Versatile Blogger Award

After having one of those 'blah' days yesterday, it was such a relief to wake up to a new day and to find that a good blogger friend had awarded myself, along with 6 others the "Versatile Blogger Award"!  How special and talk about making someone's day a lot brighter, so thanks to Sheila Zeller of SZInteriors, I was on the road to a great day!  Be sure to check out Sheila's blog, she is one very talented lady with tons of great ideas to share!


Part of this award requires me to share 7 things about myself that you wouldn't normally know.  So here goes:


1. I am a huge Humanitarian-both animals and poverty stricken nations tug at my heart strings.  I wish I could save every one of them on this planet!   If only I would just win that million now I could and fulfill that dream!  But for now, I do what I can, with both time and money. 


2. Having a Scandinavian background, it seems to be embedded into my soul, that I should also decorate and live like one here on the West Coast!  I was lucky enough to live in Norway for two whole years and it feels just like yesterday.  It has to be my most favourite way to be surrounded by relaxing, calming, beautiful white and natural elements!  As I like to say "It is the backdrop to my life!"  Nothing else will do! 


3. I am a single parent and have been for many years.  It can be a challenge to balance everything, however I wouldn't change a single thing (except still waiting to meet my knight in shining armour...lol!)  I am so lucky to have my two gorgeous kids who I can say with pride, are becoming extraordinary individuals and have helped shape me as a mother, woman and continue to teach ME things everyday!  They make me proud!!


4. I'm a bit of a closet philanthropist.  Always looking at the bright side of life and trying to spread the word.  I can't stand it when people complain on a daily basis over meaningless things OR for that matter brag about having too much!  There are so many in this world without the basic necessities!  OK, rant is done...:)


5. I LOVE chalkboard paint!  It's a MUST HAVE in my 'toolbox'!


6. I always wanted to design handbags and shoes and have been fascinated by them ever since I was a little girl...now I dream of having home accessories (think pillows, throws, etc.), to go along with them (think Tory Burch)!  Yes, it's more like a BIG dream:)


7. I used to be a ballet dancer and taught as well.  I still get the itch.  


It's all about the creative side of life for me.  I wouldn't want it any other way! 


The second and last part of this award requires me to send this to 7 other fabulous and talented bloggers and even though I don't them very well I know they deserve this!  Thanks again to Sheila for making my day fabulously fabulous!  You can check out her amazing blog @ sheilazellerinteriors.com

Hope you all have a fantastic day!

Bloggers To Check Out:

Morgan@ http://the818.com/

Avril@ http://www.prepstaging.com/

Victoria@ http://edinshouse.blogspot.com/

Tracey@ http://traceyaytonphotography.com/index.htm

nicole@ http://www.canadianstagingprofessionals.com/pages/?cspid=1512

Kris@ http://blog.hyattstaging.com/

Liisa@ http://www.theinteriorhangout.blogspot.com/

Photo courtesy of Cole & Son

Don't Be Afraid

Oh the dreaded word....wallpaper!  We've all said it and thought the same...too much work and where do I start?!  The truth is, wallpaper has come a long way and with all the latest designs and so much to choose from, there is something out there to fit your life and style.  It can make any room come alive and can also be a great solution to a damaged wall that is beyond repair (as in the case with Toronto stylist Lara McGraw's guest room shown below).  Choose from classic styles that are sure to stick around, or if you feel brave enough go for BOLD!   The trick is to limit yourself to one feature wall and get samples first.  Check out wallpaper images online to get a feel for the scale.  One great website I like to go to is http://www.cole-and-son.com/home.asp  Use their roll calculator and hanging instructions and you're good to go!  

Photo courtesy of Style at Home.  Wallpaper (Woods) from Cole and Son.  

Everything's Coming Up Green

So what could be more natural for this rainy summer Thursday than to point out the obvious colour of the day...green. It screams fresh, clean, natural (eco-friendly) and serene.  Almost spa-like.  What more could you ask for?

THERAPEUTIC THURSDAY

It's Official!

WELCOME TO SUMMER!  Yes, it's finally here, the day we've all been anxiously awaiting for~you know you have!~and even though it may not feel like it just yet, depending on where you are, you couldn't wait to embrace it!  It's just that "official" feeling you could say...so let's start day number two with a bright sunny yellow outlook and how you can incorporate this vibrant shade into your life...happy summer solstice!

TANTALIZING TUESDAY