Ryan's Room

Simple space for a young man to sleep and study.

I had all the walls skimcoated, removed the popcorn ceiling and had new drywall installed for a nice sleek look and a new fan.

New buys were only the desk, chair and desklight-- and of course the closet organizer.

Basically a budget redo- but much improved!

Ryan's Room- Desk Area

Where his 1920's re-purposed hutch used to sit- is his nice big new desk!

He loves this huge office sized desk, it was his one real begs of me when I went to redo his room-"Please can I have a big desk and a leather chair". Well he did not get the big leather chair but a very nice, simple dark stained shaker influenced desk is his!

The round bed side table was re-purposed from my bedroom, the art over his desk was relocated from an area going to the basement ( and did not really work with the decor there! ) Hard to see from my images but the walls are a yellow toned taupe which works well with cork floors and compliments the red of the wood and of course is the same tone as the taupe on the bed.

Ryans New Room- Closet- One of the Saves!

This is the new closet- doors are not in yet- but are coming!

I had quotes from a few custom closet companies and sorry $3,000- $4,500 was not in my budget for the interior of his closet. I had enlarged the closet by removing the built-in desk that was on the far side of the closet closest to his window-- and the price for custom closets was simply too much.

The dilemma then- as I personally hate those Rubbermaid wire organizers, and also do not think they would hold up under the rough and tumble style my son has. I needed strong, durable, good lookin', and a product that we could reconfigure as needed.

Voila, store display systems. This is a store display system that is stand alone (needed no installation) is sturdy, durable, cost effective and he can take it with him when he moves out! There is a storage shelf on the top- hidden behind the wall header area that is safely storing his childhood memorabilia - out of sight!

This was an excellent solution for us- flexible, room for shoes, clothes, long coats, and sports equipment!

In addition, I needed space for his clothing items that formally lived in his dresser, as we did not have room for a dresser and a new desk in this space. Solving that issue with the blue pull out storage containers that now house his socks and other personal clothing items.

All at much less the original quoted prices for custom closets, Ikea inserts, Rubbermaid solutions!

This is one of the 'saves' in this room! Would of loved to splurge on a custom closet but not in my budget!

Ryans Room before

Okay, maybe I should have had the pictures taken before I started to empty the room. You would of had a 'fuller' look into the clutter of a young man that spent his childhood and teenage years in the same room! Strangely enough- the colour of this room is the same colour it was when we moved into the house. My son liked the colour of his 'new room (when he was 8) so much I simply repainted it the same colour-- years ago!

Finally 12 years later he was at the stage where the little built-in desk did not suit his late teen years and home work.... more space was needed. Also, his room well frankly was a lot of re-used and repurposed furniture.

A few things needed to be kept- his very expensive bed- which was a gift from my best friend after she passed away, his hand-made denim duvet cover-- and well that was about it- oh his wood blinds!

I wanted him to have more storage space in his closet, nicer desk and a more grown-up space to call his own. Peaceful and functional for him to study his heart out and relax in!

New Kitchen

Please find a 'new' kitchen available-----pre-made and custom for your small space with a few tweeks!

Architectural Clearing House

This is a cool shop at 11507-120 Street , Edmonton

http://www.achouse.ca/


Think Habitat for Humanity with reasonable prices (sorry HH - but your prices are absolutely crazy. I am all for charities but in these times many folks trying to fix up their houses need a break- and from what I have seen from your prices--- secondhand stuff is priced as if brand new retail- and not on sale--- shame shame!)

Okay- now Architectural Clearing house- has clawfoot tubs in need of refinishing, but great prices, doors, closets doors, tubs, jacuzzi tubs, sinks, toilets, windows and lighting! All for amazing prices- and oh popcorn too!



Great service, clean, well-priced and delivery available also!

Painted Ladies- Judy

Years ago I found these glasses at the St Albert farmers market. All the saying were about women and the figures all women (with the exception of the bride and groom set). I asked Judy if she would custom make me a set of 12- 6 women and 6 matching men.

I was running out of matching sets of wine glasses for my dinner tables (I have about 6-now incomplete sets-mostly due to my small yet energetic family talking with their hands while eating-- so many glasses karate chopped on the long stems!

Also, the pomp and ceremony of formal tables can get a tad tiring- I wanted to add some fun and lightness- hence his and hers colourful glasses. You also do not forget which glass is yours when pair is of a different colour with fun sayings on each glass.

My glasses have been a hit- missing a few of the men inspired ones. I have had Judy make me a few 'sister -sets' for friends and they have all been welcomed warmly as well.

check her out here!

http://www.artworksfour.com/wine_about_it/

From philosophy for dummies

Yes, indeed I could use shares in this company...

The Aesthetic dimension

The second great dimension of human experience is the aesthetic dimension. I have come to believe that we need beauty in our lives just like we need truth. It is every bit as important. Without a regular experience of beauty, people cannot feel their best or be their best, in any activity or in an relationship.

Beauty is the promise of happiness

Stendhal

Beauty always inspires

In a beautiful place, we are more open. In beautiful surroundings, we can be much more creative. Ugliness depresses the spirit. Beauty lifts our hearts and minds. It elevates the emotions and the attitudes."


Lovely words-- words for all of us to live by. A beautiful home is a sanctuary for your soul- a lovely garden does indeed relax you!
Beauty is highly under-rated for it's soothing qualities.
Now go and indulge......

Damon J shoes- and Donald Pliner!

My favorite- okay one of my favorite shoe stores closed this winter, and it was the only store in Edmonton that sold Donald Pliner shoes. They are divine, not made in China- northern Italy actually and you can tell when you wear them- the comfort even in 3 or 4 inch heels is fab!

I found a new supplier of Donald Pliner Shoes!

Damon j-- 7929-104 Street Edmonton

780-437-1319--- in the little mall on the east side of the street.

They have a terrific collection of summer Pliners, cute bags-- some as low as $70.00 cool shoes for men's and a white bag that almost made me forget about the LV my heart is coveting (my bank account not so much)

Also, I am on the hunt for the best gelato in Edmonton- please feel free to submit your suggestions and then I will have to go and sample and report for you!

Alberta Ballet House and Garden Tour

http://www.albertaballet.com/news/press-releases/196-edmontons-15th-annual-house-a-garden-tour-is-a-feast-for-the-senses-

The tour is a fundraiser for the Alberta Ballet, runs June 13th and 14th (for details click the link above)

tickets-- 780-451-8000 or at http://www.ticketmaster.ca

This is a wonderful way to spend some time with your mother or BFF, wondering around, getting a glimpse of how the tasteful life. Borrow some the fantastic ideas and gently allow yourself to forget about the day to day trials and tribulations of living in this very cold part of the earth and enjoy what other's have created while living in this climate as well (Sorry, but I am not very garden friendly today- it is only 11 above--jeezh I cant wait to see what the stylish with means have done to create an oasis in this year's ugly economic and temperature challenged environment!

Enjoy and take a sweater or a stylish wrap! It just may be cold--- still.

New Camera and Kitchen Liquidation Center

Well, finally I have used the new camera, made a few mistakes. Like the best picture I had taken was a vignette of my front garden and bird bath- taken vertically and know I cannot figure out how to 'flip it' so it appears on the screen vertically.... so we will wait to see if I can fix it.

Hopefully that will come soon.

In the meantime- please find images from a cool store ' Kitchen Liquidation Center' 7347- 104 Street Edmonton phone number 780-761-3550.

This store has sample kitchens from other vendors and stock cabinets. In addition a small but interesting assortment of well priced bathroom sinks and cabinets, some vessel sinks, hardware and an attentive qualified owner that can install and retrofit some of his products with custom made accents to ensure your finished product looks as custom as possible for your home--- at a great price!

Sinsational Insperational Living!

Yes, life can be so funny and so very good.

Last night I had the honour of attending the Edmonton Symphony- which I have not gone to in years- with the exception of last year to see Eartha Kit- (what a show-what a kick!).

That was my first time in years- and may I say the conductor, cute and adorable William Eddins puts the AH in orchestrAH. He is not the fuddy duddy type and actually you enjoy watching him- he is a showman- with a personality!

I digress- the seats were perfect, the company a tad too refined and lady-like for my larger than life hyperness. (She is the reincarnation of Jackie Kennedy - I swear- there is a picture of her beside the definition of 'lady' in the dictionary!).

So, here we are to see two French Horn players-I know! I was thinking the same thing.. all the jokes we heard growing up about French horn players. Was there not a line about this in American Pie? Hey! I love the symphony so really was thrilled to go anyway.

Then Allene Hackleman, in her glorious full-length red gown, took the stage-- I had no idea the poor country cousin, french horn we dis-respected, teased and tormented in high school would grow up to be spectacular! Truly, this instrument, when placed in the right hands and with the right lips- is due respect! The other special performance was given by Allene's father, Martin Hackleman was 'okay' too- for a principal horn player of the National Symphony. This is however a girl blog about Edmonton - so Allene gets the kudos!

As I said, I have not been to the symphony for awhile- and I am sitting beside Ms. Kennedy complete with Hermes ( sorry sweets- but gosh I only get to see the real thing when I see you!) and little miss country bumkin (me)

As Mr Hackleman turned to leave the stage after his brilliant performance ..........

"Look, the man playing the violin must be her boyfriend or the brother... he shook the girl's hands as well." (raine)

"I do believe that is the first violinist and that is a traditional sign of respect to the orchestra"

Me sinking a little lower

Well, later Mr. First Violinist also shook hands with the conductor- so I guess lots of the musicians are related!

Later, my friend explained to me--- and then sweetly told me she would look it up at home in a book her husband has "Music for dummies" Wish I had shares in that company.

Below as reported to me - reference "Music for Dummies"

Information Concertmaster.

(aka First Violinist- and to my knowledge is in fact not related to anyone else in ESO)

To the left of the conductor's podium sits the first violinist (lead
violinist)- the Concertmaster. In rehearsal he/she acts as a liaison
between the members of the orchestra and the conductor and determines
when the string instruments move their bows up and down and how long
or short to play a note (so that all violinists are moving and playing
in unison).
He has the highest rank of the violinists. On stage the main duty is
to tune up the orchestra prior to the concert. He usually plays all
of the violin solos within pieces. When the conductor shakes hands
with the concertmaster it is a gesture of greeting or thanks to the
entire orchestra. It is a show of respect and symbol of cooperation.

There we go our etiquette lesson for the week/month- Who knew!

Hugs and kisses to my very own Ms Jackie Kennedy for sharing this wonderful evening with me! Thanks!


Also, do not forget about Symphony Under the Stars- one of my favorite summer events- the symphony in summer, outside, with a smuggled bottle of wine discreetly hid in a water bottle, picnic lunch and music!

http://www.edmontonsymphony.com/

on to the newest collection from the Brag Company

Introducing the new collections Tosca and Maggie
Which just happen to be named after the founders Jane Webb's two daughters!
WOW! Wish I had luggage named after me- especially luxury girl items!
Both products are available as Bra Brag and the Panty Pak.
Now that is glamour -traveling with your cases for your fine undies!
I wonder what exciting adventure awaits when you (un)pack what is inside?
Just remember they have a real purpose protect those investments for the male crooners!

Also it is terrible to get where you are gong to find your favorite 200.00 bra irreparably crumbled- or with goddess forbid square edges--or cones---- that went out long times ago


too cool- click on the blue link below and get a close up of Maggie ( I have no idea how I did it so I can't give you the close-up of her bosom buddy---but you can see the fine details and workmanship---a tad of correcting the placement might be needed. Hey-- I am trying here and I am getting better!

ah -- me the ludite again! Yewh- still working with these images Maggie


This is Maggie (pink) and then her sister -----------------------------------------Tosca(black)
Both are available with the panty paks- made and designed here in Canada by two cool ladies who know what is important in inspirational sinsational living!-


Honesty these products are terrific. I honestly use them myself. My case has not seen as much of the world as I would of liked- but that is coming!


http://thebragcompany.com/ tell them RAINE sent you!

The 'Brag-- ing girls are at it again!

This line is fabulous! I bought my first piece years ago and it truly does hold up well. I still do not have the matching panty case (can the 'brag-ging girls hear me?-I will gladly tell you which collection it was from)

Truly, if you travel and have expensive bras you NEED one of these to protect you bosom buddies.

Ludite-

The term 'ludite-- luddite' is new to me. It is what the sweet 'boy' referred to me as while I explained to him with huge deer in the headlight eyes- "This is the 10th electronics store I have been in during the last week. I still have no idea" ( actually I was trying to find a camera to play with that was available on air-miles but I needed to be certain it was 'idiot' proof first)
Nice boy- actually smiled and asked what I needed it to do- and I told him, take pictures....... small videos, had to have HD, excellent ability to do good close ups, easy to operate, lots of memory and long battery life---- and oh the cheapest one he had!
I will add his name when my menopausal mind finds the receipt- I hope his name is on it!
He advised me he had what I was looking for - and then- he explained it to me- showed me the two others that had been recommended to me- and I bought it- in black the red was sold out!
Then I took it to my brothers' the techie and he was very proud of me! I did a good thing---
I am still practicing but original pics are on the way- shops, restaurants, design stuff and of course food!
Check out (insert his name here when I get it!) Future Shop on the south-side..... then oh the ludite- "boy" as we are calling him for now---told me I was a ludite- I was so proud there was a name for what I call' technology challenged'-- then I looked up ludite/luddite.
Well, the original 'ludites' were actually a rather violent breed hell bent on ruining the industrial revolution- artist and weavers --.... well we all know the temperament of artists. I am not a violent anti-technology raving idiot that wants to burn down the Sony plants-- I am simply a 'non-talented with technology scared old woman" can we find a new name for us?