back deck lighting + grass

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaqFqB1iY7Efxh1vElUTcmMXk8X6SkYw_bgDKvkjiJNiDHLiFLs2QFP2RWuBoFsmsL9-Awwqfe9BWU1wtSSef12-f6Cm0Ed_tAZ0YBGGkKpCkOrqO8fNGo8B853UkMny2pqqVeDvHvWs/s1600/20140507_153832d.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/AVvXsEjyaqFqB1iY7Efxh1vElUTcmMXk8X6SkYw_bgDKvkjiJNiDHLiFLs2QFP2RWuBoFsmsL9-Awwqfe9BWU1wtSSef12-f6Cm0Ed_tAZ0YBGGkKpCkOrqO8fNGo8B853UkMny2pqqVeDvHvWs/s1600/20140507_153832d.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2014/05/deck-privacy-screen-take-2-or-3.html" target="_blank">The back deck has gone through a little series of updates</a> and I'm excited to show you the current stage. We did the final finishing touch and added some accent lighting to really finish off this space in addition to adding some planters. First - the lighting - I found two outdoor modern black lights at <a href="http://www.sescolite.com/" target="_blank">Sescolite </a>in Toronto (they were approximately $100 each)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvfQ65PBuJjK54KeWF0K0lLxsGJchDQMrGKqKefhywfayXJQouQw6cfpzzQQlBjoiSGRL4lvQPS76hFTjlD2Hyco0iIPkyw-D6zz_qtjatwx38h0V3BnxTZW3j5zWnY12IhhYvQijC3w/s1600/IMG_6877.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/AVvXsEjxvfQ65PBuJjK54KeWF0K0lLxsGJchDQMrGKqKefhywfayXJQouQw6cfpzzQQlBjoiSGRL4lvQPS76hFTjlD2Hyco0iIPkyw-D6zz_qtjatwx38h0V3BnxTZW3j5zWnY12IhhYvQijC3w/s1600/IMG_6877.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkgYFCIbnnZzBrISPeLg-ybZ6HUfKOzUA_ccrM9EI0tI6HD8wBhP3R4rXdv1iod0VkmCt6HFaSNYOkywN4Q4NTN5AKww4uvDwNZ6rIm4HuFKRTpA_6tAS4IokA2brkvxJbb-aoAvA1QM/s1600/IMG_6944.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/AVvXsEiDkgYFCIbnnZzBrISPeLg-ybZ6HUfKOzUA_ccrM9EI0tI6HD8wBhP3R4rXdv1iod0VkmCt6HFaSNYOkywN4Q4NTN5AKww4uvDwNZ6rIm4HuFKRTpA_6tAS4IokA2brkvxJbb-aoAvA1QM/s1600/IMG_6944.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn8q7mStKjJ7qhp5A3LN9llw_-ckY-GEdTFA9IJhS6HMRuuZcf_LXomabKUK18PbN5rUtsf94lvk122ZS7AaUDhH-CrEKtBXJ4Jg_1O42s0SV-MflYLEBz9glcXO02PvNccZo941Z0Yw/s1600/IMG_6956.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/AVvXsEgtn8q7mStKjJ7qhp5A3LN9llw_-ckY-GEdTFA9IJhS6HMRuuZcf_LXomabKUK18PbN5rUtsf94lvk122ZS7AaUDhH-CrEKtBXJ4Jg_1O42s0SV-MflYLEBz9glcXO02PvNccZo941Z0Yw/s1600/IMG_6956.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zpIw22rYEIyQQJO4xa-nlSJyvTCSu2cykmkchIohBJfdnXXSiXjvGbvrrPbE6TQ00cfchY7lmnOOxGMXktphC2Ss-K2ALaav7AtUcwmJlaQlGjx91AmybING076vpBMTllcjDg9Y3Oo/s1600/IMG_6989.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/AVvXsEg2zpIw22rYEIyQQJO4xa-nlSJyvTCSu2cykmkchIohBJfdnXXSiXjvGbvrrPbE6TQ00cfchY7lmnOOxGMXktphC2Ss-K2ALaav7AtUcwmJlaQlGjx91AmybING076vpBMTllcjDg9Y3Oo/s1600/IMG_6989.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeHtmwwuC44FwCgnzH3P0xyRvv9trxD9QZugPrGXCzTOWJ8XCvGkD7JPmgTMoiY8k150rt5Wb5UqJlOREa6ydCUwutMjjbshkTZWjZBbEViEY9Sdb0QPFAPNnUxrnDDGYaJ5xFLAt5U0/s1600/IMG_6993.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/AVvXsEgmeHtmwwuC44FwCgnzH3P0xyRvv9trxD9QZugPrGXCzTOWJ8XCvGkD7JPmgTMoiY8k150rt5Wb5UqJlOREa6ydCUwutMjjbshkTZWjZBbEViEY9Sdb0QPFAPNnUxrnDDGYaJ5xFLAt5U0/s1600/IMG_6993.jpg" /></a><br /><br />OMG. I love, love them. I really felt that we needed some lighting that shone down (vs. outwards) in order to not flood the deck with lighting. The two lights adds enough ambient lighting that you can sit out there and now see people, or even have the lights on when you're indoors and you don't feel like you're sending a bat signal to outer space.<br /><br />To finish off the space I added some planters from PC Home & Garden, and planted some perennial grasses that will stay there in the winter, and then I'll cut them down in the Spring and watch them come back to life. The lighting and planters makes looking outside much more pleasant - previously it just looked like a porch, to get to the garden. Now it feels like an outdoor room.<br /><br /><b>Lighting</b>: Purchased at <a href="http://www.sescolite.com/" target="_blank">Sescolite </a><br /><i>Tip: Carolyn has always helped my Mom and I, and is amazing. Do ask for her if you go in. </i><br /><br /><b>Planters + Plants</b>: Purchased at PC Garden Centre <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

back deck lighting + grass

The back deck has gone through a little series of updates  and I'm excited to show you the current stage. We did the final finishing tou...

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Ikea Textiles used Outdoors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6jCmwSZIyhXThS2U97sv98kxa8e2HJ3FC7_KwB3RXgye4Aml5BzwJ_pBSJlqOlFSFALrDpMG3cOPsUx0YdgS78Iajzf1sRQNbVmRCY6kW11DoCrofUVijrEeLexRj3-w7TCiz2nXJuo/s1600/main_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/AVvXsEjU6jCmwSZIyhXThS2U97sv98kxa8e2HJ3FC7_KwB3RXgye4Aml5BzwJ_pBSJlqOlFSFALrDpMG3cOPsUx0YdgS78Iajzf1sRQNbVmRCY6kW11DoCrofUVijrEeLexRj3-w7TCiz2nXJuo/s1600/main_1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/" target="_blank">Ikea </a>reached out an wondered if I would be interested in showing how their <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/Textiles/" target="_blank">textiles </a>can instantly change a room. You know me and Ikea - it's a relationship that goes way back, and is match made in heaven. But as much as I wanted to say yes to the room makeover - I'm actually really happy with how all of our bedrooms are over here, so it really wasn't a fit. The reason why I like partnering with companies like Ikea is because there are SO many products that are economical in their stores that you can afford to think outside the box as to how to use them. Working with companies like Ikea pushes me to do just that - think outside the box - so I explained my idea for using the textiles <i>outdoors. Y</i>ou can find the three of us outside more than indoors these days, so it seemed like a great fit for me. Thankfully Ikea was up for seeing what I would come up with. So, challenge accepted!<br /><i></i><br /><a name="more"></a><i><br /></i><br /><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/AVvXsEhqhBj5ezWcZC4JOQA-Uvo-GTsmRF8x6nOlZQuHyWjb0qCn2txLuZk75FtJQZwNAA6LWFwDOF-16A-tYmJltbsKoNkOjSoh2YmZVVu9URrVazexQ2lxfEcrzCCIpnzk1jKk-1pX-PGBgC0/s1600/123.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/AVvXsEhqhBj5ezWcZC4JOQA-Uvo-GTsmRF8x6nOlZQuHyWjb0qCn2txLuZk75FtJQZwNAA6LWFwDOF-16A-tYmJltbsKoNkOjSoh2YmZVVu9URrVazexQ2lxfEcrzCCIpnzk1jKk-1pX-PGBgC0/s1600/123.jpg" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEg3oGiMoHy5hQd75010gTmO8f1mVMyYBeWRJvY179vPdTqwXzBAbVNA1FHOfzYqaCSOAIS_i8vRNk802tTid3jUPxTFBya1KUgCDpZdKHMMgzprbxBUMvd7Oib57NrMXP_oZG4gqK4rQYw/s1600/12345.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/AVvXsEg3oGiMoHy5hQd75010gTmO8f1mVMyYBeWRJvY179vPdTqwXzBAbVNA1FHOfzYqaCSOAIS_i8vRNk802tTid3jUPxTFBya1KUgCDpZdKHMMgzprbxBUMvd7Oib57NrMXP_oZG4gqK4rQYw/s1600/12345.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This post is kind of photo heavy but my goodness, I had SO much fun shooting this tonight and I couldn't really edit. Anyhow, here's my thing. We <i>love </i>to entertain for the kids during the Summer. We're really lucky to have a really long garden plus a lane way, so it's perfect for lots of families. We're using our bonfire a lot, and the kids have all come over to roast hotdogs, marshmallows, and the parents all sit and catch up. We live in an amazing neighbourhood, so get togethers like this are becoming more frequent as Oscar gets older. I love having a sense of community, so hosting events - like pot lucks - are a great economical way to get together.<br /><br />Even the most low key of backyard events require some prep. I've occasionally fretted that we need to have tables and chairs / picnic tables for the kids at our BBQ's when really - throwing some blankets on the ground is a great way to create seating. <i>Picnics are the best.</i> But here's what's awesome - pick up individual <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/90267066/" target="_blank">SIGNE floor mats,</a> and let each kiddo have their own! They can place them all together (oh, so bohemian) Or carry around their own little mat with them where they go. Wouldn't that be great for a beach? Seriously, <i>get some of these mats</i>. You can also grab some of their <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/Textiles/" target="_blank">blankets </a>in their textile department, and have them on hand for the Summer months for outdoors to lie on. They take up less room than chairs, and it's much more relaxing and inviting in my opinion than formal sitting. Most likely they will get dirty, because you're going to encourage the kids to be kids, so throw that blanket in the wash, and save it for the next back yard party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHq3ufyC2tx94lYwahRSxabDH2-X4zH_yCV8Xpjvn3vVMyYNVNxaj-s9GIXlZ9bsl7F7eyeMeJ0TnwL0ZgDikjfjpecDTHR3R9LqINR9KYa-nDJP5W150bIU9vKRwiBpC6-w6NjAjK_0/s1600/oscar.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/AVvXsEgLHq3ufyC2tx94lYwahRSxabDH2-X4zH_yCV8Xpjvn3vVMyYNVNxaj-s9GIXlZ9bsl7F7eyeMeJ0TnwL0ZgDikjfjpecDTHR3R9LqINR9KYa-nDJP5W150bIU9vKRwiBpC6-w6NjAjK_0/s1600/oscar.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />From the textile department I picked up <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80200694/" target="_blank">three Ursula throws</a> - they are divine.  (They feel, and look like they should be from a high end boutique) So, so comfy to wrap around yourself on a chilly Summer's night. This past Saturday I was wrapped in one as I talked with a friend by the crackling fire. There is something lovely about being wrapped in a knit white blanket. It was great having more than one blanket on hand - because I could offer it to those who were with me. Having a stock of blankets on hand is always a great idea. You can use them as blankets to sit on, or, as warmth when the sun sets. Ps., Oscar was super still for that photo because he had snuck one of the marshmallows off the tree stump and was eating it very, very slowly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRhXqhrb6gRpzIO3xP0Qdme4sj64bKCmEFBJZKuHnWdjvzsWgoHWi6Off5Ex0TSU4lgEXdR9kfTFXy5TadVzLvXvEoG7oSnzHhcK8Q1TvTmlFZN58xb4qoNCtCLyXKvizbVIjJoXVSPk/s1600/1.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/AVvXsEgBRhXqhrb6gRpzIO3xP0Qdme4sj64bKCmEFBJZKuHnWdjvzsWgoHWi6Off5Ex0TSU4lgEXdR9kfTFXy5TadVzLvXvEoG7oSnzHhcK8Q1TvTmlFZN58xb4qoNCtCLyXKvizbVIjJoXVSPk/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc8ZsItze7qRSa-3Wg2Hqs0m9DkKiOHUCWVUiWa_0i0AM79J643MvHvSsy_ceXgq2Y2YuXslYLs77y4a4AzwI4n1CwvsA-wLWT-FxIhFg4QlJXJU9qyqkGPtgX2zUxtEDC_gcvmu6NRI/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc8ZsItze7qRSa-3Wg2Hqs0m9DkKiOHUCWVUiWa_0i0AM79J643MvHvSsy_ceXgq2Y2YuXslYLs77y4a4AzwI4n1CwvsA-wLWT-FxIhFg4QlJXJU9qyqkGPtgX2zUxtEDC_gcvmu6NRI/s1600/1.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadK2SLoiFn0z7ytEHnOwCiRveGDn6bDWe-ObeQ_UEwMn3bY70XHlZXNps_UltA_4U9PDaQ7kKQ5a8LxQCQlzmbQdPt8KhTIfvkGlFxl2gpyCz5y4nUuLBjUI899vQFe4dDKuG3wUvwNo/s1600/animated.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadK2SLoiFn0z7ytEHnOwCiRveGDn6bDWe-ObeQ_UEwMn3bY70XHlZXNps_UltA_4U9PDaQ7kKQ5a8LxQCQlzmbQdPt8KhTIfvkGlFxl2gpyCz5y4nUuLBjUI899vQFe4dDKuG3wUvwNo/s1600/animated.gif" /></a></div>Anyhow, I really hope this inspires some of you to actually look through Ikea's aisles and consider some of their textiles for outdoor entertaining. It's really super economical, and adds some beautiful style on a budget. Three cheers to a Summer of fun with friends outdoors. xo<br /><br /><i>Disclaimer: I was given an Ikea gift card to use in order to purchase items to use in this post. Opinions and photographs are of my own. </i><br /><i><br /></i> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Ikea Textiles used Outdoors

Ikea reached out an wondered if I would be interested in showing how their textiles can instantly change a room. You know me and Ikea - it...

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a video tour of our garden

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="388" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/97556544?title=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="690"></iframe><br /><br /> As I mentioned last week, PC Garden came and hosted a <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2014/06/how-to-make-good-looking-planter.html" target="_blank">garden party at my house.</a> When they left, my garden was very much the same at first glance however if you look closely in the ground, planted among the perennials that I had planted over the years (like hydrangeas, peonies and service berry trees) were vegetables. I always assumed you needed dedicated areas in a garden to grow food, but without any issue, vegetables were incorporated into my garden.<br /><br />As you may have noticed from my post <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2014/06/mastering-ebb-and-flow.html" target="_blank">here</a>, I needed some "zen" the other day and took it upon myself to shoot a video in the garden, documenting some of the life that grows back there. Sometimes I need to try out new ways of being creative, in order to feel like I'm pushing myself creatively and occasionally, give myself a creative break from other projects. Anyways, this is why I'm experimenting with video on my blog more as of lately. xo Linds<br /><br />Ps., Oscar makes a brief, and sweet appearance at the very end!<br /><br />

a video tour of our garden

As I mentioned last week, PC Garden came and hosted a garden party at my house. When they left, my garden was very much the same at first...

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Deck Privacy Screen, Take 2, or 3?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VK5jRAU4-C4KEybNjL0ybOodGoYIR_P_Wt0a7b400HGNMgNGpDvdR-b_vi0ObW9ZQSL9ceHPMHnMshOlWhHGMbW6L9oAWfJojBXEhEP5VPG5ZPxqhLLMi4DFfIouTzq6QtAs_Xr3YFU/s1600/20140507_153832d2.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/AVvXsEi4VK5jRAU4-C4KEybNjL0ybOodGoYIR_P_Wt0a7b400HGNMgNGpDvdR-b_vi0ObW9ZQSL9ceHPMHnMshOlWhHGMbW6L9oAWfJojBXEhEP5VPG5ZPxqhLLMi4DFfIouTzq6QtAs_Xr3YFU/s1600/20140507_153832d2.jpg" /></a></div>We have a deck that sits above the garden, and also - above most of our neighbours. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/07/building-privacy-screen.html" target="_blank">When we first moved in, one of the things that Aubrey built me was a privacy screen for the deck</a> [top left photo].  Back then we used lattice, and left the screen it "as is" - no paint, stain. And truthfully - it weathered quite nicely. However, for some reason, perhaps a looming backyard party (more on that in another post) I decided our deck needed updating. [insert exasperated looks from Aubrey]<br /><br />We don't have the money to throw at our major improvements to our deck, nor the energy so I took it into my own hands and decided to stain the lattice <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.ca/en-ca/paint-color/inukshuk" target="_blank">Inukshuk by Benjamin Moore,</a> a colour I adore on our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/07/bear-chairs-done.html" target="_blank">Bear Chairs in the front</a>, hoping that this would give me the deck a refresher. [Top Right Photo]  Unfortunately,  I didn't love the colour on the lattice (whoops!) so I put on some black paint, to see how I liked the look <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/littlehouseblog/deck/" target="_blank">(after pinning some nice inspirational pictures). </a><br /><br />Thankfully Aubrey agreed to try out the black, and he also used the opportunity to switch out the diamond lattice that was previously there, with square that he felt matched the garden better (slightly more modern) and also<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/07/diy-privacy-screens-how-to-by-aubrey.html" target="_blank"> matched our other newer screens. </a><br /><br />After Aubrey cut the square lattice to size, (bottom right photo) I painted it black - <a href="http://www.dulux.com.sg/en/colour-details/deep-onyx" target="_blank">Onyx by Delux</a>  (with my sprayer) But unfortunately when we held up the black lattice where it was going to go....I <i>hated </i>it. Not because of the colour, but because there was so much distance between each of the squares that it didn't give us much privacy at all. It seemed really busy and not very relaxing. Aubrey thankfully agreed that it wasn't a great look - which helped, because he was the one doing the majority of the work.  We still had time before our party, and the investment in this project wasn't a big deal yet so Aubrey and I decided to go with horizontal boards [bottom left] that we thought would be a little more modern...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX1a93EQsEPa4-IY_O8BKyh4W0Q2yvBg6wg3n006Xt14xOwmDybifgw1tmhELV-O-ft_ndF_Xl2DpBGlB8U941yJiZs1rXzHFsVH__tU-j0i7EqrA9l1_2EtgT70XuGONwxqqdqBhFtQ/s1600/20140507_153832d.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/AVvXsEgMX1a93EQsEPa4-IY_O8BKyh4W0Q2yvBg6wg3n006Xt14xOwmDybifgw1tmhELV-O-ft_ndF_Xl2DpBGlB8U941yJiZs1rXzHFsVH__tU-j0i7EqrA9l1_2EtgT70XuGONwxqqdqBhFtQ/s1600/20140507_153832d.jpg" /></a></div> Here is the "in between" photo - not yet done, but really, I adore it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YzqEdAv-utIPdDhUIUCR8EwstgGUlXYUu5IoXVdUX3-lizyR2AaGysspNpuOxNj_2Hk4Nn9ict_OfjesjjryKnwbjO34t7EuLqkSpHDz8YuNtMsK1KCK7oslN36YSUZBRtFADKK0knA/s1600/IMG_3881.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/AVvXsEi2YzqEdAv-utIPdDhUIUCR8EwstgGUlXYUu5IoXVdUX3-lizyR2AaGysspNpuOxNj_2Hk4Nn9ict_OfjesjjryKnwbjO34t7EuLqkSpHDz8YuNtMsK1KCK7oslN36YSUZBRtFADKK0knA/s1600/IMG_3881.jpg" /></a></div><br />This isn't the "after" so don't judge yet (because it looks way better now than it does above) But we're considering lighting to put on the posts - which I'll blog about next. :) xo

Deck Privacy Screen, Take 2, or 3?

We have a deck that sits above the garden, and also - above most of our neighbours. When we first moved in, one of the things that Aubrey bu...

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Sponsored Post / Gardening with Miracle-Grow, Giveaway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6UweK8bokUhtORN6GZIpYrVlV_UDEIQqvA9h89UnMIQZjinf5z3QT6rqiYHvrDJm500t5eUVg2OkgAi1UDHUlRV8_HKoJHkyPrgopiHJZVTKV8JvRymR8naMvAc98xX30IrgDFpt2TE/s1600/015e902569ee8935bceb3ee26856ceb31c59212cc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6UweK8bokUhtORN6GZIpYrVlV_UDEIQqvA9h89UnMIQZjinf5z3QT6rqiYHvrDJm500t5eUVg2OkgAi1UDHUlRV8_HKoJHkyPrgopiHJZVTKV8JvRymR8naMvAc98xX30IrgDFpt2TE/s1600/015e902569ee8935bceb3ee26856ceb31c59212cc0.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Before" </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since we moved into our house, I've been hooked on gardening. It came with a ridiculously large backyard (in downtown Toronto standards) and your typical front garden. We've been making an effort to improve our curb appeal over the years and done a pretty good job - but I don't have it in me to do too much more to the front garden due to budgetary restrictions and, energy. It's looking a little sad, and needs some help.<br /><br />The folks at Miracle-Grow reached out to me (maybe they drove by my sad front garden?) and wondered if It'd be interested in documenting the growth of some of their "Flower Magic". I've used <a href="http://www.scotts.ca/smg/templates/index.jsp?pageUrl=miraclegroLanding" target="_blank">Miracle-Grow</a> in our garden from <a href="http://www.miraclegro.com/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp?proId=prod140002&itemId=cat50106&nodeId=&" target="_blank">their watering devices</a> and I'm also <a href="http://www.scotts.ca/smg/goprod/miracle-gro-continuous-release-plant-food/prod10090006/" target="_blank">using this</a> on our potted vegetables in our backyard. So I have no problem recommending their line as I use it over here <i>regularly </i>so I was game. Miracle-Grow sent me some of their Flower Magic and I was such a dum dum and didn't really realize what it was, so was totally shocked when I read that all you had to do is <b>shake, water, and watch it grow.</b> Um. Helloooooo? It's a all-in-one flower seed mix that grows into a stunning flower garden in just six weeks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1hCqaWe-9Vhl6vUzF1Xnh_3pLXrngw3TNgOs6DiZCnEf9A4U3EGg1m7STm8qHgT0STm2QHtq9H8J1KHA1rFquUCkyXVeKXnVvS2sPdJ_kMgAl_DQNRk_CXR5ZsVd5RPXmmhEO5B6cZE/s1600/1a.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/AVvXsEhs1hCqaWe-9Vhl6vUzF1Xnh_3pLXrngw3TNgOs6DiZCnEf9A4U3EGg1m7STm8qHgT0STm2QHtq9H8J1KHA1rFquUCkyXVeKXnVvS2sPdJ_kMgAl_DQNRk_CXR5ZsVd5RPXmmhEO5B6cZE/s1600/1a.jpg" /></a></div><br />I decided to use the "<a href="http://www.scotts.ca/smg/gocat2/flower-seed-mixes/cat10680007//10300058" target="_blank">Flower Magic</a>" on one of our front beds (shown above) as well as another secret way that isn't shown, but I'll reveal in an upcoming post. But to start me off, on this series of posts over the next few months showing you the procession, I just wanted to show you the "before" and also - host a little giveaway.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLge9l1YemOB4z3JHuEd-x-FMIY-S76sW_loRi1pmOMISn6lS-S5HzMdjHMA2JWVV3kNl4mlDoiyseCVqGdcbevydq0tA6uQhmp9u8X3sRvVWtqr8gepfb5R4FskVScga7-AGZC2P2g/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/AVvXsEjnsLge9l1YemOB4z3JHuEd-x-FMIY-S76sW_loRi1pmOMISn6lS-S5HzMdjHMA2JWVV3kNl4mlDoiyseCVqGdcbevydq0tA6uQhmp9u8X3sRvVWtqr8gepfb5R4FskVScga7-AGZC2P2g/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a Miracle-Grow Gift Pack</b><br />The prize pack includes: • <a href="http://www.scotts.ca/smg/gocat2/flower-seed-mixes/cat10680007//10300058" target="_blank">NEW Miracle-Gro flower magic Multicolour Mix & Pink + White Mix</a> • Embossed Watering Can • Water-Repellant Indoor/Outdoor Blanket • Cotton Rope Hammock • Outdoor drink ware collection • Durable, insulated and waterproof picnic basket <br /><br /><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/AVvXsEjWQE7PJmlk36Izm2xBWy70YisfCMtdlvkEYeuMvYq3vExQ9TOgBL4-QLlv0fcqJITYEGo46P2xVPERdK1VEhmOPyHi7S0elcIWDeEbgHA7R8MlGEQIYC5qwVRv989Oe5dQvE3OvTu1C8w/s1600/ssssssss.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/AVvXsEjWQE7PJmlk36Izm2xBWy70YisfCMtdlvkEYeuMvYq3vExQ9TOgBL4-QLlv0fcqJITYEGo46P2xVPERdK1VEhmOPyHi7S0elcIWDeEbgHA7R8MlGEQIYC5qwVRv989Oe5dQvE3OvTu1C8w/s1600/ssssssss.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>HOW TO ENTER:</b> Comment and let me know what your favourite flower is. So simple! Get bonus entries for the following things. (Bonus entries mean, you can comment additional times letting me know you did these, which up's your chances of winning) You don't NEED to do these, but they are extra.<br />(a) Tweeting a link to the contest with the hashtag # flowermagicCA and cc'ing me - @littleHouseBlog<br />(b) Posting on Instagram a picture of your garden, and mentioning the contest with the hashtag #FlowerMagicCA and cc'ing me - @LindsayStephenson<br /><br /><b>Contest Closes:</b> Friday, May 23rd at Midnight and is only open to Canadian residents. Sorry about that my American friends. We'll have another giveaway for you soon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLge9l1YemOB4z3JHuEd-x-FMIY-S76sW_loRi1pmOMISn6lS-S5HzMdjHMA2JWVV3kNl4mlDoiyseCVqGdcbevydq0tA6uQhmp9u8X3sRvVWtqr8gepfb5R4FskVScga7-AGZC2P2g/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLge9l1YemOB4z3JHuEd-x-FMIY-S76sW_loRi1pmOMISn6lS-S5HzMdjHMA2JWVV3kNl4mlDoiyseCVqGdcbevydq0tA6uQhmp9u8X3sRvVWtqr8gepfb5R4FskVScga7-AGZC2P2g/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a><br /><i>This post has been <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/site-policies.html" target="_blank">sponsored </a>by Miracle-Grow. </i>

Sponsored Post / Gardening with Miracle-Grow, Giveaway

The "Before"  Since we moved into our house, I've been hooked on gardening. It came with a ridiculously large backyard (in dow...

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I hate our grass - landscaping plans

<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/AVvXsEiCzAcad9WU8WMtXiwBALRCNJTnX9ei87hUe4CITQ4lXXmLHakVjZB9Hs5RHtFBkf3egFWgaOcR_1xDirGFj53X7mtYWczCYJ7iEqj3qxSw5pFVkvMbFCURDVdhZCxkar_Av5pKSe8nWKY/s1600/grass.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/AVvXsEiCzAcad9WU8WMtXiwBALRCNJTnX9ei87hUe4CITQ4lXXmLHakVjZB9Hs5RHtFBkf3egFWgaOcR_1xDirGFj53X7mtYWczCYJ7iEqj3qxSw5pFVkvMbFCURDVdhZCxkar_Av5pKSe8nWKY/s1600/grass.jpg" /></a></div><br />I've been staring at our front lawn coming up with landscaping plans. I apparently can't focus on one project, I need to take on a few to drive myself (and Aubrey) crazy.<br /><br />Our front yard is <i>significantly </i>better than when we first bought the house thanks to the amazing landscaping design of<a href="http://www.chandlerandco.ca/" target="_blank"> Bill Chandler</a> (who I think is one of Toronto's top landscape designers) I met him because he worked on my parents back garden and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/10/front-walkway-happening-right-now.html" target="_blank">he helped us with our front walkway both with designing and installation.</a> Although Bill came up with a <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/landscaping-dreams-in-dead-of-winter.html" target="_blank">gorgeous planting plan</a> in addition to the stairs and walkway, we only did the stone work because budget. You can <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/10/evolution-of-exterior-of-house.html" target="_blank">see the evolution of the front of our house here.</a><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Fast forward to today - the reason why I'm focusing on the landscaping again is because our front grass <i>never </i>survives. This is due to of a variety of elements- neighbours who don't weed (and therefore we get weeds no matter how much we do), too much sun, too little water.... Every Summer I curse as I'm pulling out crab grass or standing out there with a hose watering that it will be the<i> last year</i> I invest any money in trying to save the grass. I feel badly when it dies and everyone elses grass is so lush - be it that they have more shade, or maybe a better routine with watering? But everyone else seems to have wonderful lawns, when mine is brown and patchy.  A few weeks ago I walked outside to get the mail to see that racoons had torn up our lawn looking for grubs. And that was that - No more grass<i>. </i><br /><br />Thankfully the new walkway is probably the most major expense out of the front landscaping makeover - and that is done so we're just looking at doing some plantings. My idea is to add some plantings that have height and I keep going back to one l<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/04/curb-appeal.html" target="_blank">andscaping design I quite like from in our neighbourhood that I blogged about here. </a> This look is kind of what I'm thinking of doing....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhJ1ewvRc1sgMIaklv9LTJRo9S6Yb2_PYccOcQh8FqdUjyW6QA4PAxS2ag_DwYC3jZ-7ffZyuQv3qcjpKnCSG4BJBOs0gdRt8d5Nw6M-5C64s_mtEOuRgB_4H0S6B2kZBsTDpZVm70ks/s1600/grass.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/AVvXsEhRhJ1ewvRc1sgMIaklv9LTJRo9S6Yb2_PYccOcQh8FqdUjyW6QA4PAxS2ag_DwYC3jZ-7ffZyuQv3qcjpKnCSG4BJBOs0gdRt8d5Nw6M-5C64s_mtEOuRgB_4H0S6B2kZBsTDpZVm70ks/s1600/grass.jpg" /></a></div><br />They trees look like <a href="http://www.thestar.com/life/2013/03/22/serviceberry_an_easy_environmentally_friendly_tree_that_wont_become_a_hassle.html" target="_blank">serviceberry trees</a> which we have in our backyard and LOVE (<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/07/diy-privacy-screens-how-to-by-aubrey.html" target="_blank">see them in this post</a>) They have a beautiful bark colour, are branchy, produce edible berries and in the fall have the most gorgeous orange and yellow leaves. So my thought is to plant two or along the path. Perhaps three. I think it will give some height, privacy, and visual interest to our front yard.<br /><br />As a side note, I'm still a fan of this walkway spotted in our neighbourhood that I think is welcoming...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCMX-4kIQYN4E0LsoH0_zVJhtfcVCJ87Y27iv933bt8LvT90ixWljeQSU2CsnQx-KrT83w2GkpWbG_IJYNk-mfKaK5Vv_eyPLblMttcV23Wn9_KmBgc8wNkRpP2CVaHnEWvw2IK1Jrc8/s1600/grass2.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/AVvXsEgUCMX-4kIQYN4E0LsoH0_zVJhtfcVCJ87Y27iv933bt8LvT90ixWljeQSU2CsnQx-KrT83w2GkpWbG_IJYNk-mfKaK5Vv_eyPLblMttcV23Wn9_KmBgc8wNkRpP2CVaHnEWvw2IK1Jrc8/s1600/grass2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Isn't it beautiful? I think it would be relatively easy to recreate however I don't think I want to get into this level of construction. But I still think these "fences" are the most beautiful thing ever. Anyhow, that is my plan. I've promised Aubrey to hold off on digging up the front lawn until after he finishes demoing the bathroom.<br /><br />As I've been thinking about all of this I have realized that I think hiring a landscape designer in many cases is a great investment - they know what works well in different environments, what needs a lot of care, how plants change throughout the seasons. It's one of the reasons why I really liked <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/dirtybusiness/" target="_blank">Dirty Business on HGTV</a> - they gave a great insight into that kind of thoughtful design. In our case, <a href="http://www.chandlerandco.ca/building.html" target="_blank">Bill's </a>walkway design was something I couldn't have envisioned or implemented myself so I'm so glad we hired him to do that part.<br /><br />Anyhow, that's my thoughts on the front landscaping! The next step is buying serviceberry trees and then digging up the grass. Well, after the bathroom that is. ;)<br /><br /><b>Other posts of interest:</b><br /><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/10/evolution-of-exterior-of-house.html" target="_blank">See the evolution of the front of our house here.</a><br /><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/landscaping-dreams-in-dead-of-winter.html" target="_blank">See Bill's planting guide for us</a><br /><a href="http://www.chandlerandco.ca/building.html" target="_blank">Bill Chandler Landscape Design </a>

I hate our grass - landscaping plans

I've been staring at our front lawn coming up with landscaping plans. I apparently can't focus on one project, I need to take on a f...

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new shed is in!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFbAZfXc_jfjRTEGcpo_5jCdhm8ZNJieaycWWR-Y3xY_-k6_rYQbthCCXK_-beUMlKB_l6bpO0YQctsphyphenhyphenMkU8g3CD2MVnKbUzQozJYb__2sAhel5VmOMNVgnNDHNwIdWqeG_pLQFSAo/s1600/IMG_2515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFbAZfXc_jfjRTEGcpo_5jCdhm8ZNJieaycWWR-Y3xY_-k6_rYQbthCCXK_-beUMlKB_l6bpO0YQctsphyphenhyphenMkU8g3CD2MVnKbUzQozJYb__2sAhel5VmOMNVgnNDHNwIdWqeG_pLQFSAo/s1600/IMG_2515.jpg" /></a></div><br />The new shed is in! We watched the two installers build it at a great pace all Wednesday. It is <em>awesome</em>. The next step is for me to pick a paint colour to paint it but that will wait until after the bathroom reno. (That starts in just over a week - barf) Anyhow - love the shed, and loved the installation guys. So two thumbs up. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.lowes.ca/sheds/heartland-stratford-12-ft-x-8-ft-saltbox-wood-storage-shed_g1189530.html?isku=8776052&linkloc=cataLogProductItemsImage" target="_blank">Heartland Stratford shed  and installtion purchased at Lowes</a>

new shed is in!

The new shed is in! We watched the two installers build it at a great pace all Wednesday. It is awesome . The next step is for me to pick a ...

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getting rid of the old ugly shed...

As my business gets larger we need more room for storage in the house. It's amazing how much room business supplies and paper stock take up. That plus the increasing amount of kid stuff I'm saving means we're really lacking some serious storage room. We decided that an outdoor shed would be the answer to some storage issues. However this is our shed........<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_9-fG8j3hKdyRdh5yX_Cd1qF0Au9K8E-lUwRsl6sceZQgIakVSWbOu3fmoiqB2Skwoia3Cge8dDK2-gq2Vo2MTAJPSSaTP_njD__DRe3sSmQYCdv7qjnKKyJZ-LMoggWoiSB-_bQW_A/s1600/shed.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/AVvXsEjJ_9-fG8j3hKdyRdh5yX_Cd1qF0Au9K8E-lUwRsl6sceZQgIakVSWbOu3fmoiqB2Skwoia3Cge8dDK2-gq2Vo2MTAJPSSaTP_njD__DRe3sSmQYCdv7qjnKKyJZ-LMoggWoiSB-_bQW_A/s1600/shed.jpg" /></a></div><br />Awesome right? Granted the above picture is from 2008. The shed hasn't been replaced but in order to make it a bit nicer to look at <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/07/diy-back-shed-rejuvanation.html" target="_blank">I took some outdoor metal paint and updated it, and added a shower curtain to hide the contents of the shed...</a> The shed has stood up well - the paint hasn't chipped since I did this in 2009 but the curtain now is looking worn, and it doesn't keep animals out. I've spotted racoons leaving the shed, which gives me the heebie jeebies. It's not a great spot for storing items. So mixed with the animal situation, the decreasing storage space in our house and increasing collection of things we want to store (like Oscar getting into bikes, and more outdoor toys) we are bitting the bullet on buying a new shed. So by bye to the old one...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VznvzRP0Z1fDCSB-x-zZtksRC6Npy_zw93e8Ztmw__TjqGNlm0lgt8zt82JCL7qWV_lUhIKdNBAgynpIA_IaPJG1vMxib908TYBPk9lyNzzcmRhn1calq7oaB5bL0SkwnJQIlpDkgKg/s1600/shed_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/AVvXsEi1VznvzRP0Z1fDCSB-x-zZtksRC6Npy_zw93e8Ztmw__TjqGNlm0lgt8zt82JCL7qWV_lUhIKdNBAgynpIA_IaPJG1vMxib908TYBPk9lyNzzcmRhn1calq7oaB5bL0SkwnJQIlpDkgKg/s1600/shed_2.jpg" /></a></div>We've been getting quotes from shed manufacturers and the prices were coming back around $3,000 for a shed of the size we wanted. Aubrey drove by Lowes awhile back and spotted the this shed ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU31rlP3gCg89TZFf2o2QzZG-_9492R0Dp739ZRCGbzJ70seYcvNOGlv_Lag1kVMUSnWYVBkQJ4oygznsZmsLUImEKKf14WpT1PvPI-R3G6JsvUDftwlJyBijJpFMaG6DLYPO4nJd3-Tk/s1600/shed3.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/AVvXsEgU31rlP3gCg89TZFf2o2QzZG-_9492R0Dp739ZRCGbzJ70seYcvNOGlv_Lag1kVMUSnWYVBkQJ4oygznsZmsLUImEKKf14WpT1PvPI-R3G6JsvUDftwlJyBijJpFMaG6DLYPO4nJd3-Tk/s1600/shed3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can order it as a kit to build yourself, or, hire them to build it for you. The do it yourself cost was roughly $1,300 + tax but didn't include shingles. Comparably, for them to come and do it for us (and with shingles) we're looking at approximately $2,000. As you know, we're not opposed to the do it yourself method - but this time around we have decided to have them build it - it wasn't that big of a cost difference considering the amount of work, and the lack of time we have these days (and the upcoming bathroom reno)<br /><br />And tomorrow the new one arrives. Yay! I'll have to paint the new shed myself (the quote for them to paint it was $800) so I'm sure that will be a series of posts as I fret over colours.<br /><br /><i>Ps., Don't take how we took apart the metal shed as a "how to" but it was a stress reliever - I think Aubrey had a lot of satisfaction beating it to pieces. ;) </i>

getting rid of the old ugly shed...

As my business gets larger we need more room for storage in the house. It's amazing how much room business supplies and paper stock take...

Read more »