February 2010 - Posts


Green Watch: Personal Water Filter Bottle  Video Tour: Luxury Bathroom at Canada's 1st Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver - With a Surprise!  Top 5 Friday: Hot Hosts, Part 1: The Gents Video Tour: A Luxury Suite at Canada's 1st Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver Video: Send Scott McGillivray Your Design and Income Property Questions  Makeover: A Warm Kitchen Transformation from the HGTV Archives 15 Best Bedrooms Photo Gallery Flickr Round Up: Why Not Green? Exclusive Video: Rod & Nat Do their Shtick in the Bathroom, and a Fun Fact! Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 8 Question of the Week: Do You Clean Your Own House? Store Review: Bling's The Name of the Game at Parliament, Vancouver Ticket Giveaway: Calgary and Edmonton Home and Garden Shows! Top 5 Friday: 2010 Paint Trends According to PARA Shoestring Makeover: Elana's Bedroom Makeover: Magnificent Master Bedroom from Marriage Under Construction Splurge vs. Steal: Fabric Shade Chandeliers Video: Programming Answers Your HGTV Questions, Part 2 Ask an Agent: When is the Best Time to Sell or Buy? Breathtaking Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver  Book & Giveaway: The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor - An Unmitigated Resource! Exclusive Video: Rod and Nat Share More Than Their Bedroom - Wedding Photos! Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 7 Question of the Week: What Do You Do With Your Books? Valentine's Virgins Marathon! That's Property Virgins, Of Course Twitter Talk: What's Your Favourite Room?  Official Spotlight on Vancouver Kick Off, and Athletes' Village, Part II Top 5 Fridays: Kids' Toy Storage Gift Giving: A Potted Orchid - Sensuality Incarnate! Makeover: An Inspiring, Attainable Makeover from Pure Design Sneak Peek of the Almost-Chic Athletes' Village, Part I The Love Shack Question of the Week: Have You Replaced Your Old TV with a Flat Screen? Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 6 Gift Giving: Create Your Own Saucy Love Bell Store Review: 29 Armstrong, Edmonton Bargain Saturday: Affordable DIY Art Ideas Using Canvas Gift Giving: Desirable Kitchen Gadgets Top 5 Friday: Spring Trends According to HomeSense A Design Day For Her Marathon All Day Sunday Splurge Vs. Steal: Classic Bedding Makeover: Peter Fallico's Home To Flip Gift Giving: Romantic Modern Art Video: Programming Answers Your HGTV Questions! Book Review: The Selby is In Your Place New! Lunchtime Fix: Favourite Kitchens Photo Gallery Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 5 Video Question of the Week: Are Custom Closets a Waste of Money? 
 

Green Watch: Personal Water Filter Bottle

This is such a clever little gizmo and it’s good for the environment. OK, you say, but what the heck is it? Well my friends it’s a personal water filter bottle with its own replaceable filter. The water filter lives in the top half of the bottle. You
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Video Tour: Luxury Bathroom at Canada's 1st Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver - With a Surprise!

Yesterday I posted a video tour of my luxury one-bedroom suite at Canada's first Shangri-La property, in Vancouver. There was so much to note about my suite that I had to present the video to you in two parts. Today, I give you the second and final installment
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Top 5 Friday: Hot Hosts, Part 1: The Gents

Clockwise from the top; 1. Carter Oosterhouse; 2. Damon Bennett; 3. Colin McAllister; 4. Phil Spencer ; 5. Scott McGillivray . Don't tell me this isn't one of your favourite conversations ever!!!!!!!! Haven't you whiled away entire dinners with your friends
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Video Tour: A Luxury Suite at Canada's 1st Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

The Shangri-La towering above the skyline, to the right of the frame. I reeeeeally hope it's not my last time staying in such an exquisitely appointed room... The Shangri-La brand -- owner and manager of hotels, resorts and recreational clubs -- is based
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Video: Send Scott McGillivray Your Design and Income Property Questions

I landed Scott McGillivray !! Ok, not really, he's already married. But I got him to commit some time to us here on Style Sheet , answering your design and income property questions ! Because I feared you wouldn't believe me, I got him to give me his
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Makeover: A Warm Kitchen Transformation from the HGTV Archives

This kitchen originally appeared on The Style Dept. , a currently off-air show that followed home editor Suzanne Dimma through a makeover and magazine photoshoot. This kitchen was cramped and cluttered making it a difficult place for the homeowner's family
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15 Best Bedrooms Photo Gallery

We love looking at photos and we know you do, too. And since I'm getting over a bad stomach bug, I've been spending a lot of time in my bedroom, which brings me to today's photo gallery of 15 of the best bedrooms from shows like HGTV's Top 10 , Pure Design
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Flickr Round Up: Why Not Green?

I guess the concern with going "green" can sometimes be the bore factor in furniture design; neutral, devoid of personality but good for the environment. But there are options, and very innovative ones that are emerging constantly. HGTV's World's Greenest
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Exclusive Video: Rod & Nat Do their Shtick in the Bathroom, and a Fun Fact!

Whad'ya think of this week's episode ? I still think the two of them are hilarious. As promised, here's a meaty excerpt from my sojourn at the Marriage Under Construction construction site, which is shaping up to be quite the palace indeed! In this latest
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Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 8

I don't know if I'm ready for you passionate lot. This is my first time joining you in the live blogging this season, and I would just like to ask that you go easy on me...but I know you wont, which is what actually makes this fun! You may have seen Alicia's
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Question of the Week: Do You Clean Your Own House?

I daydream at least once a week about hiring someone to clean my condo . Unfortunately, guilt and embarrassment always win because I know that that money could be better spent on food (or shoes) and my mother would laugh at my needing help to clean 600
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Store Review: Bling's The Name of the Game at Parliament, Vancouver

Soon Vancouver's virtually 'ex-' urban slum, Gastown , will have more glitz than Robson street! Parliament , a home emporium of modern glam , joins the ranks of trendy design shops and restaurants that have been nesting in this architecturally pretty
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Ticket Giveaway: Calgary and Edmonton Home and Garden Shows!

It's the season of home shows and if you live in Calgary or Edmonton , we want to give you a pair of tickets to the home show in your city! The Calgary Home and Garden Show starts next Thursday February 25 and continues all weekend, ending Sunday evening
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Top 5 Friday: 2010 Paint Trends According to PARA

PARA Paints recently released 15 trend colours for 2010 to the media. Not one to keep such decorating gems a secret, here they are so you can get a head start on your spring redecorating. Brights As we've mentioned on more than one occasion , turquoise
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Shoestring Makeover: Elana's Bedroom

The room as it appeared when we first saw the home. Just when you thought I've pimped out every room in my house, there's more! It's not that the house is so extensive, it's just that it was built in 1910, when the fashion was to cut up living spaces
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Makeover: Magnificent Master Bedroom from Marriage Under Construction

The bathrooom transformation, above, from two "hobbit" rooms, to roughed in to gorgeousness Season 3 of Marriage Under Construction , not unlike the seasons before it, has been a little controversial. You can't please everyone, no matter how hard programming
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Splurge vs. Steal: Fabric Shade Chandeliers

Above: Restoration Hardware 's Rectangular Shade Chandelier, from $655-$875USD; below: Lighting Original 's Six Light Pendant Chandelier with White Textured Linen Shade, $296CAD When researching these Splurge vs. Steal posts, I'm often amazed at how much
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Video: Programming Answers Your HGTV Questions, Part 2

It's working, we're talking! Last week I posted the innagural video in which I put our acting Original Programming Director, Michelle Kosoy, on the spot. I think she did a great job answering some of what we find to be the most common questions , but
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Ask an Agent: When is the Best Time to Sell or Buy?

It's time for another installment of Ask an Agent where you have the opportunity to ask an actual real estate agent questions about buying and selling. Our gal of expertise is Avryll McNair of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage . She’s been selling and
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Breathtaking Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

I am obsessed with this place. Hands down the greatest spa experience I've had to date. I say this in full confidence: Perfection. You can imagine that perhaps I would be the kind of gal to choose a pampering interlude over lunch/necessities -- I've seen
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Book & Giveaway: The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor - An Unmitigated Resource!

The Book: A follow-up to his best-selling The Big-Ass Book of Crafts , television host and DIY decor extraordinaire, Mark Montano, has released The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor . And oh what a crash course in how to recreate today's trends on the fly it
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Exclusive Video: Rod and Nat Share More Than Their Bedroom - Wedding Photos!

Did you enjoy watching and chatting about the latest episode of Marriage Under Construction ? Master suites are all the rage these days, and our star couple sure got a dreamy one... Not sure I told you, but I paid a visit to Rod and Nat's recently, with
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Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 7

Finally, tonight on Marriage Under Construction, Nat and Rod start work on their spa-like master suite. After living in what the couple call the frat house for what I'm sure feels like decades, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to get a move on with a real,
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Question of the Week: What Do You Do With Your Books?

Above, from top left: House and Home via Design To Inspire ; Apartment Therapy ; Apartment Therapy ; my messier, humble abode One of my dreams is to one day have a library and to have all the time in the world to arrange the shelves . Yes, I enjoy bookshelf
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Valentine's Virgins Marathon! That's Property Virgins, Of Course

I'm not even going to presume to bore you with a ballad on how Valentine's Day is not for everyone. (It's NOT.) I will say however, that although I am looking forward to my dinner out with hubby and another couple who we usually spend Valentine's with
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Twitter Talk: What's Your Favourite Room?

One of the things I love about social media like Twitter and Facebook is how quickly we can connect to one another. This week I asked our fans and followers: What's your favourite room in the house and why? Within minutes I got replies. Love that! Check
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Official Spotlight on Vancouver Kick Off, and Athletes' Village, Part II

They're here! They're here! The Winter Games, I mean. Are you watching it tonight? Isn't everyone? All right, I'll get to the point; my foodnetwork.ca counterpart , CJ, and I, have put our little bloggity heads together to make our own mark on the excitement
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Top 5 Fridays: Kids' Toy Storage

A couple of weeks ago Alicia wrote this great post about her favourite kids' rooms. I loved it because I have a kid! And she has a room! And although she just turned two last month, somehow we've accumulated at least 20 years worth of her books and toys,
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Gift Giving: A Potted Orchid - Sensuality Incarnate!

Why bring flowers that will flop within days, when you can bring something with a little more meaning and permanence? A potted Orchid is not only one of the most sturdy and luxurious flowers around, it's a flower that particularly befits the occasion
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Makeover: An Inspiring, Attainable Makeover from Pure Design

Carm and Jason's Living/Dining Room (before) One of the things I love about the rooms Samantha Pynn makes over on her fabulous show Pure Design , is that they're not only beautiful but also really attainable — with a little hard work and some hard earned
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Sneak Peek of the Almost-Chic Athletes' Village, Part I

This season it’s all about wheatboard!!! (You'll see.) We are days away from the biggest snow show on the planet. The Vancouver Olympics are fast approaching and with that HGTV.ca is setting its sights on the most important thing of all - the accommodations
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The Love Shack

Just in time for Valentine's Day and to get you in the mood for love, I bring you the romantic design concept known as a Love Shack . Basically, a Love Shack is a cushioned space that you enjoy in a reclined position that is low to the floor and creates
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Question of the Week: Have You Replaced Your Old TV with a Flat Screen?

I'm going to be honest: I have not . While I may not be a good example of someone who keeps up with the latest in electronic gadgets , I am certainly concerned with all things home, so it strikes me as odd that I've not jumped on the flat screen bandwagon.
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Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 6

Tonight's episode, called Weather To Do The Front, finds Nat and Rod trying to decide on which project to tackle next. Nat is pushing for the principle bedroom (she's ready to get out of that basement!) but Rod is pulling for the front yard (and with
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Gift Giving: Create Your Own Saucy Love Bell

What's funny, personal, full of potential AND looks good on display? If you're thinking your spousal unit, then lucky you, but I'm thinking more like a personalized 'beck n call' hand bell . For a little relationship warmer, here's what you do: Find a
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Store Review: 29 Armstrong, Edmonton

Located in the Armstrong heritage building in Edmonton’s warehouse district, 29 Armstrong offers a glimpse of the cutting edge in contemporary décor . Open since 2008, the boutique’s exposed brick and beam construction, high ceilings, and scuffed hardwood
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Bargain Saturday: Affordable DIY Art Ideas Using Canvas

I have a little bit of a fear of artwork . Rather than finding something I like, I choose bare walls. OK, not completely bare, I've got a few photographs, mirrors, etc. But more or less, there's not a whole lot going on with my walls. I'd just rather
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Gift Giving: Desirable Kitchen Gadgets

Here are three kitchen gadgets that are on my wish list for Valentine’s Day . Let’s hope the hubby is reading. I know I don’t bake enough to justify one, never mind that we have zero counter space, but I so want a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. Did I
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Top 5 Friday: Spring Trends According to HomeSense

This week, HGTV.ca's coordinator Camille and I visited HomeSense 's showroom for a sneak peek at what they have (or will have) in store for spring. The showroom was set up into sweet vignettes representing each of the store's major trends and I can honestly
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A Design Day For Her Marathon All Day Sunday

The idea that women don't like football is a little old-fashioned, so let's just say that lots of women are stoked about Superbowl Sunday and lots of women aren't. For those who won't be watching the Saints and the Colts, we've got our own high profile
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Splurge Vs. Steal: Classic Bedding

You shouldn't need an excuse to treat yourself to cozy new bedding but if you feel you need justification, bestow some luxurious linens on your bed buddy this Valentine's Day. The best part? Luxurious-looking bedding doesn't necessarily have to mean an
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Makeover: Peter Fallico's Home To Flip

The exterior of last season's home, before (left) and after (right) Canadian groundhog Wiarton Willie saw his shadow on Tuesday, which means we're in store for six more weeks of winter. But around these parts, our thoughts have already turned to spring
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Gift Giving: Romantic Modern Art

Clockwise from top left: Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers ($30 US); Art Breaker Paperweight ($65 US); Miniature Heart Shaped Cone Chair ($255 US); LOVE Sculpture ($74 US) I'm a huge modern art lover and I love to give and receive art on special occasions.
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Video: Programming Answers Your HGTV Questions!

A few weeks ago I posed a Question of the Week asking for your burning HGTV programming questions . We get a good amount of your questions here on the blog, and we're not always ready to answer them. So I thought -- why not do right by you guys? I'll
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Book Review: The Selby is In Your Place

While I know something of food, hence being responsible for the Food Network Canada blogs , I am completely lost when it comes to design. While I love and appreciate beautiful things, I just don’t know where to start. Luckily for me, I have my counterpart
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New! Lunchtime Fix: Favourite Kitchens Photo Gallery

One of the perks of working in digital media is that surfing the Internet is part of our job. But if you don't work online, chances are you do some surfing of your own during the lunch break. Perhaps a little news here, a smidgen of gossip there and then
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Live Blogging Tonight: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 5

Elana and I had the chance to tour Rod and Nat's in-progress home on Friday, and let me tell you -- these folks are lovely people. What you see on TV is just how they are, but they're even more warm and loving. They're such a happy couple and their home
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Video Question of the Week: Are Custom Closets a Waste of Money?

California Closets A few weeks ago, Alicia asked you if your closets work for you , and I was surprised to read how many people actually considered looking into custom closet systems. To be completely honest with you, I have always found them to be outrageously
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