I was introduced to the fun of sleeping under the stars and enjoying nature for more than just a day at a time, late in life. Like many things, my best friend Greg shed some light on the incredible amount of fun one can have camping and hiking. It is really too bad that I came into this hobby and activity so late in the game (2001, when I was 21), because of where I lived—close enough to the Canadian Rockies that I could have enjoyed camping and hiking every weekend—in the almost 10 years ...
seasonal
Fall Interior Decoration Ideas
Autumn is a magical season that comes with rich colours, flavours, and an atmosphere associated with this favourite time of the year for many. There is also a no better time to redecorate and enhance the interior design of your home. Each room in the home can be improved by the careful selection of new furniture pieces that provide both inspiration and function. Sofa Beds Sofa Beds are the perfect new addition to a living room or entertaining area. Rich colours can improve any room. ...
Outdoor Eco-Friendly Lighting For Evening Entertaining
Although I am not someone who believes that there should be a ton of outdoor lighting that remains on —because I don't like the light pollution of it all—I do like the idea of choice lighting for special occasions. When choosing outdoor lighting, why wouldn't you choose something that is eco-friendly? Solar lighting is great for places that get enough sun (unlike Vancouver, most of the year) during the day, so that the lighting can shine at night. I like the look of these mushroom-y looking ...
How to Refresh your Front Entry
How much thought do you give to your front entry? Is it seen as just a place to drop your shoes and coats? A welcoming front entrance can make your guests feel warm and at home right away. This works for you and your family, too—a relaxing front entry can do wonders for your mood and as a bonus—can also help you feel organized. Read on for my tips on how to refresh your front entry: ...
Decorative Curtains for a Seasonal Décor Change
I've long talked about ways that you can quickly and inexpensively change up your décor seasonally. I've also shared ideas on how to create a home-y look to your place, even if you're just renting. One of my favourite ways to accomplish both of my tips is to hang curtains. Think about it — whether your windows are large or small, they take up a fair amount of wall space, meaning you end up seeing your window coverings all the time. Boring venetian, horizontal or roman blinds are hardly worthy ...
Winter Activities — Emerald Sunday
Unlike where I used to live for a third of my life—Houston, Texas—we actually get all four seasons up here in Canada. Since winter lasts for so long, it's a good idea to try and stay active during this time, rather than just staying inside and being cozy. Even though I have lived in Calgary, Alberta for a good part of my life, my family never really got in to winter sports. Being so close to Whistler, and a variety of other mountains and spots to go skiing, I feel as though I should at least ...
Winter Bedding Ideas
Do you change out your bedding every season, or just add/subtract layers? I have a reversible quilt that is fall themed on one side and spring/summer on the other. For colder months, I add the quilt on top of my regular duvet. If I had the storage room, I would have special winter-time bedding, like the examples below. ...
Decorating the Kitchen for Christmas {Guest Post}
With the holidays right around the corner, you’ll find that there is no better time for you to start decorating your kitchen. While we all think about sitting down to food with our friends or family or gathering by the television and watching our favorite holiday movies, it is always worth your time to think about decorating the kitchen. The kitchen is where a lot of the work takes place, and it should be as festive any other part of your home. Cork Tiles and Push Pins A few cork tiles mounted ...
Seasonal Decorating with Pinecones
I love the look of natural elements indoors. This time of year I like to change up my décor to include things easily found in nature. Pinecones are great to decorate your space because they are both fall and winter-like depending on how you use them. You can use them in your décor from now until the end of winter, if you'd like. How do you like to decorate for the holiday and winter season? Some of these ideas would work well for Thanksgiving and the upcoming winter season, without having to ...
Winterizing Your Car For Newbies, Thanks To Canadian Tire Gas Plus
I recently had a chance to check out my local Canadian Tire Gas Plus location to fill up on gas, and to check out some products for the upcoming winter season. The gas at this Gas Plus station was several cents cheaper than other gas stations in the area: I like that you get Canadian Tire money when you fill up gas. I learned that you can also save up to 10 cents per litre if you have a Gas Advantage Mastercard. This, coupled with the cheaper prices to begin with will make me want to ...