Weekend Reading
Weekend hellos! Forgive me for a late post this Sunday, I was attending a dear friend’s 40th birthday party yesterday and celebrating her entry into this decade of life! I feel like my forties have been my best years so far and it’s nice to have close friends joining me! I used to be afraid of getting older but recently I cast that fear aside and decided to look at life with gratitude instead. I’m grateful for good health, a loving family, amazing friends, and more wisdom in my ability to cultivate real relationships, set boundaries, and achieve balance. I wouldn’t trade any of it to be younger! What would you say are the greatest benefits of growing older? Favorite links: Nicely done: the staging in this home by TomKat Studio. I love the modern touches in this Melbourne home decorated in black and white. Spring cleaning: 20 spaces not to forget. Hmmm is this really true? The oldest child is the smartest child. How emotionally intelligent are you? Comfort food in an Instant Pot: spaghetti and meatballs. So inspired by progress made by the Michael J. Fox foundation. Travel tip: take pictures of your Airbnb before you leave. . Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/weekend-reading_14.html April 14, 2019 at 04:38PM
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OUR EASTER BUNNY!
This is Ludo my favorite bunny. Hand screen printed bunny, perfect for kids rooms. Our best selling birch wood tray and our beloved cushion featuring Ludo the bunny on one side and his friend the Maximilien the magician on the reverse. Do the dishes on Easter Sunday with the colourful bunny tea-towel & be rewarded with a cup of tea in our fine bone China mug. via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/our-easter-bunny.html April 12, 2019 at 06:37PM
Financing Your HVAC
Installing new heating and cooling systems in your home can be a daunting process. There’s a lot of choices to make, it’s labour-intensive, and the upfront costs can be challenging to pay. These factors can make it less appealing to purchase a new heating or cooling system, which is problematic, because newer systems will actually […] Originally Published Here: Financing Your HVAC Via Provincial Heating & Cooling - Winnipeg Manitoba Canada - Feed https://www.provincialheating.ca Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/financing-your-hvac.html April 11, 2019 at 01:40PM
The Impracticality of Hardwood Flooring
My absolute hands down favorite flooring choice for a home is real wood, even more than engineered hardwood. I love the look and feel of real wood in a home, in family rooms, bedrooms, anywhere. Real wood has the warmest look and a softness underfoot that tile and vinyl can’t really compete with. But today I’m sharing my tale of woe regarding my hardwood floors, specifically in my kitchen. My kitchen addition was eleven years ago and I at the time I chose more traditional style cabinetry. If I was doing it again now I’d go with a different cabinet style like Shaker and quartz countertops not marble but that’s not the point. The focus today is on the hardwood flooring, more specifically, it’s impracticality in kitchens. Because I’m a lover of consistent flooring throughout downstairs community spaces, when we added this kitchen to the house eleven years ago I opted to continue the hardwood into the space for seamless flow. The truth is that over time we experienced water damage in this space on several occasions, first where that French door access has to the courtyard, next under the sink and dishwasher, and this month, under the icemaker. I’m not alone in this experience, my parents chose hardwood for their new build fifteen years ago and when their icemaker leaked a huge section of the flooring had to be replaced at great expense. I’ve heard other stories of water damage from friends and clients too because hardwood flooring’s greatest foe is water. Ever since I refinished my hardwood floors in a dark stain a year and a half ago I’ve been anxious about any water that spills on it, whether it’s from the dishwasher or the pet bowl or any moisture spill at all. Aaaaaand just last month, the icemaker started leaking and now look what’s happened to my beautiful floors… they’re buckling from moisture and I will need to have these boards replaced. This wood runs under under the cabinetry which means the cabinets and countertop next to the fridge have to be removed to adequately repair the floors. UGH.
I have a client with a full house renovation right now and she also wanted hardwood in her home and for it to flow into the kitchen. When she asked what I thought I said to her “hell no!” Hardwood is great for foyers and living rooms and bedrooms and home offices or in any space where there’s little danger of water damage. However, hardwood is a terrible choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements and if you install it in those spaces, you’re asking for trouble. Thankfully in these modern times we have really good alternatives that look just like wood! I’m still in love with the wood look porcelain plank flooring in the Las Vegas fixer upper … and I really love the look and feel of the luxury vinyl plank flooring in my upstairs studio rental (seen below). So the two best and most practical choices for kitchen flooring are tile and waterproof luxury vinyl, and if you love the look of wood these days you can get it in those materials. (There is also the option of polished or honed cement flooring for those who like the modern or industrial look.) But never ever ever again would I install hardwood floors in a kitchen. If you disagree tell me why! Do you have hardwood floors in your kitchen? Have you experienced water damage or have you been able to maintain them over time? . Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-impracticality-of-hardwood-flooring.html April 10, 2019 at 05:40PM
Brushing Up on Chimneys
As a child, I was always confused about how Santa got through the chimney. Here was this small metal tube on the top of my roof, and Santa, who I heard was enormous, was finding a way to fit through the thing! The problem would be even more confusing for today’s children; many homes don’t […] Post Source Here: Brushing Up on Chimneys Via Provincial Heating & Cooling - Winnipeg Manitoba Canada - Feed https://www.provincialheating.ca Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/brushing-up-on-chimneys.html April 10, 2019 at 11:40AM
15 On-Trend Circle Bags
via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/15-on-trend-circle-bags.html April 09, 2019 at 05:40PM
Bold Colorful Bathroom Tile
There’s a bold blue subway tile at my local Starbucks that I’m in love with and I have to touch it every time I stop inside for a coffee. Bold colorful tile is a major commitment but when it’s the perfect hue in the right space it makes an incredible statement. Have you noticed how wall treatments are trending away from all white and more toward the dark and dramatic? The look can be achieved with paint or wallpaper, but I give a virtual high five to anyone who goes all the way with a bold color tile installation in a bathroom as a backsplash behind a vanity or bathtub and inside walk in showers. Blue and white is timeless as is a classic subway installation, find the adriatic sea tile pictured in this space at Fireclay Tile.
Glossy navy blue is a sophisticated choice and the vertical installation feels fresh.
On a slightly smaller scale the beautiful blue tile in this niche is perfect paired with a contemporary wood vanity and brass accents.
All shades of blue work well in a bathroom especially ones similar to bodies of water like shimmering turquoise or glossy aquamarine. This backsplash appears to be panels cut to different sizes (not tile) and painted a matte blue, but a similar effect could be achieved with large scale navy tile like this cut in an abstract geometric arrangement. Hexagons are another classic geometric shape, these complement the wood frame window nicely.
Olive and moss green have been trending for a year, green is a hue that adds an organic feeling to any bathroom.
This glossy green tile is striking with brass fixtures, don’t you think? I love the skinny tiles installed in a vertical stack bond formation.
Mossy greens are more subtle like the autumn tones in nature. I don’t think I’d ever choose brick red tile for a bathroom, but this vertical offset installation is well done.
Pink bathroom tiles are making a comeback, for the ultra brave go all out with a hexagon installation like this!
A dramatic look can be achieved by choosing black tile instead of color, made more beautiful when paired with white and wood and brass.
Black zellige tiles are imperfect by nature of their creation, the variations in the tiles adds inviting texture.
If a dark or intense color tile on the wall is too much for you, I offer these alternatives… consider it on the floor instead. When tile colors or patterns are underfoot, they’re more subtle.
… or try a a softer hue but in a larger scale stack bond format like this contemporary installation. You might also like: creative tile patterns with basic shapes or patterned tile + bathroom vanity combos. Are you a fan of bold colorful tile in a bathroom? What color would you choose? Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/bold-colorful-bathroom-tile.html April 08, 2019 at 06:53AM
Seaside Adventures in Sydney
G’day friends! I was in Sydney, Australia in January with my brother and we had an amazing time! It was my second visit to this vibrant city and I got to explore some areas I didn’t see my first time around. Sydney is so full of life with so much to do and see and eat and plenty of water views, great beaches, and good eats! My brother Nate and I haven’t traveled together in over a decade due to family and work obligations, and time had flown by way too fast, so we decided to visit our ex pat Australian cousins but first make a stop in Sydney. The city is spread out around the multiple beaches, bays, and harbors, but it has efficient public transportation, so we found it easy to get around via bus or ferry. Here’s where our three day adventure took us! Harbour WalkNo visit to Sydney is complete without a stroll around the Circular Quay with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. At the Quay, you can take any number of ferries around suburbs and beaches of Sydney and the major cruise ships pull up right here.
The iconic Opera House is stunning from every viewpoint by land and water. Designed by a Danish architect who won an international competition, it’s so beautiful in person! Up close the tiles on the sails form a gorgeous geometric repeat.
If you walk around the Opera House, you can head straight to the Royal Botanic Gardens and then straight back to the harbour or into the downtown area. At night the Harbour and Quay comes alive so take a walk around in the evening too. We did not have good food there (it’s a touristy place) but it is a nice stop for a beer or glass of wine along MacQuarrie street on a balmy night where you’ll often find live music and city light views.
Bondi Beach & Bronte Coastal WalkBondi Beach is world famous for its surf and Icebergs, a public pool right on the south edge of Bondi Bay. It’s cold but it’s worth the experience! Rent a towel and take a dip, it’s not to miss and one of our favorite highlights!
Stroll up and down the promenade along the parking lot to see the artistic murals. Along the street promenade you’ll find all kinds of surf shops and quick bites, but the best is at the north end of the bay, the Bucket List is a great stop for great appetizers and fish tacos.
Tip! An easy way to get to Bondi and also see the sights of Sydney is to book a 24 hour ticket on the hop-on hop-off bus, you’ll get a feel for the layout of the city and it drops you off and picks you up at Bondi Beach too.
While at Bondi Beach, we walked the seaside path to Bronte that I read about and discovered yet another ocean side pool and took a dip there as well before walking back to Bondi, it’s a beautiful hike along the ocean, I highly recommended it!
While in Sydney, you’ll definitely want to get out on the water and the ferry system makes it easy. From the Circular Quay you’ll get water views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and can take off for different beaches, bays, and Sydney suburbs.
Manly BeachManly is a popular destination, I visited on my first trip to Australia a few years ago. You’ll find charming cafes and shops and gorgeous beaches too! Easily accessible by ferry and worth a day trip!
Rose BayAnother quick ferry trip, this bay has a few great restaurants and lovely area to stroll, it’s here you can watch the seaplanes take off and land.
Darling HarbourI visited Darling Harbour on my first visit to Australia, it’s good if you’re traveling with kids, the Aquarium other family friendly activities are there.
The Rocks NeighborhoodMy brother and I stayed in the oldest neighborhood in Sydney, The Rocks, a neighborhood full of history with great nightlife. The first convict settlement began here and there are walking tours you can take to learn more, and you can walk under the Harbour Bridge where open markets are often held. From Observatory Hill you’ll find a panoramic view of the city!
The Rocks district is only a 6-7 minute walking distance to downtown and the Circular Quay so it was the perfect location for exploring by day and also enjoying nightlife too!
Our Notable Food & Beverage StopsThe Glenmore is a popular place in The Rocks with restaurant below and rooftop bar above, it has views of the Opera House, be sure to pop in for a bite and a beverage during happy hour!
Republic Hotel & Taylor’s Rooftop – a social scene in downtown with a restaurant and pub on lower levels and relaxing rooftop bar; this is a popular spot for lunch, after work cocktails, and weekend DJs. Catalina Rose Bay was recommended by a reader, it did not disappoint! Reachable by a quick ferry ride to Rose Bay from the Circular Quay, this restaurant has beautiful water views and uniquely prepared seafood which made for a splurge worthy lunch, plus you can watch the seaplanes take off and land while you dine. Icebergs Bar – casual yet elegant, a great place to have a glass of wine or beer and watch the surfers on Bondi Beach from a few stories up. Bucket List – very hip with a colorful eclectic interior, with great appetizers and beers on Bondi Beach. The Doss House is an underground bar with sandstone walls in The Rocks neighborhood that has a colorful history. If you’re a whiskey fan, it’s a worthwhile stop! Munich Brauhaus is a ton of fun with a lively beer drinking crowd, an entertaining oompah Bavarian band and really great German style food.
Kansas City Shuffle – find creative and savory concoctions in The Rocks neighborhood, the avocado toast with egg and brisket waffles —> yum! There’s a walk up window or sit down and relax to enjoy their unique breakfasts or an excellent lunch. Creperie Suzette – a tucked away French bistro in The Rocks, we had such delicious savory breakfast crepes we came back a second day! Fish at the Rocks – a local favorite, fresh seafood and wine in a boutique setting. ____ If you’re a first time visitor to Sydney I’d recommend at least three days, preferably four, you’ll want to explore the beaches and bays mentioned and stroll the historic The Rocks neighborhood. I raise my glass to the Australian people and their welcoming nature! Everywhere we went, bars, hotels, restaurants, the locals were soooo friendly and social and the talk always turned to the comparisons of our two countries. Australia and the USA have many similarities, a few differences, but one thing is true, the more I travel the more I realize that good people are all the same regardless of geography or culture.
I can’t wait to return again someday. :) What are your favorite places in Sydney? . Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/seaside-adventures-in-sydney_7.html April 07, 2019 at 02:52PM
Minimalist Fireplace Design
We’re closing in the spaces in my client’s home in San Francisco, and as a new addition, I suggested we add an electric fireplace on her blank family room wall. She didn’t want to go through the hassle of adding a gas line, and since modern electric fireboxes mimic the look of a gas fireplaces, and take up just a few inches of wall space, I had her contractor frame one for her.
Traditional wood burning fireplaces or vented gas versions are often designed with a hearth or a mantel which guarantees they’re the focal point (and major heat source) in the room. We modeled my client’s new fireplace after more modern looking versions that are recessed in the wall and lack a mantel altogether. A shallow floating console below will hide her internet and electrical boxes. Her new electric fireplace is across from her sofa and she intends to hang her flat screen TV above, similar to this style:
Today let’s take a look at other minimalist modern fireplace designs. As previously mentioned, they often lack a hearth or mantel, but I love their contemporary appeal. I like how this framed version allows for a niche inset for a dramatic piece of art above.
This fireplace box has the additional trim which frames it nicely and is also paired with large scale artwork.
When wall space allows, adding built in shelving to one or both sides allows for decorative objects and functional storage too. That stone surround is subtle but beautiful!
And speaking of slab stone installations, how gorgeous are these floor to ceiling installations? Wow.
sources unknown
This design incorporates a dramatic angled large scale stone tile which draws the eye up. Striking!
While not an electric fireplace, this plaster fireplace surround is very minimalist in its design, I find it calming yet it still holds the room’s focal point.
I had big plans to build myself a DIY small electric fireplace surround for the winter months at my studio but never got around it, and since spring is near I put it off until next season. I did find some DIY tutorials online, so if you’d like to add the ambiance of an electric fireplace to your home and a moderate amount of heat and only steal a few inches from the wall, bookmark these tutorials!
DIY electric fireplace – Chris Loves Julia
DIY electric fireplace – Kismet House
I’ll share my client’s family room space and new fireplace wall when complete. How about you? Have you installed an electric fireplace in your home? What do you think of them compared to vented gas versions? . Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/minimalist-fireplace-design_7.html April 07, 2019 at 02:52PM
Seaside Adventures in Sydney
G’day friends! I was in Sydney, Australia in January with my brother and we had an amazing time! It was my second visit to this vibrant city and I got to explore some areas I didn’t see my first time around. Sydney is so full of life with so much to do and see and eat and plenty of water views, great beaches, and good eats! My brother Nate and I haven’t traveled together in over a decade due to family and work obligations, and time had flown by way too fast, so we decided to visit our ex pat Australian cousins but first make a stop in Sydney. The city is spread out around the multiple beaches, bays, and harbors, but it has efficient public transportation, so we found it easy to get around via bus or ferry. Here’s where our three day adventure took us! Harbour WalkNo visit to Sydney is complete without a stroll around the Circular Quay with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. At the Quay, you can take any number of ferries around suburbs and beaches of Sydney and the major cruise ships pull up right here.
The iconic Opera House is stunning from every viewpoint by land and water. Designed by a Danish architect who won an international competition, it’s so beautiful in person! Up close the tiles on the sails form a gorgeous geometric repeat.
If you walk around the Opera House, you can head straight to the Royal Botanic Gardens and then straight back to the harbour or into the downtown area. At night the Harbour and Quay comes alive so take a walk around in the evening too. We did not have good food there (it’s a touristy place) but it is a nice stop for a beer or glass of wine along MacQuarrie street on a balmy night where you’ll often find live music and city light views.
Bondi Beach & Bronte Coastal WalkBondi Beach is world famous for its surf and Icebergs, a public pool right on the south edge of Bondi Bay. It’s cold but it’s worth the experience! Rent a towel and take a dip, it’s not to miss and one of our favorite highlights!
Stroll up and down the promenade along the parking lot to see the artistic murals. Along the street promenade you’ll find all kinds of surf shops and quick bites, but the best is at the north end of the bay, the Bucket List is a great stop for great appetizers and fish tacos.
Tip! An easy way to get to Bondi and also see the sights of Sydney is to book a 24 hour ticket on the hop-on hop-off bus, you’ll get a feel for the layout of the city and it drops you off and picks you up at Bondi Beach too.
While at Bondi Beach, we walked the seaside path to Bronte that I read about and discovered yet another ocean side pool and took a dip there as well before walking back to Bondi, it’s a beautiful hike along the ocean, I highly recommended it!
While in Sydney, you’ll definitely want to get out on the water and the ferry system makes it easy. From the Circular Quay you’ll get water views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and can take off for different beaches, bays, and Sydney suburbs.
Manly BeachManly is a popular destination, I visited on my first trip to Australia a few years ago. You’ll find charming cafes and shops and gorgeous beaches too! Easily accessible by ferry and worth a day trip!
Rose BayAnother quick ferry trip, this bay has a few great restaurants and lovely area to stroll, it’s here you can watch the seaplanes take off and land.
Darling HarbourI visited Darling Harbour on my first visit to Australia, it’s good if you’re traveling with kids, the Aquarium other family friendly activities are there.
The Rocks NeighborhoodMy brother and I stayed in the oldest neighborhood in Sydney, The Rocks, a neighborhood full of history with great nightlife. The first convict settlement began here and there are walking tours you can take to learn more, and you can walk under the Harbour Bridge where open markets are often held. From Observatory Hill you’ll find a panoramic view of the city!
The Rocks district is only a 6-7 minute walking distance to downtown and the Circular Quay so it was the perfect location for exploring by day and also enjoying nightlife too!
Our Notable Food & Beverage StopsThe Glenmore is a popular place in The Rocks with restaurant below and rooftop bar above, it has views of the Opera House, be sure to pop in for a bite and a beverage during happy hour!
Republic Hotel & Taylor’s Rooftop – a social scene in downtown with a restaurant and pub on lower levels and relaxing rooftop bar; this is a popular spot for lunch, after work cocktails, and weekend DJs. Catalina Rose Bay was recommended by a reader, it did not disappoint! Reachable by a quick ferry ride to Rose Bay from the Circular Quay, this restaurant has beautiful water views and uniquely prepared seafood which made for a splurge worthy lunch, plus you can watch the seaplanes take off and land while you dine. Icebergs Bar – casual yet elegant, a great place to have a glass of wine or beer and watch the surfers on Bondi Beach from a few stories up. Bucket List – very hip with a colorful eclectic interior, with great appetizers and beers on Bondi Beach. The Doss House is an underground bar with sandstone walls in The Rocks neighborhood that has a colorful history. If you’re a whiskey fan, it’s a worthwhile stop! Munich Brauhaus is a ton of fun with a lively beer drinking crowd, an entertaining oompah Bavarian band and really great German style food.
Kansas City Shuffle – find creative and savory concoctions in The Rocks neighborhood, the avocado toast with egg and brisket waffles —> yum! There’s a walk up window or sit down and relax to enjoy their unique breakfasts or an excellent lunch. Creperie Suzette – a tucked away French bistro in The Rocks, we had such delicious savory breakfast crepes we came back a second day! Fish at the Rocks – a local favorite, fresh seafood and wine in a boutique setting. ____ If you’re a first time visitor to Sydney I’d recommend at least three days, preferably four, you’ll want to explore the beaches and bays mentioned and stroll the historic The Rocks neighborhood. I raise my glass to the Australian people and their welcoming nature! Everywhere we went, bars, hotels, restaurants, the locals were soooo friendly and social and the talk always turned to the comparisons of our two countries. Australia and the USA have many similarities, a few differences, but one thing is true, the more I travel the more I realize that good people are all the same regardless of geography or culture.
I can’t wait to return again someday. :) What are your favorite places in Sydney? . Via Home Improvement http://www.rssmix.com/via Blogger http://christyjesse.blogspot.com/2019/04/seaside-adventures-in-sydney.html April 05, 2019 at 06:52PM |