What we are crushing on right now! Psst gifts!!!

It is so easy to shop for yourself!  I mean really we are sooooo easy to buy for.  Here are a few things we are crushing on right now!!

how cute are these socks

yummy and cute

this rug would be perfect anywhere

like plants and cats! You'll like this

oh yeah. Laptop bag. Needed

boots you can't have too many

like I said you can't have too many boots

need this print for my office

The list could go on.  What would you like under the tree?

Favorite blogs for Christmas

There is something magical about the holidays.  The lights, snow and the decorations. Some people know how to pull it together better than other but I still think any tree with lights on it is beautiful.  The green and sparkle you can't beat.  So here are a few of our favorite blogs that we think do Christmas well!!

Sugar and Cloth  check out her living room decorated for the holidays!

A Wandafulthing  did 12 days of Christmas crafts and DIY Pinterest inspired.

Inspired by charm  this link is for a vintage ornament wall tree.  You have to check out the whole blog as he has lots going on for the holidays.  This is your intro!!

Miss Mustard Seed  decorated living room.  Plus few other holiday posts.

Esme Salon if you are a foodie check this blog out

Happy Holidays.

Staying sane while shopping - it starts the night before

We thought we'd share our idea on how to stay sane while shopping for the holidays.  Especially now that December has rolled around.

First it starts the night before. You purchase a bottle of your favorite wine on the way home.  After supper you open said wine and gather pen/paper or phone and head to where you keep "already bought" gifts.  We realize you might have to start rooting as they might be in a few places. Deep breaths and remember to sip your wine while looking.

Note all the gifts you have purchased already and who they were for.  Head to a room where you can enjoy your wine and make your list in quiet. This is another reason why all master bedrooms need a comfy chair and side table.

Next sit down, after you top up your wine glass, and note who is left to buy for and any ideas for gifts that come to mind. If you are drinking red just bring bottle to room/table you are working from.

Suggestion if you have a few people why not purchase on bulk (so to speak) like PJs. Who doesn't love cozy PJs - especially pajama bottoms. After you have poured another glass of wine and are having some cheese & crackers sit back and think where is the best place to  shop to get the biggest bang. What we mean is somewhere you can park your vehicle once and shop. Likely a mall.

Also consider purchasing local or donating to an organization. Examples Feed the Children, Me to We or Oxfam.  For this option just open you phone and find an organization in need and gift away.  

The biggest thing is be prepared for crowds and waiting in line when you head out.  Stop for a latte as a treat and review your list after you've shopped for a bit.  Listen to Christmas songs in the car on the way there. Get in the mood. Treat it as a positive experience with treats and breaks.  We so don't need one more item to stress about.  Enjoy.

PS the majority of people have everything they need or would rather purchase what they want so seriously donating in their name or purchasing something local is the best option.

Happy Holidays

  

A different holiday gift

We are coming up to the holiday season – well for some people it has already started.  Hint one of us has her tree and home decorated already.  Over happy hour at our new favorite place the topic of experiences came up.  The majority of us have what we need or can purchase it.  A few of us are trying to scale down so new knick-knack no matter how lovely are not wanted nor appreciated.  We decided to do what we would appreciate for Christmas and hope it gives you a few ideas.

• Your favorite bottle of wine – give it to a friend
• Arrange meeting for brunch earlier on a Saturday so that people have time for errands afterwards
• Take in a holiday event or fundraiser.  Note Facebook has events posted check them out.
• Purchase movie passes or better yet open day passes to local Art Gallery or Historic place in your city
• A basket of goodies (cookies, loaf, napkins, hummus) you get the idea
• Volunteer as a group at the food bank or wrapping Christmas presents at the mall for a fundraiser (you might have to do a little research but that could be part of the fun)
• If an organization is looking for gifts for children in need pick a name and go for it. Get the family involved in shopping for that special gift
• Have your children make Christmas cards or art for their special people
• Have a cookie exchange
• Bring unused winter items (mitts, jackets, scarves) to goodwill
• What about having an extra pair of gloves in your bag to give to the homeless
• Go to a carol sing or any place having Christmas music or music period during the holiday season
• Have friends over to watch holiday movies
• Make a Christmas and/or everyday playlist for friends
• Put your thinking cap on and be creative!!!

Our forever or right now homes

We are so excited.  One of our favorite blogs A Beautiful Mess   (ABM) has launched a podcast.  AMB is two sisters blogging about life which includes crafts, décor, recipes and much more. It as a happy blog. There is nothing political, social or someones' rants on world or local events.  Any time you visit you will have a visually beautiful page, stunning pictures of homes, crafts and food.  They have series their 10 favorite things on Sunday. They have home tours and share both before and after their renovations.  Like I said it makes me happy. Period.

Their podcast is Emma and Elise talking – nothing serious. They launched three episodes. One they talked about their forever homes and went through their purchases and current homes and how they arrived there and what they are still looking for.  That got us thinking what our forever homes would be so here it in no particular order:

•           Loft in the city.  Ideally in an old warehouse with brick walls and high ceiling. The windows would be long and run the length of the loft. An industrial look with an open concept. Maybe the bedroom partitioned off. The pipes would be exposed in the ceiling.  The kitchen would be in the back with bar seating and dining table in front. Off to the side would be a cozy living room with leather sofa and chairs.
•       House on a lake surrounded by trees.  You cannot see the neighbors only when they are canoeing by the wharf.  It was a large deck off the open living room and a fire pit further down with Adirondack chairs around it. The lake is a good size for small sail boats, canoes and kayaks.  Of course we have a wharf for jumping off and tying our boats to. The house itself isn’t large. Open concept downstairs with a master bedroom and bath.  Upstairs at least three bedrooms and bathroom.  One larger bedroom more like a bunk house.
•       Brownstone in the city. I mean really. They look fabulous and people are blowing them up inside to create more open concepts.  I love the look of the outside. The brick, the stairs to the front door. My Brownstone would have rod iron gate and steps leading to a basement apartment (I want the rental income).  My portion would have a few walls down on the main floor to open the back up for the kitchen and seating area.  A deck off the back of the house.  I would retain the warm wood moldings but have white walls to showcase my extensive art collection (which I don’t have but would if I lived in a Brownstone).
•           Victorian all the way.  I even want the gingerbread lattice and wrap around front porch and trim.  I have wicker chairs and table on the front porch and the porch curves to the right to a larger porch and side door.  I’m not knocking out walls as my rooms are generous portions all with working fireplaces. I have a large eat-in kitchen at the back that you can exist onto a deck and down steps to beautiful flower gardens. 

As you can see our “forever” homes are very different.  While we were writing this someone said “you know this can change. Forever doesn’t mean forever just right now.”  Hmmm… so maybe these are our right now forever homes.  Do you have a forever home?  Let me know where and what it would be.

Rolling into a new month and season

We were discussing how fast the months are going by - leading into how fast the year is.  September and October for us are autumn.  The leaves are changing color, the days are still warm but the evenings are getting cool.  We can still have our bedroom windows open all night.  Not liking the shorter days but that is what autumn brings.

November can be a dark month.  The majority of leaves are off the trees.  It is that month between autumn and winter.  It is just before the holidays and when people start to get into panic mode over Christmas. It doesn't help that Christmas items have been out since before Halloween.  But we won't go there and our feelings about it.  Okay we will.  NOTHING SHOULD BE OUT FOR CHRISTMAS UNTIL AFTER REMEMBRANCE DAY. 

We decided to try and make November a more positive month.  Here are a few of our ideas:

• Start choosing your winter and holiday reading list. If you are not in a book club think about starting one.
• Get your Christmas cards out from last year. Do you need to purchase more? Start addressing ones to mail.  Get your stamps before the long line ups
• Make a new wreath just for November.
• Try a new restaurant or bar for drinks you haven't been to.
• Make sure you keep up with exercise classes.  Or try a yoga class or any new class.
• Treat yourself to a new autumn/winter item.  Maybe a new scarf? Sweater?
• Go through your winter clothes and donate what you don't want to wear this year.  Ideally we shouldn't have not put it away from last year. Be strong. Even if it still fits, if you don't feel good in it. Donate it.
• Start checking out Pinterest for fun holiday crafts to do with the kids or a girls' night.
• Head to cosmetic counter and check out new lipsticks.  Anything catch your eye to try? Maybe a new colour just for fun?
• Purchase a new candle for those long nights.  Let us know your favorite scents!
• Start making soup and stews. It is time for that comfort food.

These are just a few things to get us through November. Make the most of the month. We would love to hear your ideas for making the most of November or any month! Drop us a comment.

Happy October

We thought we'd give a wrap up of our summer "to do" list.  For some of us it was a commitment to get a job done.  For others it was an item on a long list.  So yes linen closet was purged/clean and there were multiple beach days.  At the last minute the junk drawer was completed (we mean last minute as like last week).

Going through toys is still on the list along with start a wine journal, attend yoga classes and pick out pictures for 2020 calendar.  Positive was pictures on phone where sorted, deleted and sent.

Did you finish any or all of your summer to do list? Have you started a fall one?  We haven't!

Carry on!

Non-negotiable / rules we live by

We were discussing what is non-negotiable and that got us into rules we live by. Weather we realize it or just unconsciously do it.  What rules do we follow when we are making decisions and choices?  We have come up with a few.  Realize this does not apply to all of us but here are "our" non-negotiable.

1. If I can't afford it I don't purchase it. I will not go into debt for a vacation or a high end product.
2. I will not dump a friend if we have plans and something else comes up.
3. If asked my opinion I will be honest even if it is not exactly what the person wants to hear.
4. If you ask me how an outfit looks - I will tell you. Not flattering or WOW.
5. To show up and be there for family and friends.
6. Don't judge other people.  We have no idea what they are going through.
7. Sleep on it before making a big decision
8. Live and let live
9. Be open to trying new things i.e. especially drinks
10. Yes you can wear white after Labor Day!

Chalk Couture is here - excited !

One of us is very excited.  That would be me.  Chalk Couture has finally come to Canada.  Chalk Couture.  is a product which is easy and fun to use.  Basically chalk paint and stencils. It doesn’t get easier than that. 

You don’t need to purchase their products to use their chalk paint and inks.  I have seen people use IKEA pillows (see above), their own chalk boards, plastic, you name it they have Chalk Couture it. Stencils have a sticky side to adhere to the item and slap the paint on.  You can find YouTube videos for details instructions.

There is a variety of stencils for every occasion and season.  I’m excited to get my hands on it and try some products before the holidays.  Check it out.

Making the most of summer

We are now into the second full month of summer.  Some of us how no idea where June and July went.  We were having, not coffee, the other evening and talking about where the days go. Yes we are at work, wishing our lives away for the weekend or summer vacation that comes and goes with a blink of an eye.  But besides that what do we have to show for the time we are here?  Since we are starting a new month we wanted to have concrete items to show that we did something. Not have another month of “I have no idea where the month went.”  “It just flew by”.

At this point out came the phones and lists were made.  We decided we would champion each other to complete at least one item on our lists for the month of August. So that when we met in September we could discuss what we did and have concrete items (take pictures).  We are checking in weekly to see what was happening and if help is needed.  Here are the items we are working on in August.

1.   Purge/clean linen closet
2.   Go through toys that are not played with or no longer age appropriate (goodwill)
3.   Read a book (seriously this had to be put on the list) 
4.   Get to the beach
5.   Go through pictures on phone and delete, file or send to appropriate people
6.   Have picture book made up of parents’ anniversary/life together 
7.   Pick pictures out to make 2020 calendar (part of Christmas presents)
8.   Start a wine journal
9.   Get to at least two yoga classes
10.   Clean junk drawer in kitchen

None of these projects are big but a few have been on lists for months and just not making it to top.  We picked projects that are doable in a month.  Wish us luck! Not that we need it.

First Long Weekend of the Summer

Summer has official arrived.  July 1st is Canada Day.  A holiday which falls on a Monday so it can't get better than that.  School is out and now for the official first long weekend of summer.  People are heading to cottages and campgrounds.  Those staying in the cities are taking in Canada Day events.  Everyone has been praying for sunny weather.  Some of us will get it and other won't.  The weather is fickle like that.

Turning the calendar to July the realization hits that yeah summer is here. Weather cooperating or not. Summer vacations have been booked usually months in advance.  Day programs for the kids have been booked and everyone is bringing in a sweater to work for the air conditioning.

With two months of summer ahead of us how to make the most out of it? It you have already booked a cottage for a week or have one of your own that takes care of you. Just make sure you make the most out of it. Maybe day trips to places around you? Beach? Summer reading at the cottage? 

A few of us want to make sure we make the most out of the summer but creating Summer Lists.  A few ideas are heading to beach, a wine tour, summer reads, gardening, a girls' weekend away.  Even somewhere an hours drive is fine. Check out festivals like music, art and cultural in your area. 

Think about what you want to say in September when asked "what did you do this summer?" Make sure you have a few fun and interesting answers.  This is it people. Two months of it make the most of it and create memories. 

Weekend coffee share

The current discussion is summer vacations.  Most of us have to book our time off months in advance. One person almost a year – that has to do with replacements and making sure there is coverage. That said we all want to enjoy summer vacation – all hoping for our week or two off of good weather.  There is children’s camps to consider, soccer and hopefully squeezing in free time with family.

We discussed how to get the biggest bang out of our limited summer vacation of say one week.  One individual likes camping so they take a week to camp and she takes long weekends after that to take off to closer campgrounds.  Another person usually rents a cottage for a week.  There is also staying around home and taking in festivals and events in the area. Some family related. Some not. What about just staying home and letting the kids play in their neighborhood or day trips?  It often boils down to feeling left out or not getting enough. Will my kids not have a good summer if they are not on the road or at a camp for the whole period?  Will they be bored at home if not stimulated non-stop? Can they even entertain their selves at home for a stretch of time? The discussion went around and around. 

It came down to yes we want to enjoy summer and have memories to share. That could be camping, the cottage, or BBQ and games in the backyard.  What we did decided is that we don’t have to stimulate someone 24/7.  People have to learn to entertain ourselves.  That can involve biking the neighborhood or reading a book.  

What do you think? How would you spend a week off with family this summer? Or alone? Do you think the whole summer has to be full of activities or should there be free / downtime? Or alone time!!  OMG.

To summer and making the most out of it!

If you could have lunch with anyone who would it be?

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be?  We decided to tackle this and each write a post on our lunch date.

We were having drinks when this conversation came up. Looking for posts ideas and talking about how bad we have been posting.  Biggest thing was time and where it is going. No idea.

I would have brunch with Elsie and Emma from A beautiful mess.  I know this seems superficial but why not?  They have created my favorite blog - are women my own age and just seem to be doing it. At this time I want an upbeat, creative conversation.  Maybe if you ask me next month I'd pick someone else.

We've having brunch at Elsie home - which I love.  Take her home tours. We're talking about how they started. Where they get their ideas and energy.  I want to know how they overcame the fear of heading out on their own. We're discussing safety nets.  How they sustain their creative business and get affiliates. Where they see their selves in five years. Ten years?

Of course we are also talking about decor and I'm pleading for them to come to my place and decorate it.  Both their homes are bright and full.  Elsie has a glass collection I envy.  I find I get excited talking to creative people.  There is an energy about them and I always leave thinking about possibilities.  This is why I want to have brunch with them!! Oh Emma made brunch which was perfect.

Weekend Coffee Share

Has been a while since we participated in Weekend Coffee Share.  Being the run up to Easter weekend it was busier than usually this week. Trying to squeeze in time to get Easter goodies.  Discussing how not to go overboard for Easter. Decision was have a set amount and not enter the stores until you knew what you were picking up. No wandering around putting all and sundry in the cart.  One bunny per child and eggs scattered around the house.  The non-chocolate item was summer pajamas for everyone. That was fun picking out colors and themes for each child.  I felt good this year knowing I didn’t overspend and where wouldn’t be tons of sweets around the house.

Time to start swapping the winter clothes out. Have a bag for goodwill near the closet and tossing anything I don’t want to see next winter. In the past, I put items away knowing I didn’t enjoy wearing, but they still fit and a good piece.  Winter rolls around again and out it comes back into circulation. Again not feeling it when I wear it, but oh well it still fits. Nope this year a few items are heading to goodwill. I will NOT be wearing items I don’t feel good in next winter. 

Also looking at summer/spring gaps in the wardrobe.  Need new summer walking shoes for sure. Always like to pick up a few pretty tops in the latest colors. We had some damp cold days this week so still have the winter coat out and on. What I always look forward to the most is bare legs in the summer.  I’m hoping by May my legs will be bare – hoping is the keyword here. I’m being optimistic!

That is the short version of what has been going on this week. Hope everyone is having a good week.  Long weekend for me so excited about that!

It is all eye candy over on Esty!

This is an eye candy post.  We each picked out an item we are currently oohing and ahhing on over on Esty. In no particular order......

This vintage leather shoulder-bag   It is soft looking and color goes with anything.

Our gardener is gushing over these cylinder concrete planter.  She already has the plants to go in them.

Cultured freshwater pearl bracelet.  I mean really - this is classy. You could dress it up or down. I can see myself in a pair of jeans with this bracelet on.

A conversation piece says someone! These  silver vine ear rings totally caught a few eyes.  

This vertical black and white dress could be for formal events we might have in the coming season.

Let us know what is catching your eye!  

Getting ready for spring!

The calendar says it is official. Spring is here.  For some parts of the world not so much. I'm excluding Australia where it is autumn and leaning towards North America where it is still winter in places, regardless of what the calendar says.  That said we want a positive post.

We came up with a few things we are putting on the list for the new season. In no particular order......

• Lipstick trends. Find out what colors are in this spring and summer. A relatively cheap way to get some new shades on!
• Check your spring/summer clothes.  Is there anything missing? Did you toss a worn out piece last year and now have a gap in your closet? Spring/summer clothes are full on out. Now is the time.
• Pursues - brighten it up ladies
• Check sandals and shoes.  Is there anything that needs a trip to the shoe maker before the season?
• Spring/Summer reads.  Start getting that list ready.
• Fleece sheets - take off the bed. Now
• If you decorate for Easters.  Put it out now to enjoy.
• If you have lighter pillows, rugs and accessories get them out and start airing them. Maybe put out April 1st! Fresh month.
• Nail polish - seriously start picking up some pretty colors.

If you have any "to do" for Spring and Summer let us know.

Ideal coffee shop

We are taking the challenge - well not exactly a challenge - more of a response to You can always start now post "what is your ideal coffee shop".  Since we love coffee - hence blog name - we're on this.  Bullet form as many opinions here:

• Good internet. Seriously don't want anything that cuts out.
• Good coffee and choice of coffee and drinks. Yes we're including herbal teas here
• Lounge chairs in a few places with small table between them. 
• Good lightening
• A work space.  This could be a long table or bar height area for people working.
• Enough electrical outlets for work space. 
• Staff strong enough to tell people they are taking up too much space.  Example one person on their device taking up a table for two-four people. If there is a work space use it.
• Music at a decent volume so people are not shouting to be heard.
• Choice of sweets, sandwiches and gluten free items
• Parking
• Someones wants clean written down.  Fine, but I thought that went without saying
• More than one or two bathrooms

That is it for us. Or at least for now.  What does your ideal coffee shop have to offer?

Happy International Women's Day

Sitting here wishing everyone a Happy International Women's Day and also thinking how far have we come?  Not feeling great about it actually.  It is just recently women are coming out over abuse. Keeping their mouths shut to get ahead, not rock the boat or be labeled "that women" in the past.

This is not the first time I have thought women are harder on women in certain aspects than men. We are often the first ones to criticizes a women's looks and choices. Do we feel that success is that limited we have to take other women down to get our share? Look at shows like the Bachelor - getting women to compete for one man (or woman). Seriously?  We all know they were picked for their looks not necessarily their personality. What are we showing young girls?

This is the last International Women's Day in this decade. Next year is 2020. What do we want to take into that year? Outdated attitudes?  Mouthing we here but not taking the actions to show it?  Some of us are privileged by where we live. We should be the voice for those we can't speak.

Let's not just mouth Happy International Women's Day. Let's support, encourage, respect and be there for women (and men). No judgement here.  We don't know people's baggage. All we can do is help them carry it or help them toss it.

Winter Reads

We have a variety of tastes.  One of us has at least two or three on the go at once. Another enjoys a good read but it might take a month and a day to get through one book. The rest of us are average.

Discussion ensued over what is average and decision was two books a month. You might read more or less but we're going with that.  Okay one of us can read a book in a weekend but we're not counting her as average. Done.

The summer before the war. By Helen Simonson
It's the summer of 1914 and life in the sleepy village of Rye, England is about to take an interesting turn.

The Serial Killer's Daughter.  By Lesley Welsh

Suzanne Tyler barely knew her father. But when she’s given a series of secret diaries and eight mysterious photographs of women from his possessions, she knows she won’t be able to rest until she knows the truth about him. 

You are a Bad Ass. By Jen Sincero

Offers a blunt and irreverent guide to achieving the money, relationships, career, and happiness that one desires through recognizing and doing away with self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors.

Becoming. By Michelle Obama

"An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.

Blogging for Creatives.  By Robin Houghton

How Designers, Artists, Crafters, and Writers Can Blog to Make Contacts, Win Business, and Build Success

If you got a tattoo what would you get?

Deep discussion here that might effect the world. If you were considering getting a tattoo what would you lean towards.

Would you consider getting a sleeve?

 

The general consensus was no. None of us would consider going that far.  One of us would consider getting a smaller tattoo.  Likely spot shoulder. Something smaller and that meant something. This picture is larger than we would like but general idea of tattoo. 

One person does have a tattoo on their shoulder. It is the Celtic symbol for family.  Majority of us felt if we did get a tattoo we would lean more towards this type of design.

 Do you have a tattoo? If so how did you go about choosing it?  We would love to know.

Happy New Year

Well, admitting you have a problem is half the battle.  So we admit the month of December got away from us. All of us. I/us mean really!  One of us should have been able to pull a blog post together. It didn't have to be detailed and 3000 words. It would have been about the lipstick we bought on Sunday. The one with the moisturizer in it that costs too much.

Or it could have been about what we ordered on-line for the holidays. Our favorite local businesses even. I mean we should be purchasing local. Plus Canada Post was having rotating strikes so that should have prompted more people to buy local.

But we didn't. Nope. Not one of us pulled it together to type one post in December. Nothing. We are not going to say we will do better this year because we want to be authentic and real with you. So no  promises.

What we would love is if you have a rant, comment, idea you'd like us to tackle drop us a line in the comment and we'll take it on. Again no promises you'll like what we have to say, but we promise to say something.

Bring on 2019.