Ready for the Holidays

via Pinterest

And now my mind is on Christmas - well Christmas, Ryan Gosling, and nothing else...

Enjoy!

Calli

As Lovely as a Feather

Recently I've got my heart set on some gorgeous feather jewelery. I may just need to add a piece or two to my Christmas list.

Quill Ring via Etsy

Stackable Rings via Pinterest

Pendant via Pinterest

 

Bracelet via Etsy

 Leather Necklace via Etsy

I'm drooling over that bracelet (it reminds me of an id bracelet) and the long feather pendant - so lovely!

Enjoy!

Calli

'Tis the Season to be Crafty

Guess how I spent my weekend?

I was busy crafting up a storm! Which means that my bathrooms didn't get cleaned, I've got two or three piles of laundry waiting for their turn in the machine, and the grocery list didn't fully materialize into food in the fridge.

I've got a table of crafting supplies and multiple projects on the go - the true measure of a productive weekend if you ask me.

I'll be getting some tutorials together over the week to share, if I can force myself away from the glue gun and scissors. Until then this is a sneak peak. Sorry for being such a tease, I just can't help myself!

Enjoy!
Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Black Friday

I've got a special Black Friday themed post for all of you recovering from American Thanksgiving.

To start, I love this fantastic Pansy Print. It's so bold, graphic, and casually leaning against the wall...

via House & Home

The little black dress - kicked up a notch or two! So flattering, flirty, and fun!

via chrisanthemums

I'm thinking this blackboard map could be a simple DIY project. Colour in the areas you've visited to track your travels.

via Etsy

I love this silhouette art. It's simple and bold yet also detailed and colourful. Again, there's a ton of DIY potential here.

via Flickr

This graphic photograph stands out against the deep black feature wall. I'm definitely digging this entire space.

via Apartment Therapy

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

Enjoy!

Calli

Marcel the Shell

How is it possible that I did not know about this sooner!?!

Like in high-school when someone purposefully makes an inside joke to exclude you, I know I've been left out of something spectacular - and everyone else is laughing.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On is... well it's incredible and hilarious and that's all you need to know. 

I had another post planned for today but honestly everything else stopped once I watched this. Just watch it - then watch the sequel.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp
Marcel is voiced (untreated & unenhanced) by a genius named Jenny Slate
Written by Jenny Slate + Dean Fleischer-Camp

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, Two
Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp

Written by Dean Fleischer-Camp + Jenny Slate

Starring Jenny Slate as Marcel

Thanks for Anna over at Door Sixteen for (finally) sharing. 

Enjoy!

Calli

Perfection Found - Comfy Cozy

It's very chilly outside (there's snow on the ground!) and I'm getting over a cold that just won't seem to go away so, my mind has naturally gravitated towards the comfy cozy side of life.

When the weather gets crisp and there is a definite bite in the air a cozy bed is a must. This creamy bedroom and thick cable-knit blanket makes me want to crawl under the covers for a long winter's nap. 

Isn't it just dreamy?

Enjoy!

Calli

2011 Room for Color Favorites - North, South, and International

As promised, I'm back today with my favorite entries in the North, South and International categories for Apartment Therapy's annual Room for Color Contest. I'll risk sounding like a broken record to say it again: there were some really amazing rooms entered this year. So good in fact that I am a bit jealous.

As I did yesterday - each title links back to the full entry on Apartment Therapy with more pictures!

Cory's "Orange with a Kick" Room - I can't seem to get this amazing kitchen out of my mind! Those orange stripes are fantastic (just the right width and the the perfect paint hue) and they work so well with the soft gray walls and wood cabinets.

Anna & Brad's "Taste of the Rainbow" Room - This room actually received a bit of flack in the comments section, the only negative thing I saw throughout the contest. Someone was upset that the room only incorporated a bit of colour (in the bright red rug and a few throw pillows)  but I think that Anna and Brad have done a really great job mixing colour into a minimalist room. After all, this contest is for regular people with real homes and realistic budgets, not design superstars.

Alison's "Vintage-Modern Blue & Grey" Room - I apologize that this photo doesn't depict the entire room but this little corner is just too gorgeous not to share. The greenish blue walls, chevron rug, vintage coffee table and intricate window detail are all layered together to make a truly lovely space.

Jessica's "Mid Century Style" Room - Initially the mauve paint in this room caught my attention, then the deep rich flooring, and finally the cozy textiles in the rug, chair, and sofa.

Majken's "Calm Scandinavian Room" - I really thought that this would be the room to beat in the International category but as it turns out, Majken's glorious room placed 4th, less than 50 votes ahead of me. I love the slate blue wall, hanging light fixture, and colour blocked bookshelf. In the end, it just wasn't meant to be...

The International Category has closed but the leaders in all 4 US categories - North, South, East, West - have been compiled and voting is now open to select one American winner. If you want to vote, head over to Apartment Therapy. Quite a few of my favorites are still in the running which clearly shows that I have impeccable taste...

Enjoy!

Calli

2011 Room for Color Favorites - East and West

This year there were a lot of really great entries for Apartment Therapy's annual Room for Color Contest (and yes I'm counting myself as one such entry). 

Today I'm going to share some of my favorite rooms from the East and West Categories - Tomorrow I'll post North, South and International. 

Clearly there is a common mid-century modern vibe in my selections but I really can't help myself. Note to next year's entries, throw anything Eames or Teak in there and you've got my vote!

Turtle's "Rodchenko Blue" Room - I love how the deep blue walls make the room feel really warm instead of cramped and dark.  The art over the sofa adds an instant pop of colour which ties into the shelving unit and orange shell chair. 

Mark's "Bold Basics" Room - I didn't vote for Mark room simply because his colour scheme matches that of my favorite hockey team - although it would have been enough. I voted for Mark's room because it is absolutely beautiful. I love the rustic cow hide rug, simple white coffee table, Eames lounge chair, amazing art...  clearly I want to live here. 

Megan's "Woodstock Modern" Room - The architecture of Megan's home captured my attention more than anything else. The large windows and skylight let in oodles of natural light and she made smart decorating decisions as to not block this light or distract from the great views outside. Also, I am in LOVE with that coffee table and I don't care who knows!

Stephanie's "Orange & Turquoise" Room - This entertainment room is almost a bit futuristic, with that bright orange feature wall, but it works well with the paired down furniture and minimal decor. I can't imagine how long long it took to make the wood cutout for the main wall but the attention to detail is impeccable.

Cathy's "Always Sunny in Portland" Room - The art above the sofa caught my attention immediately, it ties the colour scheme together perfectly and I'd love to have it in my own home. The yellow pain is extremely cheerful and the neutral furnishings complement, instead of compete with, the walls.

I've linked the titles back to each original room so you can snoop some more.

Enjoy!

Calli

The Results are In - 2011 Room for Color Contest

Well it's all over but the crying... 

Voting for the 2011 Apartment Therapy Room for Color Contest has officially closed, at least for the International Entries - voting will begin for the US winner tomorrow. 

Although I didn't win, or even crack the top five, I'm considering my 7th place finish a success. I cleaned my house long enough to snap some good photos, put myself out there to be judged, and overall the entire contest was extremely positive. 

Thank-you again to everyone who threw their support behind me - if you haven't had a chance to check out the contest yet I really suggest popping over, there are some amazing rooms.

I'm also hoping to share some of my favorites in the coming days so stay posted. 

Happy Monday!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Lovely Lace

This week, after spotting this fabulous bag online, I decided to focus on lace and lace doilies for our regular Bit of Brilliance post. I adore the leather and lace mixture in this messenger bag -  it makes me think of Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.

via Pinterest

Doilies aren't just for your grandma's house anymore. This would be a simple DIY project to dress up some plain pillows.

via Pinterest

This lace top is a DIY project - can you believe it!?! The tutorial is online and I really want to try it - I'm always looking for tops with looser sleeves. 

via Pinterest

I think these streamers of lace hearts are so romantic! Perfect strung around a mantel at Valentines Day or in abundance at a wedding.

via Pinterest

Everyone loves a reminder of how much they are loved. These little cards, tucked into a lunch or briefcase, are sure to put a smile on your sweeties face.

via Pinterest

Enjoy!

Calli

Collectables

Love this Chalkboard Display via Pinterest

I believe that if you are going to collect something then collect it. Go for it and don't be shy. However, collections can walk a fine line between cool and weird/tacky/overdone. If you want your collection to look more modern than cluttered here are a few loose rules to help.

Collect with purpose. It's really easy to collect by purchasing every single item you stumble upon - ever. Although for some rare items this may work, in most situations you will end up with too much stuff and nothing really interesting. Instead, try and be selective and add only items that are special, unique, or have meaning.

Keep an open mind and collect what you love. So what if you haven't seen anyone else collect chewing gum? (and we all know there isn't any money in it) I believe in surrounding yourself with what you love - not what is popular or worth a lot of money.

When it comes to displaying collections I prefer them grouped together compared to spread out throughout the home. Almost anything can look cool and modern when grouped purposefully - I've seen it with Nutcrackers and those things scare me. However, when a collection is scattered all over the place people mistake the collection for clutter and think you have a weird fetish for Nutcrackers which is never good.

If you're looking for inspiration the internet is a wondrous place...

Glass Bottles - why not collect one main colour or opt for tiny antique medicine bottles?

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Old school globes naturally lend themselves to a perch on-top of white cabinetry. 

via Pinterest

When not in use, this vintage milk glass collection acts as art in a monochromatic kitchen. I don't know if I love this so much because of my soft spot for milk glass or chandeliers...

via Pinterest

The colours in these teapots work well with the rustic display. I really like that this is in the living room instead of the kitchen.

via Pinterest

Do you collect anything? 

Enjoy!

Calli

Swing Life Away

I was in Elementary school when Jeff Foxworthy came out with his series of "You Might be a Redneck" jokes. My Dad had the CD and it quickly became gospel in our house. I'd like to say we've moved onto more mature humour but lying isn't a good colour on me.

Years later, there is one joke that haunts me. According to Mr. Foxworthy, I am in fact a redneck. What's this silly joke you make ask?

"If your outdoor furniture doubles as your indoor furniture, you might be a Redneck."

Do you want to know the worst part? I've broken this rule twice. Yes, I have two chairs in my home that were designed for the outdoors. The first, a classic Solair chair that I'd keep even if I was banished to a cupboard under the stairs, and the second, a bamboo swing chair that, like a house pet, isn't acclimated to the outdoors.

I'm going to blame my chair addiction for this whole thing, it's a medical condition I swear. It doesn't help that I keep seeing images online reaffirming that what I've done is right. If everyone else is doing it...

via Pinterest

See what I mean? Cool chair, cool decor, inside, therefore it's ok, right? I must admit that the swing chairs are equally nice outdoors. If I had a porch, and somewhere to hang it, and could use it for more than 6 months out of the year, I promise I would hang the chair outside.

via pretty.little.world

via Pinterest

For now, it hangs nicely in my kitchen area on a little metal stand and I can swing while my boyfriend makes dinner which is really quite lovely.

It's also quite the conversation starter...

Enjoy!

Calli

Room for Color Contest - Update

Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I will admit that I spent a significant amount of time tracking my room's movements through the standings for the 2011 Room for Color Contest over at Apartment Therapy. 

As of right now (this very second) I'm smack dab in the middle of the standings in 8th place. Although I'm still ecstatic about being part of the contest, my competitive side is itching to move higher and higher everyday. 

In order to do that I need votes. Now I'm not really one for shameless promotion or begging but I really, really, want to win (or at least move into contention). So... if you want to throw in your support or tried but were scared away when they asked you to register I'm here to let you know that...

1. it's easier than it looks

2. you will NOT be inundated with junk email

3. the whole process should only take 30 seconds! 

To prove it I've compiled a little cheat-sheet of the process. I may have also registered a second email address to vote for myself twice... Yes, I am a bit ashamed.

Step 1: Clink this link to the contest page 

Step 2: Scroll down until you see this box and click sign in

Step 3: Choose "Register" in the top right of the page.

 

Step 4: Enter an email address, a display name, and a password. Select Register.

Step 5: Now that you are registered you just need to vote! Select the Contests link

Step 6: Select the 2011 Room for Color Contest

Step 7: On the main contest page, scroll down until you find my room. Click on it, scroll down, and "add to favorites".

Thank-you  in advance for any votes you may send my way. Also, if you have some time, check out the other rooms, some are quite spectacular!

Enjoy!

Calli

Apartment Therapy 2011 Room for Color Contest

Oh my goodness - I am so excited right now I'm practically shaking! 

Every year, Apartment Therapy holds an epic Room for Color Contest and this time around I decided to take a leap and enter. 

I'd submitted a few days ago but when I didn't hear anything right away I thought I'd been passed over. Apparently patience isn't my strength because early this morning I received an email letting me know my room had been selected!

It really is cause for celebration, especially when I think of how popular Apartment Therapy is and how many thousands of entries they have to sift through for a limited number of spots in the contest.

Since I'm outside of the US my room is in the international category and there is some stiff competition - I looked. Also, the submission has been open for weeks and I'm only now slipping in so the top rooms have been collecting votes for awhile and I need to play catch up.

Here's a sample of my entry - if you like what you see and want to check it out, including tips for using colour and how I find inspiration you can visit my submission at Apartment Therapy here. When you're there, please feel free to vote for me by "liking" my room!

The voting is open until November 21st at noon (EST). I'll let you know how it goes and thanks in advance for any votes you may pass my way.

Have a great weekend!

Calli

Lest We Forget

via

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians are asked to pause in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service.

Remembrance Day is a chance to take a moment in recognition of true bravery and sacrifice and say thank-you.

City of Vancouver Archives, item # CVA 99-155 Stuart Thomson photo

It is easy to feel removed from events that occurred decades ago, away from home. The photo above depicts the 29th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force training at Hastings Park in 1914. Soldiers, training in Vancouver, at a site were I have since taken in a soccer game and a soft pretzel...

It may mean a day off work, but today is not a holiday. It is a day of reflection, appreciation, and admiration.

Calli