painting chaos

Ever spend over 100$ on paint samples only to pick a colour that you end up HATING once it's on your walls? No? Just me? Well that's exactly what just happened to me over the weekend.

I thought I wanted something like Angie Hranowsky did in this amazing bedroom:

But in my place it just ended up looking like I was living in this guy:

No joke. Immediate thing that came to mind. It was HORRIBLE. Would have been nice for a smaller room, but not my whole place. Egads.

So I cut my losses and, at the suggestion of a friend, primed over everything to give myself a blank canvas to test on. And you know what? The white on the walls has made the place look so much bigger, and has made me realize that I need a really light colour for these rooms.

Something like a midway point between these guys, but erring towards the bluer one:

The lesson of the day (or weeks, if we're counting)? Don't test paint over your old colour because it just won't work. Which is a stupidly simple thing to have to learn this hard. How is it that I'm an OCD perfectionist and the queen of trying to cut corners all at the same time?

days that i hate being canadian

There really are few things that can make me hate being from where I'm from, because I'm a pretty damn proud Canuck. I love this country. It's amazing. This is the land that Poutine came from. 'Nuff said.

But all the beautiful shit we miss out on because of stores that aren't in Canada or don't ship here or ship for more than the items themselves cost make me lose my mind a little bit. Oh the things I could do with access to some of that pretty!

So when I heard about Nate Berkus's new line for Target I got instantly insanely excited and then almost as instantly insanely sad. Le sigh. Some of the items previewed are amazing and I want I want I want!

Like these bowls

Or these pillows

Or most most most of all, this snakeskin and raw wood box with gold hardware

INSANE! That box is inspired.

The prices start at 5.99 and go to 149.99. That's actually affordable. Not even "I'm justifying this" affordable.

See why I'm so upset that this is out there but that I can't get my paws on it? No one else can either until October when it's launched in stores, but that is little consolation...

Here's a little video about the line in which you can see a few more of the pretties (including the pretty that is Nate himself). Anyone else notice that white faux tortoise shell on the wall? Yup. I may have to hitch a ride to the States for that bad boy.

Happy weekend ladies and gents!

photo shoot styling: winter wedding

The inspiration for this shoot came when I was busy planning the last one. Scouring a rental website for props, I came across an antique wing back chair with dark, curvy wooden legs and plush emerald-velvet upholstery. I was in love. It was pure elegance - quietly glamorous and luxurious yet incredibly cozy and inviting. I immediately pictured it in a bank of snow with a glowing bride perched on top, enveloped in a sea of tulle.

While the chair itself didn’t end up making it into the shoot (logistics, logistics), the feel of it was everywhere, from the rich woodwork and warm glow of the chandeliers, to the traditional-with-a-twist Kenneth Pool gown. The cherry on top was definitely the beautiful cake created by Cathy, aka the Cake Whisperer. The ruffles, the gold accents, the deep emerald colour . . . could it be more elegant? Even better? Cat is just one of those people you can't help but like right away, and we knew pretty fast that we had found the perfect baking partner in crime!

The amazing new faces surrounding us didn't stop there though. First, we were so lucky to have real-life newlyweds Sarah and Peter stand in as our models. They could not have been kinder, more patient, or more visibly head over heels in love. We also got to work with our amazing friend Jenn, who is the talent behind the bride's flawless makeup, and who helped us with everything from putting together bouquets to topping hot chocolate with whipped cream! She was a godsend. Big love hun.

Finally, Dal's husband Brian joined her in photographing the shoot. I love that their style is so in sync, and that she's clearly even more in her element when he's around. It's pretty beautiful to see, really.

I feel like I was surrounded by nothing but love at this shoot, and that it really came across in the photos. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy just looking at them, despite the fact that it took place on one of the coldest days of the winter. I hope you feel the same.