Cottage Life At Home

The hot sunny weather is finally here!  I know everyone is complaining about the heat but I love it! And, really we only have it for so long, so enjoy it before the snow arrives :)

If you are lucky enough to have a cottage or summer home, I'm sure this weather is perfect but for those of us that don't (but wish we did), here are some great ideas to get that cottage look at home so you can kick back and relax cottage style but right at home.

1.  Think about colour.  What are the colours of summer? Light and fresh tones like blue, yellow, white and green are my favourites and they blend nicely with classic neutrals like grey, navy and khaki.  Try adding some summer colour in floral arrangements, pillows, art, candles, bathroom towels and other easy decor pieces.  You can re-use these items every summer season.



2.  Think easy fabrics.  Summer is all about casual entertaining and relaxing, so keep it simple.  Add some slipcovers to existing sofas and chairs to give them a new look but keep it simple with great basics like denim and canvas.  These fabrics are so easy to care for just wash and wear (or sit) and they get softer with every washing.  Again so simple to tuck away for the winter months and re-use when the summer season returns.



3.  Think texture.  When I think of summer I think about the outdoors - I'm not a cold weather person so I hibernate in the winter months.  In summer, I like to swim, walk, hike and take my kids to the park to play.  So bring the textures and beauty of the outdoor indoors!  Floral arrangements are an easy way to do just that but think about more creative ways like wicker furniture with comfy and cozy pillows and throws, bowls or fruit and veggies from the garden, an herb garden, hurricane lights with decorative sand and simple candles, or a soothing water feature wall from the local garden centre - so zen!



4.  Think outdoor furniture.  Not all of your time outdoors will be active so think about seating, lighting and entertaining outdoors.  Over sized candles in large lanterns is a great look with a large group setting or just for yourself.  Tiki torches are fun and festive plus they can keep the bugs away too.  Rocking chairs are great for reading, easy conversation or just soaking in the sunset.  A porch swing, a hammock so soothing...also outdoor fabrics are great for screened in porches, decks and sunrooms - they wash well, don't fade, easy to care for, too...Comfortable seating is a must - outdoor 'sofas' and even 'outdoor' bean bags are great and easy options that are perfect for lounging.  Don't want to spend a fortune on furniture that can't be used all year round??  Summer is the perfect time to fins deals and if you are a DIY guy or gal, try yard saling or thrift stores- it's amazing what deals you can find and what a can (or two) or spray paint can do...



5.  Think lighting.  In the summer the sun is so bright there's no real need for day time lighting but in the evening keep it low key and low energy with soft candle light and for reading be sure to have proper light but why not have some light fixtures with a more rustic, nautical or nature inspired look. 



6.  Think family.  One of my favourite childhood memory's is going to my cousin's cottage with the whole family.  We had some much fun - swimming, sunning, listening to music, BBQ's, playing cards and other board games, telling stories etc...so relive and record those moments by hosting family game night and host friends and family over for snacks and games be sure to take lots of photos of those memories, too!  And find a way to display your memories like with a photo gallery wall, photo album out and available for friends to view or scrapbook.  Surrounding yourself with things and the people you love will make your space more enjoyable for everyone!!

Great Gift Giving

So the holidays are upon us - it's already December and time is ticking away!  I've got a great start on my gift buying - how about you?  Buying gifts can be very time consuming, expensive and for some stressful.  In order to make the experience as stress-free as possible I follow a few tips of my own.

1.  Plan ahead - before going to the mall or looking online - I plan roughly how much to spend on each person.  You can also plan ahead by asking around (friends, family etc...) for some ideas such as what they need, what they like, what stores they like, what are their hobbies etc...This will save you some time and keep you on (or as close to budget as possible) .  studies show by wandering without direction when shopping for gifts people tend to over spend.

2.  Try to get some gifts early (I know too late now but maybe next year).  Again, this helps with budgeting and you can sometimes find something really special for someone and so what if it's August - hang on to it until December rolls around!  A few years ago, I was at a silent auction and there was a beautiful Delft Cheese platter with a wood cutting board and a knife.  It was lovely and perfect for my in-laws.  My husband thought I was crazy to buy them a Christmas gift in September but they loved it!

3.  Is you family getting bigger and bigger? As people get engaged, married and start having children and then more children your shopping list can get exponentially bigger in no time at all.  Keep everyone's costs down by doing a gift exchange and draw names or keep a monetary limit on gifts. Or try a new tradition - before my sister-in-law and her family were transferred to Calgary, we used to go out on a double date (with our husbands) for a nice dinner and split the check instead of buying gifts.  We always had a great time and it's always great to spend time with loved ones. 

4.  Ask how you can help - this is great for parents with really young children (infants). Buying diapers, wipes, formula etc...is so helpful and really helps the parents out.  At the infant stage, they won't remember getting toys or new clothes but the parents will really appreciate the supplies and believe me, they will be used!  other great ideas for new parents, trying making them a meal they could easily heat up at home, or bake them some cookies (I doubt they will have time for holiday baking) or offer them a night of babysitting so they can go out on a date - that's an awesome gift for parents!

5.  Keep it light and fun!  Do a secret gift exchange withe a dollar limit and some kind of restrictions for example a maximum of $20 and it has to start with the letter'B'.  That way, it's about creativity, fun and less about money and stuff.  You share some laughs with friends.

6. Need to buy for kids and you don't have any? Ask around the office or sales people.  A lot of online stores have recommendations for age groups and genders. I love Chapters online - they have a tab labeled 'Birthdays' but you look there and they have it broken down in age categories and have the hottest toys and books for the age groups - so easy!

Some of my favourite gifts to give:
- wine journal and wood serving platter  perfect for foodies and people who love to entertain at home

- personalized storybooks perfect for children of any age, they love to see themselves in the book and it's a wonderful keepsake

- crafts or anything hands-on and creative - there are so many different options for boys and girls, it's nice to give kids something other than video games or electronic stuff.  It's so healthy and fun to use or brains too

- items for the home I find so many people want to get new items for the home but they never do, so it's always a great gift especially for someone who has just purchased a new home or under gone a renovation.

- dinner out  is such a treat and a great gift for parents who need a break

- board games again better bonding than DVDs and video games. this is a great gift for couples and families, throw in a few snacks and you've got hours of fun!

And if cash is tight, try offering your talents like babysitting, housecleaning (again, awesome for new parents or an elderly family member), baking or cooking a meal, sewing, knitting, make some ornaments for the tree, dog walking, or just spend quality time together.  Christmas isn't about giving each other stuff - it's about love, peace and friends and family.

Favourite things - Anywhere Recycled Beanbags

One of my favourite stores and the one store I have to visit when in Toronto is POTTERY BARN! I love the colours, fabrics, timeless furniture and the overall style!

They are also carrying a product right now that is just perfect for anyone with children. It's the "Anywhere recycled beanbag"! They are beanbags covered in colourful cotton-canvas slipcovers that are machine washable, oh and the insert is 100% eco-friendly. They come is two sizes - 31" or 41" (diam.). You can choose your colour - solids: denim, green, red, hot pink or light pink or dots: light pink, green, or lavender. Another service from Pottery Barn is embroidery, you can have your child's name embroidered on or have inspirational words instead.

You can also get these beanbags in fabric that is suited for the outdoors - these are great to have near the sandbox or in the yard.

The prices range from $109 - $169. They are very durable and they will last longer than you'll probably need them.

These are so great you'll want to get more than one and your child will love them!