Home Sweet Room

Just over two years ago my parents sold our beloved childhood home. They couldn't stand to be empty-nesters in the huge house that was typically filled with four noisy teenagers growing up together. They downsized to a pretty but quaint house about 1/3 of the size. This definitely took some getting used to... especially as my "room" went from a den to an office to a storage closet (I don't live at home full-time).  So, when I decided to return to Winnipeg for a final summer before my senior year to enjoy time with family and intern at a great television station - the desk, filing cabinet and boxes would need to be moved. My Mom and I scoured the interiors market for weeks - everything from cute designer home boutiques to Homesense to garage sales. 

Below are a few pictures of what we came up with. I wish I had before and after photos, but I didn't think that far in advance. I had the most lovely summer in this light, breezy and elegant room. It is quite a small space, so we were limited with the layout and what we could fit. Thankfully we found some great stylish storage pieces! I am more than happy that it doubles as a guest bedroom so that others can enjoy it the way I did. And I can't wait to settle right back in during every holiday that I'm home.

 

My Most Favorite

She is a natural for the paparazzi. 

One month ago, I was blessed to have my sister come visit me for an entire 4 days. From the moment I picked her up at the airport to the moment she left, it was nonstop fun. More than just fun, it just felt natural and right, like going home - but in person form. We shopped, we cooked, and we poured our souls out to each other over a delicious dinner and plenty of white wine. We walked miles and miles, and shared new and old stories through our adventures. She gave me advice that only a wiser big sister can give and helped me in more ways than she knows. It was a true, much-need sisters weekend. 

Recently I made the decision to go home for the summer and I could not be more excited to have a "sisters weekend", all of the time. But add in Mom, family, friends and the rest of my wonderful home. 

"Home is wherever, I'm with you". Here's to home, in the many forms I have it. 

A few of my Favorite Things: Week 2

#1. The Winnipeg Jets and their fans. I was in Winnipeg last week and had the amazing opportunity to see our Jets beat the Lightning! I have never been somewhere, where so many people showed up wearing the same thing as me! The fans are the most devoted, spirited and rowdy in the league and it was a spectacle to watch and be a part of (Ok I admit it, I cried during Oh Canada). The fans support is truly fueling the team! Congrats to the Jets, on a huge win against Florida last night! 

#2. Fruit Tart: I have never been a "tart" type of person, but while in Winnipeg with my favorite sister, this raspberry one called my name for an afternoon treat and tea. It was absolutely delicious and I am officially converted. I don't know the exact health benefits of this dessert choice, but I felt a bit better about things with each bite of fresh raspberry. 

#3. My Morning Oatmeal: I have a pretty great A.M routine that I've been doing for the past 2 months- a long morning run through the relatively peaceful downtown toronto streets, followed by my morning news podcast on my ipod and delicious oats with a weekly choice of berry! (This week its blackberries and it adds a delightful burst to each bite!) A fabulous and hearty way to start my day, most days I go to bed excited for breakfast.

#4. Homemade Tea Latte: I recently bought a milk-frother and I am a bit addicted to frothing milk for everything and anything- but especially my daily cup of Red Rose tea. I don't think I've been to Starbucks in two weeks... just call me Barista.

#5. My bedside table: Being a student on a low budget, my bedside tables are less than exquisite- in fact they are plastic storage drawers from Canadian Tire, however, I found a way to jazz them up with my favorite things. An antique tray from my mom for my jewellery that I take off nightly, a treasured photo and a piece of vintage art/ad I picked up at my favorite vintage store in the West Village of NYC- reminding me of my amazing summer and second home. 

Simple Pleasure

Just like my favorite blogger Emily of cupcakesandcashmere.com, does,  these are my favorite things this weekend. 

1. This year I have started having an obsession with home accessories rather than trends in fashion. I often find myself spending hours in Home Sense or more unique furniture boutiques, and I cannot walk out of a store without buying a candle. I am also a sucker for stationary... "journalism" is always my excuse for adding to my excessive notepad collection.

2. My room is tiny, so I needed to add space to lounge on my bed with a cup of tea and a book- I found the perfect tray on sale at Chapters. 

3.  Our white wall was finally spruced up with my photographs from my amazing year of traveling, I love the string we used to secure them to wall- not the most sturdy but very cute. 

4. Our chalkboard usually has one image on it for a month or two, but it adds some interest to the condo. I also love the italian wine boxes from my old job no the shelves to tuck recipes and coupons away in. 

5. My favorite candle holder that glows branches- my love of trees continues.

6. Also, after following some lovely health blogs like www.katheats.com I finally attempted a delicious “fresh” bowl with my boyfriend last night. Roasted peppers, zucchini, butternut squash, onions, broccoli, peas, and asparagus with salmon, shrimp and rice- all steamed together to make a hearty bowl of surprising bursting bites. Now, I am turning this leftover squash into a warm bowl of soup!