Le Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a while since I did a Le Weekend post but there were just so many things that sent me down an internet rabbit hole this week I had to share.

1. Inside Closet  is a blog I stumbled on a few weeks ago and if you like French fashion and decor then be prepared to lose a few hours. Just look at this French women who casually has a handmade tree in her living room!  I love that the author describes the blog as one that shows girls who ask themselves as they're getting dressed: "What the fuck am I going to wear this morning? Yet always end up looking different, beautiful and comfortable in their own shoes."
2. While reading a old favorite, Desire to Inspire, I came across this stunning kitchen makeover from Amy Sklar Design Inc. This kitchen was actually in her own home and I love that she resisted the urge to take down all the walls and open it up but rather make it a petite jewel box. The light fixture, the walnut counter top-all so good!
3. From Amy's design page I clicked on her blog tab only to find out that her blog From the Reservoir is a project she started after loosing her mother to cancer."Since beginning on February 23rd 2014 it has been my goal to wear a piece of her clothing, jewelry, or an accessory that she passed on to me, for a total of 365 days (Not in a row, sorry, I am also a mother of two, a small business owner, wife and friend. I tried to do it in a row, and it almost broke me.)  I believe it is a fitting tribute to this incredible woman with the greatest sense of style I've ever known. A digital archive, a love letter, a journal, a remembrance for your children and future generations. I love you mom". I read the whole blog in almost one sitting. It is a beautiful tribute to her mom and extended family who had amazing clothes. She also does a great job of mixing vintage with modern. 
4. I've loved Pencil and Paper Co. since seeing them in a magazine spread many years ago. I sadly was not following them on Instagram and boy was I missing out on all the sneak peeks they give. Like this kitchen in the perfect shade of grey with a vent hood that I'm keeping in mind for my next kitchen. 
5. Well isn't this just perfect-A Guide to Wes Anderson's Paris-double hipster and I'm all over it. Messy Nessy Chic is another Parisian sharing her what she calls her "cabinet of curiosities." If you're anything like me this should give you a few hours of being a virtual tourist. 
6. Although Apartment Therapy isn't a new find (you can see our bathroom makeover here and our Iqaluit house tour here)  this house tour reminded me why I love the simple but graphic punch of black and white. 
7. The Kitchn, which featured our kitchen renovation here, showed off a spectacular kitchen remodel of an Eichler home. This led to me reading up on all of Karen and John's projects over on Destination Eichler ,including their  DIY concrete countertops and the Semihandmade doors on their Ikea kitchen.  
8. In the spirit of more DIY, here's an excellent way to dress up a boring closet door. 
9. Ever since we got back from Ireland, I've been craving Irish soda bread. This recipe looks worth a try.

I hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend. I'm going to try and sort through a few more pictures from our Ireland trip, maybe while making the above soda bread? 

Le Weekend

Well hello there Friday, am I happy to see you! I don't have much to share with you guys, honestly this time change business is making me feel like I don't have enough hours left in the day. What are your plans for the weekend? I just going to be doing some catch-up.  Maybe finally some meal planning for the week and obviously a little bit of wine drinking and kitten cuddling. Here's a few things from around the internet I loved this week:

1. A new to me blog 'Into Mind' about personal style, minimalism and the perfect wardrobe shared a 'Closet Detox Cheat Sheet' that I may have to use this weekend if I get ambitious. I mean let's me honest, I'll never be a minimalist but this may be a good starting point to get my overflowing closet in order once again.
2. I talked about gallery walls earlier this week in my 'Decor Tips for a Rental' and Decor8 has laid out 8 great tips on 'How to Plan a Gallery Wall'. Maybe finally hanging that art is in your future this weekend?
3. Sea of Shoes always has impeccable taste and her mother Judy Aldridge was kind enough to give me some tips on shopping in Dallas many years ago, so I have a soft spot for them. This week she outlined some of favourite new beauty buys and there are a few I definitely want to try. 
4. These 10 Best One-Pot Meals from Camille Styles may help me out this weekend if I actually get around to making a few things for the week ahead. 
5. Victoria McGinley shared a post about a few thing on her mind lately, including the possibility of taking a solo trip to Paris so that she could enjoy "visits to pottery stores and flea markets" without feeling like she was dragging her husband along. I've traveled alone before and loved it. What about you? Would you brave a solo trip so that you can enjoy exactly what you want to do?
6. I've suggested using the Ikea Malm dresser to a number of people, mainly because of it's clean lines and price point (if you don't have time to source vintage). Erin Gates, of Elements of Style, shared her favourite addition to the dresser to take it from good to great! 
7. Are you thinking about starting a renovation? Sarah from 702 Park Project shares all the things she wished she'd known before starting her own reno here.
8. The One-Room Challenge is complete (for the most part) and one of my favourite spaces is Naomi's 'Petite Kitchen' - my new most pinned space. I mean the walnut, the brass and that backsplash tile- too much!
9. Another One-Room Challenge space I loved was the Holtwood Hipster's bedroom. The new molding in the room really makes me want to start a new project. 

So on that note, have a great weekend whether you're relaxing or tackling that long put off (or new) project.

Le Weekend

Happy Friday! We made it! This Friday is one of goodbyes. My sister is going back to Costa Rica and Billy the kitten is losing his balls today (time to get fixed little buddy!). On that note, do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I think we're going to stay in, help Bill recuperate and maybe I'll finally tackle a few projects I've been putting off - oh yes and there will be wine. Here are a few links to things that caught my eye this week on the internet:

1. Little Green Notebook strikes again. Seriously, this lady has young kids and said she was fighting off morning sickness while pregnant with another, all while creating these amazing DIYs for Domino Magazine.
2. The One Room Challenge is back again and Naomi is doing not one but two rooms. The kitchen she designed is shaping up to be amazing, I mean the cabinets have walnut interiors!
3. Gabrielle visited High Point Market and very kindly gives us a round up of three upcoming home decor trends.
4. Erin Gates is on tour for her new book 'Elements of Style' (a really fun read by the way) and her personal style is knocking it out of the park. Check out just one of her outfits here.
5. I've been sourcing some removable wallpaper for a client and Made By Girl has done a great job of giving some examples in case you don't want, or can't, make a permanent commitment.
6. Bailey McCarthy gives us an update of her new bigger and better store. Those colours and that pattern mixing is incredible. 
7. The Jealous Curator alerted me to the work of New York based illustrator Mac Conner. See more of his illustrations here. 
8. My coworker sent me a link to the Design Matters Fall 2014 interview lineup. I can't wait to listen to some of these and learn more about the world’s most creative designers, thinkers, writers, and cultural commentators. 
9. If you're crazy about fluffy stools like I am but don't want to shell out the money for a high-end one, Life with a Dash of Whimsy, has a great DIY version using Ikea sheepskins. 

Le Weekend

It's Friday, it's Friday! I think this is going to be a good weekend folks. My sister is back home visiting from Costa Rica and we're going to this chalet to celebrate a birthday and the end of summer. I'm also working on a post about an amazing vintage store I was introduced to here in Montreal - it may be my new favourite. Until then, here are a few things from around the internet that I enjoyed this week.

1.  Even though I'm more of a bright colour girl at heart, I love Lauren Liess's neutral style. She's currently re-capping all the renovations she's made to her home and you have to see it to believe it. 
2. What a great way to make affordable DIY art - using a shower curtain? I may have to try this myself.
3. I've always been a fan of Australian Mag Inside+Out - I mean look at this rustic kitchen! The good news is that you don't have to go on a scavenger hunt or pay an arm and a leg to get a copy- download it from Zinio, Google Play or the Apple Newsstand.
4. Elements of Style blogger, Erin Gates, let's us live through her trip to Nantucket and those homes look magical.
5. A new to me blog, Color Me Carla, not only has amazing taste- look at that horse wallpaper in her nursery- but her writing style is refreshing and real. 
6. If you haven't watched these Ask Lena videos already, go do it now! The office set and her opening scene dancing with her dog is my favourite part (maybe 'cause I dance with the cats?) but her advice is also spot on.
7. Gaby of the Vault Files has great style so it's no surprise really that her home is also stylish. 
8. Another before and after (who doesn't love a good transformation) from the Jersey Ice Cream Co. as they turn their vacation rental into a English country-side estate. 
9. Just in case you have any negotiating to do in your future, keep these points in mind.

Le Weekend

Well, that's been a long week hasn't it? Happy Friday everyone! I thought I'd change it up a bit and give you a few links to 'Things I Want but Don't Need'. This is not surprisingly a recurring theme in my life. I've made a new goal for myself to not buy anything new for a few months and so far I've been able to stick to it. 

What seems to be helping me is my Pinterest board of the same name, as well as going to my usual shopping haunts but instead of buying I've been taking pictures to share with you. Check out my recap of Finnegan's Saturday Market (and how to use those vintage finds) here. Up next will be another one of my favourite vintage markets - Marche aux Puce Saint-Michel/St Michel Flea Market. Let's take a look at a few things that have caught my eye lately:

1. Ikea PS Cabinet-now in blue 2. Chartreuse + Floral Wallpaper 3. Hand Woven Rug 4. New Target Gold Lamp 5. Fletcha Blue Teamug 6. White and Wood Soda Stream 7. Yellow w/ Grey Pompoms West Elm Pillow 8. Multi-coloured textured Urban Outfitters Pillow 9. Blue Target Throw 10. Gorgeous Tan Leather Bag 11. Green Zara Jacket 12. Patterned Zara Dress 13. Vintage Navy Cape 14. White Mohair Zara Sweater

Le Weekend

Hey everyone! It's Friday-yeah! It's also the last Friday of the summer-boooooo! While I'm out enjoying the last few moments of the season (and possibly taking some pictures of our updated exterior- I did say it wouldn't happen before the very end of summer and I'm right on time). Here are a few things from around the internet that I've enjoyed this week:

1. New to me blog Year of Serendipity chronicles interior designer and house flipper Karen as she wields her own power tools and renovates homes. She's just started on a new one and I can't wait to see what she does. 
2. Isn't getting ready to go out always the best part? An old standby Into the Gloss, just started a new series called 'After Dark' where they focus "on the going out routines of some of the coolest girls we know, along with whatever makeup and hair they're feeling that night." 
3. Trick and Tips- Abigail Ahern shares 6 Design Tricks Designers Want to Keep to Themselves- that you can now steal and use.
4. I love following Stephanie Sabbe on Instagram as she shares sneak peeks of the works she's doing- I mean check out that blue bathroom!
5. If you haven't been following along with Mandi on her kitchen renovation-you must! Her post on Planning A Budget Kitchen Renovation is one to bookmark.  
6. Fellow Montrealer, Lake Jane, shares a funny and honest post about being a creative freelancer.
7. Bijou & Boheme brought these amazing photos to my attention. Jane Long is an Australian photographer who took WWI photos and gave them a little magic in Photoshop.
8. Another blog I just found this week is The Private Life of a Girl. Sophie is a jewelry maker in the UK who shares all kinds of interesting tidbits like '18 Books for Creatives' which I've already added to my reading list. 
9. Last but not least, our kitchen was featured on The Kitchn.

Thanks for stopping by and see you in September!

Le Weekend

Happy Friday Everyone! We made it! I'm off to a friend's son's birthday party in good old Ottawa this weekend where I've been told to "not have high expectations for drinking as it's a kid's birthday party." Why does this make me seem like a crazy person who's not to be trusted around children? Just because I treat cats like people doesn't mean I don't know not to bring fireworks to a kid's party (note to self: don't bring fireworks). So while I'm at a party full of tiny people who don't drink, why don't you browse a few links:

1. If you live in the Montreal area, you should go check out Finnegan's Market and report back to me. There is nothing I love more than a good outdoor antique/flea market and this one is right in my backyard. 
2. I just finished this delightful summer read and I think this one is next on my list. 
3. After seeing Natalie Joos' photos of Dubrovnik I've added it to my list of places to visit as soon as I have a vacation (sigh). If you haven't read her 'Muse' profiles be sure to take a look while you're there.
4. Another beautiful blog to drool over, Captain and Gypsy Kid, documents a family living the hippie life in Sydney, Australia.  
5. SF Girl by Bay featured this amazing new site - the Archivast-  that partners with interesting people to curate limited edition prints of photos from the world's leading archives. 
6. Great tips from an Antiques Roadshow appraiser for shopping for antiques- use them at Finnegan's Market- or whatever your local haunt is.
7. Mandi from Making Nice in the Midwest has been killing it with her DIY projects for A Beautiful Mess. She rounds them up here. 
8. These vase portraits by Maya Gohill are just stunning. Her satirical portraits are also pretty great. 
9. When I still had cable I use to get sucked into The Steven and Chris Show all the time. I just found out they recap all their decor segments on their website. Here a great bit on elevating your space with texture. 

Le Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a long week over here at Casa Brownie. Last week Chad found a kitten in the middle of a rainstorm stuck in between our hedge and the neighbours fence. His mom is definitely the pretty grey stray cat we see around the neighbourhood. We've always had a strict two cat policy that implies having two cats means you love cats but having more than two seems to mean you are a crazy cat lady. But how could I say no to such a cute little fur ball...

Anyhow, back to the weekend links. While I'm busy trying to entertain a five week old kitten here are some things to check out:

1. Now that we're "crazy cat people", this diy modern pet bowl stand would at least make us look like stylish crazies.
2. My favourite back in print decor magazine Domino, lists a great round-up of the best diy blogs.
3. Nicole from Making it Lovely has some patio furniture recommendations that are right up my alley -hello 70s. 
4. Not much else to say about this gorgeous pastel drawing except that it's indeed gorgeous.
5. House and Home editor, Margot Austin is embarking on what should be a stellar condo kitchen makeover - follow her journey here.
6. Ever wonder what other peoples dirty little housekeeping secrets are? (I rarely hang up my clothes until there's a huge pile) Design Sponge asks just that. 
7. Master stylist Abigail Ahern, gives a lesson in creating the most impactful consoles, shelves and mantles. 
8. Benjamin Curran seems to find the most beautiful mid-century modern furniture in Montreal and then restores it to its former glory. It's so hard not to want to buy everything! 
9. Fellow Montreal blogger Marie-Eve Best of Lake Jane highlighted all the hard work she's been doing on her yard and garden. I can't wait until we're done and someday have a cute deck to enjoy.

Le Weekend

This Friday I thought I'd do something a little different. After a much needed trip to Sephora I came home with a few new products that had actually come recommended by some of my favourite bloggers. I thought I'd share the love and let you know some new beauty loot I'm thrilled with and a few things on my summer style and beauty wishlist.

1. I'm very tempted by the ombre trend and hair stylist Anh Cotran's instragram feed is pure inspiration. I'll definitely be bringing in a picture of his cuts & colour to my stylist if I decide to take the leap.
2. I'm trying to get away from constantly putting my hair up in a ponytail or a bun. The Beauty Department offers all kinds of different up-dos for all hair lengths.
3. While I'd love to let my hair air-dry, I'm not so into the wet dog stringy look. Joanna from A Cup of Joe posted about this secret hair tool that I'm hoping will cut down on my blow-drying time.
4. I got this mascara as a sample and I love it- not clumpy and makes me look like I have faux lashes on.
5. I picked up these cheap jeans at Target and didn't expect much but they've actually turned out to be my new favourite pair- time to stock up.
6. I love this simple and polished outfit posted by Cupcakes and Cashmere. I'm on the lookout for white jeans now. It's so hard to find a pair that are under $100 and aren't flimsy and see-through, any recommendations?
7. Erin of Elements of Style recommended this product for clean, simple nails. As someone who hates constantly touching up nail polish I can't wait to try this.
8. After an extensive conversation with a very well versed Sephora employee I've decided to try this self-tanner this summer. I've been assured that it will be subtle and natural (but this said employee was also wearing under-eye glitter, so I'll report back).
9. Another Elements of Style suggestions and let me tell you- this is the best under eye concealer I have ever used and as someone with year-round allergies and year-round dark circles, I've tried them all. 

Have a great weekend everyone, I'll be outside trying to spruce up the outside of the house. I can't wait to show you some of the (minor) progress we've made.

Le Weekend

Happy Friday Everyone! We made it...even though this was a short week here in Canada it sure felt long. Maybe due to the fact that I needed a vacation from my vacation in Chicago. We managed to pack so much in, it was non-stop walking and eating the whole weekend. I'll be back next week with a re-cap of the amazing food I ate as well as the awe inspiring tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes I took.

1. It's such a small world... Jamie Meares of  'i suwannee' and 'Furbish Studio' fame happened to post her Costa Rican vacation re-cap (which seemed way more relaxing than mine) and she stayed at the beautiful hotel my sister works at. Check out her review here. 
2. Emily Clark posted a great wall art solution-baskets. My mom has been trying to come up with a way to cover an unused electrical box and this may be a perfect option. 
3. If you're planning on going to Chicago you must, must visit the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio in Oak Park. We were lucky to be part of a special anniversary tour that I'll tell you more about next week. Here's a few peeks on my instagram. 
4. Sarah Sherman Samuel of Smitten Studio just finished another amazing step in her house renovation. I've bookmarked her diy built-in shelving for future use. 
5. I just discovered this Vancouver blog that combines art, food and other randomness. These rhubarb raspberry meringues with pistachio crumble look delicious. 
6. Emily Henderson's 'Fig House Lounge' has so many colours but works so well. Makes me want to re-do everything in vibrant candy colour. 
7. Abigail Ahern mulls over some creative door possibilities. 
8. Our front lawn is looking a little sparse. Allison at Deuce Cities Henhouse ponders which ornamental tree to use in her landscaping and gets some helpful advice in her comments-great for those of us who live in northern climates.
9. My grandmother was an avid collector of Royal Doulton Figurines so it's fascinating to see them updated in these artful pieces. 

Le Weekend

As promised, I'm going to keep the posts coming. There is nothing I love more than enjoying a cup of coffee (or let's be honest, several cups of coffee) and reading the "interwebs" (as Chad calls it) on the weekend.  Here are a few links I loved this week:

1. Manhattan Nest started on his bathroom renovation, and what a back story it has. This makes me really eager to begin updating ours-minus finding all the surprises. 
2. How to plant a succulent garden without making a huge mess, Orlando, shows us how. 
3. This D.I.Y. lamp is beautiful
4. I'm trying to learn how to use Photoshop and found this tutorial really helpful. 
5. Can't wait to go see The Grand Budapest Hotel this afternoon. This review sealed the deal. 
6. What a pretty moodboard from 7th House on the Left -summer surfing sign me up. 
7. Lord knows I love me some wallpaper. If I was rich these would all be contenders.
8. Such an amazing kitchen renovation-maybe for our next house!
9. Finally, you have to go see Colleen's blog ARCTICdeco. Not only does it makes me miss Nunavut but you should see all the creative projects she gets up to. Her review of the Nest may just be enough to persuade Chad!