Happy New Year

2014 is going to be a good one- I can feel it!! xoxo

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Traditions

I LOVE Christmas, it is a time of year that you can relive moments from childhood, enjoy decadent foods without any limitations, listen to music about reindeers, sugarplums, and snowmen all day long, and if you wish wear your pj's all day long- and there is no judgement- in fact I think it is encouraged!

Every year I try and recreate treasured moments from different points in my life to evoke that feeling of excitement and magic that I felt when I was growing up. As Blayre and I have now been living together for several years, we are now creating traditions, and memories of our own, so it is fun to add to that list each year, and look back on years past!

In the spirit of the 12 days of Christmas, here are my favorite holiday traditions and memories!!

1. When I was a little girl, I loved baking with my grandmothers. My Nanny, my mother's mother, is a fantastic baker, she would make gingerbread, and these other sugar cookies that I adored with a little bit of icing and a maraschino cherry on top- every year I look forward to them.

2. Going to see a festive musical. Each year when I was growing up the girls would all go to see the Nutcracker Ballet, when I moved to Calgary we began to see the Christmas Carol each year, we continue the tradition, and have even gone to see it in London, England one year when we spent time there as a family. It is a wonderful opportunity to get all dressed up, and spend time with the family.

3. My Grandpa's birthday was on December 24th, he was so special to my sister and I both. My Nanny makes the most incredible seafood chowder, it has the most unique rich taste, each year we would have a special dinner- Grandpa and the head of the table, and eat the beautiful meal she had prepared. Then we would open Christmas crackers, put our crowns on and read our silly jokes, and he would open his gifts. Every year I miss him, and I can imagine him sitting there, when I see his favorite chocolates at the store at this time of year, I feel like picking them up for him! The 24th is always a very special day.

4. Decorating the tree is so much fun! Now that Blayre and I have began our own traditions, we head over to the market, pics out a little tree and decorate while listening to music, or a movie- this year we watched Elf, and it is usually accompanied by eggnog! When I was growing up, my parents would go pick one up, then we would all anxiously await as the tree defrosted! Then we would entangle all of the tree lights from the previous year, and finally to the tune of Simon and Garfunkel or good ole' Bing Crosby, we would decorate the tree as a family! I love seeing ornaments from my childhood, as well as some from my parents too, it is such a wonderful tradition that I hope to pass on to my own children one day my adding a new unique piece to the tree each year.

5. Movies! I watch a crazy amount of Christmas movies every year... But then again who doesn't!! Here is my list: The Grinch(animated), Home Alone 1/2, The Santa Claus, The Sound of Music, Rudolph, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, The Holiday, Love Actually, and a few Christmas Specials of course!!!

6. On Christmas eve, my sister and I were allowed to open one present each. However we weren't actually allowed to pick which one we could open, and strangely enough it would always happen to be pyjamas- coincidence or conspiracy???

7. Each holiday season, the Calgary zoo hosts Zoo Lights. The grounds are decorated with Christmas lights and you and your loved ones can wander around and take in the magical sights. It is incredibly cold, and I never end up dressing appropriately of course, thankfully there are fire pits throughout as well as hot cocoa!

8. Christmas morning is always so much fun! Unlike the madness of past years, we now sit around with our teas and mimosas and hand out the presents methodically and get to enjoy what other family members are getting!! My step dad is usually snapping shots of this action- I look super glam- no make up and if I am super lucky- unshowered if lucky.

9. Brunch- I love brunch on Christmas morning! While we are wrapping up with the Christmas gifts my mom and Peter are starting up with Christmas brunch- it is such a wonderful feast, followed by a day of lazing around and looking through all of the goodies!

10. Stockings are so awesome as just when you think the gifts are no more- the stockings materialize!! We usually get lotto tickets, and scratch cards- no luck yet!! ;)

11. Karaoke has become a more recent tradition. We rent a machine and everyone takes a turn performing. My favorite songs are classic broadway hits- The name on every bodies lips is going to be... Roxie(Chicago)

12. Tobogganing, skating, and snowman making - not an overwhelming amount of these activities has been happening in the past few years- but I can't wait to relive these with my future kiddos!!!!!!

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Mother's Day

PJ'S/ Candle/ Gold Bracelet/ White Enamel Bracelet/ A Privileged Life/ The Well Lived Life

As Mothers Day is coming up on Sunday Here is a last minute gift guide- and a shout out to my Mom.

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The people I love mean everything to me. I have always been a mommy's girl though. If ever I did something wrong she would always be the one I would want to tell. Her voice was always in my head like Jiminy Cricket and still is. Whenever I accomplish something, or whenever I am down, she is the first person I want to tell. Her voice calms me, and lets me know everything will be okay. Her voice also guides me when I know I am wrong and her opinion always makes me think twice. Mothers have so much wisdom, she can tell when something is bothering me right away. I love chatting with her about the tiniest little things, asking about her life, hearing about her childhood. I love the way she tells stories, she always makes me laugh. I know that if we met in life she would be a good friend, and that is pretty cool. She has accomplished so much, from very humble beginnings, she has worked so hard to give my sister and I everything she had and more. I am so inspired by her, her beauty, grace, and humour. Thank you Mom. I am so honoured to me your daughter! Love you SO SO MUCH!

Christmas Morning

 Our First Home in Montreal 

 On Vacation in St. Maarten

Last April in Japan

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Easter

Tea Light Holder/ Robins Eggs Candles/ Ruffled Cake Platter/ Bunny Salt & Pepper Shakers/ Macarons/ Carafe/ Tumbler/ Vase

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! On a day filled with love & chocolate, I thought it would be appropriate to indulge myself by creating a board with a big dose of pink inspiration! What are you doing tonight? Blayre is taking me out- not too sure where.... I am making pancakes for him(shaped like hearts of course), whipped cream & chocolate chips are involved too. Have a beautiful day- take a moment to tell people in your world how special they are to you!! xoxo

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Mexico

Happy New Year I can't believe that 2012 is over- it went by so quickly. I have high hope this year, it's going to be a good one I can feel it!! 

Over Christmas I was lucky enough to join my family in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a week. It was absolutely gorgeous there, the week flew by, I think that the trip was much needed by everyone! Here are some of the photos I took while we were there that I would like to share with you, I took well over 400 and amongst the group thousands were taken- here are some of my favorites, that express the vibrancy and peace Puerto Vallarta had to offer!! 

Hello 2013

Last night was spent tucked away inside cuddled up away from the cold. We talked about the year past and the new possibilities ahead of us, ate an Indian feast and watched Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper(hysterical together, she is so wacky- he is so sensible) We counted our blessings, and missed those we couldn't be with. There is so much for us to be thankful for, I can't wait to begin this new year, 2012 was a year of many hurdles, but that can be a good thing. I am stronger now and moving forward it is upward and onward. Lots of love to all- Let's do great things this year!! xoxo

Happy New Year

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Christmas Console

Tomorrow night Blayre and I are hosting our first game night. In lieu of this I wanted to do some last minute sprucing to add some Christmas Flair. I grabbed my boxwoods, flanked them with two floral motif candles to create symmetry- I am happy with the simplicity of it! 

 I added some whimsy with these candles I sprayed gold + some hand made tissue paper fringe!

One more better lit pic of my DIY Sunburst Mirror

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Christmas Cheer

I love out of the box Christmas decor, that is what Anna Spiro is all about. Anna's interiors are all about classic with a twist. Beautiful bones, support bold color, classic touches and add some vintage flair! I love the pineapples, and the tissue paper balls, this space is so fun and inviting. A tissue paper, pom pom tree cascades from the ceiling- there are no rules, just fun! While this space is fun, it is not just for kids, there is a sophistication that has been achieved, also love the color palette!! It would so much fun to come in to work there everyday! LOVE

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer. 

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

10 Great Christmas Trees

I love Christmas. Each year is an opportunity to switch up your decor, be adventurous and try something new. Here are a few different styles of Christmas Tree's to keep this fresh this holiday season- Choose a tree that reflects your style, and have fun, you don't have to go traditional here are some fun options, enjoy!

Gorgeous pastels and sea inspired ornaments adorn this full sized tree. A pale mustard color pot keeps the tree in place.

This is such an easy unfussy look, an oversized pot holds a smaller and less full tree, and with a handful of ornaments and lights this look is Scandanavian chic! Ooh- and I love the fur rug underneath!! 

This is such a classic look. If you want to skip the large tree this year, or are looking to decorate your entrance this is the perfect option. The height will keep the tree prominent, presents may sit below(like in the image above) or on the table itself, I love it with the arrangement of books. The color palette is elegant and sophiticated. 

This is a perfectly lived in look. The crisp laid back parchment looks easy and chic in this family home. This is the perfect last minute solution for a gift, or place in a pot and wrap with parchment and twine for a classic natural vibe.

This vignette is also very cheerful, it feels pretty and light and could also serve as a main tree as well as a tree that would look welcoming in an entryway. 

In this open concept space, a light and airy tree feels fresh and uncomplicated.  

I love having two topiaries/trees anchor a space. I love the balance on either side of the window here, I love bringing greenery into as many places in my home as possible. 

I love this white tree in a mid-century modern inspired interior. It feel vintage, and with the color palette it feels cheerful- not cheap. 

I love this mantle decor. These adorable trees under the cloches look chic and whimsical. I love the various shades of green. This would be so pretty in an entrance- this is so fun because it is so unexpected!!

I guess I am really into the tree/table look because I have yet another- this one is so pretty and classic. It is a grownup tree, it is large enough you wouldn't need a full sided tree as well, the frosted white tips, with the green showing through from below against the pale wood & light blue is simply divine!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer. 

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This past weekend was filled with lazy mornings, late brunches, and lots of movie watching. Saturday night Blayre and I went for sushi and we ordered our food off of an IPad- Hello Future! Then we went to see the Silver Linnings Playbook, we LOVED it, so good, really enjoyed all of the performances- we left on such a high note, there was lots to talk about, go see it!! Yesterday afternoon we met a group for brunch at the fabulous restaurant Origin I had the best french toast, then Blayre and I went to the market and bought a Christmas Tree!! We are now less than a month away so why not enjoy it for all it's worth!! It the the most precious Charlie Brown Christmas tree, Harold(that is his name- bestowed upon him by the tree seller) sits proudly in the corner of our living room, Bruce has been scoping him out, all of the colour and light must intrigue him! Here is Harold, I love Christmas it is my favorite time of year, happy Monday all! xoxo

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Making Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and I am beginning to feel really excited. About this time every year a switch goes off and I start wanting to watch all of my fave Christmas movies, listening to the music, and craving the feeling of home and family! This Sunday Blayre and I are going to go out buy some vintage ornaments, find a cute mini tree, and in the spirit of Christmas we will throw on a fave movie like Home Alone, drink some egg nog and embrace all this amazing holiday has to offer. Of course Bruce will get in on the act two!! Are you in the spirit yet- or am I a little too early? Once a year, why not?? This is the vibe we will go for! Charlie Brown meets Bermuda! xox

Norfolk island pine //  rattan plant pot // owl ornament // pink    ornaments// blue & green ornaments //Throw pillow // dyed rug // sheepskin rug // gift wrapped parcels //tree stump table // balloon   letters

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

All Hallow's Eve

Acorn Squash Bowl/ Skull Head Vodka/ Essie Polish: Wicked/ Velvet Romper/ Mac Cosmetics: Deep Berry/ Skull Candle/ Chocolate-Caramel Doughnut Holes

Have a Ghoulish & Spooktacular Hallow's Eve. Here are some fabulous goodness to add to your day! Have a great day all!

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Happy Thanksgiving

Spiced Apple Cider/ Pumpkin Pie/ J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket/ Cable Knit Sweater/ Navy Cords/ Ankle Boots

This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving. My favourite holiday. It is my favorite because fall is my favorite season, I love the crisp days, filled with cider, cinnamon and pumpkin flavours. I love dressing up in my coziest sweater, tartan prints, and watch the leaves change colors. I love being with my favorite people(and Bruce), while curling up to watch fall movies like When Harry Met Sally, Tim Burton classics, Sleepless in Seattle, Hocus Pocus, Casper(yep I still watch all of these movies).

This is also the first year in a long time that I will eat turkey(I just started eating meat again after a long absence) Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the day so I can't wait YUMMY!!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day- I will be thinking of all of the many things I am thankful in my life. Good health, fabulous friends, a great boyfriend, and the most amazing family & pup a girl could ask for.

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

4th of July

Happy 4th of July all! If you are looking to make a really quick and delish "light dessert" there is nothing more perfect then this angel food cake & whipped topping confection. 

Buy a box- why not? Whip up some cream- will take a minute.... Add some pretty berries( I chose Blackberries and Raspberries for the contrast)! Enjoy with a cup of Lady Grey tea.  

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,


L.

Rock N' Roll

We came across the most beautiful natural rock in South America. I bought a gorgeous necklace, and a piece of rock- I wish that I would have bought a larger piece though- like the one below, it was so unique- maybe I could find some in

Chinatown?? I will keep you posted!

This was so pretty

I bought the rectangular stone- It is so sparkly and feminine

A lot of this rock at the markets- i loved the bracelet below- but it was uncomfortable to wear.

Kind of like fools gold- but with way more bling...

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

South American Vacation: Part 3

Day 4 we spent exploring beautiful Porto Belo, Brazil. The water was so stunning, the greenery was lush and the beaches were incredible. We were fortunate enough to carter a boat and get "door to door" beach service. The boat would park itself in the sea and we would all jump off the boat, swim, and bask in the sun!

This location was my favorite, the house a top of the hill was super "Architects Digest", I tried to imagine who lived there, there was also a beach side drink spot - it all really reminded me of a Massimo Vitali shoot.

We were on this really tiny boat- as seen above, and this pirate like ship cruised by us. It was like a scene from Arrested Development- sans Tobias

The View from the ship

Another amazing breakfast. Every day we ate far more than we needed too. Now its payback time. Hitting the gym everyday!

The 3rd beach we hopped out at

Another shot of the beach

I will be back tomorrow with more photos!! It is so much fun to look through all of these pictures and relive the memories!! xoxo

Always Stay Graceful,

L.