De-Clutter..Your Home and Your Life!

As I was perusing through Facebook this morning over breakfast, I saw 2 interesting articles that seemed to go hand in hand with my weekend plans!

I held an "In-House Sale". I had meant to have a yard sale this summer and it just didn't happen. So...in to my closet and down to the basement I went. Any items I was planning on purging, I then posted in similar groups on my personal Facebook page and my friends could 'buy' them on the spot. Needless to say, it was a success! My house feels lighter already!

These are some of the items I posted. The 3 glass sculptures/tea light holders ($6 for all 3), the chairs ($15 for the pair) and the wall mount tea light holder ($15) are still available ...let me know if you're interested!

When I came across the Style at Home article on 25 Ways to Clear Clutter  and the Huffington Post article on 23 Things Every Woman Should Stop Doing ...a weekend theme was definitely emerging!

I have always been a person to surround myself with things and people I love and I encourage others to do so too! However, sometimes we surround ourselves with a bit too much. Now I'm not saying to remove all things from your life that you love, but I am suggesting you take a step back, re-evaluate and ask yourself, "When did I last use that piece of home decor?" or "My calendar is booked for the next 3 weeks, can I really fit something else in?".

These are some of my  favorite, and what I feel to be most useful, tips from the Style at Home article:

• Identify problem areas: Take "before" pictures of each room to help identify exactly what needs to be cleared away and which storage solutions might work for each space.
• Organize your mind: Trying to keep the clutter under control is hard enough for even the most organized individual. Add the extra stress of life-on-the-go and it's easy to lose your mind. Keep a pocket-sized notebook handy and jot down daily to-dos, thoughts and plans. At the end of the day, revisit what you've written and organize appropriately, adding items to a grocery list or activities to a calendar for example.
•  Baskets: Versatile and sturdy baskets can help you clear clutter on the cheap. Buy a few in the same size and colour to be displayed in multiples.
• Declutter keepsakes: Artfully organize small mementoes like pictures and cards by creating a pretty wood and glass display box. If you prefer to conceal your keepsakes, an organized file folder with appropriately labeled tabs is a handy place to keep these memories.  
• Donation hamper: Keep a box or bag handy and place gently used items, as you come across them, inside. When it's full, donate it! 
• Multi-task cleaning: Watching TV is usually a relaxing time but who likes to sit through all those annoying commercials? Stay on top of organizing by sorting through drawers during commercial breaks. 
• Neat nightstand: Declare clutter hot spots such as front entryways and nightstands a clutter-free zone. Limit the number of books, magazines and accessories vying for space and attention. If you don't have a nightstand with a drawer, use a basket or tray to keep organized.
• AND MOST IMPORTANTLY! Be realistic: Know your organizing style. If you're naturally tidy then a lot of hidden, compartmentalized storage and minimal displays will be right for you. If you're more comfortable living in organized chaos then don't be afraid to show off what you've got. Spend time styling what you've organized, getting rid of and moving things around until you're satisfied with how everything looks.

So now that I have the house under control, these are things  I have to get better at saying "no" to or stop doing:

• Saying “yes” to everyone else*
• Saying “no” to yourself*
• Body-snarking -- out loud or in your own head
• Feeling like an impostor when you accomplish something professionally
• Holding on to regrets and guilt*
• Being in relationships for the sake of having a relationship
• Not taking advantage of your vacation days*
• Spending time with people out of obligation
• Being embarrassed about your interests

Yes....I even *starred* some as things to REALLY focus on!!

So....start tonight, start tomorrow morning....I have checked off a few things already just by holding my "In House Sale" this weekend (and it will continue this week too). I also said "Yes" to myself this weekend and did some things just for me that I really wanted to do...

My Mom and I went to the Fall Home Show in Toronto...there were some great booths and vendors. I stopped by the Etsy booth to see all the amazing wares of fellow Canadian Etsy sellers.

We also went to the Annie Sloan booth to check out her amazing chalk paint! Can't wait to do another painting project!

I also had the chance to have some fun and do my DIY fabric project sponsored by Tonic Living from their booth at BlogPodium. Fingers crossed I win! :)

In process.....

The finished product!!

I even had some time to snuggle into bed with my computer, a nice cup of tea and work on some design guides and this blog!

So I've already started de-cluttering both my home and my life. It isn't easy, but it is so worth it...even with the few things I've done so far I feel a difference! 

When are you going to start??

RR

Pear Sparklers and Barn Nails...

The crops are being harvested, the leaves are changing and the weather continues to be absolutely perfect! Why not take advantage of the sunshine, blue skies, amazing colours and warmer temperatures as we head into Fall, by hosting lunch outdoors.

I think what I like most about this piece for Style at Home by Event Planner and Blogger, Eden Passante, is how she uses the crisp, cool whites of summer side-by-side with the more tonal colours of Fall...the perfect transition!

The use of the rough and textural acorns and pine cones beside the smooth glass, Baby's Breath and pressed linens show how to still bring in the lingering bit of Summer, while welcoming in the Fall elements.

I am a BIG fan of supporting local business (if you're a regular reader of my Blog, you already know this) and am even more of a fan of planning meals around what is currently in season.

The Williams Sonoma website is also one of my favorite sites for not only shopping, but recipes, entertaining tips and fantastic holiday tips like how to incorporate foods of the season into your party planning. 'Click' on the photo to review all of the amazing recipes...

Apples and pumpkins tend to be the 'big two' when it comes to Fall flavours and recipes. Personally, I really enjoy pears and thought I'd share some ideas in how to incorporate them into your Fall repertoire...

This beverage would be my "transitional" drink....reminiscent of summer, but with the flavours of Fall.

Pear Sparklers

Quick to prepare, this refreshing nonalcoholic drink is perfect for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes as needed
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups bottled pear juice
• 4 to 5 cups sparkling water, chilled
• 1 Anjou pear for garnish

Directions:

Place ice cubes in tall glasses. Add about 3 Tbs. pear juice to each glass and then pour in about 1/2 cup sparkling water. Slice the pear into thin wedges, garnish the glasses and serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.

And this beverage would be my 'welcome to Fall' drink....the colour, the richness, the spices...It's like a warm and cozy blanket but for your taste buds.

The Barn Nail

Graham Case, Bar Manager and Mixologist at Blackberry Farm, loves to infuse simple syrups with herbs and spices to make his cocktails unique. The Barn Nail is one delicious example. The recipe serves one but can easily be made in a larger batch.

Ingredients:

For the spiced honey syrup:

• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 1 cup (375 ml) honey
• 1 cup (250 g) sugar
• 5 whole cloves
• 5 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 allspice berries 
• 
  1 1/2 fl. oz. (45 ml) whiskey
• 1/2 fl. oz. (15 ml) cherry liqueur
• 2 dashes plus 2 drops bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Directions:

To make the spiced honey syrup, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the water, honey and sugar and heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick and allspice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Strain the syrup into a container. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using. You will need 1/4 fl. oz. (7 ml) spiced honey syrup for this cocktail; refrigerate the rest for making more cocktails.

In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, the 1/4 fl. oz. (7 ml) spiced honey syrup, the cherry liqueur and bitters. Stir until cold and pour into a tumbler. Garnish with an orange peel. Serves 1.

So it's official...you have no excuse but to get friends and family together, outdoors while the weather is still balmy and summer like, and have a wonderful afternoon or evening of eating, drinking, talking and laughing!

Cheers to Fall and all that it brings!

RR

Mason Jar Madness!!

Or...in my case, Crown Jar Craziness!

They are literally EVERYWHERE these days!!

These are something I grew up with...we used them in the workshop to store nails, screws and odds & ends but they were also used in a more traditional way in the kitchen to store preserved produce and maple syrup our neighbour made.
Seeing as they have always been a staple in my home and I have found a way to take a traditional item and add a bit of a modern but still rustic twist to it...keep reading for how you could win one of your own!

Lonny Magazine's Facebook page recently featured these Ball Mason Jars (see below) in an article by Ginny Branch about alternative wedding ideas.

These are a collection of my family's McDonald Sealers (namesake collectibles are always fun). I just love their colour and shapes.

I was flipping through Style at Home the other day and saw the photo on the left below...cast porcelain Mason jar styled vases. 

I looked up from the couch and across the room and looked at something very similar sitting in my living room...a painted Crown Mason Jar that I had done as a DIY, holding peonies from my family's garden. 

I had made this jar and arrangement for a friend for her birthday earlier in the year....A little raffia and grey glossy paint just made this arrangement!




Painting jars is nothing new to me....I've been doing it for a few years now and my Dad used to also do this many, many years ago.

They are available for order in my Rustic Retrievals Etsy shop or if you're wanting to place a larger order for something like a wedding, shower or other event, you can email me at rusticretrievals@gmail.com

The jars are available in a variety of colours....essentially we are only limited by the variety of options provided by the companies that produce spray paint.

I'm currently putting together an order of fuchsia, apple green, white and black jars to ship to the US. Can't wait to see them all completed!

And now....it's CONTEST TIME!!!

Rustic Retrievals has had a great week and I would like to celebrate with a give away...

It's simple...just leave a comment below or on my/Rustic Retrievals Instagram/Facebook page under the picture correlating to this blog post, telling me what colour jar you would like and why you chose that colour.

I will draw the winner the end of next week and the winner will get their personalized Crown Mason Jar sent to them to use around their home to hold flowers, kitchen utensils, pens, pencils....the list is endless!

Best of luck and keep the comments coming...you can also comment more than once to increase your chances of winning!

RR

Patio Season Has Begun!!

Last summer got away from me and before I knew it, the snow was flying...I wasn't going to let that happen this year!

I got out my design magazines and this backyard patio/lounge in Style at Home Magazine has the feel and aesthetic that I am hoping to achieve...

My inspiration......

The clean lines, the simplicity, the greenery...

Hostas, cedars, herbs.....black, grey, cream and green...

I plan on also doing a similar fence with horizontal fence boards...

I love this gate/entrance way...I hope to also do something similar to this as well...

And with that......

My backyard makeover had begun! 

A HUGE THANK YOU to my brother, Mike McDonald, of Toronto who has his own home reno/construction business (website is in the works) for putting together this gorgeous patio that I use on almost a daily basis (weather permitting).

Mike dug it out ...wheelbarrow load after wheelbarrow load....and I was able to use the sod in other areas and the top soil in the flower beds surrounding the yard.

We put down gardeners 'paper' to help prevent weeds/grass growing up through...It was a very, very productive first day!

Then came the gravel....I ordered mine from Dirt Cheap in Kitchener. Mike wheelbarrowed every load from the driveway, levelled and then tampered it. Then, the limestone sand went on before the stones were placed.

And......VOILA!!

The stone is pressed concrete from Rona in Guelph and they get their stones from Triple H Landscape in London. I had really wanted to try and source as much as I could from smaller, local companies...and  was absolutely able to with great success!

Cheers! The first glass of wine on my new patio!



The monster fern is from a local nursery in Guelph.



The patio set (I'm still putting all the pieces together) is from The Bay. The coffee table is a rustic crate I found in my parent's neighbour's barn! I did the planters myself, with coleus from Meadowville Garden Centre in Guelph and planters from Home Depot.

This is what it's all about....a friend and I enjoying a summer evening (Canada Day to be exact) on the new patio....

Thanks SO MUCH again Mike...I LOVE IT!!

RR