Beautiful Modern Contemporary House Elevation

DIY Weekend Projects

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8902128602/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Weekend Projects by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Weekend Projects" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/8902128602_f736fac8f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />How cute is this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/287526757432528786/" target="_blank">doggy pool</a>? For real. If we weren't planning to sell our house in the next year or two, I'd totally do this. My dogs LOVE to swim and this would be their best present ever.<br /><br />Also for our backyard, I'm loving the idea of a little <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/287526757432470054/" target="_blank">more privacy for our deck</a>. Since we live in the city we don't have much privacy in our backyard and this looks like a really smart idea to gain some more privacy without having to put up a gigantic fence around the entire yard.  <br /><br />While I don't have any of these on my <i>actual</i> to-do list this weekend, I'd love to get the privacy lattice up on our deck yet this summer! Do you think it's be hard to do?<br /><br />What are your weekend projects? <br /><br /><br />

DIY Weekend Projects

How cute is this doggy pool ? For real. If we weren't planning to sell our house in the next year or two, I'd totally do this. My do...

7:16 AM

What a mess!

This is what my bathroom looks like right now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8890004975/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="BathroomAC by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="BathroomAC" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/8890004975_12932a6e04_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Wow. It's a beaut.<br /><br />Tomorrow we're getting air conditioning installed in our house. We're super duper excited to finally have AC, but since our house is so small, Justin is having to tear down walls so the installation guys can get to what they need.<br /><br />Luckily, I married a carpenter!<br /><br />It's funny that we chose this year to install air conditioning, because the way the spring is going so far, we may not even need it! Who knows if we're even going to get a warm summer...BUT at least we'll have it there for when the time comes to sell the house. Hello resell value!! <br /><br />Also, this is how our guest bedroom looks right now, and we're having guests over tomorrow. Uh oh....Looks like I'll be cleaning all day while the AC install guys are doing their work. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8890004353/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="guest room by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="guest room" height="840" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/8890004353_afd4ab0127_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

What a mess!

This is what my bathroom looks like right now. Wow. It's a beaut. Tomorrow we're getting air conditioning installed in our house. We...

6:40 AM

backyard addition....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwD6yTTC-pNSOQ3fEd8Tt2xq3q2o5fv6svp23VM-LRqHev7CMWdsAyYTuooMbOEo6ti4GRAlZHDB6u7xp5ErSyYOPfKdFoMoKULcrN_Eac6JlW0gxb4AVwccLhYzRtxTRUanPhM6ZVDM/s1600/IMG_4434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwD6yTTC-pNSOQ3fEd8Tt2xq3q2o5fv6svp23VM-LRqHev7CMWdsAyYTuooMbOEo6ti4GRAlZHDB6u7xp5ErSyYOPfKdFoMoKULcrN_Eac6JlW0gxb4AVwccLhYzRtxTRUanPhM6ZVDM/s1600/IMG_4434.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I tried desperately to get my wound up child to go to bed tonight, Aubrey worked away on our newest addition to the house in our backyard. In the dark. Being bitten by mosquitos. We're trying to have it ready for the weekend for when Oscar has a few of his little friends over for some fun - Aubrey definitely earned a "Daddy of the Year" award for this. I'll reveal more next week after I've moved it around the yard in the search for the perfect spot. :) Now I'm going to go crash after trying to keep up with my three year old. ;) xo

backyard addition....

As I tried desperately to get my wound up child to go to bed tonight, Aubrey worked away on our newest addition to the house in our backyard...

7:42 PM

three years old...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_molOEeYyEjuQqRA6R9KLVmj73JVURUTsbvkF7-2-GrkjQ7JiyP0B7nPnZ50MrZ6aurSuAcTXaMCWDhvZEfmZ_oWg8ibZgDtuoVTBNlzHgo-48NAatdiFhXSWWR6nA8muI83I6ZOLOs/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_molOEeYyEjuQqRA6R9KLVmj73JVURUTsbvkF7-2-GrkjQ7JiyP0B7nPnZ50MrZ6aurSuAcTXaMCWDhvZEfmZ_oWg8ibZgDtuoVTBNlzHgo-48NAatdiFhXSWWR6nA8muI83I6ZOLOs/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" /></a></div><br />Oscar turns three today! Yay! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UllnM7DwOA-Zeqt_kigG-CSgwXIwaSBkveV5co4cAUNYM7L_gbSSV79EmJmGSCbkE6oKLhXzf9yuG7zufzLTIU0MND_MZtx8HJV-fENli2ky6Y70_f2sVqdylbCERvRmIkUyTv_TJ6o/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UllnM7DwOA-Zeqt_kigG-CSgwXIwaSBkveV5co4cAUNYM7L_gbSSV79EmJmGSCbkE6oKLhXzf9yuG7zufzLTIU0MND_MZtx8HJV-fENli2ky6Y70_f2sVqdylbCERvRmIkUyTv_TJ6o/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/05/another-nursery-addition.html" target="_blank">Here was the first post introducing our little man to the blog</a>, and here is a<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search?q=oscar&x=51&y=14" target="_blank"> series of posts that include my sweetheart</a>. :)

three years old...

Oscar turns three today! Yay! Here was the first post introducing our little man to the blog , and here is a series of posts that include m...

10:59 AM

Who knew power washing was so fun?

Six years into owning this house, I feel like I'm a professional when it comes to refinishing decks. And since our house in Minnesota, we need to refinish the deck every year (or just about), so I've had plenty of experience.<br /><br />So, for the first time ever, I decided to use a power washer to clean up the deck before laying down a new layer of stain. And who knew power washing was so fun!?! I had a blast.<br /><br />I wish Hubster had taken a photo of me, but he was too busy doing yard work. We're a productive couple.<br /><br />So here's a few before pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8873517290/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7634 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7634" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/8873517290_70f0563b6a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8873522090/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7636 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7636" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8873522090_b5818260b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before power washing </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8873509464/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_7640 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7640" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8278/8873509464_75d4b01821_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After power washing </td></tr></tbody></table><br />And some after pictures!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8872892253/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7644 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7644" height="457" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/8872892253_07a4edabd1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8872892915/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7643 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7643" height="456" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/8872892915_5cce26d23e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8873503774/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7646 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7646" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/8873503774_36e242d03d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Now I just need to buy myself an umbrella for that table and I'm ready to have some backyard BBQ's!<br /><br />

Who knew power washing was so fun?

Six years into owning this house, I feel like I'm a professional when it comes to refinishing decks. And since our house in Minnesota, w...

7:16 AM

Where did the weekend go?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8868786012/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Asses by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Asses" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8868786012_87aea92b7a_o.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /> 1) Sorry for no link party yesterday. My day got away from me with all the fun I was having.<br /><br /><br />2) By fun, I mean re-finishing our deck. This project took a lot more effort and time than I was envisioning when the long weekend started.<br /><br /><br />3) But boy does it look good. I wish I could share it with you, but in my sleep-deprived morning of getting ready for the office, I forgot to bring my camera.<br /><br />Guess I'll share some AWESOME deck photos tomorrow.<br /><br /><br />4) Please tell me it was sunny <b><i>somewhere</i></b> in the country and you got to have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend!!<br /><br />5) This image isn't <i>really</i> applicable to my busy-bee weekend, but it's the closest visual I could find on Pinterest on short notice. Really, I just like that it says asses.  <br /><br />

Where did the weekend go?

1) Sorry for no link party yesterday. My day got away from me with all the fun I was having. 2) By fun, I mean re-finishing our deck. This ...

9:29 AM

West Elm Preview

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmvlbxOlWMSx4yetodWo-UntiVjcekfK2rEViAiQAVGpZFAER-2QUlaCgp4ySV-uYEm5tjPiZoBO_Fldly2nZfoKbjlGDoRq0xODA5ChcvwG3Xq0VV0HVQssu7O_ThEKCV74yzU7kQpc/s1600/IMG_3368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmvlbxOlWMSx4yetodWo-UntiVjcekfK2rEViAiQAVGpZFAER-2QUlaCgp4ySV-uYEm5tjPiZoBO_Fldly2nZfoKbjlGDoRq0xODA5ChcvwG3Xq0VV0HVQssu7O_ThEKCV74yzU7kQpc/s1600/IMG_3368.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I was invited to attend the <a href="http://www.westelm.com/" target="_blank">West Elm</a> media preview last week to see what's new in the store. I <i>adore </i>this store. I feel like everyone in the store is friends, and have a soft spot because <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/12/etsy-night-at-west-elm.html" target="_blank">I was invited to take part in this event in 2011. </a>Here are some shots of items I loved during my walk through...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Cbtg0UtY-Q2nAAOm7Ldfkp-htad6a23TTRa1Cox6Sj6ZcbWoyuO2qU6HPbU_zD-HBMNCsiapVJliUJekuXTvXu2pyK__Npuqxs9xdRvlRd3EE2_SXGGcYc2W-vrb4OHMAMxuaAhJyE/s1600/IMG_3363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Cbtg0UtY-Q2nAAOm7Ldfkp-htad6a23TTRa1Cox6Sj6ZcbWoyuO2qU6HPbU_zD-HBMNCsiapVJliUJekuXTvXu2pyK__Npuqxs9xdRvlRd3EE2_SXGGcYc2W-vrb4OHMAMxuaAhJyE/s1600/IMG_3363.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I just really loved the typography and how fun these glasses were.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8aF5XrcjjjU75LmEjfQqlbA1y5OGNjMP6ZKti8LLbqvJwTYz1sgbeeCSppL2zbpX3mnEXQm0XMBIUGgVPGqeGSdbCrWgxEmadsKkDdg7OkvsGfA0zd-d-uqg6Fall5k0suh7rxjJpV4/s1600/IMG_3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8aF5XrcjjjU75LmEjfQqlbA1y5OGNjMP6ZKti8LLbqvJwTYz1sgbeeCSppL2zbpX3mnEXQm0XMBIUGgVPGqeGSdbCrWgxEmadsKkDdg7OkvsGfA0zd-d-uqg6Fall5k0suh7rxjJpV4/s1600/IMG_3366.jpg" /></a></div><br />I should have really picked up this honey jar (above), I've been coveting it for a year. But we don't use a lot of honey - but I still can't stop loving the design of it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vxSUKul74h7crOS2bybDCukz-_4iywRtyLYYlwc3szPA2Ul3qKNCLfnHnUobpm8LBeskdRzNDL7vmgwFuKWAL8QNUfK2NjB37G28ZRA1XpjzjRi82s3KsHQbC3J5GCF9_mdV4cqE__g/s1600/IMG_3365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vxSUKul74h7crOS2bybDCukz-_4iywRtyLYYlwc3szPA2Ul3qKNCLfnHnUobpm8LBeskdRzNDL7vmgwFuKWAL8QNUfK2NjB37G28ZRA1XpjzjRi82s3KsHQbC3J5GCF9_mdV4cqE__g/s1600/IMG_3365.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm3QSsPCLj7BJwbSEszJOZNgLoIsErXAPdJJjIG2j5fL8AmB449p4JBUez_SfDhJKoFqDoZR8qPnkSu71iHbOYz5HYuHpOpX-uNM4RJ4Fg7xlbN_qRE239lu0b5TA1HKrcjHgvxNnEPI/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm3QSsPCLj7BJwbSEszJOZNgLoIsErXAPdJJjIG2j5fL8AmB449p4JBUez_SfDhJKoFqDoZR8qPnkSu71iHbOYz5HYuHpOpX-uNM4RJ4Fg7xlbN_qRE239lu0b5TA1HKrcjHgvxNnEPI/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm3QSsPCLj7BJwbSEszJOZNgLoIsErXAPdJJjIG2j5fL8AmB449p4JBUez_SfDhJKoFqDoZR8qPnkSu71iHbOYz5HYuHpOpX-uNM4RJ4Fg7xlbN_qRE239lu0b5TA1HKrcjHgvxNnEPI/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I actually got giddy when I saw that they had a HUGE collection of succulents in the store. I've been obsessed with making a terrarium and West Elm has everything you need to make one. As in dirt, stones, plants and obviously pretty stylish vessels. I may have also felt like I won the lottery when they gave me the following terrarium to take home...<br />   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8SUYtYa2ZZo8pr4egkPXI_ri0PVPpZGTb3lkdvoP7v06jUqw6LJco7jk2b-Mq_lZwKyR7t4rwu8i_vDQJTCOA9zeD68o0AwbzODoGdtFSnXTnKTZ8x2-GYJuImpeBYF44Ol2kk19BgQ/s1600/IMG_3367.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8SUYtYa2ZZo8pr4egkPXI_ri0PVPpZGTb3lkdvoP7v06jUqw6LJco7jk2b-Mq_lZwKyR7t4rwu8i_vDQJTCOA9zeD68o0AwbzODoGdtFSnXTnKTZ8x2-GYJuImpeBYF44Ol2kk19BgQ/s1600/IMG_3367.jpg" /></a><br /><br />  Not an awesome picture but it's a selfie of me and my terrarium. :) It actually ended up staying at my Mom's (I was still living with her at the time of the event) and I thought she'd like it so it's living with her. But I'll be heading back to the store to get some more items to make my own for my house.<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-terrariums-c636/?pkey=e%7Cglasses%7C67%7Cbest%7C0%7C2%7C24%7C%7C5&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-" target="_blank"> Maybe one of these? </a><br /><br />I think I saw in an article once that if you're a blogger you need to have either a <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/02/ikea-sells-fancy-blogger-trees.html" target="_blank">Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree </a>or an array of succulents so I figure I've got both almost covered now. ;) Are you into the succulents?

West Elm Preview

I was invited to attend the West Elm media preview last week to see what's new in the store. I adore this store. I feel like everyone i...

7:17 AM

Chez Nina Bruun

J'ai plein de photos à vous montrer de mon voyage à Madrid la semaine dernière, mais je n'ai pas eu le temps de les trier encore... Alors en attendant, voici quelques photos de la maison de <a href="http://www.ninabruun.com/ninabruun.com/START.html" target="_blank">Nina Bruun</a>, une talentueuse designer danoise. On y voit notamment son propre design, comme Halo - ces superbes appliques épurées en noir ou cuivre (1ère photo), et aussi sa toute nouvelle table à manger (2ème photo) - seulement un prototype pour l'instant, ainsi que le fameux fauteuil Nest sur lequel Nina est assise (3ème photo).<br /><div><br /></div><div>Ah oui, j'ai enfin activé <a href="https://twitter.com/LaMaison_dAnnaG" target="_blank">mon compte Twitter</a> qui dormait depuis bien longtemps! Vous pouvez me suivre <b><a href="https://twitter.com/LaMaison_dAnnaG" target="_blank">ici</a> </b>pour ne rien rater de l'actualité de La Maison d'Anna G. et d'ailleurs :)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I've got lots of photos to show you from my trip to Madrid last week, but I haven't had the time to sort them yet... So meanwhile, here are a few pictures from the home of talented Danish designer <a href="http://www.ninabruun.com/ninabruun.com/START.html" target="_blank">Nina Bruun</a>. Her own design is clearly present, like Halo - these great minimalistic wall lamps in black or copper (1st photo), and also her brand new dining table (2nd photo) - only a prototype for the moment, as well as the famous Nest armchair that Nina is sitting on (3rd photo).</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>And oh, I've finally activated <a href="https://twitter.com/LaMaison_dAnnaG" target="_blank">my Twitter account</a> that was pretty much sleeping since a long time! You can follow me <b><a href="https://twitter.com/LaMaison_dAnnaG" target="_blank">here</a> </b>to see what's going on at La Maison d'Anna G. and elsewhere :)</i></div><div><i><br /></i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU73esCodc9OX0JCAN_JCt6Q9kZ6AY8Vs2NvMMadz-F3zkg5T8fc495M_EL5Hac8ry5J9lZiB-D5wPJulTYLoWZXcuQaACdYYSfgAOKuFqVMCv8F-Aoxie5zS_kc5uoFrwv0sHH44wZQ0/s1600/6304902-sovevrelse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU73esCodc9OX0JCAN_JCt6Q9kZ6AY8Vs2NvMMadz-F3zkg5T8fc495M_EL5Hac8ry5J9lZiB-D5wPJulTYLoWZXcuQaACdYYSfgAOKuFqVMCv8F-Aoxie5zS_kc5uoFrwv0sHH44wZQ0/s1600/6304902-sovevrelse.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5S6GkgMxfGaNi4eV-cIozpR7zvBycZMP6TkGAgkzkGjl_i0m3l-yBHECJhcCiAPXKeauzNa70OeidaHbFJKepFoLr0nYO5lp0hWtkWwVWDr2GsqNSspD7vvIv5igbLHrFZ7puvAeRd4/s1600/6304898-stue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5S6GkgMxfGaNi4eV-cIozpR7zvBycZMP6TkGAgkzkGjl_i0m3l-yBHECJhcCiAPXKeauzNa70OeidaHbFJKepFoLr0nYO5lp0hWtkWwVWDr2GsqNSspD7vvIv5igbLHrFZ7puvAeRd4/s1600/6304898-stue.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem1rqIAOAjCJvgP_bFME5eGxdCkPzRypzMmOlV7Um7p25bmmBDdB_S5Dg34iplhgj6fsjrJne1lP-5HaiKaIQ-j-1QO5Yf6CFOhpzyC5jOJUy5GHoLkRSqtAOnzVr-5p8U43G4oOux88/s1600/6304879-nina-bruun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem1rqIAOAjCJvgP_bFME5eGxdCkPzRypzMmOlV7Um7p25bmmBDdB_S5Dg34iplhgj6fsjrJne1lP-5HaiKaIQ-j-1QO5Yf6CFOhpzyC5jOJUy5GHoLkRSqtAOnzVr-5p8U43G4oOux88/s1600/6304879-nina-bruun.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lbg3c9mO0JqD1SoDh8h4Z1L4C8rJu6wkxvwIVDVPvVB9T5rmRkWX4X0TcIwL3KAobEKJSPf8-RGuuh7-n-SBQjoAWbhaHk56KLv1lDpOusMBuhzyWm0HXJZXc9VBeCp0OkWNK-BHL7E/s1600/6304891-kkken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lbg3c9mO0JqD1SoDh8h4Z1L4C8rJu6wkxvwIVDVPvVB9T5rmRkWX4X0TcIwL3KAobEKJSPf8-RGuuh7-n-SBQjoAWbhaHk56KLv1lDpOusMBuhzyWm0HXJZXc9VBeCp0OkWNK-BHL7E/s1600/6304891-kkken.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreWmy0pu7pfpaQkUO6u_DTFEdqcZCLEtnQsGOq-aov4G-dsCERmMKG-QhSiYQTSgn1EKngaMtd0b7BqvDJ06G7vFbmvym3vOgqdQ8jT6ejjgGxMCUDAeqCncYWe6Hx1zXuxPyq7hRurM/s1600/6304916-hygge-ved-sengen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreWmy0pu7pfpaQkUO6u_DTFEdqcZCLEtnQsGOq-aov4G-dsCERmMKG-QhSiYQTSgn1EKngaMtd0b7BqvDJ06G7vFbmvym3vOgqdQ8jT6ejjgGxMCUDAeqCncYWe6Hx1zXuxPyq7hRurM/s1600/6304916-hygge-ved-sengen.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://www.b.dk/bolig/mod-og-kompromisser-paa-christianshavn" target="_blank">Berlingske</a></i></div>

Chez Nina Bruun

J'ai plein de photos à vous montrer de mon voyage à Madrid la semaine dernière, mais je n'ai pas eu le temps de les trier encore... ...

1:45 PM

Stumped by Staging? These People Were.

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-Diningroom_zps9cd701fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-Diningroom_zps9cd701fc.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The blue walls of this dining room are the same<br />intensity as the brown walls in the neighboring rooms. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you have a teacher who said, “There are no stupid questions.” Yeah, I had her, too. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Asking questions is a smart thing to do. I love questions from readers. Here are some I’ve received lately. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span> </b>Our dining room is cherry red. I really like it. Do we have to change to color in order to attract a buyer? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> Staging is about removing as many obstacles as possible that will prevent a buyer from deciding your home is The One for him. You don't "have to" do anything, but you'd be wise to please as many people as possible with your wall colors.<br /><br />I doubt that rooms adjoining your dining room have walls as intense as cherry red. I’d say, yes, paint your dining room walls a color that will “talk to” surrounding rooms, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">a color that's the same value,</a> a color anyone have a long term relationship with.    <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>I’m staging my house, and we just painted most of the walls. I don’t want bare walls, but I don’t want holes when I take the pictures down and move out. Do you have any advice?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>There are a few things you can do. Very often you can hang lightweight art with regular push pins, which leave unnoticeable pinholes. Or you can use Command products that are removable and leave virtually no holes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The people who buy your house might paint the walls or they may hang their own art that would cover nail holes, so don’t stress about some wall holes.  Leave some of your wall paint, labelled, for the new owners. The holes won’t be apparent until a walk-through just prior to closing, when you can tell them about the touch-up paint if it comes up in conversations or negotiations. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> My home has been on the market for 10 months. It’s uncluttered, clean and staged. People say it looks great. My realtor agrees. She shows it often. The feedback I get is all positive. But still no offers. Is this normal or am I missing something?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">A: </span>Find out what is typical for days on market in your area. That will tell you if you are just being impatient or there is a problem.<br /><br />If homes in your market sell in less than 10 months average, and if all that you say is accurate, I think you have to look at the price. When people tour a home and they think the price is too high for what they see, they often won’t say that, even to their own realtor. Instead, they will mention that the bedrooms are small, or they don’t like the view, or the bath needs remodeling – some deal-breaker. No one wants to look cheap. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d recommend a review with your realtor of how you arrived at your price. You may have to adjust your expectations and ask less.     <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>What finish should walls have when painting them for staging? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>Flat everywhere except baths and kitchen where semigloss or satin is best.  <o:p></o:p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-cpapmachine_zps629e50a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-cpapmachine_zps629e50a8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This CPAP unit is unusually attractive. Most <br />are not this pretty. Photo Devilbiss. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> My husband uses a CPAP machine for his sleep apnea. The device sits on the bedside table. Now that our home is listed, should I be concerned about how this looks to people coming to look at the house? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>Yes, you should. These devices aren't ugly, but they raise questions. Keep a pretty, cover-up box handy for the CPAP machine, tuck in under the bed, or <a href="http://www.cpapholders.com/product/specs" target="_blank">buy a holder</a>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s never a good idea to have anything on display that hints of problems people have. Even if the problems have nothing to do specifically with the house for sale, buyers don’t want to be reminded of hardships, illnesses or unpleasantness homesellers have. They want their next home to be a place where nothing uncomfortable ever happens. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always encourage people to find hiding places for things like an oxygen tank, walkers, crutches, braces, and medicines. Prescription drugs need to be securely out of sight. Maybe it’s just me, but I think even a flesh-colored wrist support or some bottles of supplements look too intimate.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you have questions about selling your home? You can email me, or ask on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/100832113324140/" target="_blank">group Facebook page</a>. My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBooks</a> also answer your DIY home staging questions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Stumped by Staging? These People Were.

The blue walls of this dining room are the same intensity as the brown walls in the neighboring rooms. Did you have a teacher who said, “Th...

2:00 AM

Baker's Twine - Buy 1, Get 1 Free

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yNyhzDt5vobpvopYZPDgpV6pYf04mJPhOITbnU9dJLoVixnSNCXLstRX_77WiiHSy2-RI5dTnii78MY8LHosVLz8yFFQe2U9ha_BsIQ7kosal6KKHx-2L1Uo7-3LoRnz00S8MfyEu1I/s1600/bakerstwinesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yNyhzDt5vobpvopYZPDgpV6pYf04mJPhOITbnU9dJLoVixnSNCXLstRX_77WiiHSy2-RI5dTnii78MY8LHosVLz8yFFQe2U9ha_BsIQ7kosal6KKHx-2L1Uo7-3LoRnz00S8MfyEu1I/s1600/bakerstwinesale.jpg" /></a></div><br />Like Baker's Twine? I'm obsessed. My new favourite colour is black - it goes perfectly with kraft wrapping paper. I thought I'd post about a <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/pages/twine-sale" target="_blank">sale going on in my shop for this week only</a> - when you buy 1 roll of twine, you can pick a second roll, <i>free</i>. Buy two rolls, you get an additional two rolls free ... and so on, and so on. Anyhow, this won't happen again anytime soon so I thought I'd post here because it is such a fun promotion. <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/pages/twine-sale" target="_blank">Click here to read more about the sale.</a> xo Lindsay

Baker's Twine - Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Like Baker's Twine? I'm obsessed. My new favourite colour is black - it goes perfectly with kraft wrapping paper. I thought I'd ...

7:20 PM

Weekend mix

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKA11_UF5pXS1bRrj-c8QR2XhUE4xFlSOgUNYz41J-UBTGpiEdrC_z9RHfsuUVIiyPiDiRhMIAw0HAhm7a431QYTADGAESNVq1GcdwT04_TpaDEBTA74SAvyUifGz-_c6mF18dCMyVPA/s1600/Residence_121011_0403+roland+persson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKA11_UF5pXS1bRrj-c8QR2XhUE4xFlSOgUNYz41J-UBTGpiEdrC_z9RHfsuUVIiyPiDiRhMIAw0HAhm7a431QYTADGAESNVq1GcdwT04_TpaDEBTA74SAvyUifGz-_c6mF18dCMyVPA/s640/Residence_121011_0403+roland+persson2.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuIS6Cl1gfBghuJYhjUyUIBu5oDpzZhQ86GIDBLhhs_XocT5WQU3_rf5PfL8tebSYG7O0n2-8XsXKy_vEicWtKV-vw3-VLxSmC_JTFtU0lZv2pNdmHzytas5yorujwru5rk3WMnDp3Ps/s1600/amm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuIS6Cl1gfBghuJYhjUyUIBu5oDpzZhQ86GIDBLhhs_XocT5WQU3_rf5PfL8tebSYG7O0n2-8XsXKy_vEicWtKV-vw3-VLxSmC_JTFtU0lZv2pNdmHzytas5yorujwru5rk3WMnDp3Ps/s1600/amm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7UiYToAQ-u0CR0LFpWY0Uulusc-8U5a-qmUpGWyTvVdB39qoHd33dgDcHJ7Pg5vAkGpXD2Gbs_VCjL4ZU3gVl7nFRNMGlkXeyuPsiyhpDigC2Oh6pjtrdQiCqnRVWd2iFMBlaJ6Mlps/s1600/ceen+wahren2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7UiYToAQ-u0CR0LFpWY0Uulusc-8U5a-qmUpGWyTvVdB39qoHd33dgDcHJ7Pg5vAkGpXD2Gbs_VCjL4ZU3gVl7nFRNMGlkXeyuPsiyhpDigC2Oh6pjtrdQiCqnRVWd2iFMBlaJ6Mlps/s640/ceen+wahren2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lGPL7T63DdqpbtYroKn-LGoH6AH3Wuk1-SfksXXLUAV_UKCmwP9qWUD7Z5OHhs18IGmhe-QwjO5zQaAquz6__61hWImFs0XZMTZrg3519F9QiIODhZoRdktdxshr_7yKAgMZcGUDFh4/s1600/line+klein2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lGPL7T63DdqpbtYroKn-LGoH6AH3Wuk1-SfksXXLUAV_UKCmwP9qWUD7Z5OHhs18IGmhe-QwjO5zQaAquz6__61hWImFs0XZMTZrg3519F9QiIODhZoRdktdxshr_7yKAgMZcGUDFh4/s640/line+klein2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzX_mDpWcfW_CJGVftT-I77gvLp0BiKWyYTCmuO_az5OBmFfQVNXc3I0HLjdWi6_WiL2CkGttzeCLfzAdaTOs42CI78JwtE4DeXNAZwfN7GmPYH2N96eM2v2AVFewj_z9p8105dYYpzE/s1600/line+klein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzX_mDpWcfW_CJGVftT-I77gvLp0BiKWyYTCmuO_az5OBmFfQVNXc3I0HLjdWi6_WiL2CkGttzeCLfzAdaTOs42CI78JwtE4DeXNAZwfN7GmPYH2N96eM2v2AVFewj_z9p8105dYYpzE/s640/line+klein.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF0GVlByuMLg-gtTE6_Ds5yKp4juWFa-tL30OFvYy3uz-gPyaipKFHV1DSI_uHN6gGWf-3BOzS_ouRdiQC9eEVhXfWjCAkhrWs6tPEVxsgjNbzKrG9RmRNVzobY_x7wzNdVSQ9E8dx64/s1600/line+klein3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF0GVlByuMLg-gtTE6_Ds5yKp4juWFa-tL30OFvYy3uz-gPyaipKFHV1DSI_uHN6gGWf-3BOzS_ouRdiQC9eEVhXfWjCAkhrWs6tPEVxsgjNbzKrG9RmRNVzobY_x7wzNdVSQ9E8dx64/s640/line+klein3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Source 1. <a href="http://www.soderbergagentur.com/photographers/roland-persson/" target="_blank">Roland Persson</a>, 2. <a href="http://www.amerrymishapblog.com/" target="_blank">A Merry Mishap</a>, 3-4. <a href="http://www.agentbauer.com/photographers/ceenwahren" target="_blank">Ceen Wahren</a>,  5-7. <a href="http://lineklein.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Line Klein</a></i></div>

Weekend mix

Source 1. Roland Persson , 2. A Merry Mishap , 3-4. Ceen Wahren , 5-7. Line Klein

2:55 PM

happy friday

happy friday

Nothing much to end this week but I had to post this video that my brother played for me, that had us in tears laughing. So basically the ba...

8:29 AM

My Weekend Project

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8802905909/" title="DIY Weekend Projects by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Weekend Projects" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/8802905909_6f7b9873d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Happy Memorial Day weekend!<br /><br />Since the weather won't be exceptional this weekend, Justin & I decided to spend the long weekend at home getting caught up on some housework - like refinishing our deck and cleaning out the garage. Sounds fun, right?<br /><br />It seems like we need to refinish our deck every single year. Maybe it's because we live in Minnesota and the weather is ridiculous, but I'd sure like to replace this deck with composite so the upkeep isn't so darn strenuous. But...that costs a fortune.<br /><br />So here are some tips I've found lately about refinishing decks. Wish me luck!<br /><br />1// <a href="http://www.inman.com/2012/05/30/pros-guide-deck-refinishing/" target="_blank">Pro's guide to deck refinishing</a><br /><br />2// <a href="http://charlesandhudson.com/tips_and_tricks_for_refinishing_your_deck/" target="_blank">Tips and Tricks for Refinishing your Deck </a>

My Weekend Project

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Since the weather won't be exceptional this weekend, Justin & I decided to spend the long weekend at hom...

7:06 AM

tiling the washroom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXGKI06dkMsryj3Bc9F_dQmHZT9pAmlhd7cFjk1MAc3uhQGrJFIsYjCnjwHkr5cs4wKZm2f90c1bvSyqJOI5QglwHIxwTQyG70DEFES7KWVfA5ZSzDM6M2Vowe5qVxLp7SDo-Su93fOM/s1600/tile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXGKI06dkMsryj3Bc9F_dQmHZT9pAmlhd7cFjk1MAc3uhQGrJFIsYjCnjwHkr5cs4wKZm2f90c1bvSyqJOI5QglwHIxwTQyG70DEFES7KWVfA5ZSzDM6M2Vowe5qVxLp7SDo-Su93fOM/s1600/tile2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Tile is going in. :) For the shower <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/04/picking-tile.html" target="_blank">I chose a really huge porcelain tile that looks like marble but doesn't have the upkeep</a>. I'm in love with them. They definitely make the shower feel much more modern and really super clean. I love the reduction of grout lines compared to what we had before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI2Ks03jqga9f9aDhZSPKqN852n54wvZTAHoYpt3rqSZJzeILWp6XTv63qiefNqrmQZC_V0Ir0RJfj5IgijDRg5_C4HKei2uYSwjK7o35Pc2wg2BTdpBqgJM4CMIINReK33JBseySTxk/s1600/tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI2Ks03jqga9f9aDhZSPKqN852n54wvZTAHoYpt3rqSZJzeILWp6XTv63qiefNqrmQZC_V0Ir0RJfj5IgijDRg5_C4HKei2uYSwjK7o35Pc2wg2BTdpBqgJM4CMIINReK33JBseySTxk/s1600/tile.jpg" /></a></div><br />I would have liked to continue the same huge  tile on the floor, but I was worried about such large tiles being slippery. So we ended up going with hexagon tiles. I'm not totally sure it is the right choice - but the washroom is so small that I don't think it's that big of a deal. It's proving to take awhile to do the tile as Aubrey is doing it on his days off. But we're getting closer!

tiling the washroom

Tile is going in. :) For the shower I chose a really huge porcelain tile that looks like marble but doesn't have the upkeep . I'm i...

11:11 AM

It's time to party!

With Memorial Day around the corner, it's officially time to start having some outdoor parties! And being back in our new house means that Justin & I can have some BBQ's with friends and family, so I'm starting to scour the newest trend of styling-up your backyard parties. <br /><br />Look at how beautiful these parties are!<br /><br />I'm pretty excited to throw my first outdoor party in a few weeks (weather permitting). I recently joined a book club, and while I may not go all out like the inspiration below, I'm pretty excited to throw my first backyard bash!  <br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/outdoor_party_inspiration/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=83054446" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Outdoor Party Inspiration" border="0" height="682" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/mrzE6cgi3x4WUa8akIg1rA/cid/83054446/id/Z_5NrMJDT86dXgy0witSCQ/size/c640x682.jpg" title="Outdoor Party Inspiration" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />Image sources: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/225954106273978455/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.kirklands.com/product/Loop-Beverage-Dispenser/167097.uts?utm_source=Pinterest&cid=PINecomm032213" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39615881@N06/7337492510/in/photostream" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.thefreshexchangeblog.com/" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/a6/c9/24/a6c9241c9b870e374c7cad3a4dca46fa.jpg" target="_blank">5</a>

It's time to party!

With Memorial Day around the corner, it's officially time to start having some outdoor parties! And being back in our new house means th...

8:28 AM

a quick trip before coming home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLVWNAVDJEXxLBSQoUQ7cDDlVQL999hNu1WWtWpmZboMDmQdXjdFdlRD_9vqsXUicPoWbByp9NPasebvb7YCfaN1ZV0DO_M_ACFq2BLaWBFkVAsFQ2CN7niBLy0fXWbNO_zcfXTwCIW4/s1600/cottage_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLVWNAVDJEXxLBSQoUQ7cDDlVQL999hNu1WWtWpmZboMDmQdXjdFdlRD_9vqsXUicPoWbByp9NPasebvb7YCfaN1ZV0DO_M_ACFq2BLaWBFkVAsFQ2CN7niBLy0fXWbNO_zcfXTwCIW4/s1600/cottage_1.jpg" /></a></div>I'm back home! But before I did the official move back, we did a quick trip to the cottage for the long weekend. Three cars full of adults, one (soon to be) three year old and a dog = the best weekend ever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFX1n6DcyUwsWeoOpLT0ikWret6C4ial6hMOkRADgW2iiB-WfSgAiiZ9R0dRUwSTAbje7eG8tKDalWjOYx8foQhG8CfW8HBZU8-1hJyz3awhsXOjmKB43yqgY5Xn5qfuFhJScyTjpTYY/s1600/cottage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFX1n6DcyUwsWeoOpLT0ikWret6C4ial6hMOkRADgW2iiB-WfSgAiiZ9R0dRUwSTAbje7eG8tKDalWjOYx8foQhG8CfW8HBZU8-1hJyz3awhsXOjmKB43yqgY5Xn5qfuFhJScyTjpTYY/s1600/cottage_2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The weekend obviously included some antiquing. Or as Aubrey says "looking at old stuff." Aubrey got out of having to accompany me to antique stores as my brother is like me and enjoys the hunt of trying to finding treasures. (<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-4-best-antique-spots-in-cottage.html" target="_blank">See this post on some of my favourite spots in cottage country</a>) I spotted that awesome spindle bed, and although I have no place to put it in our house I ended up buying it because it was ridiculously well priced and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/antique-hunting-outside-of-city.html" target="_blank">I always regretted passing this one up in 2011</a>. Plus, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/04/new-shed-is-in.html" target="_blank">since we have a shed</a> - I now have a place to store it. I'm thinking it would be gorgeous painted a green? I also spotted that HUGE green glass jar and sent <a href="http://vintagepaperparade.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Debra </a>a picture as I remembered that <a href="http://vintagepaperparade.blogspot.ca/2013/03/on-hunt-for.html" target="_blank">she had blogged about liking similar jars</a>. We got rid of an old favorite chair that was on its last legs - but before it went to the dump each family member sat in it and my brother took a picture. It made for a series of hilarious shots.<br /><br />Back to the house - the bathroom is continuing to be tiled - Aubrey found the larger tiles to be slightly more difficult than the small subway tiles but he is now on a roll. I'll post some updates on the bathroom tomorrow!<br /><br />xo Linds<br /><br />Ps., Can you spot the moon in the top photo?

a quick trip before coming home

I'm back home! But before I did the official move back, we did a quick trip to the cottage for the long weekend. Three cars full of adul...

9:47 AM

In my dreams

CB2 is <b><i>my</i></b> store. I'm obsessed. If I could afford it (which I can't) my entire home would be styled out by CB2 products.<br /><br />Since buying our new couch there, I've been getting tons of emails and catalogs to further tease me with things that I just can't afford to buy right now. But boy, do I want to. Here are some of my latest obsessions. ...I may or may not be saving up for some new barstools.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cb2_love/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=82860281" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="CB2 Love" border="0" height="689" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/SAXlB6sgPwVVWyvFEylUVw/cid/82860281/id/OxWlTo6mSteguECHrcP_yA/size/c640x689.jpg" title="CB2 Love" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br />1 // <a href="http://www.cb2.com/grey-felt-file-box/s126155?a=592" target="_blank">Grey Felt File Boxes</a> // I mean, who doesn't need stylish storage boxes that match perfectly with their couch? <br /><br />2 // <a href="http://www.cb2.com/club-lemongrass-chair/s630837?a=592" target="_blank">Club Lemongrass Chair</a> // I'm loving this side chair for my living room, bringing in some more of my yellow color palette. Is it weird to just have one? Or do I need two? <br /><br />3// <a href="http://www.cb2.com/brasil-collection/novogratz/luli-table-lamp/s684546?a=592" target="_blank">Luli Table Lamp</a> // I can own a monkey lamp?? Yes, please. <br /><br />4// <a href="http://www.cb2.com/charlie-barstools/f8088?a=592" target="_blank">Charlie Barstools</a> // The coveted barstools that look like the perfect mix of modern & comfort. I <i>will</i> own two of these barstools one day. <br /><br />5// <a href="http://www.cb2.com/latitude-slate-low-dresser/s452831?a=592" target="_blank">Latitude Slate Low Dresser</a> // I'm in love with this dresser, which they also carry in a burnt yellow. I'm thinking it would be perfect for our guest room, if only I had room for it. <br /><br />6// <a href="http://www.cb2.com/brasil-collection/novogratz/rouge-coffee-table/s689653?a=592" target="_blank">Rouge Coffee Table </a>// Last but not least, this rocking coffee table. I'm thinking about a pink coffee table for the living room, but haven't decided on style yet. What do you think, is this a contender?

In my dreams

CB2 is my store. I'm obsessed. If I could afford it (which I can't) my entire home would be styled out by CB2 products. Since buyin...

10:25 AM

Printemps..?

Mais où est passé le printemps? Ici à Paris il ne fait que pleuvoir...<br />Des fleurs fraîches dans des vases chinés ou des bouteilles toutes simples, comme sur les photos ci-dessous, vont au moins donner un air de printemps à l'intérieur!<br /><br />Maintenant je pars à Madrid pour deux jours, en espérant que le soleil brillera un peu plus là-bas? Je vais visiter l'événement design Casa Décor en compagnie d'autres bloggeurs et la sympatique équipe de <a href="http://thedaily.triitme.com/" target="_blank">TriitMe!</a> Alors si c'est silencieux ici, vous me trouverez sur Instagram (anna_g).<br /><br /><i>Where did spring go? Here in Paris the rain just keeps pouring down...</i><br /><i>Some fresh flowers from the garden in thrifted vases or simple bottles, like on the pictures below, will at least add some spring feeling inside!</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Now I'm off to Madrid for a couple of days, hopefully the sun will shine more there? I will be visiting the design event Casa Decor together with some other bloggers and the great team from <a href="http://thedaily.triitme.com/" target="_blank">TriitMe!</a> So if it goes silent here, you'll find me on Instagram (anna_g).</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLHEhescRK5e5Sa1JPldhyphenhyphen45-zRjv0QSQu_dvkzJlnGaawmx6-IOAzvi77aVFs9ab7Pq2_xaxolnHgj2Yf8-XAtEf53tP9mrtNQUnUpsE6TQ7Rwecv7dc6RmqxHHSMVCANv17MDcouFg/s1600/varblommor7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLHEhescRK5e5Sa1JPldhyphenhyphen45-zRjv0QSQu_dvkzJlnGaawmx6-IOAzvi77aVFs9ab7Pq2_xaxolnHgj2Yf8-XAtEf53tP9mrtNQUnUpsE6TQ7Rwecv7dc6RmqxHHSMVCANv17MDcouFg/s1600/varblommor7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg8RtiIG3WjkrK9n_iqqa5O0aXeFV5T5jlt25XT5JdwRVx8snJC_CGv3kW0Fz-MQSG-j4GO2hJgOx_ckK5oOubn6w2-sl5SJx8fHxuQjMqIhNwJlGme7D6CnOKbrxBj3xBHg7fr6hLL0/s1600/varblommor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg8RtiIG3WjkrK9n_iqqa5O0aXeFV5T5jlt25XT5JdwRVx8snJC_CGv3kW0Fz-MQSG-j4GO2hJgOx_ckK5oOubn6w2-sl5SJx8fHxuQjMqIhNwJlGme7D6CnOKbrxBj3xBHg7fr6hLL0/s1600/varblommor3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13Tr1vvOws-hCdUr-zrcgClfOuIy8nY4_yfFFHsSNLdfEX-ZMXAHiED9TPrBeyIwD9KIgw9XJDDgUubH22AcMxYnS-rfj7mry0X_TOBWAvv6VND3e8ju8FQow4TUt8wlIUAwmcDm7lTU/s1600/varblommor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13Tr1vvOws-hCdUr-zrcgClfOuIy8nY4_yfFFHsSNLdfEX-ZMXAHiED9TPrBeyIwD9KIgw9XJDDgUubH22AcMxYnS-rfj7mry0X_TOBWAvv6VND3e8ju8FQow4TUt8wlIUAwmcDm7lTU/s1600/varblommor.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://www.skonahem.com/" target="_blank">Sköna Hem / photo Pernilla Hed</a></i></div>

Printemps..?

Mais où est passé le printemps? Ici à Paris il ne fait que pleuvoir... Des fleurs fraîches dans des vases chinés ou des bouteilles toutes si...

11:09 PM

The DIY'ers and some favorites

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8492982155/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIY'ers by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br />It's time for The DIY'ers! <br /><br />There was some pretty great inspiration that everyone shared in last week's DIY'ers that I can't wait to feature. There was someone after my own heart showing her latest rendition of washi tape DIY, and another that showed off how to hide an ugly Air Conditioner - and we're installing AC later this month!<br /><br />Here are a few of those favorites:<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8758058298/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bedroom Makeover by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Bedroom Makeover" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/8758058298_51fbd479fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://calliescrafts.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-master-bedroom-sneak-peak.html" target="_blank">Callie's Crafts</a> sneak peek's her beautiful bedroom transformation. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8758058348/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="AC Picket Fence by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="AC Picket Fence" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/8758058348_beaa9b4573_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ourcloverhouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/fence-picket-ac-unit-cover.html" target="_blank">The Clover House </a>puts another thing on my to-do list with a beautiful Picket Fence around their AC unit. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8756931049/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Wooden-Letter-with-washi-tape-on-edges-2-555x1024 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Wooden-Letter-with-washi-tape-on-edges-2-555x1024" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8756931049_38eec82a7f_b.jpg" width="555" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And <a href="http://blog.thelovenerds.com/2013/05/washi-wooden-letter.html" target="_blank">The Love Nerds</a> showcase a project with my favorite DIY product, Washi Tape! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And now it's your turn! Show off your latest DIY projects below.  <br /><br /><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><textarea cols="18" name="Grab My Button" readonly="readonly" rows="3"><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="Running on Happiness"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="The DIY'ers" /></a> />

The Rules? They're simple!

Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below.
Text link back to Home Coming or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY'ers.
Become a follower of Home Coming. I'd love to have you!

The DIY'ers and some favorites

It's time for The DIY'ers! There was some pretty great inspiration that everyone shared in last week's DIY'ers that I can...

6:45 AM

Sélection Fête des Mères

Dimanche prochain c'est la Fête des Mères en France, alors n'hésitez pas à consulter <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/39-fete-des-meres" target="_blank">ma sélection d'idées cadeaux dans la boutique en ligne</a>!. Passez votre commande avant mercredi soir pour être livré à temps pour dimanche prochain (France Métropolitaine).<br /><br /><i>Next Sunday it's Mother's Day here in France, so I made <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/39-fete-des-meres" target="_blank">a selection of gift ideas from the webshop</a>!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BF2sHpPwtbybWVlOQR0n9d3HfQpW1rPmP8BWJxO72N1ryyGrL-jp5-esqprbqzGJl4-vTDq6tYgp0zg_RJkg-y4k5dZpUK-XlJCyS_mWfqmNp8NwFG39qcx4YcsHi2X74LioAQBybyY/s1600/collage+diapo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BF2sHpPwtbybWVlOQR0n9d3HfQpW1rPmP8BWJxO72N1ryyGrL-jp5-esqprbqzGJl4-vTDq6tYgp0zg_RJkg-y4k5dZpUK-XlJCyS_mWfqmNp8NwFG39qcx4YcsHi2X74LioAQBybyY/s1600/collage+diapo+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/objets-deco/277-vase-tube-xs-beton-or-brule.html" target="_blank">Vase béton / <i>Concrete vase</i></a> 15€<br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/recherche?orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=mug+playtype" target="_blank">Mug lettre / <i>Letter mug</i></a> 19€<br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/objets-deco/204-boite-a-bijoux-belle.html" target="_blank">Boite à bijoux laiton / <i>Brass jewellery box</i></a> 95€<br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/livres/300-livre-northern-delights.html" target="_blank">Livre / <i>Book</i> "Northern Delights"</a> 39,90€<br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/bougeoirs/304-bougeoir-lup-cuivre.html" target="_blank">Bougeoir cuivre / <i>Copper candlestick</i></a> 29€<br /><a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/bureau-et-rangement/255-porte-documents-plisse-a4-gris-corail-neon.html" target="_blank">Porte-documents / <i>Archive folder</i></a> 29€<br /><br />N'oubliez pas que vous pouvez aussi offrir un <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/35-cheques-cadeaux" target="_blank">Chèque Cadeau</a>, valable un an dans le shop!<br /><i>Don't forget that you can also offer a <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/35-cheques-cadeaux" target="_blank">Gift Voucher</a>, valid one year in the shop!</i><br /><br />Voir toutes les idées cadeaux <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/39-fete-des-meres" target="_blank">ici </a>/<i> See all gift ideas <a href="http://www.lamaisondannag.com/fr/39-fete-des-meres" target="_blank">here</a>.</i>

Sélection Fête des Mères

Dimanche prochain c'est la Fête des Mères en France, alors n'hésitez pas à consulter ma sélection d'idées cadeaux dans la boutiq...

12:05 PM