NETFLIX & VALUES

Can Netflix teach your kids values? Bold question really. Kids values are shaped by everything around them. As a mom, my hope is that their core values, what is deep inside them is nurtured from the beginning. At home. With their family. With their friends. However, their values will be tested and questioned as they grow. From who they hang out with to what they watch. The goal really, is to hope that nature and nurture work together to help shape their life skills.

I feel like just sitting down with your kids and watching the shows they love,  helps them feel like you are interested in the shows and that you love them too (even though sometimes I know you are counting down until you get to curl up with a new episode of Scandal). They feel connected to you. Sure, it's not the only way you should connect with your kids but it's an outlet of opportunity. Check out this cool social experience video showing teens and parents coming together over Netflix.

My kiddies are regularly watching Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh these days. There is a great episode about bullying on there. Honestly, that word makes my stomach turn. To think that your kid could experience such pain, makes my anxiety go through the roof. But, obviously talking to your kids about it, what to do and using any outlet to drill it home that bullying is wrong is crucial. Episode 6 of Home has a good lesson.

Have you watched 13 Reasons Why on Netflix yet? I haven't and I'm avoiding it. Why? Truthfully, I'm not 100% sure but I know that when I watch it, there are stories in there that are going to wrench my gut, that will leave me tossing at night. I know that it's a show that's getting a lot of attention right now because its real. Teens struggle. The struggle is real. If you have watched it, I would love to hear your thoughts. I'll let you know when I do. I need to package my babies up in a bubble. As much as I want them to be successful and eventually leave the nest...I'm also okay with having them live at home forever. Um, sorta ;)

Here is a quick cheat sheet to use. If you feel like your kiddies need a refresher on something specific or a good lesson. Check these shows out...

Keep it Beautiful.

Disclosure: I'm part of the Netflix Stream Team. All my Netflix addictions are my own and I love sharing them with you. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that support this blog.

OMG…long time no write. Where did April go? Where did the end of March go? How is it already May? Dang time moves fast. Honestly. Work, the kids, activities, and just all round life has prevented me from connecting with all of you lately. Every night I’ve been collapsing on the couch around ten, staring at my computer and telling myself that I need to pick it up and connect. Connect with my blog, write what feels good and connect with you. But, at that time of night I just don’t have it in me. But, I’m re-committing myself to carve out time. Creating that space in the week.

I love blogging. I love sharing ideas, connecting with people that love beautiful spaces, love a fabulous recipe and love when someone shows you that it can be done while living the busyness of life. I miss you. I miss sharing my thoughts and ideas and sending them out into this little corner of the internet called Keep It Beautiful Designs. So here I am. When I first started blogging, I was determined to make a go of it. And I did and it grew into something that I had dreamed of. I dutifully followed the “blogging” rules that said I needed to blog 3 times a week to stay connected to my audience. I needed to get my voice out there in every corner of social media. I needed to attend every conference to figure out how to get ahead, to have sidebar ads that would generate the traffic. So many rules. So many rules that told me what I HAD to do to be successful. However, I’ve learned over the last five years that yes, when you first start a business it is hard. It takes complete 100% dedication to lift it off the ground. However, I’ve also learned that you don’t have to follow someone else’s rules to be successful. Blogging has changed. Social media over the last five years has changed and I believe that you can choose how you weigh in.

I have created a successful business. I’ve also learned to carve out my space. My rules. Sure, there are many opportunities I have had to turn down or wanted to do with my little slice of the internet, however I also have other areas in my life that I work just as hard at. I have a full-time day job that as I climb the ladder, puts more demands on me. I have small children, a husband, extended family, friends, fitness and the list goes on. Life is busy. I know you all get it. You all have the same, similar and more demands. But, I am truly dedicated to the passion of creating beautiful spaces. There is something about decorating a room in your home, setting a gorgeous place setting or finishing off that DIY that makes my heart flutter. So, I am dedicated to continuing to share my ideas and listen to yours. You have all been so dedicated to this blog and I thank you for it. I may not blog three times a week every week but it hasn’t stopped you from connecting with me, coming back and I thank you for that. 

So here we go. I have so many things to share with you. Baby steps. First up. Taking our baby girl’s room from nursery to big girl. We also have a bathroom renovation going on as we speak at the cottage and more.

Keep it Beautiful.

NO DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

This is our girl. She's beautiful. She's feisty. She's brave. She's ours. On February 20th she had an accident tobogganing. She broke her femur. HER FEMUR! It's the biggest bone in your body and some argue the most painful to break. From the minute the break happened to 4 weeks later with her cast off, she has shown us how powerful and resilient she is. She is no damsel in distress.

Our baby girl is all things girly. She loves everything pink and purple, lipgloss, dresses and baby dolls. She also loves to play super heroes with her brothers and wants to be doing anything that they do. She declares herself as "super girl" and we love it. We love that she is girly but already, at her age, understands that she can do anything. Girls are powerful. She is powerful.

There are a lot of really bad shows out there. Whether they are geared towards boys or girls, there are bad shows directed at both. Our kids love watching shows. Really, are there that many kids out there that don't love tv and movies? We all need to be aware of what our kids are watching. Sure, each child has their own taste in what they like but I do love that Netflix offers a wide range of shows and many of them with strong female characters. 

Our girl is drawn to shows like Project Mc2 where a group of girls are working to solve mysteries and Glitter Girls - these girls are full of all things girly AND are defending the earth. Lego Friends is also a fav in our house. The girls promote creating, building and inclusion of friends. 

What are your girls watching on Netflix? Any favs? Do they make your girls feel powerful? Speaking of girl power...I'm all over Scandal. Are you? They have new episodes right now. I'm addicted. 


Keep it Beautiful.

Disclosure:  I'm part of the Netflix Stream Team.  Netflix is addictive and we all love it. I love sharing my fav shows with you and your family every month.

WHAT'S ON THE TUBE THIS MONTH!

Hey guys. How's January treating you? Can you believe it's almost done? Yikes. Honestly, I just put away the last little bit of lingering Christmas decor. It's been down for weeks but hanging around on the dining room table just begging to be organized. Our tiny storage room in the basement is busting at the seams. Ugh! We so need an organization system down there. From hammers to skates, golf equipment to Christmas. Old house = no storage. Grrr. Do you have storage issues?

In any event, during the month of January we've been watching a whole lot of Netflix. Woot! Hello...the 80s called - Harry and the Hendersons is streaming on Netflix! Classic. Our kiddies really liked it. I loved that movie as a kid. Watching it as an adult, I realized that it's not as good as you thought it was but my kids thought it was just as good as I did years ago. 

I also saw that Back to the Future is on there. Mark it down for movie night. 

The kids are going to think that car is awesome...I hope?!

Our oldest is in that stage where he doesn't want to watch the "baby shows" with his younger siblings but sorry kid, no Walking Dead for you. There is a new show called, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. 

It's based on a series of books and the sets and scenery are amazing. Super good for those in-betweeners (don't think that's a word but you get it).

Our big guy has started to check out some of the shows that are geared more to adults but are kid appropriate. He and I love watching Chef's Table (sooo good). 

Sometimes we put it on in the kitchen while we make dinner. We might be making plain 'ole noodles but he still feels like a Michelin star chef while watching and cooking.

There is another show that's new called One Day at a Time. 

It's like an old-school sitcom that brought families together with laugh out loud humour and more importantly, relevant teachable moments. If you have someone in your family that is starting to walk the line between kids and teen shows then check this show out.
 
Mr. Fix-It and I are binge watching Quantico. 

I would say the acting is not great. Well, it's okay...but we're hooked. It's the story line. Yup, it's pretty far fetched but we're liking the whole FBI trainee facing off with the FBI as a whole. Yes!

That's it folks. Happy watching. It's that time of year for all things cozy. I have a few things in the hopper that I want to share with you soon. Happy weekend!

Keep it Beautiful.

xo

Disclosure: I'm part of the Netflix #StreamTeam. Who doesn't love Netflix? I'm happy to share all the latest info every month.

UNIQUE WEDDING PARTY GIFTS!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year!

Are you settling in to 2017? Have any resolutions this year? Typically, I’m not a huge “new year resolution” kindof gal. To me, it’s too much pressure at the start of the year and six months in I usually find myself forgetting what my resolution was that I made on NYE just before midnight (likely a bottle of wine(s) in…whoops. Inside voice!).

This year, my mantra is “own it”. I’m owning my goals, owning my business desires, owning my outlook, owning my faults and owning my strengths. C’est tout. You?

On an exciting note, my brother and his girlfriend finally got engaged!!! Yup, awesome.

We couldn’t be happier. They’ve only been together for over 10 years! What? I know. When they posted their engagement pic on social media, their hastag was #pigsreallydofly! We’re thrilled, I’ve always wanted a sister and so excited for all the wedding fun. Speaking of wedding, Mr. Fix-It and I are heading to Halifax this weekend for a family wedding. So fun. It’s like a mini vacay for us. No kids. Just us. Can I get an AMEN!

With all this wedding busyness that’s been around the last few weeks, one of the random wedding conversations we had at the cottage over the holidays was about bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.  Not the easiest thing to give.  You want to give something different and something useful. I did some digging and have rounded up a few of my favourites that I think fit the bill of being different and useful.

You can find these gifts at one of my favourite online stores uncommongoods, a collection of interesting products, created by artists. They look for designers that serve a purpose, solve a problem and stun the company with their beauty.  From fabulous products for your home, jewellery, gifts and one of my fav links to click is the “under $25 and $50”. 

And of course, they have awesome gifts for your wedding party! Here are some of my favs for the guys...

1.  Scotch Infused Toothpicks - What?! Mr. Fix-It would love if he got this. Love! 

2.  Neighbourhood Map Coasters - So cool. You can have snippets of your hood on the 

     coasters. 

3.  Beard Pack - It's pretty common for many of the groomsmen to have beards. Why not 

     have those beards looking fab on the big day.

4.  Whiskey Ice Balls - Yup

5.  Custom Etched Growler

 and for the ladies...

1. Agate Coasters - The agate is from Brazil. So pretty and girly.

2. Love Birch Cuff - This bracelet is just gorg.

3. Carry-On Cocktail Kit - Just get it. No words necessary! 

4. Wishing Ball - So many wishes and what a better time to give the girls you love a place to  

    store 

    their wishes.

5. Heart Umbrella - This umbrella is just adorable and unique. I would love to get this!

Couple showers are popular and now that the bride and groom have often already been living together, they don’t need the basics to start up their home. They need fun stuff!

1.  Beer Jelly - Craft beer infused. All you need is the baguette.

2.  My Family Cookbook - This is one of my favourite gift ideas. Would be awesome if you 

     could get your hands on the couple's fav family recipes and have them made into their 

     own family cookbook. Too cute.

3.  DIY Hot Sauce Kit - Just get it. This is awesome.

4.  Molecular Gastronomy Kit - This is all the rage in restaurants. Now the newlyweds can 

     have an extra fancy dinner party :)

5.  Water Garden - This is just cool, cute and funny!

Wedding planning can have a list a mile long. If you know anyone that needs to knock gift ideas off their wedding list, I bet they will find them at uncommongoods. Don't even get me started on their kids stuff and easy DIY kits for the win!

Keep it Beautiful.

*This post has been sponsored by uncommongoods. You know how I only promote brands and products that I love because I think you'll love them too. 

Fabulous Friday!

Fabulous Friday!

How was the week? I’m not going to lie, it took the whole week to slowly get back into the groove and out of holiday time. We’ve had to really just go with the flow this week of getting up earlier, homework, lunches, getting out the door on time(ish!), after-school activities…you get it. With that...TGIF!

Wanted to share a few things that I saw this week that have caught my eye…

This video is amazing! Dread getting that duvet in the cover no more! Why hasn’t anyone shown me this before?

Need some organizing for 2015? I love whipping out the new calendar and agenda. I just ordered this fab set to organize myself.

Isn't this the coolest drawer?

Traditional Kitchen by Portland Kitchen & Bath Designers Kirstin Havnaer, Hearthstone Interior Design, LLC

This would totally be in Mr. Fix-It's dream world

Traditional Wine Cellar by Greenwich Architects & Building Designers Steven Mueller Architects, LLC

OOOH I’m obsessed with this app called Flipp.  The girls at the office told me about it. I’ve never been a price matcher because I felt like it took too much time. Not with the Flipp app. Easy. Love it. Slightly addicted. (Nope, I haven’t been compensated by Flipp, I just love it and feel like you will too. You’re welcome Flipp!) If the link above doesn't work for you, head over to the AppStore and download away!

 

Keep It Beautiful.

Cottage Living: Adirondack Chairs

Hey everyone!

Happy Friday! Did you have a good week? As you know, we've been on vacation this week and it's been amazing. Mr. Fix-It and I really needed a vacation! We've been swimming, playing, eating, boating and just hanging out. It's been awesome to be with our three minis with no schedules, no routine and just play. Heaven! Their tired bodies and sun-kissed cheeks at the end of the day make my heart melt.

Life truly is better at the cottage!  One of my fav places to sit and chat at the cottage are, of course, on the classic Adirondacks.  For real, whenever you see these classic chairs, don't they remind you of being at a cottage? Or sitting by the sea?

Adirondacks are classic, gorgeous and comfortable. I did a little "Googling" and here is what I learned. A few facts:

• originally made with eleven wooden boards
• designed by Thomas Lee while vacationing in the Adirondack Mountains in 1903
• Thomas Lee met a carpenter who needed some cash-o-la during the winter so while the carpenter was making them, he saw the value they would have to summer customers and applied for the patent. Ooooh sneaky guy.
• Adirondacks are also known as "Muskoka Chairs"...for those folks in the Muskoka area.

It's hard to think of a cottage without the classics and Adirondack chairs are one of them. They come in every colour of the rainbow. These beauties are a permanent fixture on our neighbour's dock. A perfect spot to watch the sunset with a glass of white. Can it get any better?

There is a store in Westport, Ontario called Lake Effects. They have a huge selection of the classic chair, including some that rock!

They even have them in mini size. These are our kids' Adirondacks at the cottage. They even look inviting in the rain...

 In a few hours, some of our very best friends will start arriving at the cottage to celebrate a great summer and enjoy the love the cottage brings. This is "Cottage Bash Encore".  Cottage Bash was so fun, we can't not do it again. We'll definitely be hanging out in the Adirondacks for many hours, sharing stories and bevvies. Cheers to a chair that's comfy, classic and has provided a home for people to be together for many years!

Happy weekend my friends!

Keep it Beautiful.

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,

Back to Work...Here We Go!

Hey everyone,

This morning is my first day back to work. Thirteen months ago, I left the office feeling like my return date was eons away.  Well, here I am and my third maternity leave has flown by in a blink of an eye. What an incredible year it has been.  With our two little ones being so close in age, I've really been home for almost two years in a row. 

Last week, we started to practice our new routine of getting ready in the morning, pick ups at night. It's hard. Yup, it's really hard. I love being an at-home mummy. I really do. Not only do I love being with our babies but it's allowed me to talk to you so often and not only grow my blog but my Interior Decorating business.

Yes, I feel mummy guilt, leaving my babies all day. However, I know they are in loving arms and learning so much. To be honest, they learn more at daycare then they learn with me at home ;) They sing, they play, they dance, they colour, they learn their numbers/letters, to be independent, socialize and learn how to share from an early age. While these are all things that I teach my children at home, being at daycare immerses them in it all. I have wonderful memories of my mum staying home with my brother and I, but I also believe, from being an at-home mummy and a working mummy, that children end up at the same place and perfectly well adjusted whether they are home or in a loving daycare.

So, as I trade in my lululemons and flats for pantyhose and heels this morning, I will definitely have a few tears and the ache for my babies will stay in my gut all day. But, I'm looking forward to seeing my co-workers, doing a job that I studied years to get, sitting down to eating lunch, leaning into the board room table, having the financial resources to buy pretty things and take fabulous family vacations and most definitely seeing my babies' infectious smiles at the end of the work day.

So, please bear with me. As a working mama, it's going to take a little while to juggle all the balls. Blogging to all of you is one of my greatest passions and working with fabulous clients keep my desire to create beautiful spaces alive. 

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...it's off to work I go! Wish me luck.

Keep it Beautiful.

10 Things You Need from the Dollar Store!

Hey everyone!

How was your weekend? We had a rough one. At one point, all 5 of us were down and out with the stomach bug. B.R.U.T.A.L! I think Mr. Fix-It and I washed the sheets from various beds 4 times throughout the night on Saturday. Yup, glad it's over! Hope your weekend was better than ours.

So you know how much I love the dollar store. How can you not? I go in there for one or two things and come out with bags of what? Of awesomeness! I've compiled a list...

1. Gift wrap, bows, party plates...oh my!

For real, who buys expensive gift bags anymore? If you are still paying $5 for a gift bag then seriously, you need to enter the dollar store and stock up on every colour gift bag and bow they have. Need plates for a party? Napkins? They've got it.

2. Batteries

We're always looking for batteries in our house. Always! It's hard to find a toy in this house that doesn't ring, beep or have a siren on it. They all need batteries. The dollar store will hook you up!

3. Baskets & Bins

Baskets and bins keep your life organized, tidy, clean and sane.

4. Crafts

Whether you're looking for a craft to do with the kids or you want to paint a wooden box, the dollar store has tons of options for $1 - $3. Awesome.

5. Household Stuff

Sponges, spatulas, kitchen timers...the list goes on. One of my fav items is the foil that comes in individual squares (perfect size for a baked potato)

6. Seasonal Items

Easter is coming...

7. Toiletries and First Aid

Toothbrushes, small shampoo bottles, cotton balls, band aids. Perfect spot to make a first aid kit for the car and to stock up on toiletries for your guests or vacationing.

8. Party Items

 Having a party? Need to fill some loot bags? The dollar store has tons of glow sticks, hats, necklaces...anything to make a fun costume or light up your night.  Kids love these glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces.

9. Stationary

Where's my pen? Paper, pencils, binders, folders, staples. You name it.

10. Kids Stuff

 Toys, trinkets, loot bag fillers. I definitely don't suggest letting your baby put any of these things in their mouths, but there are some cute toys in the dollar store that I call "keep them happy in the grocery store" kind of toys. I usually try to have a few of these stashed in the car.

 

What are your fav items at the dollar store? Is there something there that you always go in for? Do you have a top 10?

 

Keep it Beautiful.



*This is not a sponsored post. I just love a good dollar store and wanted to pass my love on to you.