It's incredibly hard to believe that BlogPodium 2016 has come and gone.  It was a fantastic event and dare I say, perhaps the best yet?  It felt slightly more relaxed, but the energy was still there.  With some new features (Speed Dating) and a beautiful location, it was all in all, an extremely amazing day.

While in Toronto, I had the absolute pleasure of staying at the breathtaking Trump Toronto Hotel.  I knew that this hotel was amazing, but it wasn't until I set eyes on the lobby that I understood just how incredible it was.

copyright - Trump Toronto

The lobby features an exquisite cherry blossom branch that is made with Swarovski crystals and is beautifully backlit

My little design loving heart was pitter pattering as I approached the front desk (I was totally taking a video for Snapchat!).  The attention to detail was more than apparent and I couldn't get enough.  I was greeted with the warmest welcome and a deliciously warm cloth to wipe my hands.

copyright - Trump Toronto

The 65-storey hotel is perfectly located.  I basically plan everything around where Union Station is and it took me no more than 10 mins to walk to and from in almost a direct route!  As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the city, I prefer to be able to easily navigate my stay there!

An important aspect of this hotel's mission, is to make you feel at home.  Hallways are designed to mimic apartment buildings and as a result, they are warm and welcoming.  Each guest receives a personalized service of an attache, who's there to help make your stay the absolute best.  They even take the time to gather as much information about you prior to your arrival - likes, dislikes, etc so that they can customize your stay as much as possible.

My one-bedroom suite was spacious, detailed, beyond comfortable and featured touch panel controls!  It boasted 750-square feet of living space, including a powder room, entry closet, living space (with bar), workspace and of course a generous sized master bedroom.  The all marble ensuite had...wait for it...a tv in the mirror, large soaker tub and all glass shower, plus gloriously heated floors.  I adored the campaign style double sink vanity. I can't deny that this was the most spectacular suite that I've ever stepped foot in and I officially need a velvet couch at home!

Surrounded by fantastic city views and a peek at the waterfront, this room was everything and more.  I couldn't help but take in all of the design elements once again.  Chrome hardware paired with the most elegant trim and perfectly selected light fixtures paired with luxe drapery.  Ahhh, it was such a wonderful space!

 

We dined at the America Restaurant (my delicious meal featured tomatoes from Prince Edward County!) and toured the spectacular Sky and Wellness Suites.  You guys, they were something straight out of a movie!  I still get goosebumps thinking of it.  It was just incredible, seeing such an exquisitely designed space.  The gorgeousness didn't stop there.  The stunning details were even more apparent on the Exchange Floor, which houses all of the meeting suites (which can be set up to your liking and for your specific event requirements).

copyright - Trump Toronto

You all know how important family is to me and that I appreciate details.  I just found that this hotel made these both a priority in a way that you felt like you were important to them.  You aren't just another guest.  That's pretty darn amazing.  I had a little more time to laze around on Sunday, so I took advantage of the in-room dining service and just sat back and relaxed.  The sun was streaming through the windows and the slow pace was absolute perfection after a busy day at BlogPodium. I was especially thankful for the turndown service the night before.  I walked into the room (exhausted) to the most relaxing music, a bottle of water bedside and slippers perfectly placed.  Dreams!

turndown service - copyright Trump Toronto

such a delicious meal and the grapefruit juice was no doubt the best I've ever had!

Fun fact!  The Trump Toronto is a both a hotel that also has over 100 residences.  This is where the distinct Champagne and Caviar decor theme can be seen.  Champagne (cream and stainless steel decor) is for the residences and the Caviar decor (bronze and black) for the hotel.  Another attention to detail that you can't help but notice.

copyright - Trump Toronto 

copyright - Trump Toronto 

My stay was magical.  From the stunning Swarovski crystal art instalment behind the front desk, to the attache, to the trim details to the turndown service.  Everything just made me smile more and more.  It was a stay that I won't soon forget.  The amenities were incredible and the comforts were embraced, but my design heart walked away completely inspired and in awe of such a beautiful hotel.

Have you stayed?  Did you feel like it was just one warm hug after another?

Cheers,
Julie
***The Trump Toronto kindly provided me with a complimentary stay for one of the two nights that I stayed.  All opinions are completely my own.  My stay was simply amazing***
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Fall Coffee

This past Sunday we decided to pick up some coffee and enjoy the streets of downtown.  We certainly don't do this enough.  The weather was perfect in every which way and the coffee was delicious.  These temps are my absolute favourite, when the sun warms you up just enough and your most comfortable with jeans and a cozy sweater.  I have a feeling that this sweater is going to be worn a lot during the cooler months!

Cheers,

Julie

Talbots x NBCF

wrap // jeans // shoes // jacket // purse

Today, I'm proud to be partnering with Talbots and the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support their campaign, which runs from Sept 26th through the month of October.  They have come together once again to raise awareness and funds for the NBCF a worldwide organization.  This year they have designed a gorgeous Blanket Wrap.  20% of the net proceeds of any wrap purchased will benefit the NBCF.

You can find myself and other bloggers sharing our styled blanket wrap on Instagram.  Simply search for the #TalbotsxNBCF hashtag.

Have a lovely Monday, friends.

Cheers,
Julie
**Talbots kindly provided me with the pieces, however all opinions are completely my own**
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Weekend Cozy

sweater (currently 40% off!) / ring

I'm embracing fall 100%.  The temps are beginning to drop and hover in the mid-high teens, which I absolutely love.  Bring on the distressed denim, comfy sweaters over tanks and delicious cups of hot chocolate.

Weekend plans are at a minimum.  After a crazy couple of weeks and another busy week next week, I'm completely for doing absolutely nothing for the next two days.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

Cheers,
Julie

Cozying Up The Patio For Fall

Happy first day of Fall, friends!  My favourite season is officially here and though the temps aren't exactly fall like just yet, we are prepping for cozy family time on our new deck.

We really do keep it simple for fall, no crazy decorating.  It's all about layering throws (that come inside once we are ready to head in) and surrounding ourselves with seasonal decor.  Mother Nature is pretty much your sidekick when it comes to decorate for fall in my opinion.  My favourites: mums, branches and pumpkins.  Cozy sweaters, comfy jeans, delicious treats and beverages are necessary oh and your favourite book or magazine too! But really, that's about it!  The summer was busy and it's kinda nice to be able to kick back and relax!

How do you like to decorate for the fall months?

Cheers,

Julie

Please note: The patio chairs were kindly provided by Canadian Tire, all opinions are my own of course.

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Quick and Easy Frame DIY

Hey hey!

So we survived the first day back to school.  The kids had a wonderful first day and I knocked a slew of to-do's off of my list!  Holla!

I wanted to share a super quick way to add a little detail to your frames.  I am using these frames in our master bedroom makeover, they were lacking a little something before this little DIY.  Instead of purchasing new frames, I picked up a bag of these lovely corner braces.  I believe they are meant to go on the corner of boxes, but they work perfectly on the corners of frames as well!

I'm so thrilled with the result, it's exactly what I was looking for!  You can buy a package of four for under $6

As much as I'd love to share them in place, you'll have to wait until the full room reveal!  Coming soon, I promise!  Until then, be sure to follow along on Instagram for sneak peeks, like this one!

Cheers,

Julie

Long Weekend

As we head into the last day of the summer break, I find myself filled with mix emotions.  I love having the boys home, I don't love making lunches every morning.  I'm going to miss those stinkers, but look forward to a more regular schedule and getting back to work.  They are going to have a fun year!

As I prep for a busy month (hello exciting deadlines, incredible collaborations and of course, BlogPodium), I'm going to take this last day to put my feet up while I can.

We made some changes around the house and as a result, we moved this white dresser into the main floor  hallway.  It works, but I'm not quite sure that I'm loving it.  Maybe it needs to be painted or sanded down and stained, maybe I just need to get used to the new look....time will tell!  What I do love is this vintage combo.

Something that I'm truly loving....the fact that for the first time EVER, an african violet has rebloomed for me!  Documented.

Have a wonderful day, friends!

Cheers,
Julie

Decorating With Collections

Happy Monday!  I hope you all enjoyed a fantastic weekend!

We're working on organizing the house, it's incredible how easily (and quickly) things can get out of control!  Having a spot for everything is key, I swear!

If you have a collection of any sort, be it magazines, Lego, art or even toys, sometimes grouping them together is the answer to keeping things visually appealing and organized!

Hop on over to the Hello Yellow blog where I'm sharing tips on how we incorporated kiddo 2's collections creatively in his room design!

Cheers,

Julie

Pretty Pleats

Happy weekend!  We are in the midst of redecorating two rooms in the house in collaboration with Leon's (!!!!). I'm pretty darn excited and as per usual, unable to keep from sharing sneak peeks.  So hop on over to my Instagram page if you want to see the changes.  I have to say that the changes to the family room are pretty crazy!  But in a good way of course.

I'm probably going to lose friends by saying this, but here I go....though I'm sad for summer to be over and that the kids will soon be heading back to school, I'm starting to itch for fall with all of the fall previews that are being sent my way!  I'm pulling together some looks to share o the blog soon, here's a soon to be favourite, I'm sure!

flats / top (similar) & good alternative / jeans & good alternative

Cheers,
Julie

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Leaning Art

LOVE print by SS Print Shop

I'm a pretty big fan of leaning art, simply because it allows me to easily switch up the decor in our house.  I find it to be a great way to decorate a space or corner without having to patch holes or move nails/hooks around when you are ready for a change.

Layering pieces, one in front of another allows you to play with height and depth.

Watercolour print by Lucy (this is a #BlogPodium16 exclusive print, but she offers other gorgeous pieces in her shop)

Art by Sarah Swanson

We added an IKEA shelf to kiddo 2's room, so it's a designated spot for art (or books), whereas in the rest of the house, I prefer to place the art on dressers, consoles or even the kitchen counter

Coffee print by Kardzkouture

All art doesn't have to be hung on the wall!

Cheers,

Julie

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Switching It Up

Yesterday was a rainy day, so I snuck away for a bit to sew some new pillow covers for our master bedroom.  This room will be getting a long over due makeover in the coming weeks, which we are pretty darn excited about!

I ordered both the pink velvet (which is absolutely delicious!) and patterned grey fabric from Tonic Living.  If you're not wanting to sew the covers yourself, you can order them pre-made from Tonic Living as well!  I've had my eye on that pink velvet for what feels like forever, it's honestly so incredible!

If you're considering sewing your own pillow covers, I say go for it!  I like this tutorial for zippered pillows.

Have a great week, friends!

Cheers,
Julie
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Roasted Marshmallows

We are back to work this week after a couple weeks of summer holidays.  It was a great break, but I have to admit that it went by way too fast.  It's hard to believe that summer break is more than half over!

By no means am I trying to rush the remainder of the summer break away, but the reality is that we need to slowly start focusing on back to school prep, which also means, back to a regular blogging schedule.  BlogPodium 2016 is fast approaching and I can't wait to attend this year's conference!  With new highlights and new faces, it will certainly be a jammed packed day!  Can't wait!

This past weekend, we threw some briquettes in the chiminea and roasted ourselves some marshmallows followed by hot dogs.  Not a bad way to end the weekend!   You can also see a bit of our new lower deck and the fantastic Catalina chairs from Canadian Tire's CANVAS Collection!  I'm heading back there today to look for a coffee table and a few accessories, can't wait to share the entire space with you!

Cheers to Monday, friends!

Try, Try Again!

It's been on heck of a summer weather wise!  With temps rising above 30C almost everyday, we have been able to get out and about!

Our favourite place to be is of course, the beach.  We had a fantastic day there yesterday.  The best part was after nearly 2hrs of trying, kiddo 3 learned how to swim like a little fish.  He's been taking lessons for a while now, but just couldn't get the hang of it, until yesterday when everything just connected.  I will remember that day forever!

If you're following along on Instagram then you've seen sneak peeks of our new deck!  We have been wanting to add a lower tier for a few years now, and after a couple of days of hard work, hubs, his dad and the kiddos make it happen!  Can't wait to share the entire reveal!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,