Christmas decor

We finally put the tree up a couple of days ago and I wanted to share how it all turned out.  We always buy a real tree so the timing has to be right or you are left with a really dried out crispy tree by Christmas!  Believe me, I know this from past experience.  The tree is in a new spot this year since doing some redecorating and I didn't think it would fit but with a little tree trimming we managed to tuck it in the corner of the living room.  I was very minimal this year with other Christmas decor and I only added a few things to the room.  Please don't judge me on the ornament placement, my kids like to be involved and I had to let go of my usual control issues.

High Street Market

Once in awhile I come across a great online store that has such amazing pieces I need to share it.  I originally came across them on Etsy where they sold a variety of cool vintage finds.  They have recently opened a new online store with a mix of old and new pieces.  If you haven't yet checked out High Street Market then you are in for a treat.

Here are a couple of things that caught my eye:

I am thinking this lamp would look great on my newly painted credenza;)

They have a selection of lamp finials to add a little glam to your everyday lamp

This would make a statement on a mantel or coffee table

A vintage umbrella stand

Gorgeous vintage bar cart

I could find a spot for this mirror couldn't you? 

If you like vintage maps you are going to love the huge selection available 

Credenza makeover

As many of you know I am not a DIY'er by any stretch of the imagination.  Yes, even painting furniture is a BIG project for me!  I really wanted to try the Annie Sloan paint because it's considered "girl" proof and very easy to work with.  Seriously, no sanding and no priming?  What's not to love?  I applied the first coat using a foam roller because I wanted a smoother finish without brush strokes.  I used a brush for the tighter spots around the doors.  The paint is quite thick so you can add water if you wanted to thin it out a bit.  I then applied the clear wax in small sections with a rag once it was totally dry and the last step was to buff it with another cloth.  I am really happy with how it turned out, let me know what you think!

Before:

 First coat (it ended up needing two coats)

 After:

Paint colour is Paris Grey

Hardware from Liz's Antique Hardware

Winter decorating inspiration

I am not one to decorate only for Christmas.  I like to decorate with more of a winter theme in mind.  I like things more subtle with some natural elements like branches, little trees and lots of candles.  I found some great inspiration on Pinterest.

Spending time with Annie this weekend

This is what I'll be doing this weekend.  I will post the after pics next week!

Girl's bathroom

I am currently working on a girl's bathroom that will be completely gutted with an end result that feels fresh, youthful and fun. We sourced the vanity from Restoration Hardware and that was our starting point.  I then found a great Annie Selke fabric with a bold poppy print perfect for a roman shade.  The colours in the fabric were the jumping off point for the glass mosaic tiles.  I am using them as an accent in the middle of one shower wall. The 2x4 white tiles will be laid in a brick pattern everywhere else including the apron of the tub.  I then came across these great capiz shell sunburst mirrors and little sparkly ice cube pendant's that will hang above each mirror to add some glam.  I hope the girl's like it!

Caitlin Wilson Textiles

I just ordered my swatch box from Caitlin's new textile line.  Such pretty patterns and colour ways that coordinate beautifully together. You can check it out here.

Sarah is back

Did anyone catch the first episode of this seasons Sarah's House?  This season she is busy adding her own touches, with Tommy's help, to a builders basic home in the suburbs.  It's a great way to show people how they can add custom touches to a home that looks like everyone else's on the block.  Whether it's changing the lighting or taking a wall out Sarah shows you how you can use your upgrade budget wisely to create a custom look.  Can you spot the sneak peek of the kitchen?  Looking forward to that episode!

Too busy shopping

I admit I may have a problem.  While spending time catching up on other blogs, Facebook and now throwing Pinterest into the mix, not only are they great ways to connect with people but I also find that I am doing a lot more shopping!  When you combine all these avenues it's a deadly mix that creates some serious damage to the credit card.

The damage:

Pink boat neck sweater from Zara, first seen on Blair's blog Atlantic-Pacific.  Her fabulous blog is to blame for this purchase.

Print by Tastes orangey for my living room.  I was introduced to this artist through Ceri at Cooper Grey.  I'm putting together a gallery wall and this is a great addition.

Bfrend bracelets by the lovely Monika Hibbs.  First spotted on Made by Girl.  I am always finding things through Jen that are on my have to have list.  Damn her for having such great taste.

Orange lacquer tray from West Elm for my cool bar cart.  Just because I needed another splash of orange in my newly decorated living room.

Gold Chanelesque blazer from Zara all because of the new online shopping option.

Modern entryway

I have been busy working on an entryway for a client.  Her wish list included something modern with natural materials and minimal colour.  I found some great pieces that will give her the look she's going for.  The bench will be in a buttery coloured leather not the white shown in my mood board and we will use the black frames to do a gallery wall of family photos for above the bench.  I can't wait to see it all pulled together!  I am always just as excited as the client to see a room through to completion.  I will post before and after pics once it's finished.  What do you think?

Why me??

So I had to share what I woke up to this lovely Friday morning.  I have worn these shoes one time!!  I love my dog but why did she have to eat my brand new shoes?  My husband's shoes were right next to mine and she didn't touch his only my little beauties.

The culprit

The shoe that was untouched

And the shoe that didn't make it

 Let's take a closer look a the damage shall we