Galerie Luz

Looking for something fun to do in Montreal? My friend's husband Ranajit Sinha is an incredibly talented and amazing artist and his work is being featured at Galerie Luz! Here is some of his work from the site of Galerie Luz:

And here is a piece that Ranajit did for my twin sister - a portrait of her fav cat that passed away.  The fist photo is the painting Ranajit did. And the second is the photo that he did the painting from:

How to get a stress free spa experience in the comfort of your home

*Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this post

Going to a spa is a great way to unwind, but when you have limited free time, you know that getting into your car and driving to your favourite spa will not only eat into your daily schedule, but also your spa itinerary.

So, instead of stressing about travel, all you need to do is bring the spa to you! If this sounds like a totally crazy dream, don’t worry, here are a few tips to help you turn your home into the spa of your dreams.

Remove all distractions

If you have kids, send them to a babysitter for the day, or maybe even overnight. If you can, unplug your home phone and put your cell phone on silent. You need to create a hidden sanctuary in the city, and in order to do this, you need to remove any and all distractions.

If you can bear it, switch off your router (I know, I know, this is a big step) and make a dedicated spa playlist full of your favourite songs - or find a ready made one on youtube!

Make your own treatments

If you want to have an amazing at-home facial, then look no further than your kitchen cupboards. For a classic face mask, grab some live yogurt, honey and a handful of oatmeal and mix it together in a bowl for a mild, exfoliating mask.

If you want to stick to a treatment you know, use your favourite face wash and mask and do your own manicure. This is easy, as all you need is two coats of your favourite nail polish and some nail polish remover in case of spills.

Quality Counts - How to Choose the Right Type of Leather

*Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this post

You’ve got a lot of choices when selecting leather for your furniture coverings. Would you know the difference between pigmented leather and vintage leather? You may have heard Italian leather is the best, but did you know that there are degrees of quality even in Italian leather? Here is a brief overview of leather quality and options for the consumer, especially if you are interested in mid-century moderns’ barcelona chair.

The Spectrum 

As with all manufactured goods, there is a range of options and quality to choose from. On the low end is patent leather and pigmented leather. Patent leather has a hard shiny surface, mars easily and won’t wear well. Pigmented leather is surface dyed with a pigmented dye that is mixed with a protectant. This dries into a hard or rough finish that, while durable enough, doesn’t give you the soft feel of higher quality leather.

Vintage leather falls somewhere in the middle. The distressed look is very popular with some furniture manufacturers whose customers prefer the aged appearance of vintage leather. Some Aniline leather is artificially distressed to resemble vintage leather, so be sure you know what you are looking at when you shop. There’s a great deal of price variance in these products as well, so it’s good to know what you are shopping for.

On the high end is Italian leather and Aniline leather. These are the top quality leathers that are used in the manufacture of highly -priced furniture. Samples of these different types of leather are usually available from high-end stores, so you have the ability to feel (and smell) the different swatches to make an informed buying decision.

Italian Leather

Italian leather comes in various forms and degrees of quality with a variety of processes applied to give the hides their finished look.
Vegetable tanned leather uses tree bark, tannins and other plant matter to process the hides. This gives them a natural finish which shows well, and is quite water resistant. Vegetable tanned Italian leather is a great choice for those customers who have chrome allergies.

Top-grain leather is relatively thin and supple that is beautiful and stain-resistant. It can be vegetable or chrome tanned. Top-grain leather is comfortable for seating and looks great in the home. This is a moderately priced choice for a quality leather furniture covering.

Full-Grain Italian leather can be either vegetable or chrome tanned. This is the thickest and most durable hide, and can withstand a great deal of wear. Full-grain leather is often used in industrial and commercial settings such as offices, restaurants and lounge seating. This option provides a great investment in a quality leather covering that is made to last.

A Few Reasons to Play Sports That Have Nothing to do with Winning and Losing

*Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this post


With so many mixed messages from adults, there is little wonder that kids grow up so confused about so many things. Sports is a perfect example of one of our favorite mixed messages: “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose. It’s how you play the game.” That was said to players by great coaches exactly never times. What coaches want from their players is a win. A coach’s job depends on wins and championships.

In the backyard, the focus is on fun and entertainment, at least, it starts out that way. Then, someone says, “Let’s play for points”. The moment a system of measurement enters the game, it is about more than fun. The higher up you go from Little League to Pro, it most certainly matters whether you win or lose.

That is why it is vital that parents get in front of this competitive urge before it becomes the only context for sporting activities. There are other motivations with equally high evolutionary value. If winning was the only reason to play the game, then there would be no reason for the vast majority of people to ever play. While winning is a not unpleasant outcome, here are a few other reasons to put on the big, padded glove:

Playing Is Inclusive 

There was a time when sports was treated like an elitist activity for physically talented, male children of a certain race. Thankfully, now, we know better. Sports is for everyone. One of the best things about it is that it provides group activity for the least physically talented, most shy and awkward among us. Few are too uncoordinated to find some sport they can enjoy. People in wheelchairs find sporting outlets suitable for their condition.

Baseball used to be one of those exclusive sports. Now look at it. We have a variety of leagues and variations on the game. Softball is a more accessible variant requiring slightly different equipment. There was a time when there was less need for variety in equipment such as gloves.

5 Projects to Add Value to your Home

*Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this post

As you consider home improvement projects, keep in mind that not all projects will add value to your home. You should think about these five projects that will actually increase the value and appeal of your home to buyers. You might install a new bathroom vanity to your master bathroom or make Energy Star purchases each time you require a new appliance. Each of these changes will increase the worth of your home.

Bathroom Vanity

People spend a significant amount of time in the bathroom and they want to be surrounded by modern aesthetics rather than entering a time capsule. An outdated or poor-quality bathroom vanity can diminish the feel of a bath space, and the right bathroom vanity will inspire potential buyers to be more flexible with their spending. Many buyers prefer the value of a home is higher rather than to spend the time and money trying to make such upgrades themselves.

Energy Efficient Everything

Ensure that everything possible in your home is energy efficient. You might add insulation to various areas of the house known to allow air in and out. Installing Energy Star windows will vastly improve energy efficiency throughout the house resulting in lower energy bills. Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, washers and driers and dishwashers may be a slightly more expensive investment, however you will save money while you use them and you will receive a number of environmentally friendly rebates and tax deductions making them even more affordable just as you will with the windows.

Finish or Upgrade the Basement

Another upgrade buyers appreciate is a finished or remodeled basement. If your basement is a blank canvas, your options are nearly endless. You could install another bathroom, add another bedroom and even create the ultimate entertainment space. However, if your basement already has some functionality apart from storage, you may need to make a number of upgrades from the flooring and lighting to the walls and cabinets or cupboards. If you make the basement a selling point, your home will be valued higher. Need some industrial cleaning, look no further.

Tips for getting the perfect baby pictures

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Professional baby pictures are a must-have for new parents. You'll want to capture your newborn in a timeless memory so that you can share your adorable new son or daughter with friends and family. Professional studios often offer special packages for new parents to entice them to choose the studio for their baby pictures.

Capturing the perfect pose at the perfect moment when a newborn is involved isn't as simple as it seems. A good photographer worth their weight in gold knows what to do in order to capture a snap that will make everybody ooh and ahh. There are things that parents can do also to ensure the shoot goes smoothly. Here are just a few ways to get baby photo shoot ready.

Know Your Baby's Schedule
In some cases, it is not advantageous for you to take your baby for their shoot when they are ready for their nap. Beyond that, most babies have certain times of the day when they are just calmer and more engaged. Keep track of these times over the course of a week. Try to schedule your studio time for when your baby is experiencing their peak hours, or when they are the calmest. This will help immensely in your quest to capture the most perfect pictures.

Staging the Background
Your baby is supposed to be the star of the picture, so make sure that you're choosing a very basic background without a lot of distracting elements. Depending on the age of your baby, too many distracting pieces might even serve to divert your baby's attention away from the task at hand. Keep the colors simple and avoid heavily patterned backgrounds.

Use Props with Discretion
The best type of props to use in a newborn photo shoot usually carry some type of sentimentality. For instance, a cap knitted by baby's favorite aunt can make a baby picture extra special. Some couples "lend" their wedding rings to baby for use during the shoot. There's no rules when it comes to this sort of thing; except err on the side of simplicity. Too many props in one picture can take away from the whole purpose-which is to capture baby in all his or her glory.

Posed or Lifestyle: Know the Difference
Consult with your photographer ahead of time to discuss a theme for your baby pictures. There are two popular types of baby pictures that most photographers who specialize in family portraiture take. The first is a "posed" and the other is "lifestyle". For a posed shoot, expect to spend a little extra time in the studio, while a lifestyle shoot can be done in the home with a professional photographer. Usually a posed shoot is done within two weeks of the birth, and a lifestyle shoot is usually scheduled within six weeks of baby arriving into the world.

Discuss Macro Images
Getting professional shots done is a perfect occasion to capture some stunning macro images of your baby. In addition to the standard portrait photography, macro photography can help to capture baby's finer points: his or her tiny fingers, toes, and ears; just to name a few. These types of photos make for priceless keepsakes for use in baby's first photo album.

Following some very straightforward tips can make your baby's photo shoot seamless. Of course, when it comes to newborns the unexpected can sometimes occur, but a little preparation beforehand comes in handy. The more you know about the process of capturing the perfect baby picture, and the more you understand what you want, the better.

Hatley - Exclusive Web Sale - October 23rd 2013

Back by popular demand, Hatley just announced their end of season web sale to take place on October 23rd, 2013.

Every item on the site will be 30% off, except for discontinued items, which will be 50% off. No promo code will be required. As usual, ground shipping is free for orders over $50.

Customers can expect to find deals on every level of the site including our popular new women's line, our famous children's rain coats and fun pajamas. Don't forget to shop their gift section that is loaded with humorous notepads, gift cards and aprons that will keep you laughing all the way to the checkout page. This is a sale not to be missed!

Spring/Summer Footwear for Boys

(this is a sponsored post and wasn't written by me)

While the weather outside may well be still drab and dull, we can look forward to the fact that spring will soon be upon us. Whether you’re planning an early summer break away, or are just looking forward to having fun with the kids in the Easter holidays, you’ll want to make sure that they’re kitted out when it comes to footwear.

It might seem like you’ve only just bought the winter boots and the wellingtons, but it’s a fact of life that kids need different shoes for different seasons. Get your boys shoes at George at ASDA and kitting them out doesn’t have to break the bank.

Either take this handy shoe shopping list to the supermarket when doing your weekly shop, or check out the range available at George online – whatever is most convenient for you. The 100 Day George Guarantee means that you can make your purchases with the peace of mind that, should the fit or the style be not quite right for your little monkey, you can take them back without quibble.

Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes are a good lightweight solution, that is ideal for taking on holiday as they won’t eat too much into the baggage allowance. They also look good both day and night, as a smart or casual solution.

A pair of simple lace-up canvas trainers in black, blue or red cost just £6 at George, or choose a lace free canvas pump for just £5. For evenings, high top canvas trainers in grey look good with chinos or denims.

High Top Trainers
The shoe style of the year, the high top, is sure to still be going strong for spring, so make sure your kids are the coolest around. Younger boys will love the black and white Velcro strap high tops with contrast green trim at George (£9), whereas older boys will like the lace up version (£12).

Playing Out Trainers
One of the best things about the arrival of the warmer weather and the lighter evenings is that kids can play out. Whether the football field, the park or the skate park is their hangout of choice, it’s pretty safe to say that they’ll be getting into plenty of scrapes.

Don’t let them ruin their smart shoes. Pick up playing out trainers for as little as £5 from George, so they don’t have to worry about scuffs or mud.

Sturdy Sandals
A sturdy pair of leather sandals are essential for keeping little feet cool and comfortable, and especially important if taking a hot weather holiday. Get feet measured to prevent toes overflowing over the edge of the shoe, and make sure that sandals chosen are sturdy yet flexible enough to walk, run and play in.

Check with your child’s school as to whether leather sandals are appropriate footwear, for maximum wear from your purchase.

Flip Flops
Another holiday must buy, flip flops can be squashed into even the fullest suitcase or rucksack. They’re ideal for slipping on for the beach or the pool, although they’re not the best for running around in the park in.

Flip flops can be picked up cheaply for just a few pounds, but try to limit the amount of time your child spends wearing them as they’re not the most supportive items of footwear available! The same goes for Croc-style shoes.

When you get your boy’s shoes at ASDA you can kit the kids out with all that they need for the spring/summer season for less than you might think – leaving plenty of spends for summer holidays and fun days out!
 

A Marinello Experience

When pursuing a career path that will meet your expectations in life, it is important to be able to identify what makes you happy in terms of career choice. Passion is one of the key ingredients to help you succeed in what you do. Luckily for many, the decision of choosing what they want to do for a living comes very easily. These individuals commonly exhibit great enthusiasm in their field of interest since childhood. For others, it takes some time to be able to identify their interest in a particular field. In any event, Marinello is a Santa Clara beauty school that prepares its students to excel in the world of beauty for those who decide to enter this field.

Marinello has been in business for over 100 years, and is accredited by the Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Marinello has grown into one of the most popular schools all over the country. With different locations in the areas of California, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, there is no excuse to miss the opportunity of being part of our school.

Marinello, a well-recognized cosmetology school in Santa Clara offers different programs of interest in the field of beauty such as: esthetics, manicuring, nail technology, facial and body treatment, barbering, hair design, massage therapy, teacher training, and specialty workshops. Esthetics include everything related to the care of the skin, while in manicuring nail technology our students will learn how to make different nail designs and will also learn about the importance of nail anatomy, products utilized in the nail industry, and how to apply acrylic nails. Facial and body treatments is also another one of our programs, where students learn about the latest treatments utilized in the caring of the face and body. In our barbering program, students will be capacitated in everything pertaining to cutting and trimming hair. But if you have a keen interest for getting an education in massage therapy, our comprehensive massage therapy program offers the most revolutionary techniques in Swedish massage, advanced circulatory massage, connective tissue, and deep tissue massage. Also, our school offers programs in the area of teacher training and specialty workshops. Our teacher training program prepares students on: grading, lesson planning, effective communication, and classroom management. Finally, the specialty workshop program offers general knowledge and hands-on training in makeup, skin, and hair. Each of our programs prepares students in areas of high demand.

Check out exclusive bonuses like this.

The Benefit of Sunrooms

Are you someone who enjoys the outdoors? The only problem with that is, if the weather is cold or raining, it's not much enjoyment. If you have an existing patio or porch area, you can transform this into a year round, inviting sunroom.

Or, if you don't have an outside patio, building a sunroom will let the outdoors come in. Sunrooms provide protection from the elements, and many nasty little critters that can spoil your outdoor experience. You know what I mean, the annoying little gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects that damper your outdoor experience.

Sunrooms are beautiful additions to your home that provide a pleasant atmosphere for year round enjoyment. If you love gardening, it’s a perfect place to have an indoor flower or vegetable garden all year long!

In the summer, sometimes it is just too hot to go outside to work in your garden, or sit on your back patio. The bugs and gnats drive you crazy, or it's just too hot to be out in the direct sun.

A sunroom installation can solve these problems. You can raise a few, or all of the many windows, letting in the fresh air, the smell of flowers and the outdoors. While the window screens keep out the un-wanted, flying visitors.

Electrical and lighting can be installed during the installation. Late in the afternoon or in the cool evenings it's a favorite place to be, for relaxing, reading a book, or watching television.

You will suddenly find yourself spending much of your time in your new, favorite room of the house. Even on chilly nights, by adding a space heater, you can enjoy it as easily as being indoors. In hot weather you can use a portable air-conditioner to help keep it comfortable.

By adding a portable air-conditioner or space heater, you can enjoy your new outdoor living space all year long. All those flowers you love to grow can be brought inside in pots, to enjoy all winter.

It’s a great place to get an early start on your vegetable garden too. You can start seedlings early in the year. When it is warm enough outside, move them outdoors and transplant. You will have a jump start on a wonderful garden.

Yes, a sunroom installation can create a year round room that you can enjoy year in and year out. It is an investment in your home and property value, which will increase over the years.

my new motto

After 3 visits to the hospital for his hernia, Pablo is still awaiting a surgery date. Only problem now is surgery is going to have to wait till after March 5 because in a week, my twin sister and I are headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to visit our parents for 9 days!!! This trip has been planned for about a month and even though I was super excited about the thought of going, I was nervous that something was going to happen and I wouldn't be able to go. Enter hernia. It still amazes me that someone can have random medical issues every few months, requiring surgery. Anyway, this trip is happening because I need a vacation badly. I need to recharge my batteries. I need sunshine and warm weather. I need some good sleeps and laying by the pool. I can't wait!

you may live in Canada...

Here is what Jeff Foxworthy had to say about Canadians during a recent appearance at Ceasers in Windsor :

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Canada.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you may live in Canada.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Canada.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Canada.

If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Canada.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Canada.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Canada.

If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Canada.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Canada.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Canada.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Canada.

If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km -- you're going 95 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Canada.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Canada.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you may live in Canada.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Canada.

If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly', you may live in Canada.

If you actually understand these jokes, you definitely are Canadian and proud to be.

Yes, yes I am.

holiday decorated family home

hus & hem

my dream home

I'm back! Life has been insane with doctor's visits, working from home and just wishing for some good news for a change. Pablo is doing much better and is almost back to his old self. The only side effects I can see from the mini-stroke (or whatever they want to call it) is some stuttering but that's it! What a relief! I posted as final update on the last post and any new updates I'll post in new posts.

And now back to holiday preparations and I'm so very happy to say that I think we are done our Christmas shopping! I did about 85% online so here's to speedy shipping and nothing getting lost in transit...

Found this house and fell in love. Not even a kids room in this post but a very post worthy home either way. Enjoy and it's good to be back.

envelope a+d

The outside of this house is TO DIE FOR - the black is absolutely stunning. I can picture kids in this house too. Oh what a fun family home this would be.

Looking for a new garage door?

if ever you run out of beds...

just put 'em in a closet. via dos family.

baby mop

Top 5 reasons you NEED a baby mop:

1. Teach your baby a strong work ethic early on in their life.
2. Your baby will learn not to drop and waste food.
3. Baby will get a nice workout, burn off energy, and do muscle toning. And sleep better too!
4. Not having to clean your floors saves you time so you can spend it doing things you enjoy.
5. Save lots of money on house cleaning costs.

(Above quoted from Better Than Pants website)

better than pants

Thanks to my twin sister for the link to this. Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my Canadian readers!

 

another adorable dollhouse

found via ellens album.