Fall Decorating with Loft Life Magazine

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The air is crisp, the tree's are beautiful. It makes me so happy to live in a place that has 4 seasons! I love to watch them change year after year.

Fall also gives me an excuse to change up our decor a bit. Gone are the flowery pillows, and billowing fabrics, bring in hand knitted throws, scented candles, and soup!





Do you change your decor when the seasons change? What are some of your favorite pieces each season?





I'm crushing on anything rustic, especially in the way of a light fixture, or as an art piece. I just have to find room for it in our condo!






all images above from Loft Life Magazine

"Effigy"

This is totally unrelated to anything on this blog, but I just had to share this AMAZING performance that I just caught via Blogotheque, Andrew Bird and St. Vincent, live.

You can watch the full clip here.

Squared?

Anyone else tired of the square plate phenomenon?

image from CB2

I guess you could set the table so that they are diamonds instead, a la Shreddies style. I think I'm preferring the organic shapes making the rounds these days, much like these from CB2 below.....

images above from CB2

Or these from Alex Marshall Studios.....

images above from Alex Marshall Studios

What's your preference?

Matthews House & Garden {via My Notting Hill}

My Notting Hill is a blog that I follow via my Google Reader. I was absolutely blown away by a shop tour that was featured on the blog this past week sent in to the blog my a reader.....the shop is in a converted church!

This shop is called Matthews House and Garden, located in Upperville, VA, owned by Wanda Crossley.

all photos via My Notting Hill blog

It's absolutely stunning, I just had to show everyone. If you are in the vicinity of Upperville, I highly suggest a visit. So pretty.

Journaling

Do you have a journal? I used to journal back in high school and college, using a simple spiral notebook that I kept hidden away in my bedroom from the prying eyes of parents. I still have my journals, and to this day I still look back on them wondering what a felt or thought about a certain event I couldn't quite remember.

Over the years, I have always intended on starting again, have bought countless journals from various sources, but I've never gotten around to starting.

THIS journal, is so much more my speed. The One Line a Day Journal that I found at the Mod Retro Indie shop today would be PERFECT for me right now.

images above from Mod Retro Indie shop

I've thought of starting a journal chronicling my moments and adventures with Addy as well, especially since 99% of my day is her. Then she can look back on them when she gets older to see what joy, love, heartache (in a good way) that she's brought to our lives. Hmmmm. I think I'm on to something here. Maybe these journals below would be a little bit more suitable to that, all from Rag and Bone. So beautiful, aren't they?

images above from Rag & Bone Bindery

Do you have write a journal? Do you consider your blog your journal? Just wondering what everyone else is doing out there, especially with the throngs of social networking and online media. Curiosity killed the cat I suppose.

A New Wreath

It's that time of year again where Halloween and Christmas are around the corner. All I see everywhere in our neighbourhood are pumpkins and gourds of all various sizes and shapes. Indian corn, pine cones, colourful leaves everywhere. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.

One of my favorite things about fall, is seeing the new and creative ways homeowners are decorating their doors. You don't see much on doors in the spring and summer months, for some reason this is usually reserved for fall and winter.

Wreaths are so traditional...usually. But some creative types are coming up with new ways to recreate the old wreath. Some are really cool, super neat, and just plain awesome!

Here is a quick collection of some wreaths that have caught my eye this year.


1. Tutu Wreath, from the Designs By Vanessa blog
2. Halloween Ribbon Wreath, from The Long Thread
3. Black Silk Flower Wreath, from Martha Stewart online
4. Bittersweet Autumn Wreath, from Martha Stewart online
5. Graveyard Ghost Wreath, from Martha Stewart online
6. Acorn Wreath, from Scribbit
7. Rolled Paper Wreath, from Craft Magazine
8. Vintage Fashion Paper Wreath, from Vintage Scrap
9. Feather Wreath, from Martha Stewart online


Do you make wreaths for yourself and others at this time of year? If so, send me a pic, and I'll try to post everyone's creations in the weeks to come! You can either leave a comment here with a link to your photo, or you may email me directly at decoraddict@gmail.com.

pi'lo

I have a treat for you today!!!! I was scouring the list of artisans that will be attending the Toronto One Of A Kind Show at the end of November this year, and I found PI'LO (pronounced, pillow), by Heather Shaw. Everything is custom, and everything is handmade. Absolutely beautiful.

all images from pi'lo

Heather was also just featured in the holiday issue of Canadian House and Home.

You can read more about Heather on her website, or her blog.

Thank You Canadian House & Home!

A huge thank you to Canadian House & Home magazine for this mention about DecorAddict!

image from House & Home

Have you checked out their site recently? They've got some great features such as photo galleries, room inspirations, DIY projects, and LOTS and LOTS of blogs of their own. Definitely worth a read, so go check them out!

AphroChic, Andrew Tanner, and Lifestyle Bazaar

I was catching up on my reader reading this morning, and noticed these amazing wall plates featured on the AphroChic blog from Andrew Tanner.

image from Lifestyle Bazaar

If you are new to the AphroChic blog, which is not new to me, you will be so pleasantly happy with your new discovery! Not your typical style blog, everything has a bit of an edge to it, which makes the tag line of Modern.Soulful.Style so fitting and so true. Definitely worth a daily read!

Now back to Andrew Tanner. Also available from his collection on LB are various other super creative home accessories. I am especially loving this wall hook.....

image from Lifestyle Bazaar

and these beautiful vases inspired by vintage wallpapers.....

image from Lifestyle Bazaar

Lifestyle Bazaar has so many unique collections besides Andrew Tanner's. This desk tidy would look fab on any creative's desk, don't you think? Or, this felt rug by Michelle Mason, or this plate from Atelier LZC.

images from Lifestyle Bazaar

Gets the purse shaking, doesn't it?

Madeline Weinrib Atelier

I'll admit it, I haven't been very inspired in the home department these days. That was until I discovered the website of Madeline Weinrib Atelier. Wow, wow, wow! Now THIS is inspiring!




I love the fabric. Ikat fabrics have been popular for quite some time now, however I love how this exotic pattern is being used on very traditional and regal furniture. Such a contrast, yet it works so well.

This reminds me, I really really really must get my butt to Morocco. Stat.


all photos from Madeline Weinrib

Divine

I recently discovered a new online women's magazine, which also happens to be Canadian, Divine. Canadian lifestyle sites are few and far between, which is partly why I started my blog last year, hoping to bring Canadian talent and resources into the public eye.



Divine not only has content on the home, but also covers other lifestyle topics such as food, health, women's issues, fitness, fashion, and so much more!

More importantly, during the month of October, Divine is having their 5th annual Scratch for the Cure Contest. For every entry in the scratch card game, Divine will donate five cents to Look Good Feel Better, a national non-profit organization helping women with appearance-related effects of cancer treatment. Such a great cause!

Divine is offering several gift packs from Yves Rocher, M0851, Microsoft, as well as many others up for grabs.

Scratch for the Cure V runs from October 1st to November 1st and to play, please visit: Scratch For The Cure

.....catching up

I have a free morning to myself today, and I must say that it's a daunting idea of "what should I do"? When my daughter is home, there is never a question of what to do, there is always something to do. Time to myself is a pure luxury these days.

I've decided that in the few short hours I have to myself, I'm going to catch up on my reading, and NO not Google Reader reading, but REAL LIVE BOOKS AND MAGAZINES! Would you believe I haven't even cracked that past 2 issued of Real Simple? Pathetic!

I'm also hoping to have a few new posts for you all today as well. I'm so excited to have the day to spend with you all!

Once my husband is home later this afternoon, we are attacking our daughter's room. It's a total disaster, and believe it or not, we never finished decorating it. Today is the first step to getting her room in shape!

I hope you are all having a great day too!

Trina


all images by decoraddict

Alphabet Bags

I just heard from Hayley & Lucas over at Alphabet Bags, aren't these the cutest? I think I'm going to order some to carry with me since the city I live in is now charging for ALL plastic bags. May as well do our part for the environment, right?

all images from Alphabet Bags

Sara Norris Photography

I had the pleasure recently of speaking with and interviewing photographer Sara Norris out of New Mexico. Sara has contacted me quite awhile ago, and amass the chaos of a newborn, I still had her bookmarked to check out.

Sara is an absolute sweetheart, I hope you enjoy our chat, and her amazing work!


DecorAddict: Hi Sara! The first question I have for you is this: how did you become a photographer?



Sara: I think was born to be an artist. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing, coloring, or doing some sort of craft. When I was a kid I would run around the house with my pink plastic camera taking pictures of anything that would hold still. I couldn't wait until I got the film developed to see what I had created. From then on I always had a camera in my hand.

I took photography classes during high school and spent countless hours in the darkroom. I was even a photographer for the yearbook. When I graduated I couldn't think of anything that would make me happier than to spend my life as a photographer and artist. I enrolled in school at Brooks Institute of Photography and graduated with a degree in Commercial and Advertising Photography. After an internship with a commercial photographer in Boston, I realized that my heart was in portrait and fine art photography.

I love what I do. Photography is my passion in life. Nothing makes me happier.



DecorAddict: I know exactly what you mean! I'm finally following my dream too, although I little bit late in life, but I'm happy to report that I'm finally doing what I love! Sara, do you have a favorite subject to photograph, or theme that you like to follow or use?



Sara: Congratulations on following your dream! Its never too late to start doing what you love.

I don't think that I consciously follow a theme, but looking at my work, I can definitely see that I am drawn to certain subjects. I find so much beauty in nature: flowers, trees, light and landscapes. I tend to photograph my surroundings and I have just recently started photographing vintage neon hotel signs. I live in Albuquerque and Route 66 runs right through the city so there are so many hotels and amazing old neon signs.

People also fascinate me. My approach to portraiture is very photojournalistic. The same old "Say Cheese" kind of picture is not really my style. I like to just watch people and capture those little moments that make them who they are.



DecorAddict: Yes, I agree with you 100%. Posed portraits are just not very appealing anymore are they? I know that you also author a blog, when did you start blogging, and what is it about?



Sara: I started my blog a little over a year ago. Its a great way for me to let my customers know when I'm working on new projects or when I've added new images or items to my Etsy shop. I just had my first ever giveaway on my blog and I plan to have more promotional offers in the future. I also post my favorite images from my portrait sessions as a little sneak peek for my clients. I look at blogs all the time for inspiration and to see what's new in art and design. So I hope, one day, to be able to expand my blog content to include the things that inspire me in my life too.



DecorAddict: If you could spend a day doing something you love, other than photography, what would it be, and why?



Sara: It would be great to go to the beach for the day. I used to live in California and I love everything about the ocean: the smells, the sounds, the sun, the sand in my toes. I would just lay in the sun and walk along the shore all day. I live in Albuquerque now so there is no ocean nearby and I really miss it.



DecorAddict: As you have followed your own dreams and passion's in life by pursuing your love of photography, do you have any advice for someone wanting or trying to do the same?

Sara: Following your dream is a scary endeavor, but I learned at a young age that life is too short not to do what you love. I work harder and more hours now than I ever have in my life. But this has been the most rewarding decision that I have ever made for myself. It can be stressful, but every day I wake up and feel so blessed that I am doing what I love. Someone gave me a card once that has an amazing quote. It is now on the bulletin board above my desk.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Unknown

My best advice is to do it, take the plunge, pursue your dream, but be prepared. Make sure that you have money put away to get yourself started and make a budget. You'll be glad you did. Also, have a plan and goals for your business. They can be short term or long term. Be organized. This will save you so much time. Having a mentor is a great idea. I worked with several successful photographers before I decided to set out on my own. This really helped me to see what it takes to run your own business. Lastly, don't get discouraged! There are always going to be ups and downs. Just stay positive. Remind yourself that this is what you love and don't give up.


Thank you so much Sara, it was great to talk with you!

If you would like to see more of Sara's work, you can visit her at any of the following locations online:

Website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, & MySpace

Wild Things

Anyone else anticipating the release of Where the Wild Things Are? I'll admit I haven't read the book, but I totally can't stop watching the trailer to this beautifully shot film.



I must see this.

Week-End & Lonny

Good Morning everyone! I know I don't usually post here on the weekend's, however since I've been M.I.A. most of the week thanks to some techie issues, I thought I'd stop by to say HOLA!

This week has been a busy one, my hubby has been on vacation, so we have been busy doing things almost everyday with the little one, nothing too exciting thanks to the poopy weather we are STILL having, but we at least got out of the house every day. I find Addy is MUCH happier if we leave the house at least once a day. I think she's going to be the outdoorsy type, unlike her homebody mom. :-)

I'm sure everyone has already heard and seen the new awesomeness that is Lonny Magazine, right? Their very first issue is now available online by clicking here. Lonny came out via some former Domino staffers, Michelle Evans and Patrick Cline. The beauty of Lonny? It will NOT be going into print, well, not yet anyways. They are sticking with an online format for now. Pretty cool, eh? I think so.

all images from Lonny

It almost feels as if I've been reunited with an old friend, doesn't it? So pretty. I won't go into this too much, as the blog world has exhausted this topic already, but I just had to share that I'm so happy that the shelter magazine world isn't going away completely, it's just taken on a new form. Yay!

ARGH!!!

Hello everyone!

So sorry to have been away for the past day or so, i'm having some techie issues with the blog this week, and should have them rectified either later today or tomorrow!

I'll be back as soon as I can!

Toodles,
Trina