One Job Down

... An endless list left to go. 

But first things first: Things have been productive since we last spoke. We finished the painting in the upstairs bath - 'We' referring to mother Mother Dearest doing the actual painting and me wrangling the child. The difference is remarkable.

A coat of paint really can do wonders, eh?

This colour {I'll enter the name here when I find it} is one of my all-time favs. Like I said on Friday, it looks different in the changing light throughout the day - green, beige, or grey - but always remains a colour I love. It is the perfect solution for my constant desire to change things because painting the entire house every six months would be a tad extreme. Just a tad though.

At night, with the vanity and ceiling lights, it favours a grey.

{The above photos were from Friday night, after the final coat. Mother Dearest was diligent.}

During the day, depending on the time, the colour reads from a light olive green through to a deep grey. No matter what colour I am seeing, it is all round an improvement from the lime.

Our kids bath is officially all grown up. Well, at least for today. Until Finn and I get inspired to make a few changes. {If I include Finn in the scheming, Rob will be less inclined to ask questions. See how that works.}

__________________________

Since completing the bath project, Finley and I have packed up shop and travelled to the other end of the province to return the favour and help Gram with her list for a few days. Then I will be relinquishing control, somewhat against my will, and leaving Finn with Mother Dearest for a few nights while I head out to Toronto for BlogPodium! This is a huge, wildly uncomfortable, step for me. Fingers crossed I make it.

I've been photo-documenting our projects along the way and will fill you in on all the details at some point - this week perhaps, or more likely next. Mother Dearest has been a bit more gracious than me at allotting time off - I've been accused of being demanding for some odd reason - so we have managed to do some socializing intermittently. If you don't follow along via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram you most certainly should start. But have no fear, I will also be sharing a few photo's, or more accurately to say an obsessive number, of Finn's adventures.

I can't help but share a couple today. He is so darn cute I can't stand myself.

This kid. *Missing you Pap and Moe.

Chat soon.

Sweet Potato Soufflé

My second stop on the 'flavours of fall' train is sweet potato. I couldn't resist whipping up one of my all-time favourite recipes. This dish, though not overly appealing at first sight, is absolutely delectable and near and dear to my heart.

I was introduced to the concept of Sweet Potato Soufflé during my time in Southern Georgia. Have I mentioned this before? I spent two high school semesters living in the 'Deep South' and fell head over heels in love with the people, farming, the low paced lifestyle, the land, and the cooking! That cooking will get you every. single. time! I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before now. Shame on me. I'll sit down one of these days and tell you all about it. But until then, give this tasty creation a try and I can guarantee you'll be on the first plane South!

Ingredients:

• 3 Cups Cooked and Mashed Sweet Potato
• 3/4 Cup White Sugar
• 1/3 Cup Softened Butter
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tsp. Vanilla
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes
• 1/4 Cup Flour
• 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Chopped Nuts {I use Pecans and Walnuts}
• 1/3 Cup Softened Butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the mashed sweet potato, white sugar, butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, and milk.
3. In a separate bowl, combine coconut, flour, brown sugar, nuts, and butter. 
4. Spoon wet mixture into lightly greased baking dish. 
5. Sprinkle dry mixture over wet mixture.
6. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes, or until top crumble is golden brown.

And that is that. Done like dinner.

Happy Baking, ya'll!

A Splash of Paint

...goes a long way. Feel free to write that little diddy down, those are words to live by.

So, we are painting - again! Is anyone surprised? 

This time is different. It is not a piece of furniture - no sir-ree-bob. Today it is the upstairs bathroom! All I can say is that it was due time.

Do you see what I mean? 

If you take a stroll through our home {a virtual tour is available here} you will find that one of the rooms is not like the others. Hello lime green upstairs bath! And let me tell you, these pictures don't quite do it justice.

Allow me a chance to explain. 

When we were selecting paint for the house, I wanted warmth without in-your-face colour. We went with a pallet of neutral greens and beige/browns. BUT, enter the lime, I equally wanted to be the cool aunt with a hip space dedicated to the kids for when they came to visit. So I found this uber cute shower curtain with different colour owls and chose a colour from that pallet to paint the bathroom walls. I'll admit, it was fun while it lasted. The kids thought it was ggggreat - the brighter the better. But since Finn came along, and spending time in there is a daily occurrence, the wall colour just had to go. 

And go it shall.

From green to...green.

We had enough leftover paint from the main floor area, which also runs up the staircase and on to the landing, to do the small bath. The colour is one of my favourites because depending on the lighting and time of day it can look green, beige, light or dark grey. And for a gal who likes to change things on a regular basis, that is as good as gold. Why mess with a good thing?

It is hard to tell what it will read when it is all said and done, but I am optimistic.

What do you think? Questions? Concerns? Anxieties?

Check back soon for the finished product.

Until then, happy weekending!

Where Have You Been All My Life?

Don't tell Robert, but I love our house. Keep that on the DL.

Forever and a day I have ooed and awed over older homes with character and hidden beauty just waiting to be uncovered, but Robert insisted on building new. I get it. After two years living here I am beginning to understand. There is a sense of security building new - as misguided as that might be - and it is comforting. 

There is however a down side, because lets be honest, there always is. Beyond the lack of vintage flair and hidden nooks and crannies found in an older home {I'm not giving up that easy},  a new home is also quite a process to fill. I'm not talking furniture per say; which is in and of itself quite a feat. I'm referring to the things you don't 'see' at first glance: blinds in every window {16 in this house}, doors {if you notice ours are slightly different then the 'norm' and add just a slightly different feel to each space}, light fixtures throughout, and so on and so forth. That all takes time and moolah. 

Those spaces we ogle on Pinterest and immediately add to our boards are made up of layers to reach that gorgeous final product. A stunning chair can only do so much in a room. It is a compilation of all the details along the way that make the overall difference. Few. That was a bit of a round about rant. Back to the point. 

The background items take time to collect in a new home - or at least they have for us - and I am happy to say we are FINALLY making some progress. Our master bath is no longer a sad excuse for a room. Well that is a touch extreme, but it is on it's way to serving its purpose.

This is what it has looked like since we moved in. Blah, I know! Something key, say like a vanity mirror, is MIA. 

Enter my jackpot yard sailing find from the weekend. This mirror, though very plain, is the perfect start to get that bathroom in tip top shape. And honestly, for five dollars, how could you go wrong?

Of course it needed a splash of paint - that is just how I roll. 

Actually, the original colour wouldn't have looked bad, but it had a few bumps and bruises so we just gave it a once, twice, three times over.

Then all that was left to do was hang that heavy sucker. 

Because of the extra weight, we needed to hit the studs for full support. Of course they didn't line up with the pre attached hooks, so we added one to the centre. Three screws later and we were in business. 

Where have you been all my life? 

Seriously. I can not believe I went two years without a proper mirror in there. It actually makes the room feel bigger. Magic.

Not to mention I can finally see myself. The good. The bad. And the UGLY! Why hasn't anyone said anything this whole time? Letting me run around town looking like a frazzled mess. Not cute.

But as always, there is another side to every coin. I may frighten myself when I peer into our new addition, but there is lots of beauty to be found as well. Look at the sweet moment I captured already.

Nice bum, where are you from Finn?

It is all about finding the simple joys in life after all.

Chat soon.

Let's Get Inspired

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Elegant Beauty.
For all the crochet capable out there. {I'll gladly take a pair :)}
Sweet, sweet, sweet idea for a wedding.

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A little DIY anyone? 
This is a pantry system if I have ever seen one!
Scarecrow Treat anyone? Tis' the season!

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Oh my! Everything in me wants to rewind time to take a picture of Finley like this! Thank you EchoPhotowork for that hormonal roller coaster.
In need of a Gag Gift? Anyone? Anyone?
What about costume idea for your wee tot? Look no further. 

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It Doesn't Have to be New #2

There is quite a stockpile of 'new to me' items in my garage just waiting to be repurposed and brought back for a second chance at life. Some of them have already received a little attention actually! *Check back in again soon, and again after that, to see the transformation.

But before I get too ahead of myself with progress, I wanted to share them as is. Most came from the yard sailing extravaganza Mother Dearest, Finley, and I ventured on this past weekend, {if you don't already follow along with our adventures via a social media source do jump on that train: Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter} but a few are treasures that I picked up over the past few months.

Take a look and see if you can't see the potential too! *Do feel free to ignore the mess that is our garage - again.

Two Vintage Chairs

These chairs are not a perfect match but both have character in spades. They once had caning seats but are now ready for a DIY.

Cost: $10 for the pair

Glassware

Who doesn't love eclectic glassware to add to a preexisting collection? This girl does! I'm thinking the vase is a perfect size for bathroom pretties. Those creme-brûlée dishes will dress up my jewellery drawer in an instant. That sweet pitcher is a close match to some pieces I already have. And there is always room for more teacups! Always!
Cost: All Free

Never Used Mastercraft Precision Saw

I'm not exactly one hundred percent sure what this guy does, but for a brand new tool I didn't think I could go wrong. If Rob says he wont use it we will just pop it on kijiji.  Maybe even make a few pennies.
Cost: $35

Pine Shelf

Mother Dearest brought this from her house. My grandfather built it years ago - along with dozens more.
Cost: Free

Child Art and Frame

Finley seems to be fond of this framed zebra print. I picked it up with the crisp white frame in mind. We shall see who wins the decor battle.
Cost: Free

Plant Stand

Meema actually found this beauty. She offered to dispose of it or put it to the road as a free pick up for a friend and I snatched it up in a hurry. It may not look like much right now but I see ample opportunity to create beauty.
Cost: Free

Large Mirror

This mirror weighs more than me I swear. It originally came with a dresser but didn't fit in the ladies house so she sold it to moi!
Cost: $5

Mr. Camoose

There is a household debate as to whether this animal is in fact a camel or a moose. Thoughts?
Either way, Finn has no qualms snuggling him.
Cost: $1

Captains Chair

I'm in love with this chair. It may be my favourite item in the lot. One of the arms needs some attention from Robert but it should be good as new in no time. I can't wait to get to work on this makeover!
Cost: $5

Never Used Floating Shelves

These are your basic run of the mill black floating shelves, but with a coat of paint they will be just perfect...somewhere.
Cost: $3

Pillows and Linens

I have a hard time saying no to pillows, especially free ones, because they are so expensive to buy in store. Now I have a stockpile and can make my own covers. Win!
Cost: 8 Pillows = Free

The linens are all Mother's finds, but I couldn't help but share. She got three pillow shames, a bed skirt, two duvet covers, sheets, and four curtain panels! I kid you not.
Cost: $3

Old Glass Window

My Uncle Keith shared this window with me. I have a project in mind if things work out as my scheming predicts they will. Time will tell.
Cost: Free

Blinds, Light Fixture, and Water Cooler

These are a few of Mother's finds that I wanted to share because they were just too good to keep to ourselves.
Cooler Cost: $5
Blinds Cost: $2
Light Cost: $5

Wrapping Paper Bag

Last, but certainly not least for Mother, is her newest portable wrapping station - supplies included. What a great idea! Limited storage solution at it's finest. Cost: Free
If these finds don't get you up and out the door on the hunt for a great second hand treasure then you need to swing by my house for a drink because there is something in the water! 
Chat soon.

Work and Very Little Play

...and I'm spent! 
It feels like Friday. After the busy past few days we have had around here I am completely flip-flopped around with my days. The i-cal is saying Monday but I am stubborn and tired enough to object. 
My Mother Dearest is here. Enough said for those of you who know our family at all. She is a wonderful force to be reckoned with. She is more driven, task oriented, and bossy than I am if you can believe it - obviously I learned from the best! That being said, I made the mistake upfront when I told her I wanted to tackle a few projects during her stay. We have been go, go, go ever since.
Here is a quick sum of it: 
We had our initial render-vu at my brothers house on Thursday to help celebrate the twins {my nieces} early birthday, along with the first day of school, with cake and shopping. After two plus hours at Costco we were able to take a few moments of repos for a delicious slice of creme-brûlée cheesecake before hitting the road again for more shopping. We didn't make it back to Pictou County until after ten. Off to a good start!
Finley has been completely off of his regular sleeping regime which hasn't been helping matters. So when he woke bright and early Friday we got straight to work sanding everything in sight - or at least that is how it felt. I got a break, while Mother continued to work diligently, when Amy and the twins {the boys I babysit} stopped by for a long overdue play date. All three boys, and Moe attempted to join, played in the new sandbox for hours. A fun filled day for all. I'll tip my hat to the crockpot for helping make things run smoothly!
The next morning we were up and out the door on a yard sailing mission. *A mountain of snacks and diapers packed because I know how things work when Mother is around. Finn and I would need back up. Was I ever right! Seven hours later we walked through the front door. The car was full to the brim and I had enough projects to last a lifetime...or at least that is what I thought. We started sanding that very night. One, two, maybe even three of the items we brought home. {I'll share all our finds soon!}
All I can say is: My Mother. And she would respond with, 'Gotta' love me!'
What else did we squeeze in there? Ah yes: A visit with Meema and Pops on Sunday for the most delicious seafood casserole I have ever tasted in my life! *I'll hit her up for the recipe to share with you, have no fear. Tackling loads of laundry. Helping a cousin out by editing a lengthy business draft. Dropping my engagement ring off at the jewellers because I nearly bent it in half. Oops! Painting coat after coat on the countless things my mother attacked with the sander. Scheming up a list of new projects to tackle. Coming down with a flu bug of some kind. 
Oh, and the kicker: Rob switched jobs. Literally overnight he went from being employed by one company to another. The joys of working West I suppose. We managed to get the paperwork dealt with and all that jazz and now we are ironing out the details of the next few weeks since he will be staying out an extra week and I am due to fly to Toronto for BlogPodium. It is a good thing I like a good plan!
Is your head spinning yet? I hope your weekend was a tad more tame than ours. What did you get up to? Any projects? Any adventures? Enjoying the last signs of summer? Do tell. 
*Finley wanted to share his latest news too: 'I can eat yogurt all by myself!' 

*Mom is hoping he gets a better handle on the spoon real soon, but brother Moe is LOVING it! Chat soon.