Cupcakes & Ruby Slippers

Baby is Here! At last!

2012-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

Finally , after waiting oh so patiently, our little man arrived ON HIS DUE DATE (Jan 24) at 2251! It was a very long day, starting with our regular OBGYN appt for a weekly check up. Well, things went quickly as my water broke in her office! Straight to the hospital I went with regular contractions starting almost immediately! We couldn't believe it!

Arriving at the hospital we were brought in to maternity triage to get our initial assessment and await our room. LOVE that you labor, deliver and recover in the same private room...so so nice. Long story short, I ended up having contractions for 9 hours without dilating past 7cm and the pain was getting INTENSE. I opted for an epidural around 1700, however, I did not get it until 2100 as there was only 1 anesthetist in the hospital and 2 emergence surgeries needed between being told it was coming tol I actually recieved it. The analgesics they gave me really didn't work, they allowed me to rest a bit in between contractions (1-3 min apart) ut the pain was still pretty intense.

Epidural insitu, they hug a bag of oxytocin to assist with dilation and withing a short period of time and watching over 1/2 hour, baby was stressed. So we ended up having an emergency c-section. I was so excited to meet my lil man, I wasn't the least but concerned...Daddy however was pretty nervous and did an great job sort of hiding that fact. He arrived safely, needed some intervention but is doing FANTASTIC! What a lil trooper!!

It took quite a few days to finalize his name but I am pretty sure we have agreed on Alexander James :) First doctor appt was today and all is well :)

I will leave you with a picture of my little man...baby Alexander. I think he is just perfect.

Feeling over joyed and VERY blessed,

Cloffice Update

2012-01-22T01:14:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Still no baby news...We are officially due on Tuesday, January 24th so I guess there is 'time'. I am however, very anxious to meet our little bundle soon! total sporadic contractions here and there is about it...and here I thought he would be 2 weeks early due to my polyhydramnios and BIG baby! HA!

Daddy has been nesting, putzing around on what he can. A few weekends ago we started the Cloffice project in the Dolly Room (Guest/Craft room). We worked pretty feverishly to get it all organized as it was a disaster catch-all after emptying baby's room. The design we came up with is VERY simple. We still need to figure out how to fill the back wall to maximize space and storage/function. But we wanted to get the desk in and the shelves as well. Here is what we have so far, then I will explain the plan for the decor ect.

We used a pine board from Home Depot to make the desk top surface. Josh made some brackets and secured the desk well, then prime and painted it with some super durable white paint. JOsh had the idea to 'fill' the deep spaces on each side of the closet with 2 narrow BILLY bookcases from IKEA. I was worried about weight, but he assured me it would work so we made a dash to IKEA, in and out from our house in 1hr 45 mins! Trust me SUPER fast if you know where we are in proximity to the Coquitlam Ikea! Sadly, I did not have time to do a lovely wall treatment with paint, stencils or wall paper...so it is the same wall color through out our home. Other than the nursery which is a lovely BM blue seafoam :)

The white storage boxes hail from both Ikea and Michaels. They are storing everything from craft paint to some of my important Nursing documents. Much organization to be done still...but it is already so much better. I haven't shown you Josh's side, as well...he has yet to put much there and put them in 'pretty' storage boxes. I am working on that ladies ;)

So, there is a tonne to do yet, but I am 'stuck'. We have had to use the old drawers (which you see under the desk top) from Ikea and a Rubbermaid drawer system for now to store papers and my Stamping/scrapbooking stuff. Eventually we have to bring the computer in there, but there is no hook-up at this time. See the 2 holes in the wall? Those need to be filled and painted and then we must come up with some neat storage or functional wall decor to maximize the space. I think I will be using the cork board on the wall-since I have it and like it. The lamp is from Ikea-Josh had to have that lamp, he really loved it! I have a stool to be refinished and we will utilize that as a chair...but I won't get to that until the warmer weather I am sure!

So, my questions for you all are as follows:
Do you have any awesome ideas for the back wall? Further organization ideas? Your feedback is MUCH appreciated as well, this soon to be Mommas brain is sorta on hiatus! Baby Brain is a real thing thank you very much! ;)

Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend and stayed warm n toasty! Our weather was nuts this past week! Much joy to you!

Nursery Update Time!

2011-12-31T15:33:00.001-08:00

It's that time again! Time for a brief update on our little man's nursery! Really though, all I can do is fill you in on a few details of the design elements as I am awaiting fabric and art. I will definitely add pictures as soon as possible! I am not really a theme-y person when I think of a designing a nursery. I have spent many nights on pinterest and other blogs ect searching for inspiration: mainly for fabrics to start to pull the room together. I am SO happy to say I have finally found THE fabric (and was quite surprised with what I loved!) It is just too sweet!

The fabric is called Zoology in Sea (Michael Miller) Too funny because I thought we would be accenting in green...well, looks like its more of a maize color! Adorable! I plan to make curtain panels and a crib skirt...Hope it comes FAST! Cos baby is coming FAST too!

A few months ago I was window shopping on Esty for nursery art for the walls. I came across this print and had saved it...re-discovered it today and ordered it to match closer to the colors of the fabric! You can also see it here at The Pink Puppy Paper Co on Etsy

I am not a huge fan of elephants or anything, just LOVE the saying and well...it is a nod to the fabric :) I have some other art planned...but I will save that for the reveal!

We (meaning my sweet hubby mostly) started the Cloffice today. I wanted to be able to paint the back of the closet something special, but time has not allowed me to do that so I will have to get creative when I set it up! Massive room chaos everywhere! I just keep telling myself 'we will get there, we will get there'

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL & safe New Year celebration tonight. We are staying in and working...CHEERS!

xoxo

It's late and...

2011-12-29T02:16:00.000-08:00

I can't sleep. It is 2:16 am and I am WIDE awake. Tried cuddling with both hubby and Charlie-cat and neither worked :( So here I am in blogland, browsing all my fave blogs.

Christmas is over and it was a wonderful season to say the least. Overall, not stressful=AWESOME! Many family members visited and it was wonderful. Spent Christmas morning at my sisters to watch my 3 nieces and nephew open their gifts...so fun! As for the Mr and myself, we decided to bite the bullet and buy a new camera. We wanted a DSLR and so that is what we looked at. We finally decided on the Nikon D3100. Do any of you have a Nikon camera? Now all I need to do is learn to use it before Baby "S" comes! Which is relatively SOON I am sure! I received one of my maternity photos as a teaser prior to picking them up and it looks sweet. Can't wait to see the rest!

Man alive that is a big belly!! AND that was almost 4 weeks ago! HA! I think it was 2 degrees Celsius that day...it was a beautiful clear day :)

I have also been thinking it is almost Resolution time again. Man, I did not do well last year for the targeted resolutions, but no worries. I have this year to see what I can do. I think my number one resolution will be to be a Great Mom! Can not wait to join the mommy club! What is more, secretly I cannot wait to see Josh's face the first time he sees Baby...Bliss!

Hope all you lovely Bloggers had a wonderful Holiday Season and I will be blogging on and off as much as I can pre and post baby. Hopefully we will have settled on a name for our lil man when we announce his Bday!

xoxo

Our Christmas Wreath

2011-12-15T16:54:00.001-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting our Christmas 'wreath'! I have been terribly slow doing anything these days so, explains the late post! I asked my hubby to pick up some cedar boughs so I could get creative...here is what I came up with. Simple and pretty!

Essentially, this project cost $6.00 total. I had the NOEL sign from Home Sense last year. The Ribbon was re-used from my Spring Monogram Wreath. The cedar was the only think we spent money on! Josh saw a beautiful square wreathm but they wanted $40.00 so I said NOPE to that! I could make one, but time is a tickin'! So we went Simple and pretty!

Hope you are all enjoying the last few days before Christmas! It goes so fast!
Love,

Our Bloggy CHristmas Card

2011-12-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! Hope you are all well :) We have been busy with Holiday stuff, Maternity and baby stuff and preparing the house for our little one. We have had to go for multiple scans as I have a large amout on amniotic fluid so we are keeping an eye on that. The lil man is BIG! At 32 weeks the Doc said he weighs 5lbs 8oz. WOWZA! So I have had to take it really easy and I try and help Josh-Daddy where and when I can. My feet DO NOT fit in anything but UGGS...and I had to borrow those from my sweet niece! Anyhow...I will be updating soon with the nursery pics. I want to get to IKEA for frames but I honestly don't know that I can do it...Hope to though!

Here is a little Christmas greeting from our little man to you...

I would like to thank a few blogs and blog mommas who have kept me inspired and allowed to to enjoy the ride of being pregnant with them! Thanks to Our Little Beehive and Bon Temps Beignet!!! You ladies have been so fun to follow and experience all this with! THANKS!

xo

Nursery Beginnings...

2011-11-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

One of the exciting things we get to do is our little man's nursery! I have been collecting inspiration pictures for quite some time. I always knew I wanted to paint the walls blue, but finding the perfect blue might have been a HUGE task. But guess what? It was quite simple!! I had numerous swatches of aqua/robin egg from over the past couple of years. The only place we hadn't looked was Benjamin Moore. We headed there on Sunday to take a look and found some very lovely blues. We narrowed it down to two different blues and Josh picked the winner. I am so glad we went with his pick! Its called Blue Seafoam. Hopefully this translates well on your screens:

We bought our crib, though it is not set up just yet. We have yet to get the mattress and bedding. The crib is the white JennyLind by DaVinci. It is by far my favorite crib design!

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Becky on Pinterest

I have a vintage white dresser I refinished that I will reuse for a change table. Maybe change out the hardware? Uncertain to that just yet! I love what is on there already.

Remember this? It will be painted and put in baby's room to hold various baby needs :)

And of course some inspiration! I am not a theme lover for nurseries so I will likely take a bit from all my inspiration pictures.

Source: google.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: laybabylay.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: projectnursery.com via Becky on Pinterest

Hope this gives you a bit of an idea as to my little man's soon to be first bedroom! It's so fun planning and executing it. Now...to continue the execution...

xo,

Cloffice aka Closet Office

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

We have been trying to come up with creative ways to combine my guest/craft room (the Dolly Room) with my DHs office/collectible room. Why? Well to make a nursery of course! Let me tell you, this has been the chore of a lifetime. It is so hard to combine these two types of spaces that Josh and I both agree on (yes, there have been hormonal tears!). Josh does however, like the idea of a 'cloffice' to use the space most efficiently. But the Dolly room is pretty girlie as it stands (But, he has his Garage right? RIGHT?!) As so many of us do, I have turned to Pinterest to find inspiration and ideas. Though I would share some with you.

Source: google.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: pepperdesignblog.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: marcypenner.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via Becky on Pinterest

Have any of you turned a closet into a workspace? Is it functional? Any great advice? We realized we need to but the "infrastructure" to be able to put stuff away and give it a new home. I will let you know how this goes! Its in the planning stages so...hopefully we will have someting in the near future!

Baby Shower!

2011-11-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

My wonderful and talented friend Jenn over at Clean and Scentsible hosted a super fun and adorable baby shower for yours truly last weekend. I have to say, I was overwhelmed with the thought and love put into it. As this is our first baby we had nothing baby related prior to this shower and I am floored by the adorableness of 'all things tiny or baby'. Who knew baby boy clothes were so darn cute?! I just wanted to link you over to Jenn's blog so you can oooh and ahhh at her creativity and see how lucky I am to have a friend like her! Everyone involved did an amazing job! Thanks ladies! xoxo Click here to go to the baby shower blog post!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Simple Fall Wreath

2011-10-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and the colors are beautiful on the trees don't you agree? I was inspired by the saturated color all around my neighborhood and decided to update my front door. I seem to be short on time as I get things ready for baby and still work full time. Hence the lack of posts. But I found an hour to do this simple project and I think it is quite sweet. I took a wee trip to Michael's the other day and bought 2 packs of faux leaves ($1.69 each) some ribbon and a letter "S" to complete this easy update.

I painted the "S" with coordinating craft paint and started to attach the leaves with hot glue.

I used a dark green satin ribbon to tie the "S" in the centre of the willow wreath (reused from my Spring wreath)

I think it turned out quite nice...simple and definitely says "fall" to me. Our Canadian Thanksgiving is this Monday...I will be spending my entire holiday weekend at work, but I am reminded how Thankful I am for my health each time I go to work with my sick patients.
Have you made a Fall Wreath? I would love to see them! How about a mantle? I have yet to attack that project...we will see!

I am linking up with Jenn over at Clean & Scentsible! Be sure to check out her FANTASTIC blog!

New flooring mostly complete!

2011-08-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hello strangers! Well, I guess I have been the stranger. I must admit blogging has taken a back seat as we have worked on more house renos/updates and planned for Baby S to arrive! We have been in baby mode- reading, planning and spending loads of Mommy & Daddy time together all summer because come January...Baby makes three (plus our beloved Charlie, so I guess that is four!)

I thought since it has been forever, I would post about the flooring nightmare in the kitchen and dining area. Because our house is situated on a cement slab, we thought it best to go with laminate floors. We love the look thus far, but alas, installation has been a "you know what". Josh had to self level and air hammer spots down on the cement slab. Boy was it uneven. It has been weeks and it is still not finished, but we are close! It looks so much better...lordy does it ever. In a few weeks I will post a before and after of some sorts. Here is a look at the flooring going down

It is a medium dark walnut...we LOVE it. It looks so clean and really makes a big difference. The old lino was so gross-like, really bad. So so much to do yet and I feel a sense of BABY IS COMING and we must hurry!! Yes, I am totally nesting :) Couldn't resist taking a picture of our fur baby Charlie and his 'oopsy' in the WET poured self leveler. He is such curious little guy, has to put his stamp of approval on everything.

Have any of you redone flooring and experienced bumps in the process or has it been a dream? Hope you have all enjoyed your summer as it draws to a close. I am looking forward to Fall...new decor, mantle scape and Hallowe'en is just round the corner! I love changing seasons...look forward to blogging loads of fun projects and home decor goodness. Be well!
Toodles,

Thank you Mia and Jilly!!!

2011-08-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

A great BIG thank you to Mia & Jilly from Girls with Good Taste! I received my package from you and LOVE the table runner and DVD! I just watched the Slipcover DVD and it is fantastic! I will have to watch it a few more times before I tackle a complete slipcover...but WOW! Thanks! As soon as my house is back together (we are putting in new flooring) I will take a picture of the beautiful runner and blog it! Please visit these lovely ladies over at Girls With Good Taste! They are so fantastic! So creative and friendly!

Have a fantastic weekend! xo

Baby Love my Baby Love

2011-07-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finally share our news with you! I have been semi-missing in action as I have been preoccupied in thought and really taking it easy...Dr's orders! So excited to finally share that we are pregnant (and 12 weeks at long last!) This will be our first baby, though not our first pregnancy. We are elated Baby is well and the ultrasounds have been amazing! Here is baby at 9 weeks and a few days

So all projects for me other than being a human incubator for our precious bean have been on hold...Now that I am in my 2nd trimester...I might be able to do a bit of creating around the house...so hard not to do any painting or decorating stuff. I will update you about baby S here and there but this will not become a baby blog...But the blog is about me and well baby is me! Hope all is well with each of you and heres to some sunshine SOON! No more rain please!
Huggs,

Happy 2nd Anniversary to my sweet Hubby!

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Although me and my sweet hubby have been together for 15 years, we tied the knot after we both finished our educations and were ready to plan and enjoy the process! Today marks 2 years since that wonderful and beautiful day! I could not have dreamed up a more perfect day! I wanted to share some of my favorite pics from the wedding with you...just shots people have shared with us. I love you sweetheart! This is going to be a wonderful year!

We DIY'd the entire wedding minus the flowers and food and LOVED the end result. Many family and friends helped with the set up and it was so fun. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the memories!

Much love,

New Flooring!!

2011-06-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hiya!!! I know I have been really MIA for almost 1 month BUT! It is for good reason and really, I haven't done anything to share with you!! But this weekend, we finally started the LONG arduous task of ripping up lino in our kitchen/dining area and the carpet in the living room. Ripping up lion is pure...hell. You know it is true if you have ever done it. So I thought I would just share a pic of what we got done before we went and bought our laminate.

We have a ground entry level that is on a cement slab, so this was the best choice for us. It is going to look so great! Goodbye gross carpet, hello clean and new floor! We picked a 12mm product in Rustic Cypress color. Which is a bit lighter than the gunstocks and espressos...Can't wait to share with you all! Sorry for being the bad blogger of the month, but well...we will talk about that in a later post!

Cheers! xoxo

June and Stanley

2011-06-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Well my dear blog friends...it is June! I love June! It is the month of many wonderful memories and fabulous special days. Well, you got your Fathers Day, our Wedding Anniversary (yay!) and SUNSHINE!!! I hope for warm sunny weather starting this weekend til the end of summer-early fall! But what is more is...this June...starting TODAY is the STANLEY CUP FINALS!! Starring our CANUCKS!

GO CANUCKS GO!

Lord Stanley's Cup awaits you....

Really? I Won? Thank you!!!

2011-05-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

I was doing my early morning blog roll check and what did I see to my delight? I noticed "Ms Cupcake" in one of the blog writings. THANK YOU to Mia and Jilly at Girls with Good Taste!

I have won a beautiful linen table runner (complete with ruffles and rosettes!) and a DVD by Shelley, How to Slipcover. I am so excited and want to thank these lovely ladies for the chance to win! Now run, don't walk over to Mia and Jilly's blog! It's superfantastic!

A Pillow Shams and Muffins kinda day

2011-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I have wanted to make euro Shams for our Master Bed. I love the look of layering pillows in assorted patterns and sizes.

I finally decided on a fabric for the Euros-a linen like grey fabric that goes beautifully with the duvet cover. I love the patten in the duvet fabric. There are matching pillow 'shams' that are more like cases with little with ties. I have to buy some new pillows to stuff into them yet. I have a white swirly round mirror we are putting above the bed soon too! I may have also bought some chevron fabric in grey and white...I MAY be making a pillow...and I MAY be recovering a chair or something ;) You can find the tutorial I did a while ago here for envelope back style covers!!

I was on a roll, so I thought I would make a cute little pillow case to custom for my IKEA feather pillow. I have some vintage fabrics from my dear friend Rosie and thought this was perfect for the Dolly Room. And the living room...it may float around ;)

Here it is up close. So sweet.

Lastly, continuing my domestic stride I decided to make some strawberry muffins for my sweet hubby. Here there are under a watchful eye...

Hope you had a great day and took some time to do things that make you smile :)

I am linking up with:

Common and join the party!!

Home May'd Mantle Link! Summer Mantle Pretties!

2011-05-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey all in Blog land! I am LOVIN the Summer Mantles hosted by Layla and Kevin over at The Lettered Cottage! Please pop over and look at all the Summery-ness! I almost feel the sun!
Have a lovely day!

Summer Mantle Trial

2011-05-17T16:29:00.001-07:00

Well bonjour! Oh my goodness! The Sun has graced us with her presence and I couldn't be happier!! So happy infact, I was inspired to try a Summer mantle. Not sure if I love it yet, it needs something more. I am just not so certain what that is ;) Here is the first Summer mantle tweak...

I welcome your expertise and hope you will let me know what can be improved upon. You know when you stare at the same thing for to long and it just looks 'funny'? Like the word cachectic/cachexia. Whenever I chart that, I think I spell it wrong...but it's not. HA!

I think it is going to be sunny all week! I have loads of projects on the go...hope to update you all soon! I am doing some furniture rearranging and everything so stay tuned!

Happy sun-shining May to you all!
Huggs,

Happy Mother's Day and A mudroom update!

2011-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all the Mom's out there! You are such a blessing!! I love my Mom more than I can ever express and I celebrate everyday as Mother's day! As it should be!!! My Mom is selfless and unconditional. Truly blessed to have her in my life! I chose well :)

As for a long overdue Mudroom update: We had ordered a door from Home Depot and unfortunately, it was all twisted and nicked up on arrival. So back it went and another 3 weeks we had to wait...But it arrived (in better shape but still with a few scratches) and Josh and his Pops installed it! It looks GREAT! Only problem is it it not magnetic! So I cannot use a magnetic curtain rod as planned! How will I hang a window treatment????!!!!!!

Today, Josh's little (HA! I mean younger-he is 6'7") came and they tiled the room! It looks fantastic! We scored the tile free, labour free, and simply bought 1 bag of mud-so we are in the floor for $20.00! NICE!! This is the longest mudroom make over ever! But good things come to those who are patient correct????

I love the texture of this tile and LOVE the price! FREE!!!

We plan on grouting soon! Hopefully Josh will have energy to do it very soon, as in tomorrow! HA! Hope you are all having a fantastic day! I HEART progress!!

New Fridge!

2011-04-30T16:49:00.001-07:00

Since we moved in to our first (new to us) home my Hubby has wanted a new fridge. I can completely understand why for more than cosmetic reasons. First and foremost would be his 6'4" height! Having the freezer on the top and having to bend way down to find what he is looking for in the fridge is not pleasant. Its tricky for me at 5'2" so I can totally get his point. It just makes sense to have the freezer on the bottom, don't you agree? Second, he has had his heart set on the same fridge his parents used to have in the large townhouse we all shared. I love it too...but for Josh? It is quite specifically for the ice tray! I have to chuckle at this being the deal sealing selling feature (so did the sales associate). So last night, we became the proud owners of this pretty bottom freezer fridge!

photo is from Sears.ca

So now I am super excited to plan out the organizing of this new beaut! It might be hard to sell Josh on letting me organize it as he currently has 'control' over the fridge layout! HA! Its his 'thing' and I am ok with that! :) I love Ashli's fridge post over at Maillardville Manor and plan on taking tips from her! Her organization is second to none! NONE! If any of you have any bottom freezer fridges, I would love some organization tips. What has and has not worked for you?

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a super dooper sunny weekend!
xo
Becks

grey sky inspired side table?

2011-04-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all my blogland family! Three cheers for the long weekend!! I love EASTER! Mostly, I love the colors and the springtime beauty :) That being said it has been rain, snow, hail, wind and a bit o sunshine the last few days! Blue skies in the forecast for tomorrow and Saturday though-thank goodness!

I am so excited about my latest CraigsList find! We have been looking for a sweet little round side table to sit beside one or both of our Louis chairs in the living room. I was on CL last night and what do I see? The perfect little solid wood table! I scooped it up without a second thought! Here is a little sneek peek!

She had a big gash down her face so I did some minor surgery and patched her up with wood filler! Can you see the deep cut through the filler?

She will get a sand and of course primer and paint! BUT!! I may try something I have never tried before! What do you think about a grey primer and the top coating with white? I am hoping the distressing of the piece will show the grey through and look worn and add a bit of texture. What say the people of Blogland?

Please let me know if you have done this technique before and if you have any advice. I cannot wait for the sun so I can finish this little lady! Hope you all have a fantastic Easter! Much love to you and yours!

Moss Monogram Wreath

2011-04-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the moss initial I started March 23 (I kept forgetting to pick up an wreath hanger!) I originally had it in a white wooden frame, but I changed my mind and did this instead. Sorry there is no pic tutorial but there are so many great ones available in blog land.
But I will include a supply list and a little explanation...it is really self explanatory though!

Supplies:
Willow wreath from Michaels
wood Initial from Michaels
Ribbon Michaels
Hot glue and glue gun

I simply hot glued the moss bit by bit onto the letter 'S'. Next I tied the letter so it was centered in the wreath with the pretty blue ribb0n. Voila! Hubby thinks its a bit "too pretty" but I love it! Hope you like it too!

That is it! Have a great evening!!!

I am linking this to Censational Girl, DIY Showoff, The Girl Creative, Today's Creative Blog, Not Just A Housewife.

I Think I might be sick I am so excited....

2011-03-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

According to Andrea's post at From My Living Room...at LONG LAST...ANTHROPOLOGIE is opening in Vancouver this May!

pics anthropologie

Click here to see! I feel happy, oh so happy....

...stencil lyrical love....Across the Universe

2011-03-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

I feel very blessed. I feel loved immensely. I feel lucky. I feel nothing but love. I love my hubby.

March 25th marked the 15th year of our chance meeting. But then, there are no 'chance' meetings are there. Everything happens for a reason. I was wracking my brain thinking of the perfect gift to get Josh for our special day. We are both huge Beatles lovers. We even played All You Need is Love as we walked out after we said "I Do".

Inspired by Subway art and some lovely Beatles lyrics I stenciled Josh's favorite Beatles song on a piece of word and distressed it...I love it. He was so happy with it :) In case you haven't figured out what song the lyrics are from, it is Across the Universe...

It means so much to me to have such a fantastic hus-friend. He is my bestie. So even though we are only officially married for 21 months....we have truly been 'married' and in love for 15 years...

If you would like any details about how I did this...message me! I would love to share how made this art :) A HUGE shout out to Jenn at Clean and Scentsible for spending the day crafting with me...even if it took 7 hours ;) Lovely day spent with a long time friend.

Much love to you all,

I linked up to: I Heart Naptime, The Girl Creative, Craft0-O-Maniac, The DIY Showoff, Under The Table and Dreaming

Dirty little secret #1 part 2

2011-03-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

Last June I started to makeover my fireplace and mantle. Remember my Dirty little Secret #1?
Well, let's just say it took a long time to find the perfect mirror to crown the fireplace. Once I saw her on Craigs List, I knew she was fit for the area over the mantle. I finally got rid of that UGLY dirty little secret-the old light fixture! Today Mr. C and I hung her over the mantle and boy, she looks purrty!
First, we capped the wires safely and put this over the spot to close it up, tho not permanently.

Here she is...isn't she lovely?

Now I just need some spring mantle inspiration! Gonna shop my house to try and come up with something pretty! Have you changed out your mantle for spring yet?

Seems a perfect time for this again...

2011-03-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

When it comes to death and dying
There's a special gift you share
One that Angels all admire
One that goes beyond just care

It's a gift of deep commitment
One that eases pain and fear
And alleviates the sorrow
When the hour of death is near

Yet this gift is more than comfort
More than nursing at its best
For it cradles every patient
Right up till their last request

In this gift you give compassion
Wrapped in dignity and love
And in honor of your calling
There's a tribute found above

As a tribute to your Nursing
All the care that you bestow
High above this earthly planet
Hangs a Hospice Nurse Rainbow

And this rainbow graces Heaven
A reminder of your goals
"End-of-life-care" you excel at
It's your gift to human souls

To the soul of every patient
Every brother, Mom and Dad
Every household member present
Every heart that's feeling sad

To alleviate this sadness
That engulfs a grieving heart
Counseling and intervention
Set your Nursing skills apart

So within the skies of Heaven
Bows of silver dangle high
On a rainbow made of glory
That makes every Angel sigh

And upon each bow of silver
There appears a nurse's name
As an everlasting tribute
For the Heavens to proclaim.

by E.V. Stankowski RN

"Angel of Mercy Collection"

Craigslist Dining Table and Chairs SCORE!

2011-03-09T02:07:00.000-08:00

This is one excited house! After watching Craigslist for what seemed like forever, we finally scored a 'suite' deal on a dining table and chairs in the style I love. It has the lines I swoon for and yet not a ton of embellishment! Perfect. A HUGE added bonus is that the buffet and hutch were also included in the deal. And by deal I mean steal! To the little ditty of $150.00. So I thought I would show you the CL images as the before sneek peek.

The hutch is obviously not pictured here but it is in mint condition. We plan to paint it white and can't wait for good weather to start. I will recover the chair seats and will likely choose a natural color linen like fabric. My question to you dear friends is as follows: What is your favorite white paint?

Have a swell day!

Flowers from a friend

2011-03-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

I am finally on the mend! What a whopper of a bug! As I was vacuuming today, I opened up the front door to vacuum the vestibule/mudroom and look what I found!

Pretty white Gerberas! Lovely don't you think? White and turquoise...bliss...
My profession has brought many thoughtful people into my life...thanks to my sweet friend :)

Love,

Nursing myself today...

2011-03-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

For about a week now I have been feeling under the weather. This evolving flu-cold (Man-cold as my Dad would say) really packs a mean punch. I took 2 hours out of one of my 6 days off work (I get 5 days off usually as I work 12 hour days) and it nearly killed me. I was so exhausted. Anyhow, I also went to my Mom's for a family lun-ner on Oscar Night. My little medicines were there...in the form of a 4, 6, 10 and 18 year old. LOVE THEM. One of them made me and Mr C a sweet Valentines card. I had to share it with you....it is so adorable.

I cannot wait for us to have our own kids...such a sweet gift of love. Little Sadie is quite the artist (so is her sister!!!) Their Dad has a very very artistic bone. He is a very talented artist himself. My sis is good at drawing as well so they lucked out there! They make me feel a little better just being around them :)

Happy Day to you all,

My Valentine gift from my Sweetie

2011-02-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's day Mr C built me a bench I have been pining over (no pun intended cos it's made of pine)...well maybe intended...a little. I saw a bench on Ana White's blog that was a pretty little simple bench. Rustic if I finish it that way. You can see Ana's blog here and the instructions to boot! It was a sweet surprise when I came home from a long 12 hour shift at the hospital to a cutie-pie bench made with love :) hee hee!

Photo borrowed from Ana's Website

I am trying to 'fumble' my way through distressing it...I have primed, painted it Martha Stewart Sea Glass, sanded it to distress it and just now, put a coat of white on top of that. I read in blog land how to glaze with craft paint so I am gonna try that next. Call it my trial and error paint project...

Any tips (and I mean any) would be graciously appreciated! Hope you are liking the slow and steady progress of the mudroom! It's really coming along :) The bench will be going in there :) We have painted the walls now and put in a new door bell. Just anxiously awaiting the arrival of out new screen door :) Mr. C is going to put up board and batten too...he loves the look and of course, so do I!!!

Part 2: Mudroom update

2011-02-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! The mudroom is in progress as we speak and looking good! Mr Cupcake has been busy as a bee putting up dry wall, taping and mudding. It looks like a real room...a new build room sort of! Complete with drywall dust. Cough cough.

Here are some progress shots:

Notice the sad sad sad screen door? Yeah, well it is missing glass, weather proofing and is dented and dirty. Soo we have picked out a new door! Here she is! We wanted one that has some degree of privacy with the low panel and I think I will put a tie shade on it as well at some point. What do you think?

We had to self level the floor...what a job! Went well though. We have tile to put down and Mr C has made me a rustic style bench to put in there too! (more on that in a future post)

We have been looking at light fixtures and have some bright possibilities...I need some inspiration for this part tho. Here is one I like:

I can see the light at the end of the mudroom...

Vestibule Mudroom Reno Part 1

2011-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

What the world is a vestibule? Ok, call it a mudroom.
Vestibule: a passage, hall, or antechamber between the outer door and the interior parts of a house or building.

One of the things we loved about this house was the little mudroom (vestibule) from the front storm door leading to the real front door into the house. It is a cute little space (well it had potential and I could smell it)...it is 4 1/2' x 4 1/2'...so not a huge space by any means. Mr. C decided yesterday looked like a good day to start the demo process.

I have been looking at inspiration pictures for over a year and here are some of my favorites! I was a bad bad blogger and did not make the references way back when, so for that I am sorry. I give credit to whomever these belong to because they certainly are not my genius!

(pottery barn)

The top one is my favorite followed by the third image. I have so many great ideas swirling!

This screen doors days are numbered. We have a gift certificate to buy a new one!! Its all picked out! cannot wait! I need ideas and inspiration for a mailbox and a motion light of some sort. House number ideas as well...

All that is left now is the studs and insulate. Its an empty box! Let the rebuild begin!
Have a fantastic day and stay tuned for Part 2.

How pretty!

2011-02-06T18:44:00.001-08:00

Did I share that my sweet hubby bought me a beautiful cabinet to be refinished?
I had to share, even if it is a craptastic iPhone pic! I cant wait for the completed makeover!

What do you think? Isn't she beautiful?????

Simple pillow cover tutorial

2011-02-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

Bored and feeling unproductive, I took an hour tonight to make a cover for pillow form that was well, naked. I am going to try to do a super quick tutorial so you can make one yourself if you wish! My friend Rebecca at Painting the Roses White asked me long ago if I was going to do a tutorial after I posted this pretty little cover last summer. So, it's a little late, but here is a mini tutorial!

Supplies:
sewing machine
1 yard of fabric (I did not use it all for this size)
straight pins
measure tape or quilters ruler
Rotary cutter (or scissors)
Self healing cutting mat (not necessary is not using rotary cutter)

The pillow form I had was a 16x16" so here is how I measured and cut the fabric! The same principles apply regardless of the form size.

1) My form was 16"x16" So for the FRONT of the pillow cover, add 1" for seam allowance around all sides. Cut your fabric to 17"x17". Again, this will be the FRONT of the pillow.

2) For the back side measurement, you are going to add 4" to the WIDTH of the front size. This new measurement for the BACK now becomes 17"(h)x 21"(w). This additional 4" is for the extra fabric you need to make an envelope fold to slip the pillow form into.

3) Next, cut your BACK piece {measuring 17"(h)x 21'(w)} exactly in half to make the two pieces that will 'flap', making the opening slit for the pillow. So, I cut my back fabric at 10 1/2" at the center point of the fabric.

4) Now, take the front piece and place it PATTERN SIDE facing up at you. Then, place the two half pieces pattern facing down on top of that. They will overlap in the center, making the opening for your pillow form. Ultimately, the pretty pattern sides are touching now. Make sure your edges line up quite well.

5) Once you check that the edges on all four sides match up, take one of the BACK pieces and iron the inside edge (in the middle of the pillow) at 1/4" and then over again on itself again. Press press press! Then pin the fold before sewing with a simple straight stitch to secure. Repeat this on the other BACK piece.

6) Now you place the back pieces pretty side down on top of the front piece (that is pretty side up) and pin all around the edges (see my picture below-this is the overlapping flap the pillow goes in)

7) Now sew with a straight stitch at 1/4' all the way around the pillow! I cut the corners off (without cutting the threads!) to make for a nice crisp corner. Turned her right side out and stuffed my pillow form inside!

Oh man, I just reread that and I DO NOT claim to be a good tutorial-ist! SO terrible. If you have any questions, lemme know. In retrospect, next time I am going to add an inch to the measurements to make the cover a bit more loose. This one was too tight for my liking. I like it to look more relaxed. But it looks great on my guest bed in the Dolly Room!

Love and Light,

Let your light Shine

2011-01-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

I love Chandeliers. So pretty, sparkly and girlie. I have been looking at them for quite some time trying to pick one for our guest room/craft room. The room is still evolving as I like to say, but I finally found the chandy perfect for the room. The size is just right for the space! And it was only $60!

We also thought it would look more polished with a ceiling medallion so we headed to Home Depot last night and picked one up. It was $23.99 I believe-worth it as it makes it look more fancy ;) And I like fancy sometimes. The "Dolly" room is getting there...no there are no dolls in there, Mr C just thinks its frilly and girlie-dolly-like. Hence the name. I like it...."you will be staying in the Dolly Room this evening"

I have art, a mirror (more on that soon) and accessorizing to finish up. As I said, it's getting there! Hope you all have a sparkly week!

Isn't She Lovely?

2011-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Like most of you who come visit my humble little blog I look at beautiful inspiration pictures all over the net and in decor mags. Lately, I have been noticing a beautiful mirror in a few shots that left me breathless. So pretty...well, good ole Craigslist has come through for me once again! I found the mirror I have been lusting after for a few months :)

It is so pretty and the perfect size...for...well...above our mantle, above our master bed, our guest bed, the long wall in the living room-the possibilities are endless for this beauty! So without further delay...I give you my new find!

If you notice the yucky brown trim and floral fabric in the right lower corner of the mirror-its just a temporary fix-our window covers are ordered and the trim will be painted when they arrive :)

And, guilty for posting iPhone pics...I am so impatient when it comes to waiting to take proper pics!

Isn't she lovely?

A Winter Wedding order

2011-01-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I have a little side gig making cupcakes, cakes, iced sugar cookies and 'loli-cakes'. We take orders in between full time nursing schedules (hence the name Tasty Little Confections...and the slogan: Nursing your sweet tooth ;) Tomorrow is a lovely couples wedding and we were asked to make a beautiful 3 tier cake and 75 cupcakes.

Here is the finished cake as a sneek peek! SO Excited! It is chocolate with hazelnut filling-YUM!

She found a little cardinal she wanted on the cake...cute!

Happy Wedding Day to our Bride and Groom! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

Clean Home-Clean Earth

2011-01-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's hopes was to choose more Eco-Friendly/ Health Friendly cleaning products. Well, we have found what we think is the most pleasing products to out use! We were in pretty little home decor shop and stumbled upon Caldera line of products. Pretty, beautiful smelling and THEY ACTUALLY work! I have been a skeptic about eco-friendly cleaners...quite honestly I never thought they would work as well as the harsh bleach/pine smelling counterparts. I was incorrect.

We picked up both a counter top cleaner (my favorite!) and a concentrated all purpose cleaner. So this stuff should last! The smell evokes memories of being at our Summer Rental at the seaside. I love that smell! Essential oils infused into this intoxicating cleaner include one of my faves Lemon Verbena, Cardamon and Neroli. The best part is it leaves a Sea Salt smell hanging in the air...just like at the beach! It seriously makes me want to constantly wipe down my counter top. It lifts food left behind after prep and general daily wipe downs. I have yet to use it in the bathroom. But the smell will be lovely in there as well.

Happy Cleaning everyone! I am going to go sea-side ;)

Clean Slate

2010-12-31T17:19:00.001-08:00

Here we are on the eve of a new year. I am immediately compelled to shout "HUH RAH! at last!" as 2010 was not a stellar year for The Cupcake family. Mr C and I both agree the best part of 2010 was adopting Charlie-which we are so thankful for and feel so fuzzy just thinking about him. This calls for a gratuitous fur baby pic:

Resolutions? Yeah, I have them...most people I know do. Mine are different this year than previous I think. Here is the Coles Notes version.

1) Organize Organize Organize!

Kitchen-food storage and pesky lower corner cupboards!
Bath-under sink in particular
Paperwork-started this already
Daily and Weekly chores/ shopping-this is a must! We are so mamby pamby.

2) Positivity in the workplace and at home

project positivity in the workplace (hard when you are dealing with 'doing more with less' mentality. Make it infectious.
Create my day with intent as I wake (I already try to do this-will try harder!!)
Decrease the cuss words...yeah, I cuss. At times, too much.

3) Green steps

Switch to 'Green' cleaners to protect the environment and our own health. Post soon to follow re: our new cleaners thus far!
Looking into rain barrels (Mr C is very interested in this!)

4) Healthy Lifestyle

I certainly feel off this wagon over the past year. I would love to blame it on the difficult losses we had this year, but I know I am in control of me. But I somehow forgot this. Back to Basics for me. Eating for energy and well being! MAYBE some exercise ;)
Cook more and meal planning. Mr C is on board with healthier fare too!

So that is the quick version. Boring I know, but I needed to type it out. It is written. Happy Happy 2011 to you all. May this be your BEST year yet!! Cheers!

Love and Light,
Mrs. Cupcake

Love Story meets Viva La Vida —Piano Cello—by ...

2010-12-18T23:24:00.000-08:00

This reminds me so much of our Wedding day...I am so Blessed...xoxo

For Buckshee

2010-12-15T21:57:00.001-08:00

Couldn't resist...and yes, I said it like that out loud.

xo

A dose of style for the...Medicine cabinet?

2010-12-12T23:13:00.000-08:00

Talk about a late night project! The other night I was full of energy (caffeine) and ready to create. I wanted to sassy-up the medicine cabinets in our main bath for a while and why not start at 1230 am? I bought some Mod Podge months ago for this and one other project I have yet to tackle. Funny thing is, I couldn't find it ANYWHERE last night! I scoured the craft room and even a few other spots...to no avail. Anyhow, I told Mr C what I was going to do and he was instantly intrigued. He was up with tool in hand to help really tackle this job! Here is the HERS after:

I wasn't going to paint the cabinets, but that is exactly what we ended up doing! They were the same as the wall color but Mr C suggested white. White, you say? I am not one to argue with white!!! (you all know that!) They are now painted, clean and fresh. Today, we went to Michaels to buy more Mod Podge (I said to Mr C, and I quote "you know we will find the other jar tonight somewhere") Then, we picked out HIS and HERS scrapbook papers from my stash. We used Mod Podge to paste the scrapbook paper to the back of the cabinets! SO CUTE! I will be more than happy to do a tutorial as to what we did if you would like one. My camera died for the "afters" so I am only posting afters with iPhone pics. I can post the before and afters if you wish once the camera is recharged! I really love how it turned out!!!

Me C is awaiting a second glass shelf to be cut that is why there is only one at the moment!
Tell me what you think! Have you done anything like this in your bathroom to make the ordinary a little less blah? I love how it is personalized to our own tastes. I love blue and the black and white is so masculine and classic. Hope you like it!! Have a great day!

P.S. YES!!! We found the other Mod Podge...unreal.

Holiday Photo op...oh charlie!

2010-12-08T01:09:00.000-08:00

We started decorating our tree and Charlie was right there as we did it...he was so curious and adorable, I had to take a picture. He wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas so, here he is!

Hope you are all making new memories and remembering old ones as you decorate your home with loved ones...Have a great week...

Antique Headboard

2010-11-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

A lovely co-worker knew I was searching for a headboard for our guest bedroom and asked the other day if I had any luck. I told her about the lady on CL who sold a beauty I wanted the day I was going to get it :( and that I was sad. She said, "Don't be sad, I have an antique headboard and footboard you can have!" I was floored. She loves the same decor I do, so I knew she would know what I would love! Her and her sweet hubby brought it over while I was at work. And here it is! I am likely painting it white...Of course. It is darker oak than appears in the photos...

Isn't it pretty? I am actually hesitant to paint it, but I think I have to to make it go well in the room. What should I put abouve the headboard??? Mirror? Pictures? Hmmm, a little secret is: I haven't hung ONE picture up or mirror for that matter anywhere in my house. Why? Scared? What if I hate it and I have to fill the hole and well, you get the idea. How lame. Anyone else have this issue and any idea how I can just go for it?

Happy Sunday to you all...

New windows, bad lighting

2010-11-25T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well it was a VERY cold day at casa cupcake today! I mean common, SNOW all day during a 15 window swap out? yup-we did it and lived to tell about it! I sat by the fireplace and had a heating pad on my back much of the day! I kid you not! But alas, here is a picture of the gross gungy window in our living room before and of course, after. We have to paint the window casings on the lower window and do touch ups...but here they are! Sorry for the iPhone pics sans lighting! SLR please Santa!!!

What do you think?!!! Ok all you window treatment experts...what should we do?!
Thanks for looking!!

Thanks Ashli!

2010-11-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

My sweet blog friend Ashli over at Maillardville Manor has gifted me the Stylish blogger award! What a doll! I absolutely LOVE her blog and check it daily. She is so talented and uber organized...she inspires me to be much more organized every day. Please check her blog out and show the love!

First off, I must thank Ashli!! Standing Ovation!!!
Secondly, I have to list 7 things about myself and finally, pick 2 new blogs I've recently found and enjoyed and of course, pass the award on to them!

7 things about me:
1) I am a music trivia buff...trust me, you WANT me on your team!
2) I have one fur baby by the name of Charlie. Prince Charles if you will (HA! get it? Will?)
3) Evidently, I am pretty funny ;)
4) I am a RN and I love what I do!
5) Secondary to my profession, I tend to be sleep deprived.
6) I am trying to be more organized in all areas of my life. Working on Home stuffs currently.
7) I own my own baking company with Rocketgirl- Tasty Little Confections (TLC) we are both nurses heehee!

And some blogs I am LOVING??

Sarah over at Cozy. Cottage. Cute.

The Brick Cottage- great reno pics and inspiration!

so enjoy looking and drooling over these great blogs, and thanks again to sweet Ashli!

Snow tomorrow on window day??!!

2010-11-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Just a quick hello as we are getting ready for the crew to come in and install our NEW WINDOWS!! All 15 are being changed and I pray it will make a big difference in noise reduction and draft control. Those metal frames are brutal and let all the chilly drafts in! So, tomorrow at this time I will be enjoying our pretty new windows. Now...I have to think about window treatments...
Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs,

Christmas Mantle peek-a-boo!

2010-11-22T19:45:00.001-08:00

Playing around with my Christmas decor as we are getting ready for our new windows to debut here on Thursday! Really I should be pulling everything away from the windows but I just had that Christmasy feeling today...so I went with it ;)

My love for all things white and blue are reflected in this mantle scape. I also wanted to keep the nod to the cottage in there (hence the starfish) The only problem I have with my mantle is the monstrosity of a light fixture above it (you can see this 'dirty little secret' here) It has really got in the way of the mantels full potential. Any ideas to fix this problem are GREATLY appreciated. I just hope I can do something before Christmas about it...even if it is a temporary thing. So without further ado...here is my mantel peek...

Have you started your decorating yet? Have a wonderful week! Cheers!

purrfect fabric

2010-11-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Hope your weekend was just as you wished it would be. I worked all weekend and today was Mr. Cupcakes 34th birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY! I love you!

I really couldn't wait to share my latest fabric acquisition...I adore vintage kitten prints and cannot believe I have never seen this sweetie pie 'Kitties' fabric from Michael Millers 'Kitty Litter' line. So so adorable. I bought just 2 yards, and to be honest, I have no idea what to do with it. I just had to have it! Any ideas as to projects?

Hope you have had a purrrr-fect weekend!

Huggs,

Linen tie up shade by the moonlight

2010-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Those of you who really know me may know that I can tend to be a little impatient. I like to think I am 'motivated'. HA! That even made me laugh. But I did decide to attack the linen fabric I just received (thank you Mr. Mailman!) and make the real curtain for my kitchen door. I found the tutorial for this on Cozy. Cottage. Cute. You can see it here.

I learned a few things working with linen. Especially as a newbie seamstress. It stretches and can be a tad difficult to work with. But I did it. I think. Not bad for a first time linen-er (a word yes?) As menitoned I am a smidge impatient (excitable) and I took pics with le iPhone and well, they are less than pretty. But here are a few to peek at.

So what do you think? Does it look ok? No, my walls are not pink...they are Amiskwi by General Paint. It is considered a white, but it has a tint of pinky beige I guess. Very light...I love it. In real life.

Oh and Charlie wanted to say Hai! as I worked on my shade...oh cats are so funny...

Lemme know what you guys think!

xoxo

Pottery Barn Inspired Tie Shade

2010-11-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

For the past year I have been meaning to find a window treatment for our kitchen door. Love the window for light ofcourse, but it needed something for some privacy and to keep the weather extremes outside. I contemplated a custom roman shade, DIY'ing a roman shade, simple cafe curtains...and then I stumbled upon this! A Pottery Barn inspired curtains that Cozy. Cottage. Cute. made a lovely tutorial for.
So late last night, I had the bug to create (why does it always strike at 1230 am?) So there I was, reading planning and Mr C says to me "why don't you do a practice one first?" Huh? Practice? Me? So, I took his advice and did just that...it was quite easy and I even LOVE my practice one! I used an old bedsheet (Thanks Rosie-kins!) and some seam binding tape I had kickin around. Here is a craptastic iPhone picture of the finished practice shade:

I think I will make the top portion shorter on the real one. I did not take quite the care I will on my real shade. My stitches will be much straighter I promise ;) I have lovely Linen fabric from Tonic Living that I plan to use and matching twill tape to use as the ties. Do you think this matural linen will look ok? I am smitten with white, but I can always make another one later in a pretty white linen. Love that the total cost of this will be under $15.oo! Ofcourse, the practice one cost me $0.00! What do you think? Besides the fact that I need a nice camera to take pics with?
Have a lovely day all! Be well and create your day :)

Christmas Decor inspiration time!

2010-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays...I LOVE this time of year!!! last year Mr C and I did not really decorate as we had just moved into our first home! I decided to pull out our little tree and use what I had to decorate it. You can see it here. This year, we are putting up our big tree...but I am not sure what theme we are doing on the tree. I never had to decorate the big one...just the little one i used as my Wizard of Oz tree (HUGE fave!). However, I am not doing a Oz tree this year I doubt...

I have started to purchase some white, turquoise and silver pretties! Here is some inspiration I have collected on my blogland travels....

credit: ablissfulnest

Z Gallerie

uncertain as to credit! so sorry!

uncertain as to credit! Soo sorry!

Are you decoration with a color theme in mind? Are you traditional red and green? I would love to hear what you are planning!
I will post some pictures of my new acquisitions but my camera is m.i.a!
Hope you all had a fantastic Monday!

Dressed up

2010-11-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

here is the vintage hardware...what do you think...????

Friday Pretties!

2010-11-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

Friday Pretties is upon us once again! I am joining Joyce over at I Love Pretty Little Things to play! Be sure to check out everyones pretties this week!! This was one of the easiest FP's ever for me to put together! I am patiently (ok, so maybe not so patiently!) awaiting the arrival of some beautiful and fun fabrics via post!
Here are my choices (as tough as it was!) and what I *think* I will use then for....

This is lovely and I plan to make pillows and cover a foot stool with it :)

Some more lovely fabric for pillows or perhaps a chair seat?

This linen is for a tie shade I am attempting for the kitchen door

And this...isn't it cute? Little curtains for the garage! HA! Mr. C loves it!!!

I came across Tonic Living quite some time ago online and was SMITTEN with a billion fabrics on the site! They are based out of Canada and have a HUGE selection, great prices and a fantastic shipping rate! I swear I visit the site multiple times a day in hopes there will be new additions! What do you think???????

I hope you have a fun weekend! So great to be back in blogland again!

Lest we Forget

2010-11-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

First and foremost....
Lest We Forget...Thinking about those who fought for our freedom and continue to do so...
I love you Grandpa...remebering you greatly today....

Well hello there strangers...I am still around I swear! I have been busy with all that life throws at us and jusst havent felt like blogging as of late. I am determined to get back at it! I thought it would be a great idea to post a picture of my guest bed (aka The Dolly Room-no there are no dolls in there...hubby thinks its a Dolly room because it is so girlie). It is FAR from finished...I am still desperately seeking a headboard. I am not having any luck! Cot on Craigslist, at the local thrifts, nuthin! The search continues...
I love my frilly duvet cover! It has shams that are so sweet, but I need new stuffer pillows for them. I painted the dresser and I am still in the process of putting on the hardware as I need longer screws...must get the to Home Depot! Anyhow, this is a teaser pic...soon I will have something pretty to share.

NEW WINDOWS go in at the end of this month! I cannot wait! Which brings me to...new window coverings...ugh...gotta start thinking of that!

Hoep you have a great day and thank you so much to those who still love me despite my abscence!
Much Love,

SO SCARY!

2010-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear blogland friends! I am just giving a super quick update here tonight as I am posting from work on break :) I would first like to recognize I have been very neglectful in my postings! I have been busy with life and all that it has thrown at me...

I cannot believe the holiday season is fast approaching! I LOVE Christmas so much! I will definately focus this post more on Halloween as it is right round the corner. Alas, I am working a day shift-but it's not all that bad! I am dressing up as are all my dear workmates! Should be fun! Always brightens our patients spirits :) While out at Home Sense last week, Mr. Cupcake and I spotted one of the scariest (if not THE scariest) decoration/props ever:

Isnt it FREAKY?! If I came trick or treating as a child to the house with this holding candy, I think I would have been scarred for life! That's an expensive scare at $199.99!! OUCH!

My dear friend and I are heading to the States on Wednesday for some shopping and I have a fantastic list ready and waiting...I am so excited! Loads of home decor goodies on the list :) I only wish there was an Anthropologie where we are headed. Le sigh.

Lastly, I PROMISE to post a sneak peek at my guest room in the next few days...even if it needs alot of finishing touches. I have a question about hardware...a poll is in order if you will...
Stay tuned! Hope you all have a fantastic evening!

Loads of love,

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgivng! Mr C and I are in our home for our first Thanksgiving together alone! We have so much to be thankful for. Our families and friends. Our first home that we cannot believe we have been in for almost a year! We are thankful for our new addition: Charlie cat, whom we have affectionately come to call Chiggles or Chiggs. Not too sure where that came from but Charlie is Thankful for us, he told me :)
I am ever thankful to have a job I enjoy (on the good days ;) and get to care for people they way I do.

I hope you are all truly happy and healthy this Thanksgiving!!

Mr C and I are not cooking a dinner this year :( But we do get leftovers Monday!

Blessings and love,

2010-10-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

That which does not kill me makes me stronger.

Big BANG Theory

2010-10-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Long overdue post I am afraid! Been busy around Casa Cupcake! I had a lovely day yesterday getting my hair done and I am in love with it. I decided to revisit and rock the Bangs again. Funny tho, I am painting with my new favorite paint color Balmy Seas by Behr and oops! A few turquoise streaks appeared! Mr C so lovingly noticed.

So here is some inspiration in turquoise...love love love....

flicker photo

poppycottage at etsy

primitiveandproper

shelter pop

poppycottage etsy

I am done the first coat so offi to do the second! I will post pics when she is all done and dry! I am using vintage hardware on this pretty tall girl ;) Check back soon! have a beautiful day!
xoxo

Picture of the Month

2010-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I am back from holidays and already DIY-ing around the house! I wanted to share my favorite photo from our trip. It makes me laugh out loud when I look at it...

This is Charlie helping Mr C navigate the roads to the Sunshine Coast!

On the home front? We are saving some moolah by painting our old brown bi-fold closet doors white to freshen them up. We are also looking to buy a bed for our guest room as I cannot wait any longer. LOL! Lastly, I found loads of accessories at our holiday place for our home and I will also be sharing very soon. I have missed you guys and your blogs...spent a good part of today catching up! Have a wonderful day my friends,

Holiday House at the beach

2010-09-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning we are catching this

and spending a week here

Where we had our Honeymoon. Our most favorite place in the world.
We have vacationed here for years...and yes, in the future we plan on
retiring here...

The Sunshine Coast is stunning and if you havent been, stop, do not pass go. Get ye to the ferry and relax, renew, refresh. There is no time at Sandyhook...who needs a watch...not me!

Have a fantastic week and please pray for sun for us! just a wee bit even!!!

Huggs,

oooh baby what a shelf!

2010-09-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? I have been M.I.A. lately for a multitude of reasons and for that I apologize. Life has been 'silly' to say the least this past month or so. So what has Ms Cupcake been up to then? Well, Tasty Little Confections has been busy busy with weddings and baby showers galore. It was a busy baking month to say the least. We have been lucky enough to realize we (Dawn and myself) LOVE to make sugar cookies! So fun! Here is the latest order we did for adorable baby Levi:

I have been "putzing" (is that a word?) with my paining projects...I have been bad and have not taken pictures of the latest project in its finished state but I am sending out an S.O.S. for some styling help for my beachy cottage shelf. I have some ideas, but havent played around with them yet...any styling ideas????

oh ya, the holes are now filled with the plugs it came with...I was just painting them at time of shooting.

So my friends, I have really missed you all but I have been faithfully reading your blogs-I cant get enough of them! So much creativity and inspiration to admire. Hope you have all had wonderful weeks and enjoyed the last few weeks of Summer...Fall is on it's way...in all its colorful glory...Is it time for fall decorations? I cant wait to decorate my home for our FIRST Halloween in Casa Cupcake!

Be well and much love to you,

Gogo Mojo

2010-08-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

I think I found my Mojo :) I jumped up after checking my regular scheduled blogs and decided today was the day to paint. So I thought I would see what I could do with the little spindly shelf I bought from MCC thrift store. It was, as you may recall a shiny yucky chipped up blechy (thats a word!) mess. So that is today's project in the beautiful sunshine. You will have to wait to see the finished product ok?

Some troubling news now I must share to help find a lost friend. You may have heard (if you are local) that our friend Tyler Wright failed to return from a solo hike he embarked on a couple weeks ago. Please look at this website and help spread the word. Search and Rescue have been looking for him and have found some promising clues...Much love and prayer is being sent to Tyler and all the love you can share will help! Again, Please check out this link for more information! Thank you all so much!!

www.missingtylerwright.blogspot.com

much love to you all. I will post my painting progress asap!
xoxo

Missing...

2010-08-18T12:39:00.001-07:00

Vintage fabric pillow cover

2010-08-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Feeling crafty last night, I was inspired by a generous gift of vintage fabrics from a dear friend. I needed some throw pillows and thought I would attempt to make some 'envelope' style covers for my bare naked pillow forms. I must say I am pretty pleased with how they turned out! It was quite simple to make and looks fantastic! What do you think??

Turned out pretty good hey? Have you ever made one? Do you have any DIY home decor triumphs? If you would like details on how I made this lemme know and I will cook something up!

I also went thrifting and found some excellent pieces!

I saw this and was ecstatic about it's potential! I have seen similar sideboards for HUGE COIN! My coin? Ten smackers! Even Mr C likes this piece!

See the little stool my Charlie is perched on?? Four dollars and loads of potential. Charlie has claimed this so I guess I will recover this for him! He love it!
Stay tuned for pics of the above unfinished yet to be fabulous finds! So many projects...So little time! How fun!

Ode to Summer Loves

2010-08-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wow it is HOT here. 33 degrees. Honestly feels like 44. But I am not complaining...much ;)
Just thought I would share an ode to my Summer Loves...things that bring me joy to reminisce about or look at. Hope you are staying cool and hydrated!

This is one of two sweet drink dispensers my Mom bought me last summer and used for my Bridal Shower. This is lemon aid my best friend made from scratch...it was yummy!

Here I am sucking back a huge Vegas size margaritas...We were in Vegas so...Vegas size was fine with me ;)

This is a picture my hubby took while on our Honeymoon last year. See my right hand...any guesses what I am holding?

Just feeling like looking back and enjoying some summer related love...
Hoop you are Lovin Summer too!

Huggs and light,

Fresh White Bedside Tables

2010-08-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have been wishing and dreaming for dreamy whites in our master bedroom for quite some time now. I had to 'work on" Mr. Cupcake and get him used to the idea for months...even years! The bedroom set we bought together in 1999 at the time was my style. Cinnamon colored knotty pine-yeah ouch. Fast forward to 2010 and into our first purchased home together and YAY! I finally have beautiful re-purposed bedside tables!

Here is the knotty table before primer & paint:

A light sand, one coat of KILZ all over-two on top and drawer fronts to ward of knotty bits ;)

Ahhhh, lovely soft white dreamy beachy goodness! We LOVE them!

I was far to excited to take the time to style them! I will however, repaint the dresser and dress the room for a big reveal soon. I am going for a beachy chic look in the room. Much to do before that...so stay tuned my lovelies! Funny, our home has a cottagey look to it by design and it really is evolving into a little beachy cottage in the city! Who knew?!

Have a breezy easy summer day! Love,

Sweet Bloggers!

2010-08-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

I really do enjoy blogging and am so very thankful to have met so many wonderfully talented people through blogging. I would love to take some time to forward the kindness bestowed upon my blog to some well deserved blogs out there. I love so many blogs but would love to show some love to a few new found sweeties and some long loved darlings. So, without further ado, I, Ms Cupcake gift this award to the following bloggers:

Rosie @ Roses and Rutabagas
Jessica @ Sea to My Heart
Jenn @ Clean and Scentsible
Holly @ In the Fun Lane
Rebecca @ Painting the Roses White
Dawn @ Love, Balance, Peace
Brokeshopaholic @ Brokeshopaholic's Possibilities

All these blogs I love to read for different reasons. Personal to inspirational. Much love and creativity to you all...

Huggs and Light,

s.o.s

2010-08-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

s.o.s s.o.s please help!
I am looking for some finger starfish! I need a few sizes and of course in white.
I am having one heckuva time finding them here in Canada. Namely BC. More so in the lower mainland/fraser valley. If you have seen this starfish, please let me know STAT!

Please contact me if you have seen any of these. I need them for my home. Been looking and no luck on my own!!!

Thanks in advance to all my blog buddies! I know you can help!
Hope you have a wonder-filled day!
Love,

shorty's back and sneak peek

2010-08-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I am finally with an internet connection in my home again! That was a long long time (well it sure felt like it!) Lots has been going on in the Cupcakes world good and bad. But I will keep with the good and share that. Mr C and I bought a standard box store butcher block table for a void of a space in our kitchen a while back. I finally got to taking in out and we built it last night (ugh...difficult! Blisters and all to prove it) So I had the fun part and got to do the painting today!
Here is a before outta the box pic

I primed her will KILZ (what else?!) and gave her a light sanding to make it smooth as a baby's bum. He she is dressed in her play clothes (aka primer)

I have her in one coat of white paint (a petticoat if you will) and I am letting her dry in this heat before a second coat (her dress coat). I will take pics of her when she is all done as I will still need to let her cure and secure the butcher clock top on. We are going to just use the butcher block oil on it and keep it au naturale. We are putting open shelving above it on the wall beside our fridge. Sounds fun and I cant wait!

I have 2 inspiration pics I adore:

photo: this old house

photo: jen johner blog

Now you all know I would love her to be turquoise but she will start out white...and who knows!
Do any of you have these little tables? Any ideas for this plan? What do you store on your BB table??

Huggs,

footprints

2010-08-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

"There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world"

unknown author

Still here!!

2010-07-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends,
Just thought I would check in and say I am still without an internet connection at home until August 4th (almost there!!) I really miss looking at all your blogs and hope you still are comig to see me (even though I have nothing posted!) I will be back and can't wait!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! And to my fellow B.C.ers.... HAPPY BC DAY LONG WEEKEND!

xo n huggs,

Award pour moi? Merci!!!

2010-07-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

A huge Thank You to dear Jessica over at The Sea to my Heart for gifting me the Sunshine Award!

How thoughful and generous!

Here is what to do with this award as you pay it forward:
Thank the Blogger who awarded you!
List 7 things people may not know about you!
Pass the Love to three other bloggers you have just recently discovered!
Let the recipients know you gifted them!

Now...Seven things you may not know about me:

1) I have been with Mr Cupcake for 14 years and we were just married last June! We both finished our schooling before we tied the knot!
2) I auditioned for The Lion King in 1997...made it to second round...It would have been such a different life!
3) So excited to get new windows in my house!
4) Have a baking company called Tasty Little Confections -check us out!
5) I am a Registerd Nurse and I love my job :)
6) Could possibly eat sushi every day
7) I have a massive Wizard of Oz collection-best movie of all time

I would love to award these lovely blogs The coveted Sunshine Award!

Dawn at Love Balance Peace
Sandy at Paint Me White
Deb at Cappuccino Cottage

Jump on over and peek into these lovely blogs! J'adore!

Huggs n stuff,

Fireplace Facelift Part 2

2010-07-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry I have been away for a bit...I have had no internet for the last week! The horror! It has been tough!! I have been working around the house a lot! Little things here and there. I finally have the new and improved fireplace sans brass trim!

What do you think? I like it...I am hoping it looks even better with a new built up mantle when Mr C gets the chance to do it! I used High Heat paint in flat black adn it was a dream to use. It went on in one coat with great coverage. SO relived it worked so well! Here is a little close up:

The top of the fireplace is not red at all (it's just the iPhone picture I took). It looks sort of antiqued in person, which I love so I think that will remain as is. Have you ever painted out your fireplace trim? Do you have a fireplace makeover to share?

Stay tuned for Part 3...

Huggs,

Fireplace Facelift Part 1

2010-07-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

At last I got up the courage to paint my fireplace! As I was sitting watching Mr C cut wood planks for our new patio, I was suddenly overcome with the 'burning' desire to paint the dreary red brick surround. I had all the supplies I needed so I just jumped right in! Turned on my 50's tunes and painted til my heart was content (well, til the fireplace was painted). So without further ado, here is some iPhone pics documenting the event ;)

First vacuumed the surface and wiped it with a damp cloth to get all the dust off.
Next, I used 1 coat of KILZ primer to seal the entire surface.

2 coats of a General Paint dreamy white and it is perfect!
I used a paint brush for the entire job. No roller was harmed in the painting of my fireplace ;)

What do you think so far? So this was the first part of my transformation. Yet to happen is painting out the brass on the black gas fireplace. As you can see, I left the slate (or whatever the black stone work is on the base) for now. Mr. Cupcake and I will also change the mantle in the near future.

Wanting some before shots? Remember this post? I still have to change out the light fixture for a mirror or something pretty. What an odd place for a light! I cant wait to see this through. Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3 in the weeks to come :)

I am on 'hot coals' here waiting for what you think! Any experiences with high heat paint? Any tips? Have you transformed your fireplace from drab to shab (or fab!?) Tell me all about it! I would love to hear from you!

xoxo
huggs n loves,

Cat Tree Tutorial

2010-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, Mr Cupcake and I decided to spend a hot afternoon outside making Charlie a cat tree from 'scratch' haha! pun intended ;) Here is the finished cat tree/scratch post! Turned out pretty good! We are pretty happy with it and so it Charlie!!

Here is a super fast tutorial of how we did it!

Materials you will need: plywood to cut 2 rectangle shapes
4x4 cut to 30"
carpet remnants
sisal rope 1/4" (we used 50 feet)
staple gun and longer staples
utility knife
Drill
wood screws (3")

Step 1: Cut wood to sizes desired. We cut the base larger than the top and the 4x4 post was 30" high.

Step 2: Cover base carpet and secure with staples

Step 3: Wrap the sisal rope tightly around desired of 4x4. We chose the top so Charlie could reach and stretch. Secure with staples at each end. Next take the carpet and wrap around the post. We actually wrapped the sisal around the top if the carpet to finish it neatly and so Charlie wouldn't just fray the carpet edge.

Step 4: Attach the post to the bottom carpeted base.

Step 5: Cut a piece of carpet, center and secure with staples onto underside of top platform. Attach the top piece of plywood to the top of the post. Measure to ensure proper placement. Now cover the top of the platform with carpet. Be sure to pull carpet tight around edges and staple in place on underside :) You are done! Just vacuum and trim any stray carpet hairs (pun intended again!)

Charlie loves it!

I am pleased to say Charlie, our newly adopted feline, is settling in nicely. Mr Cupcake and I are so happy he is here with us...part of our lil family. Charlie seems to be quite nocturnal and lazy in the day. He is on 2 medications and we are having a hard time getting him to take it. We have tried mixing it in his food (wet) but he is new to wet food and doesn't seem to be a fan!
le sigh...any tips animal lovers??

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Huggs,

Lovely List returns

2010-07-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

le sigh, oh to be walking the streets of Paris on my way to sample multiple flavors of these beauties! I think they are so beautiful and cannot wait to try to make them with my partner in crime Rocketgirl. With a cup of your favorite tea or coffee...

photo: daemonsfood

Look at the punchy color! j'adore!

photo: chicline

And now look at Laduree's list de selection:

photo: simplesong

Which would you choose to try first?

If you would like to play the lovely list with me...let me know and I will link to your blog each week on Wednesday! What do you think is Lovely?? It can be absolutely anything!

have a lovely Wednesday indeed!

Huggs,

New Addition-Charlie's Story

2010-07-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have some lovely news to share with you all! Mr Cupcake and I adopted a fur-baby! We have been looking on the SPCA's website at kittens & cats for a long time now. Sunday night we decided the time was right and we could go meet the cats we saw online. When we walked in we could hear meowing from each of the four rooms. There were 6-8 cats in each room. We met a few little characters but one really 'spoke' to us.

Charlie is a beautiful adult (approx 3 years old) grey tabby cat. A mackerel tabby by proper name. His coat is shiny and soft with bracelets of color around his tail and legs. He has the most beautiful green eyes that looked to be rimmed with black eyeliner-so striking. Charlie came to the SPCA on June 11 and we picked him up and took him home with us on July 12. He was at the shelter for 1 month and a day. He was so sweet and cuddly we knew he would love to come home with us! So we filled out the paper work and the rest is history!

His first night went well. He seemed to keep checking that we were still here! It was as if he was unsure if this was all a dream. But it's real Charlie-you are our lil fur baby now-and we are totally smitten with you! Look at our handsome guy!

I must give a shout out to the Maple Ridge SPCA-what a wonderful crew. They are obviously so in love with all the animals. They are all so well taken care of! If you are considering a new pet please think about adopting one from the SPCA. These animals all deserve a second chance! So glad Charlie has his!

Have a purrrrr-fific day!

There's No Place Like Home

2010-07-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh we are home. As much as I love holidays, I love coming home. Soooooo comfortable. We were gone for 10 days and it was so relaxing. I thought I would share a few pics from my vaycay I captured on my lil iPhone.

When we arrive last Friday in Oliver we got our room and headed down to the RV sites to meet up with my family. It was at a perfect spot as all of us were just steps away from each other. Mr. Cupcake and I were greeted outside our hotel room by this little gent:

for those of you who know me I am pretty much terrified by moths...I was frozen so Mr C took this pic!!

My Dad's parents had a massive willow tree in their backyard when I was growing up. They have both passed away and were TERRIBLY missed at our family reunion. I was so comforted by this LARGE willow tree we gathered under for most of our weekend. It was as though they were both there with us. The huge tree hanging around hugging us all with its long willowy branches. At one moment I became a bit tearful and smiled to myself, Grandma and Grandpa "in the blue house" were with us all.

One of the days we were at Lolas house her and her wonderful hubby made us Fish Tacos. Mr C and I had never had them before. Well lemme tell ya, they are delish! So good! I helped Lola make homemade tartar sauce, guacamole and salsa! Sooo fresh and yummo!
PSA: if you have not had a fish taco before....try them!

Well that is just a few snippits from the wonderful relaxing vaycay...So glad to be back in touch with you all...Hope you have a wonderful fantastic week!

Heaps of Love,

Long Distance shout out!

2010-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Holla to all my lovely blog friends! I miss you loads! BUT! I am having a blast up here in wine country :) The weather is sooo hot and the water is f.i.n.e. fine. I of course have a burn in a few areas (nose and shoulders)...So a quick recap goes a lil something like this: Last Friday we arrived in Oliver for my family reunion. Simply stated it was memorable and epic. I LOVE my family so much...even the crazies (we all have em' common!) So many memories. Moday we headed to Beaverdell....my Grandparents owned the Beaverdell hotel in the 1950's so pretty awesome to visit. We were gonna see Nazereth at the hotel (had tickets) but alas, the town was a ghost town...and there was NO food to be had...we hadnt eaten. So we moved on to Kelowna...and we have been and my lovely nursing school kindreds houose ever since. Sunny dayz...lovely. Met up Tuesday nite witha great highschool buddy who is a local radio celeb here -tooo funny! Then we went for dinner at my second cousins house...lovely. Just lovely. Last night we saw ECLIPSE...wow. It was most enjoyable. $40 at the consession later... heehee! So we are just back from the beach again...floaties were enjoyed by all of us for a few hours...so relaxing...I honestly feel more relaxed than I have in over a year. We are boating all day tomorrow and will come home Sunday. I promise to update with a few pics when I arrive back home. Miss you all alot...I have no computer and my iPhone is just not cuttin it. I hijacked my dear friends laptop for this update...

xoxo Have a great weekend...talk to you all soon!! h ya! Wear your SUNSCREEN!!

The real Friday Post

2010-07-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well, Happy Summer! I am FINALLY on holidays. Thank you very much! We have a BIG family reunion on Saturday and I cannot wait! You see, my family excels at having a big ole honky tonk whenever we are all together...so hold on to your hats people, let the sing song begin!

Have a wonderful Friday...and Saturday! xoxo

Fresh Coat Fridays! (on Thursday)

2010-07-01T20:25:00.001-07:00

Once again, the Lovely Holly is holding a painting party! Check out her amazing blog In the Fun Lane here. Her blog is one of my ALL TIME faves! She is so inspiring and very talented :)

I found this little side table at Value Village (a second hand store) for a pretty decent deal. It was $16 if I remember correctly. I really liked it, it came with a glass top insert and I figured I could change the fabric or paper underneath to change with decor. Cute. Here is a before and after!!

I sanded it, primed with KILLZ and the gave it a nice coat (or 2) of white paint!

I distressed the edges that would naturally recieve the most wear...
And here it is accessorized in my living room:

Hope you like it! Have a wonderful Friday!

The Lovely List

2010-06-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

Well Wednesday has come and almost gone, betcha thought I forgot my Lovely List? Not a chance! I had a less than lovely day at work yesterday and I crashed to sleep once I walked in the front door. Literally. So that left me doing it last minute this eve...so sorry those of you who were waiting! But a girl needed to recoup! So here is what I am LOVING at the moment...

Mr C and I went antiquing the other day as mentioned in a previous post. I found this adorable quirky cat print by Louis Wain. I love this image...ironic really...Cats...I can here the "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle cats!" I plan to frame this and hang it in my upstairs hall...a bit o character if you will :)

I also came across three of these clear hobnail design votive holders for 25 cents each at a secong hand shoppe. Adorable for outside this summer!

Lastly, here is yet another flower from the Cupcake garden...a Peony! My first!

Hope you have a lovely day! Enjoy your week...and fellow Canadians...Enjoy your Canada day tomorrow Eh?

heehee ;)

Armpits are an advanced skill, right?

2010-06-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Although I go back to work Tuesday (actually it is now Tuesday) I have had a wonderful wonderful set off! Mr Cupcake and I have had a very productive weekend. We did a tonne of container planters and yard work. Stay tuned for an update of the yard in upcoming posts. We have been shovelling gravel like crazy and wow-it's hard work! Our anniversary was lovely. We took a self portrait outside our venue for out 1st Ani. We plan to do it every year...After that we went antiquing and it was so fun as usual. I bought a great print by Louis Wain (bonus-I happen to love cats!) Its great and full of character...it will likely hang in the hall upstairs. Pictures to follow once framed.

Today we did some errands and then Rocketgirl came by for a visit. She helped me make the same dress she made the other night. She 'supervised'...and it turned out so great! It is a cute little go anywhere dress...I wanted it for the family reunion this weekend (up coming)...as it is easy and comfy! here is a horrible iPhone pic...on me...HA! funny little model....

hope you have a lovely week! Peace and Light,

Happy 1 year Anniversary Mr Cupcake!

2010-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Anniversary Mr. Cupcake!!

June, a perfect month for a wedding. We knew we wanted to get married in a heritage building and right across the river (only a ferry boat ride away at the time) is a beautiful town called Fort Langley. It is an adorable little heritage town full oof vintage delights and antiques everywhere. Right up our alley as we are both very big on all things old and historical. So we just knew that the Fort Langley Community Hall was the place. Hands down.

I cannot believe an entire year has passed us by. Well, scratch that actually I can as we have purchased our first home and been super busy sprucing it up. I walk through Fort Langley now and full so full of love and light. Most wonderful day of my life...I love you Mr Cupcake. For
always.

Late in the day Friday Pretties!

2010-06-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Well it is Friday again and I have my weekly Friday Pretties! Thanks as always to Joyce at I Love Pretty Little Things for hosting! Today Mr Cupcake and I went to a wonderful nursery to buy heaps of beautiful flowers and some planters. What a fun day! Here is a peek and what I truly think is Pretty today!

We bought 17 different flowers for our gardens and yard!
We did not buy this pretty hibiscus...but I had to take a picture for today's Pretties!

Enjoy your weekend!

The Lovely List

2010-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all my lovelies! Its Wednesday and this is what I am crushing on this week:

Love this print...perfectly stated. You can find it here: Etsy Shop Lucky Bluebird

June and hydrangeas....like tea and scones...they just go together....I would have these everywhere in vases throught my home if I had a lovely hydrangea plant...

and my final lovely little treat:

Thanks to Rocketgirl for the push towards these little cheese delights!

p.s. another Lovely little mention to Rosie for gifting me my very first blogger award! xoxo

Check out these fantastic Lovely Lists and some of my favorite blogs! If you would like to play, let me know and I will feature you!

Rocketgirl

Roses and Rutabagas

Hope you have a wonderful fun-tastic Wednesday!
Live in the moment and smile....it increases your face value ;)

Love and Light...

"you can learn alot of things from the flowers...especially in the month of June"

2010-06-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

What a glorious day! Mr C and I went to a lovely local nursery and bought some colorful flowers for our first potted delight! I fell in love with some beautiful lavender. Carried it around with me and looked for another plant to contrast it. Mr c found some beautiful white daisies and beautiful orange flowers (I forget the name just now). I asked the lady who was working there if they would be suitable in a pot together and she said yes, she would definitely try it! So we are! Then it was off to Rona to find a pretty pot! And we found one we both liked. It is so sweet. This is our first attempt at potting anything...so here it is! Any advice is GREATLY appreciated...

Happy Saturday!

Friday Pretties

2010-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Another traditional work week past, Friday brings fun and games. Over at I Love Pretty Little Things with Joyce, we all get together and share Pretty things on Fridays! Thanks Joyce for being such a lovely hostess!

This weeks's Pretty is a bit of a retro nod if you will. As you all know by now, I am an avid Mad Men fan...as is Mr Cupcake. In the 60's not only was it ok, it was almost expected that the men (and sometimes women!) would share a drink behind closed (to discuss business of course) doors in offices everywhere...during work hours! I find this hilarious! Mr Cupcake loved the low ball glasses one of the main characters has in his office - The ever dapper Don Draper.

I searched for a good few months to come up with exact vintage barware for my Mr Draper err...Mr Cupcake. They needed to be 'roly poly glasses' and have the perfect silver rim around the edge. It took some searching, but here is what I finally found! Check Jens pretties out here: Jen's Closet...My favorite ETSY shop ever! (actually she has 3!!!) I love them all...esp the Milk Glass!

They would make Mr Draper proud. Cheers!

My dear friend Buckshee gifted me & Mr C these lovely glasses below as she know we loved the style and look...they are a bit different but just as fabulous! And the caddy the low ball glasses sit in is tres chic.

Are't they pretty? So shiny and sparkly! Thanks to my dear friend for this gift!

Now it's Friday and the sunshine is shinin...go enjoy the rest of this glorious day!

Cheers and Love

"One more night" (shift)

2010-06-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Maybe not a literal translation of how I feel but I can't get this song outta my head! YIPPEEE

Oh happy little B with 4 days off!!
Sing it Phil!

The Lovely List

2010-06-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Offically here is the first participant week for the Lovely List! So far a few of my friends have joined me and I am excited to see what they think is indeed Lovely.

Rocketgirl

Brokeshopaholic

Roses and Rutabagas

and here is what I am loving this week:

The Lovely and talented Sarah Richardson and her shows Sarah's House and Design Inc.

Speaking of the phenom herself, I LOVE her design here with the urns flanking the front door. I am really coveting these swirly trees!

I could eat the BBQ's veggie burger with avacado my husband has been grilling up DAILY. So delish...hmmm I am hungry....

Natures Haven Scentsy warmer is sooo adorable in person. The pictures do not do it justice!
It sits in the master bedroom right now...mmmmmmmmmmmmm sweet sugar smell.

Hope you all have a lovely day!

reminder The Lovely List Wednesdays

2010-06-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Just a friendly reminder of the Lovely List tomorrow....if you would like to play, please let me know and link back to my blog :) I am bnot sure how to do one of those fancy lists of people who will participate but if i have time tonight I will try to figure it all out! Remember anything goes! Lets see your LOVELY LIST!

On a side note, I am currently reading The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. So far I am totally pulled into the story. Thought provoking.

I have read some reviews for this book and WOAH- there are some opinions out there!! I recognize people have strong opinions of the book, but WOW, I am simply reading a book...funny how ones writing can stir up a battle among the peoples. I find it thought provoking and just an interesting read...not finished yet, so maybe there is more than I know thus far...

Have you read this book?? What say you?

xo

Dirty Little Secret #1

2010-06-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

My house is a work in progress...a design in the works...a masterpiece...oh never mind. I have decided to share my homes 'dirty little secrets' in the hope that I may gain some much needed inspiration, help and advice on what I should do with them. So the best thing is to start with one of the first eyesores in my house as you walk in the front door. My home lacks a main foyer and opens up into the living room. Look to you left and you will see this. Brace yourself. It's scary.

Do you see it? The menace? The pain in my drain?

Smack dead center is the most UGGO lighting fixture you may have ever seen! And look...its in the middle of my fire mantle scape! What is a girl to do?

Dusty and ugly. What should I do? Take it off and cover it up? Then we loose a fair amount of light in the room. We could however bring in a floor lamp. I see a mirror there of some sort. I thought about spray painting it for the time being, but that darn glass shade is just too uggo. Any ideas and inspiration pics would be greatly appreciated. I really need your help blog friends! This is my official S.O.S. (suddenly I hear the Police singing-"sendin out an S.O.S...")

So there you have it. DLS #1.

P.S. thinking about painting the bricks white. Thoughts?????
Look forward to your ideas, thoughts, inspirations...

Lovin Spoonfuls,

2010-06-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Back to the grind. It seems my days off go so quickly. Did I get my 'to do' list done? I had some great progress in the connections department. Visited with tonnes of family and friends. LOVE!
I had my best friends baby shower so I (50% of Tasty Little Confections) made some lovely Red Velvet cupcakes for the event...but I didn'd make them RED. I thought I would forgo the dye and just leave them au naturale for the babies and Moms alike.

and of course...Mr Cupcakes gets some bonus minis!!

'
Might I share why my weekend was so great despite the 'blanket binding incident'? This is one of the reasons:

She thought this was the funniest picture she had ever seen! Her giggles are contagious.
I am blessed with 3 nieces and 1 adorable nephew-who are all my joy drops.
Oops! I see I have a spelling error! I always do that. nIece not nEice...

Hope you have a wonder-Filled week!!!
Au Revoir!

Love Love Love

2010-06-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite LOVE quotes:

To love at all is to be vulnerable. --C.S. Lewis

Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it. --Dr. Karl Menninger

Only when I was able
to accept myself unconditionally
was I able to truly love.

Look into your own eyes and say "Yes, I am a good person."

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

Friday Pretties!

2010-06-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

This is my first Friday Pretty post! I am very excited to be apart of such a wonderful weekly event. I first heard of Friday Pretties from my dear friend Rocketgirl. She found Joyce's blog I Love Pretty Little Things via a sweet friends blog and I am so glad she did! I know how nervous she was last week and well...I am a tad nervous too. But here goes nothing!

I love blue...Tiffany, robin's egg, tuqouise, aqua, all lighter shades. My wedding was Tiffany Blue with touches of Coral. So here are so pretty things I adore that are blue. Without further ado, all things blue!

This beautiful blue candle completes the vignette

very lovely smelling french soap-in blue!

I adore these mason jars...empty or full!

Lastly, June 27 is my 1 year Aniversary! Here are some blue wedding shots. We did almost everything ourselves! Yes, Mr Cupcake and Co hung all the lanterns and ispider treatmet drape. We covered all the chairs and sashed them with the beautiful blue fabric. I loved the look-clean and fresh...Blue and White. With touches of Coral :)

Hope you are having a wonderful Friday-full of Pretty things you love!

Huggs,

2010-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

About: Every Wednesday I will be blogging about five or less lovely things I am currently enamored with. I would like to extend my invitation to you all to play along and share your Lovely List.

Rules: There are really no rules. Your lovelies can be home decor related, favorite blogs, collectibles, food/recipes, people, fashion, TV shows or movies you love. Music you can't love without this moment in time :) Anything! Get listing people. As I mentioned, it will be a Wednesday feature but I will start today with an introduction and you may play along now if you wish. Just drop me a message and tell me you want to play!

Here is my first list:

GLEE! This little show represents the joy I feel when I sing. And I sing-alot. Everywhere. I am a Gleek. And proud of it. And yes, I have my own 'greatest hits' repertoire.

I love tea-and Earl Grey is one of my most beloved teas. But Lady Earl, you are my new tea-love. Soooo lovely.

What is that lovely smell? Oh that is my Scentsy warmer-and the smell? Beach baby.

Honestly, this is just a quick and easy list. This is just a sample of my lovely things...next week should prove to be even more Lovely, with your help!

What's a girl to do?

2010-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Mid-week already? This week is fkying by right infront of me and there isn't a darn thing I can do to stop it! Last night was really fun. Hats off to Tom Petty-he sings, well, like Tom Petty-but he doesn't sound old and broken. Mr C and I went to Fatburger prior to the show (a tradition for us before each concert). I can't believe I eat at a place called Fatburger-but it is so good!

Today's task list is quite lengthy and unfortunately I am still fighting this darn chest/head thing.
I have some runnig around to do-well just to the grocery store but when?! I need to clean the house for my little party this evening, bake strawberry muffins, get ready for Trifecta day (which is also TODAY at 1300) and my guests will start to arrive around 5pm. I really better get started!!

The weather has been terrible as far as allowing me to get any refinishing done. I have 2 pieces I would like to start NOW but alas, mother nature is not on my page. Can I put my order in for sunshine please? Starting today and going until September 30? That should do it. Ok, a couple days of light rain (no more than 5 days) is fine.

This picture is of Me & Rocketgirl getting ready for tonight. Can you tell who is who?

Have a wonderful Wednesday...and keep your eyes peeled laer tonight for a list perhaps...

huggs,