Finally...

OK, so it's mid-February and this is my first post of the year. Really where does the time go!?! Well, I might have the answer, for me at least it goes to my two kids. Between diaper changes, playing cars, laundry (only after 9pm on weeknights!!!) and generally keeping the house together my time is limited. However, I did receive a new lens for Christmas, so I've been taking photos of the kids. Here are the latest shots. Enjoy!

My latest subject...

Wish List...

For now, I'm setting aside my desire for photography and focusing in on baby gear. I'm days away from delivering my second bebe and since I've been home since mid-September I've had the time to create a list of baby gear whether they are "Needs or Wants".

We already own one Stokke chair, but a second is a must. Not once have I seen Tate tip this chair and he's a typical boy with the never ending climbing! The not-so-new Tripp Trapp version is brilliant as it has a high chair style seat called The Baby Set for children as young as 6 mths. Now, the only thing I need to decide on is colour - White, Black or Grey?!?!!?

Even though we don't know the gender of the baby it hasn't stopped me from coveting the latest Stella McCartney collection created for babies & kids at The Gap.

The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Active Organic not only functions well but it also looks good. We are also considering the Ergo Baby Carrier as we love the versatility, even though we didn't have much success when Tate was a baby maybe the second time around will be easier.

We are constantly correcting Tate from saying, "I want...", so I really shouldn't say this but I really WANT the next two items!!! Normally we ask Tate to add the items to his "wish list" so I'm going to do the same, but if anyone is talking with my husband please mention the J. Crew website!!!

Both the Timex Military Watch and the Campo Bag are classics. Now, I know neither can be classified as baby gear, but thought mentioning a few things from my "wish list" never hurts!!!

Holding onto Summer Florals

Spending the next 3 weeks on bed rest has made me reflect on the summer. A few months ago I photographed a beautiful bouquet of Ranunculus, which I absolutely love. Every time I head to the Ave & Dav flowers shops and they're available I always walk out with at least 3 bunches. Having flowers around the house (even if you have to buy them for yourself!!!) always makes a difference.

Patio Furniture Makeover

It’s only been 2 ½ years since I purchased my patio furniture but I finally found some time this to do a little facelift.  When I purchased the furniture not all the pieces had been painted the same colour and really needed to be updated from the odd blue grey. I guess I was waiting for the right product to come along. 

Well, along came Rust-Oleum Universal and as soon as I realized it covered ironwork and plastic I knew I found the perfect product.  The seat strapping is made of plastic but the rest of the furniture is ironwork, so I needed a product to work with both materials.  And to make this product stand out even more, it comes in a spray application so all it meant was a non-windy day and drop sheets over the lawn.

 

Within an hour and 4 bottles of Rust-oleum Universal later the job was complete. The clean spray application was perfect (no messy clean-up of brushes, etc.) and as long as you kept on moving the paint applied smoothly - I haven’t found a drip yet!

 

For approximately $55 I managed to transform my patio furniture.  I’m so happy with the results, now all I need to do is transform my backyard – inspiration below!

  

Joy von Tiedemann, as seen in the July 2009 issue of House & Home magazine

She's Back....

If you haven't seen it yet you must pick up the Summer '09 issue of HELLO Canada magazine (it's on the newsstand until September). There is a fabulous article on Cobi and it's so exciting to see her back in the spotlight! The article features her lovely PEI home and also gives us a little insight to her future. Now, you'll have to sit tight until July, but she will be launching her new website, cobistyle.com - "I feel I have something to say in the world of design and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to express that," she says, "It's an attitude about lifestyle that's missing from the marketplace. People are generally too stressed - they're not enjoying the process of decorating. Your home should really be the place where you feel your best, that reflects you and brings you joy."

Welcome back Cobi!