Traditional Style Open Living: holiday

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Thanksgiving: Let the Madness Begin...

<br />It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. Yes, so early! Our leaves have turned and are falling rapidly, Autumn has found us already.<br /><br />Living near cottage country as we do, we usually host both sides of the family here, with back-to-back dinners for 20-30 people. It'a bit manic, to say the least, but we live in the snow belt and our families don't always care to travel up here for Christmas, so Thanksgiving it is! In any case, we love to host a family dinner at holidays, those precious memories are what makes a house a home.<br /><br />Being slightly decor-obsessed, you would think that the table would be a huge consideration, but really, it's all about visiting with family and the food! We usually have a few candles tucked in amongst leaves, maybe some pumpkins, this year a couple of owl statues made it on, courtesy of the girls. This week I managed to fall while skating with the kids and have been out of commission the past few days, so it look like we will be using paper napkins - no judging, lol! This is set up for the first dinner, so no salad plates, you'll read about that below! The kids have a tradition of gathering leaves for the table during our pre-dinner walk in the woods, but I threw on a fakie so you can get the feel...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxHIFxGKpSiNaMQzGTNj17O0O3QdhaslV8mU439gZpEh4jJwuzYX-3Vz3cTM3qtb39GVMxgraovUp3YfYuWuUFiXGhhr7j9sATL995JyWfSaxXFwUXKcyZEe_Qw9doXJK1TCVIOh-RQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+10.27.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxHIFxGKpSiNaMQzGTNj17O0O3QdhaslV8mU439gZpEh4jJwuzYX-3Vz3cTM3qtb39GVMxgraovUp3YfYuWuUFiXGhhr7j9sATL995JyWfSaxXFwUXKcyZEe_Qw9doXJK1TCVIOh-RQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+10.27.30+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />My husbands family are former Butchers, and as such meat is the main element of our menu. The first year we hosted, despite my husband saying it wasn't necessary, I made several veggie dishes and salads - which were literally untouched. Lesson learned! We make roast beef, roast turkey and ham. Really. All three, and they are huge.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj7ErVSDpQVMf0rD1Wnh5B-p_-QoHoUqMxABKf_a6d44VfUc8NBEnAxW3Ms-rRSJtSOzqBUOU3t7-UZhjHyKNOdEs7ytUSCr_y3tvdZE0tDVbFCWEQuCQ5drn21n9cLk09vHf9r6F4To/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj7ErVSDpQVMf0rD1Wnh5B-p_-QoHoUqMxABKf_a6d44VfUc8NBEnAxW3Ms-rRSJtSOzqBUOU3t7-UZhjHyKNOdEs7ytUSCr_y3tvdZE0tDVbFCWEQuCQ5drn21n9cLk09vHf9r6F4To/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.00+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgOrmdHcZHeRb3kd3AxecMzD6ydRq_LCXKaxThGu_ZQ082lWCOo8RubrjLE9cajYFbe4kQ1IjIqBi9xAFyJszcL5f0F-cgPAOE0MnH_uFmC5RC0AfYEu-luF8d7PMuWi9Y_tO0Tx0sk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgOrmdHcZHeRb3kd3AxecMzD6ydRq_LCXKaxThGu_ZQ082lWCOo8RubrjLE9cajYFbe4kQ1IjIqBi9xAFyJszcL5f0F-cgPAOE0MnH_uFmC5RC0AfYEu-luF8d7PMuWi9Y_tO0Tx0sk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.32+AM.png" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Let's just say the bbq and quite often a neighbours oven come into use :) When his Grandmother was with us we also made salmon, especially for her, but we've slowly let that go. There's always brussel sprouts (with bacon, of course!), a carrot/turnip mash that is a family favourite, and Mom's stuffing (containing bacon, among other things!). For dessert ah-mazing pumpkin pie from a family favourite bakery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz1WCqvlhSh9rSMnSB4kmOHUMxbPHpRca2vOWgz93SRhTJ7dRPQN5OzDQ_ca_T2CC2xNtF0ObfLIosxVt9dypZwIHOu2xabnxbqJN-wYAkZcfjpdH57br9srhjNY81GDU060qj5dKXuE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.11.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz1WCqvlhSh9rSMnSB4kmOHUMxbPHpRca2vOWgz93SRhTJ7dRPQN5OzDQ_ca_T2CC2xNtF0ObfLIosxVt9dypZwIHOu2xabnxbqJN-wYAkZcfjpdH57br9srhjNY81GDU060qj5dKXuE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.11.50+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNb07fIw7g1gMtV3OJVucp6xldkYIZXuPbvDEKnrcaFyxDNaTndgiOyr1iRE593qS6H9d5MNvapI4c_LPAFUUJkFgiwq_EEx39inW5PJjaLxH1k2z0Wk77CsZKRD7SL7Slvjf-wi3i7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.12.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNb07fIw7g1gMtV3OJVucp6xldkYIZXuPbvDEKnrcaFyxDNaTndgiOyr1iRE593qS6H9d5MNvapI4c_LPAFUUJkFgiwq_EEx39inW5PJjaLxH1k2z0Wk77CsZKRD7SL7Slvjf-wi3i7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.12.27+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />What about menu No. 2, you ask? My family are former Grocers, with an emphasis on organic goods and vegetarian fare. We make a roast turkey, and quite often have some ham from the previous days menu, but they are only eaten by some of us. Appetizers include prosciutto wrapped melon, pears, cheese and stuffed dates, then it's onto vegetable madness.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKA5Td4i5OZjN7OgkeFC1SfxNnSwP9wEx0Qz2RDjg1kAqMKjmEmRtdfNFrA1w5Y89TLaAag_nGgUdv-GBgLlisEq0AQBE6AbnT5OG0zDUc80RbI1b0dpA-ykOJKH3nw_5f_1ITncZdZQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.24.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKA5Td4i5OZjN7OgkeFC1SfxNnSwP9wEx0Qz2RDjg1kAqMKjmEmRtdfNFrA1w5Y89TLaAag_nGgUdv-GBgLlisEq0AQBE6AbnT5OG0zDUc80RbI1b0dpA-ykOJKH3nw_5f_1ITncZdZQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.24.42+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />My sisters roasted glazed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, several salads, homemade orange-cranberry sauce and Mom's artichoke dressing. We are fortunate to have a raw food chef in the family, who always brings a different vegan pie to try each year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRilwoZfFUxDZbXBFhZf6N5Ytu2J6UzjMtyAKlndxPVwIDEIY24XlLD_37_Xi0fPyxXNc57gH53SyEzOXlXFQoNyN8m91rbxi7u35UpVGJUygt-8-tAgx-yKAYpClGN7Cj0ghosFFxZw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.22.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRilwoZfFUxDZbXBFhZf6N5Ytu2J6UzjMtyAKlndxPVwIDEIY24XlLD_37_Xi0fPyxXNc57gH53SyEzOXlXFQoNyN8m91rbxi7u35UpVGJUygt-8-tAgx-yKAYpClGN7Cj0ghosFFxZw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.22.27+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53bYCBY0ldw_3XL_69jPvBW2oQ9RJzULtzSpBZ7nNzMgxXWC7FoNw1u_mNAp7EsGDqQlAVatbt-lN_avgYhmGcwzZ4cT_4Wgb-Zw5-3Vk34C85TAVE51YDg5fcfUZ6Fp3exUaK-Sz8JQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.23.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53bYCBY0ldw_3XL_69jPvBW2oQ9RJzULtzSpBZ7nNzMgxXWC7FoNw1u_mNAp7EsGDqQlAVatbt-lN_avgYhmGcwzZ4cT_4Wgb-Zw5-3Vk34C85TAVE51YDg5fcfUZ6Fp3exUaK-Sz8JQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.23.40+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlbMR9lNGGDDLC0g379LHquKXlYV04VG6HqdUyH978UiipBuUFie8-x8-5RUvh_Mp2E-reLSZZE1l-OPKG_kUMctkzsuobojOQv7WRVIXjy89Jdyte09EycnorASlUuzxrleIQ7C_loo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.26.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlbMR9lNGGDDLC0g379LHquKXlYV04VG6HqdUyH978UiipBuUFie8-x8-5RUvh_Mp2E-reLSZZE1l-OPKG_kUMctkzsuobojOQv7WRVIXjy89Jdyte09EycnorASlUuzxrleIQ7C_loo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.26.45+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Funny how all those foods that make my husbands family celebration feel special to him now make them feel special to me, as well. He hasn't learned to appreciate veggies quite as much as I have learned to appreciate meat :) but he definitely makes an effort!<br /><br />Are any of you celebrating this weekend? What will your holiday be like? Hope you all have a lovely weekend surrounded by those you love, that's what we are thankful for the most around here - x am<br /><br /><br /><br />

Thanksgiving: Let the Madness Begin...

It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. Yes, so early! Our leaves have turned and are falling rapidly, Autumn has found us already. Liv...

7:40 AM

the call of the disco ball

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg5XrmSZONuOj-hp6B6EwROUBeiJ_zq_tfC81ZCqEnUEJBPL3avSYaH1Fu0uMfEMV-z81mfd_AEO_yq5o7zfXtRXDTwHEUgUHzA2lQLX5rpaMiPr_vDO0vgvYqGgVYH1cez4iLrRggj4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-31+at+7.16.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg5XrmSZONuOj-hp6B6EwROUBeiJ_zq_tfC81ZCqEnUEJBPL3avSYaH1Fu0uMfEMV-z81mfd_AEO_yq5o7zfXtRXDTwHEUgUHzA2lQLX5rpaMiPr_vDO0vgvYqGgVYH1cez4iLrRggj4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-31+at+7.16.06+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">wishing the happiest of Happy New Year to you all… </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">may your next year be filled with all the glittery joyousness that you deserve! x</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOUZ49rtM0dL6lOtZUZE8t8QfHfyPDl86CqO9BxHDjfqNbAQiTyaVbkUcajL5R4WU18Z40cZ8ZJzwhM3ZcJbpyhNGOexnQzbySvlto2VQ_1fCB4xhjyg_lXSJ11_zQ18Lufc7zQ-bWrY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-31+at+7.14.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOUZ49rtM0dL6lOtZUZE8t8QfHfyPDl86CqO9BxHDjfqNbAQiTyaVbkUcajL5R4WU18Z40cZ8ZJzwhM3ZcJbpyhNGOexnQzbySvlto2VQ_1fCB4xhjyg_lXSJ11_zQ18Lufc7zQ-bWrY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-31+at+7.14.28+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

the call of the disco ball

Cheers! wishing the happiest of Happy New Year to you all… may your next year be filled with all the glittery joyousness that you deserve! ...

4:23 PM

how we decorate our tree for maximum sparkle, step-by-step

yes, I'm posting this on Boxing Day :) Pretty much sums up the pace of the holidays around there! Hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas, and that you have been fortunate enough to be with you family and friends.<br /><br /><br />I took photos of the tree as it progressed this year - and the kids announced that they were going to decorate it - so I just sat back with a cup of tea and watched!<br /><br />We decided to use "sparkly nature" decorations - kind of embarrassed to admit that we have so many tree ornaments in storage that we can choose different themes on different years, and we don't have to buy anything!!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgYVE1kAjkVusgiwdWum0VOjDcj5y-O1VOK3yWAX6tq8_lDa62093lfA8q61lb1sIkyYzuM2mGgtA34mgXTVOizKhT9kCguISRPw7AzPGgdKhUaTzgKdB4UfyPr8w2aSD4wCEoP0AICM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+8.39.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgYVE1kAjkVusgiwdWum0VOjDcj5y-O1VOK3yWAX6tq8_lDa62093lfA8q61lb1sIkyYzuM2mGgtA34mgXTVOizKhT9kCguISRPw7AzPGgdKhUaTzgKdB4UfyPr8w2aSD4wCEoP0AICM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-26+at+8.39.14+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />The crocheted snowflakes are some of my favourite ornaments - my Mum made them one year when I was small, and they were on our childhood tree for most of me childhood. She gifted them to me a few years ago :)<br /><br />We use wired ribbon woven throughout the middle of the tree (Miss N is allergic, so we have a fake tree) to fill it in a little, and we added in some glittery and mercury glass onion-shaped ornaments at the last moment.<br /><br />Here are the pics:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">being fluffed by Miss N</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmHiKC6CRLYAQuBCMtvYRyultIslUJuq5WBajZ5wxRSGAqW3jfYs-HHaGMDnIOu_OTm0JnzJe9Dxr2qhDHCDi0eVIABoxySi_Oia-Z-6HVG9XeCorJIpIIVD5xAaaqS0jF14MRm8O0iA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.28.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmHiKC6CRLYAQuBCMtvYRyultIslUJuq5WBajZ5wxRSGAqW3jfYs-HHaGMDnIOu_OTm0JnzJe9Dxr2qhDHCDi0eVIABoxySi_Oia-Z-6HVG9XeCorJIpIIVD5xAaaqS0jF14MRm8O0iA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.28.35+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">the darling boy taking a break for a puppy snuggle</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxkP9bp0h59_yT0pSJ5i30vt2rx6K360zM7dPah5eq37MxpGdMGwAZqxxcS2gaJSopmQBOEJy_kpJ-AeZ9qqlVOkODKQt6r1W5VoW3Rg51E04bg0sNz5YPIPrfRkyFx0BzXwLNOjf5kU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.29.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxkP9bp0h59_yT0pSJ5i30vt2rx6K360zM7dPah5eq37MxpGdMGwAZqxxcS2gaJSopmQBOEJy_kpJ-AeZ9qqlVOkODKQt6r1W5VoW3Rg51E04bg0sNz5YPIPrfRkyFx0BzXwLNOjf5kU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.29.11+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">light reflectors going on - these are the bane of my existence! </div><div style="text-align: center;">They don't quite fit the lights, but the kids love adding them, </div><div style="text-align: center;">so we end up steeping on them for the entire holidays!!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzArS2mjHhS6OUM2qXUzIJfpH9J72EtwV4_Rf_U3XXbFhJlUH0PkT_NXU45zZRCP4oFIoha501q-bN6i3d1IwY0CTAimiXLDUSTttkOtdZayAVR5g_YDfUk4cAzOEItERadNaTQr0i80Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.29.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzArS2mjHhS6OUM2qXUzIJfpH9J72EtwV4_Rf_U3XXbFhJlUH0PkT_NXU45zZRCP4oFIoha501q-bN6i3d1IwY0CTAimiXLDUSTttkOtdZayAVR5g_YDfUk4cAzOEItERadNaTQr0i80Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.29.42+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">ribbon throughout the middle, and large pinecones place toward the centre of the tree for sparkle :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6zwg-NQmLGt_xQb05APKtQ2oCiHJq0jutQhzBYJiai5e9EmDhIhpNFlr0DnzPsBeqcf0jbQyvR9rjInd6m7_gTS-1IVS74qDDjp2qBpXNaQXWcJnXiUWjZBmNmp280h73niirH_SfcY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.30.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6zwg-NQmLGt_xQb05APKtQ2oCiHJq0jutQhzBYJiai5e9EmDhIhpNFlr0DnzPsBeqcf0jbQyvR9rjInd6m7_gTS-1IVS74qDDjp2qBpXNaQXWcJnXiUWjZBmNmp280h73niirH_SfcY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.30.15+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">small pinecones and snowflakes on...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_6-UhoSc1LG1G6CGXvs4-GRMCP4aAaVBkQlwVDSXADyBWSimWmxbUGYf9INwg8SU_0jS75j0pFISyusbOOdJta88IrsBpU2TDH8YMDC2gn6tx_6MwN-FS2w6kkFCwr4nDNb3TqOUPdk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.30.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_6-UhoSc1LG1G6CGXvs4-GRMCP4aAaVBkQlwVDSXADyBWSimWmxbUGYf9INwg8SU_0jS75j0pFISyusbOOdJta88IrsBpU2TDH8YMDC2gn6tx_6MwN-FS2w6kkFCwr4nDNb3TqOUPdk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.30.45+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">onion ornaments and a small wreath for a topper...notice all those reflectors on the floor?!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgtMwLtHCWpFgQu3q_0R5koJy57q818u_nhehv3cIXjV18W_E5Rz6MhZBM_wRSMoUNQJ3VNYbg37y3jHx863i48p242Fy5SYrR0voYgYldizVH8NLCO-ZAp9otOgRpJvgEHQvTQzdzHQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.31.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgtMwLtHCWpFgQu3q_0R5koJy57q818u_nhehv3cIXjV18W_E5Rz6MhZBM_wRSMoUNQJ3VNYbg37y3jHx863i48p242Fy5SYrR0voYgYldizVH8NLCO-ZAp9otOgRpJvgEHQvTQzdzHQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.31.14+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and somehow I've lost the pic with the tree skirt :)</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcGIi-Vm__uiVeG_czhSI6WIffNA8365w-pqzRSmxP_YWpE_pcCZS_Hico1Sq8BlPbWpdP7E7th4cLe296DDhqZM7_q5_rhs97kdXBP7cLSBZiCLDOS3Zyw8vw4r23rA7WfoGkNwN4bY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.31.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcGIi-Vm__uiVeG_czhSI6WIffNA8365w-pqzRSmxP_YWpE_pcCZS_Hico1Sq8BlPbWpdP7E7th4cLe296DDhqZM7_q5_rhs97kdXBP7cLSBZiCLDOS3Zyw8vw4r23rA7WfoGkNwN4bY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.31.49+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> finally, presents!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYwjQKp-JZTMNV4toHfAGNvq6N_jGzEEGl4b2orc8yGgJoB3n3zRQgToDDWF7gBAJou1q5OcQ9CJtIQaarXFY3fwOPUS0F6rFrC0bWLGRx2SlY8nm_liWsUoSg_hLcYIsUXAGsHwXvjM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.32.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYwjQKp-JZTMNV4toHfAGNvq6N_jGzEEGl4b2orc8yGgJoB3n3zRQgToDDWF7gBAJou1q5OcQ9CJtIQaarXFY3fwOPUS0F6rFrC0bWLGRx2SlY8nm_liWsUoSg_hLcYIsUXAGsHwXvjM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.32.16+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBXXJORJq8H1euUM093CmGmIeGye4XWVef-haaT42ukag4p0H-hn5ZeXqoWeRAPCtcWIkKpdWnWEAC10TVu6Ou4DPzdaHn0ij0TDqqb6f-UuFhdGfQn2cxjzL7WPTxjPt7Md6aMItE1k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.33.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBXXJORJq8H1euUM093CmGmIeGye4XWVef-haaT42ukag4p0H-hn5ZeXqoWeRAPCtcWIkKpdWnWEAC10TVu6Ou4DPzdaHn0ij0TDqqb6f-UuFhdGfQn2cxjzL7WPTxjPt7Md6aMItE1k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-23+at+5.33.03+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Holidays, lovelies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Am working on a post about the lovely colour of the year from pantone - it's gorgeous, isn't it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

how we decorate our tree for maximum sparkle, step-by-step

yes, I'm posting this on Boxing Day :) Pretty much sums up the pace of the holidays around there! Hope you all have had a wonderful Chri...

6:09 AM

a Queen's summer home

It's Victoria Day in Canada, which celebrate's Queen Victoria's (England) birthday. We view this as the unofficial start of summer round here, and have celebrated all weekend out on the deck with friends, and it got me wondering where the Queen spent her summer days.....<br /><br />When I think cottage towering pine trees, lakes and cedar lined rooms spring to mind. Muskoka. The Queen, apparently, had designs on something a wee bit grander. Somehow I can't imagine our wet dogs, popsicle-toting children and margarita maker fitting in at <b><a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/osborne-house/">The Osborne House</a></b>!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQccsrTR-N3ZMwmbJavTAn28JxSvaH0TU3SQqRJA4mQ6JiJHvYSHdvF32U1Oj75cZo4HD5x-5eV92k5dzhwI-mKnZn3qKRFunI6XFoeLcJgyw23z6v7oa-KwZnh0jrqlHHkc7HFmOXD4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.43.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQccsrTR-N3ZMwmbJavTAn28JxSvaH0TU3SQqRJA4mQ6JiJHvYSHdvF32U1Oj75cZo4HD5x-5eV92k5dzhwI-mKnZn3qKRFunI6XFoeLcJgyw23z6v7oa-KwZnh0jrqlHHkc7HFmOXD4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.43.35+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNhFx6hyphenhyphenkWkCJd8566BHgRisf175O0BrDDlblsknwgxj-YedUltAnBF9cbjD9j9-Y8EniTleZfYqPGUrk719c7jkrtviwDYI7z7hoHZ6-A479U6PFcrGfLzo06XdBE5d409TSvbiVGWg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNhFx6hyphenhyphenkWkCJd8566BHgRisf175O0BrDDlblsknwgxj-YedUltAnBF9cbjD9j9-Y8EniTleZfYqPGUrk719c7jkrtviwDYI7z7hoHZ6-A479U6PFcrGfLzo06XdBE5d409TSvbiVGWg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.14+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV18YW3DvcJiJDe4mKC4BrjBFn1ZIrjy_6sahQKlmXIGg_wAcC0m1inEKCRQIqk-xF-X_3dAjb5iX-2jaDcww2MxnntHagCUzW6oiPi9hyphenhyphenpDer9imVHBcA9PC4pIWdEvDCzCCkj4XhIT4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV18YW3DvcJiJDe4mKC4BrjBFn1ZIrjy_6sahQKlmXIGg_wAcC0m1inEKCRQIqk-xF-X_3dAjb5iX-2jaDcww2MxnntHagCUzW6oiPi9hyphenhyphenpDer9imVHBcA9PC4pIWdEvDCzCCkj4XhIT4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.30+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthYcS9f9D_uM4O2BgqY2JSftqlqDp4MkaikLAA72w5a1_rrM5-JznuknzdmvIs_5VB3hYyv2FIJEpwK1tsncUsUJXoTIhANXSb9m1Hhph8481WCDZIgrwt736PDeFPTEoafkGsbChIu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthYcS9f9D_uM4O2BgqY2JSftqlqDp4MkaikLAA72w5a1_rrM5-JznuknzdmvIs_5VB3hYyv2FIJEpwK1tsncUsUJXoTIhANXSb9m1Hhph8481WCDZIgrwt736PDeFPTEoafkGsbChIu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+11.44.44+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually love this garden area, below. Imagine how wonderful that lavender smells!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayB7Xew_RqvB2ev2EQ4EVZBMzDY8ZNmcpMNYmZAE_N4Y_J31QXdI__CiBV0JREH3PnNQ-ZTkayYtRZAzmdPfFs0iVCDwikWnK_osm4giTAwEvCZ_CwQo1fPxY4mMUrKpFu1L9VBb9Q5M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.20.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayB7Xew_RqvB2ev2EQ4EVZBMzDY8ZNmcpMNYmZAE_N4Y_J31QXdI__CiBV0JREH3PnNQ-ZTkayYtRZAzmdPfFs0iVCDwikWnK_osm4giTAwEvCZ_CwQo1fPxY4mMUrKpFu1L9VBb9Q5M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.20.14+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">venturing inside....</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN7mZqp58X7QBkKK5IUYI0MFbkAEaxP9U_9zTijvF4ZT1ZXbEA1tgtnhmDoTBM-YvU92DmBYxubFRKC8S2n7NS2eqT4-gTnVE9is3reVMjzWWCSGjVh8juCrq07ssxyawSFRFjnmBlzs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.15.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN7mZqp58X7QBkKK5IUYI0MFbkAEaxP9U_9zTijvF4ZT1ZXbEA1tgtnhmDoTBM-YvU92DmBYxubFRKC8S2n7NS2eqT4-gTnVE9is3reVMjzWWCSGjVh8juCrq07ssxyawSFRFjnmBlzs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.15.19+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjAo1kpUxFsZwqbPXB-u0y0LavdI_0j2ZXrNrumdlb8W-htl-L977FnoNONU6bJiRkZX7Y656Fpium40WuV-nIMmlGK-idWcKvyesDXlj4SGmqQzjg7XnCzpzK9Hdl6WyCDNtfr-I7jU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.18.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjAo1kpUxFsZwqbPXB-u0y0LavdI_0j2ZXrNrumdlb8W-htl-L977FnoNONU6bJiRkZX7Y656Fpium40WuV-nIMmlGK-idWcKvyesDXlj4SGmqQzjg7XnCzpzK9Hdl6WyCDNtfr-I7jU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.18.04+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nJmFj_zW9DMb2XMWr3Q0qbQ_Xz3OCV_Gj1z8CANUijI9Hvkv3YMcgnm0uWD1iYo2nQh4y7ZinEwHpe7YZR-s8iIproj04WdcsWykM3bZTPFoN84sW0KFf7RAOjICsWYWas-bMos7KTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.21.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nJmFj_zW9DMb2XMWr3Q0qbQ_Xz3OCV_Gj1z8CANUijI9Hvkv3YMcgnm0uWD1iYo2nQh4y7ZinEwHpe7YZR-s8iIproj04WdcsWykM3bZTPFoN84sW0KFf7RAOjICsWYWas-bMos7KTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.21.20+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4GZnXgJKji0RAx_1W1XE4c8KuXNtdMHK9McBZeg8MxO7EAeJtMbEUm56msZZl3isvVwKJm1JBz9Ai4FX6yUVIqYopH6Tn0-X6lRVK2oz5VAggt-KKQ-N6FT3rgk19AOWStwPY06xBy0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.19.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4GZnXgJKji0RAx_1W1XE4c8KuXNtdMHK9McBZeg8MxO7EAeJtMbEUm56msZZl3isvVwKJm1JBz9Ai4FX6yUVIqYopH6Tn0-X6lRVK2oz5VAggt-KKQ-N6FT3rgk19AOWStwPY06xBy0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.19.43+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This room, while being madly over-the-top, appeals to my colour loving side. If you could simplify the furnishings, and the lighting, and the details (everything, really !!), </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the way canary yellow is used here is spectacular..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-nnby_Ju51zfNymdE2dQ3IJlgHI6l4ZEHeEe__46Vi5Gpm-3MaFpWFAs4XQZWw0XjcZOYDxAJTjyBcPmPjLOL_iDVFoSEozTC7yUpAdaQGM25lhVdzLQ1Y2HB6TNbMkary9W5TiGhZI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.09.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-nnby_Ju51zfNymdE2dQ3IJlgHI6l4ZEHeEe__46Vi5Gpm-3MaFpWFAs4XQZWw0XjcZOYDxAJTjyBcPmPjLOL_iDVFoSEozTC7yUpAdaQGM25lhVdzLQ1Y2HB6TNbMkary9W5TiGhZI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-21+at+12.09.52+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Slightly different from your dream cottage?!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you are all having a lovely day... we're off for the first boat ride of the season, picnic lunch in tow - x</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

a Queen's summer home

It's Victoria Day in Canada, which celebrate's Queen Victoria's (England) birthday. We view this as the unofficial start of summ...

9:37 AM

blue monday - what does it mean to you?

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently today is blue monday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you heard about this?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I heard "blue monday" images of azure, cobalt and sapphire flashed through my mind,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it sounded gorgeous!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">However, that's not what they meant.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's supposed to be the most depressing day of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I like my version better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-44EZeMLT32lDu0_bjWihr2XNSs8Do2vtiyULAv-ceDFQMq4TS9SRoxMictBCeU0y3RrM_l-8Y0F_UfkdkXhAx9Peancc62Z1cxSHwjJGh8s651fLk9tmwEP6PlGkVZaO0kefV9813Kih/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+8.58.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-44EZeMLT32lDu0_bjWihr2XNSs8Do2vtiyULAv-ceDFQMq4TS9SRoxMictBCeU0y3RrM_l-8Y0F_UfkdkXhAx9Peancc62Z1cxSHwjJGh8s651fLk9tmwEP6PlGkVZaO0kefV9813Kih/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+8.58.52+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VvzuImji_KVUK8HVqvogMaHtr10vkzrGIEwetOPMKyd8F9g6I7TkDbG5hywILAYw8qtm7QbZMJbWBLkPep0bFHMhH3FI5R-UHYbvOOwiCgFUt24Naru3PKe4_6MVb8JHDnaIGcHPSIES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+9.01.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VvzuImji_KVUK8HVqvogMaHtr10vkzrGIEwetOPMKyd8F9g6I7TkDbG5hywILAYw8qtm7QbZMJbWBLkPep0bFHMhH3FI5R-UHYbvOOwiCgFUt24Naru3PKe4_6MVb8JHDnaIGcHPSIES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+9.01.55+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvzGtViWJMiHvCoWqme0hqd5KUbKdWQvpqmY0wMpx9DqgrmyXA1MJDaUGkbr0uyJOX7ObMnVZ7bbew6nT7KunGcVqZdDxmAhKmsJGPKGauVN4-PZmQARGTSNk_Hl87YIBoou7Mf6UOfA9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+9.03.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvzGtViWJMiHvCoWqme0hqd5KUbKdWQvpqmY0wMpx9DqgrmyXA1MJDaUGkbr0uyJOX7ObMnVZ7bbew6nT7KunGcVqZdDxmAhKmsJGPKGauVN4-PZmQARGTSNk_Hl87YIBoou7Mf6UOfA9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-16+at+9.03.52+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pinterest.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">cheers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6NPqy9xJ-HOXKGM0fevxvI3lNOrp2nJT8XdoPKxKFMCRP6QHahewcDn-HQh8JVljuq5hlMuBtn4brMQfkIZLXJStHDns5xqrDoTJ2m-BNvT7hEn9osfvj8LDg9nZni85Gg_cFXiIYUH1/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

blue monday - what does it mean to you?

Apparently today is blue monday. Have you heard about this? When I heard "blue monday" images of azure, cobalt and sapphire flashe...

6:10 AM

it's glitteriffic...

<div style="text-align: center;">This year I'm all about sparkle...</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the way to my heart is through glitter!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I've even glittered up the blog header, it's a madness)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I've bought about ten kinds of glitter at the craft stores recently,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and went looking for some clever ways to use it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's a collection of amazing glitteriffic holiday DIY's....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">first off, just in case you want to go organic,<b><a href="http://sprinklesandsequins.tumblr.com/post/5563900755/d-i-y-homemade-glitter-there-is-always-a-time"> glitter made from salt</a></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure how this would do when mixed with liquids, but maybe spray adhesive?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooe3ADY3fwRTYg_gSYAFEN8Q6SCS__-QecJ63gCPs09yDvRVgqrKsxlWXll1r6sBIppFVfqXnynAyrwfQWGJLaZR12x0s3mDyWkX0ShBii8nV1WbKvelY1FcFAE0ts27kWD4KhV6ShVFd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.20.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooe3ADY3fwRTYg_gSYAFEN8Q6SCS__-QecJ63gCPs09yDvRVgqrKsxlWXll1r6sBIppFVfqXnynAyrwfQWGJLaZR12x0s3mDyWkX0ShBii8nV1WbKvelY1FcFAE0ts27kWD4KhV6ShVFd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.20.41+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How about skipping the tired old bows and wrapping your presents up </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.puglypixel.com/2011/06/28/stardust-part-1-diy-glitter-tape/">with a wee strip of glitter tape, </a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/miu-miu-style-wrapping-diy-glitter-labels/"><b>velvet ribbon and some mod glitter discs?</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6AUiIfjOScDLBSIyiEv2JeOWamZTEWSE9ANge7tcn1LsqeOvwkGnz_YUxuWHIAv3sqOoBbQAS0VmyR1LkQQLnrQeUgj53MNviAHbkxno8ETa_fbCM8p0PUoXw4nnFviVTmuQwQTttRcM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.24.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6AUiIfjOScDLBSIyiEv2JeOWamZTEWSE9ANge7tcn1LsqeOvwkGnz_YUxuWHIAv3sqOoBbQAS0VmyR1LkQQLnrQeUgj53MNviAHbkxno8ETa_fbCM8p0PUoXw4nnFviVTmuQwQTttRcM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.24.24+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Serve champange in these <b><a href="http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/2011/11/msc-paint.html">sparkly flutes</a></b> (wouldn't they be cute done up with 2012 for New Years?)</div><div style="text-align: center;">pack some <b><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/11/diy-glittered-flatware/">pretty flatware</a></b> for a winter picnic,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or elevate cupcakes to new heights with this charming, simple <a href="http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2011/06/diy-glitter-cupcake-stand/"><b>DIY cake stand.</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7dHTlyHY5B-ssDkOxg1oH_eMU73nEvWHQNuwEHtwVeO6O5RU43YsIDFfCzblDnkYsWJA8Mq7oq7Nt_Ll4ZQ7wH0OyLgvlFJfEhcfcxOWBLtgXEsZJPZumIEY3R0jwbk5zsE6f1zbBAgs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.35.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7dHTlyHY5B-ssDkOxg1oH_eMU73nEvWHQNuwEHtwVeO6O5RU43YsIDFfCzblDnkYsWJA8Mq7oq7Nt_Ll4ZQ7wH0OyLgvlFJfEhcfcxOWBLtgXEsZJPZumIEY3R0jwbk5zsE6f1zbBAgs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.35.43+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Add bits of <b><a href="http://glitterandgoatcheese.com/tag/diy-glitter-art/">shimmering art</a></b>, hang some <b><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/10/glitter-disco-ball-diy/">chichi lanterns</a></b> (you can also buy them, <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86284341/set-of-3-glittered-paper-lanterns?ref=sr_gallery_20&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=glitter&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=22&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">here</a></b>),</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">add a <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80813887/scalloped-glitter-garland-gold?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=glitter+bunting&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">scalloped border</a> (</b>these are from Etsy, but so cute - why make them?) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">or some <b><a href="http://www.bijouxbride.com/diy-8-gold-i-love-glitter-gold-letters">sparkly love</a></b> to your mantle...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3rERFONjNIXiLuhDzK161sHwMCiUc8ScKNAWea5GsDsV2DFBM3uj5jrhz6gwdHKcLdXqB6UYcfG_yw__OnV0UmXS3wmU3PDpT3Gy-OarBSR5ppXxX2JtJoHifqO1o_78c0nvpPKwawF-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.48.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3rERFONjNIXiLuhDzK161sHwMCiUc8ScKNAWea5GsDsV2DFBM3uj5jrhz6gwdHKcLdXqB6UYcfG_yw__OnV0UmXS3wmU3PDpT3Gy-OarBSR5ppXxX2JtJoHifqO1o_78c0nvpPKwawF-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+9.48.29+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Glitter in pinks, </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">glitter in blues,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">glitter on<b><a href="http://www.delightedmomma.com/2011/10/diy-glitter-bow-ring.html"> fingers</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.handbagheaven.com/blog/">bags</a></b> and <b><a href="http://citified.blogspot.com/2011/10/style-inspiration-glitter-ankle-boots.html#axzz1fCWLcBQx">shoes</a></b>....</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt04m9lgqEUT1CvKKPgvaf-z2WLqw3GQUykc3qDUXjpE8DdnJKORjXiNMV2Us5a7ym-EYuUnu2axl856HB_Qc_bFpXOKJzGwjHCtxd5DiC9Z7DIDsSpNBWpm63Yit6egGdcQZmMCpI1se/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+10.09.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt04m9lgqEUT1CvKKPgvaf-z2WLqw3GQUykc3qDUXjpE8DdnJKORjXiNMV2Us5a7ym-EYuUnu2axl856HB_Qc_bFpXOKJzGwjHCtxd5DiC9Z7DIDsSpNBWpm63Yit6egGdcQZmMCpI1se/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+10.09.15+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Small hits of glitter might just make me happy every day of the year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">how about <b><a href="http://www.puglypixel.com/2011/07/30/star-dust-diy-glitter-magnets/">magnets</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75402109/push-pins-teal-turquoise-glitter-thumb?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=glitter&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">tacks </a></b>at your desk, or a</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/2011/07/mi-vida-loca-how-to-glitter-concrete.html">GLITTER FLOOR!</a></b> LOVE!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YcCACqH_CfsYrVpYvvYDCqietPpeqhKLkaAUS_swLwb3WXmrsQMFnJcyKWNrsJUut4aWbiBEK97Y0r61HlJn-K8fFeCG9DWPZii4Oxr6c57aLY78_xLW0xvVujFc_7qBHne8TV4HITMZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+10.15.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YcCACqH_CfsYrVpYvvYDCqietPpeqhKLkaAUS_swLwb3WXmrsQMFnJcyKWNrsJUut4aWbiBEK97Y0r61HlJn-K8fFeCG9DWPZii4Oxr6c57aLY78_xLW0xvVujFc_7qBHne8TV4HITMZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-30+at+10.15.21+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who's going to the store to buy glitter?!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are, a little tip I picked up along the way...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">to prevent glitter from getting EVERYWHERE (unless you want it that way, in which case, go crazy :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">mix the glitter with the glue/paint/etc PRiOR to adhering it to whatever surface your shushing up -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> a LOT less messy and it stays put after.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Happy last day of November, darlings - x</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6NPqy9xJ-HOXKGM0fevxvI3lNOrp2nJT8XdoPKxKFMCRP6QHahewcDn-HQh8JVljuq5hlMuBtn4brMQfkIZLXJStHDns5xqrDoTJ2m-BNvT7hEn9osfvj8LDg9nZni85Gg_cFXiIYUH1/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" width="200" /></div>

it's glitteriffic...

This year I'm all about sparkle... and the way to my heart is through glitter! (I've even glittered up the blog header, it's a m...

7:47 AM

gather round and give thanks...

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for all of you south of here,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and so a table setting with just the right amount of rustic and sparkle...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-RU4GtDg6cw0cbQop2R0JHC3jnBJWCxfFfQJW8BMQ8nCXLqBgpQBcnB8bjnAzkG0k90ikLM6FbOxLOadGGvezCFwm-E0uBQLb0ObVMZgraTqUcRP1Js5iqoHOe4BKYehCd-YOHcyxKx1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-23+at+9.01.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-RU4GtDg6cw0cbQop2R0JHC3jnBJWCxfFfQJW8BMQ8nCXLqBgpQBcnB8bjnAzkG0k90ikLM6FbOxLOadGGvezCFwm-E0uBQLb0ObVMZgraTqUcRP1Js5iqoHOe4BKYehCd-YOHcyxKx1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-11-23+at+9.01.49+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I particularly like the idea of wrapping glass cylinder vases with birch bark....</div><div style="text-align: center;">lots of impact, but doable, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(found via the ever-fabulous Will of <b><a href="http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-18T00:01:00Z&max-results=3">Bright Bazaar</a></b>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">head over there for more details and a few words from the stylist that created this beauty)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I won't be posting tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving, all - </div><div style="text-align: center;">hope you spend the day surrounded by those you love - x</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6NPqy9xJ-HOXKGM0fevxvI3lNOrp2nJT8XdoPKxKFMCRP6QHahewcDn-HQh8JVljuq5hlMuBtn4brMQfkIZLXJStHDns5xqrDoTJ2m-BNvT7hEn9osfvj8LDg9nZni85Gg_cFXiIYUH1/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" width="200" /></div>

gather round and give thanks...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for all of you south of here, and so a table setting with just the right amount of rustic and sparkle... I particu...

6:03 AM

an homage to Black Friday

an homage to Black Friday

via

6:18 AM

Happy Halloween

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MG_3Ok39L25BVcSrPrrCzfKtnnu5D4favEvSgzHf3Oc6EnAcYOlZMI9bo9rEP3BhjFGhjI2UpamXwuS9JWpS9GpScmgNGXPnCMRn0Fvy4TSQ-lEu4yxK_yPrtAtY3A5ZDUzJYmK6Hg_J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.15.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MG_3Ok39L25BVcSrPrrCzfKtnnu5D4favEvSgzHf3Oc6EnAcYOlZMI9bo9rEP3BhjFGhjI2UpamXwuS9JWpS9GpScmgNGXPnCMRn0Fvy4TSQ-lEu4yxK_yPrtAtY3A5ZDUzJYmK6Hg_J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.15.09+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Halloween!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight should be a breeze after the party we had this weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">25 12-years olds, some spooky decor, heaps of junk food and really LOUD music</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all morphed into some unforgettable memories....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bones kept bar..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z_38eH996PrDHbDWF_Pq3ZaLeXPEliEPU_cSYbXT7P-4AFm5tQ-ra_sZdYkudREw7RIH5_ILCA0hdedGQXZFDz_ET5Q1Q3laDTXuZOFLhuoBcMoG-4e7l2BmghF2ToficJJwXlgZ2dAG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.00.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z_38eH996PrDHbDWF_Pq3ZaLeXPEliEPU_cSYbXT7P-4AFm5tQ-ra_sZdYkudREw7RIH5_ILCA0hdedGQXZFDz_ET5Q1Q3laDTXuZOFLhuoBcMoG-4e7l2BmghF2ToficJJwXlgZ2dAG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.00.09+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and watched out over the action...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEnyuOkmI3gjPfrR2-hVklF1UEAfT66RwjBZon9PLLGJwc37RjIo8hUyttuviZUwr5D5oN-MWhabthpp-WxpZ3NRpIgZcyQaNsx-aZuLJpSOG4G4RQCZCQAtQiuGkEi1gfUdCc7Kdxuxs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.00.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEnyuOkmI3gjPfrR2-hVklF1UEAfT66RwjBZon9PLLGJwc37RjIo8hUyttuviZUwr5D5oN-MWhabthpp-WxpZ3NRpIgZcyQaNsx-aZuLJpSOG4G4RQCZCQAtQiuGkEi1gfUdCc7Kdxuxs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.00.32+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">empty wine bottles filled with coloured water and re-labelled upped the creepy factor...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HYGgxMMhV1V0q4YeW-RWy0w-FO9Z-yvZ8Hyiz_253KPh-VvS3kIOuOguygNNNqNazpDAK98UpwHC3ROR9wMRAuireWIVxcCESL1T98XuAvadVyPkOYtD1YZHDvY0uMuO2JxCTN3Q3LXc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.01.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HYGgxMMhV1V0q4YeW-RWy0w-FO9Z-yvZ8Hyiz_253KPh-VvS3kIOuOguygNNNqNazpDAK98UpwHC3ROR9wMRAuireWIVxcCESL1T98XuAvadVyPkOYtD1YZHDvY0uMuO2JxCTN3Q3LXc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.01.23+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">even water became arsenic :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a89ZCCweKVDAZ2lR1QyOOf5rCsSmtl9dLlEQM0Z_pI76wJs0ixjmu4UIYK_02ltxqeREHzRTBTUeQ2fGslzDZHl9JeaZOFJQL0yWbpPl4cpUFYULBQk7waKFElQ5xYwtHNaK_gq67twu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.01.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a89ZCCweKVDAZ2lR1QyOOf5rCsSmtl9dLlEQM0Z_pI76wJs0ixjmu4UIYK_02ltxqeREHzRTBTUeQ2fGslzDZHl9JeaZOFJQL0yWbpPl4cpUFYULBQk7waKFElQ5xYwtHNaK_gq67twu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.01.49+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the gallery wall beyond...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwbPZuZHIFqXSE-iG5EJlHRzO3WjZywELGUiiY3_Opd2RBHNHMIjCx3iBHA41wGDRCi_6RucDals1BIuGWnFjaxoWKlh0Ek_3bDHwzdX_6wwTg1gvCbt2FLOZb1PXGz732vShfE_9HyMh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.02.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwbPZuZHIFqXSE-iG5EJlHRzO3WjZywELGUiiY3_Opd2RBHNHMIjCx3iBHA41wGDRCi_6RucDals1BIuGWnFjaxoWKlh0Ek_3bDHwzdX_6wwTg1gvCbt2FLOZb1PXGz732vShfE_9HyMh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.02.39+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The food table -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a folding table, with a piece of wood placed behind, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the whole shebang covered with dollar-store tablecloths and destroyed old cheesecloth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Added some string lights and strobe lights for twinkle, black lights for effect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdydTzlN681PKc-YksDh9A9_Pf_CjDkAK42aCX1DUjFhizCOdbFArKr5NZRIfZfjLTquf-aDOwM_VlWhV-iYyBhPSH9QUArk3XISSL8KCFTa9PQ926ppK60JleSi9VB4yQHJbWBG-gGJmE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdydTzlN681PKc-YksDh9A9_Pf_CjDkAK42aCX1DUjFhizCOdbFArKr5NZRIfZfjLTquf-aDOwM_VlWhV-iYyBhPSH9QUArk3XISSL8KCFTa9PQ926ppK60JleSi9VB4yQHJbWBG-gGJmE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.09+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pickles became ogre fingers,</div><div style="text-align: center;">spider dogs became baby arachnids.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The tray was heaped with pizza later..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HV60msKnnzACtkW21sKBOKktoNa76Xw0E0T5cTyCgBBrhNLd2QfGSI_2FXBMvoXio4-YjJwDqO11oqu-2M72foxnKwtMmVo3OSHda6YeGSqcEfO1T7UU9Kft_fmiRhjepMACWWFWH8Iy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HV60msKnnzACtkW21sKBOKktoNa76Xw0E0T5cTyCgBBrhNLd2QfGSI_2FXBMvoXio4-YjJwDqO11oqu-2M72foxnKwtMmVo3OSHda6YeGSqcEfO1T7UU9Kft_fmiRhjepMACWWFWH8Iy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.33+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chips served up in cauldrons.... such a healthy menu!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a guest with life-threatening nut allergies</div><div style="text-align: center;">and so have been nut-free for a month..</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I was still relieved when they all went home safely.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkre5Q8Fz80jdosJ0u7bvzJk7hpXr8cIzeqOCyb5uUDX5KEiJMkib8qRBhZwgyvXlG87Xe6KK8qd2l8boyABXYhhtL4VnTJin0dIqpeIMbNTc_7xjVlyWZc7cvX76MTt1lDUv4JJxgAID/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkre5Q8Fz80jdosJ0u7bvzJk7hpXr8cIzeqOCyb5uUDX5KEiJMkib8qRBhZwgyvXlG87Xe6KK8qd2l8boyABXYhhtL4VnTJin0dIqpeIMbNTc_7xjVlyWZc7cvX76MTt1lDUv4JJxgAID/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.03.55+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First guests arriving, checking out their "fortunes"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(we did up a basket of spooky ones)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">On the floor you can see a few of the balloons -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">this was the greatest idea, and so simple -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">we placed glow bracelets inside 30 white balloons and they floated around the floor all night, luminous.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4DEcFOa62nEIQV8YhA1SZKLaCZyNyHqEKMAieQAuXm64nGqacQD8mZAq-0TcFcVdj7J5avXBtbX7q8ZSV6q2U-QT2HIs8sJ8Su7b-wTqmfEe_l0XkhOjBsCcKdWh_dh1vBric4Tt8AYU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.13.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4DEcFOa62nEIQV8YhA1SZKLaCZyNyHqEKMAieQAuXm64nGqacQD8mZAq-0TcFcVdj7J5avXBtbX7q8ZSV6q2U-QT2HIs8sJ8Su7b-wTqmfEe_l0XkhOjBsCcKdWh_dh1vBric4Tt8AYU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.13.57+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was the last moment of calm,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from here on in it was all shrieks and giggles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miss N was Katy Perry, and in true form she danced the night away :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9h39ZY10YDotLTpqg21MpcwIGm7BnBxF4kRlkePG7fMnbaYcmMc4PZjo_g4YNYKpplO-gBsCvBTEfjAMnX2KLxEJJDAc7jAQQe1jwIH1gkWnNOjqRJaT5H0ilNNT-WymLew_RbstkBaQk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.13.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9h39ZY10YDotLTpqg21MpcwIGm7BnBxF4kRlkePG7fMnbaYcmMc4PZjo_g4YNYKpplO-gBsCvBTEfjAMnX2KLxEJJDAc7jAQQe1jwIH1gkWnNOjqRJaT5H0ilNNT-WymLew_RbstkBaQk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-31+at+7.13.13+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all have a happy halloween,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we'll be walking the 'hood,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://10rooms.blogspot.com/2010/10/yummy-halloween-libations.html">spiced apple cider</a></b> in hand....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6NPqy9xJ-HOXKGM0fevxvI3lNOrp2nJT8XdoPKxKFMCRP6QHahewcDn-HQh8JVljuq5hlMuBtn4brMQfkIZLXJStHDns5xqrDoTJ2m-BNvT7hEn9osfvj8LDg9nZni85Gg_cFXiIYUH1/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! Tonight should be a breeze after the party we had this weekend! 25 12-years olds, some spooky decor, heaps of junk food and...

4:50 AM

Traditional Style Open Living