Saturday, December 12, 2015

Chair DIY makeover

I impulse purchased a chair for $30 from the salvage yard of a shop, next to my yarn store in Jamesville, NY yesterday. With a $13 can of furniture paint, I painted the scratched black chair frame a linen white. I'm happy with how it turned out despite the fact that I am not the best painter. I'm a sucker for white, always have been and always will be. I think I can find a place for the chair in the babies room, or in the guest room when we finally settle on a house.

Before



After



Details of the scratched up painted black frame


More detailed before shot



Looking forward to finding a permanent place
for this new chair







Monday, December 7, 2015

Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant







We took a much needed mini vacation this past weekend up to Mont Tremblant in Canada. It is about a 5 hour drive from Syracuse, but with a baby about 5.5. Although the ground was not covered in snow, it was still a really beautiful place to visit and they made enough snow to get in some skiing on the top of the mountain. It also happened to be the 24H this weekend, which we didn't know about, but enjoyed the energy from.

We stayed on the mountain at Le Plateau condominiums, which I recommend if you have a family, and want to save a little money. We were able to make all meals at home, and our beautiful condo had a fireplace, something I have been missing up here in our temporary living situation. There are one to four bedroom condo options which is great if you want to go up with friends as well as split a home. There was also a hiking trail right outside our door, which we went on on our first day in the afternoon with the baby and dog.

We had decided since there were only about 5 trails open that we would save our money, and only ski one day. On the first day I took the morning off and went to the Scandinave spa by myself for some quiet relaxation time. I went first thing in the morning when they opened and mostly had the place to myself, this would also be a very romantic couple's activity. I decided to be brave and jumped into the river which is 40 degrees fahrenheit and then into the hot tub, followed by the outdoor fireplace. After a few rounds of this I had forgotten all about the teething going on back at the condo.

We rented ski gear and did a half day on Saturday leaving the baby at day care on the mountain which is incredibly conveniently located just next to the gondola. They have morning's from 830-12, so you can easily get in 7 or 8 runs for a half day of skiing. It had snowed a little on Friday night and they had been making snow, so considering that it was 33 degrees at the summit conditions were good.

Although we did not go out and really explore night life in the village we did do some afternoon drinks, though with a baby had to be conscious of where we went. On Friday night we went to La Forge, exclusively for the views of the mountain. Saturday we ended up at Fat Mardis. Usually I do a ton of research on the best place for a cocktail or the best views, but didn't for this trip. I am sure we will be back and next time I'll do a little more research on the town. We also grabbed a Crepe for my husband which I am told was delicious from La Maison de la Crepe.

It was a great weekend as a family in the woods, and on the slopes. I plan to go back when there is more snow for some great ski conditions. Merry Merry everyone!

The Scandinave Spa

Hiking on the freshly snow dusted woods

Skiing


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

DIY Christmas decorating


I picked up our tree yesterday, and can not wait to decorate it. As I was sorting through the box of decorations I realized that we do not have a proper tree topper. I think maybe this year I'll make one. Here are a few DIY tree toppers.

I made cranberry sauce last week for thanksgiving, and only used half of the bag. Instead of tossing out the remaining cranberries I decided to string them on flower wire, and hang them up in the babies room.



The leftover cranberries I strung on some flower wire.
It only took about 10 minutes, and cost nothing.


Via
Use extra ribbon and some flower wire to make a tree
topper bow. (Source no longer available on Etsy)


With all of the extra yarn I have laying around
this seems like a good choice. Via




Via