Give the Gift of Sleep

When I was a kid, I loathed getting practical items as gifts.  If there were socks under the tree, or underwear in my stocking, I just wasn't enthused.  I wasn't even a super demanding kid - I'd have preferred no gift.  These days I'd love if someone would buy me some quality wool socks or comfy underwear.  I don't even want to admit how many of my Smartwool socks have holes on the bottom that my Mom has kindly darned.  As an adult, I am never moved by holiday commercials with expensive diamond gifts because as much as I love jewelry, for that kind of outlay of cash, I'd prefer a dishwasher that actually washes dishes or a lawn mower that mows...

If you're shopping for anyone who is old enough to vote, and lives on their own, I have the best recommendation: give the gift of sleep!

We've all read the stats: we sleep about 1/3 of our lives - or we should, anyway, if we're doing our best to get an adequate number of zzzzzz's in a night.  That's around 230,000 hours!  Way too many people I know are logging those long hours on 30 year old mattresses and flat, sad pillows.

Even though I'm loving sleep on a new mattress, I've realized that my pancake pillow is ruining the full experience.  Sometimes it's a hassle to pick out something new like that, though - I wish someone would do it for me (and wrap it with festive paper while they're at it).  But Hubby and I decided to do the adult thing and choosing brand new pillows - so we can start 2018 refreshed and rested - is high on our list of things to do.

Wouldn't you want to gift someone with that amazing feeling?

Unless you've recently won the lottery, I doubt you can buy everyone you love a new mattress (although you can score a queen for under $600 at Sleep Country Canada - and they sell their own brand of handy-dandy mattress-in-a-box with free shipping), but you might want to consider starting your year off with a dreamy mattress that will help your mind and body rest.  You can shop online by brand, by size, or construction - or you can try them out in store.

A cozy duvet is one of those expenses so many of us keep pushing off the list of things that we deem important to buy (guilty).  But it's so essential to a good night's rest!  There are some really high end ones that Sleep Country Canada carries, but I love the price and quality of this Australian wool and down one.  Show someone you love them by replacing their itchy, satin-trimmed blanket (you know the kind) with this:

For a smaller budget, I love the idea of giving a throw (like this neutral gingham print).  I have so many blankets in my house and I don't think I've ever complained that I have too many!  It's nice to keep one tucked in the bedroom closet, draped on the bed, a few in the living room, and of course the bunkie has some too.  I even keep one in my office in the winter, so I can bundle up on those blustery winter days when I'd rather stay in bed.

Another affordable gift that everyone can use is a new robe!  The perfect gift for winter time, when dashing from the warmth of the bathroom to anywhere else feels miserable.   

But I really advocate for new pillows!  It's such a practical gift but you can really find one for every budget and even get a really indulgent one for that special someone.  Plus, they wear out!  They get filled with creepy dust mites, flatten from the weight of our massive noggins, start to get all bunchy - it's seriously something most people need but probably haven't replaced.  And picture that massive box under the tree - points for size, right?

This Responsive Down Pillow is the perfect mix between memory foam and down, for people who want the best of both worlds. 

This PolarTropic pillow boasts two sides that help satisfy changing temperatures: a cooling ice silk yarn and memory foam for when you're warm, and on the other side a room temperature material for when you get chilled - it's the pillow designed for people always flipping it over to get that coolness.

Myself, I'm eyeing up the Polar Tropic one - so clever!  I love that Sleep Country Canada organizes pillows by how you sleep so you can quickly find the right fit, but you can also shop by size.  And you can rest easy, knowing you're giving a gift that keeps giving.

Time for a poll: would you choose a new mattress or a sparkling diamond necklace...?

This post was sponsored by Sleep Country Canada but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Decorating with Lowe's + a Peek into the Fish Room

Time for an embarrassing confession: for some reason, I have been agonizing over a clock for the bathroom since we finished renovating it!  I've scoured every local shop and big box store, and spent more hours than I care to admit scrolling online.

After all of that work, I carefully chose TWO clocks over the course of six months and neither were a good fit!  One had brass arms (how did I miss that?) and the other ended up looking cheap next to the expensive Kohler fixtures.  Both clocks found homes elsewhere in the lakehouse, but I was still clock-less in here and I NEED a clock in the bathroom.  Otherwise time feels like it stands still while I try to force some volume into my fine hair and when I finally emerge, coiffed and ready to take on the day, I've inevitably been in their 20 minutes longer than I thought I was.  Some kind of weird time wormhole exists in the bathroom (either that or I'm spending more time than I think I am, just admiring the turquoise sinks).

Happily, clock number three - the Ergo Bentwood Wall Clock, from Lowe's Canada! - actually does the trick.  You can't buy it online, so you'll have to pop into your local Lowe's to take a peek.

Just call me Goldilocks and the Three Clocks. 

From Lowe's Modern Nostalgia home decor trend collection, the bentwood frame is stained a rich hue that is close to the walnut cabinetry and the silver hands work perfectly with the brushed nickel finish I used exclusively in this renovation.  Plus it's BIG, so I feel like it's shouting the time at me and I need any extra motivation I can find to pry myself out of my cozy lakehouse. 

Now I have no excuse for being late!

Darn.

Although, speaking of clocks, I might need one in the fish room too, because that's where I'm storing all of my fabric, craft and paint supplies these days, so you know I'll lose a lot of time in there too.  I wrapped it up over the weekend so I just have to photograph it and then I can share the full reveal!  In the meantime, here's a sneak peek...

I had always pined for these Umbra Trigg Wall Vessels but had no justifiable use or purpose for them until we started decorating this odd little room.  This blank wall called out to me, but it wasn't really a spot I wanted to tuck any artwork because it's kind of hidden.  I decided three of the large wall pockets would be so cute, packed with some of our prettiest craft supplies, like these pale aqua scissors and some other gems.

You know my stance on brass, so I'm actually contemplating spray painting the metal frame a soft blue hue but I just haven't made the leap yet.  Maybe we can place bets on whether, when reveal day arrives, these wall pockets will still be brass or have the very Tanya-eqsue treatment of a blast of turquoise paint...

Any takers?

I was provided product and compensation by Lowe's Canada, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.  If you missed it, check out the gorgeous, hand waxed reclaimed wood mirror I picked up at Lowe's for my entryway.

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A Little Hallway Update with Lowe's

After moving to the lakehouse, Hubby and I tackled a ton of budget-friendly, temporary makeovers to make this house feel bright and modern - and "us" - while we planned and saved for major renovations.  I'm so glad we took the time to do those spit & polish type projects because, other than the main bathroom, all of our major renos (full kitchen, laundry room and powder room gut, new roof and siding, new fireplace and secret door, fish room to laundry room conversion, etc.) had to take a back seat to some major life upheavals.  Although I love the temporary changes we made, I have to admit that I have been feeling a strong urge to pick up a sledgehammer and demo something!  I really want to renovate - probably motivated by motivated in part by the fact that all of our appliances are failing at once - but I have to cool my jets a little bit longer.  I'm so excited that I have had this fish room makeover to work on to satisfy my need for change.

In the meantime, I've been focusing on making small tweaks to our decor.  I've been eyeing the kitchen for a little upgrade and I have been dedicated to finding some missing puzzle pieces to finish the budget-friendly makeovers we did early on.  There are definitely some decor pieces that we have needed to help make our home more functional and help some spaces feel more complete.

Luckily, I have Lowe's Canada to help me out!  They have new home decor themes and one collection - "Modern Nostalgia" - definitely has my name on it, so I brought home a few accessories that are as practical as they are beautiful, in the hopes of putting some finishing touches on previous makeovers - and satiating my urge for change!

I'm sharing the piece with the biggest impact today, but come back to see a few more peeks into the fabulously curated decor finds from Lowe's Canada.

After painting the hallways walls, trim, and doors white, upgrading all of the interior levers and exterior door hardware, we replaced all of the boob lights and even switched out the dated door for one with a more mid-century modern inspired look.  We hung up some art and added the only piece of furniture the small space can afford: a little hand carved stool.  Most recently the floors were painted, along with the kitchen, but there was still a missing puzzle piece: a mirror!  

Whenever I wanted to fuss with my scarf or check my lip gloss before heading out the door, I'd either run back to the bedroom to use the full length mirror in there, or dash through the laundry room to the half bath and use that mirror. 

I had forgotten what a wonderful thing it is to have a mirror by the door!  Plus the hallway can be a little dark at times because even with the wonderful windows, our exterior door is often sheltered from the sun thanks to our carport.  So this Columbia Frame mirror helps bounce a little light around.

It's a beautiful addition to the space, adding warmth to my cool color palette of blues and whites.  It's made from solid reclaimed wood with a hand waxed finish, which adds a lot of gorgeous texture and interest. 

After I ordered it, I was worried it would be too chunky or too rustic, but although the diameter of the frame is very substantial in size (31/5"), it still feels delicate.  Plus I just love how the hand waxed finish plays on the lakeside vibe with its driftwood feel.

In my city, Lowe's Canada took over a lease at one end of our shopping mall and that's where the BEST parking is, so I always park there and slowly loiter my way through Lowe's to enter the mall.  I am so excited that Lowe's stocks beautiful home decor in addition to renovating supplies because I love browsing the aisles but I'm not quite ready to start appliance shopping or picking out tiles yet!

Soon, though, soon...

I was provided product and compensation by Lowe's Canada, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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My Plans for an EPIC Driftwood Sculpture + Other Creative Driftwood Decor Ideas

One of my goals in life is to make a massive driftwood sculpture, inspired by the talented Heather Jansch.  Her driftwood sculptures are so captivating, I can't stop thinking about them: 

Photo Via

Instead of a horse though, I'd like to erect a massive Komondor sculpture in my backyard, inspired by this sculpture of a Puli in Hungary:

 

(As an aside, how amazing is it that there is a sculpture park in Budapest celebrating the nation's dog breeds?  I've never been more proud to be Hungarian!) 

Instead of lumber painted black, I plan on using driftwood, which I think mimics the cords of the typical Komondor so perfectly.  So my newest hobby is collecting driftwood.  A LOT of it...

Earlier this year I refrained from collecting driftwood because, for awhile anyway, it was protecting our eroding shoreline, but then one day it disappeared.  That's the nature of driftwood I guess, it drifted away...right toward our neighbor, who burned it all in a massive bonfire.  Dude, you had enough for two horses, where are your priorities?  I started collecting it late in the season and soon the lake will freeze, so this is definitely long term project.  But I have still been dipping my hands into icy water to add to my growing pile.

Meanwhile, I've been collecting beachy ideas for driftwood decor that don't require quite the epic haul - plus some pretty pieces to just buy (because sometimes that's just more fun).  ALL of these ideas and DIY tutorials are much easier than my DIY idea (I honestly have no idea how the heck to make a massive Komondor sculpture, but that's a problem for Future-Me to sort out).

Here Are My Favorite Driftwood Decor Pieces:  

This dreamy driftwood and clay spoon is handmade by Fall for DIY and I'm obsessed with it's earthy, natural look.  Plus it looks so easy to make!

This Etsy shop makes the most gorgeous driftwood pieces, like this mirror and coffee table (which is seriously inspiring some ideas of my own):

I actually spotted a driftwood mirror at the IDS back in 2012, not realizing that I would ever find my dream home on Lake Superior and develop a craving for all things beachy.  Tutorials abound on how to make these but I don't think it's too complicated (famous last words). 

A little chalk paint in some watery hues really complements this easy peasy driftwood art so beautifully.  I love the scale of this piece (from Sustain my Craft Habit). 

This driftwood wreath is another cool take on beachy, driftwood art.

I love this driftwood table lamp because it has such graceful lines.  A knock off could easily be made by hacking a really simple, inexpensive lamp by affixing some driftwood pieces...



A few years ago, Sarah M. Dorsey knocked out two AMAZING DIY driftwood tables: this Target hack and also this herringbone coffee table.  It is absolutely dizzying how much work went into making these two table - you have to click over and take a peek!

If DIY isn't your jam - or you just don't have access to driftwood - this driftwood and brass jewelry stand (available through Etsy) is a great way to bring that beachy feel inside.

If my sculpture doesn't pan out, maybe furniture would be fun!  I am so inspired by these massive, organic hunks of driftwood turned into furniture - like this glass topped coffee table or this glass topped driftwood table:

Because I first planned a horse, I hauled out a few large, curved root pieces but with my sculpture plans changed, I love the idea of making a driftwood table with glass top with those random pieces.  If I changed the top to something less breakable, it could be an outdoor table instead.

Big Fab Designs, an Etsy shop, makes such stunning wall art made from wood, including beautiful driftwood.  The weathered wood with the vibrant hues is such a striking contrast!

These DIY driftwood boats from Alisa Burke are so pretty - I love the swirly blue sails and it looks like such a fun and easy craft project, I think kids would love making these.

There are so many beautiful ideas for using driftwood, but these are my favorites right now!

I've never really gone too "coastal" with my decor, staying away from anchors and seahorses and opting for a watery color palette, a mix of wood tones with some driftwood greys and creamy whites, and beach glass inspired finishes here and there, but I do find myself pinning more and more modern coastal spaces these days.  If I have any driftwood left from my sculpture, I might just make a pretty mirror or wall hanging - it would look really perfect in the fish room.

P.S. If you're planning on making a little driftwood craft - or tackling a massive project - check out this post on how to clean and sanitize driftwood. 

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Unique Gift Ideas with UncommonGoods

I am so excited to be working with UncommonGoods, sharing some picks from their amazing gift guides (like the Bedside Smartphone Vase, above).  You might remember I collaborated with them a couple of years ago.  I still love and use both of my UncommonGoods finds, especially that turquoise woven basket with a handy lid!  You might have spotted it in my office makeover; it's where I stash paperwork with incriminating details that needs to be destroyed.  I love it so much that I even purchased the same style of basket without a lid for pet toys (you can spot it in this post about how I keep my house clean with two pups).  I feel good about supporting UncommonGoods because of their commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.  As a company, they support a community of artisans, designers, and creative thinkers.  They share stories behind the products and makers.  Plus they carefully curate a beautiful selection of home accessories, jewelry, and just plain fun pieces - no need to wade through a million listings to find that one piece.  EVERYTHING carried by UncommonGoods will have you clicking "add to cart".  And for my Canadian friends - they ship to Canada with prices in CAD and duties/taxes calculated at checkout, which means no hidden costs.     

Online shopping can be overwhelming, so I appreciate the carefully chosen selection of beautiful, practical, and unique items that UncommonGoods offers.  From casual work buddies to BFFs, from gardening enthusiasts to style mavens, you'll literally find something for everyone - even those impossible to buy for loved ones!  You can even find a personalized or customized gift idea or shop by interest to really find that special gift.   

Here is a sampling of my favorite finds:

This Molten Sculptural Bowl tops my shortlist because of the modern, coastal vibe.

Speaking of beachy, I love the coastal vibe of this Beach Glass Marble Pendant. I love jewelry as a gift because you don't need to worry about sizes, it can easily be mailed - or tucked nicely into a stocking - and, if worse comes to worse, it's easily re-gifted (guilty).

For the reasons above, this Waterfall Stairway Pendant also caught my eye - look at that enticing rough cut of the stones.

If anyone has, ahem, me on their list this year, I'd love this Aquamarine Pendant!  So, so pretty and my favorite color.  I promise I wouldn't re-gift...

You're going to think UncommonGoods only carries jewelry with the way I'm drooling over their necklaces.  That is just the tip of the iceberg for small gifts you can tuck into a stocking.

For the knitter in your life, this Create Yarn Bowl is such a thoughtful gift that shows you care about their favorite hobby.

Whenever I am stuck on a gift idea for someone, I give tea!  I used to work in a local tea shop and now I'm a tea snob, so I like to treat anyone I can to some fancy loose leaf teas.  This Green Herbal Tea Kit is so perfect and has such a nice presentation.

Another gift idea that is beautiful without having to worry about sizes or fit: a dreamy Hand Dyed Scarf!  It has such soft, pretty colors.

This Stoneware Match Striker is so versatile because everyone keeps matches in their homes, whether they're lighting a fire at night or just a few candles, and I'm sure everyone on your list would like to upgrade from the grubby box in which their matches currently reside.

A BRASS Plant Mister for your friend with the greenest thumb on your list - so practical but pretty enough to leave out, it sure beats the $1 plastic water can so many of us hide under the sink... If your friends are plant killers like me, don't worry, there are so many unique ideas for gifts you can give your friends to show how much they mean to you all year long.

I need this waterproof Drifter Action Speaker in my life!  This is perfect for anyone who has a cottage or loves to spend time on the beach.



This White Sailing Ship Kite is so cute, you'll be tempted to keep it and hang it as a mobile in your home.

So clearly I just created a list of things I want, with my not-so-subtle beachy/modern/turquoise theme here...  If you're trying to track down that perfect, unique, meaningful, practical yet beautiful, can't-find-it-in-stores gift, take a peek at UncommonGoods.  Happy shopping!

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