Looking back on 2009 ...

Normally, I'm not particularly sentimental at New Year's. Say goodbye to one year, hello to the next, drink some decent bubbly and keep plugging away.

But 2009 was a biggie. And, honestly, rather emotionally exhausting.

Mr. Speedy and I bought our first home (and carefully documented the experience). It was exciting. We love having a place to call our own. But, man, is it a lot of work. We've unpacked, had decorating successes and failures and worn ourselves out tackling a never-ending to-do list.

Oh, and it's crazy expensive. We were welcomed into the world of property taxes (and a garbage strike) and had people in to rewire and patch. We hired a mason to fix the chimney, and had a man come to fix our roof. We even had our first holiday-weekend wet basement disaster.

But, while sometimes the responsibility is a bit of a drag, I'm still totally thrilled to have made the leap into home ownership. Score one for the positives in 2009.

On a personal level, in 2009, I've started to feel slightly more like Toronto is home, though I still do miss the East Coast desperately some days.

I've become more confident in tackling projects around the house - though perhaps not quite earned the title of handywoman. Maybe that will come in 2010?

I've also become more decisive in my decor choices. I no longer feel like I ought to like things just because they're trendy, and I've also become more sure of what it is I do like - moody greys, pops of bright hues and clean lines, for starters.

I've also given myself permission to change my mind. What I like today I may not like in five years, but, honestly, I have no idea where I'm going to be or what I'll be doing in five years time, so there's no point stressing about it now. If I start to hate the paint colour, I'll change it then. For now, I'll enjoy my purple office and my video game inspired basement.

There's also been some less than positive aspects of 2009. Fear of the layoffs that have been sweeping the media industry has certainly kept me up more than a few nights, while various life stresses have sometimes gotten the better of me, leaving me spending the night in pyjamas with a tub of ice cream (or cake) and a spoon. The last month or so has often felt like someone's been peeling off a Band-Aid very, very slowly.

Hopefully, in 2010 I'll learn to channel that anxiety into productivity - after all, I still have a bathroom, office, kitchen and basement to paint!

Part of me can't help but worry about what the new year will bring, but, really, what more can we do but hope for the best? So, best wishes for 2010! May the year be full of DIY projects, stylish inspiration, and wonderful evenings spent at home with friends and family!

A spot of holiday housekeeping

Whenever Mr. Speedy and I return home after a few days away, I'm always struck by how much there is to do around the house.

And at no time of year does my "Welcome Home!" to do list include more than at the holidays.

Bursting inboxes and voice mails are compounded by new presents to put away, laundry to do, holiday decorations that suddenly seem a tad out of place and a pile of cards that have inevitably fallen from the console to the floor.

Dust bunnies gather in corners - even though we were away for a mere five days - and the fridge is empty, just begging for a trip to the grocery store.

Plus, I feel a little bit of pressure to get everything clean and shiny in time to welcome in the new year, and new decade, that is approaching all too quickly!

So my dust buster has been working overtime and I'm hoping that I'll get our decorations all boxed away before the weekend.

And, this year, I fully intend to make a note on the front of the boxes listing what I've stowed away, to prevent buying multiples (again) or having to sort through everything in storage (again) when I want to start decorating.

In addition to tidying, if I'm feeling particularly productive, I'll try to update my mailing list, clip cards for use for gift tags next year and hopefully get all of my 2009 files organized and stowed away before we ring in the New Year on Thursday night.

What household tasks are on your list before 2010?

Happy holidays!

Well, readers, it's that time of year again!

Here's hoping that for all of you, the next few days are filled with sparkling ornaments, delicious sweets and wonderful family and friends.

And perhaps a shiny new shelter mag or home accent under the tree :)

Happy holidays!

(SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATION)

That last minute holiday dash

Every year I say I'm going to be totally organized and panic-free by the time the holidays roll around. In my perfect plan, the house will be clean and decorated, the presents wrapped, the sweets baked and any bags for travelling sitting packed and ready by the door with days to spare.

And this year, I thought, would be the year that I would achieve this holiday fantasy. I figured my parent's visit in early December would push me to get all of my to-dos out of the way.

How did I do? Well, here's what last night looked like at my house:

We'll soon be heading out to spend the holidays with my in-laws, but before we could go we needed to spend the evening in a mad-dash of Christmas to-dos, which included to:

- Dip the two trays of unfinished peanut butter balls (also known as chestnuts), as shown, in chocolate, let them set, then pack them up for presents and travel.

- Leave keys, and instructions, with our bunny-and-house sitter, and bake and box up some treats for him as a thank you for making sure Allistair (our pet bunny) doesn't starve while we're away.

- Do a load of laundry and cram clean clothes into bags, along with presents, toiletries, etc.

- Tidy the house, wash dishes, and make sure that nothing in the fridge will be crawling away by the time we get home.

- Decide on, buy and wrap one last gift.

- Mail two last-minute holiday cards, after confirming addresses.

- Take out the garbage.

So, we're calling it a partial win. The present, baking, cards and packing could have done a little sooner to make our lives easier, but in comparison to previous years, we're pretty on the ball.

Plus, I'm taking solace in the fact that many other Yourhomers also leave their holiday to-dos to the last minute, with 31 per cent saying in our latest poll that they will be decorating right up until guests arrive!

Next year, hopefully, I'll be able to join the 38 per cent who are on top of their festive prep! The remaining 31 per cent said they don't decorate.

And, if you're still plugging away on your holiday planning, be sure to check out our Festive Guide for loads of great last minute advice - and pretty distractions!

My Christmas tree substitute

After much hemming and hawing, I ended up not getting a tree for my home this year. While I loved the idea of it - a wonderful afternoon spent decorating while sipping eggnog and listening to carols, along with that festive smell - the logistics were troublesome. We don't own a car, and taking a tree on public transit, or walking it home, seemed like a less than pleasant undertaking. Plus, we'd need lights, decorations, a stand and a place to put it. Oh, and time to decorate it. Add in the fact that we're not actually going to be home for the big day and that I would get to help decorate the tree at my in-law's place, and, well, it just didn't happen.

But I wasn't going to skip the Christmas cheer entirely. Instead I opted for this five minute version, made using items already hanging around my house:

Our cupcake stand - perhaps not the most useful home goods purchase we've ever made - has been sitting unused since our wedding. But with its tree-like shape (and a desire to use it for the first time in a year and a half), what else could I do but pop on a few sparkly (and barely fitting) baubles? And, of course, I couldn't resist hanging my skate ornament, as a touch of whimsy and a nod to my love of hockey. 

And, because it's so much smaller than a traditional tree, it sits conveniently atop my dining room storage unit, as shown below, ready to be toted around the house wherever a big of holiday brightening is needed - for example, as a centrepiece on my dining room table or placed on a small table in a corner of the living room when entertaining friends.

It may not be the same as having the real thing, but I think it should certainly do the trick for this year!

The master bedroom makeover continues ...

These days, I'm in need of some serious rest and relaxation. Really, aren't we all?

Luckily, we've started making headway on our master bedroom makeover, which is being tackled by Lisa Canning on a seriously tight budget of $200.

And, while it's still very much a work in progress, I couldn't resist sharing a sneak peek, because on Friday, we had our own mini version of While You Were Out - while I was out at the office, Lisa was busy creating this: (see the before here) 

 
My night tables have been swapped out (for a pair of these bargain finds), the fabric panels have been hung - which just make the space seem so cozy - and these absolutely divine lamps have found a home!

The lamps were DIY-DFY project: Do-it-yourself done-for-you. Lisa found the ugly bases, with a great shape, at a thrift store, and treated them to a glossy black finish. Then, she topped them off with a pair of thrift store found shades, which were re-covered in this great graphic fabric!

Stay tuned for more as our design-on-a-dime makeover progresses, and catch up on our progress so far here:

- Stretching the budget

- Bye bye baby blue

- Planning the makeover

- Finding my (our) style

Poll results: Mandatory Metropasses

Yourhomers aren't that keen on new condo legislation that would require developers to provide purchasers with TTC Metropasses "at no cost," according to last week's poll. (Read the full story, and check out this week's column from Dupuis on the response so far.)

Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) said condo developers shouldn't be required to buy the passes, while the remaining 26 per cent supported the legislation.

Now, getting back to the holiday coverage bonanza (after all, time for decorating and shopping is quickly running out!), this week's poll asks whether you expect to be trimming the tree, wrapping gifts or arranging centrepieces up till the moment guests arrive? I know it's certainly my M.O.! Let me know in the front page poll and be sure to check out our Festive Guide for all sorts of decorating tips and tricks, including Colin and Justin's last minute advice!

And, for a breather from a weekend surely filled with shopping, decorating and baking, be sure to check out some of these great reads:

- Bill Taylor shares how he almost lost a tree full of memories

- DecoRita hits up Holy Cow!

- The Birth of a Condo series continues with a look at the heritage planning portion

- Hit up your garden for decor inspiration

- The best products of 2009

5 hostess gift ideas

Holiday visiting season is very much upon us. And, in light of all of that present shopping burnout, you may have forgotten to pick up a few treats for the kind folks who will be hosting you.

And, really, it's no wonder. Hostess gifts can be tricky, so a lot of people end up opting for the old standbys of a bottle of wine (though Tommy Smythe, from Sarah's House, says even that can be dressed up and personalized with some help from a vintage mag - check out his tips here) or a scented candle. And, while those can be nice gifts, odds are your host will have a room full of them going into the new year.

So, here's my list of five hostess gifts that hopefully won't end up tucked away in the closet!

(Photo of chocolate shortbread cookies by Keith Beaty for the Toronto Star.)

1. Home baked goods. Whip up a batch of cookies, squares, biscotti or other goodies to hand out over the holidays. Dress them up in a pretty bowl wrapped in a dishtowel, and don't forget the recipe! Need some recipe ideas? Check out our Cookie a day calendar.

2. Hand soap and moisturizer duo. It looks pretty sitting next to the sink, and will certainly come in handy during all of that holiday food prep. I love the olive oil soap and hand cream duo, with bamboo holder, shown, from Fruits & Passions, $35.

3. Paul Smith for Evian water bottle. It's pretty, collectible and luxe - and cheap, too, with a suggested retail of $4.99 for a 750mL glass bottle. Available at gourmet retailers, it will dress up any holiday table, and is a great gift for the design savvy, or non-drinkers, on your list.

4. Ornaments. A sparkling bauble can be a lovely addition to your host's tree or mantel display. But - be warned - a whimsical ornament may not fit in with your friend's stylish silver and blue palette, so if you're not familiar with their decor style, it's best to skip this one. I love gifting these ornaments from Amos Pewter, $17, which are made near my hometown. 

5. Pretty serving ware. If you're going to run out of serving platters (or break them), it's likely to happen during the holidays. Look for a beautiful wood piece with a handcrafted look, like this Acacia platter, shown, from Crate&Barrel, $15, or on-trend hammered-metal trays.

And check out our Festive Guide for more holiday entertaining and gift ideas.

5 places to clean before holiday guests arrive

Last weekend, I hosted my first holiday guests: my family, from Nova Scotia, who were seeing my house for the first time. I spent the week, dusting, scrubbing, tidying and re-arranging furniture until I was so wiped that the final tasks on my lists - scrubbing a few more baseboards, finishing my partially-painted bathroom and a few Christmas-type errands - had to be dropped, and I'm still catching up on sleep from my mad domestic diva dash.

And, you know what, my parents didn't care about what hadn't been done. I probably could have taken it way easier, perhaps skipping some painting or the organizing of my spare utensil drawer, leaving me way more relaxed for their arrival. Next time, I'm giving myself permission to have things less than perfect!

That said, however, if you're going the relaxed hostess route, there are still a few spots often overlooked in the holiday cleaning spree that shouldn't be forgotten:

1. Light switches. They're conveniently placed at eye level, so a grimy one will be staring your guests right in the face. Plus, they're generally a light colour, so all those fingerprints really show. And they're touched so frequently that just thinking about the potential germs living in there has me reaching for a cleaning cloth ...

2. Doorknobs and frames. Like light switches, they're used frequently and don't always get the cleaning TLC they deserve. At our house, a lot of conversations happen in the doorways, particularly the ones to our kitchen and mud room, so the oversight is obvious when you're standing there chatting with someone.

3. Windowsills. You know all those Christmas tchotkes or decorative items carefully placed in the window? You're drawing attention to the sill - which, if you're like me, doesn't always get a wipe down when the rest of my shelving is getting a clean sweep. And, like the light switches and doorframes, they're often light colours, which means even the tiniest speck of dust really shows. (It's certainly an argument for jumping on the black trim trend bandwagon, isn't it?)

4. Mud room/entryway. It's easy for these spaces to get overwhelmed with coats, boots and other winter garb, so plan ahead and make space well before guests arrive to prevent muddy boots and snowy coats from landing on your living room chair. Plus, with all that traffic, make sure to give the floor frequent sweepings to keep the dirt from getting tracked through the house.

5. Bathroom mirror. You've probably wiped down the sink and the toilet, maybe even laundered your shower curtains and bath mats, and put out fresh towels. But even if you've only wiped it down yesterday, the mirror could probably use a second look before guests arrive - they seem to be a magnet for toothpaste spatters and other grime, which can make the whole space feel less than gleaming.

What would you add to the list?

Sweet Scandinavian gifts

Just in time for Christmas, KITKA design toronto bloggers Juli and John have opened their new shop mjolk in the Junction.

I popped in last week for a sneak peek before Tuesday's opening, and boy, did they ever add to my holiday wishlist!

Handcrafted teak animals (there's a duck just waiting for me), cute umbrellas with feet (no stand required!), cozy blankets and PJs and the Pia Wallén stockings, shown, all caught my eye - and that's just a few of the goodies they had around before opening!

Many of the goods are handcrafted and made to order by Scandinavian and Japanese artists, and everything in the shop was hand-picked by John and Juli, so they're able to share the stories behind the products - which makes a great little something extra when you're gifting to a design lover. 

Mjolk will be selling a lot of items you can't get anywhere else in Canada (or even North America), so you may be able to find something for even the most discerning decor lover on your list -- and the variety of price points means you don't have to break the bank.

The shop is also a real design treat - all clean lines and teak, with an amazing front facade made out of charred cedar. (Read more about it in their blog.) Check out their website and full gift guide for more info.

And, get even more holiday gift inspiration in our festive guide!