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Revitalize your space: Out with the old, in with the new spring design trends

As the warmer weather approaches and we all prepare to shed the layers and clunky boots, opting for brighter and lighter colours in our wardrobes, I often look for ways to make necessary changes in my home as well, by shedding the dull, then bringing in the lively and new. Spring is often associated with new beginnings and a fresh start after enduring the Canadian winter blahs for so many seemingly endless months. Reinventing your space and wardrobe can assist in resetting your mind to switch things up and achieve a new focus or mindset, which in turn benefits health.

When it comes to my home, it’s not always possible to exchange whole furniture sets to overhaul a space, but there are small additions and alterations that can be made to make it feel as though you are arriving home to a whole new retreat each evening.

The styles of 2018 make it easy to infuse abodes with colour, brightness and lightness, in addition to comfort and chic appeal.

Colours of the season:

Gelato-inspired hues are huge for Spring & Summer 2018.  Complement your space with the tastiest options from your local gelato shop, many of which have pastel and neutral tones.  Often mixing and matching flavours while topping up your cone or dish is the outcome of a visit to the gelato shop, so go all out when it comes to home décor and select a variety of colours to liven your space as well.

Make ultra violet ultra cool.

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In addition to pastels and Gelato hues, indigo blue is a hot colour for home décor over the upcoming spring and summer months. Whether indoor overhaul is needed or the objective is to spruce up your outdoor space, this striking blue hue will bring a punch of pizzazz.

The perfect complement to indigo blue is glittering gold. Although gold is often associated with the holiday season, the glittery trend can be found in many accessories for the warmer months’ décor selections. Vases, artwork, mirrors and hanging pendants, are all the perfect accessories to accent a space in this hue.

Accents and Accessories

Geometrics are still big this season and can be found in artwork, wallpaper, rugs and on statement pieces.  Feathers, fringe and tufted cushions are also very much on the hot list. This season homeowners can find these accents on everything from duvets to throw pillows, adding texture and an original appeal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8proVhmMh/?tagged=featherdecor

Flooring

Often shimmer is reserved for artwork, fabrics and wall-coverings, but this year, that subtle shimmer is making its way into various flooring materials, including carpets! Grey and pale blue flooring matched with the said shimmer and complemented by soft shimmering wall paper and art work, is a trend of the upcoming months. The trend opens up any space, and the suggested hues bring a serene atmosphere to the home.

Be inspired by the trends of the season and have fun revitalizing your space. I know I will!

 

5 last minute, impressive D-I-Y holiday gifts

I love gifts that have thought behind it, like personal touches, For instance, last Christmas my niece gifted me a homemade brown sugar and lemon hand scrub, which smelled just as delicious as it sounds. This holiday season, it’s all about that age old saying: ‘it’s the thought that counts’. With the right amount of ingredients, you can craft Christmas presents that will leave others impressed, without spending a ton of money. Here are five do-it-yourself holiday crafts you can git to your loved ones (or even to yourself)!

Hot Chocolate Mix

It’s rather fun to put together deconstructed kits. There is nothing better than some homemade hot-chocolate on a chilly winter night. All you would need is some mason jars, ribbon,  hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, crushed candy-cane for topping, and any additional ingredients you choose. There are so many variations: try creating melted snowman hot chocolate by using white chocolate and decorated marshmallows or add a small bottle of Baileys to your chocolate kit for an adult-friendly beverage option.

Sugar Scrub

The options are almost endless when it comes to choosing the ingredients for your sugar scrub. Sugar scrubs are easy to make and make easy and thoughtful gifts. For instance, if your sister loves lavender, consider adding lavender oil to the mix. With a base of brown sugar and coconut oil, adding additional ingredients will be easy.

 Hydrating Face Mists

There is nothing like a little burst of a facial mist to brighten your day. These face mists are easy and portable, and will keep you going on those long days. Depending on the skin type you want to target, you can try a green tea hydrating mist for dry or sensitive skin. Combine water with green tea bags and rosewater, and put it in a spray bottle. The best thing is that these mists can also double as natural toners.

Cookie Mix

Back to the idea of putting together deconstructed ingredients, why not put together your own little d-i-y baking kits for your loved ones or friends. Measure out the appropriate ingredients for your favourite cooke mix and layer in a mason jar or bundle a collection of tubes. Feel free to write out your own recipe card to include with the gifts for an even more personalized touch. The same can work for cakes and other pastries.

Bath Bombs

D-I-Y bath bombs are fun and easy to make. Using a base of baking soda, epsom salts, and citric acid, you can combine different essential body oils and essences to come up with the perfect scents. You can also add colour, glitter, and even petals to your homemade bath treats.

Are you putting together some DIY holiday gifts? Let us know what you made in the comments below!

10 creative DIY advent calendars for the family

Kids — and let’s be honest, a few adults to — look forward to December 1st. Not only is it finally socially acceptable to play Christmas music in public, but it’s also the first day of the “Christmas countdown.” I’m talking about the advent calendar.

Personally, I love the chocolate advent calendars. My Christmas is not complete without one. However, there are quite a few creative options for those who want to think outside the box. Here are a few do-it-yourself calendars for those who want to make their countdown a bit more personal:

 

The clothespin advent calendar: This is an absolutely adorable way to count down the days to Christmas. Attach a small wrapped bag to a clothespin and let it hang using ribbon or colourful string. Not only is it visually appealing as a Christmas decoration, it’s also quite functional.

Picture found on pinterest
Picture found on pinterest

 

The surprise-in-a-box advent calendar: For those who don’t want to have 24 small bags lining their wall, this is another option. Wrap a few special prizes in paper and put it in a decorative box. Each day, your child can open the box and dig for their daily surprise.

pinterest
pinterest

The decorative advent calendar: It’s not always about the gifts. In this advent calendar, each day reveals a tree ornament that the family can then place on the tree. This particular one is made of felt, but it can be done using any material on hand.

http://katieemrich.blogspot.ca/
http://katieemrich.blogspot.ca/

The toilet roll advent calendar: Why waste some perfectly reusable toilet rolls? All you need for this DIY project is a glue gun and some extra cardboard for the roof. If you want to make this more interactive, make a box to slide the toilet rolls into, and then hang it up. You can even fill the toilet roll with a little surprise or note for your kids, and they can pull it out each day.

pinterest
pinterest

The card-stock advent calendar: Not every advent calendar has to be big and loud. This version is simple, understated, and beautiful. Write some specialized messages for your family and put them in a sleek envelope.

apartmenttherapy.com
apartmenttherapy.com

The towering advent calendar: This one is not for the faint of heart—expert crafters are required. This involves making small, but highly decorated, cardboard boxes and placing them strategically in a tree shape. I think it is absolutely gorgeous; but I’m not sure if I have the skills or patience to put it together.

adventcaldnar7
pinterest

The mason jar advent calendar: This one is more my craft-level. It’s brilliant in its simplicity. Wrap a few candies, stickers, and notes. Give them each a number. Stuff them all into a decorated mason jar. Done!

northstory.ca
northstory.ca

The good-things-come-in-small-packages advent calendar: This advent calendar is all about the decoration. Wrap 24 items in equal size boxes or bags, and then stick them onto a board using double sided tape. Make sure the treats aren’t heavy.

northstory.ca
northstory.ca

The ornament advent calendar: Do you have a small plant just sitting in the corner of your living room? Turn it into an advent tree by attaching small numbered bags to the branches or stems.

designmom.com
designmom.com

The “for the adults” advent calendar: This one is a party! Wrap 24 small bottles of alcohol in Christmas colours, making sure to label them clearly so there isn’t any confusion. Remember, you can only have one a day!

tpcraft.com
tpcraft.com

Note: If partaking in number 10, remember to advent responsibly!

5 unique christmas trees to put up this year

Poinsettias, wreaths, and ornaments found their way into malls and stores way back in early September. It seemed a bit early to be celebrating the holidays, especially considering it doesn’t start to feel like Christmas until November. The days get shorter, the air gets chillier, and the sweaters just get cozier. It’s the perfect time to blast some Christmas carols and put up the tree. However, instead of the usual green tree, red ornaments gig, try something new this year! We’ve compiled a list of unique yet totally doable Christmas tree decorations that will get you so excited for the holidays—you’ll want to start now.

1.Keep It Cool  

 

aqua and sliver on a white tree- add in some navy too:

Who said coral blue was just for the beach? Add a pop of summer to your winter by going with a silver and blue colour scheme. Great for large living rooms with white walls and cream decor, this Christmas tree will have your place looking minty fresh. Besides, opting for an artificial tree will help you avoid the sadness that you’re overcome with when your tree is in its last stages of life.

2. Rockin’ in a Candy Wonderland 

Whimsical Christmas magic ~:

Christmas is all about the sweet stuff, isn’t it? Gingerbread cookies, fruit cake, and all that sugar and icing is just as fun to eat as it is to make. Take the fun out of your kitchen and into the living room with this funky candy-inspired tree. The pops of colour and the quirky tidbits will  make your place the hot spot during the holidays. The best part? Your tree could possibly be edible.

3. I’m Dreaming of A White Christmas 

Interior Design Ideas: Christmas Decorating Ideas - Home Bunch - An Interior Design & Luxury Homes Blog:

If Olivia Pope had a Christmas tree, it would be this one. This elegant look will make your window the brightest one in the neighbourhood. Not only does it look grand, it’s super easy to pull off. With only one colour to deal with, you can’t go wrong. It’s certainly a great idea for your loft or home and will match living rooms of any colour scheme. If you’re prone to spillage and are concerned about bringing in white furniture, indulge with this tree! Pop open that red wine bottle and take in your masterpiece.

4. Classic Yet Modern 

love the way she wrapped up the bottom of their tree! gonna need to remember this if I decorate next year!:

You can never go wrong with a standard, green Christmas tree. It reminds us of our childhood, creates a sense of familiarity — and grandma will always approve. However, this year, spruce up the tree by deciding on one specific colour.  The key to a classic, yet modern, look is contrast, as shown above with the gold accents. Make your ornaments pop in midst of the greenery by choosing the appropriate colour. The world is your oyster.

5. Christmas Present: Christmas Tree

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It’s easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas in midst of all the shopping, sales, and new Apple gadgets in stores these days. This tree is certainly a reminder that the holidays itself are a gift. It’s a time to celebrate with family and friends and rejoice the fact that everyone is together. Use a bright coloured ribbon to wrap your Christmas tree and tie a decorative, grand bow at the top. The tree itself will be a gift – to the eyes and the heart. Besides, you can never complain about having too many presents!

Good luck and happy decorating!

Images: Pinterest