tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38770873370250765982024-03-12T22:23:46.617-04:00lisaroy - a designer obsessed with pretty things, beautiful spaces, interesting places, art and...lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.comBlogger787125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-59267725702811417522015-02-23T18:31:00.000-05:002017-01-18T22:24:19.915-05:00[ getting inspired ]<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2253361/?claim=67yq4r2hvaa">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">SO </span>anyone who follows me on Pinterest has noticed that I've been pinning a lot of art and art studios lately. I've been tossing around the idea of getting out my artist brushes again and creating some art. My guy bought me a lovely easel for Christmas and now that I've got it all assembled and my studio taking shape, it's time to get painting!<br />
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There's nothing like an art fair to get your creative juices flowing and this weekend we decided to check out the Artist Project in Toronto. 250 artists from Canada and abroad were showcasing their work at Exhibition Place and what an amazing show. Browsing through galleries is fun but there's nothing like meeting the artists themselves and hearing about their inspirations and how they've adopted their particular technique.<br />
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Here are just a few of my faves from the show...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20HZTeoh9iQ/VOucveTOlcI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/967yTqiaJto/s1600/gabriellacollier.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20HZTeoh9iQ/VOucveTOlcI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/967yTqiaJto/s1600/gabriellacollier.tiff" width="398" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gabriellacollier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Gabriella Collier</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shannondickie.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Shannon Dickie</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKMmgwKZkJ8/VOuc4wQ9LVI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/9dVu0XcaNug/s1600/samanthasandbrook.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKMmgwKZkJ8/VOuc4wQ9LVI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/9dVu0XcaNug/s1600/samanthasandbrook.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.samanthasandbrook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Samantha Sandbrook</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga5yQRZDnaA/VOuuRtQnZmI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/uIQAsYd5wNM/s1600/stephenperry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga5yQRZDnaA/VOuuRtQnZmI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/uIQAsYd5wNM/s1600/stephenperry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.stephenperrystudio.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Stephen Perry</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1vNLg1ksI/VOuUYqhAQZI/AAAAAAAAJz4/k65k7yHBt9c/s1600/IMG_4686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1vNLg1ksI/VOuUYqhAQZI/AAAAAAAAJz4/k65k7yHBt9c/s1600/IMG_4686.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.loriklassen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Lori Klassen</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oINAjq_-PbI/VOudGdzQEAI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/XyJbeHPXR0Y/s1600/juliehawkins.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oINAjq_-PbI/VOudGdzQEAI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/XyJbeHPXR0Y/s1600/juliehawkins.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.juliehawkins.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Julie Hawkins</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.karavosart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mary Karavos</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hPXnt0FfEw/VOuuGZykM1I/AAAAAAAAJ04/u-fgVDYy8b4/s1600/rickworthington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hPXnt0FfEw/VOuuGZykM1I/AAAAAAAAJ04/u-fgVDYy8b4/s1600/rickworthington.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worthingtonpaintings.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Rick Worthington</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CY5fyGO-goE/VOuuL_pi-9I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/USeDiUVFDkw/s1600/janettehayhoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CY5fyGO-goE/VOuuL_pi-9I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/USeDiUVFDkw/s1600/janettehayhoe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.janettehayhoe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Janette Hayhoe</span></a></div>
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...and here are a few more whose cards I didn't get so I don't have their contact info but I'll show you their eye candy since they're so beautiful:</div>
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What a great way to spend a chilly Sunday afternoon! I left feeling totally uplifted and inspired to get cracking on creating some art. No point letting my art school/design degree go to waste!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
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<br /></div>lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-84854074515490748012015-02-04T19:46:00.000-05:002015-02-05T15:45:19.618-05:00[ 5 years and thoughts ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dOqtc1HVtc/VNKxl4NqXGI/AAAAAAAAJyI/_EzSYYSO2Tc/s1600/via%2Bhouseofturquoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dOqtc1HVtc/VNKxl4NqXGI/AAAAAAAAJyI/_EzSYYSO2Tc/s1600/via%2Bhouseofturquoise.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">IT'S</span> incredible to think that this little blog-o-mine has been around for 5 years! It's always during these blogiversaries that I realize how quickly time goes by.<br />
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When I started this blog, I was taking my first official step away from my magazine art directing career for good. I was living as an expat in Ireland and I had decided to give up the freelance work I was doing and focus on my newly discovered handbag designing business full-time. No one could have predicted where time would lead me ~ moving to Dubai was certainly never on my radar ~ or that I would have to shelf my handbag business while there due to logistical problems.<br />
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Now that my expat days are over, I have to admit moving back to Canada has definitely been an adjustment. I had heard many times that the longer you live away as an expat, the more difficult it is to readjust to life in your home country. I didn't really believe it at the time, but after 7.5 years away and now after almost 8 months being back, I understand what people were talking about. I think it's been less of an issue for my guy ~ he's been so busy with work all along ~ but still, old familiar things have felt foreign and it's been weird discovering the changes that have happened while we've been away ~ new plastic-feeling currency, no more pennies, tv shows and movies we had never heard of, cities exploding in size with new neighbourhoods, new stores, a new stat holiday in February...etc. My brain forgets to readjust all the lingo from overseas to local lingo like pants, pop, gas, cab, cell, loonie, etc. And I've had to remind myself that this is not just another visit and I don't need to stock up on items I can't find overseas to load up my suitcases, our house is really ours and not just another rental and it's ok for me to change whatever I want.<br />
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But the biggest adjustment? I can pursue whatever I want now. I think this has had me the most stumped of all. Do I revive my handbag business or start something new? Do I go back to my old career or savour not working in an office? Do I take a course? Do I start a new hobby? What about my blog? Being an expat gave me plenty to blog about while I explored new places, new cultures, new hobbies. Now that I'm back, finding topics to blog about have felt dull and uninspired ~ hence the sporadic posts ~ and I've felt a bit like I've been floating about, unsure as to where I'm headed. I'm sure I'll eventually figure it out. I know that everyone goes through blips like this so it's nothing new. But for now, thanks for so patiently sticking around and for still popping in to see what's new. I'll try to say 'hello' a little more often! xo<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[via houseofturquoise]</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-11672583471329576312015-01-01T16:56:00.000-05:002015-01-01T16:56:48.878-05:00[ happy new year! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcgOolWh2KE/VKXAm0PzRTI/AAAAAAAAJxk/z9K5EeNUQx8/s1600/6b46abc694579a2e843c73569115b2ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcgOolWh2KE/VKXAm0PzRTI/AAAAAAAAJxk/z9K5EeNUQx8/s1600/6b46abc694579a2e843c73569115b2ba.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">IT'S 2015!</span> {can you believe it?}. It's incredible how quickly the years fly by. New Year's Day is always a time to reflect back on last year and think about how things panned out ~ did you accomplish what you set out to? Did you live the best life possible? Were you happy?</div>
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When I think back to what I knew a year ago, I never would have expected some of the things that happened to happen ~ some great, some not so great. I'm not one to make many resolutions but I hope to live 2015 as healthy as I can, as happy as I can and as kind as I can. If I can do that, 2015 will be a great year! Happy New Year and here's wishing you a wonderful 2015. I hope that everything you set out to accomplish will come true!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
<br />lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-72757693758542159132014-12-25T16:36:00.000-05:002014-12-25T16:36:52.478-05:00[ merry christmas! ]<span style="color: #e06666;">FROM</span> our home to yours...<br />
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have a wonderful Christmas filled with joy, laughter and holiday cheer!</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-20362113808830444082014-11-13T14:48:00.000-05:002014-11-13T14:48:52.529-05:00[ backsplash reveal ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">WHEW!</span> We're done with the backsplash! And I must say my guy did a great job ~ it turned out better than I expected {which is always a nice thing!}<br />
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You may remember the before...<br />
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That pinkish tumbled tile was not doing the kitchen any favours ~ it looked drab and dingy. We chose a white bevelled subway tile, a classic look that we thought would marry well with the cabinets and the Corian countertops.</div>
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Ok, here's our big secret... we tiled over the old tile! Yes, sometimes you CAN tile over tile depending on your situation. The old tile was so well adhered, there was no way it was coming off without tearing out all the drywall with it all the way around the kitchen, and that would have been a much messier and time-consuming project. {We tiled over our tile in our Muskoka place years ago for that exact same reason}. We knew that the only challenge we would face would be the trim under the windows but we had a plan for that.</div>
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We started by cleaning the old tile very well with TSP, then we planned out where to start/stop to ensure that the cuts would work well around the windows and in the corners. Then, off to the races!</div>
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Gosh, doesn't that make the old tile look so bad??!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp7HK4VaqZM/VGUDfVieRiI/AAAAAAAAJv4/RraWpId_SBY/s1600/IMG_4198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp7HK4VaqZM/VGUDfVieRiI/AAAAAAAAJv4/RraWpId_SBY/s1600/IMG_4198.jpg" /></a></div>
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While we were at it, we decided to swap out the over-the-range microwave for a new hood {which is a better idea over a gas range}...</div>
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Once all the tile was installed, it was time to grout. I love the trend of grey grout nowadays and wanted a similar look, but needed to keep in mind the colour of our countertop to make sure it worked together. So, I chose Malt which was a medium greyish brown...</div>
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Once the grouting was done, all we had to do was refasten the electrical outlets with longer screws, caulk around the edges and build out the bottom of the window trim since it was now flush with the tile. We applied a 1/4" thick piece of wood over top of the existing trim using glue and a nail gun...</div>
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...then painted it out. Good as new! {How amazing is that notched cut around the trim? - thanks hun!}</div>
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I have to say that I'm in LOVE with the new tile! What a difference it has made. I love the bevels which catch the light and add a bit of sparkle to the kitchen. Even the countertops blend in nicely now. The grout colour is just dark enough to provide contrast without demanding all the attention. A new hood and counter-depth fridge and the entire kitchen feels new...</div>
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It feels great to have this project done. Using the bevelled tile was a little tricky, both with cutting {my guy used a wet tile saw} and with joining up in the corners {flat subway tile would have been much easier} but I think it was definitely worth the time and effort. I'm certainly blessed to have a guy so handy!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-75672139026460037922014-11-07T19:32:00.000-05:002014-11-07T19:32:45.735-05:00[ bye bye tile! ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">I KNOW,</span> you've probably been wondering what's been going on around here.... well, it's got a lot to do with this...<br />
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Yup, that's our backsplash tile. You may remember when I talked about undertones when I was painting my kitchen {read the post <a href="http://www.lisaroy.ca/2014/08/hello-and-painting-kitchen.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">here</span></b></a>}...</div>
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Well, getting rid of the peachy paint definitely helped, but we knew that this tile wouldn't be sticking around for long. It looked drab and felt like it was bringing the entire kitchen down.</div>
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Today's post is just a teaser but here's an idea of what's inspiring me...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPJJmlCOLqk/VF1U5bHgFpI/AAAAAAAAJvE/RZ6wMBk_gPc/s1600/via%2Bdustjacketattic.tumblr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPJJmlCOLqk/VF1U5bHgFpI/AAAAAAAAJvE/RZ6wMBk_gPc/s1600/via%2Bdustjacketattic.tumblr.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsv6RhP8PZg/VF1VSzQ0iII/AAAAAAAAJvU/q-vhE9O9wic/s1600/via%2Btheinspiredroom.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsv6RhP8PZg/VF1VSzQ0iII/AAAAAAAAJvU/q-vhE9O9wic/s1600/via%2Btheinspiredroom.net.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love classic white subway tile. It looks fresh and never goes out of style. We considered marble tile again {I loved it in our Muskoka place}, but these speckled corian countertops are definitely dictating our choices. Though I would never have chosen these countertops, I'm not about to start replacing them ~ there's a lot of counter! So, we had to decide on a tile that would work with them instead of work against them. </div>
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Hopefully we can wrap up this project on the weekend and I can show you some Afters next week! </div>
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That's what I've got planned for the weekend ~ what about you? Have a good one!</div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[via dustjacketattic.tumbler; sulia.com; theinspiredroom.net]</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-22077700246906976452014-10-27T16:07:00.000-04:002014-10-27T16:07:08.020-04:00[ reviving a door ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">THIS SIDE</span> door to our kitchen has been crying out for a new life. Worn out flat paint, some sad looking hardware and cheap white plastic trim was not the welcome home I was after...<br />
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While I would have loved to install a new door like this...<br />
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it just wasn't in the budget right now. So time to give this old gal a new life...<br />
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I chose Behr Marquee paint in Peppery. This paint/primer-in-one is nice and thick and could have almost done the job in one coat but I put on two thin coats...<br />
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The thing I love about my inspiration door is that there is no white trim around the window. So I wanted to try to replicate that as much as possible. The window grills were encased inside the window so there wasn't anything I could do about that, but the surrounding plastic white trim was perfect for painting out...</div>
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Add some pretty new hardware and tadaaa! A "new" door! I kept the cream colour around the door frame since it matches all the trim around our windows...</div>
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I love that the plastic trim almost disappears now. I also like the contrast of the dark grey door inside the kitchen too. It helps to keep everything from looking too white. </div>
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For the cost of some paint and some new hardware, I think this door is looking pretty good now and much more welcoming to come home to.</div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[inspiration door via timelesspaper.com]</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-79417159380245758262014-10-09T10:38:00.001-04:002014-10-09T10:38:06.066-04:00[ making pumpkins ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">IT'S</span> Canadian Thanksgiving this coming weekend {it always seem to sneak up on me since it's so early in the fall} so I thought I'd better get going on a few decorations around here.<br />
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I've loved velvet pumpkins since I first saw them a few years ago but couldn't find the supplies I needed while in Dubai. So, now that we're back in Canada, I thought I would finally make a few to add to my antique dough bowl on my dining room table.<br />
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This is a very easy project and I had 5 of them made in less than a couple of hours. First, gather supplies...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">tips:</span></b> If you have trouble {like I did} finding velvets, you can use velour or low-pile fabric with a bit of a fuzz ~ really, anything can work if it's not too stiff. If you are using real stems, be sure to clean them well and bake them on a cookie sheet on low temp for a half hour or so to dry them out {or use some plastic ones from a craft or dollar store if you can find them}. The pumpkins turn out best if you use both beans {or pebbles or rice, etc} and craft stuffing to stuff them with. I used glass pebbles I found at the dollar store which I prefer to natural beans or rice if I plant to store them for future years. For glue, I used E-6000 glue but I'm sure a glue gun would work well. </div>
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Trace a plate on the backside of the fabric and cut out...</div>
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Sew a running stitch all the way around the circle...</div>
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Fill with pebbles about 1/3 and then fill the rest with craft stuffing and pull tight, careful not to break the thread {I used double thread or you can try dental floss for added strength}...</div>
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Sew hole closed by pulling edges together and knot off thread. I went one step further and pushed my needle down through the middle of the pumpkin to the bottom to create one big stitch and pulled it back up which added a cute little pinch to the pumpkin shape but this is optional...</div>
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Glue on stem and you're done!</div>
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You can make them various sizes in a variety of fabrics and they make a charming little grouping. And the best part is, they'll be ready for you again next year!</div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-46378202103901221332014-10-06T13:47:00.000-04:002014-10-06T13:47:08.087-04:00[ fireplace facelift - finally ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">REMEMBER</span> this?<br />
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Well, after all of you weighed in on whether I should paint it or not {thank you!}, I finally gave my fireplace a facelift. It's amazing what a coat of paint can do!</div>
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First, a coat of super-adherent primer...</div>
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After a bit of primer, it was already looking better! A couple coats of paint and tadaaaa! A fresh and pretty facelift!</div>
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I love how the fireplace no longer takes over the room and instead seems to recede into the wall. The room overall feels larger and brighter and the colour of the tile surround seems to blend much better with the floor and its inlay. </div>
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I think it really gives the room a similar feel to my inspiration shots...</div>
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I think I'd like to add a little bit of simple moulding detail above the fireplace similar to these lovely inspirational shots {it will also help the TV feel less like it's floating on the wall without loading the mantel with lots of accessories}...</div>
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I may not bother adding wiring for sconces, but perhaps will hunt for some candle sconces that would provide the same feel.</div>
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So what do you think? Was it worth painting my fireplace?</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-88469609853744613392014-09-17T16:15:00.000-04:002014-09-17T16:15:08.607-04:00[ seat with a view ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">PERHAPS</span> it's because I'm a Pisces, but I'm always drawn to water. There's just something so relaxing about gazing out over sparkling water. My dream is to have a home with a water view someday but for now, I'm lucky to live a block away from Lake Ontario where I can enjoy this...<br />
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I love going out for a walk and making a stop at this little park. We're having some amazing late summer weather this week and all the more reason to linger a while on my favourite bench...</div>
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I love the dedication plaque on the bench. I think someday I'd like to donate a bench to the park so more people can pause a while and soak in that pretty view. Do you have a favourite spot you like to go to enjoy a view?</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-79117005702665248732014-09-12T16:19:00.000-04:002014-09-12T16:19:57.036-04:00[ from free to fab ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">FIRST,</span> thanks everyone for weighing in on my fireplace! It's good to know that we're all on the same page ~ that baby needs a paint job! I think it will make a huge difference in the room and actually make it feel a bit more spacious since it does seem to dominate the room right now.<br />
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In the meantime, I've been working on another little project this week. Since we're using our tufted ottoman in the family room, I've been on the hunt for a coffee table for the living room ~ on a budget. I decided to take a peek on Kijiji {Canada's alternative to Craigslist}. And you can't get a better deal than this...<br />
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Seriously, a FREE coffee table just waiting to be loved! I know, it wasn't looking too great in the ad but I could see it's potential. I liked the legs, the wicker bottom shelf and the bevelled glass top. </div>
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I decided to give it a new life with Annie Sloan chalk paint. This was the first time using actual chalk paint ~ the last time I made my own {read about it <a href="http://www.lisaroy.ca/2011/12/homemade-chalk-paint-console-makeover.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">here</span></a>}. To be honest, it performed very much the same way as the homemade version. I was able to paint the entire table using only one sample pot...</div>
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I chose Pure White and got started. I didn't bother to sand ~ I just wiped it down first with a cleaning wipe. Here it is after one coat...</div>
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After a second coat, some sanding on the edges and a light coat of wax, it's done!</div>
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I love that it's the perfect size for the sofa and the glass top gives it a bit of lightness. The pure white will also look great when I dress the sofa with the white slipcover I made {read about it <a href="http://www.lisaroy.ca/2014/02/slipcover-reveal.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">here</span></a>}...</div>
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Not bad, huh? I'm super thrilled with the results and it was definitely worth the 20 minute drive to pick it up. </div>
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Have you ever scored a freebie and given it new life?</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-52572087771600653312014-09-04T17:11:00.000-04:002014-09-04T17:11:04.082-04:00[ family room before and after ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">TODAY</span> I thought I'd give you a little peek at my family room. This is the BEFORE when we viewed the house with the seller's furniture...<br />
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As you can see, their taste was quite traditional. But it's a great family room addition that they added on and the windows on three sides flood the room with such beautiful light. {It's amazing how big this room looks in these realtor photos ~ those wide angle lenses they use are deceiving!}</div>
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I started out by painting over the yellow walls with Benjamin Moore Cloud White CC-40 ~ a warm white that provides just a bit of contrast from the white trim. In some photos, it almost looks the same as the original walls but trust me, that yellow is GONE! My thought was to paint the room more of a pure white, but then we bought this new slipcovered sofa that was a bit more of a warm white so that dictated the colour {it's also the same colour I painted the kitchen}...</div>
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I absolutely love this Rowe sofa ~ what a difference from the Laura Ashley fiasco we purchased in Dubai and I didn't have to sew my own slipcover for it! Bonus!</div>
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Here is how the room looks now {without a wide angle lens!}...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD_QgSi9nQs/VAjQuP_hdLI/AAAAAAAAJn0/HmgCByUB-x8/s1600/IMG_3875.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD_QgSi9nQs/VAjQuP_hdLI/AAAAAAAAJn0/HmgCByUB-x8/s1600/IMG_3875.png" /></a></div>
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It's been fun unwrapping our things from storage and combining them with items from Dubai and a few new pieces. Those of you who have been around for a while will recognize bits and pieces. We spend most of our time in this room and so far are loving how cozy it feels, while still feeling fresh.</div>
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We picked up two of these gorgeous chairs from <a href="http://muskokalivinginteriors.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Muskoka Living</span></a> in Port Carling...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnwTBCO_bg/VAjRkEph-pI/AAAAAAAAJoM/62I068JWHVw/s1600/IMG_3886.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnwTBCO_bg/VAjRkEph-pI/AAAAAAAAJoM/62I068JWHVw/s1600/IMG_3886.png" /></a></div>
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I love how they fit in so well without being bulky, still have the slipcovered look and add warmth with the wooden frame. They're down-filled so they're super comfy. Because the sofa is big in this space, I'm glad I didn't choose the matching slipcovered armchairs ~ it would have felt too heavy and crowded.</div>
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Now we just need to address the fireplace situation. We decided to put the tv above the fireplace since there really wasn't any other logical spot for it. I think I may want to frame it out somehow so that it doesn't look like a big black rectangle on the wall.</div>
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But first, the biggest question is... should I paint out the fireplace in the white trim colour?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2wNXbn2ePc/VAjRwPt1B1I/AAAAAAAAJoc/nFtML4MBQnA/s1600/IMG_3891.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2wNXbn2ePc/VAjRwPt1B1I/AAAAAAAAJoc/nFtML4MBQnA/s1600/IMG_3891.png" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm leaning a certain way but it's always fun to hear what you think!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-72264535690710542832014-08-21T15:26:00.000-04:002014-08-21T15:26:22.115-04:00[ hello? and painting the kitchen ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">I KNOW,</span> it's been ages since I've been here! Sorry for taking so long to get back to normal life ~ moving in has been busy and I've also tried to remind myself to enjoy some of this summer and not get completely obsessed about organizing and setting things up. Summer is ticking along and we've already had a bit of a nip in the air which has reminded me that fall is quickly approaching!<br />
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We're loving our new home and leafy neighbourhood ~ I honestly couldn't have asked for more and it has made all those expat years worth it {I feel truly blessed}.<br />
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This home has a lot of nice features but one of the things I only noticed once we moved in is how yellow the entire house is! The previous owners were obviously huge fans of yellow and the entire house is a mix of various shades of yellow. I'm not a big yellow fan {I had a huge overdose of it a few years ago when the home we bought was completely yellow and the office I worked in was also entirely yellow ~ I was surrounded by yellow 24 hours a day!} Needless to say, removing some of the yellow in this home is high on the to-do list!<br />
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Today I'm going to talk about <b>undertones</b> ~ those sneaky things that can make everything look like it blends beautifully together or looks just slightly off. Case in point: <b>our kitchen</b>...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">kitchen before</span></b>:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYoPhl37X1s/U_Y_0ZJUmwI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/fwrgX1BeYSY/s1600/IMG_3749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYoPhl37X1s/U_Y_0ZJUmwI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/fwrgX1BeYSY/s1600/IMG_3749.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPPCiXuTwx0/U_Y_6Wo37CI/AAAAAAAAJhY/v18KmniCbRM/s1600/IMG_3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPPCiXuTwx0/U_Y_6Wo37CI/AAAAAAAAJhY/v18KmniCbRM/s1600/IMG_3752.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wTE6U2m3NA/U_Y_-vfCLaI/AAAAAAAAJhg/OL2dMA5Od40/s1600/IMG_3746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wTE6U2m3NA/U_Y_-vfCLaI/AAAAAAAAJhg/OL2dMA5Od40/s1600/IMG_3746.jpg" /></a></div>
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From what I could determine, the walls were painted in a colour similar to this:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRFnYBKUE-I/U_ZAOzMJEqI/AAAAAAAAJho/F1Emz0yaDvk/s1600/BM%2B127%2Bpeach%2Bpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRFnYBKUE-I/U_ZAOzMJEqI/AAAAAAAAJho/F1Emz0yaDvk/s1600/BM%2B127%2Bpeach%2Bpie.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
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{notice that the colour is a yellow with a bit of a peachy orange tone to it which picks up the tone of the wood floors and island}</div>
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Here is what the Corian countertops and backsplash tiles look like:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJSnMWdtb8M/U_ZA9fsYfiI/AAAAAAAAJhw/4TeU5cSSWiM/s1600/IMG_3798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJSnMWdtb8M/U_ZA9fsYfiI/AAAAAAAAJhw/4TeU5cSSWiM/s1600/IMG_3798.jpg" /></a></div>
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{notice that they have more of a pinky undertone similar to this colour...}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKAXoRxzPco/U_ZBKdeY3vI/AAAAAAAAJh4/8_qv9jiVUTs/s1600/BM%2Bcsp340%2Bpinky%2Bswear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKAXoRxzPco/U_ZBKdeY3vI/AAAAAAAAJh4/8_qv9jiVUTs/s1600/BM%2Bcsp340%2Bpinky%2Bswear.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is how the countertop looks with the flooring...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcN92LJ4w_c/U_ZBUV4yMqI/AAAAAAAAJiA/YMUMt0_jke8/s1600/IMG_3803%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcN92LJ4w_c/U_ZBUV4yMqI/AAAAAAAAJiA/YMUMt0_jke8/s1600/IMG_3803%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you see where I'm going with this? Instead of everything blending beautifully together, we had an undertone situation happening. And the wall colour was accentuating the problem.</div>
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<b>Time to paint!</b></div>
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I decided to go neutral and chose BM cc40 cloud white ~ almost exactly the cabinet colour...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2liGm8ZC7dM/U_ZDLLvRHhI/AAAAAAAAJiw/hx-p69lCM-A/s1600/BM%2Bcc40%2Bcloud%2Bwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2liGm8ZC7dM/U_ZDLLvRHhI/AAAAAAAAJiw/hx-p69lCM-A/s1600/BM%2Bcc40%2Bcloud%2Bwhite.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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By eliminating that peach pie wall colour, it de-emphasized the clash of the undertones...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsoy6V_NrSw/U_ZB9wGY7dI/AAAAAAAAJiI/ALyjlSQjI8Q/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsoy6V_NrSw/U_ZB9wGY7dI/AAAAAAAAJiI/ALyjlSQjI8Q/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">kitchen after:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIp_NUWg6OE/U_ZCxwPoGgI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/ihKIGW7W8JA/s1600/IMG_3835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIp_NUWg6OE/U_ZCxwPoGgI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/ihKIGW7W8JA/s1600/IMG_3835.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the freshness of the warm white throughout the kitchen {I know, looking at colours on a computer isn't always accurate but hopefully you can see the improvement}. I find that it gives it a more current look and my eye doesn't immediately jump from the peachy walls to the backsplash tile. I'm sure replacing the backsplash tile is something we'll eventually do, but at least for now, I can live with it.</div>
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So that's one of the things I've tackled since we've moved in. There are so many more rooms I'd like to paint but will get to them one at a time. Now to sit out on the patio and enjoy some of this weather! Thanks for stopping by and for your patience!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-85566948242027927642014-07-16T17:00:00.000-04:002014-07-16T17:03:12.132-04:00[ boxes boxes everywhere! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iFsb13M7R0/U8bk5K2UfvI/AAAAAAAAJhA/y5WZshOScjY/s1600/IMG_3726+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iFsb13M7R0/U8bk5K2UfvI/AAAAAAAAJhA/y5WZshOScjY/s1600/IMG_3726+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">IT'S</span> moving day! And we're drowning in cardboard!<br />
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With 3 separate truck deliveries, checking off box numbers and directing boxes to the correct rooms has me wiped out, especially when some items won't be ending up in the same rooms they came from. It's tiring trying to decipher what the Dubai movers wrote on the boxes ~ lamp covers are lampshades, office side tables are filing cabinets, soft table is an ottoman... Luckily everything is in and tomorrow is reassembly/unpacking day ~ hopefully I can find a spot for everything! But when in doubt ~ into the basement it goes!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span>lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-40978384142185879482014-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:002014-07-15T07:00:01.538-04:00[ house keys! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9ACaHiVfUQ/U8ROz1x3orI/AAAAAAAAJgw/9SvnKN4SUMM/s1600/young_woman_holding_house_keys_IS098U8OZ+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9ACaHiVfUQ/U8ROz1x3orI/AAAAAAAAJgw/9SvnKN4SUMM/s1600/young_woman_holding_house_keys_IS098U8OZ+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">TODAY</span> is the day! After spending a couple of months in hotels, we finally have the keys to our new home! Our container of furniture from Dubai will be delivered tomorrow along with everything we've had in storage for 3 years ~ gosh, I don't even remember what we've got! It's going to be a busy week but I'm so excited to start settling in to our new home and start decorating! Stay tuned!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span>lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-80281813941233576032014-06-21T19:42:00.000-04:002014-06-21T19:42:14.213-04:00[ a new home! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PlWMY0SvmQ/U6YUKd-cFjI/AAAAAAAAJfg/uPIzHVRhdr4/s1600/IMG_3642+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PlWMY0SvmQ/U6YUKd-cFjI/AAAAAAAAJfg/uPIzHVRhdr4/s1600/IMG_3642+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">WE'RE</span> excited to say that our home inspection was successful and the sold sign is now up! Now we just have to wait until mid July to get the keys!<br />
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We love this home - an original tudor-style home built in the 20's with a couple of additions added on over the past 12 years. It has some really lovely details...<br />
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Older homes always have such lovely character that is difficult to replicate in new-build homes. And the current owners have done a great job of marrying the newer additions with the older home, making even the original red brick exterior and inlaid wood floors blend seamlessly. Their love for this home is evident.</div>
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I think it will be very easy to settle in and feel right at home. This truly feels like my dream home and I can't wait to get our things moved in and start decorating! </div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span> </div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-90289501867208906332014-06-15T09:30:00.000-04:002014-06-15T09:30:03.055-04:00[ oh canada! ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">SO WE</span> landed safe and sound and pushed a bit of luggage through customs to last us until our shipment arrives...<br />
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It's been great being back to the old stompin' grounds we left in 2005. Of course one of the things on the must-do list was getting my guy a decent hotdog and we knew just where to go ~ to see Jimmy at his hotdog cart outside of the Canadian Tire store...</div>
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Jimmy hasn't changed a bit and neither have his hotdogs ~ still $2 and loaded with bonus pieces of sausage. No other hotdog cart can compare...</div>
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We've also been house hunting and my goodness, prices are just not what they were 9 years ago when we left this city! I called up the agent who sold our house back then and he toured us around to some really cute ones. There's one that really stood out amongst the rest...and....we already put in an offer!!</div>
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It's on a pretty tree-lined street...</div>
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Just a home inspection to do this week and then hopefully it will be ours! {well, in a month or so}. I didn't expect to find one that we loved so quickly ~ maybe it was meant to be? Fingers crossed it all goes well!</div>
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So that's what we've been up to the past few days ~ busy! So happy to be back!</div>
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Happy weekend! And Happy Father's Day!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-34209050792727352252014-06-11T00:30:00.000-04:002014-06-11T00:30:01.734-04:00[ goodbye dubai ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">AND</span> goodbye to expat life. It's been swell.</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
<br />lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-39534144337785840662014-06-04T07:57:00.000-04:002014-06-04T07:57:09.911-04:00[ one week! ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">I CAN'T</span> believe that we've only got one week left here in Dubai! Time is flying by and we'll be boarding the plane in no time. It's incredible how many odds and ends there are to wrap up ~ hours spent sitting in utility, municipal offices and banks to make sure that everything is closed off properly, money is wired home, letters obtained stating you owe nothing, etc. I thought arriving here was complicated but leaving is just as involved. </div>
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Amongst all this running around, it's given me plenty of time to dream about some of the little things I'm looking forward to back in Canada...</div>
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<b>1.</b> Normal street addresses ~ buildings with numbers, streets with names, giving and getting directions without having to think of a landmark</div>
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<b>2.</b> A decent hotdog, real bacon, good pizza with real pepperoni</div>
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<b>3.</b> No more bad B.O.</div>
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<b>4.</b> Walking through a mall without the heavy stench of incense burning through the corridor or people trying to spray you with perfume from every storefront</div>
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<b>5.</b> Target and Walmart ~ silly how you take these things for granted until you don't have them</div>
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<b>6.</b> Fresh fruit and vegetables that don't require a mortgage and stay fresh for longer than an hour</div>
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<b>7.</b> Shopping in a store without a clerk following 2 paces behind</div>
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<b>8.</b> No more converting dirhams to dollars in my head</div>
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<b>9.</b> A postal system that works and will actually deliver a package to me and not disappear</div>
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<b>10.</b> Customer service ~ whether in person or on the phone, someone who understands what I'm saying and can actually provide an answer </div>
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<b>11.</b> Normal driving ~ no one riding your bumper and flashing their lights for you to move, or backing up on the highway because they've missed their exit, or driving in the middle of 2 lanes</div>
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<b>12.</b> Being in the same time zone as our friends and family</div>
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<b>13.</b> Nature ~ breathing fresh air, the smell of grass, trees, 4 seasons, even a thunderstorm</div>
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<b>14.</b> Friendly people ~ a smile from a stranger</div>
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It's certainly the little things that make all the difference. And in seven days, my dreams will all come true.</div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[via laurenconrad.com]</span></div>
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<br />lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-90806083938891175232014-05-30T15:41:00.000-04:002014-05-30T16:20:00.161-04:00[ wanna buy a camel? ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">ONE THING</span> I hadn't done in Dubai was get up close and personal to a camel. I knew that before I left, I would need to cross this off my list. I mean, you can't come to the Middle East and not see a camel. But I wasn't about to go on a camel ride {like the girls in Sex and the City did} so I thought I'd try to at least snap a pic of one somewhere.<br />
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We've passed by so many camel farms on our drives around the area...</div>
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There's a famous camel market in Al Ain where camels are sold with intense haggling for meat, racing or milking {the majority for meat ~ apparently serving a whole camel for a wedding feast is a long time tradition}. Anyone can own a camel in Dubai ~ though I'm assuming they expect you to have a farm and not keep it in your villa's backyard. </div>
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Since I wasn't really in the market to buy myself a new pet, we didn't drive all the way to the Al Ain market but instead stopped at a tiny market on the outskirts of Dubai and I managed to snap a couple of pics. There was a small tent selling camel milk, etc...</div>
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and a small pen of camels waiting to be sold. The camel handler didn't seem to mind me stopping to take a peek...</div>
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I got mostly rear views, but a couple of them posed for their mugshot...</div>
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Another thing crossed off my Dubai bucket list! {And with the MERS virus floating out there right now, I thought it best to use the zoom on my camera and keep my distance ~ just in case!}</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-68358433223611886072014-05-25T08:58:00.000-04:002014-05-25T08:58:11.053-04:00[ room with a view ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">SO OUR</span> temporary digs are working out quite well ~ we're in a hotel apartment until we fly back to Canada for good in June. We've got some good views...<br />
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...and conveniently located right on the metro line for me to get around...</div>
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Of course living in a hotel apartment has its quirks... living out of a couple of suitcases is a bit of a challenge for an extended period of time ~ I think I'll be pretty tired of the clothes I've got in rotation right now. Our room has a gas stove, but the oven has no temperature controls at all ~ it's just either on or off so cooking is a bit of a challenge, but I suppose it's better than only having a microwave ~ I just need to keep a close eye on things. We've got 2 English TV channels and 3 English movie channels {the rest are assorted Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, German, French, Iranian} so TV watching is limited but there is a huge gym so being able to exercise inside while temps are 40C outside is a nice bonus.</div>
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Thanks for all of your sweet comments on our move back. We are super excited and I can't wait to have some new home buying/decorating topics to blog about!</div>
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<br />lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-48765362776717658662014-05-19T10:59:00.000-04:002014-05-19T11:10:48.940-04:00[ life's decisions ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PdjnascFnA/U3oPg5ybu-I/AAAAAAAAJbI/KkHblatpoY8/s1600/429ff44bbd00edd796506126994fea01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PdjnascFnA/U3oPg5ybu-I/AAAAAAAAJbI/KkHblatpoY8/s1600/429ff44bbd00edd796506126994fea01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">HOW OFTEN</span> have we all had to weigh the pros and cons of a major decision ~ is it the right choice? Is it a mistake? What does our gut tell us? Sometimes that's all we can go by ~ our gut. Taking a huge leap of faith that everything will work out the way we hope.<br />
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Well, we've reached that time ~ time to close the chapter on our expat adventures. It's been 7 1/2 years since we first moved overseas, first to Ireland and then to Dubai. Making that first leap was the hardest and I still remember the knots I felt in my stomach as I boarded the plane to what would be my new home for 4 1/2 years. I was excited and terrified at the same time. Adapting to a new country, trying to fit in, learning the lingo and hoping to make a friend ~ leaving behind everything familiar, friends and family, my comfort zone. I think we all imagine at one time or another what life would be like living in a foreign country and we certainly wear rose-coloured glasses thinking of how incredibly glamorous it would be. But I think only fellow expats can ever truly understand what it's really like and how incredibly difficult, stressful and lonely things can be at the same time. Living somewhere as an expat isn't like being on a holiday and while you are trying to settle into your temporary digs, life goes on back home ~ parents get older, nieces and nephews get bigger, friends make new friends.<br />
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We don't regret the leap we took ~ we have been able to experience different things and meet some interesting people. We've seen places we may not have seen otherwise {I certainly don't think we would have ever visited Dubai if we hadn't lived here!}. But we've also been on the receiving end of emails informing us of medical emergencies back home and undergone major surgeries ourselves with no support system to help us through. Those are the ups and downs of this type of life. If nothing else, being an expat has given me an entirely new appreciation for where I'm from and I'm excited to go back.<br />
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This has been our weekend ~ getting packed up and our container loaded for the slow boat shipment back to Canada. In 6-8 weeks we'll see our things again, hopefully ready to set up into a home we'll have for a while. We've got 3 weeks or so left in Dubai to tie up loose ends, do those last few things we haven't done here yet and say good-bye to some friends. But my world traveller days are over and I can't wait to be a Canadian resident again {and to shop for a home!}.</div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[via weheartit.com]</span></div>
<br />lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-74299933072288546622014-05-15T02:09:00.000-04:002014-05-15T02:09:32.276-04:00[ summer blues ]<span style="color: #ea9999;">I'VE BEEN</span> loving all the light blues I'm seeing everywhere for summer. Such a soft, pretty blue leaning slightly towards periwinkle...<br />
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I don't really have much in this shade in my closet so I thought I'd add something new for summer. I decided to start with these most comfy GAP boyfriend roll-up shorts...</div>
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Oh my gosh! These fit so incredibly well - long enough to wear straight as Bermudas, but also cute when rolled up a bit ~ such a nice change from all the short shorts I've been seeing everywhere that simply feel too young for my age. I decided right then and there that I needed more than one pair so I added some new navy ones and olive ones too. </div>
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Do you have any of this pretty light blue in your closet?</div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[via newenglandprepster.tumblr; meganpearl.polyvore.com; classygirlsdrinkchampagne.tumblr; chic-magnolia.tumblr; </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">25.media.tumblr; GAP] </span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-76466437160545505672014-05-13T07:46:00.000-04:002014-05-13T07:46:25.465-04:00[ candied pecans ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVzVcVEwhfI/U3CzpiL0uUI/AAAAAAAAJZk/A30mWAoVEjk/s1600/pecans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVzVcVEwhfI/U3CzpiL0uUI/AAAAAAAAJZk/A30mWAoVEjk/s1600/pecans.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">WHO DOESN'T</span> love candied pecans? So yummy on ice-cream or just for munching on their own. I'm currently loving them sprinkled on salads ~ can't get enough of them! These are a cute gift to give as well, packed into a mason jar or cellophane bag.<br />
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<b>what you need:</b><br />
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1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/4 brown sugar, packed<br />
1 egg white<br />
2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
5 cups raw pecans<br />
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<b>how to:</b><br />
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1} Preheat oven to 300F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
2} In a medium bowl, combine sugars and cinnamon then set aside.<br />
3} In a small bowl, whisk together egg white with 1 tbsp water until frothy then set aside.<br />
4} In a large bowl, combine pecans with egg white mixture and toss to coat well. Stir in sugar mixture until evenly coated.<br />
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5} Spread pecans evenly onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through baking. Let cool completely before serving.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span>lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877087337025076598.post-61407429893832751702014-05-10T14:11:00.001-04:002014-05-10T14:11:55.076-04:00[ road trip to al ain ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">I ALWAYS</span> love a road trip and yesterday we decided to take a drive out to Al Ain, about 120 km south of Dubai. Also known as The Garden City for it's lush greenery, it's the birthplace of the first president of the UAE and has the highest number of Emirati nationals. Weather in Al Ain is less humid making it a popular destination for many people escaping the coastal cities in the summer.<br />
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With its tree-lined streets and many opulent villas, it's a very pretty place to visit...</div>
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It's always interesting to see the traditional bits...</div>
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and the new Tim Hortons was a welcome sight!</div>
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One of the main attractions of Al Ain is Jebel Hafeet mountain so we decided to drive up it to see what all the fuss was about...</div>
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It didn't seem very big from below but driving up the 8 degree winding road was quite fun...</div>
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There are a few lookout points along the way so you can stop and admire the view...</div>
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The mountain straddles part of the border with Oman. At the foothills is the Green Mubazarrah, where hot springs gush up in little streams and form a lake ~ a popular tourist attraction.</div>
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We continued our drive up past various signs ~ not sure if they were warnings or welcomes...</div>
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... and finally reached the top.</div>
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At the top is a hotel, a private palace, a snack bar and a parking area with 360 degree views...</div>
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There were a lot of people there and some got into the weekend spirit by cranking their car stereo and dancing in the parking lot...</div>
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After admiring the endless view, we grabbed some snacks and headed back down...</div>
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We had a great day and now that the temps are hovering around the 40C range, a road trip in air conditioned comfort is a great way to still enjoy the sights.</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">lisa</span></div>
lisaroyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09201063720578870254noreply@blogger.com4