Well, that's that.  Summer vacation is nearly over.  The two older kiddos will be hopping on the bus and heading to their new school on Tuesday.  Time to get back to reality I suppose.   Truth is, we'll be making the most of the next few days, relaxing and enjoying what's left of the summer holidays.  Stretching it out as much as we can.

Now for some lovely Friday truths...

• My sister brought over a box of my things that had been stored at her house for a few years now. In that box was all of my gymnastics clothes, including my very first team uniform. I was honestly near tears when I discovered it.  Never realized just how much it meant to me to make the team.  I couldn't resist rocking a few jumps (seen above) after I put on my warm up suit (wearing the jacket in the photo)
• I was really stressed about the kids going to this new school.  They will be taking the bus for the first time (I used to drop them off and pick them up and they used to come home for lunch) and I'm nervous.  I know it will be fine, heck, I did it when I was their age, but it's a form of letting go....and change.  But after touring the school and meeting their teachers and a little Q & A with the Vice-Principal, I'm ready as are the kids.  This school year is going to rock.
• I'm gearing up for fall and am totally excited. I think fall is by far my favourite season.  I'm looking forward to wearing flats, jeans and sweaters.  Bring it....in a week!
• We're slowly beginning to think about Christmas, I know, seriously, right?! But, it's that time of year and we need to get organized (I start shopping in September)
• I made a friend, she lives on our street and her husband is also an Air Force pilot.  It's nice to have a friend who lives so close.
• I'm still on the hunt for some fab arm candy, if you have a go to shop, please do share by leaving a comment below.  I'd be forever grateful!
• did you catch the nekked pictures of Prince Harry.  What a jolly fellow he is, huh? That guy!

Well, friends....I hope you enjoy a fabulous long weekend!

Cheers,

Wednes-tagram

Yeah, I'm not sure about the title either, but let's just go with it okay?

Another busy week here, how are things there?  We registered the kiddos for school on Monday and were able to get a tour as well.  I guess I was pretty anxious about all of this because once we sat back in the car, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders.  We weren't able to go in to the school until this point, or meet any of the staff, so there were a lot of unknowns.  But I'm happy to report that the staff is phenomenal, the boys teachers are kind and the school, even though it's not new like our old one, is great.  They will love going to school there!

Okay, since this week has been a busy one, I'm posting an instagram update for you.  A few bits of the last week here:

I'm not kidding you when I say our house is a lego zone.  We have loads and the kids love it, which I love.  We spent this particular day looking for Darth Vader's body. 

incase you missed it, I shared a quick and easy ready-made solution for storing your necklaces earlier in the week.  You can find the post here

my new Roxy sweater.  I honestly think that I could take flight thanks to the sleeves on this baby.  PS it's super comfy!

as you know, the dresser is all finished.  we now have a distinct "his" and "hers" dressers which we like and find kind of funny.  I'm planning on buying a fab ottoman to place between the two dressers and am hoping to find a great ampersand print to hang above the ottoman to silently state the "his and hers"

a quick little reminder to take the time to stop and smell the roses, or in this case, mini begonias

I found the rest of the clutches and am now trying to decide what to do with them.  I may open up the shop temporarily to sell them off.  I'll keep you posted!

still cooped up indoors due to allergies. So, we're doing some baking!

my quest to accessorize continues.  I rocked a bit of neon thanks to this Gap scarf!

 here's an example as to why it's so important to get clothing in the right size.  one of the left was a tad too big, so I went one size down and voila, perfect fit!  you can find the jacket here at Gap.

I'm working on adding some fantastic new accessories to my stash.  Picked up this necklace from Le Mode, this great Baby-G by Casio and gorgeous heels from Aldo.

and lastly, never underestimate what a necklace can do to a simple/casual outfit.

Organizing Your Baubles.

I can vividly remember my very first set of pearls (well, they were more like iridescent plastic balls attached to some type of waxy string, but hey, I was 7 and it fooled me!).  It was Christmas, they were pink and I loved them.

There's just something to be said about having a gorgeous necklace around your neck, be it a statement or delicate piece.  And for those of you, who like me have more than your fair share of somewhat plain shirts in your closet, well, I'll tell you that a necklace is the perfect way to dress up your outfit.  Honestly, necklaces along with scarves are probably my go-to accessory because they are both easy to wear and can truly have a huge impact on your outfit!

With the growth of my necklace collection comes the need to up my organization game.  Hanging them around a hanger juuuuust isn't cutting it anymore.

There are a slew of options out there when it comes to organizing your baubles.  Just head on over to Pinterest and type in "necklace organizer" and bam, there you go!  There are some DIY's in there and some photos of what others have opted to do along with organizers that you can purchase.  If you're not digging the DIY route, Etsy has quite a few ready made options as well.  I once again typed in "necklace organizer" and here's what I got.

I'm really liking this and this.

I've opted for ready made.  I saw these fantastic photo boxes at Homesense a little while ago and thought that they would do the job perfectly.  They come with pins (although I think I may eventually swap them out with some nicer ones) and are ready to hang.

there we go! now to hang it up on the wall!

I chose a box with straight lines, but they had several different styles to choose from, here's another:

So, how do you organize your baubles?

Cheers,

The Truth Is...

Friends, honestly....can you believe that we are heading into the last week of August?!  I know for some of you, school has already started.  Our kids don't go back until after the long weekend, so last week will be our last week of summer holidays.

A few truths from this past week:

• the bugs like us, or so we are guessing.  we had to tackle a wasps nest that was inside of the downspout near our front door.  Umm, really? Inside the downspout?! Yeah. There were over 35 of those stingers in there, would have been a disaster if the kids or a guest accidentally bumped into it!
• to add to the wasps, the other night a gazillion itsy bitsy flies managed to squeeze their way into our bedrooms through the window screens when we opened the windows up at night.  nothing like vacuuming a gazillion itsy bitsy bugs off of your ceiling at 10:45pm!
• allergy eyes are a pain to apply make up to. non.stop.watering.
• my new watch arrived and it has analog vs digital time.  I honestly have to stop to think to figure out the time whenever I look at it.  apparently I've had a watch with a digital clock for a wee bit too long!
• I decided mid week that I'm no longer visiting Homesense everyday.  I know, it seems so silly that I was ever doing that, but I thought I had it all figured out.  Now, I just feel frustrated because they just aren't getting the items I want.  I think it's time that I just bite the bullet and head to Toronto for a shopping trip.
• I need a haircut. Yes.I.do.
• I bought a bag of chocolate almonds and hid them at the back of the fridge on the bottom shelf (we like keeping them in the fridge).  why? so that my husband wouldn't see them.  he eats more than his fair share and this time, I didn't feel like sharing.  please don't tell him.

Have a fabulous weekend friends, see you Monday!

Cheers,

Top Knot.

Ahhh, the top knot.  What a great look, don't you think?  I'm all over it.  I really love how versatile it is.  You can dress it up or down, like a fab pair of jeans, you know?

I first saw this video a few months ago when Erin, from Apartment 34, shared it on her blog and think that it's great.  A step by step tutorial on one way to nail "the look".

Tulip Louise Tutorial from jade Howard on Vimeo.

Even though I've watched the video several times, the top knot continues to elude me.  Le darn!  Don't worry though, I promise to keep trying.

With that, I shall leave you with an example as to how the top knot is not supposed to look.

yes, my eyebrows are purposely crooked (such a talented gal, huh?!)

Mastered the top knot?  Well, I bow to you, stellar job....now, share your secret please!

Cheers,

Pretty Organized.

When I was little, I loved to organize things.  I'd categorize them by colour, use, size, any way that I could possibly organize whatever it was that I was tackling, I'd organize.  And well, not much has changed since then.

So it comes as no surprise that I'm totally excited to have some organizing to do now that the dresser is useable.

I am planning on applying my make up at the dresser as there is going to be a large-ish mirror hanging above it and I really want everything to be easily accessible.  Thus, displaying the make up I use regularly on the top of the dresser.

I hit (you guessed it), Homesense yesterday in search for the perfect accessories to hold & display my brushes and make up.  The first place I headed to was the kitchen section.  Yup, kitchen.  I absolutely love to use plates to hold/display items.  There is an abundance of beautiful dishes out there be it vintage or new.  I fell in love with this plate from Athropologie and it inspired me to search for something similar locally.

Success, I found this plate and it's absolutely perfect for holding my make up:

(the mirror is still leaning on the dresser, time to hang it up on the wall!)

I wasn't able to find any cups in the kitchen section, but did find this lovely in the bath section.  I love how it looks paired with the plate.

So be sure to always explore your options and to think outside of the box.  You may be surprised by how many items can be used for things other than their intended purpose!

Cheers, happy Tuesday!

New week, new look!

You guys! I finished the dresser makeover this past weekend!  I know, right?!  This was really the first time that I've refinished a piece of furniture.  I learned some lessons along the way, but it was definitely worth it...I absolutely love the end result!

I shared a sneak peek of the dresser during the refinishing process here and you can find plenty more photos on my instagram feed (you can find me under the name "elliven").

Well, I have one more to share with you before the big reveal.

Tada!

I'm going to head out to Homesense to pick up a few pieces to place on top of the dresser and then I'll snap some pictures to share in the reveal post!  Look for it in the next little bit.

Also, did you notice any my new blog header?  Yup, changes are slowly beginning to happen around here, which I'm excited about!  First, was the addition of my "current obsessions" on the sidebar (which I will change weekly, so keep an eye on them) and now it's the new header.

I have decided that I need to be a little more organized when it comes to blogging, so I've sat down and written out just what I want this blog to be about and what I want you, my friends, to take away from it.  I hope to have everything sorted out in the next month or so!

Cheers,

The Truth Is....

It's Friday (incase you didn't know) and that means it's the weekend (yes, I like to state the obvious at times).

With that, I thought I'd share a few unrelated truth tid bits.

1. yesterday, I painted my toe nails a lovely shade of dark pink, somehow, somewhere some of the colour rubbed off of my big toe.  I'm too terrified to check the carpet, I didn't do it.
2. I have allergies, they are killing me right now and keeping me cooped up indoors for long periods of time.  I'm totally the lady in the commercial trying to scratch her throat with an electric toothbrush...insanity, I know.
3. I added a little neon to my life yesterday and purchased these shoes online.  I hope they fit, they are a size too big.
4. and since shoes don't like to travel alone, I also bought this necklace to keep the shoes company as they travel from the warehouse to my house....thoughtful, wasn't it?
5. we are going shed shopping this weekend, can you sense my excitement? yeah.
6. the dresser that I'm repainting is almost finished, here's a sneak peek of the knobs:

Any truths you'd like to share? Come on now....tell me!

Happy weekend friends, go dance for a bit, it will make you smile!

Cheers,

Let's Jam.

Okay well, instagram it is.  It's just the way it's gotta be, kay? Kay.

I've started to take and post outfit photos on instagram (you can find me under the name: elliven).  I tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to accessorizing, but am a huge fan of gorgeous necklaces and scarves.  The daily photos push me take that little bit of extra time to accessorize an outfit. It really makes such a huge difference!

Here a few outfit shots from this past week:

I'm on the hunt for some fab statement necklaces by the way.  If you make some or have a "go to" shop, please do share!  I need to add some more to my collection.

Also, did you see on twitter that I won a Team Canada Olympic Jean Jacket!  Yes.I.Did.  The giveaway was being held over at Cara's fabulous blog A Fashion Love Affair (if you don't already follow her blog, you must, she has an amazing sense of style, no joke).  I will be rockin' this bad boy with pride.  For sure!

I continue to plug away at decorating the house.  My daily shopping trips to Homesense continue.  I am beginning to feel a wee bit embarrassed of the fact that the entire staff knows me by name, but what's a girl to do?  Here are a few more pieces that caught my eye.

I'm thinking that this fab unit would do the job of hiding hubs stereo receiver that just has to be in either the living room or the family room so that he can "jam". Ummm, okay.

These chairs call to me every.single.time I see them.  Aren't they so lovely?  Le Sigh.

Okay, that's that.  Hope you've had one fabulous week so far!

Cheers,
 

This Is Why

Happy Monday friends!

I know why it is that I'm so determined to decorate our house and not leave it as is.  I love beautiful spaces and rooms like those above just get me totally excited.  I want to walk into our house and feel proud vs feeling as though it's "okay".  I want to look around and love the pieces we've chosen.  To me, that's important.

Now, I'm by no means a designer!  When it comes to history and what era pieces came from, I'm clueless, it's just the truth.  BUT!  I do know what I like and I think that's enough to carry me through this project and I'm SO excited about it!

We are slowly getting there.  Some rooms are further along than others, but that's fine by me.  There will be no rushing to finish a room, it will be an organic process.  Plus, it costs money to decorate an entire house and well, we didn't move in to a house with a money tree in the backyard!  So patience is key here and that's fine by me!

With that, you have got to see this mirror that I found at Homesense last week.  I'm planning on hanging it in the living room.  It honestly makes me feel glamorous and as I mentioned on twitter and instagram, anything that is capable of doing that is well worth keeping!

Cheers,

Happy Friday!

These sweet floral beauties continue to make me smile.

No big plans for the weekend here, we're still plugging away, trying to get things finished around the house before the school year begins (still can't believe it's nearly mid August!).

I hope you all enjoy one fabulous weekend and that the weather is a tad bit more enjoyable wherever you are!

Cheers,

Back to Back?!

My goal was to only do one instagram loaded post a week and to blog between each instagram post....until today.  Sorry friends for back to back instagram posts, but really, it's an easy way to keep you up to speed on what's happening here.

I'm aiming to get back on track with blogging in Sept, once the kiddos are back in school and things have settled down a wee bit.  Please forgive me.

With that, here's another quick update with the help of instagram!

okay, seriously...OMG! this case is just fab!  it's my second piece from Jen Ramos's amazing collection (first can be seen here) and I absolutely love it! you can find the case here

I'm continuing to trek on over to Homesense in search for a few more pieces for the house. I saw and loved this mirror, but was hoping that the frame was either wood or metal...unfortunately it wasn't either, so I left it behind....

I can't even begin to tell you just how excited I am that this mirror is finally hanging up in our dining room. It's made a huge impact, the space is slowly but surely getting there!

my mother in law was kind enough to bring me a maple syrop bucket from a farm that she recently visited, I quickly put it to use!

I made my husband pull over the minute I saw a road side stand selling loads of fruits, veggies and these amazing glads, SO beautiful!

we drove 2 hrs to the Urban Barn outlet (the closest Urban Barn location) in hopes to find a few items. I nearly died when I saw that these tables (the only set there and the #1 item on my list of things to look for) were put on hold by another shopper.  Then I noticed that they were put on hold on July 30th until close, we were there on August 3rd.  I asked if that meant that I could have them and to my surprise, the answer was "yes". Ummm, SCORE!

I'm in the midst of spray painting this vintage find white and am planning on turning it into a cork board or chalk board.....we'll see!

And that's that!  What have you been up to???

Cheers,