I have decided I am going to start with my office, as it is one of simpler rooms to complete. Right now the wall are in sad shape and it's just a big mess of stuff. I want to create a couple of different work stations, one as an office and another space as an art and photography area. I found an almost full can of the paint we used at our condo which I might end up using for this room. Hopefully it will be looking great soon!

Just thought I would make a quick post about this amazing modern house in the Muskokas. Check it out: Cliff House by Altitus Architecture. 

It tends toward modern architecture but still has a rustic look that fits well in lake country. The owners were looking for a house that would be sustainable, yet still a retreat from everyday life. 

Not surprisingly, I'm sure, I love to wrap gifts! I didn't get a lot of time this year to be extra creative, but I did make a few neat ones. The one right below, I tied a ribbon around the hand holds in the basket to create a handle. I love using lots of colourful ribbon. Next year, hopefully, I will have more time to create gift tags and wrapping from scratch. Can't wait! Do you have any neat wrapping tricks? Hope you all have wonderful holidays!  

And of course there are these guys! Reindeer beer! Such a fun and easy craft project. It takes a simple gift and makes it unique and fun. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We have arrived, along with lots of snow! We have already had to shovel the driveway four times; also we had to buy a shovel. We are loving it here, so quiet compared to downtown. Jeff is learning to use the GO Transit system, and I'm getting used to the big empty house. We have been doing lots of unpacking and organizing, but we also jumped right in to one reno project: a door for our master bathroom! More on that project later. For now, here is quick (messy) tour of the house a couple of days after moving in. This might be the only time you will see my place messy, my OCD is kicking in fast. So, here is the before shots of our place before we revamp and decorate. I can't believe we are already here! 

We are thinking of adding a large mirror on the left side, and getting a nice bench and table for the right side. 

This is going to become the entertainment room. We are thinking of moving those book cases to this side of the fireplace and making that the TV area. Then over on this side put in a games table. I think it's going to be really cosy and a well used room. 

This room needs some work, the carpet and walls are in rough shape. We are hoping to replace the carpet in this room, and across the hall soon. We are going to remove those bookshelves and add some side tables and lamps. We want to paint soon, and get some new blankets for the bed. Then our guests will never want to leave!

This room is a big o' mess right now. It is going to become Jeff's office and music room. It will also house our home gym, and maybe an extra place for overnight guests.

This bathroom is...OK. It could use a redo, but it is currently low on our list. I have no idea what I want to do in here as of yet.

From afar this kitchen looks beautiful. However, up close it's lacking in a lot of glam and has practically no efficiency. I can't wait to make this into my dream kitchen!

This is the showcase room. Other then paint and decor not much needs to happen. However, we are need of a dinning room table!

I'd like to modernize this bathroom. Rip out the sink area and put in a free standing sink and a funky mirror. Then we need to paint the room and get some accessories for it. 

This room basically just needs to be set up and painted. It is going to become my photography studio/art room/office. 

I love our bedroom, it is so cosy and the fireplace makes it feel so luxurious. We need a bed frame (that's just a mattress on the floor) and new side tables. Then basically just paint and decorate. 

For now this bathroom works just fine (except that it didn't have a door! But we have already added one in). Eventually I'd like to rip the whole bathroom out and make it a beautiful retreat. 

Lots of projects to undertake, some more of a priority then others. It's exciting to think about! Keep tuned in for the future changes we will make  in the new year.

It has arrived! We are moving out of our little condo into our new house!

For the last couple of weeks we have been living surrounded by boxes, and blank walls. It's always a little sad to see your home turned back into its bare form. I will miss this place a lot, many amazing memories were made here. However, I am also extremely excited for the new place, and all the new memories we will make there. 

Wish us luck with all the moving and unpacking! It's going to be quite the job, I don't know how so much stuff fit into our little place. Next time I write will be from our new house!

Just thought I would share a couple of interesting projects I have come across today. 

First is Burnley Living Roofs, at the University of Melbourne. This is amazing use of roof space. Not only are they green with plant life, but are usable for people as gardens. Check it out here!

The second, is in Baltimore where they have installed artistic crosswalks in the downtown area. There have been two completed, one is a crosswalk that looks like a large zipper and the other is a giant hopscotch.  Check it out here!

I was once given a spice kit to make chicken korma, and it was so good, that from the kit I adapted my own recipe. This is not a very exact recipe, and you can always add or subtract to your own taste. Over the years it has become one of favourite dishes to make, and having some fresh naan bread to go with it is even better. 

Just thought I would share this post from Contemportist blog with you. These are incredibly intricate head pieces. They took endless hours to design and then were printed out on 3D printers. The pieces were inspired from many cultures from around the world, including Native American, African, and Asian head dress. So interesting! Check it out here!

This past weekend I visited the One of a Kind Show here in Toronto. Definitely worth a trip for different and interesting Christmas gifts (or gifts for yourself!). Lots of art, clothes, food, and unique ideas. If you get a chance, go check it out!

Also, this weekend I had my 30th birthday party. I invited all my closest friends for dinner out, then back to our place for cake. Much fun was had by all who came.This was the last party in our condo before we move to our new house. In fact, packing has now begun! Less then two weeks to go until we move into our new house!

Leading up to the moving day blog posts might be more life related, but don't worry there will be a ton of design posts in the new year! We have a million ideas and house renovations that will need to be done, and I shall share my wisdom (and mistakes) with all of you. Can't wait!