For each of us, life is in perpetual motion as we move from one activity or project to the next. Even as summer calls for slowing down the pace, I find myself still wanting to maintain at least some of the momentum at home. So today, I thought I’d reflect on some of our home projects in progress and share what I’ve been up to lately.
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LIFE LATELY + OUR HOME PROJECTS IN PROGRESS
A Slice (just a sliver, really) of My Life At Home
Lately, I’ve been trying to keep up with basic home-keeping and, to my great surprise, actually enjoying it.
Sometimes I forget just how much of a stress-reliever that household chores can be.
Rather than regarding upkeep of the home as a “chore” that needs to be done as quickly as possible – as is my approach at times – I’ve been trying to slow down and take my time with each activity.
Becoming more mindful and meditative is something I’m striving to do. And I’m realizing that it’s the rituals – those familiar tasks – that are the very things that can offer the anxious mind (like mine) the peace I don’t get while watching TV or surfing the internet.
Maintaining a home, whether it’s a house, apartment, or a rental, can be incredibly therapeutic.
Speaking of therapeutic activities, I’ve also been on the search for some good summer reading.
Not an easy task!
But I just stumbled upon a new-to-me novel called Still Life by best-selling Canadian author Louise Penny.
Set in a small village in Quebec, the story is a murder mystery filled with intrigue, quirky characters, and featuring General Inspector Armand Gamoche, the main character out to solve the murder.
The book is the first in a series and the basis of the Amazon Prime serial Three Pines, named after the village where the story takes place.
It’s so difficult finding books that I actually enjoy reading, but so far so good. If this one sounds appealing to you, you can probably find it in your local library or online here.
Our Home Projects In Progress
The Great Room
We recently retired our inexpensive, worn-out living room rug. We had it for 13 years and it had dutifully served its purpose.
After a long search online, I finally found this neutral, textured stunner.
Handcrafted and sustainably made, this new area rug is a definite splurge for us.
Soft underfoot with a balance of cool but mostly warm tones, this rug was the perfect choice to keep things neutral in this space.
But also, I needed something that would not compete with the other area rug in our open concept space, located under our dining room table.
Mixing area rugs in an open concept design can be tricky, especially if one rug is patterned.
In our case, I decided to pair our patterned rug with a more or less “solid” rug with texture to create interest.
I’m really happy with it so far. It elevates our sitting area and makes it look so clean (even when it’s not)!
Master Bedroom, In Progress
If you follow me on Instagram, then you may recognize some of the following updates I’ve started sharing on my Instagram Stories of our master bedroom refresh.
Since installing our new headboard, we’ve also added a duvet cover and insert, a no-maintenance artificial tree, that you can see below, and also a pair of swing arm wall lamps we have yet to install.
I’m currently waiting on this Loloi rug – an inexpensive Vintage-inspired piece – to arrive and still contemplating pillows and artwork.
As I shared in my Master Bedroom Mood Board post, my aim is to provide a refresh – not a transformation – by focusing on textiles and accessories.
All in all, I’m happy with the progress so far.
Fireplace Installation, In Progress (but temporarily stalled)
Living in Canada means experiencing very long, cold winters!
As I shared on Instagram recently, this wood stove fireplace will go a long way in keeping our heating expenses low. It will be a nice addition to our geo-thermal heating and cooling system which is already pretty cost-effective.
But just when the installation was in full swing, it seems the hearth pad we ordered had a manufacturing defect, stalling progress. In fact, it’s been weeks since we’ve heard from our installers who were supposed to call once the new hearth pad was back in stock.
So, we wait…
Which also means that this part of our basement remains a messy storage area in the meantime.
Once it’s installed, I’m hoping to create a warm, relaxing space for me, hubby and the fur-babies to enjoy.
Can’t wait!
Weaving Projects, In Progress
Typically, I’ll usually have a couple of weaving projects on the go. But lately, they’ve been left on the back burner (pun intended) as I seek out inspiration to finish them off.
I’m absolutely certain that some of you can relate.
Take this ocean-inspired abstract. I loved making it, but it really got the best of me! I reached a certain point – with not a drop of inspiration left – and simply had to stop.
Sometimes you need a bit of time away before picking things up again.
I’ve also been working on a small collection of round weavings for my Etsy shop, sharing a bit of the progress on my shop’s Instagram account.
These ’roundies’ are not quite finished. I’m still considering making a few tweaks here and there before completing them.
But, as usual, they’ll remain bright, bold and lively, and full of texture.
They’re some of my favourite weavings to create.
Speaking of the shop, I’ve been really excited about designing Circle Weaving Kits that will be available in the coming weeks. I’ve been sharing the process on Instagram Stories, mainly in dribs and drabs.
When done, I’ll have 6 colour pack options with a variety of yarn and fibres included in each kit.
The process has been quite involved as I go through my supply stock and source out additional materials to have the kits exactly as I envision them.
I am REALLY excited at the prospect and can’t wait to add them to the shop.
That’s all from me, for now. If you enjoyed today’s update, you can find more up-to-date content on my Instagram accounts below.
Instagram: A Pretty Fix
Instagram: Loom & Fibre (my Etsy shop)
Wishing you all a lovely summer, full of potential, progress, and a bit of relaxation, too.
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