A Little Picture and Christmas Wishes

In getting everything ready for Christmas, I almost forgot to show you my little bit of a green Christmas this year as I promised! I'm going to warn you in advance, it isn't much or anything special, but I tried my best and a promise is a promise, right? ; )

This is my little dining room with its little sprinkle of greenery. : ) Just picture lots more wreaths and you'll have an idea of what the rest of my little cottage (that's how I think of my apartment, hehe) looks like at Christmastime. If it's possible, I think the green stands out more in person. My camera is awfully old and the lighting is certainly not great, so I think I'm going to blame that. ; )

How's all your preparations going? I'm almost finished everything for Christmas, I just have to wrap the last of my presents which next to decorating is truthfully one of my favourite Christmas chores to do, so I don't mind at all. I always like making presents look pretty and I always wrap presents while watching Christmas movies and tonight I think I'm going to finish up while watching Griswold's Family Christmas for the 900th time. I'm sorry if you're woken up by the sound of paper crunching and/or huge belly laughs, I'll try to be quiet. : )

I hope you have a delightful holiday!! I hope you have a wonderful start to your New Year and I'll be back soon with my favourite dresses of 2012.

Bye for now and best wishes again for the Merriest Christmas.

xoxo

Just Because

Hello lovelies,

Popping in with a quickie-post today.  I saw these while doing some online Christmas shopping the other day and just couldn't help myself from sharing.  How cute would these be stacked together in a vignette.  These bad boys are definitely on my Christmas wish list.  You can find them here if you're as enamoured as I am.

How is your Christmas shopping going?  Finding more for yourself than for others?  That's always a problem for me :)

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Guest Bath: Getting Moody

Top o' the morning to ya, or if you're reading this in the afternoon or the wee hours, or any other time of day...hello to you too ;)

Since moving in to our new house a little over 7 months ago, the boy and I have been working slowly but surely, little by little to make it our home.  In the New Year we are hoping to tackle our guest bath and master bath.  The master bath was somewhat redone recently - the shower and floors are wonderful, but the rest of the room leaves a lot less to be desired.  The guest bath on the other hand, is just plain awful.  Straight out of the 80's, has never been renovated - which I am actually excited about, because that means we can do whatever our little hearts desire to it.

When we first moved in, the walls were painted this hideous beigey-pink colour (kinda like smoked salmon, if I had to describe it).  The first thing we've done to the room so far is slapped on some moody blue paint.  I really like the colour in there and I think it'll really pop next to some white subway tile in the shower and white hectagonal tiles on the floor.

Because I'm a planner, I whipped up this mood board so I could get started mentally on what we were going to do in this bathroom next year.

1. Accessories - I already have these flower vases from CB2 and I think they're absolutely hilarious and perfect for a guest bath.  I really like these hand towels from West Elm and I think they work really well with the blue and white, nautical sort of vibe I've got going on here.  The art is Picasso's "The Blue Nude", which I have always loved.  I found a great price for a framed print here.  Add some sweet little baskets to hold soaps, Q-tips and other bathroom goodies and we're off to the races.

2. Wall Colour - It's not often that you see a blue bathroom.  That being said, we painted the guest room a month or two after we moved in with some leftover paint from painting our man cave in the basement on a whim, and I think I love it.  We used Dulux Lifemaster Zero VOC paint, which we've used all over the house.  It's a really pretty but manly blue that works really well with the little bits of nautical I've thrown in to the moodboard.

3.  I really love this vanity from Home Depot.  I was hoping that we might be able to makeover the old 80's vanity to something like this, but the old vanity is about 2' too short for us(...we be tall) and a hole is rusting into the bottom of the porcelain sink, so a replace is probably the best option.

4. Hexagonal floor tile .... my fav thing ever.  This is what I'm hoping for, but something similar would also work, budget is always key.

5. We will obviously be replacing the toilet with a brand spankin' new one.  Again, the old toilet is a little too short for us, not that we use the guest bathroom very often, but we do want our guests to be comfortable on the porcelain throne.

6. In our home inspection report, the inspector mentioned that we should re-grout the tile in the shower.  The tile isn't terrible, but I would love to replace it with some classic subway tile.  I would also love to have a wood tub surround similar to this from Better Homes and Gardens.  Finish it off with this awesomely hilarious shower curtain, and I'll have my guests laughing and showering in no time.

7. To finish the room off and allow our guests to get ready in the morning after a sleepover, this mirror from Restoration Hardware would be amazing! Unfortunately, we can't afford over $600 for a mirror, so I will try my hand at DIYing something similar. 

So that's the plan for the guest bathroom.  How about you?  Any renos (mini or gut jobs) in anyones future?  I'd love to hear about it.

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Ho ho ho!  Getting in the holiday spirit today with another holiday gift guide.

I always have the hardest time finding things for him, so I thought I'd try to make the arduous task of shopping for the men in your life a little easier with this round-up.  I have already purchase a few of these items for the boy, and I find the easiest things for stockings are socks, undies, toques and gloves and possibly some bacon floss.

Hope it helps :)

1. Bacon Floss - Urban Outfitters
2. Walking Dead Season 1 and 2 - Amazon
3. Below Zero Socks - Marks Work Wearhouse
4. Flask - J Crew
5. Beanie - Urban Outfitters
6. Dewalt Hammerdrill - Home Depot
7. Flannel PJ Pants - J Crew
8. Leather Gloves - Nordstrom
9. Plaid Scarf - Old Navy
10. Printed Boxers - Old Navy

Tata for now. xoxo.

PSStttt......to see my other holiday gift guides, check these out below:

Holiday Gift Guide - Under 50
Holiday Gift Guide - DIY Gifts
Holiday Gift Guide - Under 25

Kilts are so last year

Hello lovelies,

Okay, I'll admit it.  Something I have always loved, which was usually reserved for grandfathers and fathers alike, are fair isle knitted sweaters.  No longer frumpy and classified as the "ugly Christmas sweater", Fair Isle is a knitting technique and is named after a very small island in Scotland, where it originated. 

Wanna get in on the trend?  Here are some of my favourites.


1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

If you know how to knit and you're feeling ambitious, why not get started on making one for your friend, sister, mom, dad or dog.  If you don't know how to knit and are feeling overly ambitious, check out here for a tutorial on fair isle knitting.

What are your thoughts on the fair isle knitting technique?  Am I crazy in loving the "ugly Christmas sweater"?  Do tell.

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under 50

Hello all,

I'm back with another holiday gift guide.  This one is perfect for girl friends, sisters or any other girl in your life that you want to surprise with something special.  Under $50 was an easy one to compile....there's just so much awesome goodies out there under the fifty dollar mark, below are just some of my favourites.  Anyone needing a gift idea for lil ol' me - take a gander ;)

1. Blue Dress - ModCloth - $35.99

2. Andy Warhol Photo Booth nail polish collection- Nars Cosmetics - $40.00

3. Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed - Chapters Indigo - $28.71

4. Owl Cookie Jar - Anthropologie - $47.60

5. Leopard Print Oxfords - Gap - $49.95

6. Embellished Clutch - Urban Outfitters - $49.00

7. Deena & Ozzy Tote - Urban Outfitters - $49.00

8. Leopard Print Scarf - Banana Republic - $49.50

9. Geometric Print Sweater - SheInside - $45.00

10. Leopard Print Belt - Banana Republic - $49.50

11. Lucite Tray - CB2 - $44.95

12. Blue Suede Shoes - Urban Outfitters - $49.00

13. Arrow Necklace - Stella and Dot - $49.00

Are you getting excited for Christmas?  Have you finished all your shopping yet or just getting started?

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Pssttt......To see my previous holiday gift guides:

Holiday Gift Guide: DIY Gifts
Holiday Gift Guide: Under 25

Crown of Thorns

Ever since the last post I wrote about all of those Christmas wreaths, I’m afraid all I’ve been able to think about are wreaths.  Driving to work in the morning? Thinking about wreaths. Charting at the nursing station? Thinking about wreaths. Making supper? Thinking about wreaths. Going to sleep? You get the idea. : ) So I thought, maybe I better just show you one more which I think is real pretty… : ) This one is white not green, but I think it still counts as evolving decorating-wise because it is both more modern and less feminine than I usually go for... ; )

Being made of antlers it is still a holiday wreath, but it is so understated that I also like it as a year-round decoration inside to add a little country/rugged touch. Plus, it is made of resin instead of real antlers so it is animal friendly. : )

Restoration Hardware's Weathered Antler Wreath in White

Possible Christmas decorating idea from Pinterest...

Or year-round decorating idea (also from Pinterest)...

The Restoration Hardware one is the loveliest one I think, but it isn't cheap at almost $200. Therefore, if you like the look of antler wreaths (like me), but can't afford paying $200 (like me), and are good at making things (unlike me, hehe), there are lots of how-tos on Pinterest, so you can easily make a pretty one at home, too. : )

X's and O's. : )

Christmafy

Hello friends,

Yes, I just made up a word there - Christmafy, it's what I call getting ready for Christmas.  Decorating, buying and wrapping presents, and baking Christmas treats.  Since November 1st, I have been starting to add little touches of Christmas around our house.  Early, I know, but I just LOVE Christmas - and having little decorations around makes me enjoy the season more and get even more excited than I already am.  Below are a few Instragram pictures of some of the Christmafying I've been doing (oops, did it again).

 

And one of my very favourite things to do on a cold night with snow falling outside.  Drink hot chocolate in my PJ's with a fire roaring - not that we've got any snow yet, but it's still pretty cold ;)

So that's what I've been up to recently.  What about you?  Got your decorations up yet?   Or do you wait until the week before?  Christmas Eve present wrapping?  Do tell.

Tata for now. 
xoxo.

Green on the Vine

Hi Everyone!!

I just wanted to start off by saying that I have missed you! : )

As you know, Christmas is my most, most favourite time of the year, and I just wanted to write you a quick note about my new favourite decoration for Christmas this year: Greenery!

Okay, now I know what you’re thinking, you can’t open a decorating magazine without seeing rooms and houses full of Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and trim, but from a girl who loves everything to be white or ivory, embracing green is kind of a new thing. ; ) I have always loved wreaths, especially at Christmastime where I rely on them as a replacement for a real Christmas tree while living in an apartment , but even my wreaths I would cover in ivory poinsettias, ivory ribbon, or anything to try and  make them less green and more white.

What changed this year? Well, first of all, I moved. I think it is important not only to update or change your Christmas decorating every so often, but also when you move. Different spaces have different feels to them, which trigger different inspiration. While my previous apartment I always thought was elegant with a big row of windows and crown molding, my current one seems more like a little cottage. It is smaller, and with little rooms instead of being more open, everything seems a little cozier. Therefore, the decorations that looked lovely in my old apartment seem a little sparse in this one. I needed to add a little more. So, what was my inspiration for adding greenery instead of just more white decorations? That was the result of a few things. First was this pretty mint green ribbon I found at Michael’s in October when I was shopping with Owl and one of our other friends for craft supplies. I was originally going to incorporate just this green ribbon into otherwise white and light pink decorations. Then I fell in love with magnolia leaf wreaths, and wanted to cover my whole apartment with them for Christmas. Lastly, I took a look around my little cottage of an apartment, and thought even if I couldn’t fill my apartment with magnolia wreaths (I realized that could get a little bit expensive), it would still look cute and very country-ish if I mixed in lots of green wreaths with my original decorations. And so here we are. : )

Some of my favourites...

The Cream of the Crop:

Pottery Barn's Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreath, $116.73

Pottery Barn's Fresh Eucalyptus and Red Berry Wreath, $129. 84 (As pretty as the red berries are with the wreath, I would take them out. They're beautiful, I'm just not quite ready for red yet. : )



Pottery Barn's Fresh Olive Leaf and Myrtle Wreath, $116. 73



Pottery Barn's Freah Magnolia Leaf Garland, $90.50




A Little More Affordable:

Walmart's White Berry Christmas Wreath (artificial), $26.00-55.00



Walmart's Olive Wreath (artificial), $42.47



Lowe's Green Artificial Boxwood Wreath, $34.97



Regardless of the weather outside, it will certainly be a green Christmas in my house. : ) I will post pictures of my Christmas decorating when I'm all finished.

Have a lovely day,
xoxo

Holiday Gift Guide: DIY Gifts

Hello Lovelies!

I've got another holiday gift guide for you today, and this week I focused on diy gifts.  I think that handmade gifts are just the sweetest gifts to give and receive.  I've compiled a few of my favourites that I've collected over the years.  I think that anyone would be happy to receive these handmade gifts, I know I would.

1. These Geode Bottle Stoppers  from Cupcakes and Cashmere are the sweetest things.  Adding some interest to a bar cart, or just bringing them out for parties - I think these are a sweet way for someone to keep their liquor on display.

2. This tutorial from DesignSponge is sure to please anyone this Christmas! Just look for vintage tins in thrift stores, flea markets or even on Etsy.

3. A personal favourite of mine is this chalkboard cheese plate.  How cute is that?  I would find excuses to use this over and over, it's just perfect.  Add in some cute cheese knives and you've got a sweet, heartfelt gift.

4. Make your own vanilla extract.  There are only three ingredients - vodka, vanilla beans and LOVE - haha, check out the tutorial here on bethanyactually.

5. Inspired by a recipe book from Anthropologie, the blogger from Flamingo Toes (guest posting over on OrSoSheSays) shared her cute DIY for this awesome recipe book - the best part? It's a binder!  That way you can continuously add recipes.

6. Get those fingers working with some embroidery.  Any animal could work, just try and find one simple enough to embroider on the toe and get to work.  Jessica at What I Wore shows you how to make these adorable smoking slippers here.

Anyone planning on a hand-made Christmas?  How's the gift getting going? - say that three times fast ;)

Tata for now.
xoxo.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under 25

Can you believe that there are only 34 days left until Christmas?  Crazy town!!  I have officially started Christmas Shopping!  I wrote out my list, checked it twice and my first package arrived in the mail today. 

Regardless of how prepared I feel for the  Christmas season, things always go a little haywire when it gets down to crunch time.  So I thought to myself, "self, how can you make things a little easier for not just yourself?  But for everyone?!"  And that's how the Holiday Gift Guide was born.  I'll be posting a new gift guide every week up until the week before Christmas.  So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride - not really, maybe just put on some glasses if you are visually challenged.

1. Feminist Ryan Gosling - Urban Outfitters - $12.95
2. Cinnamon Frosting, 3-wick Candle - Bath and Body Works - $20.00
3. Scarf - Aldo - $20.00
4. Set of 3 Studs - Forever 21 - $3.80
5. Quilted Clutch - ASOS - $21.11
6. Stemless Flutes (Set of Four) - CB2 - $14.95
7. Nail polish - Urban Outfitters - 2 for $8
8. Ampersand Pillow - Crate & Barrel - $20.00

Tata for now. xoxo.

Sunday Dinner

Yesterday I was really craving some fall comfort food.  I really love all of the recipes I can now use thanks to the weather cooling off (although today it feels like Spring again). Stews, soups and of course - pot roast.

Using this recipe, with a few of my own spice-related alterations (namely thyme and rosemary), I made a proper Sunday dinner for the boy and I.  It consisted of roast beef, brussel sprouts, and a potato, carrot and parsnip mash.  I was getting in touch with my English roots it seems ;)  All it was missing was the yorkshire puddings, but those things are darn tricky - maybe next time.

The roast beef came out deliciously tender, but I will take it out a bit earlier next time for more of a medium rare roast beef.  Good tip - Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat (140ºF for rare, 155ºF for medium and 165ºF for well done) to ensure a perfect roast everytime.  I added some thyme and rosemary and I cooked the potatoes, carrots and parsnips in the same pot as the beef.  While the meat was resting, I mashed up the veg with some butter and milk.  This was the first time I had ever tried this, but it turned out pretty well.

Since I was already in the kitchen making a big dinner, I decided to whip up an easy cherry pie as well.  It was cherry-licious.

Does anyone else's cooking get inspired by the cool weather?  Any good recipes out there for some stoups?  I always love new recipes.

Tata for now.

xoxo.

Fall Trending: Part 3

For part 3 of this fall trending series I want to talk about something that's very near and dear to my heart - Chunky Knit Sweaters.  Couldn't you just live in them?!  I sure could.  Now, I know this trend has been around for a couple years now, but it is still an essential part of your fall wardrobe.

Instead of just listing chunky sweaters that I currently have sitting in my online shopping bags am currently loving, I thought I'd show how versatile they can be by creating three outfits with one sweater.  One sweater (this one, in particular) can be transformed from casual to work appropriate simply by tweaking a few things and changing accessories.

on the go

This is a great go-to running around outfit.  Skinny jeans, cute flats, a big carry-all purse and a pretty necklace for some jazz hands interest.  Belting a chunky sweater with a thin belt is a good way to not look chunky yourself, because chunky knit sweaters do add a bit of bulk.

 jeans, shoes, purse, belt, necklace

movie date

Everyone needs a comfy outfit for movie dates or hanging with friends and I think this fits the bill perfectly.  I think this is a great example of what to do with your staple wardrobe to spice it up a little.  With the pants, sweater and boots you still have a cute outfit, but by adding sweet accessories like the scarf and earrings, you have an outfit that expresses a little bit of your personality and that is a good thing in my books.

  scarf, skinnies, earrings, boots

work it

This is a really easy outfit to pull off and look great in.  Black pencil skirt - check, black tights and booties - check, check.  The only thing you really need to complete this ensemble is the inexpensive collar from ASOS to punch it up a bit and a sturdy laptop bag.  

 collar, earrings, skirt, laptop bag, booties, tights

So as you can see, you can transform chunky knit sweaters into so many different looks for work or play.  I hope you enjoyed the outfits! 

How would you wear a chunky knit sweater? 

Tata for now. xoxo.

Psst...See Part 1 here and Part 2 here

Fall Trending: Part 2

Hello lovelies.

In part 1 of this little series, I talked about my new found love for embellished collars.  The next fall trend I've been lusting after are the "smoking slipper", also known as slipper loafers or just plain old loafers.  

They're awesome because they're a comfy go-to option for any day of the week.  With colours and styles that can be translated into dressy or casual they are the perfect shoe to add to my closet.  Below are just a few of my favourites, but there are just so many to choose from it got a little hard.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

Some of the honourable mentions that didn't make the top five are these, these and these.  I told you it was hard ;)  I hope you enjoyed my little round up of loafers - I sure enjoyed online browsing.

So, what's your take on the smoking slipper?  Are you as in love with them as me?

Tata for now
xoxo.

Fall Trending: Part 1

I always get so excited about the cool weather rolling in because it means I get to start wearing fall clothing.  Scarves and sweaters and tights, oh my!  Truthfully, it's the only way I can feel better about winter being just around the corner but hey...it seems to work for a little while. 

Now as a general rule, I say stick to only two or three trends per season and incorporate them into your staple wardrobe.  Your staple wardrobe should have basics and classic, timeless pieces usually in neutrals colours.  Your staples should be able to transition from season to season with the addition of a few "trend" pieces or colours. 

I'll fill you in later on my other favourite trends for fall but first up, unexpected collar details.  One of my favourite things about this trend is that you really don't need to do all that much to look put together and add some interest to your outfits.  I really like these options from ASOS - you can transform your staple wardrobe into a trendy look for fall that doesn't involve much of an investment.
I've rounded up some of my favourites below.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

So what do you think of the embellished collar?  Love or loathe?

What trends are you liking for Fall?  Do you like to incorporate trends every season or do you have a classic timeless look?  How bout a bit of both?  Do tell.

Tata for now. xoxo.

Apologies

We have been very bad bloggers.  I can't believe it has been over half a year since we've posted!!  Life just seems to get in the way sometimes, and that just seems to have happened to both of us.  I have been very busy working and setting up our home, and Fawn has been off kicking butt in the medical world - I will let her fill you in on those happenings.

I wanted to pop in to update you on how the move went and how the new house is.  First off, the move went really smooth - smooth like pudding (with the exception of tapioca and rice pudding)...okay scratch that...smooth like butter.  Smooth like a baby's bottom? Oh geeze...where was I going with this?  Right....the move.  So my tips and tricks for moving that I mentioned here came in very handy.  We were out of the rental in about an hour, but then we had to wait around to get keys, which actually came surprisingly quick. We only had to wait for a couple hours, so we parked the Uhaul at the boy's parents who have a BIG driveway to accommodate that sort of thing.  To complicate things a bit more we decided that it was a good idea to paint the night we moved in - haha, I know, we're a bit crazytown over here.

We unpacked everything into the garage, basement and guest bedroom (we didn't paint those rooms when we first moved in) so we could return the truck.  Then we called over some friends and cracked that paint can, gave it a stir and started the arduous task of painting our whole house!  The paint we used was Dulux Lifemaster, no VOC in eggshell.  The colour we chose for the majority of the house is Veil, and I really love it.  It's a really pretty grey with cool undertones that goes with pretty much any other colour.  We went with Dulux because they were having a buy one get one 50% off sale, so we got all of our paint at one time for WAY cheaper than it would have been.  I will try to get some pictures of the colour so you can see it in action - it's hard to get a picture in natural light though because it's almost dark by the time I get home from work.  I'll do my darndest though.

Dulux Lifemaster, no VOC in Eggshell - Veil



And that's all for now.  It's so good to be back.  Please accept these as an apology....flowers always work right?



Via

Tata for now.

xoxo

Shoes & Shorts: Volume 1, Issue 2

Hello Again,

When Owl first mentioned starting a blog to me a few months back, my first thought was “What would I write about?” Her answer to me was if I was having trouble to write about a new trend or piece of clothing each month. Well, the inspiration ended up coming a little easier than I initially anticipated, hehe, so I haven’t really tried out her suggestion, but I’m thinking there is no day like today. : ) I want to assure you that it is not because I am having trouble thinking of things to talk to you about, but rather the opposite. Lately I have been liking so many shoes and shorts styles for the Summer (yes, my love for shorts has come back full force – and it is only the end of April! : ) I thought instead of always writing about them in every post I write to you, that maybe, each month or so, I could write a little newsletter-type-thing sharing any shoes and/or shorts I like for that month? We could call it “Shoes and Shorts". Sweet and simple. : ) I have already done a little tribute to shoes and shorts that I have liked previously, so we shall call this one:  Volume 1, Issue 2, but since it is my first real addition to this new little monthly column, I will start with a bang and discuss both shoes and shorts for you! You really had to twist my arm... ; )

Shoes

I’d like to introduce you to Sam Edelman’s Yelena High Heeled Sandal. : )

These shoes are an example of another one of those times when you can’t decide if you like something or not. They are kind of a bolder version of something I would normally be drawn to, and I think that is what has caused them to get under my skin - in a good way. I like the tan colour, the thick straps, the colour blocking, and even the chunkiness; it is just the gun metal colour that is making me slightly apprehensive. Gun metal is a little more Owl than Fawn, hehe. : ) But everything considered, they are a contemporary take on classic and with jeans or black pants or shorts, I think they could be striking. The shoes also come in saddle (a darker tan) with bronze straps which I think deserves a second glance as well. : )

Shorts

Everyone, these are H&M’s Crochet Shorts. H&M’s Crochet Shorts, this is Everyone! : )

Now, I know what you may be thinking: Crochet shorts, how very retro! : ) But, I think in white or black, paired with a loose t-shirt and long cardigan (picture the mannequins in Club Monaco) or paired with the pretty J.Crew bathing suit tops at the beach or cottage, they are not only adorable but current too. : ) At $29, they are what Owl and I call a cheapie. : ) How can you resist? : )

I hope you enjoyed!!

xoxo

...And the Rest is History

A new day has come in the world of fashion: Club Monaco recently released their new website -complete with online shopping!

I have to admit that part of me was thinking, "What took so long?" I love Shopbop as much as the next girl, but Club Monaco is a widely recognized brand now owned by Ralph Lauren with over 140 stores worldwide, so it just didn't make sense that they would have a website without online shopping.

I love the mini-vacation (see below) which browsing their store always provides and I'll continue to take a trip to Monaco whenever I'm anywhere in the vicinity of the store. The online shopping feature is just a helpful resource to have when you are hunting down a particular item - something I am inevitably doing every season for some piece of clothing or accessory. : ) In addition to still enjoying a small part of the store's character.

A resort/beach/art gallery/antique store/overall wonderful place to visit!

Regardless of the reason for the delay, I am so happy their website made the transition and I will be the first to break in that "shopping bag" feature in the top right corner. ; ) The welcoming feeling appears to be mutual, however. In addition to already reasonable shipping options including free shipping on purchases over $150 and an $8 flat rate for all other purchases, the brand is also extending a warm gesture in the form of free shipping on all purchases until the end of the month - in Canada too!

I will vouch that their new website is visually, lovely enough to just take a look at and browse through for fun, but if online browsing isn't for you and you need a little enticing to buy, free shipping has certainly sweetened the deal. : )

Happy, Happy Shopping!
xoxo

The Benefits of Being a Nomad

Hello friends.

I wanted to pop in and let you know how all is going on the packing/moving front.  Just to recap, the boy and I bought a house and we're moving in a little less than two months from now. 

I want to start by saying, I am an excellent packer and mover.  This is probably due to the fact that I have lived 4 places in just over two years and have lived a total of 9 places throughout my adult life (and I'm only 26!).  All things considered, I think this probably makes me a bit of a nomad/wanderer/ whatever you want to call it.

But when the boy and I got the opportunity to buy our own permanent home that we can make our own, we jumped on it.  This wanderer is becoming domesticated (YIKES!).  We know that it's definitely not our forever house, but it's a great starter home and one that we'll likely stay in for many years to come.  We are also pretty excited about making it our own.

Via

With that being said, I thought I'd give some of my tips on how to pack and move without killing anyone in the process ;)  So here are my 5 tips on packing to help you have a successful, stress-free move.

1. Pare down as much as you can

This is the best area to start when you're moving.  Why do you want to bring something to a new house when you won't ever use it?  I usually start this process a month or two before moving.  
It always seems like regardless of how long you've lived somewhere, there will always be more stuff going out than coming in.  Get rid of that stuff you never use.  Old cosmetics, why are you holding onto those - get rid of em.  That one sock you can't find the match for - chuck it (you can always buy new socks).  Holy old underwear that are way past their prime- no thank you!  I like to separate things into three piles: 1. Donate; 2. Trash and 3. Someone else's shtuff.  And once you're done paring down; put out the trash, make a trip to Goodwill and give people their stuff back - keeping it just means you have to move it to your new place.
Here's a great article about getting rid of your old junk that can help you get started clearing out the junk.

2. Pack like items in the same box

If you leave packing to the last minute, you'll be putting random things in random boxes which will make the task of unpacking 10 times harder.  If you put living room stuff with living room stuff and bathroom stuff with bathroom stuff, it'll be way easier to sort through when you're unpacking.  I also like to dedicate specific boxes to decor, so that when I'm decorating at the new place, I have a whole slew of things to choose from for the decor. Another key -MARK YOUR BOXES!  When you're moving stuff into the new house, you'll thank me for this one.

3. Wrap up your breakables

I know this may be a "duh - I already do that" sort of thing, but it's an important tip.  If something breaks in a box and it's not wrapped up, you'll be unpacking that box while avoiding the broken stuff.  While you're at it, make sure to put masking tape across your larger art or mirrors, that way if it breaks during the move - the glass or mirror will stay together and you won't have to worry about cleaning up the broken shards of glass.

4. Clean everything before you pack and move

Nobody wants to have to do laundry once they get to a new place.  I always dedicate the night before moving to do my last load of laundry - usually what I will be wearing the next day.  With that being said, I usually pack my clothes the night before as well.  I just throw everything into garbage bags - it's easier to smoosh clothes into a tight space in the Uhaul.  I also like to dust every piece of furniture - It's like starting fresh in your new place.

5. Have a designated area for packed boxes

The boy and I decided to use the garage to house packed boxes and large, heavy items.  That way on the day of the move, we will only have to go from the garage to the truck, instead of down the front steps.  It's much easier when you've got big, break your back items.  We are lucky to have the garage to house all our packed items, but if you don't - take a look at your space.  Is there an area that you don't use for anything - spare bedroom? A corner that has nothing in it?  Put those boxes in there, and then you don't have to live with the chaos of moving on an everyday basis.

Via

And that's it.  Follow these tips and your packing nightmares should turn into sweet dreams.  I hope some of these tips will help reduce the stress for your move.  Does anyone else have some great tips for packing?  Is anyone else a crazy wandering nomad like me?  Do tell.

Tata for now

xoxo