersweet wreath:

And my newest addition to this room is my outdoor weathervane. I just love it in here. The patina is gorgeous. My hubs is going to build a base so it doesn't have to lean against the stone.

So that's it. Told ya it was simple!

Have a wonderful day!
Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Newly Framed Art

2011-10-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

I was recently given two old prints that I fell in love with. Although different subject matter, they both are similar in their grey/black and cream tones. The frames were very old and falling apart, and there was water damage on the old matts.

I took them to get professionally re-framed (and was shocked at how much this cost!!!). Here they are now:

I always love farm type scenes, such as this one of a lady in a field.

I'm also drawn to old, classic, romantic prints. My husband particularly likes this one....I wonder why? Sheesh, men!

The prints will no longer degrade, and I'm so glad I splurged and got them professionally framed. They are only prints, and I'm not sure if they have any value, but I love them, so they're valuable to me!

I haven't hung them yet as I'm waiting to get the walls painted in the rooms they're going in. I can't wait to show you once they're in their final spots! In fact, hubby is busy painting now as I type this (what a good man!).

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Homemaking

2011-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today, I celebrate the day with all things homemaking. I have tidied the house, puttered, played with my 4 year old, and made a favorite pot of soup. You see, I do this all in the celebration of a woman's life, who's favorite days were filled with these seemingly mundane activities.

My Grandmother, whose furniture you've heard me talk about time and again, passed away this morning. She had a glorious home filled with antique treasures, and always the scents of wonderful home made foods. Everyone in our family loved her warm and welcoming home. I recall that she used to take photos of her house, and all the rooms and accessories. I used to think this was very strange, yet look at all the photos that I take of my own home now. I think my Grandma would have been a home decor blogger if only it was around in her time! Her favorite thing to do was putter in her home, and celebrate the art of homemaking. Today, I felt it only right to do this in her honour; after all, it's one of my favorite ways to spend a day too.

Miss you Grandma, but happy you are not suffering any longer, and are in a better place.

(Also, a quick note to let you all know that I seem to be jinxed in the past few days with leaving any comments on blogger. The occasional comment gets through, but most just poof off my screen once I submit the comment. I try again and again, reboot etc but to no avail. Has anyone had this happen to them, or know how to fix it?)

Hydrangeas

2011-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

It seems I have a love affair with hydrangeas. I have them dried, all over my house. Many of these dried arrangments are from my Grandmother's house. They were cut and dried 25 years ago and are still gorgeous!

I recently filled an urn near the front entry with a faux variety. I'll have to go faux until we're able to get our gardens in order and plant some real ones!

Whether fresh, faux, or dried, Hydrangeas make a beautiful addition to any home. I admittedly love the fact that I don't have to try to keep these ones alive.....my green thumb has proven a tad untrustworthy as far as indoor plants are concerned.

Have a wonderful day!

Autumn Lovelies, take 2

2011-09-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

I bought this tiered stand last autumn. Remember how it looked then? Well, this year I pulled out all my fall goodies for my stand. Prepare for picture overload...I got a little camera happy!

I used a hodge podge of pretty much anything I had that was fall-ish. Gourds, leaves, 'sugared' pumpkins, faux pears....

Ha! you made it through all those pictures =) I am pretty much done my fall decorating, with the exception of my front porch. I'm still on the hunt for some great green and white pumpkins for my urn topiaries. I'll share the rest of my fall decor with you soon. I'm sure enjoying seeing all the wonderful fall decor in your homes! I'm particularly smitten with these beauties.

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

I finally did it!

2011-09-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

I finally tried out what so many bloggers have been blogging about: Chalk Paint. My first victim was a small table that I'm using in my sunroom as a coffee table. It was a freebie, and the stain was in rough shape. You can see a before here.

I took to heart that you don't need to sand or prep the piece before painting, and just slapped on the paint. It covered well, although it took 4 coats (as opposed to one, which is what many say is all that's needed). I used the clear wax, distressed, then re-waxed. I used Old White. I'm definately happy with how it turned out.

I also made a few little changes to the Sunroom. I added this rag rug, in more autumn shades, and removed the firescreen that was here before. It just wasn't in keeping with the rest of the room.

I added a button fern to the silver planter. It's sure enjoying all the sun this room gets. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this one alive. My past record with ferns isn't too great!

I also switched out the pillows, although I'm going to need another switch to some more earthy colours to keep up with the season!

This room is slowly coming along. There's another large space on the other side of the sunroom which is not at all set up. I hope to get that space completed by Christmas. I am on the lookout for the perfect comfy reading chair, as well as a chest to store some linens such as tablecloths and placematts.

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

A Lonely Armoire

2011-09-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here is another piece in my quick tour of our new (sparse) Master Bedroom.

Today I wanted to show you an armoire that was in my Grandmother's home. She likely got it at a garage sale, and refinished it. It was given to my Mother, who then passed it down to me.

It has a slightly art deco feel to it. The hardware is original, and a few repairs need to be made so that the doors actually latch shut. Sould be an easy fix. I love the details of the piece; it's so unique.

Now I just need to get the rest of the room furnished so the armoire doesn't feel so lonely!
(and why, oh why do all the homes we buy have pukey mustard yellow walls in the Master?? I can't wait to get those painted!)

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

New Bedding for our Master

2011-09-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

I found the jumping off point for the colours and fabrics in our new room with this new bedding:

The duvet, shams, euro shams and dust ruffle are from Pottery Barn. The coverlet is from Home Sense and the large neck roll is from Ikea.

The soft colours, and feminine pattern were just what I was looking for. I am not sure if the bench at the end of the bed will stay in this spot. The craftsman style isn't in keeping with the rest of the room, but the bench is special to us as it was a wedding gift. It is upholstered with William Morris fabric.

The headboard was found on Kijiji, and was very inexpensive. I bought it intending to put it in the Master 'for now' and then the guest room once I've found a permanent headboard for us; however, I've grown quite fond of it, and it just may stay put! It's hard to see with all those pillows, so I've stripped them down to give you a better look.

Now I need to find some curtains, settle on a paint colour, change out the overhead lighting, add some art, and put in some more furniture (perhaps a reading corner??). I have a lot of work still to do in this room!

I'll share my one and only other piece of furniture I have in this room, an antique armoire, in another post.

Have a wonderful day!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

A New Table (and some progress in the Master!)

2011-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Remember my old, boring, matchy-matchy bedroom in our last house? Remember my inspiration folder for how I'd love our new Master to look? Well, over the weekend, I found another piece that puts me closer to having my pretty over-the-top girly bedroom.

We sold our bed frame, and put the rest of our bedroom set in the guest room where it's looking perfectly lovely and cozy. Trouble is, all we had was a metal bed frame and a gorgeous armoire that my Mother gave to me (score!). The Master in our new house isn't too entirely obnoxiously huge, but it's a fairly large space, and looks awfully empty now.

I was willing to live with it like this for a while (and we still are!) until the perfect pieces came along. We found a new-to-us headboard and new bedding, which I'll share another day. Now I was on the hunt for bedside tables, so we don't have to stash our things on the floor by the bed (or use cardboard boxes, for that matter!). I knew I didn't want actual bedside tables. I was thinking either a table with a drawer, a small chest, or a round table with a cloth over it. I also didn't want the two sides to match.

While cruising Kijiji over the weekend, I spotted it. My new bedside table, that isn't actually a bedside table. It's meant to be a desk. Yes, it's a small desk, but makes for a large 'bedside table'. It is in beautiful condition. We paid $170 which may not be a steal, but I dare you to find a solid wood desk as nice as this in a retail shop for that price.

Here she is:

Love the lines, the ledge down below, and the pendant handles. You can just catch a glimpse of our new bed and bedding. I look forward to sharing that with you soon!

I started to style the top a bit, but still would like to find a vintage-looking alarm clock (to replace the ugly digital one I've had for umteen years!) and am working out the details of what to put on the bottom shelf. It will need to be large enough to cover those pesky cords from the bedside lamp, etc.

As you can see, I've been testing out some paint colours, but have decided to go with something completely different.

The bedside lamps were found by my Mom at a garage sale for $2 for the pair!! They are a very heavy cast material.

I think the other 'bedside table' will end up being a round table covered by a cloth. I think the contrast of the round table on one side and the rectangular one on the other will look lovely.

I also wanted to just quickly thank you for sticking with me while I've been such an absentee blogger. I'm reading and commenting on your blogs as much as \I can, but this pregnancy has taken a lot out of me. I'm in the second trimester now, so here's hoping that those pesky early pregnancy symptoms will subside so I can get on with life!!

I'll be back soon to show you some more new finds. I have so much to share with you all!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Farmhouse with a Contemporary Twist

2011-08-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to have a guest here today at Willow Wisp. While I spend today recovering from a week long camping trip, and preparing for the munchkins starting school this week, I am happy to present to you Jennifer, at Design Shuffle:

Hi all! I’m Jennifer and I write for Design Shuffle, a social media site that chronicles the work of top interior designers around the world. I've been writing about home decor since graduating university and have loved it ever since. I'm addicted to patterned fabrics, Jonathan Adler, chaise lounges, old doors, milk glass jars, antiques, and more. I was thrilled when I heard I'd be writing for the fabulous blog Willow Wisp Cottage, and even more excited to be covering some gorgeous modern-day farmhouses. I hope you enjoy it!

The perfect mix of old and new is a farmhouse with a contemporary twist - the architecture and materials of decades past, including cathedral ceilings and exposed wood, looks stylish when paired with modern light fixtures, streamlined furniture and bold colours. Looking for some more farmhouse interior design ideas? Read on...

All-inclusive guest room via DesignShoot

There is something so over-the-top-charming about this multi-level guest bedroom design, with a cozy sleeping area and sunken bathroom separated by a short open staircase. The overhead track lighting fixtures as well as the matching floor lamps give the space an updated look.

Living room steeple via Home Interior Design

This striking living room design idea has expansive windows and a wood steeple of sorts, connecting the farmhouse feel with the beauty of the surrounding woods. Modern ceiling lights are also a great touch to bring this home into 2011.

A room with a view via Home Design Inspiration

The sleek furniture and abstract artwork are a part of "the now," but the exposed wood beams of this turn-of-the-century farmhouse is a lovely part of "the then."

Bathing beauty via Pokypoky

Everything about this contemporary bathroom design is rustic, particularly the original wood of the adjacent wall - however, the distinctly angular bathtub gives it away that this is a very avant-garde space.

Rustic workspace via Increaseroom

We can't get enough of this breathtaking kitchen - you barely even notice the chic modern-day chocolate brown cabinetry with such incredibly fabulous stone walls and ceiling.

Country cookin' via Office Furniture Plan

What chef (or chef wannabe) wouldn't love cooking in this spacious farmhouse kitchen? The latch-handles on the cabinetry look distinctly dated whereas the ceiling lights are retro with contemporary flair.

Bold black and white via devule

Black and white is always in, even when it's a fashionable den design in a decades-old farmhouse. The matching lamps are the perfect finishing touch.

Beam me up! via NewHouseOfArt

Minimalism was all there was in olden times, and despite the low furniture and very modern fireplace, this stark living room with exposed wood beams give off the appearance that it's from the 19th century.

This post comes courtesy of Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior designs from around the world – from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.

Thank you so much, Jennifer, for the wonderful guest post! I'm off to check out some more great ideas and inspiration at Design Shuffle!

I'll be back soon with some updates in the master bedroom and dining room!

Where I've Been

2011-08-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I think it's about time to spill the beans....to spill the beans about the bean, that is =)

You see, about a week after moving into our new home, I seemed to catch a stomach flu. Either that, or I ate too many cherries. This went on and on, and then it dawned on me. I've felt this before. This strange nausea, exhaustion. In fact, I've felt it a few times. Oh, dear me, after a quick, panicked trip to Walmart, it was confirmed. Seems our big ole house is going to get a bit fuller. There's a new Bean on board at Chez Willow Wisp.

While I've been busy working on growing said bean, hopefully now appearing less bean-like every day, I've been feeling not quite the top of my game. I claim a successful day if I can eat 3 meals; If I can get out of bed, and actually shower. Oh, and I'm quite thrilled when I can actually get something accomplished, such as laundry, or feeding my other two littles. You see, this pregnancy is proving to be a tricky one. Let's just hope the little Bean is much more cooperative once he/she makes an appearance in late Feb/early March!

We've also been busy with Pony Club, relatives coming out, and we have 2 more extended camping trips before summers end.

I will be back, and Lord help me, past all this morning (or in my case, all day) sickness and back in the game. I am far too busy with plans of painting, board and batten projects, decorating etc to let this keep me down. After all, I want everything to be in tip-top shape before Baby #3 arrives!!

Have a wonderful few weeks, and never fear, I shall return very soon!

Horizon Grey

2011-08-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

A perfect grey/green/blue, which is different depending on how the light changes during the day.

A lovely neutral, soft backdrop for our furniture and treasures.

I realize it is very difficult to get a true appreciation for wall colours on the computer, but I couldn't help but share.
Hopefully I'll be able to show you the completed great room very soon!

ps Horizon Grey is by Benjamin Moore.

Linking to my favorite Parties!

My Favorite Painting

2011-07-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am not an art snob. I really don`t care if it`s original, or cut out of a pretty calender and framed. However, having said that, I do find something extra special in original art. I wonder about the artist, and what made him/her paint that particular scene. I wonder who it was for, and how it ultimately made its way to me. One of my favorite pieces is this original that my mom found at a garage sale. I admired it for years, until one day she had it framed and put it under the Christmas tree for me. One of my favorite gifts, I tell ya.

I just love the subject matter, and the soft delicate watercolours. Enlarge to see the signature, dated 1921.

One of my favorite blogs, For the Love of a House, has many beautiful original works of art. It inspires me to search for more to add to my collection.

Linking my favorite picture to my favorite Parties!

A Few New (to me) Pieces

2011-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Part of the fun of moving to this new house has been finding homes for all our furniture. However, this house is almost twice as big as our last home, so there's many empty voids! I yearn for that collected over time, eclectic look (not to mention that we don't have unlimited finances to go to a store and fill our house!), so I hit the antique stores. I was also lucky in that my mom had a few pieces she was downsizing so she sent them along with us. Most of these will need a little spiffying up. Maybe some paint, perhaps a re-finish.....I'm going to live with it while we get some more major tasks done (such as painting the walls!) and then decide.

A lovely Welsh sideboard from a local antique shop.

It fits perfectly in my dining room (more like a dining nook, rather than a full room!). I have a gallery wall planned for above.

I love the handles, and the carved detailing.

A bookcase, given to me by my mother. It was $30 at a garage sale. The minute I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for my quilting fabric. This is definitely getting a coat of creamy chalk paint and some distressing.

How I love vintage handles!

Can't wait to get my hands on that yummy fabric (once I'm organized and unpacked, that is!)

A funky old pine cupboard. It reminds me of the one that Miss Mustard Seed showed us on her blog. However, as my husband pointed out, hers is much nicer =) It's smaller than hers, but has a similar vibe. I love this for my craft supplies. Love the cute hinges and the latch.

Here's my cupboard:

And Miss Mustard Seed's:

Do you see the similarity too? Pine, rustic....oh ya!

It stores all sorts of crafting supp's.

Finally, this old chest from a logging camp on Vancouver Island. My mother bought it when she was first married. There's even colouring in it from when I was a kid (now I am getting payback with my own children colouring on my furniture!). I greatly dislike the finish, but nothing a little paint won't fix up. Doesn't it remind you of this one built by Martha Stewart's team? Cool idea to use it as a filing cabinet too.

Mine:

(great potential, but ucky finish)

It even comes complete with a funky odour, which I've been spending weeks airing out. Happy to report that it's almost funk free.

Martha's:

Perhaps a conversion is in my chests future?

A few fun pieces to keep me busy once my chalk paint arrives! Still not sure if I want to paint the Welsh sideboard though. What do you think? Paint it (I'd likely leave the top stained and bottom a cream colour) or refinish and restain it?? I'd love to hear your opinions!!

Have a great day,

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Progress in the Sunroom

2011-07-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today I read how Julia, from Hooked on Houses, recently added an Ektorp sofa with a white slipcover to her sunroom. It inspired me to show you my own Ektorp which we purchased over the weekend.

I've made some progress in the sunroom. While I was going to originally wait until it was all 'done' for the final reveal, I realized this would take some time. I also love watching how room designs evolve on other blogs, so I thought I'd share the progress of this room with you.

The new sofa:

I envisioned a light, airy, white sofa, and the Ektorp did the trick. We splurged on a high quality, Restoration Hardware sofa in the living room, and needed a more economical choice in here. I love it! I really don't think I would have been any happier with a more expensive option. I'm considering the Ektorp chaise for the other side of the room.

The mantel is still being styled, but here's where we are at now:

The old window is from my Grandmother's house. I plan on adding a small moss wreath to it, and perhaps changing out the other accessories.

I love the corner cabinet in this room. It suits the style of the sunroom perfectly.

The small table in front of the loveseat is a perfect fit for this space. I had originally wanted a slipcovered ottoman, but I think I'll repaint this piece (once my chalk paint arrives) and see how I like it. I plan to add baby tears to the planter. Unfortunately the ones in there before didn't survive the move.

I can't decide if the cat is tacky or not. It was my Grandmother's, and I always loved it in her home. This may not be a piece that I would pick up if I saw it in a store, but it reminds me of Grandma's, so I love it =)

I still have the other half of the sunroom to furnish and accessorize. This is quickly becoming my favorite room in the house! It may be a while before we finish this room up as we're currently busy painting the rest of the house...busy times!

Have a fabulous day!

Linking to my Favorite Parties!

Guest Posting at Oak Ridge Revival

2011-07-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today I'm at Oak Ridge Revival, joining Andrea in her Thankful Thursday series. Come check out what I'm thankful for, and be sure to browse Andrea's fabulous blog. You may just find a bit of this:

Love that kitchen!

And some of this:

Fabulous, right?

See you there!

Playroom: The plan

2011-07-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

In our old house, we had what I liked to call 'The Closet of Shame'. It was a walk in closet FULL of kids toys. While I take no responsibility for aforementioned closet, and blame Grandparents fully, I nevertheless had a place to hide away the shame.

New house, no closet of shame. What's a mom to do? Enter, Kijiji. I was searching for a wall unit type of set up with cupboards on the bottom and shelving on top. I knew I could remedy any homeliness with paint and trim.
Luck! A free, large shelving unit, just to our specifications! Stay tuned for the transformation, in the next few weeks.

Where we are at now:

An amazing, huge space downstairs, next to the family room. It is meant to house a pool table/games area, but for this family, it will become the mecca of playrooms.
I am coming to grips with the fact that I can only prettify this space so much. The large, plastic toys will still be visible, and I'm ok with that. It is, after all, a space for my children to play in, imagine, create and enjoy. It is their space.

The plan:

Paint and trim out the cabinet. I am either going to paper the back (if I can find the right pattern) or paint it a soft blue. Baskets and organization are in the works. Think along these lines:

Oh, and giant poufs are a must, also.

A large rug, with a low pile for the play area. While I love seagrass and sisal, it will need to pass my comfort test as little knees will be kneeling on it and playing.

This Jute rug from Pottery Barn is lovely. Need a feel-test first, though.

A large table for crafting and creating, complete with a large roll of paper (mounted on the wall) for endless artistic pursuits.

A large, trimmed out cork board to display their specials on, and I love map images lately. Perhaps a cool, enlarged bright map for some wall art.

Maps: Pinterest

I am seriously considering having the first map image blown up to a giant poster size. I love the colours and variety of all those maps. They inspire adventurous travels to places unknown.

We should be getting started on this space fairly soon, and will show your our progress along the way!

Linking to my favorite Parties!

A Jaunt to Ikea

2011-07-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

I like Ikea, I really do. But I don't love it. I don't have much Ikea furniture in our home. I find it a bit, how do you say?? not the best quality?? I mean no offense to those who love Ikea and have furnished their house with their pieces, it's just not always my cup of tea. However, I do think Ikea furniture has its place.
We spent 4 hours there on Saturday (which of course included a meatball meal...one thing I do adore about Ikea!) outfitting our office/craft room.

I love the look of the office furniture called the Bedford collection at Pottery Barn, but there are two problems: 1. It's quite pricey for a craft room space, and 2. They won't ship most of the heavier pieces to Canada. I was determined to mimic the look & feel for a fraction of the cost. Enter: Ikea.

First stop, is the obvious office section. I didn't really love the modern style of their office furniture, and I was shocked at the higher price. I was looking for a bank of drawers to go down a 14 ft wall. There is a sloped ceiling, so I had to watch my height.
We ended up finding the perfect solution in the bedroom section. We bought 4, 2 drawer dressers that are cute and cheap! They are perfect to store my crafting and office supplies. The bonus room doesn't have a closet, so I need a storage solution for all those uglies.

We then bought two large tables (very basic) for my sewing and crafting area. Nothing fancy, but this is a table which will see glue, glitter, paint etc so basic and utilitarian is perfect.

I also wanted a central cutting table for my quilting adventures. We made one out of a dresser, two table tops, and two adjustable legs. I get storage, and have a spot to slip a stool under if I'd like to sit at the table. Similar Bedford table: $1400 cdn, Ikea version: $160

We stayed up to the wee hours of the morning, drinking wine and assembling furniture. I have blisters on my hand from putting all those dressers together =)

I can't wait to show you the rest of the space, once it's fully unpacked and prettified. I have many older vintage and antique pieces for this room. It makes for a very eclectic space; one that I am so looking forward to creating in!

Ikea, thank you for providing me with the inexpensive, functional and cute crafting space that I was seeking. Guess I do really like you.

Linking up to my favorite Parties!

Mudroom: The plan

2011-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

There isn't much to do in this room, as it has pretty good storage and I like the look already. Love the cubbies with the baskets. Love the slate floors, built in bench.

Where we are at now:

I'm happy with the storage, with one exception: I can see already that the bench is the catch all for back packs, coats (for those of us too lazy to hang them up, or too short!).

This lovely wall is just begging for board and batten, with some cool vintage vibe hooks and a small shelf on top to display pretties. Perhaps some wallpaper above? Stencil? Maybe just painted? Opinions??

My inspiration? This great B&B project from Home Stories A to Z.

Just the look I'm going for.

Also, I'd like to add a cushion to the bench, which I will sew a cover for. I'm thinking a durable sunbrella/outdoor fabric, to withstand kids and dirty/wet 'stuff'.

No area rug in this utilitarian space.

That otta do it. Now to get to work so I can show you the after!

Familiarity

2011-07-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

A little familiarity, in this house of chaos, is a welcome thing.

A favorite picture, hung up amongst the blank walls.....

Or a treasured piece of furniture in our otherwise empty room....

Gives me just the needed push to continue with emptying boxes, and to look forward to the real decorating fun ahead.

The two munchkins are at Grandma's house next week; a perfect opportunity to get out those paint rollers. We are also working on a great project that I hope to reveal next week!

Have a great day!

A Dilemma Solved

2011-07-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Remember my TV dilemma?

There were varied opinions on what I should do; definately not a clear favorite amongst the commenters.

Well, I mulled over the decision and was ready to order the Restoration Hardware armoire, especially since they were having a great sale. We got into our new house, though, and I realized that the RH armoire was not the right piece for this house. I loved that armoire, but I just couldn't visualize it in here.

We immediately knew which was the perfect piece for this home:

Rat tail hinges and gorgeous original hardware.

Original finish complete with amazing patina.

Signed by the original owners. Enlarge the pictures above to see the french (the armoire is from Quebec) names of the Famille de Bellemare, first dated 1873! They've listed their children and grandchildren's names on the cabinet, with the last date 1956. You just can't buy character like that from a new store!

We are thrilled with our decision. With this being a newer home (3 years old), I want to create charm and character to avoid that new build feel. We plan on using moldings and trims to help with this, but antique and vintage furniture pieces, mixed with newer finds will create that perfect eclectic balance I am after.

Thank you for all your input on my dilemma! You are an invaluable source of inspiration for me, and I truly appreciate your opinions!

Linking to my favorite Parties!

At last.....

2011-07-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Now that you have Etta James' tune in your head, it is time to show you our new blank slate. These are the ultimate 'before' shots. No furniture, no boxes, just a blank slate for us to create our home in.

Dining Room:

Great Room/Living Room:

Kitchen:

Sunroom:

Entry:

Mudroom:

Bonus Room (will be office and craft room):

Basement:

There are more rooms and many more pictures, but I figured this was a good start for today =)

Over the next months (years?), I'll be customizing each space with a little paint, some trims, and a whole lot of furniture and accessories. I plan to take you room by room through the process of customizing and decorating it. I'll start with my idea board, then show you the in progress, and ultimately the finished product. I would love, love, love any input and ideas along the way! Sharing this process with you will be just the motivation I need to get cracking on all these projects, rather than letting the sheer size of this house (5500 sq ft) overwhelm me, and leave me in a lump in the corner of a room in a daze, not knowing where the heck to start!

I look forward to bringing you with me on this journey!

Linking to my favorite Parties!

My new BFF

2011-07-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have met a new BFF. She's gorgeous, with great bones and wonderful features such as a sunroom with white washed ceiling boards, stone fireplace, and a reclaimed wood mantle.

She's quite young, and as such, needs a little character and personality instilled into her just yet, but that is easy enough to do.

I'm helping her shop for a new outfit. I'm thinking an undergarment in a soft, delicate blue:

Or maybe a soft gray with subtle, warm, green undertones (this picture really isn't a true representation of this wonderful colour. Amazing how off the colours on screen can be!):

Think along the lines of this fabulous Sarah Richardson design:

Want to come over for tea and a re-design, Sarah??

Perhaps a skirting of Board and Batten, here and there. And most certainly she'll be adorned with plenty of fabrics and textures. Of course, every girl needs a bit of bling.

I can't wait to get to know my BFF better. Her and I are going to be like two peas in a pod. I'll be sure to introduce you to her, but she's a bit shy, so we'll take it slow to start.

Linking to my favorite Parties!

Pardon me....

2011-07-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Pardon me while I take the next few days to organize this:

And unpack these:

Time to get off the computer and get back to work! I'm tired of searching the floor for a clean set of clothes, and I'm still desparetly trying to find my hairbrush (my hair hasn't been properly brushed in days. I'm a mess!). Oh the joys of moving (but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm lovin this house and our new town!).

Be back soon with a progress report!

Tricky TV's: Opinions Needed!!!

2011-06-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies! How I've missed our chats! I am currently sitting in a RV, approximately 250 sq ft. We have just over a week left until we get possession of our new house, and needless to say, I'm a wee bit excited about this. I may, or may not, do a little drive by the new house on a daily basis. I'm stalking my own house =P

On to the matter at hand. While I am ultimately trying to wait until we get into the house to make a few decorating decisions, there are a few major items that I'm trying to source out now. Recall my ideas for our new Great room, here.

Firstly, this sofa has been ordered:

It is divine. It wasn't much less money for one sofa than what we spent on 2 sofa's in our last home; however, the old sofa's were mediocre quality, not really the fabric I would have liked, and the foam stuffing was warping after only 3 years of minimal use. The buyers for our home requested them in the sale, and I wasn't disappointed by this! The new Restoration Hardware sofa was well worth the extra money: Down-mix fill, beautiful, yet durable fabric (although not the Belgian Linen option that would have been my first choice if children weren't going to be using the sofa too), slip covered and family friendly. Love the traditional roll arm. This is a sofa that will last for many, many years. First piece of the Great Room puzzle is in place.

Yesterday, my husband and I went on a mini-antiquing trip. We found a fantastic store in the city, and I found many gorgeous pieces. I have my eye on a huge wooden trough, from the Baltic. I envision it filled with quilts and throws. I'm loving a mini dog cart, and a handmade wooden pitch fork from Russia (must be seen to be appreciated!)...so many beauties! This leads me to the reason for our visit to this store: The hunt for a storage solution for our TV. We will be buying a new flatscreen, likely around 42 inches.

How do you deal with your TV???? Hide it in an Armoire? Hung on the wall? On a TV stand??? Do share!!!!

The layout of our new room makes it not possible to hang the TV above the mantle. That leaves an Armoire (which I admittedly love the idea of hiding it when not in use) or on a stand of some sort.

Here's my ideas so far. I would LOVE to hear your opinion on these!

Option 1:

An antique armoire from Quebec, 1860's. GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Expensive!!!! Worth it? Yup, I'm thinking so.

Original paint, hardware, and signed by the makers of the cabinet (from 1860's!!). Maybe a bit dark and more reddish than I would have ideally liked, but the patina is so gorgeous, and there's NO WAY I would paint or modify this treasure if we were to buy it.

Option 2:

This armoire from Restoration Hardware. Keep in mind, that it is the same price as the antique armoire.

Love the tone/patina of the wood. Gorgeous shape and detailing.

Option 3:

This stand (or something similar) from Restoration Hardware. Only complaint, is seeing the components through the glass, but I otherwise love the glass look. There are similar products with cupboards instead of glass. This is 2/3 the cost of the above options.

It is actually very long, and would be a nice way to set up a few other displays next to the tv on top of the stand.

What do you think? We won't make a final decision until we move into our new home. I plan on laying out painters tape in the dimensions of each unit to see how it will fill the space. We have a very large room, with vaulted ceilings, so I don't think any of these options will be too large.

I have already bought paint samples, and accessories. I only need the house to be ready to get decorating!

I look forward to hearing your opinions; afterall, bloggers are my favorite source of inspiration!

A few goodbye's and a Hiatus

2011-06-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

It is with mixed feelings that our family gets ready to drive away from our home for the 12 hour trip to our new city. We are packed, house is cleaned (almost), and ready for the new owners. It is hard to see this home empty. We loved the past 5 years here, but I know we'll love our new house just as much (and maybe even more!).

We will be moving into our new home early July. In the meantime we will be cooking up smores and hotdogs in a campground for the next month. It will be fun hanging out in the RV with the littles and the four-leggeds. One problem (and this is a doozy)....NO INTERNET. ACKKKKK! How will I survive??? I don't need TV, I can easily do without many other things, but internet...blogs....pinterest....etc??? It will probably be good for me, and the kids as my focus will be 100% on them and helping them feel comfortable with our move. I guess I'll just have to pass some of the time with some shopping. Shucks.

Note to self: Must create Hosta lined path in new yard.

So, I will be absent for a month, but definately not gone for good. Willow Wisp will return in July. Look for me (and a flood of projects in the new house) then! Have a wonderful month, and know that I'll miss you all!!!

Denby

2011-05-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

I adore my Denby dishes. I adore them so much, they are worthy of an entire blog post.

I was lucky enough to inherit my Grandmother's Florentine Blue fine china. Gorgeous, yes, but not daily use friendly. Not only are they just so dang expensive, but the pattern is certainly more formal, and not in keeping with a casual everyday family meal.

For my wedding, I added Denby's Regency Green to my gift registry, and am so, so glad I did. I was married 5 years ago, and not a single piece has chipped. They are incredibly durable. These are our everyday use dishes, and have survived life in a busy family.

I have a set of 12 (I don't think you could ever have too many sets!), and have found that if you sign up to the Denby web site, they will email out great sales. I have ordered several pieces this way.

Do you use Denby? What is your favorite pattern?

I am going to miss.....

2011-05-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Our flowering ornamental plum, on the verge of it's annual show.....

Our front garden, welcoming guests to our home.....

Our Willow, and the inspiration for my blog's name.....

Our fish pond, complete with Koi.....

The cutest darn gardening shed/greenhouse.....

Our huge yard, of which this picture shows only a small portion.....

Our flowering Dogwoods.....

Our Home.....

Our Guest Cottage and Pool side garden....

Our Pool and Gazebo.....

We've loved this home for the past 5 years, but it's now time to move on to a new home and a new adventure =)

Some Shopping Therapy

2011-05-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I was lucky enough to get a few hours to myself, while my husband took the girls to the wave pool. What else is a lone Mommy to do, but shop?! While I'm trying to not get too carried away, you know, since I am moving in less than two weeks and all, I couldn't help but pick out a few cute accessories for our new digs.

Here's what I found:

A beautiful new Cloche.

I am developing an obsession over clocks. I sense a new collection coming on!

I need more candlesticks, like I need a hole in my head, but I couldn't pass on the deal with these beauts.

To replace my ugly, falling apart garbage bin for my office (and some new cute quilting fabric, totally unrelated, but I thought I'd throw it in the picture anyhow!).

This lamp is going to fit in perfectly in the sunroom. I remember spritzing my Grandma's plants with one of these. My husband likes it, as he thinks it's an oil can, not a plant spritzer.

These bells make the most beautiful sound!

These cute finds were promptly put away to be packed. I can't wait to get settled in our new house and find the perfect spot for them all!