Round Here....Halloween, The Laundry Room, The Daughter's Room and the Foyer

I missed out on posting yesterday...again...sorry about that...just insanely busy it would seem.

In an effort to make up for my low post ratio this week, I'll be adding one in tomorrow so check back.

For now, a look at Halloween in these parts and some peeks of newbie stuff around the abode...

First the kidlets...

Meet Mr Lion, Mr Ninja and Ms Monster High Twyla....

(PS- count me very annoyed by the blurry night photos)

I'm usually a costume maker but just didn't have the time this year...also the reason we whipped up Sharpie Pumpkins rather than carving....

...that and I sort of hate carving pumpkins- mostly because I'm not an orange fan so never really like the end product...I'm such a scrooge.

Anyhoo...

The kids had super fun times so that's what matters.

And while we were out hitting the streets, Allen the wonder carpenter was putting finishing touches on my laundry area...

 More to come on the final reveal front soonly.

As for the rest of the house, some things are coming together, while others are lagging a bit.

In the almost done category is the big girl's room downstairs...the vintage Maitland Smith pedestals I ordered from 219 are looking pretty swell in there...

...though I still have some fiddling to do in that room- not quite there yet...close though.

And on the topic of MS goodness, my new console table has found a home in the foyer...

...and I'm sort of loving the less is more business going on now...the hallway feels boatloads wider too which is a bonus.

As for the lamps and BB desk that were there before, they've moved upstairs to the hallway landing in place of the old pair of bookcases.

I have to pass on a large thanks to captain hubster for lugging all the books away- not a fun job for sure...he's proving to be a super good egg sport these days...feeling lucky.

And I think that's all for now.

Again, check back tomorrow for some more stuff.

I've got a new project to show you, along with some Black Rooster sauce.

'Til then.

xo

How to Makeover Your Bedroom- A Guest Post

Welcome to Monday friends.

I trust you all had a good couple of days....my weekend was busy but fabulous.

I spent Saturday at Blogpodium and it was so amaze...more on that tomorrow.

Sunday was devoted to meeting a new client who PS, has a house that I literally can't wait to get my hands on...such incredible bones...more on that one later in the week.

We also did some major house de-cluttering thanks to our new dumpster friend in the driveway...have I mentioned lately that my new favourite thing is throwing shit out? LOVE.

And in other happy news, our 'new old house' has officially been rented out thanks in part to our little 

mini-reno...good stuff.

Perhaps the best part of my weekend though, was watching my red on TV...her show

'This is Scarlett and Isaiah' aired on Saturday...

..and I literally could have watched the episodes over and over and over again.

The way the show manages to really capture her personality is just so ridiculously fun to watch...what you see up on that screen is EXACTLY what Scarlett is like in real life- I know I'm incredibly biased of course but her quirkiness is hilarious to watch...so so proud.

And I think that sums my very jam packed weekend up.

Thankfully, one thing I didn't have to do over the past few days was dream up a blog post...the lovely Jessica from 4interior design sent me a note a while back offering to whip up a guest post and I of course, happily said yes...after this gorgeous post from my sweet friend Tim, I've kind of come around again to the joy that is someone else writing a post for you...going to look into that more;)

For today, here's Jessica's thoughts on the what's what of making over a bedroom....enjoy!

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7 Tips for a Bedroom Makeover 

The problem with redoing a bedroom is that it is our 'safe place' in the house, the one place that we can go to 'get away' from it all! The following tips will help you to get through your bedroom redo quickly and relatively painlessly!

Measure, Check and Measure again!

There is nothing more gutting than happily bringing home your new five-door wardrobe, readying yourself to build it then realising that it is too big for the available space! Discovering that the wardrobe is just two inches too big for the available space might be worse! Measure the available space before you buy any furniture, taking into account skirting boards and allowing for the walls to be uneven. Leaving extra space may be annoying, especially if it means smaller furniture; but being able to put the furniture easily into place is much less stressful!

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Scrub, Paint, Dust and Clean!

Try to arrange different sleeping arrangements for a couple of nights as the bedroom decoration is ongoing. Remove the old furniture that is being scrapped, move everything that is being kept into another room, and set to work cleaning hidden spills, dust, webby corners and getting the floor and walls as clean as possible. Paint and wallpaper should be applied, leaving enough time for both to completely dry before any work is done in the room. This is very tiring but the whole room will look amazing and fresh once everything is complete. Be prepared to sweep or mop again after the new furniture is built and ready as there will inevitably be small cardboard scraps, a light scattering of sawdust and so on. 

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Think ahead

While in the planning stage, think about the future of the room. Your little girl may be seven and sweetly in love with everything pink, but in three short years she may well morph into the complete tomboy and hate pink and frills! Choose basic colours that will not age in this way, and let the soft furnishings add the thematic touches – they can be changed very easily, without too much expense! 

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Soft Furnishings to Suit 

Use your soft furnishings, curtains, rugs, cushions and bedding, to describe the theme and tone of the room. There are a wealth of fabulous bedding options, in a wide variety of fabrics, colours and styles, just begging to be allowed to transform your bedroom! Have a look and you are sure to find the perfect bedding that will make your bedroom a perfect and comfortable haven; one of my favourite places to shop for this happens to me my aunt's store Yorkshire Linen Co :)))

Save Space and Go Up!

In children's rooms you can opt for loft beds or high sleepers. These innovative beds effectively give you back the space taken up by a regular bed, space that can be used to hold a chest of drawers, desk, or even a play frame. As children usually end up with the smallest bedroom, making the best use of space is a must.

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De-clutter

This one is obvious! Having taken everything out of the bedroom, make sure that you only put back everything that you want to keep.

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Lighting

Bedrooms should have a bright overhead light – or pair of lights to soften shadows, but should also boast a couple of softer, warmer lamps, usually, but not always, bedside lamps. Uplighters work well in bedrooms as they make the room bright enough to see comfortably, without dazzling your eyes.

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Aim to finish the room so that you are not too disrupted by the work but do work carefully; poor workmanship makes itself apparent in a surprisingly short time.  Most of all, enjoy making your bedroom into the perfect haven that you crave........A big thanks to Jessica for this super duper post and a happy week to you love fritters.xo

If You Want It, Black Rooster It #17, #projectwholehouse Updates and My Saturday

Wohoo...Friday has come...thank gawd!

I've had one heck of a busy week and happy to think about tomorrow coming...more on that towards the end of this post;)

Up now though...

It's exciting times around Black Rooster because the store has just introduced beds to their line of furniture fantastica...so in honour of that, I've put together a BR version of this bedroom oasis...

Pretty sure that one day I'll need a mirrored headboard-love the antiquing on this BR beauty...accessorized with some solid black and/or graphic pillows and a soft rabbit throw, you have the makings for one heavenly bed.  At the foot of the bed, this lacquered desk/console is perfection...especially when accompanied by this grey column lamp and soft velvet stool. Alongside the desk, the

  French inspired chair makes for the perfect bedroom seating area...especially when placed atop BR's plush Dutch Berber rugs.  And of course, what master would be complete without a little nude sketch action...though I'm usually opt for 'feminine' nakedness when it comes to art, this dude is indeed rather fetching.

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In other news, #projectwholehouse got some real purdy goodies this past week.

For one, the Currey and Co Bevilacqua chandelier arrived, courtesy of the uber fabulous/I'd be a shell of a decorator without them 219...

...and I have to say, she's bloody perfection.

 Speaking of things that are damn near religious...behold Stark's Leopard AX in silver...

...let's just say she was worth the wait.

These two most lovely additions mark the almost completion of the foyer...we have some accessorizing to do and then she'll be ready for her official 'after' reveal...stay tuned on that front.

.......

And finally, I have to brag a wee bit about the super amazing Saturday I'm about to have.

For one, I can't wait to spend the day here...

...catching up with my long lost blogging buds and learning a thing or two while I'm at it...good times

And after that, I'll be zipping home to get ready for the official launch of my daughter's show...

For everyone in Canada, the show will be premiering with 4 episodes...

*** Tomorrow at 7pm on Treehouse ***

In the meantime, you can watch a clip and the intro HERE...or play their brand spaking new video games HERE.

To say we can't wait would be one ginormous understatement...so so excited.

So with that, I'll wish you all a super duper great weekend...oh and don't forget to enter my current giveaway to win your choice of prints from Fall into London-

...draw happens Sunday.

PS...thanks to my cute little friend here...

...this post took 2.5 hours to finish- good times;)

xo

A Birthday for Malcolm

Today my sweet little boy, Malcolm John is 5...

There's something about 5 to me that strikes a mommy cord...it marks the start of kiddom really...and with that, a turn away from those joyous days of chubby fingers, rolled 'r's and round bellies.

And although a part of  me is sad that my sweet little dude is growing up, most of me is infinitely excited to watch him become more and more the incredible person I know he will be...

So on this, my Malcolm's birthday (as I did when Scarlett turned 5) please indulge this mama with a little time to reflect on her precious boy.

.......

My Macaroon... on your birthday, I want you to know these things about your beautiful self:

1.  You have the absolute kindest soul and have a inherent sense of right and wrong that makes me infinitely proud of you.

2. I love that you're a  moody...it means you feel things deeply and without apology.

3. You are and have always been a 'studier'...you never judge things quickly, but instead, take your time to see the real truth behind everything.

4.  Your great grandmother fell in love with you instantly because she said she sensed your kindness and heart...I remember her proclaiming that one day that you were most certain to become a judge when you grew up because of your unparalleled objectivity, even at such a  young age.

5. I adore that you love your sisters and brother more than anything on earth and how you delight daily in their companionship.

6. You are the absolute best snuggler in the world and find so much happiness in feeling physically close to others.

7.  You can be so serious at times and I can already tell that you hold details important.

8. You are incredibly sensitive and are deeply affected by relationships with others.

9.  You're loyal to a fault...I've watched  you conceal being hurt many times just to ensure blame isn't placed on someone you consider a friend.

10.  I love how you love being silly and aren't afraid to be yourself...you're definitely not one who has to fit into the crowd.

11. You have a quirky spirit and are at your happiest when this side of you is allowed to shine.

12.  I am amazed daily by the sparkle in your eyes and how it's captured in every photo taken of you- you have depth and soul behind those big blues that is impossible not to see.

13. You are a lover of numbers and patterns and engineering- your sister Natasha adores how scientifically minded you are and how much of her she sees in you...many have commented on the resemblance between the two of you and I just know you'll always have such a special bond.

14. Although you are one who sees things as they are and are keen to discover answers to life's questions, your driving force is clearly your soul...I already know that you will be one whose goals are driven by the idea of fate and purpose.

15. You are one who finds joy in the simplest of things and are never demanding of 'entertainment'- a pile of dirt is enough to keep you happy.

16. You love being outside and feeling the earth- I can already see how much you value a connection to things 'bigger' than you.

17. I love how you find so much happiness in  helping out and making others feel less burdened.

18. You are a giver in every sense of the word.

19. You have the best kind of heart...it's incredibly soft and mushy.

20.  You are an talented builder of milk/creamer towers and spend every restaurant experience trying to one-up your last attempt;)

21. Though sports aren't really your bag, your favourite shoes are always ones that you can test out with a good old sprint so that  you can proclaim them fastest of the 'go fasters'.

22. You think you're a Ninja...for real...and that's awesome.

23. You love to sleep and we all really love that about you.

24. I adore when you say something is 'electrical' in reference to it being fast...like your mommy, you love words and are always keen to use ones that make your tongue dance around when you say them.

26. I will cry a thousand tears on the day that you no longer say 'zank you' instead of thank you...saying 'za-welcome' back to you is something I never want to leave behind.

27. I love that you always want the pink cup at dinner and seem pretty OK with liking some 'girl' stuff.

28. You are one heck of a slow eater my friend....this is maybe the one thing on the list that I wouldn't mind if you grew out of;)

29. I love that you've been counting down to your fifth birthday religiously for over a year...like your mommy, I know you see what this milestone means- you so clearly love the idea of becoming more of the person you're meant to be.

30. You are sentimental and might just have inherited some of mommy's hoarding tendencies....I remember  when you were given the option of getting a new bigger room before your brother was born- you happily let him have it so that you could stay cozy in the space you already had- you value your things, take care of them and get very sad when you are made to part with them...a minimalist you are not;)

31. There's nothing I love more than when tell me how you love me to infinity...and you know what, I love you so much more than even that.

.......

xo

Thinking About 7 - #11

It's mid-day, which means I'm totally behind schedule with this post so a quick and to the point 7.

1. My daughter it taking part in Shinerama 2013 to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

You can read all about it HERE.

I would SOOOOOOOO appreciate you helping her raise some moula but clicking on her fundraising page and donating anything you can.

HUGE THANK YOUS IN ADVANCE!

2. Consider mind blown re: Kelly Weartler's hand in Cameron Diaz's amazing apartment...

...blush grasscloth- be still my heart.

...everything about this = nirvana.  I'm thinking that Ann Sacks tile and I should make out in my new house.

...no words for the brass backsplash and counter action...or the green for that matter.

...I've put that fireplace in the new house files...love x many.

3. Speaking of #projecdreamhouse...this image has also gone in the inspiration banks...

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...it represents the exact kind of frilly architecture mixed with modern furniture and art style that I'm going for up in the new pad.

4. New house ideas again....

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...I'm obsessed with those doors.

5. I came across these two photos this week...

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...and decided two things officially:

a. I love art on the floor

b. juju hats might be trendy but god I love a white one that's mixed with some good old fashioned bust action

6. I know I've been spewing on endlessly about my daughter's new show 'This is Scarlett and Isaiah' but I just can't help myself.

The show's new website just launched, along with video games that have her appearing as a real life pop-up...

...seeing your kid in a video game, such a trip;)))

If you live in Canada and have little kids that like to play on the computer, click over to the website for some fun:)

You can also watch video of the opening and a clip from an episode HERE...

7.  And last but totally not least, we have the first official draft of the mainfloor layout of #projectdreamhouse...

...and I could NOT BE MORE EXCITED!

Though we still have lots of work to do and likely many revisions to make, this plan is most definitely moving in the right direction.

Thanks to my architect wjb designs, my 'London Townhouse meets Ontario suburbs' dreams are totally coming to life.

Tres beans excited.

xo

This Is Scarlett and Isaiah

I shared the news about my daughter's TV show back in April with this post.

Well, I've got some updates on that front and if you'd let me be the annoying braggy mom for a few minutes, I'd love to fill you in:)
We spent this past Tuesday at the show's official launch party and well, it was literally one of the most exciting 2 hours of this little family's life.

For one, we got to watch a completed episode in giant form thanks to a gorgeous screening room and front row seats...

{Scarlett and her co-host Isaiah, along with his sweet little sister in the middle}

{My dad and Malcolm soaking up the show- so, so grateful that my parents were able to fly in from PEI to attend!}

...honestly, I could have sat in that seat all day and watched it over and over...I was quite literally overcome with emotion while the tape was rolling.  To see my daughter almost frozen in time at the age of 6, being that version of herself (that PS, has already changed) with the lispy voice, missing teeth, quirky smile, hilariously dramatic facial expressions, last remnants of baby pudge etc...well, it was beyond special to say the least.
My favourite part was when they showcased her audition tapes, which of course we hadn't seen until then.
It was incredible to see my own child through someone else's eyes.
Though we all know our kids are amazing and feel proud at every moment, something about seeing my Scarlett up there just really made me recognize what makes her such a special little kid...the dramatic quirks and intensity in which she views life may be what sometimes drive me crazy but it's also precisely what makes her so perfectly her...I absolutely adore the creature she is and is becoming.
I apologize if this sound ridiculously braggy but really, I found her totally captivating to watch...in part because like all kids of that age, she's hilariously funny...For example, when asked if she liked to get dirty, her response after careful consideration, was "well...only when I'm naked."  Too good.
While in the screening room, we also got to watch her co-host Isaiah's episode, which was such a joy...what struck me most about her counterpart was how smart and inquisitive he is...the kid loves to ask questions  and figure things out...he's the perfect 'This Is' host as it were...

Together, and with the help of the show's amazing team at Sinking Ship/Marblemedia...

... I really believe they've made some hilariously delightful kid TV, that will carry on the torch originally lit by 'This is Daniel Cook' and 'This is Emily Yeung'.
The show will be airing on Treehouse, with the first episode debuting on September 21st so mark your calendars if you have littles:)))

For now, I'd love it if you could like the show's Facebook page...

...and follow on Twitter...

...watch the trailer on their official website...

...and if you'd like to see their interview (along with the show's original cast Daniel Cook and Emily Yeung who are PS, just as adorable as teenagers) with the Canadian Press, link over to that HERE.
There's also this article written by CP, that can be viewed in a number of publications...

...click HERE for one version of that.
Thank you for  letting me indulge in this a little..I'm so ridiculously proud of my little red and I figure at such times, it's a mamma's prerogative to blast the news...couldn't help but use up a post to document this incredible time.
I promise to be back with decorating and the like tomorrow:)))
xo