Thanks … and check these out…

My friends Kelly and Victoria over on DesignTies were deservedly awarded the “One Lovely Blog” award for their hard work and amazing content. Way to go girls!

In turn, DesignTies awarded 15 Canadian blogs with the same award - AND MY BLOG WAS ONE OF THEM! Thank you ladies – I am honoured. Check out their post and all of the great blogs (both Canadian and International) that they follow! Well worth the trip.

I am becoming more exposed to the world of blogging, and one of the neat aspects is all of the GIVEAWAYS!!! Here are some I came across:

• A Jamie Drake Book giveaway at DesignTies
• Kitchen and Residential Design — Win a great Michael Graves 9093 Kettle.
• A Lil’ Welsh Rarebit — Win one of three great prizes.
• Gals in the Know — Win Stila makeup, fabulous books, and jewelry.

And for a neat list of giveaways check out this blog

• Blog Giveaways

Check them all out – and good luck!

A weekend in the Garden

Well, we have perhaps finally seen the beginning of the summer in Eastern Canada – perhaps. I’m not counting my chickens…

This past weekend I spent at the garden centre, and then elbows deep giving new homes to my fine flowering friends…

First was the hunt for effusys, after reading a great post by Kelly from DesignTies, which I finally tracked down. The last four to be had were found hidden behind some dracena – phew. If you haven’t read Kelly’s post and wonder what all the excitement is about – check this out …

This spiky curly plant is just begging to be asked about … I love it!

Next, was finding some plants to fill my many and varied containers collected over the years. The key for me was height, movement and cascades of colour. And so, I ended up with…

… a mixture of grass, potato vine, ivy and lobelia. This was day one – I think it will fill in quite nicely!

After all the planting, I thought I would take some shots of previous non-floral additions to my garden…

Red lanterns I found at Home Sense, with candles from Home Sense as well.

The original birdbath was a terracotta dish with a beautiful blue glaze finish, but someone dropped it while putting it away for the winter – and it wasn’t me… but, really, I’m over it now :o). I replaced the dish with a glass bowl I found at – yep – Home Sense. I’m not sure birds will be able use it (it’s a little slippery) – but darn it looks good!!

 

This trellis (from guess where) was supposed to house a new clematis, but instead I found the most beautiful bright pink honeysuckle, who now has a new home!

 

 

 

And for those of you wondering where my new hot tub is … stay tuned!!!

The Joy of Paisley

I did an inventory the other day of the number of paisley patterns that are scattered around my house. There were ALOT! Not only did I find in the living room upholstery, master bed duvet cover, and office drapery, I have several pieces of clothing with wonderful paisley patterns as well, the most recent are a couple of pashminas (shawls) I picked up on the street in New York City.

There just seems to be something about the whimsical teardrop design that draws me in every time. So much so, that I thought I would do a little research …

According to wikipedia, the pattern dates well into the distant past, but it’s western name and popularity came from the Scottish town of Paisley. The town’s mid-nineteenth century weaving industry is credited for naming rights to Paisley.

Whatever the history – I am drawn to all things paisley – here are a few I found while browsing:

From Koessel Studios – an oversized paisley wallpaper – gives a modern feel to a traditional room – LOVE it!

 

 

Lovely form and colour – and it’s all topped off with paisley! eBay Design Blog by Shawn Henderson

 

 

 

 

 

I’m getting my book and a warm cup of tea … a lazy Sunday is calling my name! Norwich Paisley from Thibault Wallpapers’ River Road collection.

 

 

 

 

Coventry Paisley wallpaper from Leland’s Wallpaper. This would cover the walls in the library that I got my book from for the chair above :)

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t this a gorgeous mosaic ball? It would be lovely as a decorative feature in the garden. From Margaret Almon Mosaics.

 

 

Paisley in Art – love the draping of the teardrop on the tree branches – Matthew Robers & Associates

I think ANYTHING would taste good off of this plate… Aedrial Designs

 

 

This little valance topper is from Lemon Annie’s blog. I really love the combination of colours and the chocolate ribbon sets it all off.

 

 

 

Modern twist with large pattern Paisley linens from Crate & Barrel.

 

 

 

And finally “la pièce de la résistance” – funky paisley boots from Zappos – NOT in my wardrobe!

I <3 New York City

This past long weekend my husband and I and eight of our closest friends (they really are) visited the bustle and beauty of New York City. Of the many, many, many sights in this great city, Central Park is one of my favourites.

Our first visit was overwhelming, but this time we had our bearings and went our separate ways to cross specific activities off our individual lists. A group of two (including my husband) headed off to see the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid that houses the Sea-Air-Space Museum, while 4 others who didn’t make the first visit, took in the 4 hour city tour provided with our travel package. The remaining four of us spent a good two hours taking the the nature and beauty of Central Park.

 

The fact that the largest city in the US boasts an almost entirely man-made 843 acre park in it’s centre is amazing. Just a few steps into the park it’s hard to believe you are in a busy noisy city. Birds are chirping (approximately 275 different species), flowers blooming and the winding paths promise views of nature that have you oooing and ahhhing.

 

According to the Central Park Conservancy (http://www.centralparknyc.org/), Central Park has 150 acres of water in 7 different bodies, 250 acres of lawns and 136 acres of woodlands boasting 26,000 trees. Most of this was man-made over 16 years starting in 1858 based on a collaboration of designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It took 4,000 labourers, gardeners, stone masons, engineers and artisans to complete the design and over the last 150 years, the Park has certainly fulfilled the artistic vision of it’s designers.

 

My little backyard garden can only aspire to the greatness of Central Park.

Decorating/Designing Software

I spent an hour this week listening to and watching a webinar with Chief Architect, the developers of Home Designer software that is sold in various versions from basic commercial use to full blown professional architectural use.

I purchased the basic commercial use version last year on a suggestion from an instructor in the Residential Decor program I took. I have only used it a couple of times, but found it to be a great package that gives you many of the features of an CAD program for a much smaller price tag. The webinar provided me with a review of the creation of a house plan for a 3 bedroom bungalow with a full basement.

It seems to be a great tool to provide your clients with a 3D view of interior and exterior reno's or decor changes, as you can select brand name furnishings, fixtures and finishes ... to name a few... I am planning to test it on the deck planning for our new hot tub.

I'd love to hear from fellow decorators....

• Do you use a software package
  
• If so, which one and why?

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

There are alot of things I love about Mexico - I love the climate, the beaches, the music, the food and I absolutely love the rustic charm of Mexican decor. The first exposure I had was through a friend who had build a new home and decorated in a Mexican theme. The combination of colours and raw elements makes me feel like I am right there in charming Mexico. Part of the draw must be the fact that I live in a northern climate with long cold winters, from which I love to escape to the warmth of Mexico (notwithstanding recent implications of travel to Mexico). In our last home, I used a mexican theme in our remodeled bathroom - with deep blue walls, rustic wrought iron fixtures and Talavera pottery accents - just thinking about it makes me feel warmer!

Here are a few pics that make me feel relaxed, warm and happy. Mmmm, I think I'll mix up a batch of Margaritas and plug in a Punta de Maya CD ...

Hôla amigas/amigos!!!

Thanks...

Thanks to everyone who left comments for me - you inspire me to write more! I'm really taking a shine to this!

I did receive a message from our daughter in Europe - they are having an amazing time (their first visit). The youngest is feeling much better and accompanied me to Ikea on the weekend - birthday shopping (22 tomorrow - yikes!!!). I do love to meander through the aisles at Ikea, although Saturdays are not the best days as you are fighting crowds and standing in lines. We did manage to pick up a new duvet and duvet cover for her apartment, which she was in sore need of. She is a happy girl!!!

On the home front, Sunday found us at a local hot tub dealer (a fall out from the Backyard and Cottage Show) making a toy purchase for our backyard. We are now planning out the electrical connection and location, with plans for eventually building up a deck around the new toy. Which got me perusing the net for deck plans ....


I love the multi levels of this deck.

Stonework is gorgeous...

Mmmm love the tilework and if we win the lottery, the pool is next!
Like the use of plants to provide privacy...

Very nice use of container plans, lighting and beautiful cedar....