DIY: Painting with CIL

If you’re a regular reader, then you know that my parents have helped me with just about every reno project I’ve done at my home. They are both very handy people. Dad’s great with electrical, plumbing, and BBQ cleaning projects, and mom is a genius sewer, stylist, gardener, and painter. I’d be dumb not to cash in on their talents. (Mom, Dad, I hope you’re amused by this introduction.)

So it goes without saying that if they have a project that needs me, I’m happy to help. Most of the time this means that I’m moving a piece of furniture. But recently, my help came in the form of painting. I worked with CIL and helped my parents paint their garage doors. The doors weren’t in terrible shape, but since my parents recently replaced all their outdoor eaves and trim, the existing door colour didn’t work.

We opted for this CIL exterior doors and trim paint:

CIL-Doors_trim-exterior-paint-101CIL Smart3 Triple Weather Protection Doors and Trim

I picked up the paint at my local Home Depot and had it colour matched to a piece of the eaves. Perfection!

My dad took the lead on the painting. Since this was an outdoor painting project, we waited for the weather report to call for a few days of warmth and sunshine. CIL suggested  (via Twitter) that the ideal temperature for exterior painting is 15°-20°C. (I’m pretty sure that those temps are good for the paint application and the painter’s fingers!)

We didn’t need to begin with a separate primer because the CIL Smart3 already has a built-in primer (cue the confetti!). Dad liked working with this paint; he reported that there were no bad smells, no splattering, and that the application was very smooth.

Here’s a look at the after:

White-Cabana-CIL-paint-exterior-garage doors102_1261The garage door is a taupe-grey-stone colour that is a perfect match to the eaves and trim. The colours of the whole house are now much more cohesive. It was an easy weekend project that made a big impact to the home’s exterior.

Thanks to CIL for sponsoring this post. Photos by Jordana and Dad.

Real Estate: A Villa with Views in Alicante, Spain

I have recently featured some gorgeous properties in Puslinch and Toronto, but now I’m taking you all the way to Alicante, Spain to view a beautiful villa with incredible views.

Have a browse through the photos and let me know how much you think the property is listed for!

The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-08-850x1133The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-12-850x478 The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-10-850x566 The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-13-850x1133 The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-11-850x478 The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-09-850x477 The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-10-3-850x477  The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-07-850x1133The-Cliff-House-Blueport-Altea-04-850x1133 Isn’t it amazing? This house is currently on the market for 5.8 million Euros (about 7.8 million Canadian dollars).

Images via Meg van Amstel International Realty.
Read all of my real estate posts.

Art: Go Big with Minted

After a very busy week away, I’m back home, and I’m back to blogging! I have so many things to share. Get ready for a few fun weeks ahead.

I’m currently planning a couple of projects with one of my all-time favourite online shops – Minted. I’ve used Minted many times in the past for Christmas cards, party supplies, and small pieces of art for my gallery wall. Today, though, is all about big art! Move over gallery walls – big art is coming through.

I’ve been looking for a piece for my basement lounge. A few months ago, I painted the bed (made from two Ikea twin frames that came with my house) high gloss black and the walls white (shout out to CIL). I threw on every black and white pillow that I had lying around and called it a day. The blank wall above the daybed is definitely in need of something beautiful and this is an easy fix thanks to Minted.

Here’s the starting point:

WhiteCabana-basement
Minted has a huge selection of art by artists from around the world. I love that you can customize each piece in terms of size and framing. It makes is super easy to find a piece that is exactly right for your space.

Here are some prints that made my favourite list for my basement:

White-Cabana-Minted-5Moth No. 2 by Peter Loves JaneWhite-Cabana-Minted-44 Robins by Kim JohnsonWhite-Cabana-Minted-3Quorum No. 3 by Stephanie NowotarskiWhite-Cabana-Minted-2Palm Trees in the Wind by Simone KleinWhite-Cabana-Minted-1Stepping Stones by Little Bird Paperie

They’re big, graphic, and black and white – my favourite combo! That said, I think many of you might end up being surprised by my final choice. I’m so excited for my new print to arrive. Now I get to keep you all in suspense!

Thanks to Minted for sponsoring this post.

Personal: I’m Taking a Few Days Off

Hi all, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I’m busy at a conference in Ottawa this week, so I’ll have to take a few days off from the blog.

small-talk-kate spadesmall talk placemat, $10, Kate Spade

I’ve also got some exciting posts that are currently in draft form that I’m eager to finalize. News from Minted and more reviews of the Canadian real estate market will be coming up in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, have a browse over at Kate Spade. The current collection is summery, bright, and fun.