OUCH

I just got a very rude and nasty email from our 'friend' at the not to be mentioned art gallery in London-- guess we really do not want to hear from him=--see my previous posts- again. I am trying to have a blog that supports artists, fine living and life-- seems we have someone with a thorn in their hoof=== out of respect I am not posting their response because I love artists and their temperaments are crazy!
We still love the art this gallery has----- and I hope your medication kicks in soon--- I was only and still trying to be kind --- I have no idea how you could take it any other way! BUT if you want to take this public--- I will go with your wishes.
OMG___ Normally -as you know- I only do nice things but I have just been introduced as to how rude English can be" I was trying to promote this gallery00000 OMG--- The words I got from him--in my honest trying to help him- will freeze your mind!
Okay, I am sure we now have all calmed down and google a million galleries would we want to purchase a Warhol.

Office desk vignette

Personalize your desk area
Ah the spot you see is from the 'air freshener' that spilled! It took the paint and lacquer right off the top- I think perhaps we should not have these lovely liquid air fresheners in our houses. I think maybe- highly carcinogenic? Hey if it lifts paint and lacquer-- no more for me in my house!
(and I wiped it up right after I spilled it!)

The Brag Girls

Yes, I got my new Brag panty pak.... it matches my 'Brag' and is made just as well! .....cute little inside pockets- nicely named even- 'Clean' and 'Not so Clean'- how sweet! The 'not so clean even has a solid pocket lining- keeps the other side 'fresher'.

Pockets on the outside as well -- too cute!

Perfect for a friend that has everything and likes to travel- or for you and your travel dreams!

thebragcompany.com

Let them know you heard about them from Raine!

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!

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/

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/

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?

Louis Vuitton-- Makeup case

There it is on top!

Like princess and the pea!

OMG-- I really am coveting that makeup bag- my granddaughter would love it!

I do not have a granddaughter yet- but she will love it- it is an investment- it will NOT ever go out of style- it would look great beside my vanity to hold my hairdryer and such--- just to show it off!

New Camera

Finally, I am getting a digital camera- I know just a few decades 'out of style'.
I am just a little technophobic- and also a tad 'cheap' when it comes to electronics-- silk drapes make perfect financial sense to me- expensive electronics that always drop in price by 70% the day after I buy them- not so much!

So, finally getting the camera, can hook it up to computer and start supplying you my wonderful friends, with original images of some of the cool places here in Edmonton! Video too--- great for restaurants, and some of the shopping places, cooking and gardening ideas-- and soon how to fix the drip in your bathroom faucets!

Decorating hits and misses, the places to splurge and some of my favorite haunts on the places to save. We all need to save- while splurging on our homes and ourselves!

Bamboo sheets and silk duvets!

AH the true feeling luxury!
After such a long hard cold and simply vile winter it was finally time this morning to change out the flannel sheets and feather filled duvet for the summer look!
Simple bamboo sheets- wonderful silky feel, like a 1000 thread count cotton- but very soft (you do need to iron them if you want a nice look) --- bamboo sheets are so cool in the summer! AH, then the silk duvet- covered in 100% cotton high thread count duvet cover, and I am set for the warm summer month! (no sorry I hoped to say months but here in Edmonton not sure if we are going to getting monthS of summer!

Also, for those of us going through that awful mid-life menopause thing- bamboo sheets will be part of your saving grace! Just give them a try.... and while this blog is not about mid-life women- it is supposed to be about wonderful design and
"sinsperational living" ---- (it is my blog and I change the rules whenever I want) ... If any of my readers out there know of a great doctor interested in a new patient for bio- identical hormone therapy........ or simply a good understanding doctor that will accept new patients with this particular 'ailment'... please let me know!

I have a great doctor- but a younin male who simply does not seem to understand this craziness. Also the hormones they jack you up with are, in my opinion, bad. Pregnant mare urine--- (Who comes up with this stuff?)These horses are held in cages their entire lives, much like bad puppy mill situations-- and the 'urine' just makes us women fat!
Nope- there has to be an alternative, that will let me sleep..... in a dry bed! Not swell up like pre-period days, allow me to have energy,---------- and oh----- they the doctos- jump you up with premarin and then anti-depressants! AGHHHHHHHH- come on guys-- a little balance with the hormones will work just fine!

Maggie Walt Spring Fashion Show! YAHOO!

Maggie Walt Design Presents
Spring/Summer 2009 Collection
Fashion Show
Sunday May 31st
11217 Jasper Avenue

Maggie unveils her wonderful new seasonal collection Sunday May 31st.

The cost of admission is $10, with tickets available only in advance. All proceeds from the tickets are donated to the just-one organization in Nepal which works with the street children of Kathmandu to get them off the street, into school and back with their families.

We are very excited to have this season’s show feature live musical accompaniment by the very eclectic trio of Anna Beaumont (vocals/keyboard), Martin Kloppers (electric cello) and Dwayne Hrynkiw (percussion). It’s going to be a good one.

We encourage you to purchase your tickets soon as there are a limited number available. Just drop by the store, or have your credit card handy and give us a call at (780) 482-1238.

Noon - Doors Open
Refreshments, snacks and shopping.
1:30 pm - Fashion show.

I am a cheater!

http://www.chocolateexquisite.ca/
chocolate exquisite
11238 104 Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
780-488-7852


I am/was in love with Bernard Challebaut chocolates for years----- I have strayed a few times for a certain Pear truffle from Cafe Daville- but now I think I am going to have a full blown affair with a new love!


Chocolate Exquisite! YUMMY- just had some of these given to me for my birthday and they are the MOST devine ever!


They use no preservatives and I am seriously going to have an affair!

HEY HEY Sale at overstock

http://www.overstock.com/

Check out the link above-- and the coupon!
And the price on the bamboo towels and we all know how much I love bamboo towels!
Enjoy- these are the best-est towels EVER-- and the sheets are so nice for the summer-- and - if and when you go through the horrid menopause stuff-- these bamboo sheets will be your best friends! Luxurious and cool!

container living

With this long exagerated winter, the falling economy and my son finally just about ready to go off and flee the nest- I have been indulging my mid-life crisis life!
How did I get stuck here in Edmonton? Don't get me wrong- normally I love this city but this winter has me examining my thought processes!
Why are I still here- where can I go? No money, snow, getting old- husband grown and gone- kid just about grown and gone!
So, I have been checking out the cheaper shores of South and Central America-- and then housing!
How about living in re-purposed train-car container-- or 3 of them?
Sound wonky but some of these are pretty cool. Have not found the one I want yet- but maybe- gosh I will just have design my own!

colour trends for 2009

Hmmm!

Unlike recent years, there is no one color that is dominating the interior
design world in 2009.

Due to the eco-chic movement in recent years, we have
seen fresh, bold greens making their way back into our
homes. Green continues to be popular but with a
stronger yellow base. Soft pale blues make way for
stronger hues such as indigo and sapphire.
For those who prefer a warmer palette, orange continues
to be hot with a spicier undertone and yellow, specifically
saffron is on the horizon. 2009 sees bold colors like purple
and coral paired together for unexpected hits of color
against a neutral backdrop. And while brown and beige
continues to be popular, grey is the neutral of choice this
year.
Combine charcoal with saffron for a bold statement in a
powder room or a soft silvery grey with lilac for an inviting
guest room. And while cool metals are still dominant,
warm metals are very much on trend.
Bronze continues to be a popular alternative to chrome
but expect to see more aged or brushed gold finishes in
2009. This is not the brass of the 80’s! It is a more sophisticated
look that pairs well with both traditional and
contemporary design. There are so many choices with
color this year – what’s your favorite?
Christine Pandur, CID, CCIDA
Certificate Interior Decorator

Mice in the house!

Mice- I have mice! Or more correctly I had mice! That was my holiday season!

Opening the linen drawer in my kitchen one morning I discovered- shaved pepper? No! All over my tea-towels- ughhhhh!

Glancing down at my 8-year-old pure black (ex) tomcat I was a tad dismayed to find out for certain he was not earning his high-end no ‘no-name brand’ cat food! This is the cat- my now ex-husband advised me to get years ago when I had a mouse problem as he- my ex- worked out of town and was in no way one to be counted on to empty mouse-traps.
“ Get a cat. Not a kitten. Go to the SPCA and get a old tom-cat” He was not one to say ‘an old tom-cat’. “Not some stupid kitten that ‘ill take months to work – a old tom-cat- used to eating from garbage cans.”
So- I did. A scraggly medium hair- matted black eight-month-old tomcat. A stray and not from the high-end part of town from the looks of it! Well as the song goes ‘Uptown came downtown for me’ or something of the sort.
The scraggly ‘ex’ tom-cat—now has the most luxurious long mane of pure black hair- will not eat anything that does not carry a brand name and comes out of a vacuum packed pouch! The last I checked live mice do not come in vacuum packed pouches and I have seen my cat ‘play’ with mice in the backyard in the summer- so that says it all!
I have mice- mouse- or mouses! Not sure about the plural part- but one for sure!

Since the cat does not work- and my dogs are both scared of mice- think-think- think. What to do?
Poison? Not a good idea. I have two small dogs plus the cat if they eat a poisoned mouse I will have a vet bill- if I am lucky-and I don’t need that on top of everything else. Plus- what if the mouse ‘passes away’ somewhere like behind my fridge? Ughhhh- nope!
Okay- traps. Great idea. Who is going to empty them? ME? Not very likely and my wonderful 80 something year old neighbor I could not think of asking him again. (He did offer the first time around when I got the cat)
So- more solutions……? I know ask the ‘Elf’. I am lucky I have an elf that is great for most everything- my mother.
Around wine one night my mother, a couple of her neighbours, and I thought about the mice problem.
“There are these great traps- the mouse goes in- stays in- like a little box then you can just throw out the whole thing,” Offered one friend.
I was ‘in’ for the super- duper make a better mousetrap!
So- ‘Elf’ goes shopping (I actually hate shopping) and can’t find the ‘super-duper make a better mouse trap’.
Elf: “ I have these things – they give of a high sound thing and scare the mice away. Want to try one?”
Me: “Sure”
That night I find time to drop by my mother’s after work (they do have secrets to get us to go see them) and pick up magic electronic mouse device.
Reading the directions we discover this magic device works best when used ‘with’ mousetraps’. Yikes!
I bring the ‘magic device' home, plug it into the outlet closest to the linen drawer and ‘Elf’ goes out the next day to buy traps.
Now, I have traps in all the secret places – like my linen drawer--- have caught no mice and it appears I have no mice!
Seems like the magic electronic ‘mice keeper- awayer’ device works!
Now on to better things- like renovating that bathroom! Or maybe I need new kitchen cupboards--- and linen drawers first?

sexy city summer gardens

Sexy City Gardens

Creating a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city, on a small balcony or in a postage size backyard, has never been easier or more dramatic! The newest design concepts for our interior spaces has been extended to our exterior space as well.

Drama, large-scale excitement in a small space. Similar to the stunning look of an oversized mirror in a small living room, we are seeing large-scale containers on small outdoor living spaces. One singular grande and bold statement piece creates an instant focal point on your deck or patio.

Large-scale drama! We have ‘de-cluttered’ our homes and the time is here to simplify our outdoor spaces as well. Choose one large dynamic piece, one you may think demands a more lavish or grande space than you have room for. Plant the one large pot- preferably one with height- with an arrangement of tall common grasses that are in garden vogue for the past few seasons. The look is simple and dramatic!

Texture is another one of the basics we use inside and it should be considered when we accessorize our outdoor spaces as well. Mixing smooth finishes with rough ones create visual interest while also maintaining a consistent colour theme that will unify the space. Imagine a rough textured black matt container filled with large swaying grasses, delicate white blossoms cascading toward the garden floor beside a high gloss metal table and chairs upholstered in a soft fabric.

Creating a wonderful quiet oasis outside your own backdoor or on your high-rise patio deck also brings the drama inside. Place your ‘vignette’ within view from your most used interior spot if at all possible, adding interest to the inside space as well as alluring your guests to relax outside. This simple arrangement will also create visual interest during the long winter months.

Diane Kroker from ‘EarthTones Garden Shoppe’ explains great garden design is always in the scale and she is seeing more and more of her customers shyly eyeing the large generous sized containers. Diane explains the largest mistake she sees in petite outdoor living spaces is too much clutter, “ Too many small containers, knickknacks, tiny flowers and plants, just too much for the space.”

Creating a visually interesting outdoor space need not only be intriguing during the summer months, man-made plants have come a long way! Faux greenery is not what it used to be!

Placing a ‘man-made’ cedar in a proper-scaled container creates intrigue and comfort all year long. You get what you pay for here, most of the new ‘faux cedars’ you would not be able to tell they were not ‘nature made’ unless you actually touched them.

Speaking with a manufacture’s agent about the growing popularity of these ‘plants’ she explains the quality is much better then in earlier years. The faux versions require no watering and unlike true cedars who cannot over winter in our climate, in containers, these one do very well surviving our cold winters.

“I put a couple beside my front door a few years ago. I am not home much so watering and caring for plants is not an option for me. These cedars actually looked better after the first year, I got leaves tangled up in them, they got a little touch of dust and dirt on them and they actually look more real with the ‘patina from real life’.

Creating instant drama has never been simpler or more dramatic than now- one plant, faux or natural- and the dreariness of your simple balcony can be banished forever.