Palm Desert Decorating!

We recently came home from the smokin hot destination of Palm Desert. My parents have turned into snow birds and spend quite a bit of time down there in the winter. Last year, they purchased a new home and my mom and I have had a lot of fun decorating. Every trip we add a little more here and there and slowly but surely the house is really coming together. It's soft, relaxing and functional with bits of glamour and some unexpected finds. I finally took a few shots to share of the rooms we've been working on. Good old HomeGoods has been our number one stop to shop! Enjoy...

Dining Room: We added the mirrors to each side which brightens the room and fills in the space. We also just picked up that crazy tree in the corner and a pop of yellow to the table.

Some sparkle added to the bar area of the house - happy hour anyone!?

This is the morning coffee spot. There are 2 chairs and we got this amazing little table this trip. Need to replace with a new lamp though.

Coffee table finds...

The family room - Yes, those are wood giraffes! So cool! Mom picked those up at Anthropologie. Love to add wallpaper behind each one.

Disneyland and some Fabric Love!

I've been MIA for a bit. We took a family vacay to Disneyland and Palm Desert. Isabella (our oldest) had no idea we were going! We woke her up at 5am and headed to the airport for a few days of fun (and let's be honest, slight exhaustion from the buzz of Disneyland). She had a blast and our littlest traveler was a great sport along the way. The hilarious part is out of all the rides at Disneyland, her favourite was the carousel. I guess she enjoys the simple things...ha, ha.

We just got back and I was excited to see a welcome delivery of my new roman shade to go in our kitchen. Here is a little sneak peak...I'm in love with this fabric and looking around my house to see where I can add more of it! Enjoy...

My Disney babes! Yes, this is how my now 4 year old likes to take photos

Dreams do come true....

It was a long line,  but Minnie was well worth it!

And here is my dreamy fabric (picture doesn't do it justice). Can't wait for it to being hung in our kitchen soon.

A Party for my Almost 4 Year Old!

I love babies. I am a baby kind of girl. And I'm coming to the realization that my oldest daughter is definitely no longer a baby, not really a toddler anymore and turning into a true kid! Don't get me wrong I'm excited to see her grow, and all the funny stages, but it almost makes me slightly sad to see her getting so big. Her birthday is May 15th and we are having her party today with all her little friends (it's great - many of our friends have kids her age). Besides dealing with my baby turning 4, I'm also letting go of my control freak party mama ways this year. I usually do a party at the house for her and I have to admit, I end up getting into all the little details that she could care less about and by the day of the party I'm stressed making sure everyone else has a great time. You can see pics of last year's shaker here. This year I decided to do it at a different location, an art studio, and really make it about her and having fun (instead of me kinda turning into one of those 'Party Moms' you see on reality TV). I have to admit, I'm feeling a little uneasy with this loss of control and guilty that I'm not running around like a chicken with my head cut off preparing, but it also feels kinda nice! Anyway, here are a few shots of birthday pasts. Have a great weekend. Enjoy...

This was the best! On her actual 1st birthday my hubby and I bought separate presents for her that we didn't know about and had a picnic outside just the 3 of us. Love.

We had family and friends to celebrate our babe turning 1. She was a little overwhelmed.

With mom and dad at her party. Yes, that's a bouncy castle in the back - perfect for kids!

Birthday #2. Loved this one. Beautiful sunny day, had a family party and she loved every moment.

Not sure why we put so many candles in the cake when she's only 2??

Decorating cupcakes

Last year's Garden Party. Loved this theme (minus the pouring rain!)

Had a bit of problems with the cake, but a plastic Princess Belle came to the rescue.

Always have to have a piñata to end the party with a bang!

http://lovinthat.blogspot.ca/2011/05/shes-3.html

Love This Quote!

A Space for Me!

So, I'm thinking I need a space. Just a little space that is all mine. Somewhere I can look through blogs, keep some of my favourite decor magazines, have pictures I adore, always display fresh flowers etc, etc. I'm thinking I can create this little 'oasis' in our master bedroom. There is a space just inside the door that has no use right now and might fill the need of this little get-away spot. I may have to put a fence around it to keep my daughter from rearranging daily though (she thinks she is a decorator and literally 'redecorates' my home daily!).

I came across this picture on Cove and Grey blog and I really love everything about it. The colours, calmness, texture. The way the desk is placed is how I picture it looking in my bedroom. Maybe another project to add to the list? Enjoy...

via Cove and Grey

Summer Schedule for the Wee Ones!

Okay, I know it's only Spring, but admit it - you are thinking of Summer already right!? Well, I am. I found this great, simple little schedule and wanted to share as I love it's ideas and meaningful activities that can be easily incorporated. Today being Thursday, it says to do something of service which my hubby and I have been talking about a lot lately. We want to find something of service that we can do as a family and will be a teaching opportunity for our girls.

Speaking of this, I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Toronto to watch Oprah's Life Lessons! My girlfriend and I had a few travel hiccups along the way (to say the least) but had one of the best experiences of our lives! Hope to post more on that soon.

Enjoy!

via www.somewhatsimple.com

Easter Love!

It was one of those weekends that you don't want to end! We went up to Whistler, BC and had a blast. My almost 4 year old rode the gondola and went tubing for the first time ever (she loved it), we cruised the village, hung out at the park, went to a community Easter Egg hunt and just generally had some good family time! We came home to hang out and eat (too much chocolate!) with family (and of course my hubby had to watch the Masters). It was a good one!

My Easter Bunnies (First matching dresses, I know - couldn't help myself!)

The Easter Bunny got it right this year!

Playroom Inspiration!

My mom wants to re-do what she calls the 'grandkids playroom' in her house. I'm so happy as I've been giving her the nudge to do this for a long time! It's mostly my little one's who use the room but she also needs it function for her pre-teen grandkids to watch TV and lounge. One of her other requests is she needs the couch to double as a bed for sleep overs. It's a small room that has to be kid friendly but also look good as it's just off her kitchen. I'm excited with the new inspiration. It's bright, fresh and young - perfect for kids! My mom is a tough critic so we'll see what she says today? Happy Easter weekend everyone! My little family is going away for a couple days together and I can't wait!! Enjoy...

I have included a daybed that turns into a double and the ottoman opens up for storage - great for all those toys!

Indigo - Yes!

Those who know me, know I have a bit of obsession with Homesense. I just find the greatest things there and love the prices. Well, I may have to share that obsession with one of my other new favourite spots for home decor - Indigo! Yes, the bookstore. The secret is out on this place for a while and all it's wonderful home accessories, but what is even more exciting is the amazing sales they have. Seriously, 75% off some fantastic items. I had to share a recent example. Here are a pair of pillows I picked up there for $5 each! Yes, people, it's true and get this - that included the insert! Below are my new pillows along with some other great Indigo items I'm lusting after right now. Hmm...might swing by there after preschool drop off this morning? Enjoy!

Gold, sparkly beauties :-)

Love

And the circles go with my 'circle motif' in the dining room - totally intentional (ya right!:-)

Okay, I think this is on sale for around $6 - come on!

That spot of colour is great, love this one

This one is $3 - yikes!

 So cute

Perfect with the yellow one above :-)

Wallpaper for Powder Room

I posted a while back how it was on my 2012 "to do" list to redo our main floor powder room. I really don't like anything about it - the floor is so dark, the vanity is so ugly, the taps are dated (can you tell I don't like it!). All that being said, I haven't taken much action to change it but I noticed that every time I have someone over and they use the powder room I think about all it's "ugliness"- a sign for change! I received a bunch of wallpaper samples - which is a must! Looking online and seeing one thing can be quite different once you see it in person. Anyway, this is the one I'm leaning toward. It's fresh and fun and will allow me to accent with any colour. What do you think? Enjoy...