Hudson's Bay Ottoman

I finally got around to opening my December House and Home magazine the other night,and fell in love with this Rustic Retreat

Love at first sight!

They had an ottoman covered in a Hudson's Bay blanket that has me searching Ebay and other sources to find one just like it...I can't find anymore pics of this cabin online but I did find this image from google :)

gotta get me one of these here thingys

I love this trapper bag....oh oh I found it here

Going home now to look at my magazine again and try to win me a blanket (I am the highest bidder so far..)
I am pretty sure I could recover an ottoman with one or two of these babies (I being Jen)
It just figures I sold one for only $50 about a year ago,now that I see what they go for I am kicking my....
Happy Tuesday glued to the TV night!
Natalie

Rustic meets Modern meets Shaker meets PERFECTION!

The best of all worlds is found here

incredible architecture

take me away!

wood & white true love

fabulous floors!

I would never leave this room!

open concept,lofty feeling!

simple,clean and comfortable

MMM Shaker + Barn + Cottage = Eclectic Heaven!!!Even I would cook in this kitchen!!!

I could be happy the rest of my life in the Guest House

how do I get on the guest list??

ok seriously how perfect is this place?????
This rustic paradise envelops all my most favourite things(saltbox,barn,log,cottage,shaker,and minimalist)and makes them work under one roof! All they need is a moose head over that fireplace to complete my dream!!
I would love to see some exterior shot,thank you Style at Home you've done it again!!!
Natalie
..
U

Cabin Fever

 It is a rare occasion when I get to stay home ALL day,(and be a couch potato)and I loved every minute of it.
I watched CityLine,Nate,and sadly a City TV special coverage of a fallen Police Officer,who lost his life in the line of duty and leaves behind a 2 yr old son and a wife. He was honoured by over 12,000 Officers who marched through Toronto. I was glued to that from 12-4.It was heart wrenching.
I barely got off the couch except to shower,make tea, and let the dog out.
LAZZZZZZY

yes the Peanuts Gang is put away,but that stack of magazines is still waiting to be read,mmm tea

I find we spend so much time,energy and money ON our homes only to spend very little time IN them.
I managed to move a large and very heavy cupboard out of my daughters room and into our upstairs sitting area to use for more linen and towel storage :)but other than that I didn't accomplish anything. I didn't contribute in any way to the gross national income, but I was home when my kids walked through the door :)

I read (drooled over) Elle Decor

and
Log Home Living (February)

check out 13 more pages of breath taking tours here
What's life without dreams right?
It's back to reality tomorrow but not before catching

 Dear Genevieve and  Sarah 101followed by Pawn Star's and American Pickers(our new favourite show!)

I hope you enjoy a day to do nothing soon! Most people want to get out of the house with "cabin fever"..I prefer staying IN the house!!

Natalie

..

U

Playing Hookie in Port Hope

Yesterday my long lost friend Rhonda kidnapped me and we went to a quaint town a few east of ours called Port Hope (although we did consider pulling a Thelma and Louise and heading to Montreal to surprise another long lost friend or three(Bessy,Roxanne&Danielle)
Isn't Facebook  a wonderful thing? This incredible social  network has reunited me with so many people that otherwise I would only wonder about...I hadn't seen Rhonda since 1989!!(she was almost due to have her baby and I was 3 months pregnant.)
We had a lot of catching up to do but picked up right where we had left off. Her son Darryl was born in May 1989 and my first born daughter Jaclyn came along that September. We only lived one town apart but managed to miss out on each other and on our kids growing up together :s
Back to the day trip...we made it to three antique shops (she talks a lot ;) then stopped to have a drink and snack and chat at the nicest pub called Beamish House (oh and there was a mini fashion show at a thrift shop along the way..scored a fishermens sweater for $3 which makes a perfect prop in my "Mantique" section of the shop.
The first shop we went to was Christopher Stuart Antiques,then we hit Hinchcliff & Lee and last but not least Smith's Creek  
(wait till you see the gift she gave me)
Here's a peek at some of the fun we had...and the beautiful things we saw!

I fell in love at first site with this old store counter turned island

the back has been painted a nice shade of  Robin's egg and hosts ample storage ..yup I think I should own it..or at least a good friend, that happens to be renovating her kitchen this spring should have it! Therefore I could enjoy it at her place :)

perfect for cereal boxes,cases of water,pop or other large kitchen items that you (never use)want to hide..such as the blender,popcorn maker,deep fryer,pots n pans..are you sold yet???I should work on commission here!

the end panel

How do I love thee,let me count the ways...even better it is a pair of club chairs from Paris

loved this too..good thing we didn't take my truck

now how incredibly beautiful is this piece of butternut???

I really dig these industrial carts as coffee tables,might have to get me one of those babies!

Forget the wine?never!

highly recommend the nachos(the Mike's cranberry lemonade was pretty yummy too)

leaving town..thanks for the inspiration Port Hope,we shall return

what a gorgeous store front..Rhonda loved this place

The cream of the crop is here!

Have a goodnight!
Natalie

Winter is for the birds, I mean dogs!!!

This morning the GTA got a winter wake up call. While I prefer to sit with my morning caffeine,in front of the fire and Breakfast Television..the dogs had plans of their own. Paul was out plowing since 3am so it was MY duty to get them up and out!
They crack me up, running around and around the yard,burying the tennis ball and pouncing on it,face first!
How can they not feel the cold?? They don't put on boots or coats or mitts..but just blast through it like it's nothing..while I stand shivering on the deck in my pj's and coat,boots. Although I was freezing had to grab the camera and get some shots of them...

the chase was on

I love this one,Buster's face is covered in snow..too cute

back inside sitting nice waiting for his treat!

Sunny,such a good sport

have a great day!
Natalie