Ch-ch-ch-changes!

I'm obsessed with changing the layout of the blog! I'm also a bit indecisive so bear with me while I figure out what the final look should be :)

Talk about a work in progress!

This past weekend, Ian and I had the pleasure of joining Shimon's family at their "cottage" up near Parry Sound. I add quotations around the word cottage because the building is really more of a luxury house backdropped by acres of forest than a cottage. Shimon's parents bought the property about 10 years ago when it was more garbage dump than scenic forest. The original main building on the property is a ramshackle bungalow up by the highway where they camped while building their dream house closer to the water. Though the house is still very much under construction 10 years later, the family has now said goodbye to the bungalow and are using the new building full time. I have to say that I have never been in a space that was so unfinished yet so finished at the same time. With original art pieces hanging up on untaped drywall, antique furniture pieces in every corner and a world class stove perched atop wood blocks it was perfectly gorgeous and functional though far from finished. I don't envy then the years of work they have ahead but I must say it all seems pretty worth it when you get to sit in front of that amazing fireplace with a glass of wine surrounded by good music, good food, good wine and good friends.

 p.s. Ian caught a big fish. I caught a small (albeit much prettier) fish but there were no cameras handy to catch the magic.

Wise words from Paul Rudd in Forgetting Sarah Marshall

"When life gives you lemons, say 'F*ck the lemons' and bail"

This pretty much sums up how I feel about our newest home reno project. You see, this is not some new and exciting reno, this is patch work and Sherlock Holmes style detective work all rolled into one. Our ceiling started leaking on Sunday morning after a night of rain and now we have to a) figure out where the water is coming in and b) fix it. I pretty much just want to bail and ignore this whole turn of events completely. It'll repair by itself...right? Ceilings have self-healing powers....right?

As you can see from the image below, Ian is none too pleased.



UPDATE: The leak has been sourced and the ceiling has been temporarily tarp-ed until the fellas can patch it up. Sherlock Holmes would be proud.

Toilets

My dad came by this morning with two new toilets. One for the basement bathroom to be and one for the upstairs extension (master bedroom and ensuite). I can't believe we're actually going to have more than one bathroom. I'm getting excited!

Happy 1 Year Anniversay!

It has been one whole year since we took possession of the house. Well, technically it's been one year and 2 days. I remember getting the big news while working a shift at the store last August. After work, I walked back to our apartment on Roncesvalles positively bursting with excitement. I couldn't wait to see Ian so we could celebrate! Now we've had a year of celebrations right here in this gorgeous house and I'm looking forward to many many more. That reminds me, it's about time to start planning that backyard party!

How to go from Yucky to Awesome (Backyard Edition)

Step one: Dig some holes


Step two: Put posts and cement in aforementioned holes


Step 3: Say "Hi" to the neighbour cat (a.k.a. Tinga's new boyfriend)


Step 4: Add boards to aforementioned posts


Step 5: Plant more flowers


Step 6: Painstakingly assemble a BBQ


Step 7: Add a gate


Step 5: Find a home for the BBQ


Step 6: More flowers!


Step 7: Check out the new fence


Step 8: Start planning backyard parties!!!

But it looks so good in Portugal!!!

I have heard this argument several times in the last few weeks since we've returned from our two week vacation to Portugal. You see, Ian has been bugging me to tile the front of our house....and I keep shooting him down. As much as I love that virtually every building facade in Portugal is covered in amazing tiles I somehow don't think it would work here. Now just because I won't agree to tile our house, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the beauty of the tiled buildings that so inspired him. Here's a couple shots from our trip.







This photo is of the oldest restaurant in Portugal, The Tavares Restaurant. Waahooo Family History!