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Decor

DIY Photo Gifts: Totally Unexpected, Totally Awesome

July 13, 2015 By Lena

Until recently, when I thought of “photo gifts”, the first thing that came to mind was the dreaded, oh-so-predictable photo mug.

If you work in an office setting, I’m sure you’ve seen one (or fifty) of them; a faded wraparound photo featuring (most often) a child or a family. Sometimes, you’ll find the words “World’s Best Dad” emblazoned across the top, and in time, the image will wash out to resemble an abstract watercolour.

It’s time to think outside the photo mug.

Introducing Staples Photo Gifts. Full disclosure: yes, they have photo mugs. But they also have totally unexpected, totally awesome photo gifts that are perfect for family, friends or just because!

Here are my faves:

Canvas (Full Photo Wrap): Create an eye-catching work of art by printing your favourite photo on a canvas print. Your photo will be printed on archival quality stretched canvas and comes ready to hang. This canvas is Full Photo Wrap with your image wrapped around the edges.

iPhone 6 Case: Protect your iPhone 6 in a stylish way with a mobile case decorated with a fun photo. Cases are made out of form-fitting plastic and feature your selected photo on the back, printed from edge to edge.

Mousepad: Keep a treasured moment at your fingertips with a personalized photo mousepad. This mousepad measures 7.5″ x 9″, and is made with a non-slip black foam rubber bottom and a comfortable cotton top. Your photo is printed edge to edge across the top.

But if you REALLY want to think outside the box, may I present… the Photo Puzzle.

Recently, we visited Walt Disney World. And one of the boys’ favourite attractions was the brand new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Well, upon exiting the ride, a very life-like recreation of Snow White’s cottage is situated in the background. Ryder and Reid insisted on posing for a photo, and even rushed to check the camera display after the picture was taken. They loved it.
DSC_0955aI began thinking about ways I could immortalize the memory for them, but simply printing a copy of the photo seemed rather uninspiring. And then it dawned on me; I could combine one of their favourite past times with one of the their favourite memories by creating a photo puzzle! Eek – it was so perfect!

With Staples Photo Gifts, you can choose from a 30 or 110-piece puzzle. Since the boys are skilled puzzle enthusiasts, I settled on the 110-piece version. Simply upload your photo, perform any necessary edits or cropping, et voila! Your photo gift can be shipped free to your home (free shipping on orders over $45) or you can opt for in-person pickup at a Staples Copy & Print Centre near you. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Copy & Print, Staples, Staples Photo Gifts, vacation memories

Patio Perfection? It’s Possible with The Home Depot

July 7, 2015 By Lena

I want to have it all.

I want a gorgeous outdoor dining set that’s functional, stylish and ever-ready to entertain guests for a scrumptious barbecue feast on any given weekend.

I want a modern, luxe outdoor sofa set that reflects my personal style and preference for quality finishes, allowing for relaxation and friendly conversations, wine glasses in hand.

And I want to have them both in a suburban backyard with limited space. Crazy, right?

But who says I can’t have it all. I can – and I do – courtesy of a little shuffling on my part and this stunning Settina 9pc Estate Collection from The Home Depot Canada.
DSC_1077I’ve been working on turning my backyard into an oasis for some time now. First, we designed a stamped concrete patio and furnished it with a beautifully intricate outdoor dining set from The Home Depot. Next, I adopted a green thumb, and with the help of a foliage master, created a mini garden to flank either side of the patio. My backyard retreat was finally coming together! It was just missing one thing: a place to stretch out and relax. However, given the limited size of our patio, I was unclear about my options. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, outdoor living, patio furniture, The Home Depot Canada

Planning Your Next Kitchen? Create Your Style Board Today.

June 30, 2015 By Lena

We know it’s the heart of the home; the place everyone naturally gravitates towards to connect with one another. And, we also know that appliances are not the sexiest purchase you’ll ever make.

However, when planning your next kitchen, I just have one question for you:

What do you envision?

Do you love contemporary or classic materials? Will it be airy and open concept, or quaint like a country farm house? Should you opt for crisp, stainless steel appliances, or stick with tried-and-true (and now, trendy) white? And most importantly – will you undertake the renovation yourself, or trust your transformation to a professional?
panasonic_kitchen-whiteWhether your next kitchen is months or years away, it’s always important to create a style board. Style boards are a jumping off point; their purpose is to evoke the feeling of the project (color palette, design, layout, etc) and provide inspiration for mixed media. Wondering where to begin? The design experts at Panasonic Cooking’s Your Next Kitchen are here to help!

Design your dream kitchen by selecting your favourite swatches from paint, backsplashes, appliances and more. Here you’ll be able to mix and match colours, textures and finishes to suit your tastes and preferences. Or, you can select a preset style: choose from Contemporary, Eclectic, Modern, Traditional or Asian.

Are you Eclectic?
nexykitchenI must admit, there’s just something about the combination of yellow paint and subway tile that speaks to me. And that’s why I love the preset styles – I can browse through combinations of colours and materials that I may not necessarily come up with myself. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: decor, kitchen appliances, Panasonic, Your Next Kitchen

The New Way to Shop for Sleep.

May 24, 2015 By Lena

Apologies in advance if I blow your mind, but some mental readjustment is necessary.

Think about your last experience shopping for a mattress. (Can you think that far back? It’s not something you do often, I know.) Chances are, you were confronted with the following dilemmas:

1. Which brand/ model of mattress. This brand promises 50% more support! That brand has a nuclear-tech lining. It can all start to sound so gimmicky… am I right?

2. Why the heck are mattresses so expensive? I mean, yes, a good night’s sleep is *technically* priceless, but sometimes the price of a mattress is *actually* $3,000…

3. Ahem, how will I get this thing home? (I’m not really into the whole mattress roped to the top of the car thing.) Oh, okay – now I just need to pay outrageous home delivery fees, for my gimmicky, overpriced mattress.

It’s no wonder Canadians rarely replace their mattresses, often waiting until they reach sinkhole-like proportions before being inspired into action. (I count myself in this group.) Recently, however, I was turned on to a new way to shop for sleep.
GoldenRetriever_alt (2)Introducing Endy Sleep. Beautifully crafted, affordable mattresses delivered directly to your door in a compressed, easy-to-move box. (Rest assured, this is the future of mattress buying.) …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: direct buy, endy sleep, foam mattress, mattresses

Simple Steps to Mini Garden Success with The Home Depot

May 21, 2015 By Lena

You know how some people have a green thumb? I have a black thumb. The black thumb of foliage death. And for years, I avoided any mention of gardening, flowers, landscaping… you name it. In fact, if it wasn’t for Frank Ferragine and his deviously straightforward advice, I probably would have been garden-less for yet another year.

I was peer pressured by Frankie Flowers, folks. Peer pressured!

He said I could totally do it. He offered simple steps. He recommended the right products to get the job done. And he gushed how it would turn into a family tradition that my boys would cherish.

He was right, of course. And as a member of The Home Depot Canada #HDBlogSquad, I was more than up to the task.

Sad, clay-packed flower beds? Check.
Overgrown grass and weeds? Check.
Patches of death on the lawn? Check.

A mom with an award-winning garden and penchant for landscaping? SECRET WEAPON.

Oh yeah, I enlisted the big guns. I called mommy and asked her to spend a day gardening with us. And why not? If we’re going to turn this into a family tradition, it might as well be a multi-generational tradition.

First things first. I picked Frank’s brain. Yep, I had a chance for a Q&A with the gardening guru himself! And I’ll be frank (pun intended), he is a master at his craft. Easy-to-follow, succinct and relevant advice – with product recommendations – that turned what I once considered an ordeal into a fun day outdoors.

Introducing… our very anti-climatic flower bed. Sans flowers, of course.
DSC_0968Yeah, that’s what we had to start with, times two. When we first designed our patio, I envisioned gorgeous flower beds filled with bright colours on each side… but I never realized that dream. Because I’m lazy. And don’t know what I’m doing. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, Frankie Flowers, garden, Home Depot Canada

Is it Time for an Upgrade?

April 28, 2015 By Lena

There are things I upgrade all the time.

My cell phone. My handbags. My hi-lites, patio cushions and iTunes collection.

I love to be on the up-and-up of the newest technology, the latest trends, and of course, the most sought-after products of the moment. It may not be your cup of tea, but that’s what makes everyone different, right?

But, how often do you upgrade your small appliances – like vacuums? Conventional wisdom says, “As long as it’s working, why do you need a new one?” And I’m not here to find ways to empty your wallet; rather, let’s have a congenial discussion on some of the reasons you’d want to make the investment.
dysonTime. Older technology small appliances like humidifiers, fans and vacuums often take longer to get the same job done. How many times have you pushed a hand vacuum over the same area multiple times, or cut the same area of lawn twice? While it’s tempting to make do with an older product, the smartest thing to do is place a value on your time spent. What could you be doing if you weren’t fussing with an inferior machine?

Performance. Closely related to time, the performance of a small appliance is one of the main reasons consumers tend to upgrade in the first place. Imagine if we all used manual washboards, or made coffee with a French press! With technological advances comes improvements in performance and automation. And when a product performs well, your quality of life improves. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Cinetic science, Dyson, Dyson Cinetic DC77 upright vacuum, small appliances

Celebrate with a #housie and WIN!

April 16, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following contest is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority in their province. See complete rules here. 

My first home was actually a mansion.

It was modern, with three floors and spacious rooms. And unlike my present home, it came almost fully furnished… but the husband was sold separately. (And the place was pink – did I mention that?) It was the Barbie Dream House, of course.

At one point, I wondered if my perception of a “dream home” would be skewed by a plastic toy from the 80’s. Would I need the picket fence and three-car garage? Should all homes come with a private elevator? Thankfully, when I set foot inside my brand new abode – complete with furniture I worked to purchase, and a husband I worked to put a ring on it – I was completely, utterly in love. And that’s when I realized that when a home is YOURS – whether it’s a new home you’ve purchased, the first condo you’ve rented, or the forever home you just can’t bear to leave – THAT’s your dream house.

Love your home? Why not show it off with a #housie?

You may have caught the hashtag on Twitter or peeked inside homes on tdhousie.com. Here, you’ll find home owners from across Canada celebrating their favourite rooms and outdoor spaces, showcasing their personality, decor, and of course, what makes their space unique!
11088406_10153812148299126_23929010960894144_nSo, how do you take a #housie? It’s simple!

1. Record a 360° video selfie of your home (or outdoor space)

2. Keep your video short — no more than 15 seconds

3. Share it to Twitter or Instagram to join the TD #housie tour (make sure your account isn’t private)

4. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #housie (otherwise it might not show up in the tour)

5. Go to tdhousie.com to see your #housie, enjoy the #housie song, and celebrate all the amazing places we call home

Check out the full guidelines so you can be sure to be included in the #housie celebration.

Still sitting on the fence? Here’s a little inspiration – I’ve got FIVE (5) $200 Amazon.ca Gift Cards to give away to readers who upload their #housie before April 30th! Simply follow the instructions above and share your #housie on Twitter or Instagram. Then, copy the status link and paste it in the comments section of this blog post so we can check it out! …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #housie, home decor, home tour, TD Canada

Your Spring Reboot

April 9, 2015 By Lena

Hello, April… so nice to meet you. It’s time to sit back, reminisce about the long, cold winter, and look forward to a fabulous new season. And since we’re already more than a week in, how about some of that warmer weather that’s been promised to us?
promo-april15-homepagesI know, I know – patience is a virtue. But after that long (really long) winter we just survived, you can’t blame me for wanting to press “fast forward” to summer! However, just before the season arrives, there are few things that we’ll need to do:

1) Spring Cleaning. Ugh! My least favourite part of the reboot. Each spring, I rediscover the same things about myself; I am a hoarder, I am disorganized, and I am particularly lazy when it comes to dusting shutters. Spring cleaning is bad for my self-esteem!

2) Winter Spoils. My stamped concrete driveway is a little worse for wear after road salt from our boots has had its way with the porous material. Similarly, my roof’s shingles have seen better days… perhaps being blanketed with cold snow for five months+ will do that. Taking inventory of the items that need to be refurbished and repaired is necessary to ensure your home stays beautiful (and functional).

3) Summer-Proofing. We’ve waited SO LONG for the warm weather to come… you definitely want to make sure your home is ready for summer. Each spring, in addition to replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms, replacing outdoor bulbs and clearing your gutters, have you ever considered purchasing a Protection and Maintenance Plan for your air conditioner and/or heater? Here’s my story. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: air conditioners, heaters, home, Reliance Home Comfort

Celebrate Your Abode with a #Housie!

April 6, 2015 By Lena

It’ll be eight years since we moved into our first home… and when given the choice to love it or list it, we ALWAYS love it.

The serial re-decorator strikes again! This time, I’ve made over my sitting room into a place I can unwind and relax when the boys are in bed… and let’s face it, since “unwind and relax” are rarely in my vocabulary, I enjoy every moment!

Do you love your home? Join the celebration of new homeowners! Share your own #housie.

So, how do you housie? Simply Record a 360° video selfie of your new home (or outdoor space). Keep your video short — no more than 20 seconds! Then share it to Twitter or Instagram to join the TD #housie tour. I tried several times, unsuccessfully, to capture both myself and the sitting room in my iPhone frame, but in the end I had to let my house shine and popped in for a cameo.

(Don’t forget to include the hashtag #housie – otherwise it might not show up in the tour!)

Go to tdhousie.com to see your housie, enjoy the housie song, and celebrate all the amazing places we call home.

As for my next project? We’re working on a few things simultaneously – the laundry room, the backyard, finishing up the front and creating a new office space in our loft. Remember, it’s never boring Chez Lena!

This video and post is sponsored by TD, though my opinions and thoughts as always are my own.

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #housie, home decor, new home, TD Canada

Start Spring in Style with The Home Depot Canada!

April 2, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Is it Spring yet? I know, *technically* on paper, the cold weather should be on its way out. Should be.

Alas, with the dreaded snowflake icon still showing up on my weather apps, I’m not holding my breath. So I’m doing my part to ensure I get my daily dose of seasonal goodness, and today, that includes sharing the latest Spring styles from The Home Depot Canada!

With warmer weather comes excitement for sunshine, backyard BBQs with friends and family, and enjoying the great outdoors. But before we can revel in our limited taste of the tropics, an outdoor refresh is in order! Spring is a time to prep the garden, clear the backyard and start planning your outdoor oasis – and The Home Depot Canada has everything you need to get started. From décor and outdoor power to live goods, a local associate can offer tips and tricks to help you prepare for the warmer weather.

Here are my picks for the season:

Whether you’re outfitting the ultimate man cave backyard, creating a contemporary patio or styling a small space, The Home Depot Canada is a one-stop shop for creating your perfect patio oasis.
Corliving Oakland 4 piece Patio Lounger lifestyleCorLiving Oakland 4-Piece Patio Lounger Set (Price: $1520.00). This stylishly comfortable lounger set is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. The cleverly designed chairs are practical with weather-resistant fabric and a robust steel frame that is UV-resistant, durable and easy to care for. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: backyards, Home Depot Canada, outdoor living, spring decor

Your Next Microwave

March 3, 2015 By Lena

It’s not the sexiest purchase you’ll ever make.

Heck, it’s not like you’ll tell your husband this weekend, “Let’s go look at some microwaves!” And when you do buy one, you may not have been anticipating the purchase – often, the only time one shops for a new microwave is when they have to suddenly replace or upgrade their current model.

However, at some point in your lifetime – maybe even sooner than you think – it will be time to buy a new microwave. And today, I’m here to introduce you to your next microwave.
DSC_0606It’s funny. Before I fell in love with my Panasonic Genius Prestige Plus Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, I didn’t give the appliance the respect it deserves, nor did I try to be particularly creative or daring in the foods I prepared. In fact, for the most part, my prior relationship with a microwave included the one and only “reheat” function.

FYI: It would be a shame to only reheat in a Microwave with Inverter Technology.

Oh, you can reheat. But you can also select from one of nineteen cooking settings, or let the microwave do the thinking for you. With Sensor Cook, built-in sensor technology lets you cook food automatically – with no need to set the power level, food weight or cooking time.

Did I just blow your mind? …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: kitchen appliances, microwave, Panasonic, review, Your Next Kitchen

I’m Part of a Squad. A Home Depot Blog Squad. Fabulous!

February 19, 2015 By Lena

It’s no secret that I’m a little less DIY (“do it yourself”) and a little more DIFM (“do it for me”). And there’s no shame in that! I am happy to keep contractors gainfully employed, and with every home reno and small room makeover we complete, we get a little more confident… a little more creative… and a lot more willing to take on bigger projects.
B-OdvBqCMAAGpIDOf course, taking the time to complete a room facelift or renovation is 50% ability, and 50% inspiration! And as part of the very first Home Depot Blog Squad, I am thrilled to be in the company of some of the most inspiring design and decor bloggers in Canada.

Together, we’ll be tackling small reno projects – with products and advice from Home Depot Canada – and working to encourage YOU to take on some projects of your own. Let’s just say that you can do it, and we can help.

Today, I’d love to share some of the home decor and design projects that have been happening behind the scenes by the #HDBlogSquad.

Tim Lam of Design Maze
Shannon Acheson of AKA Design
Brittany Stager of My Daily Randomness
Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators

And… moi! Okay, so I don’t have my small reno project available *just yet*. Between our recent family vacation and a tiny (really, super tiny, like minuscule) plumbing fiasco, we are a bit behind schedule for a laundry room “facelift”.

(Can a laundry room be pretty? I’d like to think so! And trust me, I’m working to make the most of the tiny cell that has been zoned for laundry purposes on our second floor. You can look forward to my reno in the coming weeks!)

In the meantime, check out the DIY’s above, and be sure to follow the #HDBlogSquad hashtag on social to stay on top of our exploits.

Are you currently working on any home renos? Do tell!

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, DIY, home decor, Home Depot Canada, small renovations

Your Next Kitchen!

January 29, 2015 By Lena

It’s the heart of the home; the place everyone naturally gravitates towards to connect with one another. It reflects your personality and your flavour for life, and does much more than offer a place to create nourishing food – it nourishes your soul.

It’s your kitchen, of course.

For generations, kitchens have replaced living rooms as the nucleus of the home. Whether amongst family or entertaining for a crowd, people assemble in the kitchen to create lasting memories. Like stirring brownie batter with your mom… or watching your dad make Sunday morning pancakes. I can honestly attribute some of my happiest moments to time spent in this very special place.
panasonic_kitchen-whiteAnd today, kitchens need to be both functional and fashionable. They should reflect your personal style, take advantage of your space and incorporate appliances that fit your lifestyle. However, planning a kitchen renovation (or building a new kitchen) can be overwhelming.

What defines your style? How should you plan your layout? And most importantly, what are the top in-store appliance decision considerations?

Introducing Your Next Kitchen, developed by Panasonic in collaboration with industry experts to provide Canadians with the resources they need to create their best kitchen. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything from design inspiration to expert advice and product facts, and is a wonderful resource to guide you through your renovation journey.

CC132A04-650x450Designer Janette Ewen and Chef Craig Harding lend their expertise to assist Canadians with all their kitchen reno questions. From tips on How to Design to Ultimate Entertaining Kitchen to Designer Insights from Chef Craig Harding’s Home Kitchen, this is a website you’ll return to again and again for fresh inspiration and advice. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: decor, design, DIY, Panasonic, Your Next Kitchen

Did Canadian Tire Save Christmas?

December 25, 2014 By Lena

Psst… I received a very strange email in the wee hours of the morning – containing a few photos and a copy of a hush-hush video – and it was simply too good not to share.

I admit I’m a little nervous about posting this on my site, as it involves a certain celebrity, a stealth paparazzi, and likely a situation that a jolly ol’ PR team would like to keep under wraps. Here’s some photographic evidence of what went down last night:
IMG_9958 (1)If you’re thinking, “Gee, that looks like Santa!”… you’d be correct. And wouldn’t you know it, I spy his trusted reindeer, look less than impressed. Confused? Yeah me too. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #CTSavesSanta, Canadian Tire, Christmas

DIY: Quick Holiday Showpiece

December 16, 2014 By Lena

When it comes to holiday decor, I’ve always been a believer that “more is more”.

Oh sure, simple and streamlined works for everyday life, but Christmas only comes once a year! Hence, I revel in the splendour of the season, and that includes holiday touches at every turn.

This year, I wanted to create a simple showpiece for the fireplace mantle that could double as a table centerpiece or side table decor. And thanks to my friends at The Home Depot, I was able to find everything I needed to make a stunning display. It’s not too late to find everything you need for the holidays in-store and online at www.homedepot.ca.

First, I hung up my brand new wreath – a Home Accents 32 inch Holiday Wreath With Silver Balls. I love that it’s incredibly large with a full, thick appearance. It fills the wall over my mantle in proportion to the allotted space, making it a great investment for corner fireplaces.
DSC_0052However, that’s not the DIY – just the inspiration behind it. You see, I’ve been playing around with mixed metals – wearing a gold watch with my platinum rings, coordinating a rosegold clutch with a bronze belt. And for the most part, I am loving the look. So it’s only natural that I channeled the same inspiration for my decor, and decided to a mashup of brown, copper, silver and gold. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: DIY, holiday decor, holiday showpiece, mixed metals, The Home Depot Canada

Express Your Kitchen with Countertop Gems

December 9, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Thinking back to my wedding registry, I can divide the items I selected into three distinct categories: items I needed, items I wanted, and items that I totally, absolutely, positively lusted after.

Included in the third category? Denby Tableware.

Established in 1809, Denby has been making pottery in the heart of the English countryside for over two hundred years.

Says Denby: “We take our locally sourced clay and the expertise of our craftsmen here at Denby, and set about making some truly wonderful dishes. But we’ve not stopped there. Our design team have created some beautiful porcelain and china patterns too, working with specially selected partners, and carefully sourcing materials that are every bit as hardworking as our stoneware. And now they’ve taken their know-how from the dining room to the kitchen with our exciting cookware, glass and accessories collections.”
Denby CanadaDenby’s new Monsoon collection is filled with great pieces to bring life to your kitchen.The collection allows you to play up what your kitchen pattern says about you – with a variety of different patterns and pieces to select from, turn a drab kitchen into an eclectic masterpiece. This new collection is also the perfect hostess gift and keepsake.

The Antalya style (pictured above and below) is bright and fresh in shades of aqua and dark blue. Along with the colour scheme, the collection uses a total of four different graphic patterns called Antalya, Cadiz Turquoise, Granada, and Tangier. If you really like your shades of blue, these are the patterns to start with. Keep things traditional and simple by working in one or two patterns in simple accent pieces to a solid white collection.
Denby CanadaAlso included is a range of different materials used in each design such as ceramics, tins, textiles, glass and cork mats, bringing further options to the table. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Denby, home decor, tableware, tea collection

Shopping Traditions: William Ashley Warehouse Sale

November 17, 2014 By Lena

Published posts on the Internet don’t lie. So, when I tell you that I’ve been a loyal customer of the William Ashley Warehouse Sale for over a decade, I have the proof to back it up. Just take a gander at this post from October 9th, 2008. Yep – it was one of the first posts I’d written on my blog! And in the brief article, I raved about the mammoth annual warehouse sale, which offers household, design and décor pieces for up to 90% off retail prices.

(I daresay it’s the hap-happiest time of the year.)

A kitchen table. A floor lamp. A handful of picture frames. Dozens of Christmas ornaments and too many baking supplies to count. And my most prized purchase: a vintage-inspired credenza that belongs in a Paris salon, but is happily set up in my sitting room. These are past finds at the William Ashley Sale.

This year, the sale has moved to a larger location in Vaughan (just off the 400). The space features 30,000 square feet of shopping, with over one million items up for sale! And as always, there’s more to the sale than William Ashley’s signature china and dishware – you’ll find Christmas décor, home décor, fashion items, candles, bath toiletries – even gourmet food.

Christmas shopping, anyone?

Last Monday, I had the enviable opportunity to shop the sale while it was closed to the public.
William Ashley SaleSince it’s tradition for my mom and I to visit the sale together, she was my special guest for the day. We spent a lot of time in the china and dinnerware section, simply because regardless of whether we need it or not, no one does fine china like William Ashley. And, Couture Platinum at warehouse prices? Yeah, you can see why we lingered. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: christmas decor, home decor, William Ashley, william ashley warehouse sale

DIY with Benjamin Moore

September 9, 2014 By Lena

Normally, I don’t need a push to change things up. I am a serial re-decorator and proud of it! In fact, from year to year, we’ve changed at least one thing about our home at my insistence, whether it be re-painting the entire house, adding a backyard oasis, creating a live-in dining room or designing a man cave. It’s all me and it’s all because I thrive on change.

Think I’ve run out of ideas for my home? Ha! My husband wishes! I’ve got my eye on refinishing our second floor, cleaning out the laundry room, adding shelving to our walk-in closet and am strongly considering an enclosure for our front porch. And then, maybe I’ll give it a rest for a while.

Now the truth is, my fireplace was not on my list of things to overhaul. I mean, it’s just a fireplace, right? However, I recently came across a house listing where the living/dining area was described as having a “statement corner fireplace”. Wait a minute – I have a corner fireplace! But, it’s far from being a statement; painted in the same warm beige tone as the majority of my first floor, it actually blended into the wall with a decided lack of ambition. And that’s when I learned about Benjamin Moore’s new ben & ME promotion:

ben&ME BagFor a limited time (until October 5th, 2014), Benjamin Moore is offering exclusive ben & ME kits for just $109 (a $169 value)*. In the kit, you’ll receive:

• 2 gallons of premium paint with 1 quart for trim
• a sleeve roller, paintbrush, paint tray
• a drop cloth, paint can opener and green painters tape
• How-To Guide and even a playlist to keep you on a roll!

Perspective: for just over a hundred bucks, you’ll have everything you need to add colour vibrancy, softness, glam or interest to a room you choose. And fall is the perfect season for change! To take advantage of the promo, pop into your local Benjamin Moore Signature store or visit the Ben & Me website to find your nearest participating dealer.

I’ll be honest – I’m living a charmed life, because my father-in-law is a professional painter! And, he just happens to be a Benjamin Moore enthusiast, trusting the brand for over 40 years for all his clients. To quote him, “you can’t find a better paint.” So, of course I asked for his expertise (and his perfected technique!) when painting something as finicky as a fireplace. Consulting the ben & ME How-To Guide, he asked that I share the 3 top tips that have served him well over the years:

1) Preparation, Preparation, Preparation. Prep your walls by sanding down any lumps or rough patches first. Then use a slightly dampened sponge to wipe all the dust away (don’t forget the trim). Clean walls ensure your tape will stick, and no dust will muck up your pretty paint job.

2) Protect Your Goods. You have stuff. Some of it may even be nice stuff. You don’t want paint on that stuff. So move it, cover it and you won’t have to worry about it. Don’t forget the floors too. Drop cloths are your friend.

3) Tape Trick. Here is a master taping secret: heat seal the tape’s edge (with friction!) by running a smooth tool like your finger, a spoon or a paint stick along the edge. Heating up the sticky stuff helps it form a stronger seal against paint seepage. You don’t want paint seepage.

Without further ado, here’s our statement-less fireplace, also known as the “before” photo:

ben & MEOkay, so we had a candy jar on the fireplace. And some haphazard candles. I know, I know! But the point is, the fireplace blended into the background, so there was no point in dressing it up. Our bad. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #DIYwithBen, ben & ME kit, Benjamin Moore Canada, DIY, home decor

Urban Barn #livein: Dining Room Reveal

June 2, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

The war against the inhospitable home is complete, and a winner has been declared… it’s me, of course!

This spring, I challenged the notion of a couch condom and waged war against the blueprint. Then, with the help of Urban Barn, I redesigned my dining room into a space that we can #livein. The goal: achieving an area where we can enjoy our meals, spend time together as a family, help the little guys with homework, whip out a laptop or tablet, colour and get crafty, mix cookie dough… in essence, creating a room that is full of zest and happiness – not one that exists solely on display.

A short while ago, I shared with y’all my picks for my brand new, functional living room. And today, I’m so happy to post my big reveal! TA-DA! This is my über modern, über gorgeous and über functional dining room, courtesy of the decor gods at Urban Barn.

Urban Barn #liveinPictured Above: Chateau Extension Dining Table $1,399.00; Chateau Bench $499.00; Wylan Dinnerware Set $79.00; Sensa Candles $9.00 – $12.00; Echo Wall Clock $249.00; Vintage Pillar Candleholders $19.00 each; Ashworth Wine Rack $39.00; Miko Collection – Orange $12.00 per piece; Chateau Sideboard $1,199.00; Brigette Vases $22.00 – $36.00; Rooster Menu Board $26.00 …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

Urban Barn: Furniture You Can #livein

May 4, 2014 By Lena

Friends, as you know, I have challenged the notion of a couch condom and waged war against the blueprint. So what’s next? I need to practice what I preach, of course!

This spring, I’m pleased to partner with Urban Barn to redesign my dining room into a space that we can #livein. The goal: achieving an area where we can enjoy our meals, spend time together as a family, help the little guys with homework, whip out a laptop or tablet, colour and get crafty, mix cookie dough… in essence, creating a room that is full of zest and happiness – not one that exists solely on display.

“Homes are evolving to accommodate the ever-changing ways in which Canadians are living in their homes”, says Candice Laughlin, architecture & home design expert, Urban Barn.

Nine in ten current Canadian homeowners recently surveyed stated their childhood living space and current living space differ in some way:

– 89% consider a blend of comfort and style as the perfect décor for the living area;
– 76% prefer their family’s living space have a more ‘causal’ feel as compared to their childhood home;
– 85% value multi-purpose and multi-functional furniture in their family living space.

Multi-purpose and multi-functional furniture. YES.

So we all know that the best part of redesigning a room is choosing the furnishings, of course! Hence, before I go ahead and show you my brand new, functional living room that is totally lived in already, here are just some of the pieces that I simply couldn’t resist (photos not to scale):

Urban Barn liveinTop to Bottom, Left to Right:

Wylan Dinnerware Set, $79.00; You’re Just Like Bacon Block, $49.00; Brigette Vases, $22.00 – $36.00
Chateau Extension Dining Table, $1,399.00
Sensa Candles, $9.00 – $12.00; Echo Wall Clock, $249.00; Vintage Pillar Candleholders, $19.00 each
Chateau Bench, $499.00; Chateau Sideboard, $1,199.00
Ashworth Wine Rack, $39.00; Miko Collection – Orange, $5.00 – $12.00 per piece

I can’t wait to show you my new dining room! Stick around… I *may* just have a sweet giveaway for you!

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

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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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