Day 239

Finally a little sunshine and warmth is coming our way (I did however encounter a snow storm in Erie Pennsylvania coming back from our trip south, what the heck?) Never mind all that, the forecast looks good from here on in :)  It has me thinking of summer days and this new acquisition helps to bring it forth.  Hello octopus, goodbye winter............... fingers crossed :(

Start thinking of ways to bring spring/summer into your rooms!

Day 238

Not even finished and already we are making changes.  I follow the "Nothing is written in stone" philosophy :)  We have decided to position the island long ways in the kitchen instead of across the room (see older posts).  A few reasons.  Everybody insists on standing in here....... all the time, and secondly, the flow and views are much better.  I really love it this way so now all we need to do is reposition the lights, paint, finish the south porch which will eventually hold the dining area (LOTS of sunlight and views)...... back to work...... :(

Oh, and we also need to build the island and take back the dining table.......... no worries :)

Day 237

I know I haven't posted much regarding the renovations lately, but we have been busy!  The first photo is entirely the reason :)  Busy in the best way possible!  But the good news is, that progress IS being made.  The railing was finished for the back stair (yes, I know it isn't painted yet) the bead board ceiling in the main floor powder room was installed (yes, not painted yet) and the ensuite is coming along......... at a rate..... to be determined :(  We are installing the Schluter system for the shower, which can be purchased from your local orange big box store.  Although pricey (it runs between $500-$700 depending exactly where you purchase) you will never have leaks or water damage of any kind.  Yes, it is that good!  This small bathroom is worth it............ how many century homes can say they have an ensuite?

Happily posting, even in my fourth year of renovating...... :)

Day 236

While I have been a little tardy regarding posts lately (again, that is with a "d") I have made the beautiful salad with the gorgeous Procida lemon as promised, and here is the recipe!

 Peel and chop several lemons into wedges and toss them in olive oil with chopped red onion, mint, and dried chile flakes. Season with salt.  Yes......that is it..... :)

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/badaily/2011/06/raw-chopped-lemon-salad-procida-recipe.html#ixzz2N9MF8tgf

Also as promised (see, I remember) is the link to the beautiful lemon tree nursery if you live in the GTA and can get to it, otherwise google your own area.

http://valleyviewgardens.com/

You could literally spend hours in there............I know we did :)

Day 235

Kumquat tree, heavily laden

Dwarf Meyer lemon tree

Procida lemon tree, Procida region of Italy, and WAY too big for my house!  But we did take a lemon :)

I couldn't resist bringing a little south to the house

This is my new Mexican Key lime tree, see the fruit?

It is covered with flowers about to bloom = lots of key limes :)

Clockwise: Procida lemon (absolutely huge and eaten pith and all), Meyer lemon fallen from my tree, and a Key lime taken from my tree!

Three new citrus trees (the kumquats are delicious) and I have brought Florida to my snowy house........ :)

On the next post I will tell you where to get these great trees for your own home and also share a great recipe for regional Procida lemon salad!  Have a great weekend :)

Day 234

A blatant attempt on my part to hurry up Spring!  It works for me, I love flowers in a room :)
Flowers can be one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a room feel better! Any room or all of them. Go get some and send me a picture.......... I would love to post it..... :)

Day 233

The laundry room has been sub floor for so long, I might actually miss it.  We are pushing to finish this before the weekend (the next one) and as it ties into the powder room, that area as well.  On a good note, I love the tile we picked out, plus it is super fast laying larger tiles......... so sometimes things go smoothly.............:)

I hope I didn't jinx myself......... :(

Day 232

Try and look past the absolutely horrible outfit, to the amazing grouting that is being done!  The marble tiles have been up for quite some time now, and the house girl finally worked her magic this past weekend :)  I was so used to looking at the wall ungrouted, but there is a big change now.  Your eye picks up the difference. Another pesky thing off of the very long list of final touches.  As "A" pointed out the other day.......its come such a LONG way........... we will keep going until it's done...... :)

Day 321

This is an exceedingly gloomy Monday :(  Lots of rain and absolutely no sunshine.  It is the kind of day where you notice everything that is not finished in this renovation.  I guess I should be happy that I was asked again about being on the home tour.........(are they blind), but I think it will be one more year before it is absolutely in working order......that adds to the gloom........just a bit... :(

Day 320

Treasures :)

A fabulous orange box.  Pony hair with brass trim, the perfect accessory for any room.  Spotted by an exceedingly competent shopper (you know who you are) in the November issue of Canadian House and Home.  For me it was a quick call to Kantelberg and Company and off it was shipped to Australia and it's new home!  I LOVE beautiful things, and this store is always full of them.

http://kantelbergco.com/

Day 319

Paperwhites 

When the paper whites are getting "leggy", they can still look good, but I like to cut them off at this point and put them in water.  Apparently if you are growing new paperwhites and don't want them to get too leggy, you can put alcohol in 10% of the feeding water (rubbing alcohol will do, or vodka) and they do not get as tall. Thank you "K" for the information!  Since all paperwhites are on sale now at the local stores, I might just try this method, I like paperwhites hanging around :)

Have a great day!

Day 318

Happy New Year!

January, reminds me of all things white and bright.  Fresh snow, new beginnings and things to come.  I look forward to all of those things this year, and much more!

Let's start a great year....... :)

Day 317

The snow has finally arrived and created a winter wonderland  

The paperwhites have finally decided to bloom

The candles burn most nights

And, the acorn, always a favourite, is waiting to catch someones eye :)

The time between the end of the year and the beginning of the next is always a great transition.  Good things will come in this year!

Happy holidays :)

Day 298

Eve.  I love that word.  It is the beginning of all things new.  Every single day is the eve of the next, and that reminds me to celebrate every day. I hope you are surrounded by friends and family as you await the next day :)

Hugs and merry, merry !

Day 294

I am expecting a wonderful package to arrive today, very exciting, as I love surprises.  This is an exciting time of year (if you don't subscribe to the Mayan calendar). It's going to be a busy weekend ahead with lots to finish up!  Maybe even painting the wall and trim and putting on the outlet cover :(  At least the dog has time to relax........ how nice for her..... :)

Have a great weekend!!

Day 231

Here is the gingerbread recipe as requested!
You can see I modified it slightly with allspice, but really, you can do it any way you like :)

Day 230

The magic of Christmas makes the art of entertaining even more special.  I love to surround myself with friends and family during the holidays. Celebrating with food is something every culture participates in.
I hope you celebrate with everyone you care about this season............Merry, merry..... :)

Day 298

I know what you're thinking.  Pine cones are really what people think about at Christmas.  For some reason, I LOVE acorns............. call me nuts.... :)  They represent all things Merry to me, so why not make them into a traditional Christmas gingerbread cookie? I used a Swedish recipe so they were extra tasty (they love their Pepparkakor).  Let me know if you want me to post the recipe....... delish :)

Day 297

1st tree

2nd tree

South porch


With my ornament buying problem (good news, I checked and it isn't an actual syndrome) I was able to do two trees.  I have many more ornaments left and next year I will also put a tree up in the south porch..............hopefully it will be finished by then..........hopefully :(

Day 296

Everything comes out at Christmas time!  What pieces will I choose to decorate with?  A little bit of everything scattered throughout the house in unexpected ways always makes me smile......... :)