This week we decided to skip the Friday Find to focus on Christmas decor since Christmas is only a month and 2 days away!  Our friends to the south are hitting all of the sales today for Black Friday, hopefully filling their baskets with great deals on Christmas gifts.  One of the biggest trends in Christmas decor this year is something we’ve coined “Rustic Glam”.  I’m loving this style combining natural elements such as wood, branches, bark, paper and natural fibers with sparkle from glass, mirror, crystal or glitter!

We saw many stunning Christmas displays in New York that epitomized Rustic Glam….

I loved this display in the ABC Carpet & Home in Chelsea…

I love the chandelier juxtaposed against the natural branches.

These birdhouse ornaments at ABC Carpet & Home were too cute..love the subtle shimmer!

Love the white birch branches displaying these ornaments!

Bloomingdales on the Upper East Side had some awesome Rustic Glam ornaments…they called this look “Nature’s Jingle”!

The glittery acorn is my fave!

You don’t have to go shopping in New York to achieve this look, although that sounds like a pretty good idea to me!!!

Laurel included this ornament from West Elm in her post on ornaments (click here) last week.  This owl is a perfect example of rustic glam!

$19.92 for a set of four. Photo courtesy of West Elm.

Here’s Restoration Hardware‘s take on “Rustic Glam”…

I love the rustic trees paired with the shiny mercury glass balls and the lights too! Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware.

I found a similar tree at HomeSense for $59.99.  Jason sprayed it for me with Krylon Glitter Spray from Michael’s (yes, Jason did it for me as most DIY’s I try don’t end well…Jason refers to me as “craft impaired”).   He used both silver and gold to give the tree a subtle champagne shimmer…

On our family room tree this year I added shimmery brown owls that look like they are made out of bark from Hudson Madison.  The green sparkly bird with feather tail was a dollar store find…

This look works in most interiors as it combines both formal and informal styles!  Another great thing about “Rustic Glam” is that you can achieve this look by adding to what you already may have for Christmas decorations.  Have a lot of sparkle already?  Add some rustic elements.  Have a more natural look, add a few shiny ornaments.   Go on..try it…you’ll like it!

 

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As I’ve mentioned before, we added a covered area to our patio last year and we are in the process of setting up an “outdoor room”.  We had hoped to include a fireplace with a natural gas line, but other things ran over the budget, so unfortunately that had to go.  Living on the West Coast means a rather short summer, so we try to soak in every last minute and we can extend the season by including a fire table to give some heat.

I’ve been looking for a fire pit table.  I like the idea of being about to gather around the table, have somewhere to put my coffee cup or even sit down for a casual meal and be around a fire!

Here are the three tables that I am considering…

1.  The first one is a square coffee table from Restoration Hardware, the Laguna Concrete Propane Fire Table.

Photo courtesy of www.de-furniture.com

This table comes in propane and natural gas versions and is available in two colors. Prices start at $1,345 plus shipping and taxes. The one downside of this one is that in the propane version the tank is not concealed.  But I do love that the glass contains the flame which is a much safer option for when young children are around.

 

2.  I absolutely love the modern and clean lines of the Elevated Halo Table from Solus Decor.

Photo courtesy of www.solusdecor.com

This fire table also is available in propane and natural gas models and it comes in two sizes, 36″ square or 48″ square. The Halo Table can be made in 12 different colors!  Each fire pit table is hand cast and hand finished.  Prices do vary, but these are investment pieces built to withstand our North American winters. They do also sometimes have seconds available at discounted prices.

 

3.  Springline Designs makes customized fire tables.  Several of our friends have purchased tables from them and love them!

 

These tables are made out of concrete.  Prices are in the range of about $2,000.  You can choose  propane or natural gas and you can choose the color and texture.  Our patio furniture sits quite low, so I like that I can be specific about the height.  Who wouldn’t want to curl up on that couch by the fire?!?

 

Regardless of which option I pick, a fire pit table is definitely an investment but it will prolong the use of our patio by several months each year.  Also, many cities and municipalities have burning bans during the dry summer months so you can’t have camp fires, but the use of a fire table like these above is allowed (please check your local fire regulations).

 

So now Jason and I will sit down and weigh out the costs and the designs….then it will be decision time!  I’m looking forward to sitting on the patio hopefully many summer evenings with a cup of coffee and warmth from the fire!

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So, we are part of a family business…construction and farming, greenhouse peppers, that is. Jason, my hubby, is going to be making a move from the construction business to running the family investment company and that means his office is moving out to the farm office. The farm office was built about 8 years ago and my dad has encouraged the guys to each really make their office personal…a place that they enjoy working in. Not bad advice! Jason prefers a modern and clean aesthetic so he asked me if I could help him come up with some ideas to renovate the space. Here’s the inspiration board that I’ve come up with!

 

Jason’s Office by sugarplumsister on polyvore.com

 

So, this is a starting point! Renovations are under way and we will post the finished product!

Look for our upcoming service called iDesign by Sugarplumsisters where you can send us a pic and we’ll create an inspiration board like this for you. You could even be featured on our blog! And we’ll post pics of this office reno once it’s complete!

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So, if you’ve been following our posts, you know that our parents bought a home in Huntingdon Beach back in April and they asked Laurel and I to help them renovate it.  They wanted it done fairly quickly so that they could enjoy some of the fall season down there.  Ok…confession time….the first time we saw that house, Laurel and I were wondering what my parents had gotten themselves into!  My dad has been in construction since 1971 and he had always built his homes.  Now, we were dealing with a 20 year old  home with a pretty hideous interior.  But dad said it had “good bones”  and they were satisfied with the layout, so the renovation would be cosmetic in nature only.

We must admit that it was difficult at times to deal with a renovation from such a great distance…I’m sure it was much more frustrating for dad than it was for us.  But we are very pleased with the results.  And we enjoyed the fruits of our labour and our parents hard work in getting the house ready for us to enjoy a quick vacation in the middle of November!

Here are the befores and afters!

The stairway

Before - the white, turned spindles and the red stained oak needed to be updated

After - we updated the railing with wrought iron spindles. We reused the handrail and had it stained dark brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The living room

 

Before - those curtains had to go!! The spindles all around the living room made it feel a bit like a jail.

Before - the living room felt very segregated from the rest of the house

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - we took out all of the railing and added a shallow stair around the room. We replaced the carpet with travertine.

 

After - we removed all of the curtains and put in blinds. We also replaced the fireplace surround with travertine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dining room

Before - the light, carpet, drapes and wallpaper all had to go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - all of the flooring on the main floor was replaced with 12" x 24" travertine. The furniture and chandelier are from Restoration Hardware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen

Before - the kitchen was extremely dark with the low, red oak beams and the cabinets screamed 1980!

Before - the appliances were in desperate need of updating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - the basic layout of the kitchen remained the same. We replaced the cabinet doors, and painted the frames white. Countertops were replaced with Caesarstone and the backsplash was updated with a modern marble mosaic. Just painting the ceiling beams white opened up the space tremendously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - the eating area was so small and encroached on the french doors to the pool, so we bought these two yellow chairs from Crate and Barrel and created a "Starbucks-like" lounge in the nook.

 

After - all of the appliances were replaced including double wall ovens, a gas cooktop, fridge, compactor, and dishwasher. We also converted a cabinet to include a bar fridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Room

Before - the family room was a scary peach colour. The maple hardwood floors were badly damaged.

 

After - we created a focal point around the fireplace. The light is from Restoration Hardwood. We have two leather couches and two recliners from Crate and Barrel in it. The coffee table is from Z Gallerie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - The entertainment unit was built out of zebra wood and makes a dramatic statement. We had built in shelves created on both sides to house all of the AV equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Bedrooms – I wish I had before pics, but I don’t!  Here are the afters….

We call this the second master because it's a good size & has a desk area and tv area. Bed from HauteLook. End tables, bench, bedding and lamps from Crate and Barrel.

 

We call this the charcoal room. The bed, night tables, lamps and bedding are from West Elm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master Ensuite

Before - the curtains were once again brutal! The tray ceiling was wallpapered.

After - We replaced the carpet with an engineered white-washed wood floor. The benches at the end of the bed are from Restoration Hardware, the chairs are from West Elm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After - the bed was purchased from HauteLook. The bedding is from Restoration Hardware.

 

After - we panelled the tray ceiling to create a beachy feel. It's hard to find a stylish ceiling fan, but we really like this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master Ensuite

Before - this ensuite lacked any style. The dark cabinets dated the space.

 

After - we replaced the flooring with travertine, added white cabinets doors and painted the existing frames. We also kept the original marble countertops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before - I have NEVER seen a tub like this before. Super dicey! The contractor called it a baptismal tank!

After - we removed the large step up and added this beautiful freestanding tub. The shower is to the left. All of the walls in the "wet" area are tiled with travertine. This is now an oasis!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ok men….pay attention….this will make your life so much easier.  We have combed through all of the gift guides to bring you our faves.  And we are confident that your significant other will be thrilled to open up any of these items from under your tree!  This can avoid that awkward moment of when you knew you really blew it!   Some of these items are a splurge, but I’m going to let you guys in on a secret….most women prefer quality over quantity….so one nice item will surely get you in the good books!

1.  Allegro Scarf from Lululemon $88 http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-seasonal-accessories/Allegro-Scarf?cc=3537&skuId=3425647&catId=women-seasonal-accessories  This is one of the softest scarves ever, made from a blend of cashmere, cotton and rayon.  We love the little ruffle detail knitted on the edges.  This can be worn more formally as a shawl too.  Hubbies, you wives will love you for this one!

The allegro scarf from Lululemon can be worn like a shawl

A completely different look

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  We LOVE Uggs!  They may not be the most flattering piece of footwear, but they are the most comfortable.  Bottom line, Uggs are much cheaper to buy in the States, seriously, they are about 2/3 the cost!!!  So we recommend you get them at Nordstrom. Here are a few that we like.. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-bailey-button-triplet-boot-women/3093279?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1100$199.95

Jason bought these for me in black. They are SOOOO cozy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-tularosa-route-detachable-boot-with-removable-knit-overlay/3167819?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=100 $249.95  The knit overlay is removable…you can wear it as shown, remove it or wear it up like a sock peaking out over your boot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Michael Kors HamiltonTote – Large.  $348  Go big or go home!  My hubby spoiled me with this bag this past summer and I’ve never looked back.  I love that I can easily fit my iPad in it and it’s amazing for travelling.  You can carry everything but the kitchen sink and still look stylish.  Michael Kors Black Large Hamilton Tote  It does come in a variety of colours and finishes (prices do vary).

This bag can carry hold everything but the kitchen sink and is so chic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Tory Burch flats are the perfect transition shoe for between the seasons. When it’s not quite warm enough for gladiators or flip flops, ballet flats are perfect!!!  Tory Burch is known for her Reva flats. They are super cute and comfortable! We love the tumbled leather Reva flats in this great caramel colour $195 http://www.toryburch.com/TUMBLED-LEATHER-REVA-BALLET-FLAT/50008668,default,pd.html?dwvar_50008668_color=252&start=12&cgid=shoes-reva-ballerina-flats

Tory Burch tumbled leather Reva ballet flat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also really love a metallic ballet flat…so versatile.  They can go with anything and we love these distressed gold ones http://www.toryburch.com/Distressed-Leather-Reva-Ballet-Flat/50008619,default,pd.html?dwvar_50008619_color=721&start=15&cgid=shoes-reva-ballerina-flats $195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  If the woman in your life is a chef, this knife block by Lee Valley Tools is ingenious http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?p=60774&cat=4,104,53214&ap=5 $36.50  It has  polypropylene rods instead of slots so it will accomodate many sizes and combinations of knives and other tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  If a watch is on your lady’s list, we love this rose gold watch http://www.nixonnow.com/za/NXN?PAGE=WOMENS_MATRIX20&WATCHREFID=A037&COLORID=897&TYPE=LOAD_PRODUCT_DETAIL  The Nixon 42-20 Watch is a splurge at $450, but she will wear it everyday, and because it’s rose gold it goes with anything!  Laurel recently tried it on and it looks fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Sunglasses are always a great gift!  We love these Hinder aviators from Oakley and they are on sale on Amazon starting at $102 http://www.amazon.com/Oakley-Womens-Hinder-Aviator-Sunglasses/dp/B0036B87VY/ref=pd_sbs_a_1  Laurel has these and always gets compliments on them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  I am in love with my iPad2.  It has replaced my laptop and is so much fun to read magazines on (People is my guilty pleasure).  I love that I can catch up on shows that I’ve missed and can rent movies when I travel.  The camera on it is great too!  For work, I throw it in my purse to take notes, take pics, look up websites.  I don’t need anything else!  http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad starts at $519  I especially like it in white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Kindle Fire $199  This is ONLY available in the US right now http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Color-Multi-touch-Display-Wi-Fi/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=sr_tr_sr_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1322117963&sr=8-3  You can do so much more on this new Kindle…music, movies, internet, apps, email…and it’s a nice size with a 7″ screen.  Canadians, this is worth the trip across the border!  My mother-in-law received a Kindle for her birthday and she absolutely loves it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Stila Lip Glaze Set $33  You can purchase this set at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques or Sephora in the US for $25.  We love the great colours and the glaze is not sticky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  How many ladies do you see pull out a tattered, overfull wallet from their handbags?  I’ve been guilty of it!  Wallets are usually one of the last things ladies spend money on, but a good wallet is worth it.  We love these zippered versions because you can carry them as a clutch and you are forced to empty out your receipts regularly!

 

This Metallic Robinson Zip Continental Tory Burch wallet comes in both silver and gold and is on sale for $157.50 (down from $225).  Silver and gold go with most any handbag! http://www.toryburch.com/METALLIC-ROBINSON-ZIP-CONTINENTAL/12119147,default,pd.html?dwvar_12119147_size=OS&dwvar_12119147_color=040&start=43&cgid=accessories-wallets-wristlets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any women would like this Michael Kors Jet Set Continental Wallet in Dark Sand Python $128 http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9780005&parentId=cat34702&masterId=cat144&index=12&cmCat=cat000000cat144cat34702&isEditorial=false

 

I personally have this wallet and love it! It looks great on its own

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.  These are Laurel’s favorite slippers…Lux Faux Fur Bootie from Restoration Hardware on sale for $19 (regularly $39).  They come in four colours.  http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1730012&categoryId=search

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  This last one I was selfishly debating whether I should share or not….some of my friends will be receiving these for Christmas!!  American Eagle has come up with texting gloves!  Brilliant!!  I am addicted to my iPhone, but you can’t use it if you’re wearing gloves.  Problem solved http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0426_5752_300&catId=cat5180104&bundleCatId=cat5200016 $16.24  And…they are NOT fingerless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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