Here are some pink inspired outfits I put together which are perfect date outfits for Valentine's Day:
Style Ideas: Pink, pink, pink!
As a little girl I was pink obsessed. I was truly the ultimate girly girl. In my teens and early twenties, I started to despise pink but now I'm so all over it! Hot pink (especially hot pink), pale pink, nude pink - love it all!
Here are some pink inspired outfits I put together which are perfect date outfits for Valentine's Day:
Here are some pink inspired outfits I put together which are perfect date outfits for Valentine's Day:
Crush: IDS Round-Up
Nate and I took our time walking through IDS last week and snapped some photos of our favourite booths/pieces. I always look forward to the Studio North exhibit which highlights independent designers. I did a round up of my top picks on Studio North over on Poppytalk, but in the meantime here are the things that stood out to me through the rest of the show.
I loved the vignettes at Elte's booth. That leather chair and those silhouette plates were to die for!
I was super impressed with the booth by Resource Furniture. Their space saving bed ideas were just amazing. They're easy to fold up, come with pattern/colour options for the outside wall when folded and are children friendly.
I would have to label the two pictures above from the How Do You Live? exhibit as cool shit. Fun, quirky, cool design is always a favourite of mine!
There's something about this bench from Jeremy Kehoe Studio (from Studio North) that I thought was super rad.
I loved the vignettes at Elte's booth. That leather chair and those silhouette plates were to die for!
I was super impressed with the booth by Resource Furniture. Their space saving bed ideas were just amazing. They're easy to fold up, come with pattern/colour options for the outside wall when folded and are children friendly.
I would have to label the two pictures above from the How Do You Live? exhibit as cool shit. Fun, quirky, cool design is always a favourite of mine!
There's something about this bench from Jeremy Kehoe Studio (from Studio North) that I thought was super rad.
As always I left the show feeling incredibly inspired and hungry (so needed a big lunch after all that walking!). Hope you enjoyed my round up!
3rd Year Blog Anniversary
{image by Amanda Pham}
I can't believe my 3rd year blog anniversary almost went by without me noticing. I also can't believe how quickly the last three years flew by. I recently read through my first few blog posts and I must say they are pretty entertaining and slightly embarrassing (see first post here).
It's hard to even express how much this blog means to me and how much I've grown over the past three years. When I started Eat.Live.Shop. I was working in the fashion industry and everything in that career was starting to become very repetitive. I needed another way to express my thoughts and inspirations. Don't get me wrong, I love me some cute clothes (LOVE!), but I started feeling like I needed something more.
Blogging has opened my eyes to a world of creative, hard working, inspiring individuals whether it be designers, artists, or other bloggers. It's brought out a creative side I knew I had but one that had been hiding for many years. It's helped me define myself - my personality, my likes and dislikes and my design aesthetic. There have been several ups and downs as any blogger probably knows, but for the most part it's been incredibly rewarding.
Without Eat.Live.Shop. I would never have had the idea to start my own creative studio nor would I have had the courage to do it. I am so looking forward to several more years of blogging and building my new business Re: Creative. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support!
xo,
Renee
It's hard to even express how much this blog means to me and how much I've grown over the past three years. When I started Eat.Live.Shop. I was working in the fashion industry and everything in that career was starting to become very repetitive. I needed another way to express my thoughts and inspirations. Don't get me wrong, I love me some cute clothes (LOVE!), but I started feeling like I needed something more.
Blogging has opened my eyes to a world of creative, hard working, inspiring individuals whether it be designers, artists, or other bloggers. It's brought out a creative side I knew I had but one that had been hiding for many years. It's helped me define myself - my personality, my likes and dislikes and my design aesthetic. There have been several ups and downs as any blogger probably knows, but for the most part it's been incredibly rewarding.
Without Eat.Live.Shop. I would never have had the idea to start my own creative studio nor would I have had the courage to do it. I am so looking forward to several more years of blogging and building my new business Re: Creative. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support!
xo,
Renee
Weekly Round-Up (DIY Edition)
{via Hoopla}
Perfect Valentine's Day plates with edible paint from How About Orange.
Rad chevron necklace via Design*Sponge.
The most amazing herb garden from Hoopla.
Valentine's Day beeswax candles from Poppytalk.
Fun paint cheap bookmarks via Adding The Finishing Touch.
This weekend is full of fun - IDS and Canadian Design Blogger's Night! Have a good one :)
DIY: Bracket Floating Shelves
I'm in love with my new floating shelves! They are the perfect book shelves for my tiny apartment - they take up very little space and are very clean looking. You can learn how to make them over on my Handmade with Style column on Sweetspot.
DIY: Valentine's Day Workshop
Who's ready for some Valentine's Day crafting for your sweetie or bestie? Join me for a DIY Valentine's Day workshop that includes an unisex gift box full of DIY goodies.
Join us for a night of crafting, shopping (15% off everything at Bicyclette!) while sipping on some tea and snacking on yummy sweet treats.
Join us for a night of crafting, shopping (15% off everything at Bicyclette!) while sipping on some tea and snacking on yummy sweet treats.
Recipe: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Nate first made me this chicken noodle soup a few months ago when I was sick with the flu and I was super impressed. We made it again earlier this week and it was equally as tasty. Sometimes all you need is a little homemade comfort food!
2 quarts of chicken stock
1 quart of water
1 roasted whole chicken
2 large carrots chopped
2 large celery stocks chopped
1 cup of corn
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
tsp of dried thyme leaves
3 cups of egg noddles
salt & pepper to taste.
1. In a large pot bring the chicken stock and broth to a simmer over medium high heat.
2. Meanwhile separate the chicken meat from the skin and bones. Reserve the meat. Add the bones and skin to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for a half hour.
3. Strain broth into a medium pot. Discard skin and bones and reserve the broth.
4. Return the large pot to the burner set on medium high heat. Then add carrots, celery and vegetable oil to the large pot and simmer until softened (about 10 minutes). Add the broth to the vegetable mixture.
5. Next add in the chicken,thyme and noddles to the mixture and bring to a simmer until noodles are soft.
6. Add the corn, salt and pepper and stir well.
2 quarts of chicken stock
1 quart of water
1 roasted whole chicken
2 large carrots chopped
2 large celery stocks chopped
1 cup of corn
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
tsp of dried thyme leaves
3 cups of egg noddles
salt & pepper to taste.
1. In a large pot bring the chicken stock and broth to a simmer over medium high heat.
2. Meanwhile separate the chicken meat from the skin and bones. Reserve the meat. Add the bones and skin to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for a half hour.
3. Strain broth into a medium pot. Discard skin and bones and reserve the broth.
4. Return the large pot to the burner set on medium high heat. Then add carrots, celery and vegetable oil to the large pot and simmer until softened (about 10 minutes). Add the broth to the vegetable mixture.
5. Next add in the chicken,thyme and noddles to the mixture and bring to a simmer until noodles are soft.
6. Add the corn, salt and pepper and stir well.
IDS 12 Auction
The Interior Design Show kicks off in Toronto tomorrow night with a party celebrating it's 14th year. In addition to food sampling, cocktails, presentations and a DJ, the party will also include Cherish Auction and Exhibit.
The auction invites design lovers to place their bids on 20 Julian Chairs by Italian manufacturer Magis, each re-imagined by one of Canada’s top fashion, graphic and interior design personalities and celebrities. 100% of proceeds will go directly to ONEXONE. Some of the participating designers include: Arthur Mendonca, David & Glenn Dixon, Flare, HBC, Joe Mimran and Philip Sparks.
Nate and I will be attending the event tomorrow night....now off to decide on an outfit!
{whimsical dog children's chairs by Magis}
The auction invites design lovers to place their bids on 20 Julian Chairs by Italian manufacturer Magis, each re-imagined by one of Canada’s top fashion, graphic and interior design personalities and celebrities. 100% of proceeds will go directly to ONEXONE. Some of the participating designers include: Arthur Mendonca, David & Glenn Dixon, Flare, HBC, Joe Mimran and Philip Sparks.
Nate and I will be attending the event tomorrow night....now off to decide on an outfit!
Cool Shit: Elevator Doors
Loving these refinished and re-purposed old elevator doors that Salvage Interiors did recently for a client.
Spotlight: ONElittlePIECE
I have to admit that my favourite part of January and February are all the new spring clothing rolling into the boutiques. I came across ONElittlePIECE which is an Australian based online boutique full of goodness. They carry the best in Aussie labels (both established designers and up & coming ones) along with a few international brands.
After working in the fashion industry for several years as a Sales Agent, I have to say I love Aussie brands. They are always the right amount of trend mixed with girly shapes, light fabrics and cool prints.
After working in the fashion industry for several years as a Sales Agent, I have to say I love Aussie brands. They are always the right amount of trend mixed with girly shapes, light fabrics and cool prints.
Crush: Recycled
{RE}cycled Consign and Design blogger Amanda recently launched her online shop full of fun treasures. Not only does the shop include quriky home decor items but it also has some of Amanda's favourite handpicked vintage items. Below are some of my favs!
Thank You
{thank you stamp from Besotted Brand}
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support on the launch of Re: Creative. I'm so excited to embark on this new journey with everyone.
Hope you had a fantastic weekend!
ps. Follow Nate on Twitter @ReHandyman!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support on the launch of Re: Creative. I'm so excited to embark on this new journey with everyone.
Hope you had a fantastic weekend!
ps. Follow Nate on Twitter @ReHandyman!
Weekly Round-Up (food edition)
{image via The Marion Housebook}
Chocolate dipped sponge toffee from My Girl Thursday.
Buckwheat pancakes with salted caramel syrup from Smitten Kitchen.
Classic banana bread via The Marion Housebook.
Review on my fav late night restaurant from Drawn and Devoured.
Salted chocolate salt de creme from Dear Friend,.
Happy Weekend!
DIY: Foot Print Door Mat
I love taking a common household item and adding some fun to it. I enjoy quirky details in my home so I decided to paint my feet to make this fun footprint door mat. This is the perfect project to get your kids to help you with.
What you’ll need:
Solid coloured door mat
Craft paint
Small paint brush or Sea sponge
Large scrap piece of paper
1. Be sure to clean off any lint off of the door mat and your feet before you start this project.
2. Squeeze some paint onto the scrap paper and dip the sponge into the paint. Dab the sponge onto the bottom of one foot.
3. Before stepping onto the door mat with the painted foot be sure to do a test on the scrap paper. Once you’re happy with the outcome, reapply the paint and step onto the door mat. Keep in mind the placement of your foot.
4. Wash off your foot and repeat step #3.
5. Set the door mat aside to dry.
What you’ll need:
Solid coloured door mat
Craft paint
Small paint brush or Sea sponge
Large scrap piece of paper
1. Be sure to clean off any lint off of the door mat and your feet before you start this project.
2. Squeeze some paint onto the scrap paper and dip the sponge into the paint. Dab the sponge onto the bottom of one foot.
3. Before stepping onto the door mat with the painted foot be sure to do a test on the scrap paper. Once you’re happy with the outcome, reapply the paint and step onto the door mat. Keep in mind the placement of your foot.
4. Wash off your foot and repeat step #3.
5. Set the door mat aside to dry.
DIY: Custom Cookbooks
These custom cookbooks from Blurb got me super excited! Blurb has a selection of templates you can use to make your own cookbook and all you have to do is fill in the recipes and the pictures. Wouldn't it be amazing to make a cookbook of your secret family recipes or a cookbook with a collection of your favourite recipes? These would be great to give as gifts or would even be perfect to keep in the family to pass down over the years.
DIY: Organizing Ideas
I like to start a new year feeling organized so I started brainstorming fun ways to organize that not only look good but are practical too. I like items in my home to look unique and I always love a little handmade touch. All these ideas are totally DIYable so have fun with it! Grab a peg board and some paint or go nuts with cute labels or grab your saw and start making some cool shelves!
How do you like to organize in your home?
images via
Peg Boards (clockwise): Apartment Therapy | The 36th Avenue | Martha Stewart | Better Homes & Gardens
Labelling (clockwise): Stylizimo | Deliciously Organized | The House of Smiths | Eat.Live.Shop.
Custom Shelfing (clockwise): Paper'n Stitch | Pinterest | Retropolitan | Country Living
How do you like to organize in your home?
images viaPeg Boards (clockwise): Apartment Therapy | The 36th Avenue | Martha Stewart | Better Homes & Gardens
Labelling (clockwise): Stylizimo | Deliciously Organized | The House of Smiths | Eat.Live.Shop.
Custom Shelfing (clockwise): Paper'n Stitch | Pinterest | Retropolitan | Country Living
Cool Shit: Scratch Map
Nate and I have big plans to do lots of traveling in the next few years, so I thought this scratch map from Drake General Store would be the perfect gift for him!
Bridesmaid Dresses
My friend of 23 years Kim is getting married this July and I am part of her wedding party. We spent a few days last week looking for bridesmaid dresses, so cute dresses are on my mind. Here's a round up of bridesmaid dresses that you will definitely want to wear again!
Cool Shit: Lilly Lab
I'm loving these quirky chunky handmade knits from Lilly Lab which are all made out of 100% Canadian wool. These sweaters are perfect for our cold Canadian winters!
Exciting Announcement...
I'm so excited to announce my new business venture - Re: Creative (Renee Elliott Creative)! This has been a work in progress for several months and I couldn't be more ecstatic to finally share it with you.
Re: Creative is a studio that specializes in event styling, store window displays and furniture makeovers. I love putting a unique handmade touch on every project I do whether it's a dessert table, store window, wedding or on an old coffee table.
I've had some great response to the DIY workshops I did toward the end of 2011 and I'm pumped to continue them in 2012. I am in the process of renovating a space to have a permanent studio for the workshops (in addition to the private workshop parties I also do). Stay tuned for more workshops!
In the meantime, if you would like to keep updated with Re: Creative, you can follow the new studio on Twitter, Facebook and/or sign up for the newsletter.
I love the team that helped me with my blog revamp last year, so I wanted to get their help again for this project. Many thanks to Libby who did all the coding for my site (thanks for all of your patience) and to Elizabeth who did the design and graphics. You both did an incredible job!
Re: Creative is a studio that specializes in event styling, store window displays and furniture makeovers. I love putting a unique handmade touch on every project I do whether it's a dessert table, store window, wedding or on an old coffee table.
I've had some great response to the DIY workshops I did toward the end of 2011 and I'm pumped to continue them in 2012. I am in the process of renovating a space to have a permanent studio for the workshops (in addition to the private workshop parties I also do). Stay tuned for more workshops!
In the meantime, if you would like to keep updated with Re: Creative, you can follow the new studio on Twitter, Facebook and/or sign up for the newsletter.
I love the team that helped me with my blog revamp last year, so I wanted to get their help again for this project. Many thanks to Libby who did all the coding for my site (thanks for all of your patience) and to Elizabeth who did the design and graphics. You both did an incredible job!
Inspiration 1.16.12
{linocut print via Magprint}
I often find myself repeating this phrase on a day to day basis. It's so true though. It is what it is. Some things (or people) you just can't change.
Happy Monday!
I often find myself repeating this phrase on a day to day basis. It's so true though. It is what it is. Some things (or people) you just can't change.
Happy Monday!
Weekly Round-Up
{via Cupcakes & Cashmere}
Amazing reno tips that pay off from Realty Queen.
Straight to my wish list are these rad Moleskine luggage tags via Design Crush.
A perfectly styled outfit from Cupcakes & Cashmere.
A great tutorial for DIY bunting from Hoopla.
Sounds perfect for the chai latte lover (that's me) - chai tea muffins via Pinecone Camp.
Straight to my wish list are these rad Moleskine luggage tags via Design Crush.
A perfectly styled outfit from Cupcakes & Cashmere.
A great tutorial for DIY bunting from Hoopla.
Sounds perfect for the chai latte lover (that's me) - chai tea muffins via Pinecone Camp.
I'll be announcing my new website/business on Monday afternoon - stay tuned! Have a fantastic weekend!
DIY: Felt Cup Sleeve
There’s nothing like a hot drink on a cold winter day. I frequent my local coffee shop for chai lattes, so I decided to make a reusable mug sleeve that I can bring with me each time I go. This way I’m not wasting those cardboard cup sleeves and I’ll have a cute sleeve to carry around my hot beverage!
What you’ll need:
Felt
Button
Chalk
Hair elastic
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Cardboard cup sleeve
1. Use a cardboard sleeve from the local coffee shop to use as your sleeve template. Open up the sleeve and trace onto the felt using chalk. Repeat again so that you have two pieces of felt cut out.
2. Take one piece of felt and sew the button onto one end.
3. Pinch the hair elastic in half and sew down on the inside opposite end of the other piece of felt (so that the stitches will be on the inside of the sleeve). Be sure to stitch back and forth a few times to secure.
4. Lay the pieces of felt on top of one another with the wrong sides facing together.
5. Use a half-inch or quarter-inch seam allowance and sew all the way around the felt.
6. Place the mug sleeve on your next coffee cup!
What you’ll need:
Felt
Button
Chalk
Hair elastic
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Cardboard cup sleeve
1. Use a cardboard sleeve from the local coffee shop to use as your sleeve template. Open up the sleeve and trace onto the felt using chalk. Repeat again so that you have two pieces of felt cut out.
2. Take one piece of felt and sew the button onto one end.
3. Pinch the hair elastic in half and sew down on the inside opposite end of the other piece of felt (so that the stitches will be on the inside of the sleeve). Be sure to stitch back and forth a few times to secure.
4. Lay the pieces of felt on top of one another with the wrong sides facing together.
5. Use a half-inch or quarter-inch seam allowance and sew all the way around the felt.
6. Place the mug sleeve on your next coffee cup!
Party Ideas: Photo Backdrops
I'm getting ready to do a quick little photo shoot and I'm in the need of a fun DIY backdrop. I hunted for some inspiration and here are some of my top picks. Which one is your favourite?
{from top to bottom: Smilebooth, Ivy & Aster, Ruffled, Weddzilla, Martha Stewart ,Oh Happy Day
{from top to bottom: Smilebooth, Ivy & Aster, Ruffled, Weddzilla, Martha Stewart ,Oh Happy Day
Recipes: Comfort Foods, Lightened Up
Today is day five of the cleanse Nate and I are doing. I don't usually like to do drastic things to my diet but after months of overindulging I thought it was time to cut out some items for a few days. It's been way more challenging than I had expected. Although I'm still craving carbs, chocolate, chai lattes and wine, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm less bloated and feel super hydrated.
I'm beyond excited to finish the cleanse and eat some yummy food. I definitely don't want to go back to overindulging so I wanted to find recipes that Nate and I can make that are tasty, comforting and healthy. We both have pretty hectic schedules so we made a pact to each cook one meal per week. This is realistic for both of us and is something I'm looking forward to.
I found some great looking recipes on The Food Network's website that all involve comfort foods that have had a healthy make-over. Looking at these pictures right now is a bit tortuous but I can't wait until I can actually try out a few of these recipes...only 2 more days of the cleanse!
I'm beyond excited to finish the cleanse and eat some yummy food. I definitely don't want to go back to overindulging so I wanted to find recipes that Nate and I can make that are tasty, comforting and healthy. We both have pretty hectic schedules so we made a pact to each cook one meal per week. This is realistic for both of us and is something I'm looking forward to.
I found some great looking recipes on The Food Network's website that all involve comfort foods that have had a healthy make-over. Looking at these pictures right now is a bit tortuous but I can't wait until I can actually try out a few of these recipes...only 2 more days of the cleanse!
Recent Project: mini mioche Winter Window
Last week I worked on the mini mioche winter window. I kept it simple - I made handmade felt snowflakes and added some birch logs (big thanks to Nate's dad for cutting down the logs for me!). Happy winter!
Cool Shit: Brave Workshop
Brave just launched a new feature on their website that allows you to design your very own custom belt. I love this idea! There are 4 different belt styles to choose from along with options for stitch & edge colour, leather colours & textures and of course buckle & grommet colours.
Spotlight: Red Canoe
I love the Canadiana feel to heritage brand Red Canoe. The collection includes tough, comfortable outdoor clothing meant to be worn. In 2002 the brand was launched to honour classic aviators, sea men, forgotten outfitters and military members. One of my favourite parts of the collection? The tartan scarves that represent each province in Canada.
Crush: isavirtue x Flapper Doodle
To celebrate National Letter Writing week (January 8th-14th), isavirtue and Flapper Doodle teamed up to create a limited edition collection of stationery for the month of January. The combination of Flapper Doodle's signature illustrations along with isavirtue's hand cut envelopes and writing paper is super adorable.
They chose images that focus on the connection made by females using 'old fashioned' forms of communication - playing telephone and typewriting. They want to encourage women and best friends all over the world to reconnect by writing a good old fashion letter. Get your pens ready ladies!
They chose images that focus on the connection made by females using 'old fashioned' forms of communication - playing telephone and typewriting. They want to encourage women and best friends all over the world to reconnect by writing a good old fashion letter. Get your pens ready ladies!
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