Beautiful Christmas Front Doors Decor Inspiration

We're only a few days away from Christmas! The kids can hardly wait and I can't believe 2014 is coming to an end soon.  As I'm getting ready to prep my house for all the hosting and celebrations to come, I wanted to share these beautiful and inviting front door seasonal decorations.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas everyone! May you have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. 

1) I love how the presents in the urns are such a great idea from you typical greenery or branches. Coordinating the presents with the exterior rug makes it even better.

2) This front porch is so cozy and inviting. I love the natural materials, and the use of lights and candles.

3) Using a simple wreath with an accent color ribbon, coordinated with fruits in the urns makes things so unique. I could see this with red ribbon and red apples, or you could do this with yellow and lemons, or use any color ribbon with limes even.  The angels  add a beautiful touch. 

4) This beautiful set up is quite elaborate, and I love all the little details - like the greenery by the door bell, the potted plants and the cute decorated tree with presents. I'm sure this isn't how it would look daily but you could totally pull something like this off (minus the boots and presents you could trip over!)

5) This more natural set up is all about repetition: burlap, pine cones, simple greens. The lanterns and lights are also key to highlighting the decor.

So did you have a favorite? I know I'll be borrowing some of these ideas for next year! :)

Sarah Richardson Launches New Book and TARGET announcement

It's been a long time waiting for me. My fave designer has FINALLY launched her first design book and I can't be more thrilled!  I have placed an order for my copy already and can't wait to see all the eye candy in there and advice from Sarah. I know this book will become an all-time favorite and an inspiration. I absolutely admire and love Sarah's style and can identify spaces designed by her, without even reading/or knowing that it's her - because her design style is so unique to hers and nobody quite does it just like her. She has such a unique and fresh style, which hugely appeals to me, because it blends both new and old, and her mix of fabrics is unbelievable - but what sets it all apart are all the little details.  Pillows always have extra touches like contrasting piping, or fun buttons. Though I admire many styles of designs and designers, Sarah is truly my ultimate design match.  Her spaces are always livable, timeless, beautiful, and offer that perfect dose of  contemporary mixed with vintage.  I just adore it all!

Sarah Richardson book cover (via sarahrichardsondesign.com)

Sarah Richardson is completely on fire right now and it's exciting to see how far she's come along, with her personal brand extending out from paint lines, to furniture, to fabrics, to cards, and now a book, and wait for this - drumrolls please - a new product line to be sold at TARGET! How amazingly exciting is that?! I seriously cannot wait! The woman is taking on the world - and rightly so. I'm so proud of her. The line with Target is supposed to come out in 2015 and they have just made the announcement public. I'm sure many of you are jumping up and down right now, as we will all be able to have a piece of Sarah design in our homes. I have to say that I had really high expectations for Target and was so excited when they first arrived here (see my first post ever about Target an their Threshold line), but they didn't quite come through and deliver for the Canadian market.  I think this Sarah Richardson line is going to save them - quite literally.

I've followed Sarah from her beginning days on 'Room Service', back when HGTV was still pretty new. I remember it was probably one of the only shows that I watched on that channel. Then came 'Design Inc', and I seriously thought it was the best thing that's ever happened! I miss those days. It was the first show that truly gave the viewer a 'behind the scenes' concept and provided me with a great learning opportunity with a glimpse of how it all goes down. I remember getting so much value and tips from her show and have learned so much about fabric coordination, paints, etc.  Sarah has been a true pioneer in design television with all of her shows - other favorites of mine: Sarah's House and Sarah's Cottage. I like that she continuously pushed for new and fresh concepts and her success can be attributed to giving viewers what they want and more by educating them through the process. I seriously owe my love for decorating and design to Sarah.  She started it all with Room Service.

I have to admit that my least favorite series has been her most recent "Real Potential', and "Sarah 101". Personally, I found that the rooms just didn't have quite the same Sarah's cachet. I'd love to see more Design Inc concepts back or another Sarah's cottage or house. Those were absolutely the best blend of content ever. I'm sure more exciting projects are in the funnel for her, but having the book and the product line coming out is absolutely fantastic for all of us. I say, well done Sarah and congratulations!

November already

It's been a long time since I've written for the blog. Other things just got in the way, To be honest, I've just been busy with work and personal life, and haven't even been regularly checking my favorite blogs either. That's just how it is.  But I'm back!  :)

It's that time of year - Autumn - where the leaves are in their full blown colors, and even though it's getting quite chilly out here in Toronto, I'm loving it. I think it's definitely my favorite season. It's the perfect time for layering and getting out those riding boots; it's also the perfect time time to change up your house decor and make it more cozy and warm.  I just love this time of year - there's something about the fresh air, the year almost coming to an end, which lends to lots of self reflection on my end (hence getting back on the blog being something I want to do more of!), and the sheer beauty of the outside, just reminding you how amazing nature is. 

Right about now, I'd love to just grab a nice cup of coffee, hang out and read...  maybe on the weekend... I can keep dreaming. 

2014: A fresh new start

Source

Happy new year to all!  It’s hard to believe 2013 is already behind us. As I look towards 2014, I like to take time and reflect on the past year: my experiences, accomplishments, things I’d like to do better, etc.  Each new year, I try to make a list of simple goals or to-do’s I’d like to focus on in different areas of my life. I don’t like to call them resolutions, as I feel I’m always in a quest to better myself, and the term itself just doesn’t seem to stick for me, it’s too broad and lacks specificity. Instead, I prefer to make a list of the little things – specific things – I will do to improve on. This makes things more measurable and attainable, and I get a greater sense of fulfillment from being able to check off the tasks on my list.

2013 was quite a different year for me. I feel like it’s been a bit of a blur actually for the first half.  We started the year with my mother being in surgery to remove her cancer. She had ovarian cancer and was undergoing surgery in January, and the first 6-7 months of the year were tough, keeping a close eye on my mother’s health and taking care of her as much as I could through her chemo treatments. It was emotionally charged, but luckily I’m happy to report that she is doing much better now. It’s amazing what a difference a year can make.  I was also on maternity leave and had extended my absence in order to spend more time with my mom, and kids, and went back to work in August when my youngest daughter was 18 mths. That alone was a big change as well. On that front, I was able to ease back into work fairly well. We also took a family vacation on a cruise to the Caribbean in early December, which was nice and relaxing. On the home front, we did our backyard and updated our powder room. I also started this blog. Although I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to it as I would have hoped, I’m still pleased that I finally started writing. All in all, I had a tough beginning, but ended the year on a good note, with everyone healthy and well, which is what matters the most. This year taught me more than ever before that there’s no time to waste, and I need to focus on things that matter most to me: my family and what brings me joy. My mom’s health scare really put everything in greater perspective for me. I was ready to drop everything to do anything I needed to support my loved ones. I am glad that I had the opportunity to take a longer leave of absence from work to be with my mom and spend more time raising my youngest daughter, and I truly appreciated every little in-between moments. It’s not all about the accomplishments, and the big milestones, it’s the little moments, and the daily things that made a big difference for me, the fact that I was wholly present for them if you know what I mean.  I’ve always been one to really appreciate these simple moments and be grateful for each day I have.

In 2014, I feel an even greater need to simplify my life and really focus on what’s truly important to me, and what matters to me and my family, even it might mean making some uncomfortable changes. Overall, I want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, unhurriedly and celebrate the small milestones as well as the big ones. I want to slow down, invest in my personal growth and development by ensuring I’m also a priority and not last on the list. I want to stress less at work, and remember to focus on the big picture, and find ways to be professionally fulfilled without feeling like I’m sacrificing prime time with my family.  Instead of my typical to do-list each new year, this 2014, my husband and I will truly be assessing how we want to live our life,  and making a roadmap on what we need to do to get there. It’s a bit scary to think of the many changes, but I know that this is right step towards achieving our true dreams and goals. We just need to remind ourselves that everyone’s journey and milestones are different. We need to focus on what is best for us and not what others would expect of us. Taking risks when things are comfortable is difficult, but I know that the rewards will be worth it.

Whatever your aspirations for 2014, I wish each one of you a happy new year, blessed with good health, happiness, success and fulfillment!

 

 

Beautiful color inspiration from Design Seeds

I've been busy and bogged down with so much work, I've barely had anytime for this blog.
Put 2 kids in the equation, and it's like this place is at the bottom of my list... which brings me to this: how do people manage a full time job and writing a blog on a regular basis effectively?
I suppose it's all in the planning - and making a commitment to post. But honestly, it's so difficult when so many other things are higher priority.

I would love to get to a point one day when I could just blog and do design work for a living. Ah, that's my dream and I'm sure many also share that same vision.  I'm by no means an interior designer, but I just love decorating, reading design magazines and watching all those reno/decorating shows when time permits. It would be my dream to turn my hobby into something more - but I don't know how to. Actually, I do know what I need to do, but I haven't been able to follow through with my plan. I feel like I have all this knowledge and business skills, but I just don't have the time!

I work full time in a demanding high tech environment and have a pretty good thing going on. In fact, it would be very hard for me to walk away and I would only do it if it were to start my own thing. I love what I do, but I also long to break out on my own and be my own boss... This blog is supposed to act as a stepping stone for me to share my design aspirations and design boards, and connect with fellow bloggers, expand my network, and hopefully help make my dream a reality.  I feel like I'm failing miserably right now with the "connect" part.  The funny thing is that one of the main things holding me back is that I have an issue with sharing my identity. First off, I have a very unique name (trust me on this one!) and I don't want to be known... because well, it might ialso nterfere with my current job. Isn't that silly?  How am I supposed to connect without being transparent about who I am? Have you noticed I haven't included my name anywhere - that's exactly because of this fear of being know and identity theft and all. I might be nuts, but when you have a name as unique as mine, it becomes a bigger deal for me. Will I ever overcome this? Yes, in time I'm sure I'll have to accept this as a reality. Our world is so virtual now that it's almost impossible to remain private - which comes with some good and bad.

Anyway, I would love to hear from those of you who also work full time and have a blog. How do you manage? do you have any pointers to share?

Of course, after rambling on above, I couldn't possibly leave you without something visual, so here's what's I really wanted to share with you today. These beautiful color palettes from Design Seeds,  Autumn Chill & Color Breeze have captured my heart. Such liveable, soft and muted colors! I absolutely love. Now how to incoporate into my home...perhaps my master bedroom? :)

Nursery design board

My youngest daughter just turned 18 months last week, and it's time I tackle her bedroom. I've mentioned here before that we haven't done much in the past to her room, mainly because we didn't have time, and I didn't know which direction to take - but I finally feel ready to commit!

After looking through my inspiraton files, I've found a common thread, and I've totally been gravitating towards a combination of peach/coral, gold, grey/stone, and yellow. I love those colors together, and always thought it would be perfect for my little girl's room. Then I found this wallpaper, which totally sealed the deal, and set the wheels in motion. LOVE!

 source: walnutwallpaper.com

Here's what I have in mind:

 

I've put together this design board to help me visualize it all - and I must say, I'm even more excited now! doesn't it look amazing?  :)

 

The crib, billy bookcase, chair, and ikea dresser - we already have. We've also switched out the dresser knobs to clear glass ones for more sparkle a long time ago, and I think I will keep them, but I have been playing with the idea of using gold pull rings as well.

 

I love the crib bedding which has that animal print - but if I can't find something like that, I would use the grey fabric to make the crib skirt, the polka dot for pillows, and the soft peach paisley fabric for the crib sheet. The ikat-like fabric on the top right would be used for window coverings.

 

The wallpaper would be going up on one wall only - as a focal point, where the crib and dresser currently sit. On the opposite wall, where we have our chair + bookcase, I will be adding the gold pouf and similar style floor lamp and side table. I love that the side table has that gold rim and has 3 surfaces to put books, etc. I also want to do a wall of pictures/ art using frames of various sizes, and in tones of grey, gold, white, and black. Will probably get most of my frames from Target and Home Sense since they both have a wide selection.

 

I've added a rug above in the design, but since we already have light broadloom, I might skip it - though I love the added texture/ print it would bring to the room. A nice to have - we'll see.

 

Don't you love the accent pillows? they're so cute and can be found on Etsy. Ditto for the artwork: mr Fox, bunny, and A (first name initial of my babe).

 

Hopefully I can get this makeover done within the month. I'll be sure to share progress.

 

Let me know what you think, would love to hear from you!

J Crew necklaces - my best kept secret

When it comes to shopping, there are things that I'm willing to spend extra money on, and there are things like accessories, which I can't justify spending a fortune on. I have no issues with handbags, but for costume jewelry, I just can't bring myself to dish it out. But we all know how that extra piece of accessory can totally finish off your look like nothing else. Take J Crew for example, whenever I see their store displays, I'm mainly attracted to the jewelry that they coordinated with the outfits. If you take that piece out, the outfit becomes so plain, but add that statement necklace, and bam, you've got a completely different look, so chic and finished.

I've always coveted the J Crew necklaces, but never wanted to spend so much - especially being in Canada, it's ridiculous how much more the same item costs. For some months now, I've been on the hunt to find affordable alternatives, and today I'm about to share with you the 2 best sources for your J Crew statement necklaces. Turns out, there are a whole lot of people selling J Crew inspired necklaces online, and of course, at a bargain price! ;)

My 2 favorite sources are Etsy and Ali Express. Type in "statement necklace" or "J Crew necklace" and you'll see tons of results (you can even find Kate Spade, Stella & Dot, etc).You have to be careful though, there are different levels of quality for the same items, so it's really up to you to decide what you're comfortable with. I try to get the best/ most authentic ones, and even though the pieces are pricier than some other, you're still saving a bundle compared to the retail price in the store, and you're guaranteed a better quality. Some sellers on Ali Express are actually the OEM for the product and you can tell by their postings, pictures and descriptions. I got a few items and compared them to the ones in store, and seriously, there was NO difference. I could have paid $198 in store for this one necklace and instead scored it online for $34.99. Now that's a deal that won't burn a hole in your pocket book. But be warned, once you start buying, you can't stop! It's so addictive. They are truly worth it though - these are beautiful statement necklaces, and they also make a great birthday or holiday present.

Let me share with you some of my favorite pieces at the moment - and yes, I own most of them now ;)  and get tons of compliments all the time...

Tortoise & crystal - love! This is so trendy and now, yet so timeless.
This one makes you feel so sophisticated right away. Pair with black top and camel skirt -big hit!

Simply stunning - this picture doesn't do it justice. It's so beautiful

This one is still in store and is soo pretty!
It's a bit harder to pair I find, but would look awesome with any solid color top, black, white, denim, to add that punch.

Another one which the pic doesn't do justice. Also in some stores still.
It's definitely a statement and looks amazing.



This is one of the most popular J Crew necklace at the moment.
It looks beautiful in person. Has a vintage look that I adore and goes with so many things!



This one is so gorgeous too!
It has similar feel to the one above but this one incl. white stones with the crystals.

 

So tell me, do you have a favorite? Next time, I think I'll post how I pair these with my outfits.