tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40834068970982776772011-12-15T06:42:17.305-08:00akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comBlogger4961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-71581045327523220342011-12-03T11:19:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.638-08:00

It is looking like Christmas at our home and today I am sharing our dining room. We have a simple country look all year in our dining room. For Christmas decor I added greenery and natural elements, shiny and glass ornaments and candleholders, ribbons and burlap. Our dining room is visible from the front entry and open to the living room so I kept the colours and textures of our holiday decor in

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-61004282120302377182011-11-29T16:46:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.638-08:00

I had fun styling our dining table for the Christmas season.For Christmas decorating this year in our dining room and living room I am using whites, creams, browns and tans, silver and shades of blue, mixing natural elements with shiny and sparkly. These colours, along with black, are the colours we have throughout our home all year. For a focal point on our dining room pine farmhouse table I

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-83463032492373446932011-11-28T07:24:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.638-08:00

Today in #7 in my Easy Christmas Ideas series I am sharing a use for extra ornaments. Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine,

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-72726198391658527672011-11-26T13:55:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.638-08:00

We added this prize winning Charolais calf to the photo gallery in our living room. A professional photographer I am NOT, but I enjoy printing and framing photographs I have taken of our family and interests including the huge barn photo in our living room and the barn photos in our kitchen. It is not expensive original art, but I love the look and personality they give to our home. I had an 8" x

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-42715485717523748512011-11-26T05:41:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.639-08:00

I crafted a Christmas banner for today's Easy Christmas Idea #6.Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but many of the ideas

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-8945041458698894942011-11-24T13:59:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.639-08:00

Isn't this a pretty front door for Christmas and winter?It belongs to this charming salt box home in Connecticut...and the owners,  Frank and Andra Mollica. Many of you may have seen the article in Country Living magazine, or on countryliving online, but I can't help sharing it. I admire the colours, textures, and simple feel of this home so much (including the Christmas decor.)  The wall and

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-34193976067106333182011-11-20T18:40:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.639-08:00

It may not have traditional Christmas colours, but this PEACE banner is the first thing I have made for Christmas decorating this year.It is also the first indoor decoration we have in place. (Warning: Evening photos that are making my white living room walls look yellowy. I'll have to try again in daylight.)I made this PEACE banner with items I already had in my craft supplies, so there was no

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-36792627495207430562011-11-19T07:31:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.639-08:00

Thanks for stopping by this fifth installment in my Easy Christmas Series. Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~ I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but many

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-55977385922335405292011-11-16T17:41:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.640-08:00

Thanks for stopping by to see this fourth post in my Easy Christmas Ideas series. Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-66277772067462977882011-11-13T16:18:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.640-08:00

Time for part three of my Easy Christmas Ideas series.Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but many of the ideas can be

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-54215156144987451322011-11-12T06:23:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.640-08:00

Today I am sharing the second in a series of Christmas ideas.Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but many of the ideas can

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-29597030075189496042011-11-11T13:08:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.640-08:00

On this Remembrance Day, as we remember the young lives cut short in their brightest of days by war, WE WILL REMEMBER.Here in Ontario, one of our major highways is the 401, also called the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway. A few years ago a stretch of Highway 401 was also named Highway of Heroes, in honour of Canada's fallen servicemen and servicewomen. This length of highway 401 is often travelled by a

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-51999746415631299102011-11-09T15:57:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.641-08:00

Today I am sharing the first in a series of Christmas idea posts.Easy Christmas Ideas ~A series at Blue Clear Sky~I will be sharing some simple ideas for Christmas decorating using items you may already have or that you can find inexpensively. My goal is to inspire readers looking for affordable and easy ways to decorate this Christmas. Your style may be different than mine, but many of the ideas

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-86736741119161475712011-11-08T14:29:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:41:23.641-08:00

This little miss and our oldest son had a busy time at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.The photo below shows K competing in the 4-H National Junior Beef showmanship. In Comformation they won 1st place in Calf Class. It was a sea of green in the 4-H beef parade that started the competition, with youth from Ontario and across Canada showing their region or provincial signs and flags. 

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-19925762125511123592011-11-04T16:37:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.641-08:00

Can you tell where my mind is lately?I just bought my second Christmas magazine in a week, kind of a record for me : ) The Special Issue of styleathome 100+ Favourite Holiday Ideas is full of inspiration (and I have the same footed mercury glass bowl as displayed on page 20.)I took a quick trip to Milton, Ontario to visit my favourite coffee and gift shop, The Country Mile. I always stock up on

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-68780994011952421022011-11-01T15:08:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.641-08:00

Most of my readers know we are a bit farm and cow obsessed at our home, in the nicest way of course ; ) With the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair starting this week in Toronto, Ontario, I was inspired to create a dairy themed cloche centerpiece for our kitchen. We have always attended 'The Royal' (Canada's most prominent agricultural event held indoors for two weeks every November) but it is even

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-43785669909845967882011-10-30T18:21:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.641-08:00

 I know, I know, it is only Halloween, but I just had to buy this Christmas magazine.While waiting in a really loooong grocery lineup today, BHG Special Interest Publications 2011 Christmas Ideas caught my eye. A quick flip through revealed lots of pretties including the Christmas homes of diy/decor bloggers Layla and Kevin of The Lettered Cottage...Jennifer Grey of The Old Painted Cottage...

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-18660456741889143422011-10-28T14:43:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.642-08:00

The little shelves in our kitchen got another seasonal update, this time for Halloween.I kept the pumkin soup tureens and a few other things from the Thanksgiving display, and added my square Halloween plates, the black and aqua tea set, and a black battery operated lantern.The plates are Gates Ware that I bought at HomeSense two years ago. I visited quite a few HomeSense stores trying to find

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-66199163169110704872011-10-21T18:06:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.642-08:00

I don't usually have luck at the thrift store, but when I stopped in last week I found four vintage oval plates, or maybe they would be called platters.They look like restaurant ware that you might find in an old diner, but I'm not really sure. I love that they are oval and have a simple grey band around the edge. The marking on the back says 'Steelite Made in England" and they are fairly heavy.

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-56893659279934501502011-10-20T16:13:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.642-08:00

Trick or treaters will be coming to the front door in less than two weeks so I thought I had better get a start on Halloween decorating.Since our mantel in the family room is STILL not finished, I thought I would throw together a display in the living room (that you can see from the front door and window.) We would really like a large piece of furniture (bookcases, hutch etc.) for this spot but

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-22782564010799062872011-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.642-08:00

This past week I worked on two little tables that were damaged by sun and rain all summer.Waiting for some sunshine to take photos this week didn't work out so I went ahead and took these photos late this afternoon (lamps required at 3 pm, yuck!)I really liked the look of these little rattan and iron tables ($5 each at a yard sale in May) but I left them outdoors over the summer and the weather

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-87997181243571060562011-10-17T13:46:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.642-08:00

If you haven't already, you may want to go and see the Vintage Tea Collection and Winter Nesting Collection over at Jennifer Rizzo's blog. The collections are beautiful and would make awesome gifts too.Jennifer is giving away $400 worth of merchandise from her store plus an extra $100 gift certificate for jewelry. The Winter Nesting Giveaway includes: a vintage picnic basket filled to the brim

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-77921751545155070502011-10-16T08:54:00.001-07:002011-10-16T08:54:13.829-07:00

Learning with Impact

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-91465484031780822762011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.643-08:00

Our family room and kitchen share the cathedral ceiling and skylights end of our home. I showed the updates to our family room here. Rene at Cottage and Vine has a Room to Room: Kitchens happening so I thought I would update and join in. Our kitchen is long and narrow, with our free farmhouse table and chairs at the patio door end of the room. Our walls are Stone House by Benjamin Moore. I tend

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-33829807277718091732011-10-09T05:29:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.643-08:00

I took some new photos of our family room while our home was still quiet early Sunday morning.My family arrived for Thanksgiving dinner later in the day. The slipcovers are still wrinkly from a recent wash but with kids and a chocolate Lab that is the least of my worries. I just added some new frames and photos this week so the photo galleries are a work in progress.My roses seem to keep

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-34339012860873026702011-10-08T19:48:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.643-08:00

It is our Thanksgiving weekend and in between cleaning and preparing for guests I bought myself a boquet of roses. I don't usually indulge, but today I popped by our local grocery store for a few forgotten ingredients and couldn't resist. They had beautiful Fall bouquets and potted mums, but I was drawn to the simplicity and beauty of these roses.They started out in a galvanized sap pail in the

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-71958561781682460932011-10-07T03:07:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.643-08:00

We are hosting a large family gathering for Thanksgiving this weekend. The dinner will be served buffet style so I decided to add some Fall decor to the oak buffet and hutch in our kitchen.The kitchen shelves got a Fall makeover here and I continued the white, natural and orange colour scheme, this time using more whites and adding some sparkle with mercury glass votives and footed bowl.My

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-18897365393088089832011-10-06T14:24:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.643-08:00

This upcoming weekend is Thanksgiving so after work today I decided to add some Fall colour and texture to our kitchen.I love the blue and white accessories on the kitchen shelves for summer but it was time for a seasonal change. I decided on a white, brown and orange colour scheme. The old wooden spools were added for colour and their rustic patina. The orangey-yellow plate (Pier1 several years

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-45230001368926363322011-10-04T10:36:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

We enjoy visiting Farmer's Markets and the livestock exchanges in both St. Jacobs and Keady, Ontario.   I was looking for something to hang on this tall narrow wall at the cathedral end of our family room and kitchen and decided a hand painted sign would work. Simple and rustic, and reminding us of one of our favourite markets. I like how it looks with the white board and batten wall too.I tried

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-32921025734227041582011-10-02T06:30:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

Thanksgiving is next week here in Canada, and we won't decorate for Halloween until after that, but I decided to share last year's simple decor for an everything Halloween link up party.A few pots of mums, a straw bale with pumpkins, and a Halloween quilt I made a few years ago decorated our little porch for Halloween last year.Another quilt I made using fun Halloween prints was folded in half

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-82548136022101116622011-10-01T14:00:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

 I love using paint to update a room or to totally change the look of a piece of furniture.I shared this armoire work in progress here but didn't share the after except for a hint of it in this post.Our armoire had a pine finish that was too orange and a new paint job was just what it needed. I love the pop of colour it adds to the family room/kitchen. Don't be afraid to paint! Painting furniture

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-85855283697769241262011-10-01T13:52:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

I'm joining The DIY Club's 31 Days of Spray Paint Party.I used spray paint to change these barn stars from Christmas decor to beachy blue accents here. Love my Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze!I'm linking up to the 31 days of Spray Paint Party at the diy club where the top 10 projects will be featured and keeping my fingers crossed to win the 6 pack of Krylon paint. 'Cause a diy'er can never have too

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-59892030023873912532011-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

Toiles, plaids and checks in neutral tones are really appealing to me this season. I sewed a new pillow using some toile rose fabric leftover from a friend and some strips of drop cloth (free fabric and pillow insert I had on hand, so the cost is $0.) I used the strips to surround the squares of toile and it reverses to the same pattern on the back. This pillow may appear in another room at some

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-26202711114234634392011-09-24T16:54:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.644-08:00

We are fortunate to have a laundry room on the second floor near our bedrooms.Our laundry room is quite small, with no windows, six white overhead cupboards, white 8" ceramic tile floors and a laundry sink. It is decorated with a favourite cross-stitch series that I stitched many years ago.Cross-stitch may not be a popular choice for decor but these are special to me. I think it is important to

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-34299347702957835292011-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.645-08:00

In trying to find inspiration to work on some unfinished trim projects here at home, I came across these photos I had in my inspiration file.I am a fan of Shingle Style homes and this Canadian lakeside vacation home above, from BHG, is a favourite of mine. Our home's exterior has a hint of Shingle Style (crisp and simple, restrained ornamentation, multi-gabled roof, white wave board and arched

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-78685012141721976442011-09-18T15:18:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.645-08:00

We had a great and busy Fall weekend. I was at the outdoor Milton Farm Museum craft show when it opened early Saturday morning so I could take a quick trip through and still be at our son's beef show in a local town by 10 am. It was a whirlwind tour but I was mostly going for one particular vendor selling wooden Christmas ornaments. Sunday was a dairy show for the same son at the same fall fair

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-73266336381407821442011-09-14T18:21:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.645-08:00

I used part of my vintage cow tag centerpiece for an early Fall tablescape in our dining room.It is just beginning to feel like Autumn here so I hinted at Fall with the pinecones, wood berry wreath, and rustic candle. Pumpkins and leaves will be saved for later in the season. This tablescape incorporates one of my favourite looks~ a bit rustic and a bit pretty. I love the scratches and dings on

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-7799678512697850132011-09-12T16:45:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.645-08:00

Cows and Fall just seem to go together around here so I decided to make a quick centrepiece to incorporate my newest etsy find and celebrate early fall.We are full into Fall Fair time with both of our boys in 4-H clubs (Dairy, Beef, Rabbit and Tractor.) Our family loves cows and farm related items and when I found these vintage brass numbered cow tags on Etsy I had to buy them. I think I have

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-38548437077397790072011-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.645-08:00

I'm joining Amy at WhisperWood Cottage again for her Authentic Style series~this month featuring Sarah from A Beach Cottage. I shared my Authentic Style in this post. Amy asked if we "share similarities with Sarah's style?" A Beach Cottage is one of the first blogs I started following and I have been influenced by Sarah's beach cottage style to add some lakeside elements to our home. We are not

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-69769022746930466782011-09-11T09:02:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.646-08:00

May we never forget... 

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-42564164132437061842011-09-07T18:02:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.646-08:00

Our builder basic bedroom closet got the beginning of a makeover this weekend. I prepped and painted and our 14 year old son installed the closet organizer.I know, from the above picture it is nothing spectacular but to us it is a huge improvement. (And our carpet, although it needs replacing, is beige, not the pink it appears in the photo.) We started by removing the closet doors (that were

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-70593607234549378452011-09-02T05:31:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.646-08:00

Well, September has arrived! It is a perfect day to enjoy some homemade blueberry loaf.I doubled the recipe to make two loaves, one loaf to enjoy now with family and a second loaf for the freezer. Lately I have tried to put some of my baking in the freezer so we don't inhale calories so quickly. This loaf is a bit like a pound cake, very moist and delicious. Below is the recipe from allrecipes

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-27928730148381770472011-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.646-08:00

I'm joining the Vacation Memories link party at WhisperWood Cottage by sharing some of our summer trips.We had a very busy summer spending time with family and taking lots of trips around Ontario. Our boys were very busy entertaining their little second cousins and hanging with their cousins......digging deep deep holes in the sand on a cold and windy trip to Wasaga Beach......so cold and windy

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-25696572706367597882011-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.646-08:00

It still feels like summer, Fall is not long away and I'm already planning for Halloween. I have been working hard on my business dreams and today I opened my Etsy shop, Blue Clear Sky Design. Exciting, scary, exciting. So far I have listed a whopping one item. I sewed this 13 1/2 foot (including ends for tying) Halloween bunting with little flags made of fun cotton Hallowe'en themed prints. It

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-8893925419248414442011-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.647-08:00

This week the guys and I visited the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario.That's our 12 year old beside me (growing like a weed!) The highlight of our trip, the Avro Lancaster Bomber. So very cool up close. Our oldest is very interested in history, particularly WWII, and he could tell us lots about this night bomber. I had 5 uncles and an aunt serve in WWII so it was pretty

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-75885664298795186752011-08-24T16:03:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.647-08:00

I made my first successful loaf of bread today, and cinnamon buns too. Successful because although I tried another recipe in the past, it didn't work at all well for me. I was encouraged to try breadmaking again after I read Kim's post of the recipe on Life in a Little Red Farmhouse (via Julie at Circle Cliff Views/The Harwards.) Thanks Kim and Julie! This recipe allows for all-purpose or whole

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-16365815259966295812011-08-24T15:16:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.647-08:00

It felt like Fall here this morning. Overcast, rainy and cooler temps inspired me to light some great smelling candles and enjoy some quiet time with a cup of tea.The votives are from The Country Mile, a great cafe, home accents and gift shop in Milton, Ontario. I chose the gorgeous scent of maple cinnamon buns. Yum! The trio of stemmed stained glass candleholders were a hostess/sales gift from

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-76196923938800125742011-08-23T16:41:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.647-08:00

I woke up early Saturday to head out to some yard sales. We had a houseful of family visiting for my niece's bridal shower, but I knew they've been here enough to be self sufficient.I was on a mission to find a George Foreman grill, as requested by my nephew who is heading off to college soon. The GF grill was found at the 5th garage sale I stopped at for $5. I also found this pretty white

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-69939763523410406502011-08-20T17:17:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.647-08:00

I'm joining the Farms, Barns and Western Things party at Funky Junk Interiors this weekend.We live in a suburb in a medium sized town but farms, barns and western things are very popular at our home. I enjoy having items in our home that remind us of our love of agriculture. I hope you enjoy the photo tour.Barn StarsFramed Barn and Farm PhotosLariatsCowboy Christmas Trees2008 - 2009 - 2010Western

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-56676730233766769042011-08-19T11:54:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.648-08:00

The boys and I just returned from a two day 4-H show, Dairy this time. Great people, wonderful chaperones and the kids learn lots of leadership skills. It's also a nice break in the country watching all the age groups take their turns in the ring. Lots and lots of kids and their calves and it all comes down to the judging of the finals.And what a difference a year makes. Below is the same calf at

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-54482492032642118652011-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.648-08:00

White dishes are my choice when it comes to dinnerware. I am always inspired when I see pretty colours and patterns in tablescapes but over the past few years I switched to white. I love how it looks when I open our dish cupboard. Our boys are young teens now and don't need plastic, but I do keep some plastic cups in a basket in another cabinet for visiting great-nieces and great-nephews. Our

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-25542617698600259752011-08-16T16:54:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.648-08:00

Dusting in the kitchen this afternoon lead me to some rearranging.With only a few weeks left of summer, I decided to keep the mix of blues and white and the summery feel with these Muskoka/ Adirondack napkin holders on the open shelves in our kitchen.I added the blue and white canisters and tea pot, Cottage Rose by Skye McGhie, to bring some more blue and white into the arrangement.The oval

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-22400085986560624932011-08-14T15:11:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.648-08:00

On our route up north we pass these giant wind turbines. Modern technology in the midst of agriculture. Fascinating and controversial.My husband's family and extended family live in Grey County, near Georgian Bay, here in Ontario and we pass through Shelburne and Melancthon on our two hour trip north and again on the way home. The turbines are sculpture-like and produce huge amounts of wind hydro

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-67683048895447844522011-08-11T12:19:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.648-08:00

I'm joining Amy at Whisper Wood Cottage today for her Authentic Style Link Party. My authentic style for our home is actually very similar to the fabrics, colours and textures I enjoy in fashion. Simple cotton quilts, white fabrics and linens, leather, painted and natural woods, galvanized and wrought iron metals, browns and tans, blues, white and black, rugged denim and romantic crochet and lace

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-76945222034973679392011-08-09T02:42:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.649-08:00

In my post from yesterday on our front entry, I mentioned switching mirrors. This is the other mirror.I love woods and have quite a few pieces in our home, but when I saw the photos I thought the pine paned mirror might be too dated. I'd love your opinion! Below and here is our entry from yesterday with the pine mirror:And this is with the other mirror. Another option would be to hang two

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-73287250226065882172011-08-08T12:36:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.649-08:00

I wanted to join the party at Cottage and Vine today so I added some fresh flowers and took some new photos. The entry to our home for everyday use and guests is from our covered porch through the front door. We have patio doors in the kitchen to our backyard, but they are not a practical everyday entry. Our front entry is on the small side so we try to keep things tidy by using the closet, the

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-63681423006506713342011-08-07T18:00:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.649-08:00

Vintage scales have been on my list of 'want' items and I finally found one for a reasonable price.Number 2 son and I drove to meet up half way with number one son who has been away at a relative's farm for a week. We spotted some cool antiques on the sidewalk in front of Davie's Antiques in Harriston, Ontario and decided to pass some time checking it out. I'm really glad we did. I have had a bit

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-50218626506924158682011-08-06T14:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.649-08:00

Summer is the start of shows and fairs and as a 4-H family we really look forward to going to some great Invitational shows and fairs.We live in town but our boys love 4-H. Our oldest shows beef, dairy, rabbit and tractor. This is our younger sons first year in rabbit. Lots of prep (by the 4-H youth) goes into training and getting the calves looking their best at the show. The judge makes his

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-56763369722772467722011-08-04T13:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.650-08:00

While I would love some real grain sack loveliness in our home, for now I made a faux version for our living room.My sister-in-law and I took a day trip to Ancaster, Ontario and the fabric district of Hamilton this week and we came across an antique shop with a pile of vintage grain sacks. It was lovely to actually hold a real grain sack in my hands (I was surprised by the weight), but at $95

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-52974807194391820602011-08-01T11:21:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.650-08:00

I know it is not Fall, but I love making crisps year round!I decided to make blueberry apple crisp for an after dinner treat on this long weekend. Delicious and bubbly and served with vanilla ice cream on top. So easy to make that I don't even use a recipe any more. And a great way to get my boys to eat more fruit. So good that they wouldn't wait for photos out of the oven.Happy August! I find it

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-70109269443160064172011-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.650-08:00

On my recent collections post, I had some comments and emails asking about the lids of my aqua crown canning jars.The lids are original to the Crown mason jars and most came with the three piece lids -one zinc ring, one matching glass seal with the crown logo, and a rubber seal ring. The jars are really old and have bubbles inside the glass and their shape is not always uniform (a few of them are

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-63499388385657274012011-07-28T02:35:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.650-08:00

I adore denim and white. I would wear it all day, every day if I could. I also love vintage crochet in whites and creams.So, I decided to combine my love of denim and white and add more of it to our home. I started by making quilt inspired denim and white pillows for our leather couch. When I reorganized my studio/hobby room, I came across some vintage crocheted pieces. Using an old pine frame,

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-21384320840218631632011-07-27T09:04:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.650-08:00

I'm sharing my collections today and joining Suzanne at Privet and Holly, where bloggers are sharing their collections this week.Suzanne said "I'd love to peek in your window and see what you collect.....or to hear what things you hold dear to your heart."  These are my favourite collections ~lots of pictures and few words today.Vintage Mason Jars ~especially aqua ones!  White pitchers, White

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-71057321803766980732011-07-26T09:32:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.651-08:00

Some small changes in our dining room (and fresh hydrangeas of course!) are making me happy today! Our dining room is open to the traffic path through our home and to our living room (this view is from the living room.) It really only has these three walls. I love our Mennonite pine farmhouse table and Windsor chairs. The curtains are a simple cotton with a very subtle white on white stripe. I

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-35414844819828169422011-07-23T20:48:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.651-08:00

I love seeing a piece of wood furniture made over just as much as most of you. Paint can really update or change the style of a piece. Paint can also add some much needed colour, or take away a bright colour by using a soft or subdued tint. It can also hide a tone of wood that is very dated or that you just don't like (our office supply armoire, below.) Years of use can be disguised with some tlc

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-54624802222711400092011-07-22T16:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.651-08:00

 I love quilts and have added some quilt signs to my studio/sewing room.I shared the most recent update with lots of photos for Where Bloggers Create at My Desert Cottage, but thought I would add a few more updates as they happen. I made this little sign for a basket on the top of the metal shelving unit, using a stencil. This is a handy spot for my ufo's (unfinished objects), out of the way but

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-27495694320005495772011-07-21T13:14:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.651-08:00

The cushions on this yard sale chair got new drop cloth slipcovers. I just sewed simple slips that are easy to toss in the wash.The chair is in our living room that I recently painted Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls. Our living room, like the rest of our home ; ) is a work in progress. We sold the pine cabinet because I felt it was too small, and I'm still searching for something affordable for that

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-28239535399390839222011-07-20T11:58:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.651-08:00

We are having a busy week but in my spare time I'm enjoying visiting lots of inspiring places through Where Bloggers Create. If you are looking for my studio, just click here or go to the post below this one.I'm meeting lots of new people and seeing so many great spaces, thanks to Karen at My Desert Cottage. One of the new blogs I'm following is The Raspberry Rabbits. I was lucky enough to win a 

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-35079541997376101612011-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.652-08:00

So it wasn't a great idea to decide to tear apart my studio the week I planned to link up with Where Bloggers Create 2011.A warm welcome to my blog friends and those stopping by for the first time from My Desert Cottages' Where Bloggers Create 2011. A warning though, this is a long post with lots of pictures (Karen said lots of pictures.)  My studio is our 4th and smallest upstairs bedroom at 

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-10203857621882523812011-07-12T14:36:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.652-08:00

We have had some hot and sunny weather and the kids are really enjoying spending time in the pool. My sister and brother-in-law live two streets away in our neighbourhood and encourage us to visit and use the pool lots. Our kids go to the same schools and spend tons of time together. Remington, our one year old female lab, is not too sure about this whole pool thing. Especially the getting wet

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-64568820847043452682011-07-07T13:01:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.652-08:00

We took a trip to St. Jacob's and Elmira today. We stopped at one of my favourite shops, Quilter's Nine Patch in Elmira, Ontario. It is attached to At The Crossroads buffet restaurant/gift shop and both the exterior and interior are very inviting. The photo above is from their shop in the fall. At this time of year the gardens and entry are overflowing with colourful summer blooms. I should have

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-67867903381404586002011-07-04T09:55:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.652-08:00

Wishing my American friends a Happy 4th of July! I hope you enjoy your day.

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-6957316081579132012011-07-02T12:35:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.652-08:00

I love the unfitted look, and storage potential, of furniture repurposed for craft or sewing rooms.This scrapbook cabinet, featured this week in BHG's decorating newsletter, probably dates to the 80's as a tv/stereo components cabinet. With large flatscreens now so popular, I see these regularly on kijiji and Craigslist really cheap and often free. Some fresh paint and a few storage containers

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-65279356342525336742011-07-01T09:17:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.653-08:00

Happy Canada Day!Happy Canada Day from our home to yours!PC HomeIf you have a few minutes, I hope you enjoy this song and video by The Mike Plume Band, 8:30 Newfoundland, in celebration of Canada Day today!To our neighbours in the south, we wish you a great weekend and upcoming Happy 4th of July! We are celebrating with a pool party with family. We live about an hour west of Toronto, Ontario and

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-67045405389340844722011-06-30T02:41:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.653-08:00

Instead of making progress on our living room redo, I feel like I am moving backwards. Stalled. At a standstill. I made a bit of progress.But then I got frustrated. I sold this pine cabinet this week because it just seemed too short and small for this wall. We use this room to read, visit and relax (no TV) and I was trying to add a library, but the hutch was just too small.I'm still searching for

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-22185120912520867712011-06-29T03:38:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.653-08:00

It is time to update our home's curb appeal! Curb appeal plays a large role in determining a property's value and it is the first thing visitors notice. Our home is modest for our neighbourhood, but it is a big investment for us. Some ongoing maintenance and curb appeal projects have been planned to keep our home looking fresh. Our plans include small changes, larger projects, general maintenance

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-24283537035878945732011-06-27T22:08:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.653-08:00

This trio of vintage milk bottles I won from Gina at 3 Ring Cottage (edited to add: now Cottag3) is perfect for simple garden cuttings.While I am waiting rather impatiently for my hydrangeas to bloom, I decided to cut a few flowers to bring indoors. I cut single stems of geraniums and a hot pink perennial flower (not sure of the name.) Below is the flower from my garden in 2009, does anyone know

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-59636075282587696562011-06-26T12:31:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.653-08:00

I took some new photos of our kitchen today. While I dream of new cabinets, counters and hardwood floors, the changes we are making and the feel of our kitchen make me happy.I am so glad I decided to add the board and batten to the kitchen and family room walls and hope to get even more done soon. I love vignettes on the table, and love these old milk bottles that came all the way from Texas.

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-84825189047699934572011-06-25T06:32:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.654-08:00

Are you looking for a Canadian stockist of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint? After emailing a few American stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk paint I was kindly directed to a new stockist here in Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth Sarich-Harvey of The Melon Patch Home and Garden near Kingston, Ontario has a shipment arriving on Monday. She will have all 24 colours of chalk paints, waxes and a few books.I'm looking

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-52748746174191919512011-06-24T13:01:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.654-08:00

A while back I won Gina at 3 Ring Cottage's giveaway and was so happy to recieve this package from Texas. I love how she styled this photo!{photo via 3 Ring Cottage}We love cows and anything dairy or farm related at our home, so these three vintage milk bottles are a perfect addition to our home. Thanks, Gina, for wrapping them so well that they made the trek from Texas to Ontario, Canada without

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-30314570845683828502011-06-21T13:31:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.654-08:00

I love creating with drop cloths! They are sturdy and affordable, and are a nice neutral that can be used for many projects.I love that you can throw them in the washing machine and for tough stains or to lighten them they can be bleached. I sewed this pleated drop cloth pillow, above, and added some strips and backing to the denim and whites pillow.My log cabin denim and whites pillow also uses

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-50091716827233957662011-06-19T07:37:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.654-08:00

I'm sharing a work in progress on the armoire in our family room today. You may be surprised by my colour choice after seeing this post. My ideas from that post and so many of the great suggestions I received in the comments suggested white, aqua, grey or black. But there were also suggestions for a french blue or more intense aqua that got me thinking.  I started with white primer but after the

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-6889039200912037462011-06-19T03:18:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.654-08:00

I am very fortunate to have a lot of great Fathers in my life. My own dad, my father-in-law, my hubby, and my brothers and brothers-in-law, and adult nephews. Men of good character who are very kind and considerate to their children and families. Dads who work hard. Men who spend time with their children and extended families and are really good examples. Dads you can count on - gentle men every

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-27292644812899947132011-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.655-08:00

This Mikasa French Countryside coffee set is generously sized and I love the scalloped details.At a garage sale a lady sold me her unused wedding gift of twelve tea cups and saucers, a 64 oz. coffee pot and cream and sugar set for $10. I paid her asking price because it was in perfect condition and I had already flipped the mug over to see 'Mikasa French Countryside'. I thought the price was

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-15149947490582243742011-06-15T03:04:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.655-08:00

Last week I painted my son's night table, and this solid pine toy/blanket box.Our youngest son J and I found this solid pine box with casters at a local garage sale. I like stained pine, but decided to paint it to sell it (I figured white paint would appeal to more buyers.) It had a hinged top, was made with nice thick pine and we got it for $10. I painted it with white Behr Paint and Primer In

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-31267030449287985482011-06-14T02:24:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.655-08:00

Sometimes all those makeovers and projects we see in blogland can be inspiring, and sometimes they can make us feel overwhelmed or discontent with our own homes. There are lots of great posts out there on how to be content with your home (the Nester comes to mind as someone who tackles this subject well.)  One way I handle this is to try really hard to find time to complete easy and achievable

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-4968279765571553772011-06-13T03:15:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.655-08:00

The colour grey has finally made an appearance on our furniture and I'm really liking it. I decided to try grey on the night table in our youngest son's room.  The colour is a nice charcoal grey, two coats of a mis-tint of Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint and Primer In One with a Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in Crystal Clear (non-yellowing) protective top coat. The walls are not quite as bright as

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-4069497935313290772011-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.655-08:00

Hockey is a big thing in our home and family. We play it, we watch and cheer in arenas from Fall through to early spring and we watch it on tv. It is part of our national identity.Both of our boys and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews play hockey. Hubby used to play and now coaches. And we watch it. In the local arenas watching the Ontario Junior A and Junior B teams, and

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-58304511342888651372011-06-11T07:35:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.656-08:00

I was thrilled to win and receive this pretty hand knit hat in a blog giveaway a while back.It came all the way from Australia, the home of Tina of Rubies' Place. I adore the variation of colours and the beautiful feel of the wool. Totally my favourite colours too!Don't you just love the flower? Adorable. The photos are Tina's because she styles them so much better than I ever could. I'm really

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-23594400994576686792011-06-10T18:46:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.656-08:00

I was inspired to share some of my own authentic ways of making our home 'ours' after reading Amy of WhisperWood Cottage's blog today. Amy featured another one of my favourite blogger's style (Donna from Funky Junk Interiors) and encouraged us to link up to her Authentic Style Series and linky party. Donna definitely has a very authentic style but I thought I would share some ways I have

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-53384472157014609682011-06-04T16:34:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.656-08:00

I have been busy painting a few pieces this weekend and will post when they are finished. What I am really hoping for is some advice from all of you on a paint colour for this armoire.We bought the armoire for $75 on kijiji and it holds office supplies in the top and mason jars and large Tupperware on the bottom shelves. The armoire is in our family room, on the cathedral wall between the family

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-59507439686231074032011-06-01T16:01:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.656-08:00

This is what we came home to today after school.We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day today, but it was very windy all day. This is what our less than 2 year old gazebo looked like before, solid top and screened side drapes:We stored it indoors over the winter and our oldest son and my niece just put it up two weeks ago.  Today the whole canopy ripped right off the supports and the peaked bars came

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-69344650331846332792011-05-31T17:51:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.656-08:00

I usually use Picasa to edit my photos before I post them. I admit that I don't spend a lot of time on editing because I often just have enough time to pull a post together after work. But when I have extra time I love playing with Picasa and Picnik. I was inspired today by Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick to try a few new techinques.This is my SOC (straight out of camera) photo, below. All the

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-56840991068508637522011-05-30T14:16:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.657-08:00

Today was our first full day of sunshine and warm weather in a very long time.Our grass is still very wet from days and days of heavy rains, but it was nice to sit outside under the gazebo and enjoy the beginnings of our summer garden. In between raindrops on the Victoria Day long weekend my sister and I shopped for plants and weeded her gardens (she will help shop for plants, but she doesn't 'do

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-2178401116616379422011-05-26T15:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.657-08:00

My little British Invasion table inspired my latest sewing project for our living room. While I rarely use red in our decor, I couldn't resist this transfer from The Graphics Fairy. This is the first time I have attempted an ink jet transfer and except for the loss of a bit of red at the joint of the two images (it stuck to the iron), I think it turned out fairly well.The pillow cover is made out

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-49874764863211566232011-05-25T18:19:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.657-08:00

I'm wondering if anyone else has had trouble the past three days with Blogger?Every time I try to comment on someone's post (especially if they have the dreaded word verification) it keeps asking me to sign in and shows my comment as anonymous. When I enter my email and password it keeps asking for it again. Over and over. I am so frustrated! Any ideas?Edited to add: Thanks for all the great tips

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-51021059729200176852011-05-21T09:19:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.657-08:00

Up until two years ago we didn't have any pets, and I was quite happy about that.Then our oldest son joined 4-H showing beef and dairy cows and asked if he could have a rabbit to join the rabbit club. We agreed to the rabbit.K showed great maturity and after much convincing and pleading by both our boys, we agreed to get a family dog. Being pet owners was in neither hubby or my plans, in fact we

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-34311138208415296442011-05-20T02:55:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.657-08:00

I caught a bit of British invasion inspiration and decided to add a Union Jack Cross of St. George to a little table we had kicking around. I loved the inspiration I was seeing on pillows and dressers in blogland, and since my dad's family originated in England and our Ontario flag has the Union Jack on it, I thought it would be a fun thing to try.This is the first piece I have waxed and I love

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-23777965539104173002011-05-19T13:56:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.658-08:00

We are beginning some outdoor sprucing here but I sure wish the weather would cooperate.So far spring has been really cool and raining for over a week. Not a lot has been done outside yet but I did sew some new outdoor pillows for the front porch to add to the ones I made for the backyard patio last year.I'm keeping the Muskoka chairs and hope to add some other seating soon. I spray primed and

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083406897098277677.post-45177343243290758302011-05-19T02:21:00.000-07:002011-12-03T12:41:23.658-08:00

I'm sharing a quick spray paint project from last summer in our family room. The before: Red barn stars from Canadian TireA few quick coats of Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze and they better suited our home.Our puppy chewed the denim slipcover beyond repair so we got rid of that old chair, but the rest of this end of our family room still looks the same (minus the wreath.) I never quite finished the

akehprhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590930360382262244noreply@blogger.com