Halloween creativity at it's best

Are you ready to get your creative juices carving?

Halloween can be a fun time with the decorations,  trick or treating, candy and of course the pumpkin carving.  There are so many great opinions for carving pumpkins. 

My husband is quite handy with the carving tools and has created some pretty neat pumpkins.  We always get lots of "wows" on Halloween night.

Here are some of his past amazing creations….

                    

            Dora and Boots                                          Cinderella

Family Guy

Blue (from Blue's Clues)

         

Fred Flinstone

 

                  Bugs Bunny                    

There are lots of different ways to add some pizzazz to your pumpkins...here is one idea that I hope to try this year....



Martha Stewart Living
I would like to line my walkway with a variety of pumpkins drilled with holes and lit up



Not sure what to carve on your pumpkin this year?  There are lots of options...click here and here for ideas.

Stuck for a costume idea?  Go here or here for ideas on adult and children costumes.

There are also lots of yummy treats you can make to celebrate Halloween.  Here are a couple of fun and easy cupcake ideas that would be great to do with kids.  I'm looking forward to trying them out with mine....

Click here for instructions as well as lots of other great treats ideas.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween and if you decide to get creative this year with your pumpkins, baking or costumes, send me an email with some pictures - I would love to showcase them!!!

The Magic of Mirrors - Part 2

Continuing with yesterday's theme on mirrors, here are some tips to make them work for you:





... If you have a wall just in front of the entrance, place a mirror on that wall to open up the space.

...To make a narrow stairway or hallway look wider, hang mirrors on both sides, preferably right opposite each other.

...Instead of artwork behind a sofa or hallway use mirrors. For an informal, eclectic feel, use a large mirror and hang smaller size mirrors around it. 

House and Home

A collection of mirrors reflects light and opens up this living room space while adding visual interest.


...Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not place a mirror directly across from a cluttered area. Instead, you might want to place it across from a source of light, a favorite painting or a window.

... If you live in a smaller space such as an apartment or condo and window light may be limited, you can add a mirror or groups of mirrors to windowless walls to create the illusion of windows and reflect light into the space.

...For a quick bathroom makeover, remove the builder's mirror and add a decorative framed mirror. We did this in one of our washrooms and it gave it a whole new look.

Here are some inexpensive options...



Artistic Innovations (15x15)
The Home Depot
$15



The Tangerine Mirror Company (16x20)
The Home Depot
$39.99



Artika
Floating expresso mirror
The Home Depot $49.99

So as you can see, mirrors can be a great way to open up a space, help bring extra light or create mood to your room.  They can be an inexpensive way to really make an impact in your space and give it the WOW factor!!!

Why not "look into" a mirror today????

The Magic of Mirrors - Part 1

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

Whether you are redesigning, selling or renting your home, mirrors can be one of your best friends. They are great at catching and reflecting light, making smaller rooms appear bigger and can enhance every room in your home.

…here are some of the many ways mirrors can be incorporated for home staging and decorating:



 Better homes and Gardens

A large floor mirror acts as a great piece of art and makes a room seem twice its size. You can lean against the wall to avoid hanging and for flexibility. If you decide to move it, just pick it up and go.

 

Better Homes and Garden

                          The mirror really accents this room's focal point





Better Homes and Garden

The mirror helps highlight this seating area. It balances the chairs and table and provides instant artwork to the bare wall. 

Better Homes and Garden

This mirror acts as both a headboard and a room expander. This is a great way to open up a space.

 

House Beautiful

The use of a mirror back splash helped open up this this kitchen and really brightens it up.

                                



House Beautiful

  Mirrors can be incorporated with furniture as in this mirrored chest. It helps reflect light and adds a unique touch. 

....Coming tomorrow - Part 2: Making Mirrors work for you!!!


  



Pizza Anyone?

Who says making pizza has to be difficult? Well that wasn't the case a few nights ago when I had some friends over for one of my cooking classes.  This time there were 9 women who wanted to learn the “art” of making a homemade authentic Italian pizza. There were no recipes, measuring cups or measuring spoons used; just a desire to learn, have fun and eat lots of yummy food!

Some of my friends were new to cooking but were eager to learn techniques on making an easy and delicious meal to impress friends and family.

Simona trying out the rolling pin

We made 6 pizzas in less than 2 hours and got creative with our toppings....not just the usual cheese and pepperoni.  Fresh ingredients from my homemade sauce to the roasted veggies were used.   It was incredible how some of the girls started off with a bit of apprehension on how to roll out the dough but in the end looked like pros.  They gained new confidence that anything was possible.  It was great to see how a simple thing like making pizza has now given them a desire to create their own homemade meals.   I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.  Look at all the fun we had...

Rita feeling really comfortable with the dough

Getting the pizza ready for the oven

Simona feeling very proud of the finished product

So next time, instead of calling your local pizza parlour, have some fun and try making a homemade pizza...you'll be amazed on how simple and delicious it can really be! 

Colour for Living 101 - Part 2 - Warm and Cool colours

Colours can be divided into two types – warm and cool. These two categories produce different effects when used in a room. Warm colours are reds, yellows and oranges while cool colours are blues, green and violets.

Generally warm colours are brighter. If you have a room that is not well lit, using warm colours will make it appear brighter than it is. Rooms also feel physically hotter than those with cool colors. Warm colours reflect light and the walls will emit heat into the room. When used in darker tones, they can make a room look smaller. This is helpful if you have a large room that you want to give a cosier feel.

Cool colours have the opposite effect.  They absorb light rather than reflect it and can make rooms feel much cooler. This is useful in rooms that get a lot of sun and get hot. Rooms also appear larger with cool colours. If you are dealing with a room that feels small, the use of cool colours will help expand the space.

In addition, there are earth tone colours which include brown, beige, gray, and taupe. These are very subdued interior paint colors, but can be quite useful in helping to create a very elegant and sophisticated look.

WHICH COLOUR IS FOR YOU?

Are you thinking of adding some colour to your walls but not sure which? Paint colours can have an incredible effect on mood, attitude, and general outlook. Paint can also enhance the beauty of furniture and furnishings.
 So when deciding on paint colours, keep the following in mind:- what mood do you want to create in your room? 
- do you want it to feel warm and cozy?
- do you want it to feel lively and cheerful?

It is important that you choose the right paint colors for the right rooms. You won’t want to paint the walls of your baby's nursery bright sunshine yellow if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Here is a list of shades and corresponding moods which you should keep in mind when selecting paint colors:

Black – authority, discipline, strength and promotes independence.
Blue – cool, refreshing, relaxing, and promotes feelings of tranquility and peace
Green – balance, refreshing, normalizing, and promotes emotional growth,
Orange – cheerful, commanding, stimulates goodwill, conversation and appetites, energy, excitement
Pink – calming, accepting, encourages affection and socialization
Purple – comforting, spiritual, creativity
Red – empowerment, stimulation, drama, passion
White – pure, energy, adds punch to other colour when used in combination with
Yellow – cheerful, increases energy, uplifting

Here are some examples of warm and cool colours used in various rooms:

...Warm orange used in this dining room.  They have also used vertical stripes in two shades of orange for added elegance

Better Homes and Gardens

...This warm shade of yellow is quite inviting in this hallway/entrance

Flicr

...A cool light blue has been used this kitchen eating area

Style at Home

..This room is quite dramatic with the green walls and drapery. The white chaise is really accentuated with the green.

Better Homes and Garden

 ...Red used in this dining room on an accent wall complimented with the white wall.  The artwork is a nice addition to this room

Better Homes and Garden

Do you find yourself liking more cool colours or warm?  If you decide to take a trip to the paint store, be prepared to be amazed by the thousands of wonderful colours/shades available.  The options are endless...just remember to get some samples before you decide on one colour!

 



Colour for living 101 - Part 1

I have been asked many times by friends and clients what the best colour is for their home.  Most people are looking for a textbook answer and when it comes to decorating for living, there really isn’t just one.  I have found that some people think that whatever the design magazines are showing is the colour that is “in” and what they have to follow.   I don’t think that one needs to be a "follower" when you are decorating for living even though the magazines are great for ideas and inspiration. 

Colour consideration should be a combination of things.   Decorating style (modern, contemporary, country, eclectic, casual, formal, traditional) can have an impact on the best colours to choose.  As well, personnel preference is also very important.  Lighting and the specific room also are important factors to consider.   There are so many colours to choose from in both the warm and cool shades. 

My husband and I have repeatedly received comments on how warm and inviting our home is which is one of the best compliments we can ask for.   Your home should really be one that you feel comfortable living in and reflects your tastes and styles. 

Give your home some PUNCH with colour

Colour is everywhere you turn.  It's not just a physical presence in our lives but also has a real psychological impact. Not only does color affect our perception of space, it can also influence our mental state and is associated with particular psychological elements (for example red has been connected with love and romance).

You can incorporate colour in many easy and budget friendly ways beside just using paint.

If you like to add colour depending on the season or your particular mood, here are a few ways it can be used without having to paint the walls each time: 

For those who love pink, some pillows,
flowers and drapery really bring out some
vibrant colour.  The accent chair also helps
add some of the green to the room.



Here is a very simple white colour scheme
that has just some simple plants, a vase and a
throw to add some colour. 



Here is another simple white
colour scheme that uses
a simple throw and some pillows to
add colour.  It also blends smoothly
with the accent wall in the next room.



A simple use of a patterned rug along with
the lamp and flowers help pull this room
together.



For more subtle colour, some simple
accessories such as pillows and a throw
were added.  The curtains also help
coordinate the colour scheme.

So as you can see, adding colour doesn't have to be a complicated thing.  Personalizing your home can be as simple as adding some pillows, rugs or pictures.  

Stayed turned for more on colour in Part 2 - Cool and Warm colours!

“Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.”  Oscar Wilde

EASY TURKEY STOCK

I hope all my Canadian friends are having a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Short and quick post today as I am enjoying a relaxing day with my wonderful family!

As promised, here is a an easy recipe for making Turkey Stock.  It's great for making soups or gravy!

Here is the link:
Turkey Stock

ENJOY!!!

Grocery Store Decorating

Decorating your table for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult task.  Your local grocery store offers many ways to creatively decorate your table for Thanksgiving or make something to give as a gift.

Gourds who????

Gourds come in all shapes and sizes.  They are great for decorating a table.  You can find them at grocery stores and greenhouses.

Here's a few picture of how I've used them around my home...

Pie pumpkins are also a quick way to dress up your table with some fresh flowers.  To get extra creative, you can even paint the pumpkins in different colours. 

Here are two of my own creations... 

I was recently at Longo's and something similar was selling for $19.99 each. 

I bought pie pumpkins for $1.29 each and the flowers for two pumpkin arrangements was about $12.   So in the end I spent about $7 for each arrangement vs. $19.99.  I think I got a great deal!  I realize there was a bit of work involved with cleaning out the pumpkin and doing the arranging but as mentioned in past posts, I find it relaxing and it's something I did myself!

Well if you are preparing for your Thanksgiving meal, consider some of these ideas and get creative.  The possibilities are endless!  If you make any creations, I would love to hear from you.  Send me along some pictures.  They would be great to feature on future posts!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

P.S.  If you are cooking a turkey this weekend, don't forget to save the carcass...it's makes a great stock.  I will feature some recipes in a future post.

Thanksgiving Made Easy

Thanksgiving No Fail side dish

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to spend with family and friends and should be a day to be thankful for all the great things in our lives.  For those entertaining, it can end up being a fun challenge cooking.  I try to make it as easy as possible by preparing easy dishes or even better yet, make ahead dishes. 

One of my favourites is CREAMY MASHED POTATOES AND CAULIFLOWER.   My sister first made this dish for a Thanksgiving dinner over 15 years ago.   Since that time, it has been a hit with friends and family who always ask for the recipe.  This dish can be prepared and frozen up to 2 weeks in advance.  The other good thing about it is the hidden cauliflower.  If it’s a challenge to get your kids to eat their veggies, this is a great way to “hide” them.  Sadly, my sister will not be with us this Thanksgiving as she passed away last year from her strong battle with cancer.  We will be thinking of her and know in our hearts she will be smiling down from heaven knowing I have kept her tradition alive.

So here is the recipe.  Remember to take the time to appreciate all those sitting at your table.  If you do incorporate this into your Thanksgiving, I would love to hear from you. 

From my family to yours….enjoy!  And thank you Lina...

Recipe for 8-10 servings (***I usually double the recipe to allow for second helpings and leftovers)

8 large potatoes, peeled and quartered       

6 garlic cloves, peeled

3 cups cauliflower florets (about half head)

1 package (250 g) light cream cheese, cubed

1 cup sour cream

Salt and pepper

½ cup each fresh bread crumbs and chopped fresh parsley (you can use dried parsley instead but use less)                                                                                                                    

In large pot boiling salted water, cook potatoes and garlic 10 minutes.   Add cauliflower to pot; cook 10 minutes, until potatoes and cauliflower are tender.   Drain well; return to pot over low heat to dry out a little.  Add 2 Tb (25 mL) butter; mash well.   Add cream cheese, sour cream and salt and pepper to taste; beat until creamy.  Spoon into greased 10 cup (25 L) baking dish.   In small bowl, combine bread crumbs and parsley; sprinkle evenly over vegetables and dot with remaining butter. (Recipe can be prepared ahead up to this point.  Let cool, then refrigerate, covered, up to2 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator 48 hours before reheating and add 10minutes to reheating time.)  When ready to reheat, preheat oven to 325F (l60C).  Remove dish from fridge; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.  Reheat, covered, in oven 20 minutes. Remove lid; heat 10 minutes, until heated through and golden brown on top.

A FALL PROJECT FOR CURB APPEAL

Fall has always been one of my favourite seasons… the changing of the leaves, crisp air and the great holiday of Thanksgiving.

I was recently at Terra Greenhouse (this is one place I love to get inspiration).  I find they have so many wonderful ideas whether it’s for entertaining, accessories or gardening.  Now that fall has arrived, it was time for me to welcome it with my annual planter creation.  First, I was on a mission to find the right container and for some time, I have wanted one with height to give the house the “curb appeal” it deserves.    Luckily they had just received a new shipment and I ended up getting two – one for either side of the garage.  I loved looking around at all the wonderful selection of plants, flowers and different coloured mums.

They always have a great selection of ready made planters which I find most people think "why go to the hassle of buying plants and soil when they have it done for you"?  As weird as this may sound, I find it relaxing and most importantly feel proud when I have created something on my own.   Doing these projects on your own can also save money allowing more room for creativity.

The Creativity begins...

To begin, I took photos of their completed planters as guides and ideas.  Then I picked out the plants I wanted to use.  I decided to go with the red mums with cabbage in various colours and a few mini pepper plants.  I included ears of corn and tall grass for some height.   As we get closer to Halloween, I will add mini pumpkins and Halloween accessories.

The planter was tall so I had my wonderful assistant (my hubby) help me build a platform.  Rocks were used to add some weight.  

Building the planter platform

I am really pleased with my final creations which has updated the front look of the house.    

Planter 1

Planter 2

When I am staging a home, I always start my consultation outside because curb appeal is vital.  People get an impression of your home before they even walk through the doors.  You want to show you care about your home and make it as welcoming as possible.  By adding planters such as these with some colour, it can make a world of difference. 

I hope I have given you some inspiration to add some wonderful, easy colour outside and welcome our beautiful fall season to your own living space.  Take a drive to your local greenhouse and look around at the endless possibilities.