Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Christmas Planters

Well after getting some inspiration from the garden centre in my last post and then getting a bit of snow, I got in the spirit to get my Christmas planters done.

I thought this year I would buy a pre-made one to save some time but in the end, I decided to once again do it on my own.  After pricing it out for the size I needed, it made more sense to do it myself.  Plus I got to be creative and I was able to call it my own.

I am very pleased with  my own creations and in less than 1 hour, I was able to make two.  Here they are...




So I hope I have again inspired you to try something new.  Thanks for the emails about the things you've created or tried...keep them coming.  If you decide to make your own planters, I would love to see your pictures.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Christmas Inspiration


Well we are a month away from Christmas and the weather has still been quite mild for November.  I was trying to get into a bit of a Christmas decorating mood the other day and decided to head to Terra Greenhouse to get some inspiration.  I was hoping to create my outdoor Christmas planters soon so away I went looking for some ideas.
Here are some pics of some of the wonderful things I saw…

These are planters they have outside the store...amazing!  Too bad they are too big for my house :)

I have the same container...I like the variety and colours they used.

Lots of poinsettas and plants to choose from

Fun and pretty Christmas tree ideas!











So much inspiration, creativity and great ideas.  There were so many things to see and absorb.  One visit just won't do - I guess I will need to go back for another visit!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Giving Back this Holiday Season

As the countdown to Christmas begins, mall parking lots are starting to get crowded, people are rushing to do their shopping while their patience and tempers seem to be tested.  This doesn’t really sound like a fun time of year does it?  As the years go by, it seems more and more that the true meaning of Christmas is being lost.  It seems more about getting the latest and greatest gadgets and spending way over people’s budgets.
Christmas really should be about spending quality time with family and friends but also trying to give back and help those who are less fortunate than us.  This year our family is trying to make a more conscientious effort to bring some joy to those in need.   Our kids have started by participating in their school’s Christmas Child program.  They placed needed items such as toiletries, school supplies and small toys in shoe boxes.  These boxes will be sent to children in need in different countries around the world.  We are also going to “adapt” a family in our community for Christmas.    We would also like to volunteer at a homeless shelter.   I think this will really open my kid’s eyes and show them how truly blessed and lucky we really are.   I am also going to inquire about making some homemade meals and baked goods and donating them to a shelter. 
If you are interested in helping others, it doesn’t need to only be through donations or money.  Your time can mean the world to someone.
Consider one of these ideas:
  • Volunteer at a homeless shelter 
  • Visit a senior at a nursing home or in a hospital.  Unfortunately there are many seniors without family who visit.  Giving a senior some of your time can bring so much joy to their day.  Just speak to the nursing home coordinator or a nurse on a long term care unit about seniors that would benefit from your visit 
  • Donate used clothing or used toys to a women’s shelter or other shelter.
Here are some agencies that you can inquire about ways to help:
If you live outside of Ontario or Canada, just search for local shelters in your area or family assistance agencies that can use your help.

Also, don’t forget about the needy animals out there.  There are many animal shelters in need of help throughout the year but especially during the holidays.  If you like to get a pet, visit your local humane society or animal shelter and consider adopting an animal.  We adopted two cats earlier this year and it has brought so much fun and happiness to our family especially our kids.  If you can’t adapt an animal, consider making a donation or bringing them needed items such as cat or dog food, used towels or blankets. 

There are many ways to give back this holiday season.  Just give it a try and see how fast you will get in a true and genuine Christmas mood this year!   Give of yourself...no other gift will compare!

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Art is good


My daughter has been taking weekly art classes at 4 Cats Art Studio in Oakville.  I have been very impressed with what she is learning and the creations she has made.  She has learned about the work of Tom Thomson and now they are learning about Gustov Klimt.  She recently finished her Tom Thomas masterpiece. 

Here she is proudly showing off her finished product.   Pretty great for a 6 year old…don’t u think?


I then had it stretched so I can hang it. I have to find a great place for it…here it is….

I would encourage anyone with kids to check out the great classes they offer at 4 Cats Art studio.  They offer camps and PA day classes.  They also have great birthday packages.  Jennifer Chung is the Curator at the Oakville location.  Check out the website here for  information on the different classes.   You can also reach Jennifer at 289-937-1788.  Tell her Donna sent you!!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Bathroom Vanities




Bathroom vanities come in so many styles, colours, shapes and sizes.  They are one of those pieces that can change a bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary!  Adding a bathroom vanity can be a weekend project and can increase the value of your property if you are looking to sell or rent.




Here are some pics of bathroom vanities that give the bathroom the “WOW” factor:
House Beautiful

Home Beautiful
House and Home
Better Homes and Gardens
House and Home 

There are many inexpensive options that can help transform your washroom.  Here are some ideas:
Costco
On sale for $159.99
Costco
$399.99
Style at home
The vanity, mirror and toilet are purchased as a set for $500 from Home Depot - Great budget friendly makeover idea! 


Home Depot
$251.00

Home Depot
$449.00

Add an inexpensive mirror, faucet and some acessories and you can transform your bathroom in less time than you think!
 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Why aren't "green rooms" Green?



I thought that "green rooms" were supposed to be green?  Well it wasn't the case on the weekend when my husband and I had the opportunity to see the Just for Laughs 2010 comedy tour featuring Jeremy Hotz.  It was a great show with great acts that included Frank Spadone, Robert Kelly, Gina Yashere, Ryan Hamilton and Bob Arno.

After the show, we were honored to hang with the comics in the greenroom.  I felt so special!!!

Me and Joe with the Just for Laughs group
From left to right..Bob Arno, Gina Yashere, Ryan Hamilton, me, Robert Kelly, my hubby Joe and Frank Spadone

Here is my husband and I in the "green room" with Jeremy Hotz ...not so green uh?....


The whole time we were there, I couldn't help myself from thinking how I would love to redecorate their greenroom.  There was so much potential to make the area more inviting and relaxing.  Ah well, silly me, it's just the home stager talking now:)  Anyway, it was a great night out.  Thank you to Shannon Murree for hooking us up!!!

If you ever have the opportunity to see Jeremy Hotz, I highly recommend it.  If you are interested in joining Jeremy Hotz's fan page, click here

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Halloween Fun

Halloween is over for another year but we had lots of fun this year.  Even though the weather was a bit chilly this year, the kids got lots of goodies to enjoy.

Me and my hubby had fun being creative with the pumpkins.  We received lots of compliments on them and some couldn't believe they were real!  Here are some shots of the amazing pumpkins...

 
pumpkin template
final product - Mad Hatter

Patrick (from Spongebob Square Pants)
I also tried out the drilled pumpkins that I had seen in magazines and websites.  They were super easy and I think they turned out great...what do you think?


Pathway lined pumpkins
 Now I need to hide the candy from the candy monsters in my house.  So away go the Halloween decorations and on to thinking of Christmas decorating.  Wow, it's only 53 days away!!!