Auld Lang Syne

Known all over the English-speaking countries, Auld Lang Syne was originally written in 1788 by Scottish poet, Robert Burns.  A loose translation of the lyrics "auld lang syne" would be "long long ago" or "for old times sake".  It is traditionally sung to the tune of a folk song at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve as a tribute to enduring friendships.

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

May each day of the new year bring happiness, friendship, good cheer and many blessings for you and your family!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Imelda xo

Image: MailOnline

Season's Greetings

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone. ~Deborah Whipp

Hope this greeting finds you well this holiday season. Thank you for a great 2012. And I look forward to serving you in the years to come!

Imelda :-)

Double Duty Decor

Happy Thanksgiving!

For more double-duty decorating ideas, see my Pinterest board!

Image: Sanitaryum

Man Cave Accessory Finds

There is still time if you haven't found a gift for this weekend.  To help you out, here are some Fathers Day finds that will tastefully add interest to any man cave, office or den...

This cowhide rug, from Westelm makes a great focal point on a wood floor or even layered on broadloom.

CB2 carries modular storage for those old vinyl records that your dad just can not part with.  

Drinking beer can be attractive with a monogrammed beer mug from Williams-Sonoma.

And, for some really unique finds...these items can only be found if you live in the neighbourhood...

Penney & Company in Whitby have these cool iron gears that make a fun and edgy accessory.

Who knew moose antlers could be stylish? I love the cool blue colour of this coffee mug found at a giftshop in Toronto called Scout.

Have a great Fathers Day weekend!

Happy shopping!

Imelda

Hoarder in the Making

Having walked through many homes for consultations, I've seen all kinds-- the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Heaven forbid though, I have yet to work on a hoarding case.  Yet with many homes while they would not be classified as a clinical case, it wouldn't be a stretch to say some homeowners could certainly be "hoarders in the making."  I, myself, confess to having an inclination to hoard and it is probably a human behavior more common than we realize.  Here is a recent post from Apartment Therapy with some helpful ideas on How Not to Be a Hoarder... (read here).

Cheers!
Imelda


Image: CSL CartoonStock

Happy Pancake Tuesday!

Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is observed mainly in English speaking countries, especially Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States but is also observed in the Philippines and Germany. Shrove Tuesday is linked to Easter, so its date changes on an annual basis.

In most traditions the day is known for the eating of pancakes before the start of Lent. Pancakes are eaten as they are made out of the main foods available, sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.

(taken from wikipedia, read more here....)




Here is the best pancake recipe ever!

I won't take the credit for this. It is actually my husband's recipe which he found and modified to our our taste. Try it! You will not be disappointed!

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups flour
1 egg
1/8 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt

Directions
Mix all ingredients. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Pre-heat skillet and pour 1/3 cup of batter and cook over medium heat. Flip and cook other side.

Guess what we're having for dinner?.....

Happy eating!
Imelda :-)

Photos: Jon Williamson

Pantone's Picks for Spring 2012

While my mandate, as a stager, is to neutralize your home, adding hits of colour in the right amount helps create interest and appeal. Here are Pantone's Top Fashion Colours for Spring 2012. Stay current and on trend by incorporating any of these colours into your home decor. If you're not sure how, let me help you! :-)




Cheers!
Imelda

Photos: The Perfect Palette