

...my "predilection"...
My hubby tells me I have a “predilection”…. I do admit, that I have a bit of a “problem”… I actually cannot help but re-arrange furniture! I’m not sure if I would go so far as to call it a predilection however (that just sounds so sketchy doesn’t it???). Maybe this “need” to move stuff about is the result of having been an at-home Mom of 5 children for 16 years, and having a limited income. I could not go out and buy new things often (especially not new furniture)…as a frie


...the red front door...
Roy Duff, my maternal grandfather painted homes in Toronto. I am told that his “signature” touch on every house he painted was a cheery red front door. It was so long ago...is it possible that he started this classic craze? We'll never know I guess...I love a red front door. To me it says; “Hello, we try to be as cheerful as possible in this house”, “Hello…we are happy to see you!”, “Hello…this is a house of love” (without actually hanging signs on the walls stating “this


...first tools...
The awl belonged to my Grandfather - Roy Duff. He was a house painter in Toronto...more on that later. Love this tool! I can’t describe how it feels in the palm of your hand…imagine homemade soap, warm marble and buttery wood all mixed together. I use it often to sort out chain, count links, dangle things while working on them etc. The fact that it was my Grandfathers makes it all the better! The rusty pliers were a gift from my Dad (Doug) when I left for University. A r


...the little blue box...
Ever since I can remember, every time my parents handed me a gift wrapped box, I would wish and hope that I would spy that magical bright blue colour of the Birks Jewellery box as I slowly peeled back the paper. As a child, Birks Jewellery was the "bee-all and end-all" of jewellery stores ... and I was obsessed with jewellery! To this day, that very bright (almost jarring) shade of blue makes me think of special days and - yes....jewellery! #Birksjewellery