my {treasured} home

Does your attic look like this?

2009-04-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

For some more attic inspiration go to Better Home and Gardens to see more pics.

Bedroom Inspiration

2009-03-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Photos from Country Living

Spring is my favorite time of year to get things freshened up around home especially in the bedroom. Buy some new linens for the bed, add some bright new colors or some fresh new accessories! I'm on my way now to look for some new bedding today!!

Stepmom house....stood the test of time!

2009-03-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Lastnight I was browsing the channels on tv and the movie Stepmom was playing....of course I've seen it before but I had to watch it again all for the house!!! I began to see that this movie made over 10 years ago and well decorated in traditional style had truly stood the test of time! Just look at the color scheme or the taste in comfy chairs, you could still buy ones just like those in the major furniture places today! I'm not sure who decorated this but kuddos to you for a job well done!

Dreamin about the country!

2009-03-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Since we are approaching deadlines and showing our home more and more, I've spent some time dreaming about country living and what it will mean to me. I've always dreamt of the cleaner air, my laundry hanging on a huge clothes line, a ranch style fence, tall wispy perennials, hanging baskets and sitting on my front porch! I couldn't exactly come up with those images today but wanted to share some decorating ideas that I think suit my country style--a little rustic, a little relaxed, a little simple and a whole lotta living! What is your country style?

a new adventure

2009-02-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

This is why I've been absent for a few weeks! We've decided to buy this home out in the country! The deal is not complete yet, we still have to sell our current home first. I've been trying to sell our home privately and I'm doing all the showings myself, it's a lot of work but in the end it's a huge saving for us. The new home is not quite complete yet and can't wait to see it finished! I will keep you updated!!!

Dining Room Art

2009-02-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

I finished hanging my art for my dining room...I originally wanted to frame botanical prints like you see in the dining room below this post, but I was unsucessful in finding ones that I could afford. So I decided to dig into my stash of fabrics and pulled out some beautiful fabric that I picked up last fall at walmart (in the ends bin for under $2) that I intended to make pillows from it, (which never happened) thankfully. My frames worked out to be just over $10 so all together it cost me under $75 bucks!!! Someday down the road money permitting I will purchase prints or b/w photos and replace the fabric but for now I love the look of them~Please visit the inspired room for more ways to live beautifully. Thanks for lookin and have a great day!

Update on Dining Room Art

2009-02-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

My art is up and tomorrow I will take a snapshot when the lighting is just right and show you all!!! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Art for the Dining Room

2009-01-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is not my dining room and I'm not sure where I got it...so sorry. I hate that I can't give credit but I still wanted to post it to show you what I'm going to attempt in my own dining room very soon. I think we all need to add some wonderful art to our dining rooms. I'm on the hunt for some botanical prints and frames., wish me luck!

Pics of my home!!!!!

2009-01-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here they are pics of the new couch!!!!! I love it! It's not a couch for fancy living rooms or the queen but it's a couch for me and the family since we do everything in this room it had to be super comfy!!! I re-used all of my old pillows for now but will invest in some new ones when I"m ready to change the coffee table and valances....for now they work. The other pics are my desk that sits behind the loveseat and my favorite chair from Pier One! Thanks for lookin!

Living Room Inspiration

2009-01-24T19:52:00.001-08:00

I bought a new couch today but I can't show you yet because I haven't accessorized my room yet. Hang in there, I'll post it soon. So for now I leave you with these living rooms from Better Home and Gardens!

Are you afraid of color

2009-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Photos Better Home and Gardens
Now that the holidays are gone and your decorations are down, do your rooms look bare and empty? Mine do seriously, I need some color to jazz them up. I am afraid of color I will admit it here on my blog. I love neutrals, but I'm going to try and add a bit of color using pillows, art work, throws. This is my only committment to color in my rooms. I might try a bold new color in my sunroom just to keep it fresh. I will show you pics when I it done!

Need some Kitchen Inspiration

2009-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Head over to this blog for some Kitchen 101 Inspiration!!!

Bench by the Door

2009-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

I'm on the hunt for a bench to put by my front door. I have one a very small and insignificant one that I used outside on my deck....no one ever sat on it until I brought it inside and set it beside the door. I only put it there to fill the space and suddenly every person that has come into our home sat down to put on their winter boots so I need to put a real one there one that won't fall apart. I found these ones from the Pottery Barn, I want an upholstered one I think...so I'm going hunting I'll let you know when I find the one!

Craft Room Ideas

2009-01-06T07:29:00.001-08:00

All Photos Country Living

I've been looking for ideas to fix up my craft space (mainly scrapbooking space) I love the idea of a big island work surface but I need comfortable chairs for my bad back. I love the idea of using authentically old pieces but can never find enough of them to work all together. I love this pics I found this morning at Country Living and feel so inspired to check out some of the second hand stores for the perfect cabinet or table top! Wish me luck!

Architectural Elements

2009-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

Photos New York Times
So another year is upon us and guess what me and the hubby are talking about, renovating! If you know us that is not a new topic in our house! We live in a modest bungalow and have been renovating since we moved here in 2005. I love this house and what we have done to it but I'm not exactly sure that I want to put more sweat and money into it. Given the economy and the housing market coming to a stand still in some places, I'm just not sure it's wise. I have always dreamed of a house with more character, something old or with architectural elements that add to the history of the home. I must be an old soul. The debate will always be should we do more to this house or find another one ...in the mean time I've found some fabulous pics of architectural elements in these homes I just had to share.

Make your home engergy efficient....it's not too late!

2009-01-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well now that the Christmas season is fully behind us...and most of us are left with at least 4 months of winter; How can we keep warm and keep those energy bills down. I was browsing over at Style at home and found some fantastic tips to do just that & and it's not too late.

To Live Simply

2008-12-31T08:17:00.000-08:00

I plan to live Simply in 2009. Happy New Year Friends!

Declutter the closets

2008-12-29T09:11:00.001-08:00

Okay so these aren't my closets and mine don't look like these either, but now is the time to start decluttering. Put away all those gifts you got for christmas and get rid of some of the stuff you don't need anymore. I found a great place for tips on getting organized click here if you want to learn more.

Safe Decoration Storage by Martha Stewart

2008-12-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to take down those decorations? Did you save the boxes that your new christmas balls came in or have some of those boxes seen better days? Well don't worry because Martha came up with a great solution using cardboard and plastic cups and a hot glue gun. Find the proper storage container to suit your needs, next heat your glue gun and glue your plastic cups to the already cut cardboard and place this inside your container and fill with your ornaments. I was pretty impressed with this idea, I think I'll give it a try this year.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

Holiday Dining Rooms

2008-12-23T13:00:00.001-08:00

Photos {Better Homes and Gardens}

Napkins Why you should care about them

2008-12-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Photos {Better Home and Gardens}
You should care about your napkins whether you are using real cloth ones or paper napkins. It is the first thing your guest sees when they sit down to your holiday table. So take some extra time today and think about sprucing up your napkins add candy canes...fresh greens...berries or even extra xmas balls. The ideas are endless and if you gather your stuff today it's one less thing you need to think of on Christmas Day. Go to Better Home and Gardens for some more napkin ideas!

Holiday Appetizers

2008-12-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Are you hosting a holiday party or dinner? Need some appetizer ideas? I'm always looking for cool but easy ideas for appetizers. I love something that isn't messy or too complicated. The trick is something you could prep in minutes the day before and refridgerate or pull out of the cupboard. I went to Country Living for these awesome ideas today!

Christmas Card Holder

2008-12-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

I bet you are wondering what to do with all those christmas cards you are getting in the mail these days. Well Martha Stewart came up with a creative solution for us! A Christmas Card Tree. Wow she does think of everything doesn't she?

Easy Craft Ideas by Martha Stewart

2008-12-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Found some easy crafts you can do with the kids before christmas...we are definately going to decorate our ginger bread houses this weekend and make some crafts! My kids love to do crafts. Just click here if you want to learn more of Martha's Craft Projects.

Christmas Dinner Menus

2008-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Photos Better Home and Gardens
Are you having company for Christmas Dinner this year? Need some awesome ideas on what to serve, well you better head over to Better Homes and Gardens for some fabulous recipes! I was just there and got some delicious ideas,,,,,but remember to try out a recipe first because it's not always good to make a dish for the first time and serve it to your guests!

White House Christmas

2008-12-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

I found these awesome pics in the New York Times of the White House, Washington D.C. I can't even imagine how beautifully decorated it could be, WOW!

Homemade Snowflakes

2008-12-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Are your kids having a snow day? or a cold day? Mine are home due to exteme temperatures up here in Canada. So I'm trying to find some cool crafts to do with them today. I found some tutorials on snowflake making over at Better Homes and Gardens just click here to check them all out!

Santa

2008-12-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

Just had to post a pic about this jolly old fella, I still believe!

Warm up by the fire

2008-12-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy Better Homes and Gardens
Just thought I would share some of these beautiful rooms I found this morning at Better Home and Gardens. I love how each mantel is beautifully decorated and adds such a warmth to each room.

A Wreath for the Mirror

2008-12-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

I saw this neat idea to dress up my mirror from Martha Stewart. I purchased the wreath and added gold ribbon to hang it! Thanks for stopping by!

Outdoor Lights

2008-12-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Photo Better Home and Gardens

A few pics of my home

2008-12-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a few pics of the finished bar/counters my husband finished this week. They are made of solid oak stained with a walnut finish and varnished with a clear coat to make them durable and shine. I put out my christmas china yesterday into my hutch. I love the bright colour it adds to my black hutch. Thanks for stopping by!

Can you live in white

2008-12-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

{Photos courtesy House Beautiful}
I was having a conversation about white with a friend recently and how white is really white....and it left me wondering can I live in a white house? I am always drawn into photos of white rooms probably because white looks so clean and crisp. I love that white can brighten up a space, but could I have a white room? I decided that white is nice but looking around my house I can't see anything white except my porcelin or my mouldings/baseboards. I like neutral colours because you can introduce any colour that you want. The question is can you live in a white house?

Need Some Tree Inspiration

2008-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

{Photos Courtesy Country Living Magazine}

I heard the other day that some people wait til a few days before Christmas to put up their trees? WHAT??? I have mine up usually by American Thanksgiving! I love trees...big trees...small trees....real trees....fake trees...outdoor trees! Thanks for stopping by!

Handmade gifts from Martha Stewart.com

2008-12-07T08:17:00.001-08:00

What a cool idea! Recycle old tea cups or ones found at a second hand store and turn them into cute candles!!! What will Martha come up with next?

8 Homemade gifts in a jar & free printable tags

2008-12-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

Check out this site I found with 8 Homemade Gifts in a jar with printable gift-tags.

It would make a great gift without spending a lot of money!

Dressing The Table

2008-12-05T07:08:00.001-08:00

Photos: Style at Home
I've been looking for ideas to dress my christmas table. I will be sitting 25 for Christmas dinner, a first for me. We have had big gatherings but not a sit down supper until this year. I've already bought my table cloths and picked up some white linen yesterday to make table runner/placemats. I'm on the lookout to create one centerpiece for 3 tables...candles...flowers....and simple placesettings. Thanks for lookin!

Great Teacher's Gift

2008-12-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

I found this great idea over at Martha.com and I think we are going to fill it with our shortbread cookies and specialty teas! Thanks Martha!

Don't Forget the Chandeleir

2008-12-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

I hung fresh greens and some sprigs of bead and stars to my chandelier just to dress it up a bit. You could hang anything to match your christmas decor like snowflakes, angels, beads, xmas balls, the sky is the limit!

Santa Bring me a little something!!!

2008-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

photo pottery barn

I sure hope Santa can fit this beautiful desk/cabinet into his bag and haul it by my house...it's all I want I promise!

Holiday Baking

2008-11-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

photo: Style at Home

Well it's that time of year again,,,time to get started on that holiday baking! I start early and freeze my cookies. I usually bake dozens of shortbread because it's a cookie that doesn't mind getting frozen. The only trouble about starting this early is I usually have to bake them again in 2 weeks so I have enough for xmas. (that's ok, at least I know they are loved) When do you start your holiday baking?

Martha's Organized Holiday Shopping Tips

2008-11-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

A few minutes saved here and there can add up. Along with our countdown, we've assembled extra ideas to ease you into the New Year.

Do the Numbers
Draw up a budget and a gift list before you shop. This will ensure even distribution (among, say, your kids or grandkids) and eliminate aimless shopping expeditions. Organize lists by category (clothing, electronics, toys), so you'll have to make only one trip to each store.

Simplify Shopping
Encourage friends and family members to set up wish lists with their favorite online retailers. You might do the same for the benefit of people buying you gifts. These services, which work just like wedding registries, are especially helpful for long-distance gift exchanges.

Tip Smartly
Put gratuities into personalized cards. Amounts vary by region and length of service. Here are some basic guidelines: cleaning person, one week's pay; newspaper carrier, up to $30; babysitter, one night of sitting, plus a gift from your children.

Know the Deadlines
Double-check that your long-distance packages reach their recipients in time. This year, Priority Mail parcels must be sent by December 20 and Express Mail items must be sent by December 22 in order for them to make it to their domestic destinations by Christmas Eve. If you prefer to use the services of a private carrier, such as UPS, December 22 is also the deadline, although you will have to pay an extra fee for Saturday delivery.

Look Good, Feel Good
Carve out some quiet moments for your self during the frenetic four-week stretch. For instance, you might schedule a spa visit to help rejuvenate your mind and body. Or make an appointment to have your hair done. You can also arrange these activities with friends you otherwise might not get a chance to see.

Don't Forget Pets
If you normally groom them yourself, this may be the time to hire a professional. Those that make house calls save you even more time.

Work Together
Organize a party with friends to tackle a big holiday task, such as baking cookies and wrapping presents. Expeditions to cut down the Christmas tree are also fun in a group.

Tend the Bar
Take inventory of liquor-cabinet staples, including tonic water and other mixers, and restock those that are running low. Also chill a few bottles of Champagne, as the best holiday fetes are often spontaneous.

Keep Bows Neat
Start wrapping presents early, but add ribbons, bows, and tags later (label gifts with sticky notes so that you don't forget who gets what). Unadorned boxes are stackable and, as a result, will be easy to store and transport.

Eliminate Clutter
Sort through clothing, toys, and household wares, identifying those items that are in good shape but that you and your family no longer use. Box them up and give them to a local charity organization.

Fly Lightly
When traveling for the holidays, lighten your load by purchasing gift cards rather than bulky presents. If you must bring gift-wrapped items, package them in such a way that airport security will be able to examine the contents; a box in which the top and bottom are wrapped separately, with a card and the ribbon tucked inside for attaching later, is one option.

First Published: December 2006 Martha Stewart

Deck The Halls or the Living Room

2008-11-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here is my living room all ready for Christmas. Well almost we just need to get some presents under that big old White Pine! Thanks for looking!

Dress the Mirror

2008-11-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

I found this neat idea while I was browsing through Martha's website yesterday. I am going to dress up my mirrors this year. I love the wreath on this one, although I might try a gold leaf wreath on mine. I'll show you when I'm all done! Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating today!

2008-11-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

[pottery barn]
I loved the idea of a chair that suited a summer or winter season and this one did exactly that. This can be purchased from the Pottery Barn!

Decorate the Bedroom

2008-11-25T08:54:00.001-08:00

Will you decorate your bedroom this holiday season? I've actually never thought about it myself but love what these bedrooms look like from Country Home Magazine. they are simply sweet.

Fresh Greens for my Front Porch

2008-11-24T14:24:00.001-08:00

I got some fresh greens onto my front porch this weekend! Okay I know it's not an actual porch but I love to imagine having a porch someday! We might even add a veranda the full length of the house. Hey a girl can always dream! Now get out and grab some fresh greens to your front door/porch!

Wish I had a staircase.

2008-11-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

[Country Home]

Oh I wished that I had a staircase like this one, I would hang my stockings on it too. I just love a banister draped with fresh greens like cedar and pine. I picked up some fresh greens this weekend and filled my erns on my front porch. I will show you tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by.

Real or Artificial

2008-11-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

[Country Home]

We are hoping to get a real tree this year, but I'm torn with the ease of my artificial. I love the fresh smell of a real tree but wonder if all the needles are worth it. What will you be putting up this year?

Start with Lights

2008-11-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

I found this pic this morning when I was looking for pics of Christmas Trees, it's somewhere near Olympic Park. Unsure who took it either! I love how they captured how the lights framed each tree but still looked magnificent all together. Going to do my Christmas lights outside this weekend.

Time to think Christmas

2008-11-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

[Pottery Barn]
Well I know some of you are still thinking Thanksgiving especially our American Friends but up here in the North we are thinking Christmas! At least starting too, I spent part of my day rearranging my living room, trying to decide where to put the tree this year. I think I might have a spot picked out, we will see what Hubby says when he comes home from work tonight anyway. I found this beautiful ornament on the Pottery Barn website today and I might just order one for each of us. I like to personalize ornaments but still have something gorgeous to hang on the tree.

Welcome

2008-11-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog! I started this blog with my intention to post everything I love about decorating, design, and my treasured home! Thanks for stopping by and I'll be posting very soon!