Falling for fall...

During our trip to Prince Edward Island, I rediscovered my love affair with fall. I wasn't exactly prepared for it, but it came rushing back to me via visions of pumpkins, hay bales and corn stalks. Thrown into the sea of fall inspiration, was the veritable bounty of fresh harvest vegetables - acorn and papaya squash; beets; baby, new potatoes; zucchinis and all things green and delicious. The art of display seems to be a perfected talent amongst the farm stand proprietors we came across on our journey. At each stand, we found something new and tasty to pile into our car, and by the last stop, we were fishing for change in our pockets to buy as much as we could of the fresh vegetables there for the "picking".

I love white pumpkins. No, I mean I really love white pumpkins!! But, they are becoming exceedingly difficult to lay my hands on in our small town. I did manage to pick some up at the local grocery giant last year, but they were small, misshapen, and not as white as I would like. So, when I ran across some at one of the farm stands this past weekend, I bought all of them...for a dollar a piece!! The farm stand owner laughed at my excitement and offered to go pick some more for me, but common sense prevailed, and I happily set off with my perfect, white beauties!

What do you love about the fall? Is it the crisp, cooler weather, or is it the fall colours seen everywhere from the trees, pumpkins, and gourds, to the warm hues in the home decor shops that usher in feelings of coziness, comfort, and nesting? For me, it is the feeling of coming together that fall evokes from me. Gatherings for Thanksgiving, pumpkin carving parties for Halloween, and scrumptious, hearty meals cooked on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It's all good, and as it should be. Fall simply means that feelings of warmth come from within, instead of from the summer sun. Either way, it is hard not to love fall, and all its bounty...

***Tell me what you love best about fall...***

A Perfect Get-away...

Thanks to everyone who left us such thoughtful wishes for our anniversary! Now, I do try to stick to mainly decorating topics, but I also treat my blog as a journal of sorts for me to look back on and remember what has gone on in my life. I have never been one to have a diary (too much work), but I do find it helpful to jog my memory by sometimes writing about the "minutiae" of my little life. So, if it is too dull for you to read, by all means click on any of the great links on my right sidebar! Sometimes, it's all about me, as the saying goes...!!!

We just returned from our big night away to celebrate our anniversary, and I feel like a whole new person! Just hanging out with my husband without refereeing our kids' squabbles and, instead, talking about anything and everything without interruption, was bliss...

We decided to head over to Prince Edward Island (which is the setting to all of the Anne of Green Gables stories to take in some theatre, great food, and a little shopping of sorts. Well, the shopping didn't amount to much, but the hotel, dining, and show we went to far surpassed our expectations!!

Being highly sophisticated, we nixed ballet or opera for a rousing rendition of "The Ballad of Stompin' Tom". Stompin' Who, you might ask? Well, I'm too lazy/embarrassed to go into details, but let's just say he is a relic of a man who has lived a very difficult life that was capped off by a very successful, Canadian career - characterized by his nasally twang, catchy lyrics, and stomping foot as he sang to his adoring fans.

Would I have gone to the show of my husband wasn't one of those adoring fans? Well, no, but I am more than happy I did! We witnessed some amazing acting talent, humour, and music, and I would recommmend that anyone within spitting distance should attend! I might add there was also an incredibly handsome actor appearing here and there throughout the show, who more than held my attention at times...I may have been married for fifteen years ladies, but I'm not dead!!!

We stayed at a hotel called The Great George Inn, and let me tell you (again, my sophistication is rearing its ugly head...), it was the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in!! From the scent of fresh-baked cookies that greets guests as they enter the lobby (provided all day long!), to the amazing service, attention to detail, and beautifully appointed rooms (and you know my hubby is frugal...ours was the cheapest room..you should see the others!)......well, we had to pinch ourselves at how lucky we were to stumble upon this spot!! Indeed, our whole trip was perfect, and I don't exaggerate! From the games of Scrabbles we played on the ferry, to the delicious meals we had, strolling around the city with nary a care, to the great entertainment and laughs we had...it really was rejuvenating and affirming: we really still are the people we once were before responsibilities took hold! In fact, my husband vows we will not wait the five years until our next milestone anniversary to return there...No, we will be back next year to recharge our batteries as a couple. I think we have just found some more of the building blocks to a strong, happy marriage.

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No need to worry, I will return to my usual topic, decorating, on Monday!!

Brick by brick...

What's a fireplace without a little brick? Well, if your brick is ugly, chances are it's not much of a fireplace at all. What's a girl to do?

Well, there are many options: bring it all down (but not with a huff and a puff...) and start anew; resurface using a great natural stone like slate, or a stacked or field stone; clad the fireplace in a great wooden cover up and mantel; or, for those on a very tight budget (or who are simply looking for a stop gap before undertaking a more expensive option), painted brick.

Yep... good, old, cheap, accessible paint. Indeed, painting your brick can be the perfect way to give your fireplace a temporary, or permanent face lift. And really, who can't lift a paintbrush for an easy make-over like that?

Don't think you'll like the outcome? Well, reserve your judgement until you check out these great makeovers from some of my favourite, talented bloggers and websites:

This is Aimee's fireplace before her fantastic makeover:

and after... wow!!

My sister's fireplace makeover...so much prettier! Liz, at Violet Posy, recently posted her great fireplace face lift. I love how much more tranquil her space looks now. You can check out the entire post here.

before...

after...

The following fireplace (from the website, Home be Dazzle.com) was reclad in old brick and wooden panels and moulding:

Voila! This can be your next step for those wanting a full and complete cosmetic overhaul of their fireplace. Isn't it lovely??

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Need some tips on painting your brick?

Here are some tips from Sharon Grech, colour and design expert with Benjamin Moore:

1.Clean the brick using TSP (trisodium Phosphate)

2. Cover smoke and soot stains with a good quality primer sealer

3.Once dry, seal the brick using a latex primer

4. Paint with at least two coats of latex paint (the higher the sheen, the easier to clean)

5.Use a high-pile roller (20mm or thicker), and a brush to get to the mortar lines.

(as adapted from Style at Home magazine)

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Well, I'll be...! Terri Sapienza, of The Washington Post, picked my little, ol' blog again for their Blog Watch feature! I am beyond honoured, and very grateful! Thanks Terri!!

Happee Anniversary!!

My wedding anniversary has me thinking. What brings couples together? What constitutes a happy marriage, do husbands have to be soulmates, and how did I get so lucky? I love my husband. He is perfect for me, but he's not perfect, nor am I (really!). I don't care who you have, if you say he is perfect, I will not believe you. Just the inherent differences between men and women makes the male counterpart imperfect, right? Does he love to shop for the same things you do? Does he always put the toilet seat down and rinse out the sink after shaving? Will he let you talk, uninterrupted, about babies, kids, your job, friends...all things feminine..? Will he sit and watch HGTV with you? Well, if you have said yes to all of those, maybe he IS perfect!! Who am I to judge...??

We have been married for fifteen years now and we have been through a lot. Multiple moves, three children, serious illness, death of a parent, job changes, business start-ups, life-threatening injury to one of our kids, and the normal hiccups and growing pains that accompany two people who basically grew up together. We met when I was 17 and he was 21 and we knew almost immediately that we would marry. We never had those tumultuous break-ups/make-ups when we were dating; and we have always agreed that if we had to choose one person to do things with, it would be each other. Because of our age and just to be sure, I wanted a long courtship; and five years later we married. We trust each other implicitly and neither of us have ever flinched or gave a moment's pause when the other went out with our friends for an evening out (however infrequent). Yes, we are happy and still look forward to each other coming home at the end of each day. Perfect we are not, but perfect for each other...yes.

taking time to pose with Sophie during a triathlon

We lived in a small town for a while after marrying, and we marvelled at how the "Gossips" would basically take pleasure in the marital problems or breakdowns of others. We are just the opposite. We both love to hear that people are happy, and are genuinely saddened when others are not. I can picture nothing more lovely than seeing an older couple walking hand in hand down the street. You know that they have likely struggled like every other married couple at times; but their love perservered, and I send up a silent prayer that we will be as fortunate.

Marriage takes work...somedays it takes all out stamina, but it is usually worth the battle. No marriage is perfect and I always think of my sister's wise words about judging other couple's "marital state". She said to me, "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors in a marriage. The couple who squabbles a lot may be more secure and happy than the couple who portray perfect bliss." I agree one hundred percent. Relationships are the couple's alone. I wish everyone peace and contentment in their relationships. Perfection is hard to achieve...and I don't really think it exists. I'll take what I have, thank you very much. A husband whom I am proud to stand next to, to parent with, and to have him hold my hand in his. That's all the "marital bliss" I need...

Happy anniversary to us!!!!!!!!

Mudroom Alternatives...

I'm all about the mudroom. In fact, you might be getting tired of seeing so many tributes to it here. But, for those who share my appreciation for great storage, a well-planned mudroom just can't be beat. However, I also know not many of us have the space to build one, or had the forethought to make room for one when building our homes. Others, still, live in older homes that don't even have adequate closet space... so a mudroom is a laughable luxury!

So, what better time than "back to school" to re-examine how we can all carve out a little space to store the menagerie of backpacks, boots, and coats that comes with being a bustling family?

The following photos show alternative ways to salute the mudroom - ways that defy the limited space in our homes and the challenges that accompany working with what we have:

This mudroom area was built in the home owner's garage (see the garage door mechanism overhead?). But, it could just as easily have been created in the basement of a home with a basement entry...photo source: Southern Living

Here is another mudroom space in the basement of a home. Anyone out there with a split-entry style home? This would work for you!

photo source: Design Inc.ca

And yet another garage mudroom:

photographer: Thomas J. Storey

Do you have a small foyer? Here are two great examples of creating your own mudroom area within:

both photos: Southern Living

What about a back porch? Front porch? If storage is really your dilemma, haul out the wicker furniture from the space and add some great hooks, benches, and cubbies. Make your home work for you!!

photo: Tria Giovan, Cottage Living

photo: Country Home

Bad boys, bad boys...what you gonna do...???

It seems our sons share their father's and my sarcastic sense of humour. Perhaps it is a survival skill, but it is a skill they have mastered nonetheless. Humour is big in our home, and the drier the better.

Apparently our boys also like to skulk away with my digital camera, without my knowledge, and take funny photographs of each other. One of their seemingly favourite poses is the tough guy pose where, coincidentally, muscles are displayed, and faces wear a scowl. They then have a good laugh at themselves, and tease each other mercilessly. Good, clean, typical fun when you're twelve and fourteen! At least it entertained them on our latest camping trip...

Case in point:

Finding the humour in taking pictures like this...pretending he was the one who broke the window (he was not..):

Push-up competitions:

Bravely handling dead eels (~shudder~):

Being so caring towards their little sister...

Please tell me they are normal...!?! Somebody??

Face lifts are good...

All that rainy weather had an effect on me. Everything seemed a whole lot more dull and ordinary under the cloak of grey. I certainly couldn't spend much time outside, so I was left to stew inside, which only left me looking around and see what could use a little sprucing up.

I love the look of tin backsplashes and ceilings, so after being inspired by Chris at Just Beachy to apply it to my dishwasher for a more vintage look, I headed off to the building supply store and picked up one of my favourite products, faux tin panels. I also picked up the double-sided adhesive tape that is sold with the product (approx. $10/roll) and adhered it to the dishwasher with that. I used about a panel and a half of the "tin". Easy peasy!! Although I had been wanting to start the project for a while, being a bit of a procrastinator, I had simply filed it in my brain... for future reference.

Well, there is no better time than three straight weeks of rain to put a girl in the decorating mode! Forty dollars and virtually zero sweat equity later, and I find myself gazing at my dishwasher in admiration. It takes so little to thrill me these days!

before...

...after!!

After that easy fix, I was on a roll. I had had a roll of pretty wallpaper in my hall closet for what seemed like ages, and was simply waiting for the inspiration as to where to actually put it. I knew I didn't want to re-commit to wallpaper fully, but I was open to adding a bit of it to my home. I have, basically, an open-concept kitchen/living room area, and I have a long wall separating the two. It has always seemed to be calling out for something great, and since I hadn't found this something great, it struck me that a feature wall, using my beloved wallpaper, just might do the trick to warm up the space. This ended up being a great face lift that only cost me $50...not bad for a whole, new look!

before...

...after!

I am still looking for the perfect accessories to add to the wall...but that part is really fun!

Sooo, have a good look around you, and see what needs a little, ahem, tweaking. Now, if only giving myself a makeover was so easy...

Glitz and Glam...

Can you even imagine having access to anything remotely this beautiful? Sparkly chandeliers dripping in crystal, scrolly mirrors that are pieces of art in and of themselves,

upholstered settees too pretty to sit on,

...delicately etched glassware,

curvy dressing tables in the perfect shade of "greige"?The folks at Pom Pom Interiors are responsible for all this glorious perfection...check them out, and do remember to dab the corners of your mouths with a crisp, white hanky. Un-ladylike drooling would be so out of place in a swanky spot like this!

A garden get-away...

Now that my daughter's playhouse is up and running, I find myself wishing that I had a secret hide-away of my own. A place to relax and read...think uninterruptedly. Doesn't that sound heavenly? Here would be my pick of the perfect garden get-away:

photos: Canadian Home and Country magazine

Oops...I forgot to mention nap...of course it would need a great place to do that! This is definitely a fantasy post...when do mothers ever get to take a nap?? Or do anything uninterrupted??Still, a girl can dream...

Off we go!

I just had to use this photo again...cracks me up every time I look at it!

We're off on another attempt at camping. I say attempt, because the last time we went, it rained the entire time! So, we'll give it another go; crossing our fingers that we actually get to do this:

Eat some of this:

photo: Country Home

Actually get a chance to do this: and hopefully not need this:

photo source: Flickr.com

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**My next couple of posts will be short and sweet (a nice change, I'm sure). Just a little eye candy to share, until I get back!

It was called yellow...

photo: J.Crew

I have written about the colour yellow before. It is a colour that I am well familiar with, having used it in my previous homes with little restraint. However, it occurred to me recently, that I have very little yellow anymore. I think it is simply a symptom of overuse. While I have tired a bit of using yellow in my home, I still light up when I encounter it in other's homes or in home decor shops. The energy yellow emits is intoxicating, and I truly consider it the "wake-up" colour. In fact, from the morning sun... to the pale, yellow of fluffy scrambled eggs... to the school bus I send my kids off on... yellow represents fresh starts, and enlivens your home in a way many other colours fail to do.

photo: Canadian Family

photo: Pottery Barn

I guess I have moved on, so to speak. Looking around, it seems I have traded in my love of yellow for an unabashed penchant for blue. While this infidelity was never planned...it appears it is now a permanent relationship, and I am left to wonder when I will grow tired of all of these shades of blue. If so, which colour will be my new colour crush? Either way, it will have to wait until I move again before it reveals itself to me...!!

What about you? What's your colour crush of the moment??