Over the weekend, I gave a large terracotta pot taking up space in our garage a quick makeover. The old homeowners left it behind, and while I wasn't a fan of the 3D wheat, it was a nice size and weight.

Rather than get rid of it, I decided to try painting it. One coat of black paint - Sico's 'Grand Piano' - was all it took, and in 10 minutes I had a brand new planter. Hannah and I braved a crazy downpour on Saturday morning to go to Home Depot, where we picked up potting soil and a few plants - including my old favourite, lavender.

The different plant heights look a little funny right now, but give the lavender some time to fill in and start blooming (some sun would help!) and I think it's going to look - and smell - great.

What are you planting these days?

P.S. Happy 4th to all my American family, friends and readers!

This is a super exciting announcement!  I have made my You Tube debut with the lovely ladies of Every Mama Knows!  They like this little blog and wanted to interview me on my top tips for creating a beautiful home.  Very exciting and not just a little flattering.  
Every Mama Knows is all about connecting people, especially mama's, through all the things they know.   They say it best "Sharing Mum-tested tips, inspiration and product recommendations. Because we know Mums trust other Mums. Simple."  

It was such fun, we brainstormed, we wrote scripts, we filmed, drank coffee and ate cake.   
I am far more comfortable in front of the screen than on it and I was very nervous about it all seeming a bit forced and contrived, but these mama's know their business and the result is very natural and very me.  Go on, watch it yourself and let me know what you think.

So what are my top tips to make your house into a beautiful home?

1  -  If I could add one thing it would be cut flowers
2  -  If I could take one thing away it would be clutter (invest in storage)
3  -  Put art or photographs on your walls
4  -  Keep it personal, your home must be meaningful to you
5  -  Buy things you love, they always seem to go together in the end

I can tick being a on film off the bucket list, although it was such fun that I hope I get the chance to do it again.  Thanks for making it happen Michelle, Caro, Suzannah and Joel!

Pop along to the Every Mama Knows facebook page and see what they are sharing today.  And feel free to share your top tips and recommendations with them too, that's what this is all about.

I promised you this post last week, but better late than never, right? Last weekend I tried making labneh for the first time. It was so easy to make and it's delicious!

{I opted for crushed coriander seeds, lemon zest and chives}

{straight out of the fridge}

{She loves it!}

Ready to try making it for yourself? Check out the how-to here (with pictures).

{excuse the bags under her eyes - last night was a rough one!}

We've had the worst weather this weekend, but at least it cleared up long enough for a humid walk along the waterfront and brunch at The Armview this morning. Despite the bags under Hannah's eyes (rough night last night!), I had to post this picture. Yes, because of her shirt. It's a hand-me-down from one of our neighbours and I totally wish I had one in my size. Maybe next year ;)

Happy Canada Day!

I took some photographs of some new prints I designed. Oscar's room comes in handy for these photoshoots thanks to amazing light and his dresser. All of the prints are framed in Ikea shadow box frames - but instead of making them shadow boxes as they are intended I've framed them with the print right up to the glass - I prefer this look for these prints.

Did you know Ikea had 50% off their picture frames this past weekend?!! I happened across the sale by chance and flipped out. (had a "start the car!!!" moment) I loaded up my car with a ton of frames and I've put it in my calendar that the sale happens around this time so maybe next year I'll be more prepared. (So do the same!)

(Ps., the Beaver and the Moose look ridiculously cute when hung together as they face one another.)
P.p.s - Happy Canada Day!