As we enter into the hottest weeks of the summer here in Ottawa, I am finding myself spending more of my evenings in our backyard, enjoying a bbq or two with hubby, sipping on some cold drinks, and taking in the beautiful, balmy weather. It’s been so wonderful to have a usable outdoor living room…
Our Patio in Progress: 5 Takeaways for Your Home
In my summer home tour post, I promised to add some outdoor pics from around our home. Today’s post contains a before and after of our backyard patio. It is our patio in progress and, by no means, a finished product, but it is a step up from what it was last year which was all…
DIYs to Try This Weekend
I purchased these beautiful little agate slices at a local native arts and crafts shop a few weeks back. I had just finished having lunch out in the middle of my work week, connecting with some very special ladies, and decided to pop into the shop on the way back to work to see if…
DIY Geometric Embroidery Art
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up an embroidery needle and thread. In fact, not since my teens. I used to love the texture and vibrant colours you could choose from to create pretty scenes and patterns. Now that homespun arts are back in vogue among the next generation of designers, decorators and other creatives, I…
2-Ingredient Pancakes
If you are looking to skip traditional carb- and sugar-laced pancakes, there is a healthier and simpler alternative out there. These pancakes require only two ingredients: bananas and eggs. Yep, you read that right. They are gluten-free, (refined) sugar-free, dairy-free, high in protein, high in healthy fat, and low-calorie too. They are one of my…
6 Weeks to a More Organized Home
I must admit, I’m a little uneasy at the prospect of accomplishing ‘6 Weeks to a More Organized Home.’ Between my husband and me, he is the more organized one in this household. No sooner does he purchase something than he immediately ensures it is secured, tied down, strapped in, hung up, locked away, stacked, filed, folded or placed…
Top 6 Books to Reread this Summer
“One cannot read a book: one can only reread it” ~ Vladimir Nabokov, novelist. I often wonder if I am the only one who systematically rereads books. I’m frequently digging through the paperbacks lining our bookshelves in the basement – and stuffed in drawers of various kinds – to find that one gem that I’d like to enjoy…
Coffee Table Decorating, 5 Different Ways
Have you ever ‘shopped your home’ to refresh a space? I have. I love experimenting with styling and decorating, but I’m not prepared to spend oodles of money for every little project in order to do this. While I do love a good find at home goods stores and thrift shops, there are times –…
DIY Yarn and Felt Wreath
If you saw an earlier post on the blog this month, you already know that I love a good wreath project. I find wreaths to be a great way to add a cheerful and inviting touch to the front porch. As DIY projects go, wreaths can be a really inexpensive way (like this $5 sunburst wreath) to add dimension and detail to a space…
3 Skin-Nourishing Summer Smoothies
One of my all-time favourite ‘go-to’ quick beverages to make is the all-mighty smoothie! There is nothing so refreshing and – made right – so nutrient-rich for your skin as a smoothie. It is a great way to start the day when you are on-the-go and need something quick and easy before heading to work or school. …
10 Tips For Creating a Cozy Living Room
Next to the kitchen, the living room is the most well-loved and well-used part of the home – at least for most of us. It is the space where friends and family gather for coffee and conversation; it’s where we congregate to watch our favourite television shows and movies on Netflix; it’s where we snack, lounge, nap, read,…
Our Road Trip to Niagara-On-The-Lake
My husband and I recently returned from one of my all-time favourite road-trip destinations: Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). We were in need of some real R n R and NOTL is one of the best places in Canada to do this! It is a beautiful, quaint historic region that is in the Niagara area – also known…