#thebigapple

We arrived safely to our Hotel, The Hotel Mela.

FYI - did you know that Mela in italian means Apple?

After what could have taken 8 hours, actually took 11 & we faced a case of 

from O, my little guy. 

I have to say all in all for someone who has a problem spending more than 30 minutes in the car at a time, he was a real trooper, and after a good nights sleep he is back to his amazing little self.

Now B on the other hand, was awake at 4:45am and was so excited for the whole ride, fell asleep just as we entered Manhattan for 30 minutes, then was back in action until 10pm. 

She is our little Energizer Bunny!

Our Family Adventure awaits. 

I'll be back Tuesday with a recap of #thebigapple

Happy Easter to all.

Hollie xo

Project Hair Salon Update

Here has been lots of progress and decisions on the Hair Salon, so I thought that I would share what's happening. We only have the month of April to make this amazing transformation, so timing is everything and stuff is getting ordered so it's ready and waiting.

This Exterior option has been approved

This is the final for the interior

This new taupe / grey flooring was just ordered

6 new styling chairs in a charcoal leather are being manufactured as we speak

Cole & Son does it again with this little number, it's also in it's way for the washroom

3 of these are going to get a face lift with some glossy white paint and turquoise leather

&

the Shampoo Station wall is going to be completely covered in this

"If a NYC loft & a beach in Miami had a love child,

 that is what the New Rainbow Expressions would look like"

Well were off the The Big Apple today, and I will be posting on Friday, so stay tuned.

Hollie xo

Target

I have been waiting with baited breath for the 

in my area to open 

I had visions of driving home like this guy

I was really wanting to see 

&

 There wasn't much selection left, it was very picked over and many items we completely sold out,
but I did see a few things that might have to make their way into my home.

Now, don't worry, I didn't leave empty handed. 

I snagged the last one of these for Project Ensuite Evolution

In addition to this lovely gold dipped oblong bowl from Nate Berkus, I picked up a few new pieces for Spring

The front of the cardigan is a nice shade of blue in a very light weight knit & the back is a floral in a contrasting material, the colours are so pretty - it just says "Spring"  

These flats are "bad ass meets nice girl",  I love them, with the mix of rose gold studding and pewter.

The colour of this minty faux suede cross shoulder bag caught my eye from a distance, it also has lots of compartments inside to keep me somewhat organized!

So all in all it was a good trip. To me Target Canada just feels like a re-vamped Zellers. Perhaps part of the whole Target experience was going over the border and feeling like you "got a great deal". Yes, the prices were higher that the USA, but I didn't feel that anything was expensive.  

Maybe in time and once the hype settles I'll check out the home decor section and have better luck. 

Have you been to the new Target Canada locations? What did you think? 

A Little About Me & The Sale

Morning All

I want to start with a GIANT Congrats to my friend Christine of Bijou & Boheme and family on the safe and highly anticipated birth of child number 4, Jasper!

I thought I would share a bit about myself & how I came to be apart of the world of interiors.

From an early age I was exposed to interiors, sewing, & fabrics. I recall having many meals sharing the kitchen table with my Mom's trusty Singer sewing machine. There were more times than I can even remember we had to drive around in our 2 door car with drapery rods and rolls of fabric sticking out the passenger window, while I sat in the passenger seat.
I now find myself doing the exact same - I think I was destined to work in this industry.

I did study and work as a make up artist doing everything from bridal makeup, to print work, movies, commercials & music videos.
That is how I met my husband & he still works in the industry.

Ten years ago I found myself working for my Mom at her store, a custom drapery showroom & workroom, answering the phone and booking appointments for clients interested in custom drapery & upholstery.
It's amazing how many people purchase homes with lots of windows and don't consider how they will be treated and then the cost, but that's a whole other story.
I took some interior design courses, and went to work at an interior design firm, this is where I can say I did most of my hands on learning & that's the best type.

I truly think design is in my blood, I love it. It's amazing to see the thoughts in your head become reality, and to create a space that someone truly loves is the best part.

Now I have 2 kids and began my own interior design business 3 years ago.
 I try my best to work when the kids are at school or in the evenings, but it's tough sometimes.

Last summer I decided to opened an Etsy shop

I love fabric and I love cushions.
They are the easiest, fastest and most cost effective way to change the look and feeling in a room.
Here is just a sprinkling of what my shop has to offer.

For those who live outside the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) I also offer what I like to call a
Design Box
It's easy for the client, all they have to do is send me inspirational photos, dimensions & photos of the room in question and I will create a Design Box!
Essentially it's a lovely re-useable black box that will have your design, floor plan, a list of the stores in your area where you can purchase the items specified and all the samples of paints, fabric, wallpaper, stains & anything else they may require to complete the space.
This takes about two weeks to complete & is a very affordable option.

Here are a few of my E-desgn boards

I have also been commissioned to hand paint fabrics for various applications.

The one above is the most requested, it has been created in many different colour ways.

  

My shop is having a 20% OFF SALE and it ends Sunday.
I am even offering up the Design Box & E-Design at 20% OFF, so go now and buy up some pretty cushions and give your room a little more colour for spring!!!

Catch you tomorrow:)

Hollie xo

New York Here We Come

We are going on a 

to 

The Hubs & I, B & O, my mom and her husband will be spending Easter in the Big Apple, one of my most favourite places. I'm trying to be positive but this family keep popping into my head.

Now, I know we are not the Grizwald's, far from it, but 4 adults and 2 kids for 8 hours in a van will be interesting!!!

We will be staying at the Hotel Mela

we'll be very close to Central Park

We may hit up the zoo or just let the kids loose and burn some energy.

My Mom & I are going to take B to American Girl. She is going to be in total heaven when she sees this place. While were there were having lunch in one of the sweetest restaurants.

They even set a place setting and serve your doll tea, too cute!

 We'll visit the world's largest toy store

 and the kids can try their feet on The Big Piano, Tom Hanks style

This precocious girl is a favourite at our house 

So we will visit her at The Plaza

Sip Frozen Hot Chocolates 

at this place, yummy!

The only thing I would like to do this trip, is to visit 

and see what goodies I can't live without!

Lastly, no trip to NYC would be complete without a stop by

one of the largest candy stores EVER & it literally has every kind of candy you can imagine.

FYI - it is owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter

It will be nice to get away for a few days, especially to New York,

because if you know me, you know I 

See you tomorrow

Hollie xo