Friday, May 30, 2014

Fabulous Friday: Wool vs. Synthetic?

Happy Fabulous Friday everyone!

Any plans for the weekend? We don't have any major plans which is really nice. We're looking forward to playing, getting things done around the house, maybe zipping up to the cottage and hanging out.

Do you have a room in your house that needs some love? Why not add an area rug. Finding that perfect rug can bring your space from ho-hum to oh-so-fabulous! I've talked to you about choosing the perfect size rug for your space but sometimes it can also be challenging to decide whether to buy a wool or synthetic rug. Here are a few things to think about...
Source: Pottery Barn


Wool: Wool has been around for ages; in fact it is one of the oldest textile fibres out there. Wool is a natural fibre and dyes easily to create an endless range of colours.  Persian and many Oriental rugs are made from wool and are extremely soft to the touch.

Synthetic: Synthetic fibres are machine made. With advances in technology, synthetic fibres can imitate wool fibres and gorgeous, detailed rugs can be made that were typically reserved for handmade wool rugs.
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Budget
This is a big one. Wool rugs are typically going to be more expensive. It’s the real deal. Each wool fibre has a three dimensional spiraling crimp which gives it natural elasticity. It essentially bounces back into place like a miniature spring which means wool will last for eons.  Synthetic rugs, can look just as gorgeous, but have a much shorter lifespan. 
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Traffic
Where do you plan on laying your rug? How much traffic will it be getting? Do you need a rug inside your foyer or inside the door to the backyard? Or, are you looking for something in your master bedroom or living room? Wool rugs are soft and luxe, you may want to lay a synthetic rug in areas where traffic will be at an all-time high in your home and opt for the wool rug in bedrooms and living rooms.

Spills, Spills & More Spills
If you are a family with small children or pets, cleaning up stains are likely part of your everyday routine. However, how stains come out of rugs is an important thing to remember when deciding between wool or synthetic.  Synthetic rugs are typically easier to clean as they come with various stain resistant options. For example, many synthetic rugs are made to repel stains using Teflon and other materials. If a spill goes unnoticed, it would leak into the wool and stain the fibres permanently; whereas it is likely the stain would come out of synthetic rug.  Also, wool sheds, but don’t fret! This is a natural process that occurs in wool and the more you vacuum the rug, the less shedding will occur over time.

Lifespan
As discussed, wool and synthetic rugs have different price points. It is common to have both types of rugs in your home to meet your needs.  Splurging on a wool rug will not only give you a gorgeous rug but it will last. There is a reason that your grandmother has had the same rug in her living room for 40 years. It’s likely that they only used their living room for entertaining as well, the quality of the rug allowed it to be a permanent feature in the home. Synthetic rugs will not last as long as wool.  However, with technology, synthetic rugs have greatly improved and can be a stunning way to make a room look oh-so-fabulous. Synthetic rugs might not last the test of time but they will provide a significant impact in a room and if taken care of, will stick around for awhile.

If you see a gorgeous rug , then sometimes it just has to come home with you. When looking at the rug think of traffic, budget, cleaning, lifespan but also how much you love it. Sometimes it comes down to knowing and loving the product. It might be that the soft feel and luxe look of the wool stands out to you, or that you are looking for a rug that you can change each season. Wool and synthetic fibres provide you with so many options to meet the lifestyle of your home and needs. In the end, the rug you choose will transform your space into something fresh.fabulous.sophisticated.

Keep it Beautiful.
Alicia

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Wednesday Yummies: Yogurt-Spiced Chicken with Grilled Tomato Kabobs

Hey everyone!
 
Thank you for being so understanding the past few weeks. I know I’ve been MIA. With returning back to the office full-time, training for a marathon and losing my girlfriend Robyn, I’ve been totally consumed emotionally and physically.  However, I'm ready to get back into it and looking forward to chatting with you all again. This weekend is a busy one. We have the Great Glebe Garage Sale on Saturday (always super fun!) and I’m running the Ottawa Marathon on Sunday. Yikes! As you know, I love to run, but training for a marathon is a job in itself. So, I’m looking forward on scaling it back a bit after this weekend. Phew!
I do have a yummy recipe to share with you today. It's from Canadian Living. I haven’t made it yet, but HELLO…doesn’t it look good? My girlfriend Lisa made it and she said it was oh-so-yummy  and really great for a weeknight meal. I’m thinking it also looks great to serve up to friends for a casual barbecue.  Thanks for sharing Lisa!
 
Yogurt-Spiced Chicken with Grilled Tomato Kabobs
Source: Canadian Living
 
 
What You Need:
  • 1/4 cup 2% plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion cut in 3/4-inch chunks
  •  
    What You Need to Do:

    In shallow dish, combine yogurt, 1 tbsp of the lemon juice, ginger, tomato paste, garlic, 1-1/2 tsp of the garam masala and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Add chicken and toss to coat; let stand for 15 minutes. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

    Meanwhile, combine oil and remaining lemon juice, garam masala and salt; set aside.

    Alternately thread tomatoes and onion onto metal skewers.

    Place chicken on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning halfway through, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, about 4 minutes.

    Meanwhile, add skewers; grill, turning 4 times and brushing with oil mixture, until onion is slightly softened and tomatoes are slightly charred, about 4 minutes. Serve with chicken.


    Definitely let me know if you like it!

    Keep it Beautiful.



    Monday, May 12, 2014

    I'm a Mom...And a Runner

    Hey everyone,

    I'm sorry I've been a little MIA that last few weeks. This weekend we celebrated my girlfriend Robyn's life and I will miss her dearly. Thank you for being so understanding and all of your kind words of support and prayers.

    In honour of Mother's Day yesterday, I have something fun to share with you.  Most of you know that I have a passion for running and in two weeks will be running my 4th marathon. 

    The Running Room Magazine was so kind to post this article about me and why I feel running makes me a better Mommy.  Feel free to take a peak.  Just click here.

    What fuels your soul? What is one of your favourite things to do that clears your mind and keep you strong?

    Keep it Beautiful.


    Monday, May 5, 2014

    A Beautiful Soul

    Good morning everyone,

    I wanted to tell you about my beautiful friend that we lost last night. Her name was Robyn and she was a beautiful soul in every way.

    Robyn and I met in 1998 on residence "move-in" day at Queen's University. With her gorgeous welcoming smile and friendly attitude, I know the girl from Ottawa and I were going to hit it off.  Four years of living together at Queen's was just the beginning of our journey together. University were some of the best days of our lives. Robyn, Julie, Andree and I travelled as a pack. We lived out of each other's pockets, studied together (Robyn always at the 11th hour before the exam ;) partied together....oh my the parties! cried together, laughed till our sides wanted to bust, ate poutine at 3am together and are the best of friends. We were know as the "334 University Ave" girls.  I didn't have a biological sister but Robyn and the girls are my sisters. Since 1998, we've all been married, had babies, bought houses and grown our careers.  One thing that never changed was our love for each other. We truly are bonded in a powerful way.


    Robyn was a fighter in so many ways. She not only fought her disease with guns ablazing but loved sports and had a strong competitive streak in her. However, as soon as the game was over, the competition was over and she was lovely Robyn.  Robyn was the epitome of beautiful and most of all selfless.  She would give you the shirt off her back and never thought twice about it. Her acts of kindness were just that. Kind and always wanted everyone to be happy. Even in Robyn's last days, she was thanking the nurses and everyone around her for their help. She was pure love.

    Robyn was 35 years old, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a hero. I'm honoured to have been her friend and with her in her last days on this earth. Now her soul has been released into the universe. Robyn touched so many people and forever we will carry her with us. Soar with the angels my sweet friend.

    My dear friend Robyn, you kept everything beautiful.

    So long my friend,