Fancy Friday Love

Happy Friday friends. As this is posting, I am currently on the road (solo) headed eastbound to Ottawa! B's holding down the fort while I visit one of my best girls in our Nation's gorgeous capital to celebrate her little man's first birthday! I can't believe it's been a whole year since little B-man joined us... and now he has a girlfriend on the way! I can't wait to see both of them (and share some pictures next week of our visit!). So while I drive... you enjoy this past week's fancy finds...

One of my most favorite reads recently is Michael Penney's blog. Last week he did a lovely post, sharing a Pennsylvania Farmhouse decorated by Jeffrey Bilhuber. You can check out the entire post here (and I highly recommend it), but I just HAD to share this room. Love the rich colours on the walls and chairs.

I tried to convince B not too long ago to paint the living room this colour, I got a big fat "NO" (mostly because of all of the other projects we have going on, and also because at the time it had been less than a year since we painted it grey).

I'm going to do a bit of a blog repeat here, as Brittany featured this artist last Friday... but I just couldn't resist. Esther Coombs is based out of the UK and adds her illustrations to vintage finds, such as tea cups, plates, creamers, etc. You'll have to check out her etsy shop to see more of the wonderfulness. In particular, I fell for these green tea cups that Brittany showcased... aren't they gorgeous?

While looking through Kate Spade's newest arrivals, I instantly fell in love with the IKAT Caroline Dress. Simple and cute... just how I like my summer dresses. If only I didn't have a large bump growing that kept me from buying such cute dresses (or is it a good thing for me and my wallet?).

How adorable (and fantastic) is this invite that Christine and her Mom made for her sister's baby shower?

So sweet, right? Has me thinking... I can't wait to share with you the one my talented Mama put together for my shower (which isn't until late May). She's shown it to me and it's SO cute! Pictures to come much later!

Found this quote on Sarah's blog early this week...

I think we all need this little reminder from time to time. I can think of a few things in life that didn't wait for the "perfect time", but after all was said and done I am so thrilled about. It's true... things will never be perfect - so make the most of what you are given... you never know where it will take you!

These surprise Scratch-Off Save the Dates (shared on Oh So Beautiful Paper) are so genius and fun!

Another week with another beautiful room from Erin! Adored this kitchen by Landmark Kitchens that she shared mid-week. Make sure to head over here to see more pictures. It's perfectly simple!

On Wednesday Mackenzie pointed us over to Bobbi+Mike's favorite 50 "loved" photos from 2010. If you're looking for something to put a smile on your face, these should do it. Here's my favorite (#11).

Hope that you all enjoy the weekend, and have some great things planned! I'll catch up with all of you on Monday!

One of a Kind Spring Show - Revisited

This past Saturday, I spent some time on my own wandering the floor of the One of a Kind Spring show. As I've mentioned before I LOVE the One of a Kind Show and never miss it (check out my review / favorites from the Christmas show right here).

As you've probably read from other bloggers, the Spring show is not quite as large as the Christmas show, and is more focused on fashion and jewelry. Needless to say, I was largely drawn to baby related items this time around (no surprise there, right?). Of course, I brought along my camera, with every intention of snapping some great photos of my favorite booths, but it died before I even arrived at the show. FANTASTIC! So, here are some of my favorite booths that I visited this past Saturday...

The creations of Lesley-Anne Green were far too cute to pass by without giving them a closer look! They were adorable and whimsical... and what can I say, anything that would look cute in a nursery is speaking to me right now.

Make sure to swing by her blog and check out all of the cute felted animals she creates. I so wanted to take one home with me for the nursery... but we're on a budget right now. So I had to take her card and save it for future reference.

I was immediately drawn into the booth of Lillian Chiu of Bamboo Lily when I saw the adorable beach robes that said "Peanut" on the back....

I loved the cute selection of baby and toddler clothes made of bamboo. What's better than something that is eco-friendly and will be super soft and breathable against babies skin? Check out all of the little outfits she has on offer over at her online shop.

Speaking of bamboo clothes for baby, I was also happy to stumble across the booth for babibu.

Again, a wonderful booth full of soft and sweet clothing and blankets for baby, that were breathable. I had to tear myself away from a tiny yellow onesie I wanted for the Peanut. Restraint people. But check out their online store... lots of cute goodies!

Liligo was brand new to the show this spring, and I loved the adorable little outfits they had, all made from vintage bedsheets. The patterns and colours were so fantastic, and I was so happy to learn that they could be used as a dress for baby, but then as a swing top as baby gets a little older. It's nice to know your investing not only in a recycled pieces that's been given a second life, but also something that baby isn't going to grow out of too fast.

Cute, right? Check out more on their website.

I left with a little something from another new artist, Electropura.

They sold baby and toddler clothes made from vintage t-shirts. So what did I leave with? This cute little Wagamama t-shirt.

Why? Ever since my first visit to a Wagamama in London, England in February of 2005, I've been collecting t-shirts of all of the one's I visit. I picked one up when we were in Dublin in 2009, but they had already stopped making them by city, so my shirt says "Wagamama Ireland". Add another one to the collection, from a city I've visited... but for baby! Excellent!

Of course, not everything I looked at was baby related. One of my favorite home decor related booths had to be Dotti Potts.

The gorgeous pottery and jewelry made me want to take one of each home. Again, I was good and just admired and brought home one of her postcards so I could shop sometime in the future.

I did leave with something other than that cute little tee as well. I made a stop into the Spa Sisters booth and absolutely fell in love with their line of baby products.

I was so excited to find something I could use for both me, and baby, without having to worry about the ingredients. It was also great to meet a twitter friend in real life. Check out their online store... they have more great products (not just baby stuff) that are all made with pure and natural ingredients. How can you say no to that?

Lastly, I couldn't not share with you the whimsy that was Wonderchild Studio.

There were gorgeous full scale sculptures, as well as tiny little 1/12 scale dollhouse scupltures that blew me away. So cute and so tiny. Loved looking at everything in her booth.

I know... baby overload. I apologize, I just couldn't help it on this shopping outting. There's always more design and decor related posts to come, but I just couldn't not share my favorites from the One of a Kind Show. I'm already looking forward to December!

Did you attend the show? What were some of your favorite artists and booth's to visit. I love knowing who to check out the next time around.

Dream Home - Stunning in Spain

After last week's country Dream Home in England, I just can't escape the idea of a country retreat. This week I turned to the realty website of Christie's (yes, as in Christie's Auction House), and found a beautiful country home in Spain.

The photos are not abundant, but from the 10 that were available, this country estate seems like the perfect place to escape. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it would be the perfect size for our small (but growing) family.

I could just see myself spending an entire day sitting out on that sunny patio, or next to the pool, sipping ANYTHING (I'm longing for summer, getting this baby out and enjoying some sangria... yummy). The interior is just as charming...

Bright and sunny, with lots and lots of double doors to give you the true indoor / outdoor living experience. Something I am truly longing for at the moment. Also loving the woodbeams on the areas of exposed stone on the wall. So much character!

I do think it was the kitchen that truly stole my heart though...

Once again, it's just so bright and airy. Can you imagine getting to munch on your breakfast every morning with those doors flung wide open... that is, if you hadn't decided to enjoy it on the patio outside. I'm also a fan of the spacious kitchen area, and I actually quite like the look of the nautral wood doors against all of that white in this setting. Done so well... and the dining room is just as lovely!

The sun soaked bedrooms look like the perfect place to wake up on a sunny spring or summer morning. I'm hoping our room (now that it's white) will seem just as bright and sunny in the mornings as the days get brighter and brighter...

Isn't this home just so fitting for the finally spring-like weather we've been receiving (at this point, I won't even complain about the rain when the days are becoming so mild). 

Not into this bright, airy country retreat? What kind of Home do you dream about? Something in a far off location... or just something nearby that you would love to call your forever home. I get a kick out of finding these gorgeous properties on offer and would love to search out your Dream Home as well. Just leave me a comment or shoot me an email and let me know what you're looking for in your perfect pad!

B's Dream Bachelor Pad

I know that I never write about school and the projects I am working on. Strange, I know, but I think it's largely because I use this blog as my little escape during the week. Whatever the reason, I have come to my senses and want to begin sharing with you my final project for my current course. The class focuses on the process of taking on projects with clients and working on space plans, design concepts, presentation skills, etc... and I am loving.every.second.of.it.

For our final project our teacher has given us a giant floor plan and it's our job to undergo the process of interviewing a "real client" and then taking all of the right steps to design a space for them. In my case, I decided to use B as my client and we'll be making this home into his ultimate bachelor pad. After having B fill out my questionnaire, and the two of us sat down and talked and reviewed the floor plan I'm beginning to work my way through how each room will work for him. In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you some of my inspirational images for his home. We're going for a slightly industrial feel for my handyman, and of course all masculine...

{Baker Kavanagh Architects via desire to inspire}

The clean lines and materials used in this kitchen are exactly what B had asked for. Only, I hope to use stone for the flooring throughout his home... with underfloor heating. He plans to entertain a lot, so he's going to want something to stand up to all of abuse.

{via anthropologie}

Brittany shared the above table on her blog last week, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be great in B's dream bachelor pad. Thanks Brittany!

I also knew that the Brickmaker's Table from Restoration Hardware would be right up B's alley. Of course, he loved it.

{via desire to inspire}

There were no doubts that with the materials used in the bathroom above, it would serve as great inspiration for the bathroom's in B's bachelor pad.

I was impressed when B picked out the Leather Copenhagen chair on his own, while we were on the Restoration Hardware website. He's asked that I put one in his "smoking lounge" (no, B is not a smoker... but I guess in his dream bachelor world he'd have friends over to enjoy pricey cigars in his lounge).

He also liked my pick of the Fulham Leather L-Sectional. We'd probably use this one in the main entertaining space, and possibly include a smaller version in his smoking lounge.

As soon as I saw the Industrial Tool Chest on Restoration Hardware, I knew they would make the perfect nightstands for the bedroom. B agreed, and if there is an apporpriate room, I'd also like to incorporate the Industrial Tool Chest Console. They are very cool... and very B.

I had the best time last night rummaging through the sample room at school and finding some fantastic stones, hardwoods, leather, fabrics and a cork rubber floor for his home gym. It's slowly coming together, but this week I'll be working extra hard to figure out the perfect floor plan.

What do you think of my inspiration for B's own "imaginary" man world? :)

A Quick ReVisit

Happy Monday! I trust you all enjoyed your weekend! We actually had some incredibly lovely weather, and I was so glad to get outside and enjoy it on Saturday. Yesterday, while we cleaned up and prepared for some guests, B and I even had windows open, and it was so nice to have a fresh breeze in our home! I did get to visit the One of a Kind Show on Saturday and I loved wandering around at my own pace and meeting so many lovely artisans. Everyone was so friendly and fabulous and I can't wait to share my favorites with you tomorrow. For today... I have a whole different type of review I'd like to do.

As some of you may remember, back in January I posted a pretty hefty "to-do list" for our home in 2011. It was never our intention or belief that every single one of these items would be crossed off of our list. However, at this point we've gone 3 months out of the year already, and I must say, I'm impressed with the progress we made. I thought that this would be a good time to do a little "quarterly review" of what we've accomplished so far...

Nursery - IN PROGRESS


- What will become the nursery was once our old "master bedroom" (it wasn't very master-like), we officially moved out of it on February 27th! JOY!
- During a trip to the The National Home Show, we made our first nursery purchase
- In mid-March we finally got the nursery cleaned out, allowing us to get primer on the walls
- I also committed to some lovely fabric which is inspiring the direction I want to take with our nursery

Once we finish painting the trim this week, furniture will finally be moved in and I can really start getting down to decorating. I'm so excited to share this project as it progresses!

Create a Proper Master Bedroom - IN PROGRESS

- On the long weekend in February Brett and I began construction for our built-in night stands
- B hardwired some IKEA lamps over our built-in nightstands... we both love them
- We moved in the following weekend, after finishing lighting and painting... even though it wasn't quite finished yet

I'm currently working on some artwork for the room, and once my classes end this month I want to get our headboard completed as well. For now, we're happy with our bright and airy space.


Add Half Glass Wall to Basement Shower - NOT STARTED

Finish Trim in Basement Bathroom - NOT STARTED


Finish Trim and Paint in Basement Living Area - NOT STARTED


Create Storage for Basement Living Area - IN PROGRESS

- By simply purchasing a new couch for the basement, we gained a ton of hidden storage space for extra bed linens and throw blankets! So perfect!

We hope to get some built-ins done on either side of the fireplace in the basement... we're not in any rush to complete it before the peanut arrives. We definitely have more important things to worry about.


Get Basement Seating Bench Cushion Covered - IN PROGRESS

- I finally committed to and ordered my fabric for this in late January... now just to get the cover sewn up.


Add Doors and Trim to my Craft Room / Office - NOT STARTED


Get Proper Storage and Organize my Craft Room / Office - IN PROGRESS

- In January I participated in an Organization party of sorts, which spurred on the purchase of some organization products and cleaning up my Craft Room / Office

B and I would like to get my counter, sink and trim finished soon. Maybe him and my father will also get the doors installed on the room as well.


Landscape Front and Backyard - NOT STARTED

Complete Closet in Front Entrance - DONE

- I revealed the completed interior construction of our front entrance (closet included) in late February.
- Though the room is still waiting on some decorative touches, we consider this item finished. Our main purpose was to make the front entrance functional again, and ready for baby item storage!

Better Utilize Storage and Shelving in Kitchen - NOT STARTED


Finish Front Exterior Work - IN PROGRESS

- Last weekend, B got back outside and made more progress on our siding, as well as got our new mailbox up (no more confused mailmen around here)
- On a shopping trip we committed to some really great planters for the front of our home (yet to be blogged about)


Renovate Second Floor Bathroom - NOT STARTED

Put Up Railing on Main Floor and Basement Stairs - NOT STARTED


Finish Recovering my Garage Sale Chair - NOT STARTED


Get Our Personal Artwork Framed - DONE!

- We dropped the two pieces we had in mind off at Michael's in late February and picked them up at the start of March! That's ANOTHER crossed off the list!

We also had a few wish list items that we threw in for fun (we REALLY didn't have any expecations for these... they were more like "would-be-nice-to-haves").

Build a New Back Deck


Stucco the Old Brick on our Home

Paint the Garage Doors

Finish Painting our Kitchen Cabinets White

As I said... hefty list! However, at only a quarter way through this year I am extremely impressed with everything that we have accomplished already! I'd say that since we had 17 items in total it's not bad that we've;
- completed 2
- started 6 
- have 9 more to tackle (not including our little extra's wish list) 

We're in pretty good shape! Maybe with baby on the way it's really motivated us to get going?
 
Do you have your own "to-do" or wish list for this year? Any major projects you want to, or have already tackled?

Fancy Friday Love

APRIL IS HERE! Hopefully it brings some warmer weather with it. I'm so over freezing temperatures and snow. But really, can you believe that we are already a quarter of the way through 2011!? Mind blowing right? As we bid adieu to March, let's take a look at what beautiful things the last week of the month gave to us...

Autumn made this awesome Anthropologie inspired lampshade... and I think she did an absolutely incredible job. What do you think?...

When I saw this image pop up in my Google Reader on Monday I was immediately smitten... and dreaming of warm summer days by the pool!

{via a life's design}

I am such a sucker for a creative kid's party, and this Goldilocks and the 3 Bears one, from The Sweetest Occasion, just blew my mind! I'm sure a ton of thought and work went into it, and it looks absolutely incredible...

Earlier this week the sweet Michaela did a great post sharing some beautiful homes in Carmel. The first home she showed totally inspired me to use a bright turquoise when we paint our front door this spring... we'll see if it actually happens though...

I was pretty excited to find the website Sweet Potato Chronicles the other week and sign up for their online mailing list.

They have some pretty great kid friendly recipes (yup... I'm looking already. Makes sense with all of the other little ones we have in our life), so it's worth a look for all the Mom's out there. The best part, was when I received an email from a member of their team early this week letting me know I'd won a $50 giftcard to Gap Kids! (It was a contest they were running for people who signed up for the mailing list) I can't wait to go shopping!

A perfect addition to our nursery?... Maybe?

{peanut sign via slippin' southern}

I almost spit out my afternoon banana (Baby loves banana's) when I saw this incredible Globe Pendant that Carissa DIY'd... girl's got TALENT! (Check out her how-to on the project here)

Mid-week I read this great post on A Delightful Design on setting prices as a designer or decorator. I found it really interesting and insightful, and thought I'd share the link with you. It's definitely something that has crossed my mind as I continue on in my interior decorating program (I start the business course this fall).

We're not huge on "season" decor at our house (with the exception of Christmas... and I do like to bring a little fall inside as well I guess). However, I thought that this paint chip easter egg garland was too cute to not share!

What are your plans for this first weekend of April my dears? Tonight I plan on taking it easy, working on a few small things at home and my final project for school. Tomorrow I'm headed off to the One of a Kind Show... solo. Anyone want to be my date? If you're planning a weekend trip there, or just plan can't make it, you can check out some great write ups from fellow Toronto bloggers Lindsay, Shannon, Staci and Jen. I'll make sure to come back next week and share some of my favorites as well! I'm also visiting a friend in her new place, located super close to the CNE grounds... thankfully they're calling for a nice weekend since I have a good deal of walking ahead of me! Happy Friday friends! :)