Monday, December 30, 2013

#ugliestbathroomreno Update #2.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! It went by so quickly, as it always does. It was a great time with family and friends. We indulged too much, did a lot of relaxing and loved every minute of it. My sister flew back to Ontario last night and Stephane started back at work today so it now seems like it's time to get back to normal routine.

If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen that two very exciting things happened just before Christmas. First of all, our floor tile was laid and grouted. It was done over the process of a few days by our awesome tiler and I'm pretty much in love with the result. Especially since within 24 hours we had it covered with cardboard to protect it from the rest of the work going on around it. I almost forget what it looks like!


Having the tile installed also meant that the toilet could go in. A hallelujah moment considering we only have one bathroom. It was official installed and ready for its first flush the day before Christmas. We were feeling pretty elated.


The shower system goes in next and that last piece of gyprock. Then, the tiler can come back and do the walls of the shower. It's finally coming together. It really does take twice as long as you anticipate!

Floor tiles: Novecento White Hexagon, Home Depot

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Oh Christmas Tree: Stars to the Sky.

When it comes to Christmas trees, I love them all. Short and squat, tall and skinny, real or artificial (although I'm partial to real:), pine or spruce, decorated with handmade ornaments or treasured keepsakes.. put some lights on it and it's guaranteed to steal my heart.. There is something almost magical about them. I think many of you would agree.

Today I have a fairly unique tree to share with you. My friend Rachel shared a photo of her tree on Facebook and I absolutely had to see more. I asked her to send me more photos so I could share it with you all.

 



Isn't it amazing?

I would love to do a pine tree some year. It's just so perfectly soft and fluffy.




The mixture of different sizes and matte and glittery gold really adds to the effect. I think that stars are quite meaningful to Rachel as she has them in her business logo and she herself is a bit of a dreamer. A wish upon a star kind of girl:)


 

Rachel's tree is a true reflection of her personality. She, like her choice in tree this year, is unique and incredibly creative. She inspires me.. a lot.

Thanks for letting me share Rachel and Merry Christmas! 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Oh Christmas Tree: A Cute & Crooked One.


With the bathroom renovation going on, things are a little chaotic around here to say the least. Up until last weekend, we had a bathtub and a toilet in the living room. Undeterred, I shoved them into the corner, desperate to make room for a Christmas tree. I went out the tree lot with my family on a Saturday morning in search of a little Charlie Brown tree. I was so indecisive that I could have walked around for hours but ended up choosing one that is just a little bit Charlie Brown, in its own way.



The trunk is skinny and crooked, it's a bit of a shorty and there are a couple of good bare spots but it's otherwise perfect. Unbeknownst to my dad and I, my little tree fell out the the trailer on the way home from the lot. We flew in to a bit of a panic upon realizing but then found it, lying all alone in the middle of the road not too far away. We had a good giggle over that one. My poor tree.

Then, it came home and sat on the front porch for a few days. Once we got it inside, I strung some lights and there it sat. Eventually I got around to adding some garland and some decorations. So different from other years when I'd have it up and decorated in one evening, without blinking an eye. This year is just a little different that others.. we are a bit busy and distracted by that little thing we call: living without a bathroom!



I only used a third of my decorations since it is so much smaller than other years. Most of the filler balls were kept pack away and I used only my favorite ones. The ones given to me by family, friends and students and the ones that are just too pretty to keep packed away.



I also made a little pompom garland. I strung two different sizes of white pompoms on some white string. It literally took all of an hour while watching Homeland one night. I think it adds a touch of whimsy to the tree.




I used a lot of regular mini lights on the tree but I also added two strands of these globe string lights from Target. It's definitely a different look.. a little old school. It's fun to mix it up a bit!



To me, there is nothing better than a Christmas tree. I turn on the lights first thing in the morning and enjoy the glow with my morning coffee. Then, in the evening, it offers me a sense of calm amid the disaster that is currently our home. Perhaps dramatic but realistically, my pretty home accessories have been replaced with hack saw, drills, bits, screws and utility knives. I've accepted it, and I'm dealing but that doesn't mean I can't wait for it to get back to normal!



The Christmas tree has been my little source of peace and joy this holiday season. It might not be the prettiest or the biggest tree we've ever had.. but to me, it's perfect!

I may never take it down.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

#ugliestbathroomreno Update.

 My pretty pink poinsettia in front of the Christmas tree.

It's been a while since I've updated on the bathroom renovation. Things are coming along slowly but surely. It's definitely true what people say about bathrooms being the worst home project of all. Every single step in the process, has taken longer, and been more work, than anticipated. Well, perhaps only what I anticipated.. I think Steph was well aware of just how much work it was going to be and I simply chose not to listen. I was too caught up in my Pinterest bathroom board and online sourcing to fully accept what a disruption it would be to my life.

I like to think I am easy going and can go with the flow but it's been hard. I'm tired of going to shower elsewhere, of not having a toilet for longer than I'd care to admit, of living out of a suitcase, of missing our Crossfit classes. Stephane is just plain tired.. working all day and coming home to work on the reno. I do my best to keep things in order around the house and help out where I can, but the reality is that this is his project. It's beyond my scope and frankly there isn't room for both of us in that room. It is really so so small.

The tree is up!

Just in case any of you are planning a bathroom renovation and still aren't aware of the truth.. here it is: Bathrooms will rob you blind! I had an idea what things would cost but the building supplies are slowly adding up, on top of the the bathtub, toilet, vanity, taps and shower fixtures, tile, heating system, exhaust fans, lighting, towel bars... it's never ending. It doesn't help that everything I seem to like has a big price tag. I'm trying to make smart choices but it's so hard! For the first time, I am pretty darn happy that we only have one bathroom! 

I don't mean for this post to sound negative, although I'm sure it's coming across that way. I won't deny that the last few weeks haven't been challenging but I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm extremely excited about it. It will all be worth it in the end!

It's really all I want for Christmas! A finished or even semi finished, functional bathroom. I would be blissfully happy. I think Steph would agree:)

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

DIY Snow Globes and Christmas Tree Cars.



Last week I was decorating my mantel for the holidays and came across some vintage mason jars in the basement. I knew I wanted to include them in my decor so got out some supplies and created my own little "snow globes".


I'm obsessed with bottle brush trees. I had a whole bag of green ones that I picked up at Canadian Tire last year (I've also seen them at Michael's for an outrageous amount of money. Even with a 40% off coupon, it's robbery). I also had a couple of little white ones from Walmart. It was like a forest in my dining room and I couldn't resist taking a few photos.


I just used a little tape to stick the trees to the lids. You could use hot glue but I wanted to be able to reuse the jars. Then, I added some "snow" to the jars, screwed on the lids and flipped them over. Voila! Winter wonderland!

I had a few short mason jars and decided to have a little fun with some toy cars. Please ignore the fact that this one is a convertible.. in the winter.  How cute is the minty green!




Taking the tree home from the lot! Aren't they sweet. I had planned to do this as a Christmas craft with my class but not all the cars with fit in the jars properly. I'll have to get my thinking cap on for something else!


I think it's pretty sweet just on its own too. I might have to make some more. You should make some too. So easy!

Linking up to Hi Sugarplum! Link Party

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Vintage Christmas Mantel.


I managed to clean up all the demolition dust and pull together a Christmas mantel today! Once I finished dusting the living room, I got motivated to get out some Christmas decorations and figured the mantel was the best place to start.

I've been craving a more traditional look this year with a bit more color. I've become obsessed with plaid! However... I have a lot of decorations. Too many really. Over the years, when everyone else was packing up their decorations, I was at the store buying out all the ones on super sale. I have some great stuff now so buying anything new really is unnecessary. I made myself a promise that I wouldn't buy any new ones this year. No exceptions.

So used what I had and went for a vintage look. Or as Steph would call it, a "not so Modern Jane" mantel. I used a mixture of bottle brush trees in varying heights, vintage mason jars, "snow", mercury glass ornaments and metal reindeer.


I discovered that Steph had been keeping nails and screws in these vintage mason jars on his work bench. Score! I quickly swapped them with some new mason jars. They could be put to much better use!



I've had these little mercury glass ornaments for a long time. This year I strung them on some twine and swooped them across the fireplace.


Bottle brush trees are my favorite. I have them in white, silver and I had a huge bag of green ones in varying size. Some of those made an appearance here and some were used in a simple diy project that I'll share next week.



So that's it! I did a little more decorating around the house that I'll try to capture and share with you soon. Really hoping to get our tree up this weekend!

*Linking up to Ten June and Our Fifth House *

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Target Talk.

The arrival of Target in Canada has been the buzz lately for shoppers. Living in PEI where our shopping choices are limited, it was cause for lots of excitement when it finally opened here a couple of weeks ago. We had two Zellers on PEI and only the one in Charlottetown was chosen to reopen as a Target. Boo for Summerside (who is getting a Giant Tiger :S).

The word I'm hearing is that it's "just another Zellers". I suppose I'm confused as to why anyone would assume anything different? It's just a department store. Regardless, I was of the select few that actually liked Zellers! Lots of people have been asking me what my thoughts are on the new store. I was able to do a quick buzz through one in Halifax and was pleasantly surprised with what I saw, albeit the shelves were quite empty. Goes without saying when something is new and popular and I'm sure they will catch up!

On the weekend, I was able to visit the store in Charlottetown and took some photos with my phone of a few things that caught me eye.

A cluster of these gold and silver candle holders would be beautiful on a Christmas mantel.


I really like the Threshold wood and bronze bar cart that has been the Target ticket item of late, but haven't seen it in stock anywhere yet. You could set up a nice Christmas party drink arrangement on this little table though.


These shimmery pillows would compliment any pillow collection around the holidays. 
Plus, bottle brush trees are my favorite. In gold? Love them.


Here is a great little Secret Santa gift. I love the patterns on the mugs and they could be filled with candy, coffee pods, etc. I would say great teacher gift but I think any teacher would kill me for suggesting they should receive yet another mug. Sorry.. can I say that?


Totally dig these arrow pattern rugs. Especially the black and white one. I just may have a spot for one in my home. Keeping it in mind.


Great prices on these pairs of bar stools and metal chairs. 
Perfect for anyone looking for a touch of industrial in their home.



Love love love these stools from the Nate Berkus line.


I believe at Christmas time, all antlers should be painted gold. 
Not on really animals.. just on things like this adorable serving tray.


I always use my white dishes when hosting because they are so versatile when paring with other dishes. These plates and cups and saucers would be a great modern accompaniment to your Christmas table.



I just may of picked up few of these stockings. I couldn't resist their traditional charm and we've never had stockings before. Can't wait to hang them on my mantel when the reno dust is cleared away! :)


How about you? What are your thoughts on the Canadian Target stores? Happy, disappointed? I am actually really looking forward to the online shopping option. Any word on when that may start?

Monday, December 2, 2013

Bathroom Reno Progress.





Happy December!

Thought I'd give you a little update on where we are at with the bathroom renovation. As of this weekend, the tub is gone and all that remains in the room is a toilet among the bare walls and floor. It's been a bit of a rocky road. Demolition took longer than anticipated and as expected, we encountered a few surprises. Things seem to be on track now - hopefully!

I went to Charlottetown on Saturday morning to pick up our tub from Mr. Plumber. It's still in a box in the living room (yes, story of my life right now) but I loooove it.



If it's even possible, I am even more excited about our new toilet. Isn't it going to be a dream to clean?


The good news is that we are going to be able to change the footprint of the room which is fantastic news. You never know what you are dealing with, with regards to plumbing, until you open up your floor. We were really hoping to be able to swap the tub and sink and luckily it's going to happen. This puts the window in the shower but with proper tiling this should work out fine.

We are going with this tile. Thank you to all those who follow me on Instagram for approving my first choice. I hesitated a little but the consensus was a resounding yes for the hexagon!



Sunday morning we woke up to the most beautiful surprise snowfall. In the afternoon, we took a drive out to a friend's home in the country and got some greenery for the outdoor pots. I also got some little Charlie Brown trees for the porch. Boom, December arrived and it feels like Christmas!

I swear, I didn't intentional dress like a raspberry. It just happened.

Hoping to make lots of headway this week on the bathroom. I'll keep you posted!

*update.. I wrote this post last night and today proceeded to be a challenging day. Lots of messy plumbing roadblocks. Good news is that all seems to be resolved. As a result, I'm getting in-floor heat! #silverlining #yay