Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Hibernate with Me! It’s Time for #ProjectManCave!

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Baby, it’s cold outside… okay, I know I’m just being a diva. It’s not that cold. But it’s not 28°C either, which is the weather forecast for Orlando, Florida today.

(Is there a time machine that transports your entire home to a sunny destination for 6 months?)

The thing is, as much as I detest the icy temperatures, I do love living in Canada. It’s the people; the rich mix of cultures; the opportunity to achieve your life goals. And for hypochondriacs like myself, the free healthcare is a bonus, too. But with the good, there’s always a bad, right?

It’s called Canadian winter. And even though I’ve had 35 frigid seasons to get accustomed to the climate, I’m not (and will never be) a snow bunny. In fact, I truly believe that great Grizzly Bears of the true north have it right: When the Weather Isn’t Great, You Hibernate. (Disclaimer: no grizzly has ever uttered these words.)

And if you’re going to hibernate, you’d best hibernate in style! Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so pleased to announce a cool little renovation I’m undertaking with The Home Depot Canada – it’s #ProjectManCave! This fall, in preparation of the cold temperatures ahead, I’ll be turning my basement from a play date dungeon to a dream Man Cave.

“Man caves have multiple purposes: they are a place to be alone, to be away from women and from female sensibilities, to indulge in hobbies, and to hang out with male friends. It is, loosely, a male-only space to retreat to watch sports matches, or play video games. Some psychologists claim that a man cave can provide refuge from stressful surroundings and be beneficial to marriage.” (Source)

Okay, so I realize that right about now you may be thinking, “What gives, Lena? Why would you possibly be so excited about a space that takes your man away from you?”

Well folks, it’s simple. Have you met my husband? He’s likely the most metrosexual man I’ve ever encountered. Yes, that’s him on the right, modelling one of his favourite fashion finds. Yes, he asked me to take the photo. Yes, he asked me if his hair looked okay.

He’s wearing a William Rast blazer we found in the States at a great price. Since the fabric and fit is half sweater, half blazer, he officially dubbed this article of clothing “The Swazer”. NOW do you understand the extent of his metrosexuality? No normal “dude” could come up with a description like that.

Hence, when I use the term “Man Cave” – what I’m really envisioning is a posh, contemporary-designed basement where I’ll love to kick back and entertain the girls, too! I honestly couldn’t be happier to help create a space for my husband. Fact: he has better taste than I do.

The best part? ALL of our small renovation needs can be found at The Home Depot Canada! From shag rugs to wine coolers, bathroom vanities to electric fireplaces, it’s so simple to rejuvenate a space on a budget. I always say that it’s the small changes that bring about BIG results – like a boldly painted feature wall, an artfully arranged play area or a clean, modern powder room.

Stay tuned – I’ve taken some pretty scary “before” photos right after a recent play date. Let’s just say that my husband and I are looking forward to reclaiming the basement as our own! The sea of toys is about to break us.

In the meantime, how can you get your own #ProjectManCave going before the winter sets in? Well, I recommend grabbing this gorgeous HAMPTON BAY Danstan Wall Mount Fireplace.

The Danstan adds sophisticated ambiance to any room with its modern black frame and wide glowing ember bed. The tempered front glass provides an astonishing reflective surface, beautifully showcasing the patented flame technology, bringing your room to life. Retails for $299.00 and is sold online and in-store.

And now, I’m off to The Home Depot Canada to see about a little paint for my feature wall. (This week only, November 7th – 13th, buy one 3.78L can of BEHR paint and receive $10 off via mail-in rebate.) Building a cave has never been so much fun! Follow #ProjectManCave on Twitter to keep up with my home renovation.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Lena

      Ha! I think he meant for that! And yes, I’m irrationally happy about this project because I know that I will get fantastic use out of the man cave :)

  4. loriag

    Great post, lots of smiles from me with this one. I think your man is going to do a fab job with the space.

  6. Doris Calvert

    I love to see reno’s and can’t wait to see the man cave! If my husband dressed like that I would trust him but not mine, omg no it would be a disaster!

  7. Darlene Schuller

    lol only a guy could come up with swazer! I’m sure the end result will be fun and amazing! Enjoy!

    • Lena

      My basement is gorgeous… just HELLA disorganized and filled with toy clutter! I can’t wait to get it under control!

  10. Allie

    SWAZER Hmmmmmm makes me want to make a new word too so here is one for your reno the “mave” Hehehe have a great weekend !! Cant wait!! maybe your husband can wear his SWAZER in the new MAVE…. :)

    • Lena

      Ooooh… the “mave”… catchy! And I’ll make sure to get a picture of him rocking his swazer there, hahaha!

  11. Judy C (Cowan)

    Can’t wait to see the final result! Love that fireplace! Love the term Swazer…lol…some hubby you got there!!!

  14. Flora M

    Swazer sounds like something I would come up with !! Good one !!

    Can’t wait to see your “before” and “after” pictures of the project :) Maybe instead of calling it a MAN-cave you should call it a FAM-cave (or more appropriately in your case a GLAM-cave).

    Wish I didn’t rent, I would SO love to create a “GAL-gave” in my basement …

  15. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    we just put in a woodstove in our basement now to renovate it. probably will get done in 10 yrs lol

  16. Soozle

    Swazer :) Love it! Your hubby has pretty good style – but he has to to keep up with his lovely wife (and fashion consultant!) :)

    Very much looking forward to seeing the before and after!

  18. MLV

    oh this is going to be fun! i like what you did with your office. i can’t wait to see the finished man cave!

  19. Flora M

    To go with the “Swazer”, I saw a “Swacket” in a “deals” email today (sweater jacket) LOL Funny how when I saw it the first thing that popped into my head was your hubby’s “Swazer” :o)

  20. Emilia

    Home depot people are great, they always answer my questions with my home renovation needs. I would wear a swazer too

  21. Tenille

    I adore your husband, not quite the polar opposite of mine but likely what mine would be had a certain profession not intervened. When I met him? Le Chateau’s best customer.

    So I get it! I can’t wait to see what this classy, posh, man cave ultimately looks like in the end!

  25. kathy downey

    I so love reading your posts and all the amazing and funny comments,it really brightens my morning coffee!!