For no reason...

I think the best kinds of gifts are for no reason...given to us just because, when we are least expecting it, and when we have zero expectations. One of my favourite childhood memories stems from just such a gift. As I have mentioned before, I come from a large family (six children) and, as is often the case in large families, hand-me-downs abounded - and new clothes, bicycles, and the like were few and far between. We were by no stretch spoiled, and grew up treasuring our things and taking considerably good care of them. That trait has remained with me and, in fact, I hate to lose something...anything...and am very careful to give a final glance around when I go anywhere with the kids... making sure we are all "packed up". It is funny what we carry with us from our childhoods, and an appreciation for belongings is one of my "quirks"...one that I seem to have passed onto my children (at least most of the time...).

Well, like I said, one of my favourite memories involves a gift, and not just any gift. I think I was six years old or so, and my sister was ten. We lived in a wonderful round-about subdivision, where we could call on friend after friend and ride our bicycles with considerable freedom.

As my father needed our car to travel to work each day, our mother would often walk about a mile to the nearby K-mart to run errands. One day, as my sister and I were playing outside, we could see our mum walking down the long hill towards us carrying a K-mart bag, in addition to her usual grocery bags. We ran off to greet her; and to our surprise, as we reached our driveway, she announced that she had "gotten us something" at K-mart. She was grinning rather mischieviously, and we bounced up and down begging her to show us.

Not expecting what she would pull from the bag, we gasped as she pulled out a beautiful new outfit for each of us!! Now, you see, we were used to getting new clothes only at Christmastime, and would get one new outfit each to begin the school year with. My young mind began straining to think if there was a holiday I had missed, and coming up with nothing, I cried, "But Mummy, why did you get us these??" My mother shrugged, and said, "No reason...they were marked down in price and I thought they'd be pretty on you girls." Still stunned by our good fortune, I breathed..."For no reason?"

I couldn't believe our good luck, and to this day I vividly remember those outfits. Mine was pink: pink polyester gauchos and a swirly pink peasant top...the kind that had an elasticised neckline that would sit on your shoulders, but pop back up once you moved your arms. My sister's was nearly the same, but in pale blue. While hers was very pretty, mine was PINK, and I squeezed my mum's waist with a huge hug for knowing my favourite colour. I don't know if she ever knew how much that pretty gift meant to me, but I think that for once, I felt like one of those "spoiled girls" who often got things for "no reason". Looking back, I am glad that I wasn't though, as I think it has left me with an appreciation for that which I have, and a respect for the dog-eared and tattered that need a little help to reach their full potential. I firmly believe that just because better is out there, it doesn't mean that I need it...or necessarily even always want it. The frugal side of me will never leave, even though it sometimes scatters on a shopping trip. Still, the things I buy now "for no reason" are pretty minor in the scheme of things...

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I recently got some beautiful gifts in the mail from some very kind ladies. The first, this pretty basket filled with bath needs and chocolate (which is long gone) was from Angela @Cottage Magpie: In my mind, this gift definitely qualified as given "for no reason", although Angela claims she gave it to me as a thank you for being supportive of her and her beautiful site. Indeed, Angela has encouraged me in my endeavours...and I so appreciate her great advice.

I also received this fun gift from Lanny @ Simply Me as I recently won her blog give-away. I don't know about you, but give-aways are one of the greatest things "invented"...and certainly qualify as a gift for no reason! Lanny made these beautiful letters, customized for me using gorgeous paper (another great use for scrapbooking papers) to match my kitchen. She also sent me a big bag of Jelly Bellies, which my kids are gobbling up as quickly as they can. I think they are taking the EAT sign at face value...Thank you Lanny, for going to such trouble and work for a fun give-away!

I also received four tiles from Joy,

...and although I purchased them through her online shop, she wrapped the package so beautifully and also threw in a lovely vintage label for me. I immediately adhered it to a glass jar of glitter that I had, and I will think of Joy's kindness each time I look at it. I will also show you soon what I did with three of the tiles I bought from her. Basically, all of these gifts were for no reason, and I challenge you to give someone you care about a gift of your time or talents with the same intent. Feel free to drop me a line, message or link to your blog if you post about it, telling me of your "just because" gift.

Not your Granny's wallpaper...

We finally have a sunny day and I feel inspired to create something...do a project. I have been saving my pennies for an upcoming trip with my mum for Mother's Day, so I decided that anything I do will be "on the cheap", which is really my favourite kind of project. I have a million plans swirling around in my head, but most of them involve my long-suffering hubby; and when I have mentioned some of them lately, he throws up his hand with a warning look (I'm sure those of you with handy hubbies know which look I am referring to). Sooo, being an independent project girl, off I went to the scrapbook store today and spied these lovely papers, which in turn, inspired me to take on a wee project.

I spotted this beauty of a paper, and it instantly brought to mind vintage wallpaper, without the price tag (and, sometimes, smell!!). It is literally pathetic how easy I made this project (cutting without a straight edge, using tape instead of an adhesive spray...basically cutting corners) but when I set my mind to something, I don't necessarily want to wait for all the right supplies. Sometimes if I wait, I lose my crafting mojo!! You know what I mean?

Here is the before shot of my glass cabinet (it is a bit messy, too):

...and here is the after:

Now for a close-up:

Pretty, no? Now to figure out what to do with the rest of the papers...stay tuned!

A grand entrance...

all photos above: House to Home

While this appears to be a small eating nook, it would also look lovely tucked into a large foyer...
(photo source: Ballard Designs)

I am not one to make a grand entry. Rather, I prefer to slip in; not necessarily unnoticed, but fairly quietly so as not to draw too much attention to myself. Some prefer bolder statements: they like to let others know they have arrived, very comfortable with eyes being drawn to them, and are more than ready to command some attention. Well, that's not me - but I do like the entrance of a home to make a statement!

Case in point: this stunning foyer featured in House Beautiful.

...and I don't know if this is from the same home, but don't you just love the wainscotting?? I also love a black and ivory railing. I have painted mine those colours in my last three houses...

Of course, the gorgeous blue wall colour attracts my eye; but also the lanterns, bench, and transoms (and you know how much I love those!) add up to a top-notch first impression! I have always said that there are two defining criteria that will let me know I have found my dream home - transoms above each door...and this incredible staircase detailing:

photo source: House to Home

Honestly, both are worthy of gushing to me, but I must admit that a couple of years ago, I actually passed up a home with both those pre-requisites! Why you ask? Well... although the house was loaded with charm and featuring my beloved transoms, scrolled detailing on the staircase, and beautiful fireplaces - alas, it was not in a location that would best suit my children. Sigh...Taking the high road, I chose my children's happiness over my fantasy house. How utterly selfless of me, no? We briefly mulled over the idea of purchasing it to renovate and "flip", but I knew in my heart of hearts I would be unable to restore it lovingly and then pass it over to someone else. So, actually, I am fairly selfish. I knew I would end up besotted with the finished product, and I do not need tug of wars going on between my heart and my brain. It's best not to take up too much space in my mind with trivial matters...(yuk, yuk...)

As if you didn't know, my favourite show home is River House, home of Seasons of Cannon Falls. Wouldn't you know that it has virtually all of my dream home features, including this staircase:

Look closely...do you see the detailing??!!

So, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for another gem of a home that can live up to the fantasy house of my dreams. I know that if I can't find one like it to purchase, we'll build one!!

Well, someday...

Coming out of the (cabinetry) woodwork!

photo: HGTV.com

Well, who knew my post on painted cabinetry would elicit such a creative response? After I finished my most recent post, and included pictures given to me by those of you who share my love of painted cabinetry, even more photos trickled into my mail box! Who am I to keep them to myself? I just had to share them!!

The following photos are courtesy of Laurie at Magpie Ethel . I LOVE her kitchen...that colour (like jadeite), the back splash, counter, and faucet!!

...but most of all, I love her stove!! Sigh...

Oh, and that striped schoolhouse light fixture (from Schoolhouse Electric)...heavenly!!

Sara of Goddess of Four , has a vintage-style unfitted kitchen (very European), with fun red cabinetry and the most gorgeous sink...

...vintage stove...

...and look what she did to her kitchen ceiling!!! Gorgeous!

The following painted cabinetry is from the uber-talented Kijsa ( sister to the equally talented Kari), of Ask Kari and Kijsa ), and Kijsa takes the idea of painted cabinetry to new heights...heights to which I won't be attempting!! According to Kijsa: "I love, love, love painted cabinets (in fact, other than our master bath, all cabinetry is painted in our home.) Part of that is that it was old, and dictated by a previous owner, but we are even purchasing new cabinetry for a bath unfinished, so that it will be painted as well. Such an easy and fun update!!"

Kijsa describes her kitchen this way: "All kitchen cabinets are painted high gloss oil in China white...lots of years of paint make them quite thick!!
"The window seat and upper cabinets on one wall are in red, antiqued to let a bit of olive green glimpse through. Veggies and fruits are on the upper cabinets."


This pretty cabinet is in Kijsa's daughter's bathroom!! Lucky girl!

These cabinets are in Kijsa's laundry room. I think she's trying to make laundry a bit more enjoyable...!

Painted masterpieces!! Did you expect any less from Kijsa??!!

This kitchen was a remodel. Lynn from The Vintage Nest painted her cabinets a warm cream, added glass knobs and her own decorative flourishes.

Lynn wrote to me about the challenges of updating her kitchen: "When we moved into our home nine years ago that kitchen was painted a dirty yellow and the cabinets were a dark brown and the counters and island were butcher block... I spent the entire summer redoing the woodwork, the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and walls and tearing down ugly wall paper. The previous owner had tried to use a lot of Williamsburg wallpapers and colors and this house is just not a Williamsburg kind of house. I love our now white and black kitchen but must admit the cabinets are not easy to keep clean with the grease and all. Now it's time to have them repainted. Somebody else is going to do it this time around." I love Lynn's range hood cover. It brings to mind what Chris from Just Beachy made for her kitchen...herself!!
Kay from Garden Chic2 sent me these photos of her fresh, pretty, yellow kitchen. I love the addition of the blue island... It just looks like a kitchen one would be happy to wake up to each day!

I hope you have gained some new ideas and inspiration for creating, or transforming, a kitchen with the use of a little paint, creativity and hard work (I won't lie about that part...). Painting your cabinetry and injecting colour into your kitchen is something anyone can do, and is a budget-friendly face lift for any tired (or boring) kitchen! If anyone else has painted cabinetry photos they would like to show us, feel free to add your link with a comment. Happy painting!!

Waxing nostalgic...and country living.

I am a thinker...not always deep thoughts, mind you - but definitely someone who always has a million thoughts running around inside her head. I am a fairly restless person, I guess, as evidenced by our many (voluntary) moves and my need to always have something "on the go". Well, lately, I have been thinking about country life. I miss it. I had it once, and in many ways I wish I could still have it.

learning "life skills"!!

We used to live in a very small, quiet village a few hours from here where the scenery was beautiful, but offered not a lot in lieu of entertainment. We lived there when our boys were small and we were rather distanced from family and friends. We were never really content there and always looked forward to the time when my husband would be transferred to a larger town, and basically a place where more young couples with young families resided. I wanted my boys to have lots of friends, be able to pop back and forth between their houses, and ride their bikes in front of our house without fear of imminent danger! Basically, I craved suburbia...
...just had to throw this pic of my sweet boy in...

Well, now I have it. I do love it, but I miss the country life we enjoyed those last few years in "seclusion." We lived in a big, old Dutch Colonial on 31 acres of land. When we first bought it, it had several outbuildings on the property, including the original (smaller) farmhouse. The original house had fallen into major disrepair. In fact, my father fell through the floor into the cellar while poking around in the house! It was a hazard; so it was an exciting day for the boys when we had the fire department come and burn it down. I still remember standing in the kitchen window of our house, my sons at my feet (jumping up and down with excitement), and watching the house disappear into fiery rubble before my eyes. You don't get that kind of excitement everyday in the suburbs!!

photo: www.purestyle.com
We also raised chickens (meat birds), and initially I was very resistant to this. In fact, I remember crying in desperation, trying to talk my husband out of it! I was convinced that our property would be forever tinged with the pungent smell of chicken manure. I was mortified at the thought! Indeed, I had no idea how much joy I would experience holding baby chicks in my hand, allowing my toddler son to gently pat them, and fussing over them in their temporary coop (in our basement's cold room) while they were growing strong enough to prepare for the move outside. I didn't even mind the trudge up the field to their coop to feed and water them each day, my little boys trailing behind me, chattering about who was going to get to scatter the most feed. We eventually sent them away "to a farm to live", and in exchange got the freshest, purest chickens to store in our freezers. The guilt I felt about their fate was replaced by the comfort I felt knowing I was feeding healthy, free-range chickens to my children, to accompany the potatoes, corn, yellow beans, Swiss chard, squash and strawberries from our garden. I loved sending the boys out with a colander or basket to pick "supper" and truly felt pride that every morsel going into their mouths and bellies was grown (and raised) by us. Combined with the fresh air, running all over the big yard, and playing in the giant mud hill we made them (for their trucks and diggers), they lived a very healthy, outdoorsy life.
Ross Farms, Nova Scotia

We had good friends nearby who had a farm where they raised cows. I love that my boys had the chance to witness not one, but two calves being born, jump from hay bale to hay bale in the large barn, and play with their favourite barn cats. My youngest son, especially, loved tractors and was thrilled when our friends would allow him to sit up on the tractor and pretend to drive it. I can still hear the "brrmms" in my mind. Rubber boots and ball caps were always in order and to this day, I still have such a soft spot for little boys in rubber boots...







"Brmmm"

I am glad our boys had these experiences. Do they remember them? I'm not sure, but I do know they benefitted from the purity of it all. They weren't "urban" in any way (in fact, one of the thrills of going to New Brunswick to visit Nanny, was the chance to ride on an escalator!!), but they were innocent, bolstered by (very) fresh air; organic, home grown food; and hopefully, they inherently learned the importance of taking time to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life. It may not surface in their teen years - but perhaps, in adulthood, they will realize that a balance between the excitement and opportunities of more urban living and the simplicity of country living is a balance worth seeking. I think that is why I miss it...

...or maybe I just miss my little boys...

Spring into cleaning...

Well, I've started. I've started, then stopped, then restarted...and abandoned the notion once again. But this time I mean business. I am pledging before you all to stop waiting for spring-like weather to inspire me and I am taking the (dusty) bull by the horns and forging ahead.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided certain jobs could wait no longer. Like cleaning my fridge:my most dreaded job. Well, that's not entirely true, I have loads of tasks that I despise...but cleaning out my fridge lies at the top of the pile of miserable cleaning chores. Either way, I tackled it.

I took the plunge on a day when I realized that there was oodles of empty space in my fridge, and instead of grocery shopping to fill the shelves (which my family would have likely appreciated more), I decided to tackle the sticky milk rings, empty out the onion skins from the crisper and throw out anything with traces of blue-mould on top. One hour later (and I'm not exaggerating), I was finished and the (fridge) door on that task could finally be closed!

Oh...and did I mention I had loads of help? I think he was hoping for some milk to get spilled or something...

I think I'd be more inspired to clean my fridge if it looked like this...

photo: Big Chill Fridge

I also think you have to be inspired to clean, and sometimes the method/supplies can do just that. For example, imagine of you had pretty gloves like these: dainty dust cloths like that: and (gasp!) even beautiful laundry soap... to get you in the cleaning mood. You can thank Cath Kidston for these lovely cleaning supplies...leave it to her to come up with something so fitting!!

Of course, after such exertion, you should definitely soothe your calloused hands with a lovely, scented cream such as this:

Also, imagine you have a place for everything...so that everything can be in its place. Don't you love this little cart for shoes and hats? Surely such a pretty landing spot would inspire those husbands and kids of ours to return their things to their rightful place?!

photo: Creme de la Creme interiors

So, in a nut shell, here is my spring cleaning to-do list for the remainder of this week. I got nothing done yesterday, as I had a full day of decorating clients, so I am hopeful for today. The day is stretched out before me and I really have no excuse to not scratch at least one or two things off my list. Of course, I also have to fit in the regular drudgery like washing everyone's bed sheets (since it's spring, I should also do all the duvets and quilts), catch up on regular laundry (and go through the kids closets to weed out that which doesn't fit them), and paint trim (so our house can finally be finished). Oyyy...where exactly does that leave me and my spring cleaning list? Well, since I now have a game plan, perhaps I'll take a little time to review it and revise it (in-between loads of laundry and coats of paint). After all, the snow just left us...! (photo left: Ideal Home Magazine)

photo: Martha Stewart.com