Home Decor : Teal and Grey bedroom

Thank you Pinterest! I got inspired from Pinterest with a Grey and Teal bedroom combination. To make it my own, I painted all walls a deep grey, purchased grey curtains that were floor to ceiling, added some teal accents (picture frames, pillow, throw and art work). But my favourite piece of this room is the DIY headboard! I've always wanted a tufted headboard, but not at the price! One day I came across a headboard set at Kitchen Stuff Plus that was a faux white bonded leather. It is 8 squares that adhere together and are bolted to the wall. Cost $90. 

Home Decor : Paris Inspired Guest Room

One of the top places to go on my bucket list is Paris! There is something that is alluring and captivating about this city. The closest I'be been is the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. No complaints... but one day I will visit the real deal! In the mean time I brought Paris to me! Accents of grey and pink; a big clock, status, Paris inspired pictures and candles. Also for the guest room, I including a "be my guest"  stencil on the wall.

Cost :
Pink curtains ($6)
Grey Duvet set ($30)
Paint ($30)
Pink Shelf ($40)
Accessories ($50)

Total $156

Home Decor : DIY Kitchen Back Splash

I've always wanted a stand out kitchen back splash. Ideally, natural stone or brick would be gorgeous, reality, I'm Italian and cook a lot of sauces so the idea of cleaning stone was not so appealing. But then I found it! Lowes carries this fantastic product, it is a peel and stick backsplash. All you need is a clean surface, exacto knife and measuring tape and taddaaa! A dull space is turned into a beautiful space. Also, the cost and work in comparison to the brick … well you just can't compare the two!

Cost: $160

Home Decor : Pantry

Oh the pantry! One of my pain points when I moved into my new home. I'm not sure if I was spoiled growing up by having a walk in pantry, but when I moved into my new home, my first thought was, what do I do without a pantry? The builders of the home put a coat closet beside the kitchen instead of a pantry. Project : Create a pantry!

For the first year, I placed Rubbermaid shelves inside of the "coat closet" aka "Pantry". But this soon became a huge ordeal, nothing fit and nothing was organized. I need organization! After searching and searching for ideas on Pinterest, I came across some good ideas utilizing Ikea shelves. Voila!! My masterpiece! After measuring and remeasuring my closet aka pantry, I figured out how many shelves I would need and also included a couple wire pull out drawers. The outcome…an organized and well used pantry!

Cost : $150 

Home Decor : White Tree

I am always looking for a deal, maybe I am frugal. Sometimes I window shop to get inspiration for things I can do at home. Recently I visited HomeSense (which I love by the way) and saw this amazing artificial Black and White tree for the home, however, with a price tag of $200, I couldn't bring myself to pick it up. A week later I was helping my parents clean out their garage and saw my parents had stuffed away in the back a green artificial tree. Ahaaaa! With a  little TLC, I would have my Black and White Tree! With my new project in hand, I made my list of things to pick up at Michaels (those 40% coupons are fantastic!)

Things needed: 

• Artificial Tree
• All Surface White Paint
• All Surface Black Paint
• Black Spray Paint
• Sponge applicator
• Sealer
• Rocks 

Directions: You can spray paint the tree and leaves, however, I felt also using the sponge applicator helped get into some of the crevices. Once dry, I removed the "grass" at the bottom and replaced with some rocks/stones to give it a fresh look. I also did a quick spray with a clear sealer to give it shine and seal it all in so it is easy to clean. Result: beautiful! And cost under $10! 

Home Decor : Black and Pink Powder Room

Let me start off with saying, I love Pinterest. Pinterest gives me so many ideas for home decor in my house. It helps me think outside the box and push that extra element by adding flair and personality into my home. It is the first place I go to for inspiration. I had been thinking back and forth on how to redecorate my home. I moved into my new house a year ago and have been itching to start decorating it. In a way, I have become obsessed with projects, always finding something new to do. Here I pushed the envelope. Started with a small white and beige powder room and turned into a power statement or Black and Pink. I painted three walls black and added a hot pink accent wall. Accessorized it with pink accents. All of this on a budget of $30. I waited until Lowes had their paint sale, 2 for 1, picked up my cans of paint. I had most of the pink accessories, it was a matter of finding a way to display them. Vase from the dollarstore, flower from Michaels, LED globe dollarstore. Paris soap dispenser from Kitchen Stuff Plus.

Party Must Haves : Hot Chocolate Bar

When I throw a party, I always search for a focal element or something new. Especially during the holidays, a Hot Chocolate Bar is a multifunctional. It serves as a great communication piece, is warm for those cold nights, and as well, includes lots of great goodies.

For the hot chocolate bar below, I visited my local Bulk Barn and picked up a variety of hot chocolates, cocoas and ciders. 

Beverages: 

• Caramel hot chocolate
• White hot chocolate
• Peppermint hot chocolate
• Regular hot chocolate
• Cider 
• Tea

Paired Goodies:

• Fresh cinnamon sticks
• Peppermint sticks
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips
• Simple syrups, liqours
• Crushed candy cane
• Vanilla beans
• Scones
• Cakes and cookies

Presentation goes a far way! Using mini dishes, glasses, shooters, martini glasses and trays, arrange the goodies. What's great about using the cinnamon sticks and peppermint sticks, is it gives great colour and amazing aroma. I liked to add some back lights such as a string of Christmas lights to add to the festive edge. 

Holiday Party : Christmas

My absolute favourite time of the year is Christmas. I am known to go a tad crazy during this time of year. Here's a few Christmas Parties below.

Holiday Party : Thanksgiving

There is so much inspiration for a party in the fall, the natural colours of this time of year are beautiful! Take advantage of your surrounds, bring the outside in! Oranges, reds, yellows and browns create a beautiful atmosphere for a fall-themed party or of course, Thanksgiving! 

Themed Party : 50 Year Anniversary

Happy 50 years to my Grandparents! For their golden anniversary, I incorporated gold accents for the table, cake and the expresso-cup party favours. I will post the how to for these lovely gems at a later date.

Themed Party : 25 Year Anniversary

Happy 25th Anniversary to my parents! In celebration, I threw my parents a 25th anniversary party. Add some silver accents, roses and a personal touch. I found pictures of my parents at their wedding: my dad dancing with my grandma and my mom dancing with my grandfather and blew them up a tribute.

Themed Party : Masks

I've always wanted to throw a masquerade, so instead of throwing a full masquerade party, I took inspiration and had a mini masked party, Mardi Gras inspired. Purples, teals, yellows and pinks inspired the decor.

Create your own mask:

What you Need:

• Masks (you can pick up a package of 4 at the dollar store in the party section)
• Glue
• Feathers 
• Jewels/beads/sequins 

Decide on the style you are looking for and let your imagination take off. 

Themed Party : Home Spa Day

I love the spa! But the spa doesn't love my wallet. For a relaxing night in, I had the girls come over and set the mood, by bringing the spa to us! Candles, music, mini water fountains, plants, facial masks, nail polish, bath salts and foot baths. Oh and wine of course! Fun, relaxing and great company. Recipe for a fantastic night.

Themed Party : SATC

One of my favourite shows was SATC. There was something empowering about those women. So of course, it came time to throw my own Sex and the City inspired girls night; cosmos, snacks, and as girlie as I could think of! In order to really run with this theme, I utilized mini martini glasses as bowls for strawberries, large martini glasses for snacks,  brought in pink flowers, garland, feathers, mini heels for the table decor, beads, pearls, and pink and black take out containers to hold other goodies. By as well, in centre, a picture framed with my and my girls. Love you guys!

Themed Party : Moulin Rouge

For my sister's 21st birthday party, I wanted to do something special for her. I threw her a Moulin Rouge inspired 21st birthday party. Guests arrived in Moulin Rouge - inspired attire. To set the theme, I  accented my home with red and black, feathers, balloons, red lights, snacks, drinks and music. Voulez vous coucher aver moi?

Themed Party : Murder Mystery at the Casino

The recipe for a "killer" party is setting the mood! Whenever I start planning a party, I think, what will be the 'wow' factor. Many times the result comes to one main thing, creating the right atmosphere. If you plan on hosting your own Murder Mystery party, spend the time to do research on the setting, find the right decor, the right foods and entertainment. These are key factors to help your guests relax and jump into character.

My murder mystery party was staged at a casino. So my first thought was to set up tables, create a black jack area for the dealer, create signs, glitter, music and appetizers to host the event. All of this on a budget. You will be amazed at the fun things you can find at your local dollar store or party store. It paid off. The suspect was caught! Fun and laughter was had by all, including creating a memorable event.

Welcome to my blog!

In this blog I will have various DIY projects I've completed, tutorials and inspirations. Hope you enjoy!

Diana