TGIF

Happy Friday! This week has been over-the-top busy. I've shot everything from a banana bread queen, to a festive cocktail party story, to pretty bed linens and a lovely home - an interesting variety. One thing I've realized....I need a helper/assistant to help with coordinating things. Yikes. More on that in the new year!

We're heading back to Australia for Christmas with my husband's family. Can't wait. To wrap up the week is a sample of some the festive decor I look forward to seeing on cute shops all over Melbourne and Sydney....

janis
x

Sunday Observations

Thanks to my pal NIkki for the fab train case!

What did you get up to today? Hope you had a lovely Sunday!

Back soon!
Janis

Sunday Observations

It really can snow in Vancouver. A chilly shot from an early morning walk, before the rain set in. Bye Snow.

A vintage Chinese restaurant soup bowl, makes a cute vase. 

Now for a Sunday link....I love Perch by Amy Perch. Her etsy shop is fantastic.

That's what I observed this Sunday. What about you?

Back soon!

Beautiful Colours of Australia

First let me say "Happy Australia Day"! I know it's over now, in Australia, but we're celebrating here today.

The scent of eucalyptus, and the soft pretty colours are two of my favourite things about Victoria.   Pale greens, grays, blues, gold and pink with a little rusty tin thrown in. Absolutely beautiful and calming. 

I'm feeling a little homesick for my adopted country, so I created some soft, pale floral arrangements using vases in blues and grays. Just wanted to share them with you!

 

I've been adding images to my Flickr page, so for some more Australia click here!

That's that for today. Have a lovely day all! Back soon.

janis

Christmas Decorating for a Great Cause

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of checking out the 6th annual "Homes for the Holidays" tour to benefit the Kids Help Phone, an organization providing counseling 24 hours a day to kids. If you're stuck for a Christmas gift, think of a donation to a organization like Kids Help Phone. A huge thank you to Lauren Davies for taking me on the tour. Here's a peek....

A very formal setting, designed by Red Umbrella.

All shades of white, designed by Darci Ilich of The Cross. 

Location, Carrington Stables and designed by Lin Hepner. Love that truck. 

The 4 sets of images, above, are from the home that Kelly Deck designed. Kelly and her team made the 2 different advent calendars - so cute. I want this yellow chair. Badly. 

 Last but not least, a beautiful home designed by Mandy Clark of Tandem Lanehouse Company.

Beautiful house, flowers, and all the little details. Some of the styling was done by Leo Santana.

Job well done to all the designers and volunteers that took part.  Each home was completely different, so I'm curious to know which one you like. Let me know!

By the way, I did a little tutorial over at Eat. Live. Shop. and a gift guide at PoppyTalk - take a look when you have a moment!

Back soon. Have a lovely day!

Janis

Festive Friday

I'm happy to see so many of you taking part in my give away. Merci! I'll be making the draw sometime on Monday....once I finish my baking of course.

I shared some of Nancy Riesco's home with you last week, so I thought I'd show you some more from that Christmas shoot for Chatelaine magazine.

Do you decorate your kid's rooms? I used to love my tinsel tree, as a kid, so I was happy to see one Nancy's son's room. 

 Pink and peppy for Gemma's room. Her duvet set is pretty adorable.

The family room was so inviting. Maureen Willick created a simple and pretty garland for the window. Love all the orange!

More pinks in the living room. I would love to be sitting on that chair, whilst posting. 

Have a great weekend. Back on Monday for a little baking and I'll announce the winner of the give away!
Janis

Is it too early for a little Noel?

Hope you're all having a good week so far! It's a beautiful sunny day here in Vancouver, but it all comes crashing to a rainy halt tomorrow, apparently. Oh well, it's only weather ;)

Thought I'd see if I can get you in a festive spirit, or maybe you'll just be irritated by seeing Christmas on November 10th. Hope not. Feel free to let me know.

I shot Nancy Riesco's house on a hot summer day, for this story. That's how it works sometimes - Christmas in August, "spring" vegetable garden in November. I worked with Maureen Willick (stylist), Kate Keeler (fabulous assisting) and, of course, Nancy Riesco (home owner and interior designer) on this story. You can read more in the December issue of Chatelaine, or on their website.

Pretty and sparkly pink details. 

Loved the chair with a stack of mandarin oranges.

 

 Those chairs. Adore them.

I love Nancy's mix of mid-century, new, and antique. The family dog, Ricky Bobby, is pretty great too. There are many more rooms to show you, but I'll leave that for another day....this could go on forever!

Back soon! Thanks for stopping by.
Janis