To Flock or not to Flock...

The other day, as I was browsing the Christmas department of a local shop, I stopped in my tracks at the sight of a perfectly flocked Christmas tree (like the one below) for sale. As I gingerly lifted the price tag to see what the damage would be, I was taken aback at its $250 cost. A quick search of the store revealed that I would not be able to purchase a spray to do it myself to one of the several trees sitting in my basement, au natural.

Resolving to do a quick online search regarding the how-tos of flocking a tree, I headed home with a new mission. This is what I found, and I figured if I was interested in flocked trees and doing it myself, then you might be, too.

The question is, who will see it through: you, or me?

Only time will tell!

Check out these links: How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree. and Martha's Technique.

Video: How to flock a tree
What you should know before you flock

According to the Associated Content, "Faux snow or flock can be a hard item to find in store sometimes. Around the holidays, you should be able to locate a can of flock which is called 'Snow Flock Machine.' It's 16 ounces and can be found at Target, Walmart, or Home Depot. If you aren't near any of these stores, you can purchase flock online at any of these stores as well (Target, Walmart, Home Depot). A can of flock runs for about $10.50, but one can will cover your entire tree."

If anyone has ever attempted this themselves, I would love it if you would share which technique you used and whether you think it was worth the effort!

O Christmas Tree...

I have yet to crack so much as a single Christmas decoration tote. This is very odd for me, as I am known for jumping the gun. In fact, I have the date of December 6th set in stone as the date that my (real) Christmas tree should be up. This year I have vowed to actually head to a real Christmas tree farm and cut one down fresh. Sure, it isn't as conevenient as buying one in the parking lot of my local grocer, but hopefully it also means I won't end up with a tree that drops needles by the bucket load.

Which brings me to the question: do you put up a real or faux Christmas tree? Me, I do both; as you know I am prone to decorating a collection of trees. However, our main tree takes pride of place in our living room window and is decidedly genuine.

This year I treated myself a gold/silver shimmering beauty for my dining area. It is my first time decorating a large tree that is not green, and I can't wait to put it up. I have a collection of vintage inspired ornaments that will look beautiful on it, and I must say, it has me jumpstarted my excitement for holiday decorating.

Now I just have to make the time to get cracking!

So, are your real or faux?

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Oh, and Happy belated Thanksgiving to my American readers! I hope your bellies and hearts are indeed full.

photo sources: top and middle: www.bhg.com

bottom: www.countryliving.com

Another Pretty Playhouse...

One day last week, I received an email from a reader who had been inspired by Sophie's playhouse and embarked on a mission to create on for her own daughters. While I am flattered that she found inspiration with mine/Sophie's, I think this reader (Angie W.) has oodles of talent up her own sleeves! Here is her letter, and some photos and details on how she created her own adorable little playhouse:

Dear Linda,

I hope you don't mind, but we used your playhouse as a ''model'' for our own -- the kitchen, the bed, even the star outside! You should sell the plans! After a couple of months, ours is finally complete. My girls are thrilled. I'm not sure who likes it most -- the girls or me?

Thanks again for the inspiration,
Angie

Cribnotes:

Well, we cheated a bit because we ended up hiring a carpenter! My husband is pretty handy and thought he could do it, but he works 6 days a week and didn't know when he'd have the time to commit to it.
We had a friend paint it. He is a high school art teacher. He also built the window boxes and shutters.
We made it 6x8 plus the porch.
But all the ideas were mine and yours!!

Also, my 88-year-old grandmother made all the curtains, tie backs, valance and the kitchen counter skirt and bed spread and chair cushions.

I found a vintage pink chenille bedspread on ebay for $30. She was able to use it to make all those things, except the curtains were made of polka dot fabric we found at a quilt store.

Took your ''sink'' idea and used the stainless steel bowl. I went to a plumbing supply store and they let me search their discard aisle and I found the faucet and knobs for FREE! We also scored the wood flooring for free. It was leftover from some of the houses my husband buys and remodels.
Scored the little pink message board at Goodwill for $1.50.

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Isn't this an amazing little house? I am so happy when readers share their great make-overs. I bet Angie's little girls are the envy of the neighbourhood!!

Really, who doesn't love a playhouse?!!

Congratulations, Angie, to you and your husband on a job well done, and thank you for sharing it with us all!

Finding the Perfect Title In a Beautiful Space...

Corrie Perkin loves writing & reading, & she absolutely loves books. It is therefore no surprise that she has recently opened an amazing bookstore in Melbourne's Hawksburn Village, aptly called, "My Bookshop". Loving a book or two myself, as well as finding new & gorgeous retail havens, I couldn't wait to visit! When you walk in the door, her enthusiasm & delight to share her new literary home makes you feel so welcome. It's inviting, enthralling, inspiring & the design a perfect compliment to the ambience that Corrie has created. It's all white, with simple, understated stylish touches that make it easy to linger longer.

In her November newsletter she writes "...our aim is to offer a safe place and stimulating environment to all our visitors, as well as plenty of events, discussions, promotions - & books, that engage, enthrall & entertain"

In today's weekend Age Magazine, M, Corrie quotes "Find a quote from your favourite book, highlight it in a gorgeous font, print it (and frame it)". Now that to me is art for your home, your office, your haven...

I have already signed up for My Bookshhop's bookclub (& I've never signed up for one before!) & I'm very much looking forward to visiting again soon for a dose of festive cheer, where her customers will enjoy Christmas shopping evenings, champagne, new book titles. Problem gifts will be sorted, wrapped & tagged in gorgeous literary style!

http://www.mybookshop.net.au/

513 Malvern Road

HAWKSBURN 3144

Ph: 03 9824 2990

Winner, Winner Birthday Dinner!

(image source: Country Home)

I just drew the winning name of my Cath Kidston birthday give-away and the winner is Tara of The Cinnamon Post. You must check her out, as I was awed myself by the beauty of her banner...featuring images from her home. Turns out she is new to blogging and a fellow Canadian!! Now that I have found her, I am off to harrass her into showing us more of her beautiful home! I bet it's especially lovely at Christmas.

Congrats Tara, and please email me with your mailing info.

The Sky's the Limit!

I think we all know shopping and decorating go hand in hand.

 So, when I was approached by the folks at Open Sky Project to join their online team of Shopkeepers/Experts (I react warmly to anyone who dubs me an expert!), I was quick to hop on board. The mission behind OpenSky is to "...connect consumers to experts and the products they love and use. Bloggers like myself set up shop on their website - promoting and selling only products we love, have used and feel confident in recommending. You know how some store clerks will tell you you look great in that tube top, even though everything has headed south and tube tops aren't in fashion anymore (were they ever?). Well, I'm not that store clerk. No ma'am. I will scootch you back into that dressing room and bring you a pretty top with coverage and style, yes I will!

Except, I'm not selling fashion. I am promoting what I know best. Consider me your personal shopper, if you will. I will share with you the things I love to buy and what you might be missing out on.

And I want to have the prettiest shop on the block, so will you let me know what type of products you'd love to see in my shop? What are your favourite things to shop for?

Drop me a comment and I'll get to work on stocking my shelves with the things we all love to shop for.

And you know me: my store won't be for those with the deepest of pockets.

 Because you know I like style for less, don't you?

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P.S...I'll keep you posted on when my shop is up and running!

Happy Birthday, and a Cath Kidston Give-away!

As I cling to my thirties, I found myself awakening as a newly thrity-nine year old woman today. I can't exactly say girl anymore, as I am fairly certain being thirty nine qualifies you as a woman, though girl sounds more me...it just doesn't look like me!

(photo, courtesy, Angie Zino)

Since I wasn't offered breakfast in bed, my name wasn't on the radio, and there isn't a balloon launch planned in my honour, I have decided to be utterly selfless and give away a present to someone else on my birthday. I say all this tongue in cheek, of course, as I honestly wouldn't want a fuss made of my birthday. I am over it, so to speak. That excited childhood feeling in the pit of my belly that used to erupt as soon as my eyelids opened, no longer happens for me on my birthday. I don't know where it went or when it happened, but it is a rite of passage that it seems most people pass through as they grow older. Now, I am content with birthday hugs and homemade cards, a coffee date with my husband, and a yummy take-out meal for dinner.

Besides, if I give something away on my birthday, surely that means it might be okay to justify my recent purchase of a  retro-inspired Christmas tree for my kitchen? 

Behold my gift to you:

How do you win? Just leave me a comment sharing whether you still have that birthday feeling or not. Also, if you're not already a follower/friend, I'd love it if you'd become one. You don't have to, but it occurred to me this morning as I signed on that it would be fun to see if I can make it to the 1000 mark. I took my followers button off for a few months this summer (when Blogger was being a pill) so now that it's back on, I think it would be fun to see how long it will take to reach the 1000.

Consider it my balloon launch...!

(oh, and the contest closes on Saturday night!)

A Pretty, Little Laundry Room...

I think it's no secret that I love a pretty laundry room. Let's face it, none of us can truly escape the chore everybody loves to hate. For the record, I don't hate doing laundry; I just despise putting it away!

Regardless, having a pretty spot to sort, soak, launder and fold makes the task more pleasurable.

For example, there is nothing like daydreaming at a pretty vintage sign - like the one in Serena's (of the Farm Chicks fame) laundry room. Yes, this pretty space takes up residence in Serena's home. I was struck by how pretty, fresh and sweet this room is, and although I am content with my little laundry space - carved out of my main bathroom - I sure wouldn't mind having a more generous room like this to tackle the dirty business of washing mountains of clothes each week.

Serena's taste is impeccable and I share her love of the Cath Kidston bits and bobs that she has sprinked throughout her laundry room. Somehow I don't think sweaty socks and gym gear would look (or smell) as pretty balled up in those hampers. Don't you love the red and white gingham wallpaper she used? Does it make you want to run out and scour the wallpaper shops for something equally cheery?

Don't we all deserve a pretty jail cell?

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Here's another peek at what my own looks like:

Not bad...when it's not piled up with dirty clothes!!

A creative weekend...and a favour asked!

This past weekend, I headed home to see my family and enjoy a quick get-away from a little bout of cabin fever I was experiencing. As much as I love my little town, sometimes I jsut need to stretch my wings a bit, you know? A nice dinner out with my mum and sister, and a little bit of crafting, shopping and some Starbucks coffee, and I'm a new woman!

Check out what I made, inspired by one of the most talented artisans in the blogosphere, Jerusalem, from My Little Life. I hope she doesn't mind that I brazenly copied her great idea! In my defence, I couldn't buy one from her shop, but she does sell the most gorgeous banners on her Etsy site. You must check them out!!

Here are my bottles in  a close-up:

I stamped a plain luggage tag with a Santa stamp, poured in some mica snow/glitter, some great stickers (from Michaels) for the outside of the bottles, and little bottle brush trees for the top. I then glittered the outside of the bottles with white glitter from Walmart. You can embellish them using any Christmasy items you have kicking around in a craft drawer. The goal is to keep it simple and inexpensive!

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Now for the favour:

Toni, from Design Dazzle wrote to inform me that I/Sophie's playhouse am in the running to win the top prize in her Top Ten Design Dazzlers. According to Toni, a  Design Dazzler is a person who dazzles with design and decorating skills. Yikes! I'm honoured, indeed! She says I can win a prize for such an honour - in fact, I can win $500 worth of gift certificates!! She has several sponsors offering gift certificates: Design Dazzle, Red Envelope, Lollipop Rascals, Sosobella Designs and more. To win, the post about Sophie's playhouse has to receive the most comments. One posted comment equals one vote. The commenters can say anything they would like about my idea. Only comments made on my post beginning Monday, November 16th (12:01 am) and ending Friday, Nov. 20th at 1:00 pm (pacific) will be counted, and only one comment per person daily is counted.

What's in it for you?

There is a total of $500 in prizes and gift certificates to be won by those leaving comments on any of the 10 design dazzler nominees posts (3 winners will share the prize)!

So, if you please, head on over and toss me a vote(simply by commenting), will you?

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I love this photo of Sophie and her cousin, Ella, posing with the models at Old Navy:

Deck the table with bells, balls and beautiful things...

Festive Inspiration with Haven Home this Christmas...For this season’s festive styling, I am playing with two key colour themes for table suggestions - natural, white & silver with a touch of colour, & the classic combination of silver, grey marl, white, glass & black. As always, I include favourite pieces for everyone to enjoy, & introduce new touches from my favourite stores. I adore the layering of scents from the candles & flowers that infuse our home with a welcome & happy ambience. If the weather is a perfect Melbourne day…then we’ll simply translate the look to outside, to enjoy more fragrance & sunshine!

Make sure to read the Herald Sun Home Supplement on Saturday December 5th for more table styling suggestions from Haven Interiors...Haven Interiors loves sharing festive decorating ideas, whether catering to a large gathering, intimate group, for that traditional family flavour or close friends…please contact Claire Jackson on 0408 36 3 529, or by email at haven.interiors@bigpond.com to discuss your ideal Christmas table, wrapping & gift ideas…

Merry Christmas...

A Decorating Diary...

I am trying desperately to sort through my photos and put them in albums. Also, I need to print out about a year's worth of photos. As a result, I found these photos of two of my former kitchens - one at Christmas - that I thought would be fun to share.

This photo shows my dual coloured cabinetry. I loved the green, with the black tiled counter tops, but felt a lighter hue on top would be brighter and fun. I only lived in this house a year, and I really loved the kitchen; though I would never recommend tiled countertops (which my husband had really wanted), especially if you like to bake.

 Fortunately, it wasn't too much of a problem for me...!

The next is the kitchen in another of my former homes:

I couldn't find the photo showing the other/main angle. Note the attempt to camouflage my ugly, starting to rust fridge. I attached a message board I made to the front using velcro. I also painted a chalkboard onto the door going down to my basement.

I also found this shot of the exterior of this home:

And finally, the little vintagey bathroom in the little brick house we renovated after the one above:

Sorry for the poor picture quality. These are scans!

Of course, you didn't think I could resist throwing in a funny photo of my girlie (at age three), did you?

She is the perfect example of a woman juggling it all: babies, work, high heels, even a bathing suit with no tan. Go Sophie!!

Take a Bow Tuesday...

Let me tell you, it's never a problem fiding five bloggers to feature.

...And we're off!!

As you know, I'm well into the early holiday spirit. So, of course, some of my features are going to reflect that:

Check out this adorable Christmas ornament idea that you can make for pennies...pennies, I tell you! I think even those of us wanna-be crafters have these supplies  floating around in a cluttered drawer somewhere. I think it would be a great craft to do with kids. But I'd have to get my little girl to make the hats...I am terrible at rolling paper into a cone!

Okay. Your jaw is going to drop with this one. First of all, it takes patience; secondly, guts; and last of all, absolute vision. I won't even say more. Go on...have a look. But I will warn you, your jaw will drop onto the keyboard!

Need a little girl's gift idea? Well, I've got one for you! Head on over and see this felt project that (dare I say it?) even I could manage!

Always happy to support my fellow Canadians, check out this beautiful Etsy shop, where you can find all things vintage and pretty...

What you can do with a couple of unloved chairs and a little bit of wood...Be sure to check out this great DIY bench project over at Room Remix.

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Over and Out!

A five minute make-over...

As I've professed before, seasonal decorating is one of my favourite things! Because it is not officially winter -  yet I am done with the fall colours (inside, of course!) - I decided to give my master bedroom a teensy refreshing, finally accomplishing what I vowed to do recently. I chose a creamy palette for the bedding because, of course, bedding is the easiest change to a bedroom you can make! I call this my five-minute/twenty dollar make-over:

I owned the white matelasse coverlet and toile shams (I'd like simple, cream shams...but that would put me over budget!) and I picked up this beautiful blanket (at Walmart!) which reminds me of tiny snowballs.

 I was inspired by this beauty - over at Anthroplogie:

And while mine isn't as decadently beautiful (or expensive!), it makes me happy all the same!

"All I want for Christmas"... is at Rose St Trading Co...

When you find a store that has everything & anything you simply love, you know you're in shopping heaven. Rose Street Trading Company offers you the most sublime experience...stunning pieces, brilliant service, happy, friendly & welcoming staff to nurture your every request, gorgeous ambience, gift wrapping & beautiful displays to entice you from the moment you arrive...you're going to love the experience...Recently, Alex Muir & Cate Boots extended their already divine retail haven to include the new upstairs experience,incorporating furniture & lighting, bedlinen & dining interior concepts, along with an extensive collection of beautiful art, fabrics, bespoke dining & bedroom pieces - everything to create your ideal home interior. This in addition to their gorgeous clothing store around the corner (where the story all began!), at 1A Rose Street where you will find stunning pieces to wear everyday or for that special occasion including Eclettica, Little Fuschia, Lily & Lulu, Song, Firefly & Juicy Bear. To coordinate with a gorgeous new wardrobe, Rose Street Trading clothing offers divine bags, scarves by DLux, wallets, the perfect bag for the beach, along with Walnut sandshoes and gorgeous french espadrilles in a range of ideal colours for Spring & Summer dressing.

My suggestion this Christmas? Don't delay visiting this divine much talked about destinationi retail village in Armadale. Everything is a must have, everyone wants it now, & believe me, what may arrive instore tomorrow may not be there by the end of the week!

Divine "Libeco Home' Linen...

Divine choice of products for hand, body & home

Stunning ideas for Christmas cheer

Bespoke pieces, beautifully displayed, all so enticing Upstairs...NOW OPEN

The interior concept store incorporating bespoke & beautiful furnishings for bedroom & dining

Hmmm, what's this gorgeous little story...?

Gorgeous jewellery, semi-precious stones, pearls & stirling silver, amethyst, onyx, pearls, coral, jade, rose quartz, for every age, everyday, to enjoy for any occasion...CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS:

Monday-Wednesday 9.00-5.30pm

Thursday & Friday 9.00-6.00pm

Saturday: 9.30-5.00pm

Open Sundays in December

www.rosesttradingco.com.au/E: rosesttradingco@bigpond.com

9822 9444: Interiors/Lifestyle Store (Beatty Ave)

9822 1525: Fashion Store (Rose St)

Forgotten Treasures...

Well, lookie here! While going through my uploaded photos (and trying desperately to organize them) I found this photo I had forgotten I took. Those who have read any of my previous Christmas posts know I am a loyal Seasons of Cannon Falls fan. Their recent run of glittery holiday confection draws me in like a magpie and I am helpless to resist. This is what I found at the after Christmas sales last year, where everything was at least 50% off. Because the handyman and I don't usually exchange gifts, I don't feel too guilty about picking up some Boxing Day sales treats like this. Now I remember packing this loot up to display this year.

Oooh, I can't wait!!

Another angle for your viewing pleasure (notice the mostly subdued shades...):

Isn't it fun when you rediscover what you bought, after having forgotten you did?!

It's kind of like finding five bucks in the pocket of a coat, isn't it?

When the light makes it loud...

I think I have developed adult-onset sensitivity issues. What do I mean? Well, over time, I seem to have become overly sensitive to clutter: real, visual, colourful...you name it. My disorder has real signs and symptoms to go with it, though it needs a name.  Here's what I've figured out:

• 
  
  Diagnosis: unknown
  
  
  
• 
  
  Signs and symptoms: agitation, restlessness and a feeling of crankiness when surrounded by harsh stimuli such as excess colour and decorations (i.e. holiday decor like pumpkins, black glittered objects, and empty Halloween candy wrappers).
  
  
  
• Frequency and Duration: As long as one is exposed to excess stimuli, symptoms will persist.
  

• 
  
  Cause: It is thought that surrounding oneself in soft colour (as I have in my house) contributes to the development of this condition. One gets used to the serenity of pastels, whites and a neutral palette and develops a resistance to bolder hues and plentiful accessories.
  
  
  
• Complications: People who share this affliction tend to run into difficulties and relapses because they may continue to be drawn to more vibrant colour and can also be prone to collecting too many objects. These individuals tend to notice an intensity in symptoms near the end of a holiday like Halloween and Christmas.
  

• Treatment: Symptoms subside when one pares back the clutter and/or extra colour and accessories and returns to a more soothing colour palette. Also, visual therapy, like gazing at the following images often proves comforting:

Considering my love of colour and accessories (I never said I didn't like it!), I will still fill my home with them and feel that same uneasiness come New Years.

 Some people never learn!

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(image sources: top, unknown. All others: www.coastalliving.com )

What about you, do you embrace colour and the excess of the holidays; or do you suffer from my un-named affliction?