Swe Daisy Spaces

Stop the World I Wanna get off

2011-11-08T06:15:00.002-05:00

Things in my head have been spinning. I need some time to step back and evaluate. Hope to be back soon. K and O are doing great and are the light in my life.

I made it myself, O was Uniqua from Backyardigans for Halloween. She loves those guys.

Breast is Best

2011-08-09T22:02:00.008-04:00

Last week was World Breastfeeding Week, and I wanted share a few things I love about our nursing relationship over the last 18 months (yes, we are still enjoying a little nursing cuddle every now and then) and a few things that might help you if you are wanting to breastfeed your little one.

- the sweet little noises they make as they nurse

- having the perfect antidote on hand for fussiness, pain or sleeplessness at all times

- the reminder to sit or lay down and enjoy my baby and the moment.

- the cuddles from those warm little arms and excitement from her little face

- knowing that I have provided nourishment and protection (strong immune system) to my precious baby

~ Tips ~

Go easy on yourself the first weeks. Try and rest as much as you can (easier said than done...I know!), drink lots of water, spend lots of time skin to skin with your new bundle and nurse on demand to establish your milk supply (even if it's 3-4 times in an hour). You are both learning something new and it took us a little while to figure it all out, but it was so worth it.

Establish a team of support people. My husband, family and friends were great at doing what I asked and encouraging me. Getting me water, helping me get comfortable or driving a breast pump 25 mins in the middle of the night to help me (thanks Jennie). My La Leche League group was a wonderful and unexpected find. I attended a meeting with my best friend when Olivia was only 8 days old. I needed help and wasn't afraid to ask for it. I went once and have found an amazing group of women that have great tips for breastfeeding and parenting. They are also lots of fun and we always have a good laugh.

- Read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding". You can get your copy at the LLL website and donate to them at the same time.

Get a few basic tank tops. I was given this tip from a mom at the LLL group and I still do it. Wear a regular tank top under your tops / sweaters. When you need to nurse your babe you can pull the top shirt up and your tank top down. That way you aren't completely exposing your healing body to strangers but have easy enough access to the girls.

No need to purchase expensive nipple cream. A little expressed breast milk works wonders for dry, soar and cracked nipples.

Get a good quality canopy. I know some moms say they didn't need one to breastfeed, however for the more reserved mama or for shy eyes a canopy like the one below with a built in wire helps you keep an eye on your little one.

Do you have any breastfeeding tips to share?

Take me out to the Ballgame

2011-08-02T22:22:00.001-04:00

We took Olivia to her first Toronto Blue Jays game on Sunday. We went with my sister, her BF and his dad. O had a wonderful time. She love eating ice to keep cool and stole my hot dog. She also got a Jays t-shirt. What a wonderful day.

-Take Care, Lisa

Chalk paint

2011-07-26T16:29:00.001-04:00

I saw this on a few different blogs lately an decided to try it with Olivia. She is just like her mama and loves anything creative. Crayons, stickers, side walk chalk, she loves it all.

The recipe is simple. Equal parts cornstarch an water. Then add food coloring and enjoy. The only thing I wish other would have told me is that the food coloring stain clothes. Oh well, Olivia had a wonderful time and so did I.

-Take Care, Lisa

Thrift Paint by number

2011-07-12T06:29:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful idea. I think Olivia's big girl room might end up with one of these. Take a look at Under the Sycamore for details on how she did this.

Stay tuned...this blog may be changing in the near future.

Update and Block

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

We've made great progress in our master bedroom reno. Here are a few pictures of the new colour and the finished closet. Getting ready for work in my new closet is so much fun. At times I feel like Barbie! Would that make K, Ken?

Lately we've been busy around here. Since I've had little time to blog and read my favourite blogs I have felt the words disappearing. Slowly the posts have slipped away and I find myself struggling to hold on to them. Hopefully I will have some time to fall back into the blog world and find the words to share all that we have been up to.

Shipping and stuff

2011-06-16T07:53:00.001-04:00

Finally! Pottery Barn and West Elm will ship to Canada from their websites. Shipping starts June 23, get your credit cards and husbands ready.

I know I've been distant for a while. We have almost completed our master bedroom reno (pictures to come soon). We are planning a trip for our 5 year wedding anniversary. Olivia is walking now. I've started running after work (despite how I loath running). So you can understand why blogging has taken a back seat. I hope to be back in full force soon.
I know life happens and it's not an excuse for not being here. I promise I'll be back soon.

Because I don't like posts without pictures, here are the flowers (yes I know they're weeds) Olivia picked for me this week on her walk to the park.

-Take Care, Lisa

Friday

2011-06-03T08:36:00.001-04:00

Full weekend ahead! Volunteering, festival and a shower (wedding). Hope you have a great weekend.

-Take Care, Lisa

Where have we been?

2011-06-02T07:50:00.001-04:00

I know it's been a while since my regular posting. Sorry to my readers. Between Pinterest and a large Reno project I've been pretty tired. I've also been running after work and have already lost 4lbs! So excited for summer wardrobe.

-Take Care, Lisa

The first step is admitting....

2011-05-25T06:03:00.002-04:00

Full disclosure here. I Pin at home, I email things from work to home to Pin, I have the app on my iPhone and Pin on the train...I am addicted to Pinterest.

Shopping and the weekend

2011-05-17T05:48:00.003-04:00

I went away with my girlfriends this weekend and left K alone with Olivia. They had lots of fun together. He took her "shopping" at Toys R Us and bought her a few things. One of which was the necklace and bracelets in the picture below.

She loves play with our lipcare. She pretends she is putting it on her (or our) lips. She also serves tea. I think we have a little lady on our hands.

Daddy was pretty tired on Sunday when I returned. Olivia wanted to show me how she puts lipcare on his lips too.

Rain....

2011-05-16T06:19:00.001-04:00

Rain, rain, go away come again another day. My nephew says "It's okay that it rains the flowers need the water." A whole week of rain, how much can those darn flowers drink? Stay warm and dry.

Pin on the iPhone

2011-05-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

Yes folks we are live. Pinterest is now available on your iPhone. Get it right now, you won't be sorry. Oh yeah, it's free too. You will also notice I added a link in the left toolbar to my Pinterst account.

Have a Nook?

2011-05-10T06:17:00.003-04:00

For most of us the storage in our homes is never enough. When renovating or designing our rooms we always choose items that can store stuff. Coffee tables, benches, bookshelves etc. When I saw this image I was surprised at the question "have a little closet you don't use?". Who doesn't use their closets. That being said I do like the idea of a little reading nook. So why not find a small space like under the stairs in a finished basement. That could be a good storage closet or a fun nook for play/reading.

Progress

2011-05-06T06:21:00.001-04:00

The wallpaper is no more

The closet has a pocket door and is on it's way to organized completion.

Because we can't live like this anymore
(current guest room turned closet)

-Take Care, Lisa

Back to the cork board

2011-05-05T06:18:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I called Pottery Barn in Toronto and asked the sales clerk to help me with Canadian prices and check stock. K and I decided to go on Friday after work and get my gift. Well just my luck, they don't have more than 2 items in any of the three colours. Apparently Pottery Barn hasn't been replenishing these items in a while. I guess that means they are on their way out and will be replaced with something else (I'm just guessing). The clerk was able to give me a tip that I thought fellow Canadians would love. Pottery Barn Teen is now available to order online and ship to CANADA!!!! She also said that PB is in the works to make their regular online shop available online to Canadians soon.

So with that idea of a Daily Calendar system out the window it was back to the drawing board for what to do about a home command centre. I saw this tutorial about how to make a gigantic cork board a few days ago, which got me to thinking....

Pottery Barn Daily System

2011-05-04T06:11:00.001-04:00

Heres the link and a better picture of the Pottery Barn Daily System that I am getting for Mother's Day. You can select individual pieces and customize it to your family.

She's a Cover Girl!

2011-05-04T06:02:00.002-04:00

If you've read my blog for a while now you must remember Chris K over at Just Beachy. She has been the inspiration for a few projects around here. Chris and I were both part of the Toronto Bloggers audience at the Steven and Chris Show. I have watched her transform her home into a unique gem. All the while raising a family and battling her weight (Which by the way she's lost almost 40 lbs.) So you will understand my feeling of pride to hear that one of my very good blog friends has been published. She has been on the Steven and Chris show twice and featured in another magazine (can't remember the name). This time around she is in the "Easy Decorating" magazine. So if you are a fan, you like her decor, or you like what you see below. Head over to the nearest news stand and grab a copy. You can also get a sneak peak here.

Command for Mother's

2011-05-03T08:46:00.001-04:00

K is a good husband. For the last few weeks he has been asking me what I want for Morher's day. I flopped between a new watch or some nice jewelry but couldn't decide. Then it hit me while trying to organize our social calendar this weekend. I want a new family command center. I have admired from afar the command center system over at Pottery Barn for years but couldn't justify the price. Now they are reduced in price and as our family grows we will use it a lot more. So this week we are going to Pottery Barn and going to organize our calendar!

Sorry for the lame picture and lack of links. I'm blogging from my phone today.

-Take Care, Lisa

I need a bigger kitchen!

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have always loved banquette seating in a kitchen. When we first started looking for a home I was on the hunt for a home with a wall in the kitchen where I could one day install a bench and seating. When we saw our home we fell in love and the thoughts of banquette seating melted away.

I realized recently that our lovely kitchen didn't have enough storage. Even though we added a huge basement pantry, the storage on a separate floor of the house isn't always convenient. I told K that I would like to remove the table we have currently and extend the island to include 4-5 breakfast bar stools. That way we could have a huge practical island that gave us more base storage and also provided a space to eat in the kitchen. When we entertain we would be forced to use the dining room.

When I saw the picture below the heavens opened up and the angels sung out Alleluia!! An island that also incorporates bench seating. How perfect! However I don't think we have enough depth in our kitchen to build such a huge piece, hence the need for a bigger kitchen.

In the closet

2011-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Stage 1: Empty the closet and install the pocket door.

Mama and O

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

We have so much fun together, but rarely is it captured on "film". Thanks to my sister this afternoons trip to the park was caught in all our glory. Going to the park with your kid really changes the perspective of what it was like when we were kids. No matter how hard I "pumped" my legs, I just couldn't go any higher.

Shrieking Eggs!

2011-04-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Milo getting into trouble before we even started.

First egg got the ball rolling.

She loved every minute of it.

Getting the hang of the hunt.

Some eggs were easier to find than others.

Shrieking with egg-citment (you knew that was coming).

So excited with all of the eggs she found.

No you can't have an egg!

Not Heinz but Hines

2011-04-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Just in case you forgot what he normally does or looks like.

He really is a graceful dancer.

Reno underway

2011-04-25T07:35:00.001-04:00

So this battle wound us actually from cooking Easter dinner not the reno work we started this weekend.

I (along with help from my mom and sis) removed the wallpaper. Dad and K gutted the closet in installed the new pocket door.

We were going to tackle the wall trim next but two days of stumbling to get dressed with our entire closet in piles in the guest room was enough to convince me to switch up the work plan and work on the closet organizer next.

Stay tuned to hear how we saved $1000 with the closet organizer.

-Take Care, Lisa

Paper Coterie

2011-04-21T07:00:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen such fun and wonderful shop? They have so much to offer. I love the growth charts and wall posters. If you love the images below, head over to Paper Coterie.

InBox Interiors

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

What a great idea. In need of some design advice but not willing to break the bank on a professional designer? You could hire Tobi Fairley @ InBox Interiors and get your design and all the designs/samples sent right to you.

App-pealing

2011-04-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've been using my Pinterest account lately and was wondering if there is an App for my iPhone. Sometimes I might be in a store or a place and I see something that catches my attention. I usually take a picture with my phone. How great would it be if I could pin my picture and add it to one of my boards. I was so excited today when I read that an App for Pinterest is on it's way.

Chuck Said

2011-04-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

“The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you’re sitting around trying to dream up a great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and somthing else that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work, and I find that’s almost never the case.”

- Chuck Close

Foggy

2011-04-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

I have a wonderful husband, daughter, home, family and group of friends. I am happy with that aspect of my life.

I was asked the question a few days ago about why I ended up where I am. I looked back at where I came from and realized that I ventured off my path. The path I speak of is the internal one. The one you set in your mind as a little kid. The path you visualize when someone asks you "what do you want to be when you grow up?". At what age are we truly "grown up"?

I have come to a point and realized that this is not where I intended to be. Sitting behind a desk in an investment bank, clocking hours supporting a team that has little idea of what I do or who I am. What brings you satisfaction? When you log off your computer, forward your phone and put on your coat are you pleased with your day? Do you go home feeling like you made a difference. Do you feel like you were recognized as having valuable input? I spent the last few days thinking an looking at my options. It's a sad day when you look ahead and the fog of uncertainty makes the future seem grey.

-Take Care, Lisa

Button Monogram

2011-04-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this sweet craft I saw over at Spearmint Baby. Such a great use of a simple Ikea frame, a bag full of mixed buttons/brads and a little hot glue. Olivia might just get one of these. The original posting is over at American Craft Studio, done by Jen Jockisch.

Forget the Popcorn!

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Instead of the time consuming {and messy} removal of popcorn ceilings, try this. These polystyrene tiles can be adhered directly on top of popcorn ceilings {or plywood ceiling}. Great for installing pot lights too. Once you've cut into your ceiling, run your wires and made swiss cheese out of your ceiling you can cover it all up with these tiles. Just remember to map out where the lights are going and ensure that the pot lights land in the centre of the tile. The company also carries faux tin ceiling tiles and rolls.

sunday.

2011-04-05T06:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks Jen for capturing an ideal sunday.

saturday.

2011-04-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

Such a relaxing weekend. Saturday we played some video games.

Went outside for some fun with bubbles.

"Put the camera down and blow some bubbles Mama!"

Our Neighbours 'Bella & 'Kenny were outside so we played with them a little.

Ended the day with BBQ! and friends for dinner.

From my Desk Friday

2011-04-01T08:24:00.001-04:00

I printed a few pictures of Olivia and brought them to work. Cheered up my space.

-Take Care, Lisa

Great Before and After

2011-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Words can not describe how amazing this before and after is. The before picture was taken when Julia bought the house. She worked really hard an created an amazing after. Take a look and see what a little hard work can do to an old house.

source

Calorie Free Cake

2011-03-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

I just love the colours in this print. I can just see it in my kitchen. The browns work with the cupboards and tiles, while the blues pick up on the utensils and Kitchenaid Mixer. There are about 40 different images painted by Paul Ferney. So go over to his site and indulge in calorie free cake.

source

Chippy

2011-03-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Can you guess what this is? Look really hard, see the text, the white spaces? All the colours in the same hue. Okay lets say this. The colours used in this artwork can be found at your local hardware or paint store. Okay now I know you know what it is. Paint chip art, how creative. Paint chip cards sliced and layered in a frame.

source

Floor Bed

2011-03-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

What a great idea. Olivia has always slept best on a bed mattress. When she was a little baby we could have her nap in her playpen for 20 minutes, or put her on our bed and she would sleep for hours. I like the idea of using a regular mattress but having the safety of her on the floor. I think this might be something we consider when she moves into her big girl room.

source

Leila's Room

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I first saw this little girls room over at Made by Girl and Spearmint Baby I fell in love. Typically when you think of a girls room, you think pink, purple, maybe some lace and flowers. You don't always think of pale blue, a sofa and a laptop.

This room really spoke to me. The light fixtures, the architectural details and the sweet custom art work done by the little girl who lives in this space. I also loved the story of letting 10 year old Leila decorate her own room. Be sure to check out Velvet & Linen for the full story.

I missed 11 months! So here's 2

2011-03-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

Feb 29th

2011-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

K always remembers to bring flowers home for special occasions. Birthday's, Anniversaries, New job, getting pregnant. I have to say I'm one lucky girl. I remember friends and family used to tell me how they wished their boyfriends and husbands would bring them flowers. So I wasn't surprised to see him come home with beautiful flowers for Olivia. We put them in a vase and then took our little chipmunk to Montana's for her birthday dinner.

She was so thrilled to be able to colour on the table while we waited for her chicken fingers.

Dessert was a chocolate Bear Paw. I don't know how well you can see the horns in the background. We tried putting the helmet on her head but that just made her cry.

So I lay it on the table behind her and took the picture anyway.

Presently

2011-03-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Images from a wonderful Party

2011-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

First Birthday Week

2011-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've finally had the time to blog about Olivia's First birthday. This week will be full of her birthday celebration. Starting with the loot bags. K and I decided on mini gumball machines, animal finger puppets and a rainbow rubber bouncy ball. I gathered some crafting supplies and made the bags with stamped thank you notes and cellophane bags. I have to say I had a lot of fun making these little treats.

**The gumball machines were from Toys R Us, the finger puppets at Ikea, the rubber bouncy balls and plastic candy bags from Party Packagers, and the stamp was from Michaels**

2011 To Do list #8

2011-03-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Along with some double hanging bars, a custom tie rack, a new pocket door and a little purging our master bedroom closet is going to start the ball rolling in our bedroom. Look out long weekend, we're coming for you.

Uplifting Desk

2011-03-17T07:00:00.002-04:00

Now that I've been at work for a few days I've realized that the office is very dull and boring. Maybe a little tray with some pretty jars and tools will brighten up my space.

Ommpa Beka

2011-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

This Beka table is available to order at Ommpa. If you're handy with a hammer, nails and wood you might be able to make one yourself similar for a lot less than $80.

Rainbow Buttons

2011-03-15T07:04:00.000-04:00

I saw this on Ohhdeedoh and thought it was so cute. I think it was a St.Patrick's day idea but I love it in a playroom.

New App

2011-03-14T09:40:00.001-04:00

Loving the "Instagram" app

Remember this photo

I did this with the app

-Take Care, Lisa

Sorry for the poor format. Posting from my iPhone today

Room and 1000 gifts

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about this book lately. When I'm done reading "Room" I will get this one for my Kobo and take on the challenge to LIVE FULLY.

Here's what Kobo is saying;

Just like you Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our everyday lives for exotic experiences. 'How ' Ann wondered 'do we find joy in the midst of deadlines debt drama and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty long---and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?' In One Thousand Gifts Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have we discover the life we've always wanted ... a life we can take give thanks for and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved --- by God. Let Ann's beautiful heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy and a way of living that is finally fully alive. Come live the best dare of all!

She's not alone

2011-03-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

Really Mama?? You have to go back to work now? Yes that's right. I'm back To work. Early mornings and early bedtimes for everyone.

Thank goodness we have been blessed with wonderful parents who are taking turns watching her at our house.

Blogging might be a little off until we get a good routine going.

-Take Care, Lisa

Craft Using Worst Enemy

2011-03-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

My life long enemy in the kitchen - Okra. I know it's very good for you,

but I never liked the texture. Now heres a great use for it instead of eating it.

Sweet and Sour Books

2011-03-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful wall. When I said I wanted Olivia to have lots of books and love them as much as I do, this is what I was talking about. Check out the entire nursery here.

Lucky Lila

2011-03-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

Found another grey kids room at .Pink Sugar. She decorated her daughter's room in tints and tones of black and white accented with shades of pink. Lila is one little lucky girl, I love the photo wall and the cute little crib turned bed. Lila even has sweet decorative pillows on her bed. The ribbon feature wall is an great way to soften the wall and add detail.

Quick Fort

2011-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know I've posted a similar idea before. Rather than pay a lot for it, here's a great post about Jean over at The Artful Parent who took some scrap fabric she had at home and made an under the table fort.

Great Mother's Gift

2011-03-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know it's early, but since I saw this I thought I would blog about it so certain people would see it and consider it for me. I wanted a right hand ring for my 30th birthday but never decided on one I liked. I like this idea better. A ring for each person in my family (Kenrick, Olivia, and Me) I would rather have them in white gold. Maybe someone could get my cousin to make them for me. I love the worn look of the rings.

Olympus Sashiko Sampler

2011-03-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful pillow. A great way to take something simple and inject a boost of colour. Follow the link for the tutorial.

Great Canadian - Part 2

2011-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Part 2 of yesterdays favorite Canadian products and retailers.

Happy Birthday to our Baby Girl

2011-02-28T08:41:00.002-05:00

God had blessed us with such a wonderful little girl. She is smart, beautiful and kind. Olivia brings such joy to our lives. Kenrick and I are so very lucky to have her. This past year has been full of firsts. No better way to celebrate than with a First birthday party. So many pictures to sort through and details to share. Stay tuned.

Great Canadian - Part 1

2011-02-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

Here are some great Canadian kids products that I'm loving for Olivia right now.

Padraig Kids slippers

St0nz Adjustable booties

Parade - Organic kids clothes

Mini Mioche - Soft organic and eco-friendly kids clothes

Agoo - Kids active wear

MOO

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ever meet someone and want to exchange contact info but don't have a pen? Here's a great idea that I wished I had seen when I started my pregnancy. MOO cards, you can get regular size business cards or these neat mini cards. Meeting other moms and tots in prenatal yoga, swimming class, stroller fit or just out and about, sometimes I wish I had something to give them so that we could keep in touch or even set up a play date. So many people ask about my blog name and sometimes have a hard time finding me. These cards would help with it all.

They Answered! Part 2

2011-02-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, here's a quick update as to what we are thinking.

We sent S&C this

and this,

and asked to use this as inspiration,

They found this,

and sent us this,

Which we have interpreted as this

and this

Details to follow.

Sweet Saturation

2011-02-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

To plan a room that a little girl can grow up in can be sometimes difficult. These rooms do just that.

This isn't your typical girls bedroom, that is what is so captivating to me. The use of blues & greens is always a great combo. Lisa Martensen and Jan Jones designed it and although their site is under construction you should bookmark it to view later.

What a sweet window tea party. I've been seeing a lot of poufs around, especially in kids rooms. That will definitely be an option in Olivia's big girl room. They have so much use and add a great pop of colour.

Beautiful wall of desk space and storage. You can never have too much storage and in a kids room it's a great way to organize and have all those little items unified.

This room was put together by Amanda Nisbet Design. The light fixture could be any marriage of a good thrift find and a smart can of spray paint. The button tufting and sunshine yellow are sweet and feminine.

I love the collection of mismatched pillows and fabrics. Fun and fresh but still bold and youthful. Like Sarah says, a good number of fabrics to pull a room together is somewhere between 10-12. A rule I am hoping to use in the near future.

The desk is an element that has me wishing I was still in school, well almost.

Daily life

2011-02-23T14:30:00.001-05:00

This I will miss

-Take Care, Lisa

House Tour

2011-02-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today I took a house tour. Well an online one over at IHeart Organizing. Take a look, she has some great decor ideas.

Game Room

Playroom

Playroom (Photo Bin Label)

Office Space

Desk in her sons room

Kitchen Command Station

Gallery Photo Wall

Master Bedroom

Craft Space

They Answered!

2011-02-22T08:23:00.002-05:00

Yes that's right, Steven and Chris answered my master bedroom decor question. It aired yesterday. I'm still waiting for them to post the advice on their site and then I will blog about it. K and I discussed it and with a few tweaks we are finally on our way to getting the relaxing bedroom we so need.

Here's a peek of a detail I am thinking of

Another Grey Kids Room

2011-02-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm really loving grey kids rooms. Here's another sweet example in a little girls nursery.

Not Just a Cassette Tape Manufacturer

2011-02-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay so I know most of us don't use cassette tapes anymore, but when I saw the name Maxell I had a flashback to my highschool years. Maxell now makes a dvd projector for kids.

DVD player and projector designed with your kids in mind. No assembly, mounting or multiple cables. Insert DVD, face projector in front of any blank surface and project up to 45 inches. Built-in speakers and microphone input for sing-a-longs, microphone not included. A great Chirstmas gift, at a price of $129.99 US.

2011-02-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hold on to your paintbrushes, this one is great. Anne-Marie @ 10 rooms blew my socks off today. With a little paint, fabric and I'm sure a lot of hard work she turned a tiny bland room into a cheerful burst of joy. Check her out here to see the full reveal.

Wee Wee Wee All The Way Home

2011-02-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

While I was pregnant I saw these flash cards from Wee Gallery and hesitated buying them. I thought they would be great as wall art in the nursery. Boy was I surprised to see Sarah use them on Sarah 101.

What a Great Idea

2011-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love this idea. Take your child's artwork and turn it into a sewing pattern. You could easily make this into a pillow or patch on a quilt. Maybe even use your child's artwork as a pattern on a gift for a loved one.

I apologize if this is your image I can't find the site where I found it.

Water Table

2011-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know the weather isn't right for this right now, but this is something I think Olivia would absolutely love! The best part is the tutorial is so easy it could be something I do on my own with the scrap wood from our garage.

I make stuff

2011-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I found it! A house after my own heart. Check out the entire house here.

Craftsman style, bold colour, architectural details

Wood door with windows painted a bold colour

Inviting space cozy while still being beautiful

Open concept, but still maintaining a sense of rooms and separate spaces

Banquet seating in the kitchen

Nursery at the end of the rainbow

2011-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've been planning Olivia's birthday party and have found inspiration in everything rainbow. When I saw this nursery my jaw just about hit the floor. This is the second grey kids room I have seen in two weeks and I am just loving. Hmmmm... I wonder if I could make grey work in our master bedroom.

Bed Roll

2011-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

We are so lucky that Olivia's grandparents will be watching her in our home when I go back to work. If she had to be in a daycare this little bed roll would have been so great. It might still be a good idea for sleep overs or late nights out. If I could only find the time to sew again.

Two Flowers, Two Girls

2011-02-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

I offered to make my two friends daughters headbands for an up coming wedding. I went off to Michael's and gathered some supplies.

A few minutes and interruptions from Olivia and I had two cute headbands for two cute girls. Olivia lets me put clips in her hair, but always pulls out headbands. Maybe when she is bigger I can make some for her too.

Design Show Advice

2011-02-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

I love design Tuesdays on TV. Tonight I watched "Candice Tells All" and "Sarah 101". I love that designers are giving out their secrets to great design. The funny thing is that not everyone has an eye for design and even with their advice many go astray.

I like what Nate says about design. It should reflect who you are. Your friends and neighbours are the wrong ones to give you design advice. The space shouldn't reflect their taste, it should feel right to you. That is why I keep a decor binder and folder on my desktop. When I see rooms that I love I always file them away and make sure to make note of why I love them. I've found that sometimes I go back and realize that what I saw the first time isn't what I love anymore. Sometimes this can work against me, just ask K.

I love the use of the wood tiles in this room. Candice found them here. They are amazing & pricey I'm sure.

Sarah worked on two rooms tonight for 3 little girls. I've been logging images for Olivia's room and have a few tips from Sarah that I will be sure to use.

1. Use 10-12 fabrics in a room. They add depth and interest to a space. Olivia's room will have a wide variety of fabrics for the window seat cushions, the drapes, pillows, linens, area rug and whatever else I can fit in the room.

2. Furniture with good lines and structure can be painted any colour under the sun to work in the space. She used two beautiful side tables sprayed and accent with some shinny knobs.

3. Kids furniture should be multi functional. A window seat should also be storage. A bed should accommodate more than just one kid.

Tips from episode:

- Inspiration can come from anything. Sarah used tea towels as the inspiration for the rooms

- Fabrics & paint don't have to match exactly. A toned down paint colour in same shade/hue

- Use broadloom carpet or rugs as another design element

- Save by using vintage furniture. Use your savings to splurge on accents like handles/knobs

- consider unconventional configuration for furniture, like two twin beds.

Photo {PH}ebruary Update

2011-02-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Step 1 - Organizing and Back up digital photos

1. Year, month, special occasion folders - folders have all been created on external hard drive.

2. Save all folders on external hard drive - photos from all forms of media have been copied onto the external hard drive.

3. Go through Discs and hard drive - Working on renaming, sorting, and deleting.

IHeart Organizing gave a brief outline and steps to take to backing up and organizing all photos on a PC. I work on a Mac and knew that the steps wouldn't be the same. I created all the folders on my external hard drive and copied all photos from iPhoto and CDs. Now I have to rename all the files by creation date and then sort them into the folders. I turned to my old pal Google and found a help site for Mac users. They suggested I use the application "Automator". You create an action for the computer to run based on what information you input.

I used actions to rename all the files with the date (YYYY/MM/DD_name.xxx).

Get Specified Finder Items - select files to rename

Sort Finder Items - sort

Rename Finder Items - Created, YYYY/MM/DD, Before Name, Forward Slash, Underscore, Use Leading Zeros

Thank goodness I found this application. I have over 8000 photos to sort through. I may not get to the "delete" part of the challenge but at least all of my photos are now saved in one spot. I will be happy if I can get all of the renaming and sorting done this month.

Oh Anthropologie

2011-02-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my sister for sending me a link to good old Anthropologie. I'm sure I've posted some of these items before, but I thought if anyone wants to buy me a gift.....

7" corduroy letters

Monogrammed Mugs - one for me one for K

Clothbound Penguin Classics For Children - for Olivia's big girl room

My Favorite Things Flashcards - for Olivia's playspace

Glass Melon Hook - in amber

Ceramic Melon Hook - any colour will do

Withings Smart Baby Monitor

2011-02-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

Withings Smart Baby Monitor, what a wonderful idea. You can watch your baby directly from your iPhone, iPad, iTouch and Android! Your phone and other device are like a remote to control from distance the Smart BabyMonitor and alert you when your baby is about to wake up. You can also look at them even if you're away at work. It has a sound and motion detector. According to Withings philosophy, the Smart BabyMonitor will allow you to track your baby's nights in time to see if he slept well.

The device also includes an infrared LED that gives you access to night vision. It measures the temperature and humidity or the room to make sure the baby is comfortable. You can also select music to play through the monitor and stream music to it. You can set up

personalized alarms that alert you when there is unusual behaviours related to the baby’s movement or temperature.

The Withings Smart Baby Monitor will be available in March 2011.

Photo {PH}ebruary

2011-02-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

A year ago here is where Olivia was!

I was reading IHeart Organizing and I've been inspired by her monthly challenges. I missed her January challenge which was Project Paper, but I have had the next few items on my to do list and will be committing to completing by the end of February. I've slightly changed some of hers, but they all have to do with photos.

1. Organizing and Back up digital photos

- year, month, special occasion folders

- go through Discs and hard drive

- save all folders on external hard drive

2. Update photo walls

- collect frames in our basement and choose photos for all

- while organizing copy printable photos to a desktop folder "Photo {PH}ebruary"

- print and frame

3. Photo books/albums

- complete Olivia's first year Blurb book

- wedding album (yes it's been almost 5 years and we don't have a wedding album)

- books for our trips

Here goes everything. I hope I can get it all done.

Indoor Smores

2011-02-02T22:14:00.001-05:00

Hi Sugarplum blogged about homemade smores here. I think this might be a snack in our home in the near future.

On a cookie sheet, layer the chocolate and marshmallow on top of a graham cracker....then place under the broiler (low setting if you have one).

DO NOT turn your back! I'll save you the curiosity....marshmallows burn quickly...and smoke...a lot! Pull them out when it browns to your liking

The marshmallow is perfectly crisped, the chocolate melty and the cracker gets crunchier (watch the drool...it's not good for your keyboard!)

New Etsy Loves

2011-02-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Found some new lovlies on Etsy. Look out mama's (& dada's) there are some really cute items.

A Wish and a Boot

2011-02-01T07:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to you Auntie Jen!

In other news, I came across this site and need to buy Olivia every boot in her size. She has petite feet and large calves. It makes buying shoes very difficult. Seeing this site reminded me that when I was pregnant I bought 2 patterns for ankle and knee high boots for kids. I took out my pattern and fabric. Oh I feel a project coming...

T-Shirt Dress & Bloomers

2011-01-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I was asked by a mom if I have ever sewn anything for Olivia to wear. With her cloth diaper and short legs, homemade pants could have been the answer. To be honest, I'm a little timid to attempt to sew clothes for her. I found this sweet and easy pattern and I've been debating whether or not to make it. It looks simple enough and I could use an old t-shirt from K. God help me though if I cut up one of his Mariah Carey tees, hehe.

A Girl, A Train and A Box

2011-01-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

We visited my workplace this week. It was Olivia's second train ride. She passed the time by quietly sitting in her stroller and reading a book for 45 minutes. Yeah right! We walked up and down the aisle, looked out the windows, pressed the buttons near the door, "spoke" with other passengers and offered them her snacks. I put her back in her seat as we pulled into the station and gave her a book to distract her.

My sister-in-law works in the same office, so we visited her. She thought it would be funny to put Olivia in a bankers box. Funny thing is she liked it. She sat inside reading her book and trying to close the lid on herself. My SIL says that after watch Olivia play with the box she is going to get her one for her birthday!

It was great to visit friends and show off my sweet little girl. I go back to work in March (not looking forward to that). At least now some people at work can put a face to the name when I talk about my baby girl.

Lighting the Night with Love

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Now isn't this just sweet. A homemade night light with a radiant heart. Follow this link to get the scoop on the DIY.

T-Shirt Pom Poms

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Now here's a craft after my heart. Re-using fabric already in the house, quick and easy DIY, colourful Pom Poms. I love how simple the tutorial is. The finished product is so darling.

3 Boys One Room

2011-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I first saw this at Ohdeedoh. Three boys all in one room, their parents got creative with their "bunk" beds. Check out the original post over at The Bumper Crop

I love the idea. I think the colour scheme of yellow and grey is great for a boys room. Better than the predictable blue or green. It is also a scheme that the boys can grow into.

I love the little blue stool. It looks like something our little miss O will eventually need to get into her own big girl bed. When it comes to height, I think our bundle takes after her Mama. I can't even find shoes that fit her calves, but are still small enough for her petite feet.

Skip Hop Zoo

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

One gift that Olivia received this Christmas was this sweet little backpack from my sister. I love owls, I always have. When I saw this little darling bag I giggled a little and sent a text photo to my sister right away. I've been so pleased to see owls popping up everywhere. I just saw that Skip Hop has a few other products in the same line.

Plate, bowl and cup.

Bookends

My hesitation is that I'm not big on having everything match. I think it might be a little over kill to get all of the items. Still they are so cute.

Inspiration for a Master bedroom

2011-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe a year has almost come and gone since little O entered our lives. Many women when pregnant with their first child think they will have time while off to get many things done around the house. What most new moms soon find out is that all of their time is spent on their sweet baby. No time left for home renos and photo albums. With only a few weeks left I have been thinking about getting one major reno done. I've been thinking about re-designing our Master bedroom.

When we originally designed the space we selected a fantastic wallpaper, chandelier and bed. I found two wonderful dressers on Kijiji for a great price. That's where the design came to a crashing halt. We have been living in beige design limbo for a few years now, but that's all about to end.

I have been searching online, in my inspiration folder on my computer and I think I'm finally getting somewhere. I've always loved bold colour in design, however I've been too timid to try it. After seeing the following images I think I know what I want to do. Turquoise walls, brown drapes, cream trim work, warm brown wood, accents of rust or orange.

I was also thinking to send a few images off to Steven and Chris and see what they think. Maybe they can give me some suggestions to get the room looking more like our own private retreat.

"Happy" Art

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some Happy Art to brighten your wintery day, courtesy of Etsy.

dazeychic

farouche

isofoto

A Sledding we will go

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Olivia received a sled from her cousins for Christmas. For fun we got all dressed up and went sledding in our backyard. We don't have a huge backyard, and there are no hills, so I had to run around and make it seem a lot more interesting than it was. By the end I felt like a husky dog. Of course Olivia loved it. She was all smiles and giggles the entire time. Hopefully there will be more snow soon so we can try sledding with her cousins on a real hill.

Little Shutterbug

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes taking photos of the chipmunk can be difficult when she feels the need to "help" me with my camera lens.

I am trying to get back into the swing of things here in blog world. It's been a while since I was consistent with posting. O is keeping me very busy. Planning her first birthday party and preparing for my return to work doesn't leave me much time.

10 Months

2011-01-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 Months

Olivia had a wonderful holiday. Kenrick and I would like to thank all of our friends and family for making our little girls first Christmas so wonderful. The first few times she opened presents were a little confusing, but by the end of Christmas Eve she was an unwrapping maniac. She sat on at least 4-5 Santa's, never crying at any of them.

At 10 months her everyday activities include, reading books (or at least sounding like she is), climbing stairs, and learning all sorts of wonderful skills with her new toys and puzzles. She is into everything and has become a real busy body. The hardest part now is thinking up stuff to fill the day so that she is good and tired when it's bedtime.

A few more weeks and we will be celebrating her first birthday. The time really does go by quickly, but we have to say we are enjoying every moment of our little girl's life.

Shinny white Chicklets

2011-01-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Just in time for Christmas, Olivia got two teeth!

We are working on a few more so pray for our sleep.

Do you wish you thought of this

2011-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Microwavable teddy's with aroma therapy bags inside

Christmas morning

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

We survived Olivia's first Christmas! So much to do and so many to see. Between multiple friend gatherings, family on both sides and a little time for the three of us I haven't had much time to blog. We had a wonderful holiday and I am glad to be back in the blog world. Here are a few pictures of Olivia and her wonderful day. Santa, our family and friends really spoiled her.

(presents from her stocking)

(playing with one of her new toys)

(drinking from her sippy cup while ridding in her new car)

(can anyone find Olivia?) (see what I mean about being spoiled)

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!

Wanted!

2010-12-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

Orange Ikea Gosig Katt.

My friends daughter lost her favorite cat, that she calls her 'kid'. Ikea has discontinued this item, anyone know where I can get one? Maybe you would be willing to part with one you have that your child doesn't play with anymore?

-Take Care, Lisa