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

November 7, 2013 By Lena

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.

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #ProjectManCave, small renovations, The Home Depot Canada

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tricha

    November 7, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    The Swazer! Your husband is so cool. Can’t wait to see the end result.

    • Lena

      November 7, 2013 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks Tricha! He’s really proud for coining the term :)

  2. @ParentClub

    November 7, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    “Swazer” is now forever burnt into my brain!

    Sounds like the mancave might turn into the grown-ups-cave. Can’t wait to see the reveal!

    • Lena

      November 7, 2013 at 7:36 pm

      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 :)

  3. Tracy@Beauty Reflections

    November 7, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    AHAHAHAHAAHAHAAAAAA holy The Swazer! I am cracking up here! SO FUNNY.
    Good luck with the reno!

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks Tracy! I feel like he should trademark it or something.

  4. loriag

    November 7, 2013 at 8:22 pm

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

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks so much! I trust his judgement!

  5. Athena

    November 7, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Haha what a great term

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      :) All his idea!

  6. Doris Calvert

    November 8, 2013 at 2:04 am

    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!

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Hahaha well I guess there are benefits to being married to a metrosexual!

  7. Darlene Schuller

    November 8, 2013 at 9:33 am

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

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks Darlene – we’ve already had so much fun getting it prepped!

  8. Debbie Bashford

    November 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

    no basement no man I will have to live vicariously through you for this one

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      I will do my best to make it vicariously awesome :)

  9. angie smith

    November 8, 2013 at 10:52 am

    can;t wait to see how it turns out!! my basement is HELLA scary lol

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:16 pm

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

  10. Allie

    November 8, 2013 at 11:29 am

    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

      November 8, 2013 at 3:16 pm

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

  11. Judy C (Cowan)

    November 8, 2013 at 11:38 am

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

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      He’s a keeper :) Yes, we grabbed that EXACT fireplace, and it’s gorgeous!

  12. Anne Taylor

    November 8, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I can’t wait to see the results of the man cave from the man who wears a swazer! lol

    • Anne Taylor

      November 8, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      man cave, swazerfied

      • Lena

        November 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

        Hahaha love it! Stay tuned!

  13. Teresa Claire

    November 8, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    You had me at…swazer!! Such a funny post!

    • Lena

      November 8, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks Teresa!

  14. Flora M

    November 8, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    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 …

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:36 am

      Oh MY GOD. I LOVE GlamCave! Though I’m sure my hubby will object :)

  15. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    November 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm

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

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:36 am

      Hahaha we’re slow with home renos too :)

  16. Soozle

    November 9, 2013 at 6:49 am

    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!

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Aw, thanks Soozle! Working on getting the “before” shots up this weekend!

  17. Marissa

    November 9, 2013 at 7:33 am

    Good luck with your man cave project. Can’t wait to see the before and after pictures.

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:37 am

      You bet, Marissa! Thanks for following along!

  18. MLV

    November 9, 2013 at 11:24 am

    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!

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Thanks MLV!

  19. Flora M

    November 9, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    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)

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:37 am

      HAHAHA Love it! I need to see a picture of this “swacket!”

  20. Emilia

    November 9, 2013 at 9:40 pm

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

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:38 am

      LOL, I agree about Home Depot folks being great. I LOVE my local Home Depot!

  21. Tenille

    November 10, 2013 at 10:33 am

    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!

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:38 am

      Le Chateau’s best customer? LOVE it! And yeah, we’re working on making it classy and posh!

  22. Victoria Ess

    November 10, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I can’t wait to see the finished man cave! That fireplace is so swanky!

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:39 am

      Thanks Victoria, we love it!

  23. Amy Brown

    November 14, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Swazer! I’m dying! ha ha

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:39 am

      Happy to give you a chuckle, Amy!

  24. Jan

    November 14, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    where will you put the kids now?

    • Lena

      November 16, 2013 at 11:39 am

      Oh they’ll still have their own area!

  25. kathy downey

    March 2, 2016 at 12:08 pm

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

  26. kathy downey

    August 29, 2017 at 10:55 am

    The Swazer! I think that name could stick !

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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